Actually I should have posted this tutorial a month ago but somehow I missed it then. I am not even sure if there is a place for such a guide but I am still doing it at the request of an user. If you remember, I published an easy guide on how to update rooted Verizon Galaxy S3 with official OTA update package without loosing root, CWM and unlocked bootloader.
Today there is another post that is meant for those who have not rooted their Verizon Galaxy S3 SCH-I535 and wish to update the firmware of their phone manually. Below you can choose the appropriate OTA update zip depending on your current firmware version. If your phone’s firmware is on Android 4.0.4 ICS, install the 4.1.1 OTA update package first then you can upgrade to 4.1.2. In case your device shows has 4.1.1 currently. you can directly install the 4.1.2 OTA package. To check your current firmware version, go to Settings> About.
Downloads:
Android 4.1.1: signed-d2vzw-IMM76D.I535VRALHE-from-IMM76D.I535VRALG7-ota.zip
Android 4.1.1: signed-d2vzw-JRO03L.I535VRBLK3-from-IMM76D.I535VRALHE-ota.zip
Android 4.1.2: signed-d2vzw-JZO54K.I535VRBMB1-from-JRO03L.I535VRBLK3-ota.zip
If you wish to install the complete Android 4.1.2 firmware on your Verizon S3 in place of the OTA package, download the firmware from below and install it using ODIN.
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Warning!
Do not try to install the OTA packages to downgrade your phone’s firmware. If you wish to do that, download the full firmware file from below and use this tutorial for downgrading.
To install the full firmware, use the our easy tutorial.
OTA Update Package for Rooted SCH-I535:
If you got a rooted device, you can still update your phone’s firmware to official JB without losing root. See the guide here.
How to Install:
- Download and copy the OTA update zip package to the external storage of your Verizon Galaxy S3.
- Make sure your device has at least 60% battery.
- Boot the device into Android system recovery mode: hold down Volume Up+Home+Power buttons together till the screen turns up and you see Samsung logo. Now let the Power button go off and keep other keys pressed till your see a screen like shown below.
- Using the volume down key, scroll to “apply update from external sdcard”, navigate to the update zip package and select it using power key.
- Confirm your choice on the next screen.
- When it is installed, return back to main menu and select “reboot system now”.
When your Galaxy S3 boots up, it should have the newly upgraded firmware. You can verify it from Settings> About.
What to Do If I Get a Bootloop:
In case your device is stuck on the boot animation after installing the OTA update package or full firmware, follow the Steps 10-14 given on this tutorial.
If you wish to root your Verizon SCH-I535 and install a good custom ROM on it for better performance and battery life, head over to the following articles.
How to Root Verizon Galaxy S3 SCH-I535 on Android 4.1.1/4.1.2 Firmware
Top 5 Touchwiz Custom Roms for Verizon Galaxy S3 SCH-I535
Things to Do Before and After Flashing a ROM
Thank you for the quick response. Do you know of a way for me to update my software to the newest version without having to root. My phone does not find the update when I try to manually update through setting. (VRBMF1)
Hi Chris, since Verizon doesn’t release the complete firmwares for its devices as most other carriers do, you will not find the update package for VRBMF1 unless someone rips and uploads it. I have looked for it and it is nowhere.
As things are currently, you can get it either via OTA or by rooting. Btw. I am surprised to learn that you have been facing issues with the OTA with official firmware. I think you should try a factory reset or installing a new firmware manually.
If you are not willing to do that too, you should contact Verizon and report it. 🙂
Dude, the I535VRBMD3_firmware.zip — Mirror Link doesn’t work.
Hi Aaron, I have just checked and it is working. Please try again. It might have been a temporary issue. 🙂
Hi DroidViews, I have followed all instructions to upgrade to VRBMF1. However, when I hit apply update from external drive. I keep getting the same error of “not signed” and it will not load. I am currently running VRBMB1 and 4.1.2 on Verizon. I am not rooted and my S3 will not OTA through settings manually. Thank you for your time. -chris
Hi Chris, the OTA package was meant for rooted devices and was mistakenly posted here since we have another post for that:
http://droidviews.com/2013/update-your-rooted-verizon-galaxy-s3-sch-i535-without-losing-root-and-custom-recovery/
Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for bringing this to notice!