Galaxy S3 I9305 Gets Official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Update via XXBMD1 Firmware [Manually Install and Root]

Samsung has recently released its latest official Jelly Bean firmware, Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1, for Vodafone subscribers of Galaxy S3 I9305 in the UK. Although the firmware is now available as Over-The-Air (OTA) update for the users, it cannot be downloaded through Samsung KIES. Nevertheless, discerning users who missed the OTA update in the UK can now download and install the same manually using this guide.

The I9305XXBMD1 Jelly Bean update is reportedly a bug-fix and maintenance update that brings minor feature enhancements and performance optimisations, as opposed to a regular feature upgrade.

Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Firmware Details

PDA: I9305XXBMD1
CSC: I9305VODBMC1
Version: 4.1.2
Date: April, 2013

Key Points to Note

XXBMD1 official firmware and the instructions provided in this guide are applicable to the Galaxy S3 I9305 model only and will not work on any other device. Verify the device's model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
Back up important data and settings on the phone, using one of the recommended custom recovery tools such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP recovery, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup.
Verify if correct USB drivers are installed for the phone on computer (download Galaxy S3 I9305 USB drivers).
Make sure USB Debugging mode is enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if device is running Android 4.0 or later) or go to Settings > Applications > Development (if phone is running Android 2.3 or earlier).
Ensure the phone has at least 85 percent battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain), as it may inadvertently brick the device during firmware installation.
The installation of this firmware requires ODIN flash tool that works well for Windows OS. However, Mac and Linux users should use CrossOver Utility to run ODIN.
Access to custom ROMs and recovery tools will be lost soon after installing the official firmware, as custom versions will be replaced by stock counterparts. Also, root access to the device will be lost once you install the official firmware. And it is imperative to root the device again to regain full system access and be able to install third-party root apps, custom ROMs and latest system tweaks on it.
As the firmware is an official release from Samsung, it will not increase the device's binary counter or void its hardware warranty.
If "MD5 hash value is invalid" message appears in Odin message box then just re-download the firmware.

Downloads

How to Update Galaxy S3 I9305 to Official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean via XXBMD1 Firmware

1. Extract the XXBMD1 firmware zip file that you downloaded earlier to get a .tar.md5 file and some other files.

2. Extract Odin zip file to obtain Odin3 v3.07.exe along with few other files.

3. Switch off the phone and wait for vibration (about 5 to 6 seconds) to confirm complete device shutdown.

4. Boot the phone into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Home buttons together, while simultaneously tap the Power button. When a "Warning!" message appears on screen, hit Volume Up button to enter Download Mode. NOTE: You may need to tap Volume Up button to enter Download mode in green Robot screen.

5. Launch Odin3 v3.07.exe (check Step 2) as an Administrator as Admin privileges is required to complete the firmware installation process.

6. Connect the phone to your computer with USB cable. A message reading "Added!!" will appear in Odin's message box at the bottom left of the screen. If the message fails to appear then just try another USB port (preferably the one at the back of your desktop computer). If all else fails then just reinstall the USB drivers for the phone on computer. When the successful "Added!!" message pops-up in Odin, proceed to the next step. At this moment, the COM port with a number turns Yellow if you successfully added the device.

7. Choose the following files in Odin from extracted I9305XXBMD1 firmware folder using their designated buttons:

Select the PDA checkbox, and choose the file named '.tar' or '.md5'.
Click the Phone checkbox, and choose the file named 'modem' (ignore it if there is no such file)
Tap the CSC checkbox, and click the file named 'CSC' (ignore it if such file is missing)
Choose the PIT checkbox, and select the .pit file. Choose the file you obtained while extracting in step 1 above, otherwise ignore it.

8. In Odin, enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options. But, the Re-Partition checkbox should be selected, only if a .pit file is used in the previous step.

9. Double check everything in Step 7 and Step 8 are done correctly. Then hit START button to begin the flashing process.

10. Once the firmware flashing completes, the phone will reboot and a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the very top of Odin. Now, disconnect the device from computer by unplugging its USB cable.

Galaxy S3 I9305 is now running on official Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware version installed.

Vodafone subscribers of Galaxy S3 I9305 in the UK, who have already updated their device to the latest XXBMD1 official Jelly Bean firmware can now root their device, using the guide given below.

Downloads Required for Rooting Galaxy S3 I9305

How to Root Galaxy S3 I9305 on Official Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean Firmware

1. Extract the downloaded CF-Auto-Root zip file to get a .tar.md5 file within it.

2. Extract Odin zip file to obtain Odin3 v3.07.exe along with few other files.

3. Switch off the phone and wait for vibration (about 5 to 6 seconds) to confirm complete device shutdown.

4. Boot the phone in Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Home buttons while simultaneously tapping the Power button. When a "Warning!" message appears on screen. tap Volume Up button to enter Download Mode. [You may need to hit Volume Up to enter into Download mode from green Robot screen]

5. Launch Odin3 v3.07.exe (check Step 2) as an Administrator, as Admin privileges is required to complete the rooting process smoothly.

6. Connect the phone to your computer with USB cable. A message reading "Added!" appears in Odin's message box at the bottom left of the screen. If the message fails to appear then just try another USB port (preferably the one at the back of the desktop computer). If all else fails then just reinstall the USB drivers for the phone on computer. When the successful "Added!!" message appears in Odin, proceed to the next step. At this point, the COM port with a number turns Yellow if you successfully added the device.

7. Select these files in Odin at respective buttons:

Select the PDA checkbox, and choose CF-Auto-Root-m3-m3zh-gti9305.tar.md5.

8. In Odin, enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options.

9. Double check everything in step 7 and step 8 are done correctly. Then hit the START button to begin the flashing process.

10. After the root installation is complete, the phone will reboot and a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the very top of Odin. Now unplug the USB cable to disconnect the device from computer.

Galaxy S3 I9305 is now rooted on official Android 4.1.2 XXBMD1 Jelly Bean firmware. It is now possible to install apps that require root access.

[Source: Android Jinn - Install and Root]

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