Rooting Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 on Official Android 4.1.2 XXEMD3 Jelly Bean [GUIDE]

Samsung has recently rolled out Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean official update with base firmware XXEMD3 for the international version of Galaxy S3 with model number GT-I9300. The official build is available for download via Over-The-Air (OTA) as well as through Samsung KIES server.

Firmware details

PDA: I9300XXEMD3

CSC: I9300OJVEMC1

Version: Android 4.1.2

Built date: May, 2013

Galaxy S3 users, who have already installed the Android 4.1.2 XXEMD3 Jelly Bean on their devices and currently looking for a root method, may follow or step-by-step guide. The tutorial uses CF-Auto-Root file released by recognised XDA developer, Chainfire.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are advised to ensure that their devices meet following requirements.

Per-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S3 to connect the Android device with the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option and check the USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP already installed then backup data using the recovery.

4) The battery of the Galaxy S3 should have above 80 per cent of charge.

5) The device should be factory unlocked and not locked to a particular carrier.

6) Rooting the phone will void manufacturer's warranty. However, users can reclaim the warranty back by unrooting the device later. Click here for tutorial to unroot Samsung Galaxy S3 to stock official firmware and reclaim warranty.

7) The CF-Auto-Root package works only on Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300, using this on any other variant might brick the device. Therefore, verify the model number of Galaxy device by navigating to Settings>> About Phone>> Model number.

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 on Android 4.1.2 XXEMD3 Jelly Bean

Step-1: Download CF-Auto-Root file for Samsung Galaxy S3 to the computer

File name: CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.zip

Step-2: Extract the downloaded root zip file to get a .tar.md5 file within it

Step-3: Download Odin3 v3.07 which will help to root the Jelly Bean firmware. Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3 v3.07.exe with some other files

Step-4: Turn off the Galaxy S3. Then boot the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Home buttons together and then press the Power button until the construction Android robot and a triangle appears on the phone's screen. Now press the Power button to continue to enter into Download Mode

Step-5: Open Odin3 v3.07.exe as an Administrator

Step-6: Connect the Galaxy S3 to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Wait for some time Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn yellow with the COM port number. Also, the successful connection will be indicated by an Added message in Odin

Note: If the Added message does not come then try another USB port, try the one located at the back side of the computer. In case Odin still fails to recognise the device then re-install USB driver.

Step-7: In Odin, click the PDA button and select the CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar.md5 file

Step-8: Configure Odin settings. Verify the Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin. But ensure Re-Partition option is uncheck

Step-9: Double check everything and then click the Start button in Odin. The installation should begin now and would take about few minutes to complete

Step-10: Once the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot into Recovery Mode automatically and install the root package. The ID: COM box will turn green indicating successful installation

Step-11: when the home screen appears on the phone, unplug the USB cable from the device to disconnect it from the computer

Troubleshooting issues

Sometimes the device does not boot into Recovery Mode automatically and root the device. If that happens then do the entire tutorial again. If the phone is still not rooted, once again perform the tutorial but in Odin ensure that the Auto Reboot option is not checked. Then after step-10, do the following:

a) Pull out the battery to turn off the phone forcefully

b) Boot the device into Recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together. This will start the installation process of rooting the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S3 running on Android 4.1.2 XXEMD3 Jelly Bean should be now rooted successfully. Open the app drawer of the phone and look for an app called SuperSU. Also, to verify the root status, install the Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Click here for guide to install XXEMF6 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on Galaxy S3 I9300.

[Source: Team Android]