As you might know, Samsung will no longer release OTAs for the Galaxy S3 Mini. Thus, the phone will be stuck on KitKat OS, this if you want to keep things official. But, if you are ready to spice things up a little bit, then I recommend you to check the guidelines from below. During this tutorial I will show you how to easily and safely update your Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini to Android 5.0 Lollipop OS by using a new custom ROM firmware.
This ROM is a built of pure AOSP Android 5.0 Lollipop OS, as the goal is to bring the default and latest version of Android firmware to your Galaxy S3 Mini. The ROM has been therefore customized and optimized in order to fit with the performances of your SGS3 Mini, which means that running AOSP Lollipop on your phone will be coming as a natural thing, just like when you are applying a new official OTA release. , if you want to test it yourself, then don’t hesitate and check all the lines from below, as you will find Thus there all the details needed for the flashing process.
First of all, you should know that this custom version of Android 5.0 Lollipop OS works without problems on the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini. According to the users who have already installed the AOSP ROM, there aren’t any bugs or other software related problems. Of course, since we are talking about a custom ROM, you might find unusual things, but don’t expect to deal with major or with annoying problems - the software can be safely installed for a daily use.
With this custom ROM flashed you will first of all be able to receive the latest Lollipop features and apps. Moreover, by using this ROM you will also be able to improve the performances of your Galaxy S3 Mini. Thus, in a few words, you will be able to improve the battery life, gain more speed, change the default Samsung UI, update the web browsing experience and upgrade other general performances.
But, for being able to do so, first of all you need to complete this step by step guide. Well, this tutorial is, as you might know already, a custom one which means that you are about to apply an unofficial operation. Android 5.0 Lollipop isn't officially available for your Galaxy S3 Mini so you will use a custom ROM that represents a free aftermarket release of stock Lollipop system - the ROM has nothing to do with Samsung or with Google as it is developed by third party devs .
So, the warranty of your device will get void once you start to apply the steps from below. In fact, starting from now, the warranty will be gone and you will no longer be able to reclaim the same - if you will have problems with your S3 Mini and if you will consider in taking your phone back to service, you will have to pay for the technical assistance, or you will have to learn how to.
Also, this tutorial can’t be completed unless you first. Moreover, after ensuring root access, you also have to install a custom recovery image on your smartphone (I recommend you to use the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery). The Lollipop custom ROM will have to access and modify some in built programs (and that's why root access must be applied first) while the update is being provided as a .zip file (you can flash these types of files only by using a custom recovery image).
Another thing to do before going any further is a backup. You see, a hard reset operation will have to be performed during the update process. So, your data along with any other personal info and accounts will be then erased from your SGS3 Mini. That’s why, at this point you might want to consider in temporarily saving everything that’s stored on your smartphone. So, go ahead and use backup and restore apps and save your contacts, texts, call logs, images, videos, market apps, internet settings, audio files and so on.
Since a custom recovery image is now installed on your device, you can use the software for from your Galaxy S3 Mini. In this way, if the Android 5.0 Lollipop system will not be on your taste, you will be able to choose to re-flash the stock Nandroid backup.
Good; now, before beginning you have to ensure that a computer, your smartphone and its USB cable are somewhere near you. Moreover, on your computer you first have to temporarily deactivate security protection (do that because antivirus and other similar programs might interfere with the update operation) and from your phone you have to check the USB debugging option (first gain developer permission by heading towards “ menu - settings - about phone - tap several times on built number” and then access “menu - settings - developer options” and enable USB debugging).
Don’t forget to charge your handset before doing anything else. It is indicated to plug in the charger if the battery power left is currently below the 40% threshold. It is important to do so, as if your S3 Mini will get turned off in the middle of the flashing procedure, your phone might get bricked.
Also, remember that this step by step guide is compatible only with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini and with no other Android based device - the Android 5.0 Lollipop AOSP firmware from below will work only on the mentioned smartphone.
How to Update Galaxy S3 Mini with Android 5.0 Lollipop Firmware
- Access this page and download the Lollipop firmware file on your computer.
- Then, go and download Google Apps package.
- Save both files on desktop and don’t unzip anything.
- Connect your phone with your PC by plugging in the USB cable.
- Transfer the downloaded files from desktop on your phone’s SD card.
- When done, remove the USB connection.
- Turn off your handset and .
- First of all, from recovery make a hard reset and clear cache: so choose “wipe data factory reset”, “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvik cache”.
- Return to main menu of recovery and when ready, select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
- Pick the Android 5.0 Lollipop package and install the same on your Galaxy S3 Mini.
- Repeat the process for flashing Google Apps package.
- When done, from main menu of recovery select “reboot system now”.
That's it; you should now be able to run Android 5.0 Lollipop OS on your own Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini. Therefore, test the new firmware, see how things work and then share your experience with us and with other users that might consider in applying the guidelines from above.
Install optional products - DriverDoc (Solvusoft) | | | |
This page contains information about installing the latest Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini driver downloads using the Samsung Driver Update Tool.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini drivers are tiny programs that enable your Mobile phone hardware to communicate with your operating system software. Keeping your Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini software updated prevents crashes and maximizes hardware and system performance. Using outdated or corrupt Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini drivers can cause system errors, crashes, and cause your hardware or computer to fail. Moreover, installing the wrong Samsung drivers can make these problems worse.
Advice: If you are not sure how to update Samsung device drivers manually, we recommend downloading the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Driver Utility. This tool will automatically download and update the correct versions of Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini drivers, preventing you from installing the wrong Galaxy S3 Mini drivers.
About the author: Jay Geater is President and Chief Executive Officer of Solvusoft Corporation, a global software company focused on innovative service offerings. He has a lifelong passion for computers and loves everything related to computers, software and new technology.
Quite recently, the official version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini firmware update was released - Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
Preparing for firmware
Before you start the update, read the rules for preparing for the process.
- Use this version directly for the Samsung Galaxy s3 Mini, and do not risk installing this software on other smartphone models;
- Make sure that all the drivers needed for your phone are saved on your computer;
- Enable USB mode;
- The phone must be charged at least 70%;
- Before you start flashing your smartphone, make sure that all contact details and necessary information have been copied from the device
Required applications – Odin version 3.09 and boot file .
Instructions
- If the download file is zipped, extract the contents. The archive must contain files with the required extension (tar or tar.md5).
- Turn off your phone.
- Go to Download Mode. To do this, you need to hold down the “Volume Down” and “Home” buttons, then press the “Power” button. The Android logo icon should appear on the screen, then press the “Power” button again
- Launch the Odin application on your computer.
- Connect the device via USB cable to your computer. When connecting, the “Added!” window should appear in the Odin application; if the window does not appear, try connecting to the computer again. If, when you reconnect to the computer, the message still does not appear, we recommend reinstalling the driver
- Select the required firmware files.
7. Make sure that Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time are selected in the Odin application, as shown in the figure.
8. Click “Start” and wait until the program itself does everything necessary
9. After installation is complete, the smartphone should reboot itself. After the PASS message appears in the Odin application window, you can disconnect the phone from USB.
And it's all! The updated firmware has fixed some software errors, the software also works a little faster, and the performance of the device has increased.
We would like to warn you that you are responsible for any changes to your phone!
Official Android 4.1 firmware [stock ROM file] -
Samsung custom firmware -
If custom or official firmware for Samsung has not yet been added here, then create a topic on the forum, in the section, our specialists will quickly and free of charge help, including. with backup and manuals. Just don’t forget to write a review about your smartphone - this is extremely important. Firmware for Samsung Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190N 8Gb will also appear on this page. Please note that this Samsung model requires an individual ROM file, so you should not try firmware files from other devices.
What custom firmware are there?
- CM - CyanogenMod
- LineageOS
- Paranoid Android
- OmniROM
- Temasek's
- AICP (Android Ice Cold Project)
- RR (Resurrection Remix)
- MK(MoKee)
- FlymeOS
- Bliss
- crDroid
- Illusion ROMS
- Pacman ROM
Problems and shortcomings of a Samsung smartphone and how to fix them?
- If the Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190N does not turn on, for example, you see a white screen, hangs on the splash screen, or the notification indicator only blinks (possibly after charging).
- If stuck during update / stuck when turned on (needs flashing, 100%)
- Doesn't charge (usually hardware problems)
- Does not see the SIM card (SIM card)
- The camera does not work (mostly hardware problems)
- The sensor does not work (depends on the situation)
Hard Reset for Samsung Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190N 8Gb
Instructions on how to do a Hard Reset on a Samsung Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190N 8Gb (factory reset). We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the visual guide called on Android. . 
Reset codes (open the dialer and enter them).
- *2767*3855#
- *#*#7780#*#*
- *#*#7378423#*#*
Hard Reset via Recovery
- Turn off your device -> go to Recovery
- "wipe data/factory reset"
- “yes - delete all user data” -> “Reboot System”
How to log into Recovery?
- hold down Vol(-) [volume down], or Vol(+) [volume up] and the Power button
- A menu with the Android logo will appear. That's it, you are in Recovery!
Reset settings on Samsung Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190N 8Gb You can do it in a very simple way:
- Settings->Backup and reset
- Reset settings (at the very bottom)
How to reset a pattern key
How to reset your pattern key if you forgot it and now you can’t unlock your Samsung smartphone. On the Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190N 8Gb model, the key or PIN code can be removed in several ways. You can also remove the lock by resetting the settings; the lock code will be deleted and disabled.
- Reset graph. blocking -
- Password reset -
As you know, Samsung is no longer releasing an OTA update for the Galaxy S3 Mini. So the phone is stuck on KitKat OS, unless of course you want to keep it
How to update Galaxy S3 Mini from Android 5.0 Lollipop.
As you know, Samsung is no longer releasing an OTA update for the Galaxy S3 Mini. Thus, the phone is stuck on KitKat OS, unless of course you want to keep the devices official. But, if you're willing to bump up the operating version a bit, then we recommend you check out the recommendation below. In this tutorial, we will show you how to easily and safely update your Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini to Android 5.0 Lollipop OS with the new Rom firmware.
This ROM is built from pure AOSP Android 5.0 Lollipop OS, as the goal is to bring the default and latest Android firmware to the Galaxy S3 Mini. The drive has therefore been customized and optimized to fit with your SGS3 Mini. So, if you want to check it yourself, then don't hesitate to check all the lines from below as you will find all the parts required for the flashing process there.
Firstly, you should know that this custom version of Android 5.0 L OS runs smoothly on Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini. According to users who have already installed AOSP ROM, there are no errors or other problems associated with the software. Of course, since we're talking about custom drives, you might find some unusual things, but don't expect to have major bugs or annoying problems and can set it up for daily use.
After flashing the firmware, you will be able to get the latest Lolipop features and applications. In addition, using this disk, you can improve your Galaxy S3 Mini device.
In a few words, you will be able to improve battery life, get faster speeds, change default Samsung UI, update fast web browsing and update other features.
I would also like to note that once you receive this firmware, your phone is no longer under warranty. If something happens by phone, you take it to the company's service center and you will have to pay. But the guarantee can also be returned by using the official firmware.
I would also like to note that this disk is not an official release from Samsung or Google, only a custom disk that was created on the latest AOSP release. So do not bundle this firmware with the aforementioned company.
Before installation, your phone must have Root rights and the latest recovery version (TWRP Recovery). I also remind you, never forget to make a Nandroid backup of the disk you are currently using, this means that if you don’t like the new disk, you can easily return your old disk. How? Read below.
Read and understand the entire manual before actually following the instructions.
Warning: Use these instructions at your own risk. We will not be responsible for anything that happens to you or your device as a result of using the information in this manual.
This tutorial is for Galaxy S3 Mini only. Please do not try to install on any other device.
Make sure that the drivers for your device are installed on your computer. You need to enable USB debugging mode which is disabled by default. Your smartphone should have 70-80% charge. Never skip Nandroid backup as it is very useful, if this firmware does not work as you want, then you can easily get your drive back to the previous one. This tutorial will destroy all data.
Proceed at your own risk. Samsung Kies will not detect your phone after installing this ROM because it is a custom firmware. Make sure you have backed up all the data on your phone before proceeding. Read how to make a backup here. Another way: here.
New stable CM12.1 release (20160210) is available for S3 Mini, go here.
The developers recommend installing the firmware via TWRP Recovery, and we will do so.
> Install the firmware via TWRP Recovery:
1. First, download both files from the link above to your computer.
2. Connect your device to your computer and copy both files to the root directory on the device(not any folder).
3. Unplug your phone and turn it off. And make sure you wait 5-6 seconds to complete the power off completely.
4. Now you will boot your phone into recovery mode (TWRP Recovery) by pressing and holding the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons.
5. Perform a nandroid backup of the existing disk using the backup program located in the twrp recovery main menu.
6. Select: Backup ››, - set file name and confirm the process.
8. Select: Wipe "Advanced Wipe" - and from below select: Swipe to wipe.
9. Select: Install ›› cm12.0_golden.nova.20150308.zip ››, - confirm the process.
10.
Select: Install ›› gapps-lp-20150314.zip ››, - confirm the process.
You should now be running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on your Galaxy S3 Mini. Enjoy!
Returning to a previous ROM: To return to a previous ROM, boot into recovery, select Backup and Restore and restore your previous ROM by selecting it from the list.
How to update galaxy s3 mini from android 5.0 lollipop