Software Update Service Unavailable

[edp56308]

I've had my phone for several months now, and I have never been able to update the software. 

When I go to SETTINGS > ABOUT PHONE > SOFTWARE UPDATE, the Status is shown as "Software is up to date", but the Status last checked on is blank. 

When I select "Check New", it tries to connect, then goes to a "Service Unavailable" message.  I get this message via 3G, 4G, & WIFI  connections, and have always received that same message since I have had this phone.

This is on a Samsung GS-III (SCH-I535).  Android version 4.1.2, Baseband version I535VRBMB1, kernel 3.0.31-861013 (etc, etc).  I have tried multiple soft resets, and multiple hard resets....no changes.

I would really like to have current software on my device, please help!

[edp56308]

....almost forgot, Safe Mode doesn't help either.

[Ann154]

I think android 4.1.2 is the current version for your device right. There is an update planned, but it hasn't been released yet.

[breezex]

As Ann said an update has been announced by Samsung, but the actual OTA delivery date by Verizon is still a mystery.  4.1.2 is the latest version, but my Baseband version and Kernel are different.

[edp56308]

breezex wrote:

As Ann said .... 4.1.2 is the latest version.....

Yes, I *appear* to be current right now, but there is still the case of the error that looks like it will prevent updates.  I also have a suspicion that there are security updates & patches (the small ones that don't roll the version #) not being applied.

As you can see, my build and kernel are off from yours; the build should end VRBMF1 to the best of my understanding....or is that an indication of a different firmware?

[breezex]

My version is later than yours.  The collected wisdom of the following Forum post (especially the last few pages),

https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/784646?start=90&tstart=0

seems to suggest one of the following:

1. Settings> Application Manager> All (at the top right)> scroll down to Google Services Framework. Force Stop and Clear Data or
2. A new SIM is required or
3. Call Verizon Customer Service and ask them to update your account.  This should deactivate and then activate your account.  Be sure and call from a phone other than the one you are having problems with.

[edp56308]

breezex wrote:

......

...suggest one of the following:

1. Settings> Application Manager> All (at the top right)> scroll down to Google Services Framework. Force Stop and Clear Data or
2. A new SIM is required or
3. Call Verizon Customer Service and ask them to update your account.  This should deactivate and then activate your account.  Be sure and call from a phone other than the one you are having problems with.

Hi breezex,

I did try the stop & clear of the Google Services Framework, but it had no effect.

I was planning on calling Customer Service when I had a free hour to waste......but I was distracted by the offer to push an update to my IMEI.  If the push never comes through, or if it doesn't fix the issue, I'll make the call.

[vzw_customer_support]

Thanks for trying some troubleshooting to try to resolve this issue. It looks like you have the correct software, but there was a small firmware update that was pushed a few months ago that it looks like you missed. The current baseband should be I535VRBMF1 and build number JZO54K.I535VRBMF1. Can you please follow my follow request and send me a private message with your IMEI and I'll have our product team attempt to push the update again?

MarquiaF_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[edp56308]

Verizon Wireless Customer Support wrote:

....Can you please follow my follow request and send me a private message with your IMEI and I'll have our product team attempt to push the update again?

MarquiaF_VZW

IMEI has been sent.   How long should I expect to wait for the push? 

[bearone21]

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2013/11/01/galaxy-s3-android-4-3-update-release-date-not-to-expect/

[edp56308]

MarquiaF_VZW, I sent my IMEI like you asked.  I have not received a push, nor a reply on when I can expect it.

[bearone21]

what version are you looking for?

[edp56308]

bearone21 wrote:

what version are you looking for?

My main concern is the "Service Unavailable" message.  I'm not getting any patches or updates.

Yes, I'll want to upgrade to KitKat when that comes out, but I also want the latest version of JB until then.

[bearone21]

kitkat's a ways away, 4.3's got to get here 1st.

[edp56308]

bearone21 wrote:

kitkat's a ways away, 4.3's got to get here 1st.

Like I said, "but I also want the latest version of JB until then"

[breezex]

Did you try any of the things that I suggested?

[vzw_customer_support]

Thanks for your patience edp56308!

Although I cannot provide you a specific time when this push will come to your device, I would like to have you try one last step.

Let's clear the cache partition and then reattempt the update.  Unlike a master reset, wiping the cache partition does not delete your personal data.  To wipe the cache partition, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time:

      • Volume Up key
      • Home key
      • Power key

  3. When the phone vibrates, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
  4. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
  5. Press the Volume Down key to highlight 'wipe cache partition.'
  6. Press the Power key to select and wipe the cache.
  7. With 'reboot system now' highlighted, press the Power key to restart the device.

Let me know how this works out for you.  Thanks!

AnthonyTa_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[edp56308]

AnthonyTa, thanks for the suggestion, but clearing the cache had no effect.

[vzw_customer_support]

Thanks for trying edp56308. Sorry to hear it didn't help. We appreciate your patience with the update push.

JonathanK_VZW
VZW Support
Follow Us on Twitter@VZWSupport

[edp56308 · Accepted solution]

I finally received the push yesterday morning, but I waited ntil I had an available WiFi connection to do the actual download.

After installing, my baseband & build reflected the MF1 update.  Now when I go to SETTINGS > ABOUT PHONE > SOFTWARE UPDATE, and select "Check New", it searches for new updates & gives me a "No new software update available" message.

It's pretty obvious to me that the issue was on the Verizon side, not with my phone.  Whatever actions they went through to send the push had the effect of resolving my problem.

Many thanks to all who offered suggestions & advice!

[CJTLM]

I am having same issue.  Force stopping the Framework Services did nothing...  Thank you