XXDLI2: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OTA Update for Samsung Galaxy S3

Another day, another leaked Jelly Bean Android 4.1 update for the Galaxy S3, bringing us (hopefully) closer to the official release of the update. XXDLI2 is the latest Android 4.1 update that has leaked for the Galaxy S3, just a day after the XXDLI firmware was leaked. Considering that XXDLI1 was perhaps the most stable leak yet, the official release might indeed happen soon.

“If you have the T-Mobile Galaxy S3, you can try out its first leaked Jelly Bean firmware → here. Or try the port of the T-Mobile Jelly Bean firmware on the Sprint Galaxy S3 → here.”

But for now, let’s focus on XXDLI2. The guide below will walk you through the procedure to install the Jelly Bean update on your Galaxy S3. Make sure to read the instructions carefully as XXDLI2 requires flashing the XXBLG8 Android 4.0 firmware first, so don’t flash it directly over any other firmware version.

Keep in mind that this is a leaked firmware and has not yet been officially released by Samsung and hence could have some issues, so you should wait for the official update to come out if you’re not comfortable with manual flashing. But you can still try it out, as you can always flash back to an Android 4.0 firmware later if needed.

Let’s take a look at how the XXDLI2 Jelly Bean Android 4.1 update can be installed on the Galaxy S3.

Compatibility

This guide to install Android 4.1 Jelly Bean firmware is compatible only and only with the international Galaxy S3, model number i9300. It’s not compatible with the US variants or any other device. Check your device’s model number in: Settings » About phone.

Warning!

The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don’t know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to your device, we won’t be held liable.

How to Install XXDLI2 Jelly Bean Firmware on Galaxy S3

1. [Important!] You might need to wipe data during this procedure. So makes sure to backup your apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc. This Android backup guide would help you. The personal files on the SD cards will not be deleted, so no need to backup those.
2. Install the Android 4.0 XXBLG8 firmware for Galaxy S3 first. Because it’s needed as base for Android 4.1 based XXDLI2 firmware you are looking to install. It’s pretty easy to install but over 750 MB download might take some time — anyway, you gotta install it before hopping on to next step.
3. Once you have XXBLG8 installed, you are good to go for XXDLI2 Jelly Bean firmware. So, let’s download the XXDLI2 now: Download Link. [Alternative Link] Filename: I9300XXDLI2_I9300OXADLI2_I9300XXDLI2_BTU.zip | Size: 809.1 MB
4. Extract the I9300XXDLI2_I9300OXADLI2_I9300XXDLI2_BTU.zip file on the computer to obtain a file named  I9300XXDLI2_I9300OXADLI2_I9300XXDLI2_HOME.tar.md5
5. Download the Odin PC software. If you are new to this, Odin is what is used to flash stuff – firmware, kernels, etc. – on Samsung phones. We’ll use Odin to flash the firmware file obtained in step 4.
   Download Odin3 v3.04   |  Filename: Odin3_v3.04.zip
6. Extract the contents of the Odin3_v3.04.zip file to a folder on your computer. Don’t delete any file inside the folder. Just get the Odin3 v3.04.exe file, to be used later in step 9
7. Now, turn off your Galaxy S3 and wait 9-10 seconds for it to shut down completely.
8. Then, put the Galaxy S3 into download mode. To do so, press and hold these keys together: Volume Down + Home + Power till the screen turns on. Then press Volume Up to enter download mode.
9. Open Odin by double-clicking on the Odin3 v3.04.exe file obtained in step 6
10. Important! Connect your phone to PC now. You should get the message “Added !!” under Odin’s message box in the bottom left.
    • Note: If you don’t get this message, make sure you installed drivers correctly (using Kies directly) as given in step 1. If it still doesn’t work, try changing to another USB port on the computer and also use the USB ports on the back if you have a desktop PC.
11. Click on the PDA button in Odin, then browse to and select the I9300XXDLI2_I9300OXADLI2_I9300XXDLI2_HOME.tar.md5 file obtained in step 4 above.
12. Important! Do not make any other changes in Odin except selecting the required files as given in step 11. Leave all other options as they are. Further, make sure Re-Partition check box is not selected.
13. Now, click the Start button to start flashing the firmware on your phone. When the flashing is complete and is successful, you’ll get a PASS message (with green background) in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin, and the phone will automatically reboot. When you see the Samsung logo, you can safely unplug the cable.
    • Looking for help? What to do if Odin gets stuck or doesn’t do anything? Well, if ODIN gets stuck on setup connection or at any stage of this process after you’ve hit the Start button, and doesn’t seem to be doing anything, or if upon completion of the process you get a FAIL message (with red background) in ODIN, do this: disconnect the phone from the PC, close ODIN, remove battery for 4-5 seconds, re-insert it, turn phone on in Download mode again, and do the procedure again from Step 9.
14. After you get the PASS message, the phone should reboot properly without any problems of any sorts. But there is a chance that  it may get stuck on its boot animation, in which case, there is nothing to worry about and just do as said here. Remember that these steps will wipe your personal data like contacts, apps, messages, etc. If your phone has alreadybooted up properly, skip these steps, your phone has been updated successfully. These additional steps are only for those who have their Galaxy S3 stuck on boot logo while restarting:
    1. Boot to recovery mode — for which, first power off phone (by removing battery and reinserting it), wait for 5-6 seconds, and then press and hold Home + Volume Up + Power keys together till the screen turns on, then let them go to boot into recovery. Once you are in recovery mode, use volume keys to move the selection up and down and home/power key to select the option.
    2. Go to Wipe data/Factory Reset and select it. Select Yes on next screen.
    3. Now, go to Wipe Cache and select it. Confirm Yes on next screen.
    4. Then, select reboot system now to reboot the phone, which will now boot properly.
15. So, you have the latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean firmware booting on your Galaxy S3 now. Just in case if you run into any roadblocks while flashing the firmware, let us know and we’ll help you out.

Do let us know how it works for you and the things you notice in the firmware (like bugs, improvements or new features).

If you wish to, you can also try out few cool custom Jelly Bean ROMs for the Galaxy S3 → here.