WELCOME TO iSTORYA's SAMSUNG GALAXY S III THREAD!
SAMSUNG GALAXY S 3 FAQS:
(from tpc)
Where can I get stock firmware and updates?
<click here for link>
<click here for link>
How do I check my phone's lock status?
There are two ways to check it, depending on your firmware version one of these will not function:
1) Dial *#7465625#
2) The next method may look like it can be used to unlock the network, but it does not. I only posted this in this TCP thread as a substitute for the #1 method that was disabled in XXFLB. Using a different CSC code other than the one your phone came with is not harmful to your phone, but I suggest that you only change it if needed. WARNING: Choosing a new CSC will factory reset your phone.
Dial *#272*IMEI#
XTC = open line
GLB = Globe
SMA = Smart
XTE = Sun
My phone is locked to GLobe/Smart, how do I unlock it?
You can simply just use this program to patch your phone directly or just use it to generate an unlock code.
<click here for link>
Warning: if generated code will not work for a first time when you are sure you typed it correctly, report it to the programmer and stop trying, your phone will lock out after 3 unsuccessful unlock tries.
If you decided to just use a generated code, do the following:
1) Dial *7465625*638*CODE# (use the code generated by the program)
2) After pressing OK, a pop up network lock toggle will appear and you just choose unlock to unlock your phone's network.
3) After pressing OK, your phone should be unlocked.
My phone is unlocked, how do I re-lock it to Globe/Smart for warranty purposes?
1) Dial *7465625*638*#
2) A pop-up box will appear. Complete the first field (MCC/MNC) with the network you want your phone locked to:
515-02 = Globe
515-03 = Smart
515-05 = Sun
3) fill up the second field (Control Key) with the Generated Unlock Code. <click here for link>
4) After pressing OK, your phone should re-lock to your desired network.
How do I backup and/or recover my sms from previous installation or from my previous phone?
<click here for link>
Galaxy S3 does not have mass storage support but I want my S3 to function as a portable drive. How do I do it?
<click here for link>
Have you missed the update via OTA (Over The Air update) and you want to update your phone?
Simply go to:
Settings > About Device > Software update
I want to purchase a microsd card. What card should I buy?
This is a little subjective. Buy a card depending on your purpose.
micro SD = up to 16GB
micro SDHC = 16GB to 32GB
micro SDXC = 64GB to 2TB
Class 2 = bad for S3
Class 4 = good for video playback and video recording
Class 6 = good for HD recording (720p)
Class 10 = excellent for full HD recording (1080p)
UHS-1 = currently there are Class 6 and Class 10 of this card, not much difference from the non-UHS-1 performance-wise
How do I know if I bought a fake/counterfeit memory card?
Download and run H2testw. <click here for link>
In physical aspect, how do I quickly determine if the memory card is original or fake?
1) All texts and images printed in the packaging is clear and legible.
2) There is a serial number printed on the memory card itself, the country where it was manufactured is also printed on it. Some cards also contain other prints on the memory card. All of them should be clearly printed.
What format should I choose for my card?
Although most memory cards come already formatted right out of the box, it may still be formatted to another type to maximize the card's potential.
FAT32 = up to 4GB file size limit, can be read by all phones and computer/OS systems
NTFS = file size can be as large as the card capacity
ExFAT = SDXC cards are formatted with this out of the box, fast write/read, but not as universal as FAT32 and NTFS. Some computer OS needs driver to be able to read the card.
My recommendation?
FAT32. Simply because SD cards don't vary in performance much solely based on format type. Universality is more important. Also, you don't need to store a single 4GB or 1920x1080 resolution videos to watch because Galaxy S3's resolution is only 720x1280, there won't be any significant image quality difference for your enjoyment.
ExFAT. If you want the fastest performance. Plus, format it using S3. I tested several methods, S3's format gave the fastest overall performance.
What is phone rooting?
It is the granting of permission for access to your phone's system files.
It is basically the same as enabling Window's protected system files, therefore giving access to the whole operating system.
Should I root my phone?
You decide for yourself.
Pros:
1) Install system-replaceable apps and/or remove bloatwares and unwanted apps from carriers or stock roms.
2) Install root level apps, those apps that require root/system access.
3) Install, uninstall. Install, uninstall. Well that's it, to cut this short, basically, you will be able to install and use anything that is compatible to your phone.
Cons:
1) VOIDS WARRANTY. There are ways to reverse the procedures but I will not navigate you to this because you cheat the manufacturer, please don't pm me.
2) You increase the chances of malware infecting your phone's system.
3) Improper personal configuration and improperly developed apps can limit or destroy your phones configuration and function.
4) Rooting is best only for people who reads and comprehends.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 CODES SECRETS
*#06# Show IMEI number
*#0*# LCD Test Menu
*#*#4636#*#* user statistics and Phone Info
*#0011# Displays status information for the GSM
*#1234# View SW Version PDA, CSC, MODEM
*#12580*369# SW & HW Info
*#197328640# Service Mode
*#0228# ADC Reading
*#32489# (Ciphering Info)
*#232337# Bluetooth Address
*#232331# Bluetooth Test Mode
*#232338# WLAN MAC Address
*#232339# WLAN Test Mode
*#0842# Vibra Motor Test Mode
*#0782# Real Time Clock Test
*#0673# Audio Test Mode
*#0*# General Test Mode
*#2263# RF Band Selection
*#9090# Diagnostic ConfiguratioN
*#7284# USB I2C Mode Control
*#872564# USB Logging Control
*#4238378# GCF Configuration
*#0283# Audio Loopback Control
*#1575# GPS Control Menu
*#3214789650# LBS Test Mode
*#745# RIL Dump Menu
*#746# Debug Dump Menu
*#9900# System Dump Mode
*#44336# Sofware Version Info
*#7780# Factory Reset
*2767*3855# Full Factory Reset
*#0289# Melody Test Mode
*#2663# TSP / TSK firmware update
*#03# NAND Flash S/N
*#0589# Light Sensor Test Mode
*#0588# Proximity Sensor Test Mode
*#273283*255*3282*# Data Create Menu
*#273283*255*663282*# Data Create SD Card
*#3282*727336*# Data Usage Status
*#7594# Remap Shutdown to End Call TSK
*#34971539# Camera Firmware Update
*#526# WLAN Engineering Mode
*#528# WLAN Engineering Mode
*#7412365# Camera Firmware Menu
*#07# Test History
*#3214789# GCF Mode Status
*#272886# Auto Answer Selection
*#8736364# OTA Update Menu
*#301279# HSDPA/HSUPA Control Menu
*#7353# Quick Test Menu
*2767*4387264636# Sellout SMS / PCODE view
*#7465625# View Phone Lock Status
*7465625*638*# Configure Network Lock MCC/MNC
#7465625*638*# Insert Network Lock Keycode
*7465625*782*# Configure Network Lock NSP
#7465625*782*# Insert Partitial Network Lock Keycode
*7465625*77*# Insert Network Lock Keycode SP
#7465625*77*# Insert Operator Lock Keycode
*7465625*27*# Insert Network Lock Keycode NSP/CP
#7465625*27*# Insert Content Provider Keycode
*#272*IMEI# then we will get buyer code (For samsung galaxy sIII csc code)
*#*#7780#*#* Factory data reset - Clears Google-account data, system and program settings and installed programs. system will not be deleted, and OEM programs, as well as My Documents (pictures, music, videos)
Rooting/Flashing your SGS3:
[Guide+ROMS]Odin Flash+Root Guide & Stock Firmwares LE4/6/8/9/F/D, LF1/2 - xda-developers
Samsung Galaxy S3 Root Guide - YouTube
How to Root Galaxy S3! | Galaxy S3 Root