Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 gets Android 7.1 Nougat via AICP ROM
Update Galaxy S3 I9300 to Android 7.1 with CyanogenMod 14.1 Nightly

Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) users are in for some good news as the latest build of CyanogenMod 14.1 Nightly brings Android 7.1 Nougat update for the ageing, former flagship phone. The latest build of CM14.1 ROM has just rolled out today, which supports both dirty flashing and clean installation over earlier releases of CyanogenMod.

Users coming from other custom ROMs like AOSP, AOKP, Slim ROMs, Paranoid Android and Resurrection Remix, are advised to do only a clean or fresh installation after backing up their personal data.

Note: Those who are upgrading from earlier releases of CyanogenMod such as CyanogenMod 13/13.1, and CyanogenMod 14, may go ahead and do the firmware upgrade without having to wipe data or cache.

Interested users can install the latest Android 7.1 CyanogenMod ROM on their Galaxy S3 I9300 by following the step-by-step guide provided below.

IBTimes SG reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the CM14.1 custom ROM installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads Required

Android 7.1 CyanogenMod 14.1 ROM for Galaxy S3 I9300

TWRP recovery

Google Apps (Nano)

Pre-requisites

  • The instructions given in this guide are meant for international variant of Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone
  • Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM
  • 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 USB drivers)
  • Enable USB Debugging mode via Settings > Developer Options (if running Android 4.0 or above) or Settings > Applications > Development (if running Android 2.3 or earlier)
  • Ensure that the device is rooted with custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) installed via Hiemdall or Odin and its bootloader is unlocked

Steps to install Android 7.1 Nougat based CM14.1 ROM on Galaxy S3 I9300

Step 1 - Download Android 7.1 CyanogenMod 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps for Galaxy S3 on the computer.

Step 2 - Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with the USB cable.

Step 3 - Copy the downloaded CyanogenMod ROM zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.

Step 4 - Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer.

Step 5 - Boot the device into Recovery Mode by pressing Volume up, Home and Power buttons on your phone until the Samsung screen appears. Then release the Power button, but continue to hold Home and Volume Up until you return to the main recovery screen.

Step 6 - Once the phone enters into CWM/TWRP Recovery, perform a full data wipe task by clicking Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Use the Volume keys to navigate between options and the Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode.

Step 7 - Then, perform Wipe Cache Partition and wait until the process completes.

Step 8 - Perform Wipe Dalvik Cache as well. To do this, go to the 'advanced' option and then click Wipe Dalvik Cache. This will help in preventing boot loop issues or any boot ROM related errors during firmware installation.

Step 9 - Return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card.

Step 10 - Click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the CyanogenMod ROM zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card and choose it by tapping the Power button. Confirm the ROM installation on the next screen and the installation process will begin.

Note: Repeat Step 9 and Step 10 to install Google Apps (Gapps) as well.

Step 11 - Once both the Gapps and ROM are installed, choose "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu.

The phone will now reboot and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, please be patient.

Your Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 is now running the latest Android 7.1 Nougat update via CM14.1 custom ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.

[Source: XDA]