Software update: Samsung Galaxy S III

Learn how to check the software version and update the Samsung Galaxy S III. Find out more on this page:

Understanding the software version

How tos

Understanding the software version

As of May 20, there are two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S III. See below to determine the model you are using.

Software versions for Galaxy S III LTE (t999L)

Beginning December 9, the Samsung Galaxy S III LTE (t999L) will have an optional software update to Android version 4.3 / Baseband version T999UVUEMJC. This update includes KNOX and Samsung Gear support.

You can update in two ways:

• Over the air (OTA) manual pull down to T999LUVUBMK4: OTA update is available as of 12/9/2013.
• Manual download to T999LUVUBMK4: If you did not want to update via OTA, you can update via Samsung Kies. Ensure you are on the latest version of Kies prior to attempting the update. Seehttp://www.samsung.com/us/kies/ to confirm the version.

Android version 4.1.2/Baseband version T999LUVUBMK4 - Current version

• Version:
  • Android version 4.1.2/Software version T999LUVUBMK4
  • Approved 12/4/2013
  • OTA manual pull down and Samsung Kies update available
• New Features:
  • KNOX
  • Samsung Galaxy Gear support
• Prerequisites
  • T999LUVAMB7
  • Device software is not rooted
  • 50% battery life
  • Latest version of Kies software downloaded on PC or MAC
  • Data connection
  • File size of update is 500 MB

Android version 4.1.2/Baseband version T999LUVAMB7

• Version:
  • Android version 4.1.2/Software version T999LUVAMB7
  • Approved 5/20/2013
  • Original software
• Features:
  • 3G/4G/LTE capable
  • 4.8” Super AMOLED HD (1280x720) screen
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 Processor with 1.5 GHz Dual-Core CPUs
  • Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
  • Advanced 8MP camera with LED Flash and 1.9MP front facing camera

Software versions for Galaxy S III original (t999)

Beginning November 19, the Samsung Galaxy S III (original) will have an optional software update to Android version 4.3 / Baseband version T999UVUEMJC. This update includes KNOX and Samsung Gear support.

This software update only impacts the Samsung Galaxy S III (original) T999. A software update for the Samsung Galaxy S III (LTE) T999L is coming soon.

You can update in two ways:

• Over the air (OTA) manual pull down to T999UVUEMJC: OTA update is available as of 11/19/2013.
• Manual download to T999UVUEMJC: If you did not want to update via OTA, you can update via Samsung Kies. Ensure you are on the latest version of Kies prior to attempting the update. Seehttp://www.samsung.com/us/kies/ to confirm the version.

Android version 4.3/Baseband version T999UVUEMJC- Current version

• Version:
  • Android version 4.3/Software version T999UVUEMJC
  • Approved 11/19/2013
  • OTA manual pull down and Samsung Kies update available
• New Features:
  • KNOX
  • Samsung Galaxy Gear support
• Prerequisites
  • T999UVDMD5
  • Device software is not rooted
  • 50% battery life
  • Latest version of Kies software downloaded on PC or MAC
  • Data connection
  • File size of update is 486 MB

Android version 4.1.2/Baseband version T999UVDMD5 

New Features

• See Enhanced Samsung features with T999UVDMD5: Samsung Galaxy S III for a complete list
  • Multi-Window
  • Auto-pairing via NFC
  • Enhanced Camera options
  • Easy Mode

Improvements

• Swipe to call from call log/contacts/messaging: Samsung Galaxy S III
• Keyboard sounds play when all sounds are off: Samsung Galaxy S III (non-LTE)

Android version 4.1.1/Baseband version T999UVDLJCM

Android version 4.1.1/Baseband version T999UVDLJA

Android version 4.0.4/Baseband version T999UVLJ4

Android version 4.0.4/Baseband version T999UVLH2

Android version 4.0.4/Baseband version T999UVLG1/T999UVLEM

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How tos

Check software version

To check the current software version, follow these steps:

1. From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch About device.
4. Scroll down to Baseband version to view the software version of the phone.

Current Software Version	Update Status
T999LUVUBMK4 or T999UVUEMJC	This software version is current. Your device software is up-to-date.
T999LUVAMB7 T999UVDMD5 T999UVDLJC   T999UVDLJA   T999UVLH2   T999UVLG1   T999UVLEM	Beginning December 9, follow the steps below to Download update from Samsung. If you have problems downloading, follow the steps below to Manually update over USB using Samsung Kies.
Other versions	T-Mobile and Samsung will not send you a software update. Devices with non-T-Mobile software versions are out of warranty and do not receive updates.

Download update from Samsung

You can check for updates and request to download the update from the Samsung servers. To check for updates and download, follow these steps:

Check for updates

1. Charge battery to over 50% prior to completing the update.
2. From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
3. Touch Settings.
4. Touch About device.
5. Touch Software update.
   •  If the update is not available, you will receive the message The device is up-to-date.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts.
7. Wait as your phone restarts and completes the update.

Manually update over USB using Samsung Kies

You can manually update using the manufacturer provided USB and any computer that has the latest version of Samsung Kies installed. To manually update over a USB cable, follow these steps:

Installing Kies

1. Download the most recent version of Kies by visiting http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/ (Select the SAMSUNG Kies version compatible with the PC)
   Note:
   • Save the file to a desired location - the Desktop is recommended for easy access.
   • Ensure you are on the most recent Kies version. If you attempt to check for Kies updates manually through the application, older versions may not recognize that there is a new version available. Compare your version number (found in Help > Kies Info) with that available through Samsung (click the file to download, on the download screen, the file name will include 2.x.x.x.xxxxx_, this is the current version available).
2. Double click the Kies file. The program will self extract, no action is required
3. Select the desired Language and Location, then click Next.
4. Read the license agreement, check the box for "I accept..." and click Next.
5. Kies will begin the installation. No action is required.
6. When the process is complete, click Finish.

Prepare the Samsung Galaxy S III

Note: USB Debugging is only needed when using a MAC to Update via Kies.

1. From the Android home screen, press the Menu key and tap Settings.
2. Tap Developer options.
3. Tap Ok.
4. Tap USB Debugging.
5. Tap the Home key to exit the settings menu.
6. Insert the USB data cable into the phone and then into an available port on the computer.
7. Select Media device(MTP) at the phone prompt. The PC should recognize several devices and begin installation. This is normal and may take a few minutes. Unplug the data cable when completed.

Upgrade the device

Important: Verify you have backed up all of your data, including the contents of the internal (non-removable) SD card, to prevent unnecessary data loss.

1. On the PC, open the Kies application.
2. Connect the device to the computer using the included USB cable.
3. Once Kies recognizes the device, a popup window will appear.
4. Click Update.
5. Read the Caution statements and select the I have read... check box.
6. If desired, select Allow saving to back up the device. If not, select Proceed without saving.
7. Click Start Upgrade.
8. The software will download to the PC, and then to the device.
9. When the update completes, the 'Firmware Upgrade Complete' window will appear.
10. Click OK to confirm.

Over the Air (OTA) update

After receiving a notification that you received the OTA update, you may download it. To download, follow these steps:

1. Charge the battery to over 50% prior to completing the update.
2. You will receive a notification message when the update is available for you.
3. From the message Notification Screen, touch Download.
4. Touch Install Now.
5. Wait as your phone restarts and completes the update.