The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini is more than 2-years-old now which explains why the phone manufacturer has ceased all the updates for it. However, that does not mean that we won’t see the last of the S3 Mini.
This lower-end version of the original S3 is now in the care of CyanogenMod which means that users can still update their device to the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat. This is through rooting the S3 Mini and installing the CM11 custom ROM built specifically for it.
The custom KitKat, developed by NovaFusion, comes with all the features like those on the original KitKat. On top of that, users get full access to all the great CM apps.
If you wish to update your S3 Mini, simply follow the simple instructions below. On the contrary, it is only meant for the GT-I8190 and GT-I8190N models.
Pre-requisites
– Verify that your phone has access to latest custom recovery tools such as TWRP v2.6.3.0 and higher or CWM v6.0.4.5 and above.
– Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
– Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S3 Mini USB drivers).
– Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE: Tap the device’s Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
– Make sure the device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
– Ensure the phone is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery installed.
Flashing Instruction
– Connect the Galaxy S3 Mini to computer via USB cable and copy the downloaded ROM and Google Apps zip files to the root folder on the phone’s SD card.
– Disconnect the USB cable and Power off the phone. Wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
– Now press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together, until the Galaxy S3 mini logo appears on screen.
– Then release all three buttons at the same time to boot into recovery mode. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
– Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress) and choose Yes on next screen to confirm the action.
– Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage > Format System and click Yes on next screen to confirm.
– From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.
– Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CM11 firmware file which you copied earlier to your phone’s SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.
– Repeat this for the Google App package.
-Once the firmware is installed, select “+++++Go Back+++++” and reboot the phone by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S3 mini will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.
