[T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII] Towle:
[SIZE=+3]Frequently Asked Questions[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy SIII SGH-T999[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=+1]This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Q1: How do I root this thing?[/SIZE]

Here are the two most popular methods:root66....ToolKit. Refer to the threads for instructions.​

[SIZE=+1]Q2: How to I enter Download Mode and Recovery?[/SIZE]

Make sure your phone is unplugged and powered off.

Download Mode: Hold Volume down, home and power until you see the green dude.

Recovery: Hold Volume up, home and power. Once your phone vibrates, let go of just the power button.​

[SIZE=+1]Q3: What is this 'Flash Counter' everybody is talking about?[/SIZE]

Your phone's flash counter is triggered when it detects custom firmwares. This is Samsung's way of knowing that you have modded your device. But thanks to the awesome people at XDA, there are ways around this. Refer to This Thread.​

[SIZE=+1]Q4: Why does my phone sit at the Samsung logo after I flashed a ROM?[/SIZE]

The most common cause of this is not properly wiping your device prior to flashing. It can also be caused from flashing a mod that won't work with your current setup. But whatever the reason was, it can be fixed by wiping data, cache, and dalvik cache in recovery.​

[SIZE=+1]Q5: Why is my phone restarting itself? And why does my screen turn on by itself?[/SIZE]

There have been numerous reports of faulty power buttons causing this to happen. More than likely this is your issue, but it wouldn't hurt to Odin back to stock and see if the issue is resolved.​

[SIZE=+1]Q6: Can I accept an OTA update even though my phone is rooted?[/SIZE]

The only way you can accept an OTA update if you are rooted, is if you have stock recovery and your device status is "normal." If those two things apply to you, then search for the app called "OTA Root Keeper." If you cannot accept the OTA, refer to the root66 thread linked to in Q1.​

[SIZE=+1]Q7: Why do I need to wipe my data every time I flash a ROM?[/SIZE]

This is to ensure that nothing is left over from your previous ROM that will interfere (cause issues) with the new ROM. It is always best to fully wipe between ROM's. It will take a lot less time to set up your phone than it will to troubleshoot issues, then have to wipe anyways.​

[SIZE=+1]Q8: What is the best ROM/Kernel/Modem for this phone?[/SIZE]

Nobody can answer this question for you, so please refrain from asking it. Each person has their own personal preferences and wants/needs. No phones are created equal, therefore one person might have an issue whereas the next person does not. The best thing to do is read the OP of each thread to see which one has the features you want, read the last 10 or so pages of the thread to see how things are going, then TRY IT! Here is a good starting point.​

[SIZE=+1]Q9: Why is my battery dying so fast?[/SIZE]

There are many factors that play into this. First of all, if you just flashed a ROM, give it 2-3 charge cycles before judging battery life as it can take a while to settle. The next step is to download a battery monitoring app, such as GSam Battery Monitor, to see exactly what is draining your battery. Refer to this thread for tips on how to extend battery life.​

[SIZE=+1]Q10: People have been complaining that they hear echoing when talking to me on the phone, why?[/SIZE]

Go into your call settings and enable noise reduction. If that does not help, refer to the threads for your current ROM and/or kernel as it may be a known issue.​

[SIZE=+1]Q11: How do I return my phone to 100% stock unrooted, with a zero flash counter?[/SIZE]

Refer to this thread.​

[SIZE=+1]Q12: What is ADB and how do I use it?[/SIZE]

[GUIDE] ADB Workshop and Guide for everyone​

[SIZE=+1]Q13: Why don't I have signal? Why is my IMEI gone?[/SIZE]

Refer to this thread to fix your IMEI and restore 4G. Be sure to follow ALL steps.​

[SIZE=+1]Q14: When will this phone receive an update? What about a new phone coming out?[/SIZE]

Find discussion on these topics here and here.​

[SIZE=+1]Q15: I have searched everywhere and still can't find an answer to my question..?[/SIZE]

Have you really searched everywhere? Google? Asked in the thread of which your question pertains to? Read the stickies? If you have honestly spent more than 5-10 minutes searching for an answer, post a new thread in the q&a section.​

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