Develop Bugs

[Canada][Bell/Telus/Rogers/etc] i747m Android 4.3 Jelly Bean available + root method

:victory: Good news, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for the Canadian i747m is here!! :victory:
Android version : 4.3
Version number / Baseband : I747MVLUEMK5
Kernel version : 3.0.31-2140838​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to @hyelton who provided fast mirrors to, as of now, Bell, Telus, Rogers and Koodo images
http://storagecow.eu/index.php?dir=Xda/Galaxy+S3/Stock+Roms/4.3/Canada/
Old links below. They still work, but are awfully slow!
Bell image
SamMobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SGH-I747M&pcode=BMC#firmware
samsung-updates.com: http://samsung-updates.com/details/16400/Galaxy_S_3_North_America/SGH-I747M/BMC/I747MVLUEMK5.html​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are running stock, check if an OTA is available for you.
If not, you can alway get it from sammobile.com or samsung-updates.com... links to official firmwares below.
Please note, we are missing Virgin image links!
If you're looking for pre-rooted & deodexed CWM/TWRP flashable versions (with or without KNOX), please look at @kriEv thread here
Guys, please keep all canadian i747m 4.3 Jelly Bean discussions here so that we do not clutter the forum with useless threads.
Rogers image
SamMobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SGH-I747M&pcode=RWC#firmware
samsung-updates.com: http://samsung-updates.com/details/16401/Galaxy_S_3_North_America/SGH-I747M/RWC/I747MVLUEMK5.html​
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Click to collapse
Telus image
SamMobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SGH-I747M&pcode=TLS#firmware
samsung-updates.com: http://samsung-updates.com/details/16404/Galaxy_S_3_North_America/SGH-I747M/TLS/I747MVLUEMK5.html​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Koodo image
SamMobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SGH-I747M&pcode=KDO#firmware
samsung-updates.com: n/a​
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Click to collapse
Fido image
SamMobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SGH-I747M&pcode=FMC#firmware
samsung-updates.com: n/a​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sasktel image
SamMobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SGH-I747M&pcode=BWA#firmware
samsung-updates.com: http://samsung-updates.com/details/16403/Galaxy_S_3_North_America/SGH-I747M/BWA/I747MVLUEMK5.html​
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Odin
[ODIN] Desktop ODIN ver 3.07 for use with Samsung Galaxy S III​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installation & root method with CF-Root by @SkyboneNoya
Update:
If you already have a custom recovery installed :
Make a recovery backup of your current rom
(to restore to after you get a custom recovery installed and save it to your computer as well as backing up all SD cards... It’s just a good practice.)
If coming from any other ROM than stock 4.1.2 :
Install 4.1.2 update with odin via SamMobile.com
Clear data/cache/dalvik in recovery (or hang on the Samsung logo for the night).
Upgrade to 4.3 OTA or via Odin
Hint : Use provided links to your carriers images above!
Root method
Go to [SGH-I747/M] CF-Auto-Root|
Follow the steps on post 2 in that thread.
Once rebooted: open up SuperSU, click OK then normal and reboot.
I used the KNOX uninstaller and when trying to restore back to stock I had google apps issue warning locking me out of the system. So use at your own discretion.
You should be good to go.
The rest is pretty easy.
Also, you might have trouble installing custom roms at this point. I747MVLUEMK5 is probably not listed in the installers yet. That's a whole other story.
Other options here as well if the above didn’t work for you. |Guide|How-To| Root & Install Custom Recovery for 4.3 Update |22 Nov 2013|
To enable USB debugging through Developer Options, go in System Settings/About and click on build number about 7 times. (old google trick if you didn’t know)
PS. Thanks and donations to Chainfire and other helping community members creating these easy to find threads for us should be common cents ​
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Click to collapse
WARNING : Carrier IQ seems to be present for all 3 major carriers as found here by @DexedrineXR
UPDATE : @D0T-C0M got an answer from Fido, who asked Samsung directly, stating that no phone sold in Canada has Carrier IQ installed.
Source here
DISCLAIMER : I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards or whatever happens to your phone. You are expected to know what you are doing when attempting to flash your phone.​

Thanks! Just waiting for a pre rooted telus version to pop up on here now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Yeah, same thing here ... and also wait for the day at the office to be over.
And it's only 8h25 am... damn! lol

I wonder if we are going to run into the same downgrade problems that the At&t ota had.
Can anybody who updated post a screen shot of their about screen in settings please?
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app

Just completed the update. So far, so good.
Some minor (but nice) visual enhancements, speed is at least as good as before, nothing to complain about but nothing groundbreaking (but nobody was expecting that from 4.3).
Can't post a screeshot right now but baseband is mk5 and kernel is 3.0.31-2140838
I updated with kies and I'm with Rogers.
I haven't done a factory reset (like I usually do after a major update) but the responsiveness of my phone makes me believe it may not be necessary. Time will tell.

updating right now 555.85mb download

Stupid queation... Can i flash the zip through twrp.? Or do i nees to go back to stock unrooted state to get this update.?
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

TKG26 said:
Stupid queation... Can i flash the zip through twrp.? Or do i nees to go back to stock unrooted state to get this update.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are stock, unrooted, you'll easily update over the air.
If you're going the factory image way using of the above links, you'll need to use either Odin or Mobile Odin.

Ok thanks.
Ill fireup odin tonight im on 4.1.2 rooted rom now.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

HiKsFiles said:
If you are stock, unrooted, you'll easily update over the air.
If you're going the factory image way using of the above links, you'll need to use either Odin or Mobile Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was on 4.1.2 rooted and did the OTA

Going to try see if Fido has the update on stock or then just flash rogers. Is this advisable or no? Same network so..
Edit: there's fido right here http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/

im on quntum rom kitkat right now,can i flash this with odin? or i have to install 4.1.2 first¿?

fr3d0x said:
im on quntum rom kitkat right now,can i flash this with odin? or i have to install 4.1.2 first¿?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Odin to go back to 4.1.2 Fido here. Pick whatever carrier 4.1.2 you need from Firmwares.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/
Had to go into recovery which I still had after flashing 4.1.2 over odin. Wiped data/cache and reboot.
Downloaded installed 4.3 OTA Just going to try gain root and see how it goes.

Updating the baseband
Hi, I am running my s3 i747m fido on Quantum Rom V3 RC3 kitkat 4.4. I was wondering can i flash the Fido baseband using recovery. (I have Clockwork Mod for my recovery screen). Or do I need to go back to stock to do this first?
thanks

Was on quantam, downloaded this and flashed it via odin, installed fine but taking forever to boot just samsung and the led is blue

what if I use only clockworkmod to flash it? Will it brick my phone ?
Also I bought the phone from Rogers but I am using it with Fido. Which baseband should I use Fido or Rogers?

entheogenx said:
what if I use only clockworkmod to flash it? Will it brick my phone ?
Also I bought the phone from Rogers but I am using it with Fido. Which baseband should I use Fido or Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The files on sammobile are full firmware files, which include bootloader, modem etc. You can use kies or odin to flash them but i don't think you can through cwm.
I'd use the Rogers firmware if it was me, but I can't be sure.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

has anyone who wasnt on stocked used odin to flash this without flashing 4.1.2 first????

My post above explains how to get 4.3 ota from quantum 4.4 I've yet to try gain root.
fr3d0x said:
im on quntum rom kitkat right now,can i flash this with odin? or i have to install 4.1.2 first¿?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Odin to go back to 4.1.2 Fido here. Pick whatever carrier 4.1.2 you need from Firmwares.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/
Had to go into recovery which I still had after flashing 4.1.2 over odin. Wiped data/cache and reboot.
Downloaded installed 4.3 OTA Just going to try gain root and see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Andrew_han said:
Was on quantam, downloaded this and flashed it via odin, installed fine but taking forever to boot just samsung and the led is blue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try get into recovery and wipe data/cache
entheogenx said:
what if I use only clockworkmod to flash it? Will it brick my phone ?
Also I bought the phone from Rogers but I am using it with Fido. Which baseband should I use Fido or Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use whatever firmware you got with the phone. Rogers would come with Rogers.

Thanks for the replies.
Because I am not too familiar with Odin, If I go back to stock and install the 4.3 firmware via OTA then root the phone and install Quantum Rom will the firmware still be updated? Sorry if it is a newb questions.
Thanks.

[Q] advice on KitKat rom

Can anyone recommend a rom that is not custom which allows me to have have the official OTA kitkat update on my at&t s3. Please tell me where I would find it and if it is stable.

At this time, there is no official KitKat update for the s3. The custom kk ROMS here are ports from other devices

Do you have an i747m or i747? What bootloader is currently on your phone?

audit13 said:
Do you have an i747m or i747? What bootloader is currently on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Sgh 1747 I don't know how to check the bootloader.

mrhaley30705 said:
At this time, there is no official KitKat update for the s3. The custom kk ROMS here are ports from other devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok what's the closest rom I can get. That you recommend as the best

dougy.boi said:
I have a Sgh 1747 I don't know how to check the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into download mode and let us know what it says on the screen. The version of your bootloader will greatly influence the manner in which you restore a stock ROM on your phone.

audit13 said:
Boot into download mode and let us know what it says on the screen. The version of your bootloader will greatly influence the manner in which you restore a stock ROM on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it the part that says 'Qualcomm secureboot:Enable' It also says Current binary: Custom and System status: Custom. Custom binary download
yes (4 counts)

dougy.boi said:
Is it the part that says 'Qualcomm secureboot:Enable' It also says Current binary: Custom and System status: Custom. Custom binary download
yes (4 counts)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that all it says? Anything about warranty bit?

audit13 said:
Is that all it says? Anything about warranty bit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Does that mean that something is wrong with my phone

dougy.boi said:
Nope. Does that mean that something is wrong with my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all. It just means that you do not have the 4.3 bootloader on your phone and you do not have Knox installed. Do you have any warranty left on your phone?
Installing the 4.3 OTA update will automatically install Knox and the 4.3 bootloader. The 4.3 bootloader can make it difficult to recover from a soft-bricked status.
If you want to have the OTA KK update, I recommend you flash a stock 4.1.1 ATT ROM, unlock your phone using the free method, and upgrade your phone using ATT's OTA upgrader.
If I were you, I would not load any stock ATT ROM beyond 4.1.1. Once my phone was unlocked, I would install a custom recovery and install a custom AOSP ROM such as GZ's Validus.

audit13 said:
Not at all. It just means that you do not have the 4.3 bootloader on your phone and you do not have Knox installed. Do you have any warranty left on your phone?
Installing the 4.3 OTA update will automatically install Knox and the 4.3 bootloader. The 4.3 bootloader can make it difficult to recover from a soft-bricked status.
If you want to have the OTA KK update, I recommend you flash a stock 4.1.1 ATT ROM, unlock your phone using the free method, and upgrade your phone using ATT's OTA upgrader.
If I were you, I would not load any stock ATT ROM beyond 4.1.1. Once my phone was unlocked, I would install a custom recovery and install a custom AOSP ROM such as GZ's Validus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sooo much for your recommendation

To check your bootloader download "Terminal Emulator".
Open app, type "su" and give root rights
Close app with the " X"
Open app again
Then type "su" without the quotation marks
Then type "getprop ro.bootloader" again without the quotation marks
Look at the first line and see what it reads???
As you can see in my screenshot where it read I337UCUAMDB shows I have the MDB bootloader on my ATT S4. Yours should read something like I747xxxxxxx which will be what bootloader you have on your phone
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

audit13 said:
Not at all. It just means that you do not have the 4.3 bootloader on your phone and you do not have Knox installed. Do you have any warranty left on your phone?
Installing the 4.3 OTA update will automatically install Knox and the 4.3 bootloader. The 4.3 bootloader can make it difficult to recover from a soft-bricked status.
If you want to have the OTA KK update, I recommend you flash a stock 4.1.1 ATT ROM, unlock your phone using the free method, and upgrade your phone using ATT's OTA upgrader.
If I were you, I would not load any stock ATT ROM beyond 4.1.1. Once my phone was unlocked, I would install a custom recovery and install a custom AOSP ROM such as GZ's Validus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is the best kitkat based rom, Gz's vladius or Cyanogenmod version C11 or is there an even better one?

I prefer Validus because it is based on aosp and I love the dark theme.

All ROMs are in the development section
As mentioned Official has not been released yet so there will be no stock KK
Please research all other choices there to find what is BEST for you
There are no shortcuts by asking the opinions of all the members here
As they all have done their research and found what is best for them

[Q] Network unlock request unsuccessful (SGH-I747M - Running SlimKat 4.4.4)

Just purchased an unlock code from Telus but it does not work. I know some posts mentioned it only works with a stock dialer app.
Is there anything else I can try before attempting that?
If not, what stock rom can I even use? And is there a guide available?
Sorry if this has been asked before. I had trouble finding any answers.
Thank you.

Just flash your stock firmware with Odin.

The boot loader on your phone will determine which firmware to load on your phone.
If you have the 4.3 bootloader, don't flash 4.1.1 or 4.1.2.

Flashed stock rom, booted with sim inserted, and entered the unlock code when asked. It worked! Thanks for the reassurance, I was hesitant.
Here are some links I came across that might help others.
Downloaded latest ROM for my carrier: http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SGH-I747m
Got Odin from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722686
Followed these threads to flash with Odin:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722686
Read the CyanogenMod guide to install SlimKat: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_d2att
SlimKat XDA thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758209
Root: http://slimroms.net/index.php/faq/slimbean/441-how-do-i-enable-root
Downloaded Texdroider DPI from the play store to change to S3 default (320)
Then I thanked everyone I could! :victory:
Notes
* I forgot to wipe my device before and it still worked.
* TWRP would not read my SD card for some reason.
* Good info threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1725839
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1802160

Glad to hear you got it to work! Couple things for extra knowledge. ..
You can also get firmware from http://sammobile.com/firmwares. Their downloads are much faster than samsung-updates IME.
Easiest root method ever! - Towelroot (shouldn't trip the warranty bit either)
If I'm not mistaken, the recoveries having problems reading the sd card is due to your hardware version. I believe they found a solution in the Sprint forums, but I haven't had a chance to read up on it yet. If its something I can do I'll probably try to fix the T-Mobile and AT&T recoveries. I may be mistaken on some of that, but its how I understood it after a quick search the other day.

Need help for flashing stock rom
Hi,
Can you please clarify few things for me?
I have an ATT Galaxy S3 (SGH-i747).
I am running CM11 Android 4.4.4 Baseband I747UCDMG2.
I need to go back to stock to SIM unlock the phone.
Latest ATT stock rom is 4.1.1 with I747UCDLK3.
Will flashing to stock ATT ROM brick the phone?
What is the best way to go back to stock ROM?
Thanks,

I have an ATT Galaxy S3 (SGH-i747).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone was the same; except being the Canadian version.
I am running CM11 Android 4.4.4 Baseband I747UCDMG2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I had CM 4.4.4 before going back to stock. It was kitkat for sure tho.
Will flashing to stock ATT ROM brick the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't. But of course anything can happen.
What is the best way to go back to stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using ODIN I believe. I read through all the links I posted above but I guess this one was the easiest to follow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Hope that helps, it has been a while lol. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in :good:

brando9 said:
My phone was the same; except being the Canadian version.
I think I had CM 4.4.4 before going back to stock. It was kitkat for sure tho.
It shouldn't. But of course anything can happen.
Using ODIN I believe. I read through all the links I posted above but I guess this one was the easiest to follow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Hope that helps, it has been a while lol. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick reply.
Bootloader on mine is I747UCDMG2 which is from 4.1.2. Hence I should be ok to go to stock 4.1.1 ROM.
I am reading few other posts before making the move.

Flashing the USA version of the s3 (i747) with any i747 firmware from sammobile in Odin can brick your phone us you have a 4.3 bootloader or higher.
Since you are on 4.1.2 bootloader, flash the stock ATT 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com using Odin. After flashing, do a full wipe in recovery. Boot the phone and use the free method to permanently sim unlock your phone.
After unlocking your phone, you can run OTA updates to get to the latest stock ROM, bootloader, and modem.

Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.

yoonus said:
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct in that you will not be able to downgrade (serious risk of bricking your device).
bootloader is not locked on the S3 AFAIK. (bricked my s3 on mj2 trying to 'unlock' an already unlocked bootloader.).
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

mrrocketdog said:
correct in that you will not be able to downgrade (serious risk of bricking your device).
bootloader is not locked on the S3 AFAIK. (bricked my s3 on mj2 trying to 'unlock' an already unlocked bootloader.).
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the bootloader is unlocked.
I think at times people are calling the newer bootloaders locked because they are unable to downgrade them. Whereas we are calling them unlocked because we can still root them and flash custom/unsigned ROMs.

ATT has been locking the bootloader on other phones such as the Note 3, HTC One XL, and the Moto G so I'm not surprised that owners think their bootloader is locked.

audit13 said:
ATT has been locking the bootloader on other phones such as the Note 3, HTC One XL, and the Moto G so I'm not surprised that owners think their bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I have an ATT S5 and is really annoyed with locked bootloader.

flash to stock successful
yoonus said:
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks all for the assurance and support.
I was able to ODIN to stock ROM and SIM unlock the phone.
Background: My ATT S3 i747 was running CM11 Android 4.4.4. Baseband and Bootloader was I747UCDMG2.
Steps:
1. Flashed rooted stock ROM (root66_ATT_I747UCDLK3.7z) using odin from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
Followed the steps in OP.
After flash ODIN showed PASS and phone rebooted. It was stuck in Samsung logo. I booted into recovery. Performed a wipe cache and factory restore.
Phone rebooted successfully after that.
2. Inserted non-ATT SIM and it asked for the unlock code. I had obtained the code from ATT before. Used the code and phone was unlocked.
The same code did not work while I was running CM11.
NOTE: When running stock ROM you can follow steps in below threads if direct unlock did not work for you.
1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58671214&postcount=152
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38767845#post38767845 This works only with stock 4.1.1 image (LK3 modem).
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59029460&postcount=323
NOTE: If you need TWRP recovery, see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426 and search for "Odin Flashable TWRP Recovery" in OP.
You can download ODIN flashable TWRP from there.

Modem requirements for lollipop?

I am trying to upgrade an S3 from an older kit kat aosp rom to a 5.0+ rom. The phone is still on the UCDMG2 bootloader/baseband combo. I kept it on that version to keep my unlocked bootloader and not worry about all this e-fuse stuff going on.
So here is the problem. 5.0 roms flash ok, but say I have no signal. I am able to make phone calls and send text messages, but I have no data. Is there a modem I can flash that will work on 5.0+ roms with the old bootloader? I have been sifting through the various modem/bootloader threads with no luck. Any suggestions on how to obtain data?

condor97 said:
I am trying to upgrade an S3 from an older kit kat aosp rom to a 5.0+ rom. The phone is still on the UCDMG2 bootloader/baseband combo. I kept it on that version to keep my unlocked bootloader and not worry about all this e-fuse stuff going on.
So here is the problem. 5.0 roms flash ok, but say I have no signal. I am able to make phone calls and send text messages, but I have no data. Is there a modem I can flash that will work on 5.0+ roms with the old bootloader? I have been sifting through the various modem/bootloader threads with no luck. Any suggestions on how to obtain data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as i understand it , and could be completely wrong , but bootloaders and modems should always match. have you tried a different kernel ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2390147
quantum was an excellent kernel when i had my S3. also i believe ktoonsez makes a lollipop kernel but i couldnt find the link.
as always , backupbackupbackup and readreadread.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

mrrocketdog said:
as i understand it , and could be completely wrong , but bootloaders and modems should always match. have you tried a different kernel ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2390147
quantum was an excellent kernel when i had my S3. also i believe ktoonsez makes a lollipop kernel but i couldnt find the link.
as always , backupbackupbackup and readreadread.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I have not tried a kernel. Do you think that would help with connectivity?
I was wondering about the boot loader thing. Perhaps there is no way to avoid the upgrade.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

The bootloaders on the i747 and i747m are not locked.

audit13 said:
The bootloaders on the i747 and i747m are not locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok good to know. So once you upgrade, you don't have to unlock the bootloader to flash recovery/rom?
Edit: sorry, dumb question.

After upgrading to the mjb or newer bootloader, you cannot downgrade the bootloader to an older version. Also, the upgraded bootloader will remain unlocked so you can easily flash a custom recovery in Odin.

audit13 said:
After upgrading to the mjb or newer bootloader, you cannot downgrade the bootloader to an older version. Also, the upgraded bootloader will remain unlocked so you can easily flash a custom recovery in Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you point me towards the best way to upgrade? I have found some flashable zips, but would prefer to do it through Odin.

I think the safest way to get to the newest bootloader and modem would be to use the 4.1.1 firmware on sammobile.com to flash back to stock in Odin. Once you set up the ROM on your phone, run the OTA updates until you have the latest modem and bootloader. It the slowest way to do but, in my opinion, the safest.
If you phone is not sim unlocked, you can use the free method to permanently unlock the phone while you are on stock 4.1.1.
Once you are on the latest ROM, you could install a custom recovery, create a nandroid backup of the stock ROM, and then flash a custom ROM.

audit13 said:
I think the safest way to get to the newest bootloader and modem would be to use the 4.1.1 firmware on sammobile.com to flash back to stock in Odin. Once you set up the ROM on your phone, run the OTA updates until you have the latest modem and bootloader. It the slowest way to do but, in my opinion, the safest.
Once you are on the latest ROM, you could install a custom recovery, create a nandroid backup of the stock ROM, and then flash a custom ROM.
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Ok thanks!

condor97 said:
Ok thanks!
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Is the phone sim unlocked?

audit13 said:
Is the phone sim unlocked?
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No, it is not. I don't think Lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

You should run through the free unlock method after you flash back to stock. Even if the phone is already unlocked, it won't re lock.

audit13 said:
You should run through the free unlock method after you flash back to stock. Even if the phone is already unlocked, it won't re lock.
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That is a good idea. Thanks!

Downgrading from Android 5.1.1 to Android 4.1

I have Pac Rom Android 5.1.1 installed on my rooted sg3 and I need to do a carrier unlock. I contacted ATT to get the unlock code and the code they provided didn't work. Now I want to downgrade to Android 4.1 and try the UMTS menu trick as described here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176719
I have tried Odin many times (with many versions, different computers, USB cables, etc) and every time Odin fails to flash Android 4.1. with a Fail AUTH error. I have used Odin successfully in the past many times with this phone but am unable to get it to work this time around.
Does anyone know how to downgrade the sg3 from 5.1.1 to 4.1? Or even better does anyone how to carrier unlock the sg3 when it has 5.1.1 installed on it?
Thanks!

Odin is probably failing because you have a 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader on your phone. I recommend you not flash anymore ROMs using Odin as repeat attempts to flash the 4.1.1 ROM via Odin may hard brick the phone.
Once a phone is running and 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader, you cannot use the free/hidden menu method to unlock the phone.
You cannot use a custom ROM to enter an unlock code. You'll have to go back to a stock ROM, enter the code, and return to a custom ROM.

Thanks for the reply. Do you know how I can go back to stock 4.1.1 without using Odin?

You need the 4.1.1 bootloader in order to use the free method. Once a phone is on 4.3 bootloader or higher, you can't go back to 4.1.1. Don't try because attempts to do so could brick the phone.
A stock 4.1.1 rom on a 4.3 bootloader will not work.

So you're saying once the sg3 is on a version above 4.3 there is no way to go back to 4.1.1?

slipnslider said:
So you're saying once the sg3 is on a version above 4.3 there is no way to go back to 4.1.1?
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Once it is on the 4.3 or higher bootloader, there is no going back to an older bootloader and it is the older 4.1.1 bootloader and stock 4.1.1 ROM that is required to unlock using the free method.
Since you have the code, you can flash a stock ROM from recovery.

audit13 said:
Once it is on the 4.3 or higher bootloader, there is no going back to an older bootloader and it is the older 4.1.1 bootloader and stock 4.1.1 ROM that is required to unlock using the free method.
Since you have the code, you can flash a stock ROM from recovery.
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Thanks. What do you mean by free method?
Also you suggesting if I put the 4.1.1 stock rom .zip on my sg3 I can flash it via CWM just like I would the latest 5.1.1 Pac Rom release?

The free method is the method you linked in your original post. This is the only free method available and it requires a 4.1.1 bootloader that your phone doesn't have. Installing 4.1.1 via cwm is not going to help you unlock it.

Since you have the code, you can flash a stock ROM from recovery.
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How would I do this? Do I just flash 4.1.1 from cwm?

Flashing 4.1.1 onto your phone will not allow you to enter the code.
Before flashing anything, you need to verify the bootloader that is running on your phone. Until you do that, I would not flash any bootloaders or modems. An incompatible modem/bootloader combination can also brick your phone.

Sorry, one last question.
You'll have to go back to a stock ROM, enter the code, and return to a custom ROM.
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How can I go back to the stock rom?

You can flash a stock rom from the general thread using twrp or cwm.

Awesome, thanks again. I was worried about going that route since I'm on 5.1.1 but I'll give it a shot

slipnslider said:
Awesome, thanks again. I was worried about going that route since I'm on 5.1.1 but I'll give it a shot
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When you pick a stock ROM, make sure you pick one with the same bootloader and modem that are currently on your device. You probably have either the NE4 or NJ1 bootloader and modem pair. You DO NOT have a 5.1.1 bootloader and modem, they do not exist for the SGS3. Check your versions from a Terminal Emulator app or check them with the Phone Info - Samsung - app from the PlayStore.
Both NE4 and NJ1 stock ROMs are available in the forum. enewman17 posted them form image dumps, they have been used successfully by many.
The Terminal Emulator commands are:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
getprop | grep version.baseband

Thanks, I did this and both the bootloader and modem ended with NJ1 so I downloaded UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip from enewman17's thread using CWM 6.0.4. The flash was successful but now the phone is frozen at the AT&T logo when I turn it on.
Any thoughts as to why its stuck booting up?

slipnslider said:
Thanks, I did this and both the bootloader and modem ended with NJ1 so I downloaded UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip from enewman17's thread using CWM 6.0.4. The flash was successful but now the phone is frozen at the AT&T logo when I turn it on.
Any thoughts as to why its stuck booting up?
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More than once I have seen reports of this happening when going from a 5.x.x ROM back to 4.4.x. The most common solution has been to include formating the internal sdcard before flashing the stock ROM.

If I flash the sd card as well I will lose the UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip file. So in that case should I use adb via CWM to flash it?

slipnslider said:
If I flash the sd card as well I will lose the UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip file. So in that case should I use adb via CWM to flash it?
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Put the zip file on the external sdcard and then flash it with your recovery.

I actually didn't have an external SD card. I wound up taking it to the ATT store that had an ATT repair shop inside it and they reset it back to stock 4.4 for me and now everything works great! After unlocking the carrier on the phone I did have to manually enter the t-mobile APN to get the data connection working but that was simple (the info is listed on t-mobile's site)

slipnslider said:
I actually didn't have an external SD card. I wound up taking it to the ATT store that had an ATT repair shop inside it and they reset it back to stock 4.4 for me and now everything works great! After unlocking the carrier on the phone I did have to manually enter the t-mobile APN to get the data connection working but that was simple (the info is listed on t-mobile's site)
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Glad to see you are up and running. Also glad to hear the AT&T guys helped out.