The Galaxy S3 Mini, a compact version of the third generation Galaxy S smartphone, was launched with Android version 4.1 and was later upgraded to v4.1.2. The Jelly Bean software update brings a host of enhanced features including Multi-View, Page Buddy, new gallery app, new Notification Panel, Smart Rotation, continuous input in Samsung keyboard, Paper Artist app and Group Cast app.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
Screenshot of Galaxy S3 Mini being rooted.

There is a good new for those who have already upgraded their devices to the latest software version of Jelly Bean and currently looking for a root method. Recognised XDA developer, Shaaan has released a root package for the G3 Mini running on Jelly Bean version.

Following this XDA senior member, seedrom193 has shared an easy guide which will root the Galaxy S3 Mini and install ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery. The tutorial uses CWM recovery file by senior member, tys0n. The key feature of the tutorial is the Galaxy S3 Mini will not lose warranty once it is rooted. Besides, the method works on all variants of the S3 Mini GT-I8190/N/L.

Galaxy S3 Mini users who wish to root their devices running on Jelly Bean and install CWM recovery may follow our step-by-step guide below.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any mishap. Users are also advised to verify that their handsets meet following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

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

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

4) The Galaxy S3 Mini should have above 80% of battery charge.

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

6) The root and recovery files work with all the variants of Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini GT-I8190/N/L. Applying this on any incorrect variant is likely to brick the device. Therefore, verify the model number of the Galaxy device by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number.

Steps to install CWM recovery on Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini

Step-1: Download ClockworkMod recovery file for Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini to the computer. Unzip the downloaded recovery file

Step-2: Download Odin v3.04 which will help to install the recovery file on the phone. Extract the Odin to get Odin v3.04.exe file

Step-3: Switch off the S3 Mini and wait for about five to six seconds for the vibration to confirm complete power off

Step-4: Now place the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding Power, Volume Down and Home buttons together until the screen flashes. Then press the Volume Up button to continue to enter into Download Mode

Step-5: Launch Odin on the computer

Step-6: Connect the S3 Mini to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully, an Added message will appear under Odin message box. Additionally, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn blue with the COM port number, indicating successful connection

Note: If the Added message does not come then try another USB port, try the on located at the back side of the computer. If Odin still fails to recognise the device then reinstall USB driver.

Step-7: In Odin, click the PDA button and select downloaded recovery file

Step-8: Ensure the Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected

Step-9: Now hit the Start button in Odin to begin the installation, which will take a few minutes

Step-10: Once the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot automatically. And soon a PASS message will appear in Odin indicating successful installation

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

Step-1: Download the root zip for Galaxy S3 Mini to the computer

Step-2: Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable. Then copy the root zip to the external SD card of the phone

Step-3: Disconnect the phone from the computer and turn it off

Step-4: Boot the phone into CWM recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together

Note: In the recovery mode, use Volume buttons to scroll between options and Power button to select the desired options.

Step-5: In recovery mode, select install zip from sdcard

Step-6: Now select choose zip from external sdcard then navigate to the root zip which was earlier copied to the SD card of the phone

Step-7: Select it using Power button and confirm installation by selecting Yes on the next screen

Step-8: When the installation is completed, return to the recovery menu and reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now

Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini running on Android Jelly Bean should be rooted with CWM recovery installed. Users can now install Triangle Away from Google Play and wipe the custom binary count.

[Source: XDA developer]

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