yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] xlylegaman:
Straight Talk Version

So since the SCH-S960L is a Sprint Variant phone in a way, lets just I wanted to restore using Sprint firmware, will that work? I've read the couple of posts about this model, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of information about it, at least not yet. I'm referring to those Full Data/Root restore files.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Samsung Kies recognizes the S960L, and has the firmware in it's database. You can easily restore thr factory firmware directly from Samsung.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] xlylegaman:
SCH-S960L

Thank you for the reply, now is it possible for it to soft brick if I install Sprint firmware? I've actually gotten CW recovery installed and rooted, so my worries are less now since I have a backup
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
You could have issues flashing Sprint firmware on a non Sprint phone.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] PagePlusFan1:
thank you for the easy to follow guide.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] MJGirl:
Thanks for the guide!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Before I did ANYTHING, I made sure that the Straight Talk firmware wss available...Kies list the exact factory firmware version that comes on the phone, right out of the box.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] disneytoy:
Need instruction regarding OTA update

Hi Guys!

This thread was much help in rooting my Sprint S3 several months ago. I've been getting the notice to install an update. Originally I was avoiding it. But its getting annoying. When I said install, it rebooted into TWRP recover. My understanding is that is normal but I can't install the updates it wants to install. I've attached pics. I'm not running any roms just ROOT and TWRP. & 4.1.1.

I'd appreciate any instructions on how to allow the updates (If I should?) and how to get my ROOT back if that is removed.

Thanks in advance for your help/

Maxi
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
No need to unroot. Just flash an updated stock rooted Rom.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] gijoecam:
For those of us less tech savvy, where would we find an updated stock rom? Not all of us have the answers to what seem like obvious answers to you.

Or maybe you could answer the question of how one can un-root their phone, install the update, and re-root it.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I almost ignored you due to the sarcasm... Did you even look? My guess is that you didn't. You just wanted it spoon fed to you. There are only two places in this forum with roms for the sprint gs3 Sprint Galaxy S III Android Development or Sprint Galaxy S III Original Android Development. The one you are looking for is in the 1st of the two...

More precisely below...

[ROM|Stock Rooted] 4/24/13 Sprint TouchWiz Jelly Bean 4.1.2 (L710VPBMD4) Odex/DeOdex
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] gijoecam:
I did not... but I didn't ask the question or reply with a non-answer either.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I gave you the answer to your question. Around here you look first and ask if you can't find it. If you think that harsh, there's folks here that will certainly be much worse.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
FYI/UPDATE:

OFFICIALLY ENTERING GUINEA PIG MODE! MULTIPLE BACKUPS AND ABOUT TO TEST ROMS ON THE STRAIGHT TALK S3!

HOPEFULLY POSITIVE UPDATES TO COME...SOON!!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
I appear to have found the first issue flashing the first Sprint S3 ROM...

...the camera doesn't seem to work.

Carbon ROM for Sprint S3.

Any thoughts? Stock kernel maybe?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] carrot0p23:
GS3 with Net10, sch-s960l.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 through Net10. My phone is currently "soft bricked". I'm trying to set it back to stock settings, but I'm having issues. Any help? Thanks.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Carrot0p23...I sent you a pm.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
What is your phone doing?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] carrot0p23:
Some where along the lines of trying to root my phone, something went wrong and now I'm stuck on the warning screen where it gives me access to the download screen. Sometimes I get stuck on the error screen where it says "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies and try again." (The isssue with that is Kies doesnt support Net10 gs3) I just want to get my phone back to normal or root it properly. Also, all the videos I watched on rooting my phone said to enable debugging, but I didn't see that before I got stuck on those screens, therefore I can't enable debugging.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
This guide tells you in a note under preparing your phone, to turn on usb debugging. You must have missed it...

This root method was was written for the sprint phone. I have no idea if it will work on your phone or not.

You should be able to pull your battery out and unplug your phone from the computer. Reinstall the battery and restart your phone. Go in and set usb debugging on.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] kirios:
What is your phone doing ........................??????
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
He said it was soft bricked and nothing in his description indicated anything was wrong. Hi is not supposed to be using kies for anything. As a matter of fact kiesv should not even be installed on your computer when using odin.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
And, as I stated before, quoting from numerous rooting guides, most from Xda and from my own personal experience, KIES CAN BE INSTALLED BUT MAKE SURE PRIOR TO RUNNING ODIN THAT KIES IS NOT ALSO RUNNING AT THE SAME TIME.

Thanks to most software installers, when you install a program on your computer, like Kies, there are checkboxes which most people ignore, one of those being whether the program should run at startup. In haste, most people will just rapidly the ok button to get through all the installer dialog instead of reading what they are installing.

I am in total agreement with Skunk Ape1 on the fact that researching your phone as much as possible before attempting to mod it is definitely the way to go.

I researched for 3 months before I found a root method for my S2!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] BuckMulligan:
Thanks for the step-by-step procedure. Rooted in minutes without a hitch. This is why I love XDA.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] simplyafederalist:
Fixed yet

I was looking at rooting my Simple Talk SIII phone this week that I just got, however I would like the camera to work before I try this. Did you ever figure out the issue and fix it?

I know it has not even been a week, but I don't like people limiting software on hardware I own to one marketplace/portal. Reeks of Monopolistic Tyranny.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
If you root on stock touchwiz rom there are no issues. I haven't had the chance to try any third party apps to figure out if they would fix the problem or not, yet.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Rooting your phone won't effect your camera. Flashing a Sprint Rom will.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CyberGmonster:
Quick question skunk or anyone that can answer. Do we still have to use a pc and odin to root still?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] shinesthru:
I believe if you have a custom recovery, TWRP or CWM, there is a flashable zip to root.

Edit: the root from recovery zip is in the OP.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CyberGmonster:
But don't I have to use Odin for custom recovery purpose?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
You flash custom recovery one time with odin. Then use custom recovery to flash Roms and mods. Unless you want to go back to stock you really don't have to use odin again.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
If you don't have custom recovery on your phone you must use odin and a desktop to root. You can't root without it as far as I know.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CyberGmonster:
Ok...so basically a pc is still required and odin. I was hoping there was a file I could just DL directly to my phone and get root by now. TWRP been going bonkers on me lately so odin and pc been my best friend as of late..lol. ok..thanks.:)
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
TWRP never seemed to work right for me. CWM, on the other hand, has never failed me. I really like the touch version.

FYI: Still experimenting w/Sprint S3 roms on Straight Talk S3.

Full update w/reviews, bug fixes, etc coming soon!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] shinesthru:
If you have a custom recovery installed, which it sounds like you do, you don't need Odin. If you are reluctant to use TWRP that is currently installed, flash the most recent CWM. You can install via Rom Manager, or there is a development thread on these forms with flashable versions of both recoveries. You really don't need to go through all the work to Odin via PC. Out of curiosity, what version of TWRP are you running? I've never had the problems you are talking about. Also, it might be helpful if you haven't already to update your bootloader. Freeza's stock rooted MD4 ROM thread has a flashable all-in-one (AIO) zip.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] CyberGmonster:
Been on the latest TWRP. Had issues with the previous version but never had issue with asking for a password when I never setup for one..then it block out my internal storage and won't boot into current ROM which then leave me no choice but to Odin back to stock. I been flashing like crazy tho...different Roms every other day..lol. As of right now I didn't root it back, so I am stock/factory no root. Was being lazy I guess so I was trying to see if there was a way to root without having to hook my phone back up to the PC. I will be using CWM. Done with TWRP for a while.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Stlouizsin:
Hi, I have a boost mobile phone but I have the same model #. Can I still use this root method?

Thanks!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
For rooting on the stock rom, I would say, yes. Just make sure to make a backup before you get started. If for some reason root doesn't stick and you followed the guide TO THE LETTER, try installing the Stericson version of BusyBox from the Play Store.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Stlouizsin:
Root was able to stick. Now I've been looking for twrp 2.5 but cant find it. Wish me luck.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] maizekidstill81:
Will this method work with the new updates ? I was going to use the tool kit that is available but it doesn't have the correct version in there.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
2nd paragraph of the op

-----NOTE-----

This method will root ANY software version for the Sprint GalaxyS3.

Sent from my INFECTED GS3
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Stlouizsin:
You will have to donate. Are you on boost mobile?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] maizekidstill81:
No I'm on Sprint. That's what I'm hearing

---------- Post added at 09:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 PM ----------

Oh okay thank you, read that but just want sure, wanted to ask.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Not sure what you mean. You will have to donate for what?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I will see if I can get 2.5 for you. However I feel the version here is better.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] ScrapHappy:
I am another Straight Talk SCH-S960L user and I wanted to verify that these instructions also worked to root my phone successfully (and easily). Thanks a lot to the OP for putting the information together in such an easy to use way, and to Sol for sharing his experiences rooting this phone. I searched high and low on the vast plains of the internet and could find no information about rooting this phone at all until DocHoliday77 voluntarily helped me track down this information. I owe him a huge thanks too, not only for finding this post but also guiding me through the process to be sure I have backups as well as a successful root. Thanks all!

Lisa

Asus Slider SL-101 (rooted and running ICS)

Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy S3 SCH-S960L (rooted, still running JB for now)
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Anything to help a fellow Android user.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Question for the Straight Talk S3 users:

Do any of you have issues sending or receiving mms/picture messages?

I can receive them but I am unable to send them. This was an issue before I rooted the phone...just wondering.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] ScrapHappy:
I double checked and MMS works fine on mine, Sol.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
You wouldn't happen to know where to get the stock software/firmware for the straight talk gs3, buddy of mine soft bricked his and needs the stock .tar for Odin to fix it...

Sent from my GS3 with a kernel you wish you had! :)
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Thanks Scrap!

---------- Post added at 07:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 PM ----------

Kies has the stock firmware. Try SamMobile too...they usually have all the stock firmware.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] xinvaj:
SCH-S960L

hi unlimitedsol77

i have the same S3 from Straight Talk and was wondering if there is any custom roms that works 100% on the phone. i want to activate wifi hotspot on my phone but it seems that this phone does not support it. Maybe theres a coustom rom that will work for it? Please let me know as soon as you can.

Thank you, Xinvaj
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Have only tested a couple...none of which worked 100%.

I've been trying to get the memory swap mod from highonandroid.com to work...to no avail!

I will be trying out some others soon...

STAY TUNED!

I will also be posting links to my website that should be up soon!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] xinvaj:
Cool. Just keep it updated. Thank you for all your hard work. Everyoneis trying their best to figure out how to make it function 100%. I'm trying to figure out myself too. Lets help each other out to make this thing fully functional
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Sounds good to me, xinvaj!

I really need to talk, one-on-one, with someone about setting up my site, that has firsthand experience.

I plan on doing an all-inclusive site, Android-focused of course, with reviews of products like new handsets, tablets, accessories, apps, development, etc.

There will also be news, calendar of upcoming events, tutorials and I'm currently building a set for recording a weekly video and audio podcast.

It's just really hectic right now as I have 4 kids ranging in age from 12 to a set of twin boys that are 6, and they're out of school for the summer.

When I get everything together, I will post sn announcement, here, on the greatest forum in the world XDA!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
ANYBODY ELSE...??

5AM...I'M WOKEN UP WITH THIS NOTIFICATION GREETING ME...

Any other StraightTalk S3 owners get this? If so, ant idea as to what the update contains?Sent from my SCH-S960L using xda app-developers app
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Sorry... Don't know why the screenshot posted twice...??

This is my first time dealing w/any kind of update AFTER ROOTING...What should I do?? Unroot, install, then try to reroot?

Any advise!! Do not want to brick my daily driver!!
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] unlimitedsol77:
Soft Bricked My S960L

Installed the update...but failed to install!!

Installed an AOKP ROM for testing only to find out that like all of the ROMs I've tested so far. the camera didn't work.

Rebooted into CWM through ROM Manager to restore the backup I had made just prior to flashing the test ROM.

NO BACKUP FOUND!!

Rebooted system, made a backup through ROM Manager.

Apps began to force close left and right.

Rebooted into recovery through ROM Manger to restore most recent backup.

Restored, rebooted system...

Phone never goes past SAMSUNG Logo!!

OH, AND, KIES WOOULDN'T CONNECT WITH IT EITHER JUST BEFORE THE SOFT BRICK EITHER!!

Waiting for stock Sprint Firmware to download now! If the stock firmware doesn't work I've got a couple more ideas!!

---------- Post added at 04:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:22 AM ----------

Anyone have a stock or stock rooted backup zip image for their S960L that we could put up for download??

Or a link to the factory firmware for the S960L??
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
This is a guide for how to root the SPRINT GS3. Not a general discussion. If you feel the need to discuss other subjects please open another thread in the appropriate forum.

Thank you.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] jormeno1982:
PCI Simple Communications Controller

During the first portion of this epic adventure i would like to take I got this error when I plugged my phone into my pc it installed the drivers successfully except for one rouge one. PCI Simple Communications Controller, How can I resolve this? Can I continue anyways?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] flastnoles11:
Boot into download mode, open Odin, connect phone... If it connects with Odin you're good (you'll know because a COM box will appear in Odin)

“It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power."” ― David Brin
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
It could be as simple as the usb cable or port you are using. I would remove and reinstall the drivers. I would try it again and plug your phone into a usb port that does not go through pci card.

If that doesn't help open Odin and plug your phone into the computer.

If Odin recognizes your phone. There will be com and any number in the com id block. If Odin recognizes your phone, there is a good chance it will work.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] jormeno1982:
Root successfully

I successfully rooted phone and verified it i made an inbound and outbound call that works but getting an error msg when using sms error 34 network problem. I can receieve text but cant send. I am using an airave at this time

i updated PRL and did hands free activation

update when I disconneted my airave i was able to send and receive texts with no problems. so issue is with airave
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] anees02:
Thank you i rooted my sprint galaxy s3 successfully but....my wifi doesn't work...i can not enable it..........why?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I couldn't tell you but it shouldn't have anything to do with rooting the phone. All you did was install an app that enables superuser privileges. Nothing in the rooting of your phone could cause this. Try rebooting your modem and router.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Yes it works with all software versions for the Sprint GS3.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I also had the og epic. I know your pain. This phone is light years ahead of it and the roms are much more stable. I run wicked sensations and it is as stable and reliable as the software that came with the phone.

That being said, rooting your phone should have no effect on it's stability.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] amadeo38:
Thanks man!

In an earlier post, you mention that if we wanted to accept the 4.2 update (assuming we will get this eventually) we would have to re-flash to stock recovery. How does one go about doing that?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
I will provide the stock recovery if needed. It is already posted in several places here. I will also add the stock recovery zip to the root kit. To go back to stock recovery you will just flash the zip in custom recovery.

Reinstalling stock recovery is only one method of updating. There will most likely be 4 or 5 different methods to get your update. Some of which you will be able to do without removing root or custom recovery.

When it comes time to update, I will make a thread very much like I did at AC. Click here for sample of what to expect.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Binary Droids:
Thanks OP for this quick and easy guide. Not new to the Android scene, but just got my S3 today and got root on the first try with your guide. It's a little awkward trying to hold all three buttons at once as I'm coming from an S2 and only had to hold two, but it's doable. Again, THANKS! :victory:
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Yup... the most common mistake people make is letting their phones reboot before flashing the team epic file in recovery.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] amadeo38:
Have you been able to use wifi tether with this root? I cant get the wifi tether app(s) to work (wifi tether or barnacle) with any of their settings (i tried every combination).

Just wondering if all roots are equal or if this root could be different than others or if it is a product of JellyBean (Android 4.1.1) not being compatible with wifi tether apps just yet?
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
It has nothing to do with the root process. It is JellyBean, Wifi tether doesn't work with JellyBean unless you have the hacked version of wifi tether found HERE
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] amadeo38:
I stumbled across this modded wifi tether shortly after my last post and it didn't work at first until I installed the SuperSU program from the Play Store.

Thanks for your help again.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] ThisIsDanial@gmail.com:
Ahh thanks for the great guide SkunkApe but I have 1 question..

I'm a complete idiot and tried to root at 3 in the morning and I'm half asleep and I didn't realize that the option "F. Reset Time" was still checked and I clicked Start on Odin. I started to panic after about a minute because your guide says it should only take about 10-20 seconds to get that Success message. Anyways after 2 minutes and 5 seconds I got the message and proceeded to flash TWRP recovery and start up my phone. Everything works fine and I see I have Superuser as well. My question is should I re-root since I messed up the initial process or should I just leave it be and thank god nothing happened? Lol thanks again.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Just turn off phone. Boot into recovery by pressing power up, volume and home keys simultaneously and releasing all when you see Samsung. If you boot into twrp or cwm (the root kit came with cwm) your recovery stuck and you should be ok. If you boot into stock recovery you will have to start over.

You can check your root with an app from the play store called root checker.

If you are rooting for wifi hotspot, you will also need to install SuperSU, also available for free at the play store. Then go here for the hacked tether app. hacked version of wifi tether found HERE
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] ThisIsDanial@gmail.com:
Hmmm... I have superuser installed and everything and I did use the root checker app and it did verify I had root access. But then I downloaded Titanium Backup and Rom Toolbox and they both said they couldn't attain root access. I then went to update superuser and after it downloads the new binary it fails because it can't get root access. I also just rebooted into recovery and it went back to CWM recovery. Looks like the TWRP recovery didn't stick when I flashed it last night. Any ideas on what I should do now? :/ Sorry for being a noob lol.

EDIT: Ran root checker app again and this time it tells me I don't have root access. :/ Remind me not to try and root a brand new GS3 while I'm half asleep -______-
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] Skunk Ape1:
Yup... You will have to start over. Remember to uncheck auto reboot and make sure you flash root from recovery in recovery before you allow your phone to start. Our it won't stick.

BTW... the root kit comes with cwm not twrp. If you want to flash twrp that's fine but you need to get the team epic root from recovery flashed. You can worry about flashing twrp after getting your root to stick.
[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III] ThisIsDanial@gmail.com:
Ahh so I'll do the process over again. And yea its Team Epic why in the hell do I keep saying TWRP -___-. Wow. What a day lol. You think I should do a factory data reset and set it back to stock and then try again? Or just try to root again having my phone as is? :eek: Thank you so much by the way :) You're great!

EDIT: I did the rooting process over again, (the correct way this time lol) and still no root access. Maybe I do have to factory reset and try again.