Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available...

**Sincs** · 12-15-2012, 05:43 AM

I've got a international GS3 and I just checked for new updates using the phone and I got the "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available" message.
I went into 'About Device' and 'Status' and my 'Device Status' is showing as "Modified".

I'm totally confused why this would be, I'm not rooted and never have been, and am running the standard vodafone JB update. Also, this is a recent thing as I have been checking for updates at least once a week and this is the first time this has happened. Before I would just get the usual "your device is running the latest firmware" or whatever.

I've done a bit of reading and the problem I am experiencing is usually had by people who are rooted. Also read that sometimes it can be an issue with the external SD card, but I've tried removing and restarting the device and the problem persists.

The final thing I thought it could be down to is an app I've installed lately, but I've uninstalled all recent ones and nothing helps.

So as it stands I'll never be able to update my phone again!!!
Other than trying a full wipe and reset (which I don't want to do) I'm not sure what else there is to do or try. Any ideas???????

Thanks.

**Tristan Downing** · 12-15-2012, 07:03 AM

Did you resolve this problem? My S3 has started doing this too. I have not rooted it either. My update to Jelly Bean was the official one, done wirelessly through the phone.

**Sincs** · 12-15-2012, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Tristan Downing

Did you resolve this problem? My S3 has started doing this too. I have not rooted it either. My update to Jelly Bean was the official one, done wirelessly through the phone.

Nope, still not resolved.

And the only info/fixes I can find relate to rooted S3's.

**winmod21** · 12-15-2012, 09:38 AM

You might try posting that same OP/thread over on , perhaps under the carrier specific sub-forum for your phone, or for international GS3's.

**Tarak Abu Adam** · 12-15-2012, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by Sincs

I've got a international GS3 and I just checked for new updates using the phone and I got the "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available" message.
I went into 'About Device' and 'Status' and my 'Device Status' is showing as "Modified".

I'm totally confused why this would be, I'm not rooted and never have been, and am running the standard vodafone JB update. Also, this is a recent thing as I have been checking for updates at least once a week and this is the first time this has happened. Before I would just get the usual "your device is running the latest firmware" or whatever.

I've done a bit of reading and the problem I am experiencing is usually had by people who are rooted. Also read that sometimes it can be an issue with the external SD card, but I've tried removing and restarting the device and the problem persists.

The final thing I thought it could be down to is an app I've installed lately, but I've uninstalled all recent ones and nothing helps.

So as it stands I'll never be able to update my phone again!!!
Other than trying a full wipe and reset (which I don't want to do) I'm not sure what else there is to do or try. Any ideas???????

Thanks.

I have the same exact issue after I updated to Jelly Bean via OTA. I purchased my phone unlocked, in other words it is not tied to any carrier. That is how most people get their phone in Bahrain (the country I live). I took my phone the local Samsung service center and they stated that they believe it has to do with the CSC version (This is bloatware specific to a country [as in my case] or a carrier). that I my phone downloaded via OTA. I find it hard to believe that Samsung would put out the wrong firmware version to an entire region. Also when I asked if others customers had the same issue they stated no. So I don't think this is the case. However, their "fix" was to flash my phone back to Ice Cream Sandwich. They told me to not update and that it might take a few months before the Middle East CSC is released. It has been a couple of months so I tried the OTA again and once more I got Jelly Bean and once more I got the the same message "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available". I hope we can get a resolution to this problem. When the new update for Jelly Bean comes (4.1.2) I'll take ti to the service center again and have them perform it. It I get the same message after that I am going to ask for a replacement. Inshallah. If any of you get a resolution please post again. Thanks in advance.

**Sincs** · 12-16-2012, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by Tarak Abu Adam

I have the same exact issue after I updated to Jelly Bean via OTA. I purchased my phone unlocked, in other words it is not tied to any carrier. That is how most people get their phone in Bahrain (the country I live). I took my phone the local Samsung service center and they stated that they believe it has to do with the CSC version (This is bloatware specific to a country [as in my case] or a carrier). that I my phone downloaded via OTA. I find it hard to believe that Samsung would put out the wrong firmware version to an entire region. Also when I asked if others customers had the same issue they stated no. So I don't think this is the case. However, their "fix" was to flash my phone back to Ice Cream Sandwich. They told me to not update and that it might take a few months before the Middle East CSC is released. It has been a couple of months so I tried the OTA again and once more I got Jelly Bean and once more I got the the same message "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available". I hope we can get a resolution to this problem. When the new update for Jelly Bean comes (4.1.2) I'll take ti to the service center again and have them perform it. It I get the same message after that I am going to ask for a replacement. Inshallah. If any of you get a resolution please post again. Thanks in advance.

The odd thing for me is that after updating to Jelly Bean my phone was fine for a good few weeks. Status was still normal and when checking for new updates it would just say that my device is running the latest software. It's only in the last week that it has started mentioning that my device is modified.

I'm wondering if there are any apps that could trigger this problem? Tasker etc??
I've downloaded the odd app from aptoide too so wondering if this has caused an issue.

**gwappa** · 12-16-2012, 07:14 AM

You may not be able to receive OTA updates whit phone state set to 'modified' however you can update through Kies just fine.

**Sincs** · 12-16-2012, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by gwappa

You may not be able to receive OTA updates whit phone state set to 'modified' however you can update through Kies just fine.

I'm hoping this is the case but I've read conflicting reports that updating via kies doesn't work in some cases too when phone is "modified".

**Sincs** · 12-22-2012, 01:57 PM

Bit of an update....

After hearing that the 4.1.2 update was now available here in the UK I tried the check updates option on my phone again. This time if gave me the usual new update is available message. Then I checked device status and it was showing as "normal". So I updated.

After updating I've noticed the device status is back to "modified" and if I try to check for new updates I get the problematic message from my opening post.

Almost seems like my network or Samsung are somehow setting my phone to modified between updates.

**meyerweb** · 12-22-2012, 10:22 PM

Where do you check the device status? Thanks.

Originally Posted by Sincs

Bit of an update....

After hearing that the 4.1.2 update was now available here in the UK I tried the check updates option on my phone again. This time if gave me the usual new update is available message. Then I checked device status and it was showing as "normal". So I updated.

After updating I've noticed the device status is back to "modified" and if I try to check for new updates I get the problematic message from my opening post.

Almost seems like my network or Samsung are somehow setting my phone to modified between updates.

**begges** · 12-23-2012, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by Sincs

I've got a international GS3 and I just checked for new updates using the phone and I got the "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available" message.
I went into 'About Device' and 'Status' and my 'Device Status' is showing as "Modified".

I'm totally confused why this would be, I'm not rooted and never have been, and am running the standard vodafone JB update. Also, this is a recent thing as I have been checking for updates at least once a week and this is the first time this has happened. Before I would just get the usual "your device is running the latest firmware" or whatever.

I've done a bit of reading and the problem I am experiencing is usually had by people who are rooted. Also read that sometimes it can be an issue with the external SD card, but I've tried removing and restarting the device and the problem persists.

The final thing I thought it could be down to is an app I've installed lately, but I've uninstalled all recent ones and nothing helps.

So as it stands I'll never be able to update my phone again!!!
Other than trying a full wipe and reset (which I don't want to do) I'm not sure what else there is to do or try. Any ideas???????

Thanks.

Hi. That happened to me too but I was able to resolve it by factory resetting the phone.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Android Central Forums

**Sincs** · 12-23-2012, 04:33 AM

Originally Posted by meyerweb

Where do you check the device status? Thanks.

Settings - About Device - Status

**funkylogik** · 12-23-2012, 05:15 AM

Im rooted with custom kernal.
Anyone know how i can flash official 4.1.2 (odin or CWM)?
ta :beer:

MERRY XMAS!!!X
Unbranded rooted international s3 with Official JB. Paisley, Slotland, Western Europe :beer:

**Sincs** · 12-23-2012, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by funkylogik

Im rooted with custom kernal.
Anyone know how i can flash official 4.1.2 (odin or CWM)?
ta :beer:

MERRY XMAS!!!X
Unbranded rooted international s3 with Official JB. Paisley, Slotland, Western Europe :beer:

Is this what's known on the street as "thread hijacking"?

**funkylogik** · 12-23-2012, 12:26 PM

Oh report it then n have a merry xmas.
Was tryin2keep forum uncluttered.
Please report...
.....there, did it for you.
Ahh the community spirit warms my thumbs

MERRY XMAS!!!X
Unbranded rooted international s3 with Official JB. Paisley, Slotland, Western Europe :beer:

**Sincs** · 12-23-2012, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by funkylogik

Oh report it then n have a merry xmas.
Was tryin2keep forum uncluttered.
Please report...
.....there, did it for you.
Ahh the community spirit warms my thumbs

MERRY XMAS!!!X
Unbranded rooted international s3 with Official JB. Paisley, Slotland, Western Europe :beer:

.....and breathe.

**nirmalv** · 12-26-2012, 06:34 AM

Try this. Remove sd card. Restart phone . check status. Subsequently put your sd card back

**AxlMyk** · 12-26-2012, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Sincs

Is this what's known on the street as "thread hijacking"?

Yes.

--Tapatalk on Samsung GS3.

**kevin draper** · 12-26-2012, 10:17 PM

Resolved for me - Reformat the SD card using Settings\Storage
Diagnosed by restarting with and without the SD card and with a different SD card.
Cause was either (a) use of SDrescan app (b) using SD card as supplied without doing initial format in the S3

**Sincs** · 12-28-2012, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by nirmalv

Try this. Remove sd card. Restart phone . check status. Subsequently put your sd card back

Tried this when I first had the problem but it didn't work.

As long as the status switches back to normal when new updates are released then I'm ok with it.

**mikizvi** · 12-30-2012, 05:53 AM

Worked for me: power down, remove SD card, power up, insert SD card.

**funkylogik** · 12-30-2012, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Sincs

.....and breathe.

Sorry man i was in a stroppy mood and ur right, i took it a bit off topic. I actualy did report myself.
Lets just say it was a very bad day for me.
sorry again :beer:

MERRY XMAS!!!X
Unbranded international s3 with Official 4.1.2 JB. Paisley, Slotland, Western Europe :beer:

**q8wonderz** · 12-30-2012, 04:23 PM

Guys , I just tried to update and I am getting the same issue as well, my phone
Has a stock room and never used a rooting on this device SGS3
. It seems like the problem is with Samsung thwm selves!!

**q8wonderz** · 12-30-2012, 04:28 PM

Guys , I just tried to update and I am getting the same issue as well, my phone
Has a stock room and never used a rooting on this device SGS3
. It seems like the problem is with Samsung them selves!!

But guess what , I don't have an SD card and all I did is restarting my phone and it is working fine now

**funkylogik** · 12-30-2012, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by q8wonderz

Guys , I just tried to update and I am getting the same issue as well, my phone
Has a stock room and never used a rooting on this device SGS3
. It seems like the problem is with Samsung them selves!!

But guess what , I don't have an SD card and all I did is restarting my phone and it is working fine now

Cool. U noticed the modem and cpu boost of 4.1.2 mate?

MERRY XMAS!!!X
Unbranded international s3 with Official 4.1.2 JB. Paisley, Slotland, Western Europe :beer: