Galaxy s3 4.1.2 firmware downgrade - problems with IMEI number

Forums › Android › Galaxy s3 4.1.2 firmware downgrade - problems with IMEI number

JohnboyC

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Topic # 148644 25-Jun-2014 21:37

Hi I'm new to all this but my Galaxy S3 was grinding along so badly with the latest software update that I had to try the recommended downgrade back to Android 4.1.2. I selected the firmware from http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/ and did the operation. But now I can't make phone calls or send texts - won't hook up to a network (Skinny is my network). I checked the IMEI number on Skinny and it says its not compatible. Where did I go wrong? And any solutions?

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Reply # 1074755 26-Jun-2014 07:25

Unfortunately IMEI problems can serious. Disrespective managed to wipe his IMEI and had to buy a new phone. This is why you should always do two different IMEI backups before you mess with the firmware.

S3 should be fine with the latest firmware. In your place I'd probably upgrade to what it was before and see how it works. If the IMEI is blank I think the solution is to buy a new phone unfortunately.

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tripp

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Reply # 1074756 26-Jun-2014 07:31

you should be flashing this one

http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-I9300T&pcode=TNZ#firmware

was this the firmware you flashed and is the IMEI the same on the phone as it is on the box for the s3?

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Reply # 1074757 26-Jun-2014 07:33

timmmay: Unfortunately IMEI problems can serious. Disrespective managed to wipe his IMEI and had to buy a new phone. This is why you should always do two different IMEI backups before you mess with the firmware.

S3 should be fine with the latest firmware. In your place I'd probably upgrade to what it was before and see how it works. If the IMEI is blank I think the solution is to buy a new phone unfortunately.

Also if i remember correctly there were a number of reports that some people that were flashing got a "default" IMEI number from the flash.
OP needs to check if the IMEI is the same as on the box.

sbiddle

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Reply # 1074762 26-Jun-2014 07:48

It's likely you've bricked your phone if your IMEI has been reset.

S3 runs fine on the latest 4.3 firmware and is far faster and better than 4.1

JohnboyC

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Reply # 1074773 26-Jun-2014 08:45

Thanks for the advice everyone. Firstly the IMEI number I get when I dial *#06# is different from the one on the sticker behind the battery (I'm assuming it was the same before I messed with things). Secondly I just tried to perform a software update as suggested in the usual way through the settings, but got the message 'failed to update firmware due to network or server problem. Try later or try using PC Kies.' Thirdly, no, that firmware isn't the one I tried on either occasion (I tried two kinds), so I'll give that go now. See what happens...

timmmay

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Reply # 1074780 26-Jun-2014 08:55

Back up your IMEI NOW. I don't remember how I did it, but I remember using two methods - one was an app running on the PC, one was done using a custom boot loader thingy.

It may be too late if the IMEI in the phone has changed, but it won't hurt.

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kiwitrc

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Reply # 1074783 26-Jun-2014 09:02

Have a read through here initially to back up your EFS. If you cant get it back to what it should be, Samsung service can fix it but of course it will cost you.

Stu

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Reply # 1074792 26-Jun-2014 09:15

As sbiddle points out, it sounds like the IMEI has already been compromised. Without a backup of the original, just flashing a new ROM won't fix anything. Sounds terminal.

kiwitrc

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Reply # 1074798 26-Jun-2014 09:28

Have a read of this as well http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/ref-imei-efs-stuff-i9300-including-t2393289

In a nutshell if its corrupt, load the current firmware version and send it in for repair.

Disrespective

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Reply # 1074847 26-Jun-2014 10:25

OK, I feel like it’s my turn to pipe up…

As explained IMEI problems are serious. I still haven’t fixed my S4 with ‘unknown’ IMEI and baseband and have tried everything I can find online. First thing I would say is to not upgrade to a Knox enables firmware. Nobody has written any guides with newer firmwares.

There are a few thinks that looked promising but didn’t work for me with my S4 so might work for you. I will say that I take no responsibility for anything you do from now on…

Option 1: Service Mode rebuild https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53-YgeSl2-8
Option 2: Kies 3 restore http://www.alfredivy.per.sg/blogger/2014/03/efs-folder-imei-corrupted/
Option 3: Qualcomm NVReader/Writer stuff http://www.droidviews.com/backup-and-restore-lost-imei-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-without-root/

Remember, these were found when looking for guides for my S4 so might not apply or work with your S3. There are plenty more tools out there proclaiming their brilliance but if you have an unknown baseband and IMEI you might find you have a lovely internet only device.

timmmay

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Reply # 1074866 26-Jun-2014 10:29

One suggestion I read online was to put the latest available firmware on then send it in to be repaired. Whoever sold it to you or Samsung may be able to fix it as they'll potentially have access to tools that aren't public.

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NikT

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Reply # 1074874 26-Jun-2014 10:49

If you were on 4.3 & downgraded to 4.1.2 it's entirely possible that reflashing to 4.3 will restore radio function. Have seen this happen before. Sometimes software upgrades include actual firmware that cannot be downgraded through the usual means - they're not intended to be reversible upgrades. As others have said, back up what you have now first, then reflash to 4.3 & see how you get on.

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fahrenheit

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Reply # 1074905 26-Jun-2014 11:34

If you have flashed 4.3, then you have a knox bootloader now. Warranty is void, so you will definitely be paying for any servicing.
I would start with trying to backup your efs with every known method (even though its likely corrupt) and then flashing back to 4.3 again.

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Reply # 1074907 26-Jun-2014 11:39

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Indeed, what NikT said. Upgrading the firmware also seems to upgrade the EFS partition information to a new format that older versions can't read.

Another important thing to note:

For the LTE/Qualcomm chipsets (GT-N7105, GT-I9305), doing a backup of /efs _does nothing_. For the Qualcomm chipsets, IMEI information isn't stored there. Instead use EFS Professional

So many newbies still tell people with Qualcomm phones to backup /efs and it's doing nothing. If you have a standard 3G only S3, then yes, /efs is still very important.

The good thing is, as long as you haven't been playing with your /efs partition, you should be fine if you upgrade your modem to the latest version. If that doesn't work, upgrading the phone in its entirety back to 4.3 should fix it.

uglyb0b

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Reply # 1075089 26-Jun-2014 15:52

fahrenheit: If you have flashed 4.3, then you have a knox bootloader now. Warranty is void, so you will definitely be paying for any servicing.

There is no knox bootloader on the S3.

As mentioned by others, there are ways of potentially restoring the IMEI, however it is dependant on whether your phone has an exynos chipset or qualcomm. Which model S3 is it? I9300 or I9305?

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