RE: Possible fix for disastrous firmware update

[llamee]

Regarding the possible fix I first posted when this began - I'm sorry to say it does not last.  Like the others, I loose all data connections when I have two bars or less of 4G service.  The only quick solution - call Verizon and have the phone replaced if still under warranty.  I activated my replacement phone today and life is back to normal.  I did notice that as soon as the phone started service, it immediately wanted to update.  I reluctantly agreed and was upgraded to 4.1.2 again.  This time though, there were no problems.  Also, I noticed the build number is different from my wife's phone (which is going to be replaced thanks to the update).  The bad build number JZ054K.I535VRBMD3, the good build version - JZ054K.I535VRBMB1.  What is interesting to me though is that this version says it's 4.1.2, yet it contains none of the bloatware that was contained in the update that ruined LTE and has a different build number.  Also, it does not contain the multi-window feature.  Either way, the refurbished phone is the way to go until the software is fixed, and who knows when that will be.

Also, per the Verizon rep I spoke with twenty minutes ago, there is still no official news or acknowledgement of the software problem.  She had me change my global data roaming settings as that was suggested as a possible fix to them via email.

Very disappointed Verizon will not release news on this or even admit there's an issue.  Nothing against the reps on here trying to help; however, factory resets, battery pulls, SIM pulls, etc., are not the fix.  It's a pure software nightmare.

[one-off-customer888]

They will just repeat some bureaucratic bullshit. They need to admit theres a problem or their ganna drive customers away

[brinleesmom]

I've had this issue for over a week now. It's ridiculous. I went to my Verizon store twice in the last five days. They agreed to give me a refurbished Galaxy 3 and are overnighting it. Is it worth it to activate it or should I wait it out? It's annoying and I'm not equipped to figure this stuff out on my own!! I just want the stupid phone that I pay a boatload for to work!

[llamee]

I debated that myself for a few days when the rep told me it was a reconditioned phone.  I was not happy to let go of a new phone that I paid for in exchange for a reconditioned phone.  Ultimately, I decided to keep an open mind.  Out of the box, the phone looked brand new - absolutely no way of telling it was reconditioned.  Once activated, the 4G was back to normal - none of the issues that I had after the update victimized us all.  If there was no change, Verizon was going to get the reconditioned phone back and I would have just waited for the fix.

The deciding factor for me was do I really want to wait for the software to be fixed and then hope for the best, or do I want it working now until the issue is resolved.  Being that Verizon has yet to admit there's an issue, I decided to keep the reconditioned phone.  If you open it, it looks new, the build number is JZ054K.I535VRBMB1, and it works, I would keep it.  You always have a day or two to see if there's a change before you return one of them.

We could all stop guessing if Verizon would just tell us something at this point.

[brinleesmom]

Thanks llamee! I guess I will see if that helps. I'm glad people are posting about their experiences. I've been to the Verizon store twice and they were nice, but couldn't help. I'm not very tech savvy so it helps to have people break things down so I can understand them!

[llamee]

Glad to help. Hopefully it works out but I think you'll be happy with the reconditioned phone when the 4G is back.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

[Sues_Galaxy_sIII]

I going to jump in here with a post.  After searching and reading it confirms what I already figured out.  It is a Verizon problem and not a phone issue.  I have been on the phone for over a week and even had a replacement phone after jumping through all the hoops with resets etc.  None of these options have worked for me.  Sent the replacement phone back same day after setting it up and still had the same problem.  Verizon finally came close to admitting they had a problem.  I am really angry and frustrated because I use my phone for everything.  Paid a lot of money for the phone and the service and the service is horrible.  Can't use data, only 3g when it is working and have to use wifi at home and work!  Completely unacceptable.  So I will try to wait it out for a fix but considering changing to another provider.  I've been with Verizon for many many years and hate this is going on. 

[AdamZe]

I agree.  I got the reconditioned phone and couldn't be happier.  It will take MONTHS for Verizon and Samsung to get a fix out.  I have no patience to wait for that.  My CLNR is also on the previous build and it's perfect.

[steve02045]

I posted this on the Verizon Wireless FB page (it was removed in seconds) ...

When will there be a fix for the recent "broken" 4.1.2 build JZ054K.I535VRBMD3 firmware update
for Samsung Galaxy S3?

[AdamZe]

I'm sure it will be removed from here to.

[tawii1]

I know it's probably a crazy thing to do since I could probably ask for a reconditioned phone but I've started carrying around my Jetpack everywhere and using a WiFi connection.  Obviously the Jetpack has no issues with 4G LTE connectivity.

[gagaya]

My phone was the best of the smart phone, but It became Junk and worst smart phone.

Can not use internet, include google navigation, It become hot..and battery drain.

I hope verizon fix for this problems as soon as possible.

[fwdiva]

I called yesterday for a replacement with no problem as I did have a problem with the first rep the day before that. The rep I talked to yesterday firmly admitted that Verizon is aware of the issue as they sent out a mass communication e-mail to all their reps. Hello! Maybe all these reps haven't taken the time to read the e-mail...to that I say wow!! Anyway, I was in chat with my rep and she didn't make me reset or anything because she knew the problem was the update. Whew!! So glad! My phone was shipped yesterday and overnighted to arrive today. She said whatever you do, DO NOT accept the update. I said you bethcha, I sure don't want to miss listening to my all time favorite Kidd Kraddick in the morning show til they decided who is to blame and get a fix sent to us. I have no type of data connection inside buildings and I am grandfathered into unlimited. I can't do without my morning show ! Hope everyone finds a good rep like mine and sends them a phone to fix this data problem. I pay too much like I told her to just use my S3 as a regular phone and only when I'm outside! She said she hears that! Anyway if you call and they start walking you through a bunch of fixes, tell them to read the mass e-mail about this S3 update problem and to just send you a replacement phone cause trying to run through all that reboots, sim reset, hard phone reset...."AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR DAT!" I will never again update any phone until I first wait a few months to find out all the problems and decide if it's worth it or not! Good Day!!

[llamee]

When you activate the replacement phone, it will automatically update. If you defer, it will update on it's own later. It's ok though. The update it installs is not the same update that victimized us. I've done this on two replacement phones with no issues.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

[AdamZe]

I had the same experience.  It did update to 4.1.2 but the previous build number and it's working beautifully.

[tigertoi]

We went through the reset via Verizon Tech support just now on the phone. The same SW is still there. The 4G signal is still random like it was after the update. They are sending me a replacement phone. I love my S3 and unfortunately this SW update did it's damage to the phone. I knew I should have waited to see what happens with the updates before jumping on it. But I didn't research it before hand.

Hopefully the replacement phone doesn't go through the same issue. I even tried going to check for new updates after the reset, but the phone seems to think it is up to dat though I see there is another revision out there from what the version number for the build tells me.

Good luck getting your phones to work. Hope something works out soon. We have the best coverage between all carriers and we pay a premium for it. Once the 4G goes away or is random, what are we paying for???????? Maybe a line with 2 cans on it will be better until it's fixed!!!!!!!!!

[llamee]

I guess the only positive here is that we're all getting phones that look brand new and without the issues.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

[fwdiva]

Can you give me the build # that your replacement phone updated to? I don't want to be duped again!! I just deferred one on my replacement but it shows as the MD3 that messed up my phone.

[llamee]

Jzo54k.i535vrbmb1 is what it updated to and is safe.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

[Smyles_P]

I just got a replacement device on Saturday, and it has the JZ054k.I535VRBMB1 build. It never prompted me to do an update, nor is one available when I attempt to perform a Software Update via the phone's settings.

So if you get a replacement, it will not automatically update you to this "broken" update.

[slowwevo]

Sorry Smyles_P you my friend are wrong,the new refurb auto installed the bad version  "VRBMD3"5 days ago,Way after the auto update for the broken version  was pulled