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Galaxy S3 & Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Update Release Date Tips

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With the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update release dates on the way, owners are likely gearing up for the big days. Ahead of their arrival, we want to offer Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners some tips on how to handle the upcoming Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update release date when it finally does arrive.

For several weeks now, the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates have been official. But it wasn’t always that way. For much of 2013, owners believed that the devices would be getting an upgrade to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, a piece of software that would replace their stale Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software.

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However, as summer arrived, a rumor fought against that theory and the leaks that accompanied it and suggested that Samsung had changed its plans due to some issues it was experiencing with the software. That same rumor suggested an extremely long wait for Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 software updates. Unfortunately for users, that rumor quickly became a reality.

Several weeks ago, Samsung confirmed Galaxy Gear support updates for the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3, updates that Samsung didn’t outright confirm as Android 4.3 but were assumed to be Google’s last Jelly Bean update. And just a short time ago, Samsung not only confirmed Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3, but it also detailed the updates, saying that they would bring:

  • Samsung KNOX*, a secure and comprehensive mobile solution for enterprises and consumers. (*Galaxy S III 3G version will get Samsung KNOX with a platform security only in select countries.)
  • Smart Switch to seamlessly transfer content from other smartphones to Samsung devices.
  • HomeSync to store, share and enjoy content securely wherever you are.
  • Group Play 2.5 with shared video support.
  • New capabilities provide easier text input, and updated graphics and multimedia.

The company did not confirm release dates for the software but the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update started rolling out just a few days ago ahead of its expected arrival in the United States this month. The Galaxy Note 2 update remains unreleased but it was expected to make its debut a short time after its arrival on Samsung’s former Galaxy S flagship.

The important thing is that the release dates for both are close for millions of users around the world and here, ahead of those dates, we wanted to offer up some tips for Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners who are eager to install Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on their device.

Be Patient

Thanks to a leaked document, Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners have access to some possible release dates for the Android 4.3 update in the United States. And while the document has been dead on in the past, there is no guarantee that it’s going to be accurate for all of the Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S3 updates in the United States.

In fact, according to that document, today is the day that the Sprint Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update is supposed to roll out. That still could happen, but nothing has appeared yet. Point is, owners need to start tempering their expectation and remain patient when it comes to release dates. Often times, companies will need extra time to complete testing, something that is in the benefit of the end user. Nothing is guaranteed.

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As we’ve pointed out, there is no use in complaining or sending carriers messages through social media, they won’t say anything about release dates and will instead offer vague information. Instead, the best thing to do is to just sit back and relax, knowing the software will eventually roll out.

Now, on the release date itself, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners will need to exercise a ton of patience because the software typically takes several days to roll out. In the case of Sprint, which again is thought to be rolling out the update today, it can take well over a week for the roll out to complete. Keep that in mind before throwing the device against the wall on day one.

How to Manually Check for the Android 4.3 Update

While the update will prompt Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 owners when it becomes available Over-the-Air, there is a way to manually check for the update if there is no prompt in the notifications. Simply, head into the device’s Settings, go to the About section of the phone, and check for the update. If there is something available for the device, updates roll out at random so there is no way to determine if it will be there or not, the software will bring up a prompt and the download and installation process will commence.

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This entire process can take some time, depending on internet speeds and depending on how big the update is. We expect these updates to be fairly big in the United States and require users to set aside some time to get the software downloaded and installed.

Avoid This at All Costs

Many Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners are going to want to try and get around the OTA update because of the waiting. Normal, considering the long wait for these pieces of software. We expect to see some manual update tips floating around on day one. One of those tips could be the old Google Framework Service tip that many owners have used in the past to seemingly force an update.

We’re not going to run down the process here because the process should be avoided at all costs. While it was initially thought to be a safe way of forcing the update, we’re now convinced that it causes more trouble than it’s worth. There is a good chance that it will break the Google Play Store on the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 so it should be avoided.

Novice Users: Wait for the OTA

There also may be a way to download the updates early and install them manually. If that’s the case, we highly recommend that novice users, meaning, those with little to no experience manually installing software on their device, avoid the manual installation method. While it may be stable, it has the potential to cause problems, problems that novice users won’t be able to handle.

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Those with minimal experience should avoid any manual installation methods and should instead remain patient and wait for the OTA update to arrive. It may require a few extra days of waiting but it will be worth it.

Prep for Issues

We haven’t seen any major complaints from Samsung Galaxy S3 owners in Europe just yet but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues on board. In fact, we would be shocked if Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners around the world all have a flawless experience with Android 4.3. Software updates fix things but they also break things, and we expect users to run into issues, big and small.

While we can’t say for sure what the Android 4.3 updates might bring, what we can say is that Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners would be wise to find a place on the internet where they can take their issues. Obviously, places like XDA-Developers are the best forums to turn as they have resourceful members. But for those looking for something smaller, Android Forums and Android Central Forums are also good places to turn should something go wrong.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to Android update issues so start looking for the best places to get help right now.

Back Up Files

These days, it’s fairly difficult to completely lose files whether it’s saved games or photos and videos. Cloud storage, auto-backups and more keep files secure in case something goes wrong. That said, we highly suggest making sure that important date on board the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 is backed up before installing the software. Whether that’s ensuring that a fail safe is in place or that’s placing files on a microSD card, it’s smart to make sure that everything is in order before installing the software.

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While we don’t anticipate major issues, there is always a chance that something could go wrong and those that are prepared will be able to weather the storm should it arrive.

Rooted/Unlocked Users Proceed with Caution

This almost goes without saying but Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners who have unlocked their bootloaders or have rooted their phone should proceed with caution once Android 4.3 Jelly Bean arrives. There is always a chance that the software could have devastating results and we advise checking in with the development community before moving ahead.

Those that are experts should have a fairly easy transition process but those that are new to this will want to rely on the community to help guide them through the update process.

23 Comments

23 Comments

  1. southfultonguysfg

    11/06/2013 at 12:27 pm

    The S4 dates for Sprint (10/30) have come and gone. Why should any of the dates be credible?

    • Dan

      11/06/2013 at 2:00 pm

      sprint got there update for the s3 today not verizon

      • Daniel

        11/06/2013 at 7:00 pm

        Hey I have a sprint phone and I haven’t received my update yet 4.3 can u help me out

  2. Brian

    11/06/2013 at 3:26 pm

    I have an s3 on sprint and haven’t received any updates

    • Daniel

      11/06/2013 at 7:02 pm

      Same here too Brian it irritates me that I haven’t received the update yet

  3. Jared Condie

    11/06/2013 at 3:35 pm

    To force the OTA update, here is what you do:
    Settings>Manage Applications>All
    **Find ‘Google Service Framework’**
    FIRST- Clear the data then Force Stop (DO NOT DISABLE!)

    **if you happen to disable, you will not see the play store, as mentioned above- To fix this, go to the bottom and find Google Service Framework, and ENABLE**

    Now that you Cleared data and force stopped the Framework, check for the update
    Settings>Software Update>Firmware>Check New

    If the OTA does not prompt to download, repeat the steps above, restart your phone every once in awhile, and check again.
    This has worked for me and many many others in the past! I am not liable for anything you F—- Up on your phone.

    Cheers!

    • Spencer Hansen

      11/06/2013 at 7:15 pm

      Did this work for you today? I’ve tried this a million times with no results.

  4. anto

    11/06/2013 at 4:06 pm

    After updating my s3 (Ireland Vodafone) so far the only problem i have is it take longer to access phone when its in key lock screen stays black for about a minute before i can swipe to access phone

    • ROLLL

      11/06/2013 at 6:31 pm

      Same with me here..damn..

  5. Dan

    11/06/2013 at 6:48 pm

    I’m waiting for verizon to sent there updates for the s3 probable be waiting for along time.

  6. Daniel

    11/06/2013 at 7:08 pm

    Can someone help me how to update the sprint s3 to 4.3 because I haven’t received any update
    Yet

  7. Lauren

    11/06/2013 at 9:51 pm

    Will there be an update for Note 2 N7105?

  8. prashant saxena

    11/07/2013 at 6:25 am

    Carrier networks getting update… but what about international unlocked model ?? No news and no attention.. ???

  9. Cyndi

    11/07/2013 at 7:04 am

    Does anyone know what’s included in the new update, specifically, I have a problem printing from my Note 2 to an HP printer…will this be possible with the fix?

  10. dan

    11/07/2013 at 6:48 pm

    My phone doesn’t get the international updates I have the verizon sch-i535

    • omar

      11/07/2013 at 10:49 pm

      Can someone please reply and help me I live in uae and my galaxy s3 didn’t get 4.3 update not on OTA and not on kies also

  11. Spencer Hansen

    11/08/2013 at 11:23 am

    Ok just so you all know. I spoke to a Sprint Agent yesterday who informed me that Sprint HAS NOT released the 4.3 OTA update for the Galaxy s3 as of yet. So the leaked document is not entirely correct.

    • Jonny

      11/08/2013 at 11:59 am

      No way really? We couldn’t tell by the fact nobody has gotten it yet. /sarcasm

  12. tony

    11/09/2013 at 7:00 am

    I downloaded and installed 4.3 leaked test firmware manually using odin. Although it seems to be working fine with no problems I haven’t really noticed many improvements. Unless anything else is added after this leaked firmware was released I wouldn’t be too impatient about getting the update. Not as good as I was expecting. No photosphere camera (although I downloaded the apk from x da developer page and installed it manually) no smart scroll or smart pause as seen on the galaxy note 3 and no air view. Pretty disappointing really.

  13. Asim

    11/19/2013 at 10:56 pm

    i am very exciting to get 4.3 in my note 2
    plz notify me on my mail…

  14. Corey Blanar

    11/27/2013 at 2:17 pm

    T-Mobile pushed the 4.3 update about 2 weeks ago and I haven’t had any problems with this update. Surprisingly, Verizon and Sprint haven’t been updated yet, they are usually first. AT&T was really late with the 4.1.2 but it still came.

  15. Naveed khan

    12/06/2013 at 3:37 am

    Samsung galaxy note 2 No update 4.3 jelly beans U.A.E why ?
    Please help me.

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