Samsung Galaxy S3 owners may now install the Android 4.3 update. Following the release of the I9300XXUGML2 firmware under the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Update, Samsung Galaxy S3 owners now have another chance to upgrade their units. Android 4.3 now comes to the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Samsung released its Galaxy S3 back on May 2012. The device was shipped with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. This time, users can now switch to a higher OS, the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. According to reports, the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update became available for Samsung Galaxy S3 users through the KIES desktop tool.

Users can also see the OTA notification on the Galaxy S3 handsets once Samsung rolls out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in their specific regions. The XXUGMK7 firmware featured a January 2014 build date. Users in Israel were the first ones to receive the update.

However, for those who cannot wait for the OTA update to reach their regions, manual installation can be an option. Though users should know manual installation is only an option to people using a factory unlocked version of the GT-I9300 of the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Given the firmware does not have any brand, so long as the user has an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 unit, the firmware can be installed. The country or region does not matter. Prior to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean installation, users should satisfy the following:

  • Check if the Samsung Galaxy S3 version is the international version. To do this, go to Settings, choose About and select Model Number. It should state GT-I9300.
  • Make sure the battery level of the handset is at least 80 per cent.
  • Create a backup of all important settings and data. Use a custom recovery tool like ClockWorkMod.

Installation procedures:

1. Step 1: Download I9300XXUGMK7 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Galaxy S3 on the computer.

2. Extract the firmware via winrar/7zip/winzip or other similar tools. Get the .tar.md5 file and other things that come with it.

3. Download Odin v3.07 and get the Odin3 v3.07.exe file with some other files.

4. Turn off the handset.

5. Press the Home, Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously to boot the handset into Download Mode. Wait until the Android icon shows. Press the Volume Up control to confirm Download Mode.

6. Right click on the Odin.exe file and run it as Administrator.

7. Connect the Samsung Galaxy S3 handset to the computer via USB. Make sure it is still in Download mode. Wait for Odin to detect the device. There will be an Added message once the handset has been connected successfully. Wait for the ID: COM box in Odin to turn blue showing the COM port number. There should be a message saying connection has been successful.

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

9. Select the following files and install them: .tar.md5 file, MODEM, CSC and .pit file.

10. Confirm Auto Reboot and Factory Reset. Make sure their boxes are checked in Odin. De-select the Re-partition option. Check it only if the .pit file will be used.

11. Select the Start button in Odin. The installation processor should proceed. The phone will restart following completion.

Disclaimer: Providers of the update cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to the device following update. Users can update at their own risk.