- Jun 21, 2011
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With the ICS update for the Epic 4G Touch apparently rolling out today, I wanted to create a post with some useful (hopefully) information and advice. It's been quite some time since the last update for this phone, and some of the nuances of OTA updates tend to get lost in the sea of information.
In typical Sprint fashion, this update is being rolled out over-the-air, via Google's GOTA update servers rather than a manual update via Kies. Updates are not in any way shape or form based on region! The GOTA servers pick devices at random. How it works is, when your device is picked, a small update file will be pushed to your phone without you having to do anything. If you hit "system updates" with this file on your phone, you get a prompt to download an update. If you do not have this file and you check for updates, you will not get a prompt. If you do not check for system updates manually, your phone will eventually give you a pop-up notification that you have an update pending (assuming your phone has received the update trigger file).
OTA updates are usually rolled about over about 1 week, so don't be alarmed if you don't get a notification for the update right away.
[info]Update: The download file for the update has been discovered, which can be used to manually update your phone to ICS.
Download link and instructions thread (thanks qbking77!): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1768479
If you have the desire to install the update prior to receiving the OTA notification, the update can be installed manually using the phone's stock recovery. This is not rooting or modding, only using stock recovery to install official Samsung signed firmware (which is the only kind you can install using stock recovery).
How-to video on installing the OTA update manually (thanks again qbking77!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcsfJXKv23o[/info]
I also see this question a lot ...
If I rooted my phone can I download and install the OTA update?
Being rooted alone is fine, although installing the update typically removes root privileges. However, your ROM, kernel, modem and recovery has to be 100% stock EL29 or the update installation will fail. This includes removing any system applications from the stock ROM. So if you uninstalled Sprint Zone for example, the update will most likely fail.
So if you are not 100% stock, what do you do if you want to install the update via the OTA? You have to return your device to stock EL29. Here's how ...
Go here http://forums.androidcentral.com/ep...11-root-e4gt-latest-method-el29-firmware.html, click the link to sfhub's XDA thread and download the NODATA version of his Odin one-click. Then follow the instructions and flash the firmware. Doing this will return you to 100% stock rooted and allow you to keep your Application data. You then should be able to install the OTA update without issue. Again, installing the update will likely remove your root privileges.
I've had just about every leaked ICS build for the Epic 4G Touch on my phone, and I will say that you very well may discover some problems after updating to ICS. While the latest firmware is mostly problem free, there are still some lingering bugs that affect users in some circumstances. My best advice is to check the forums to see if other users are experiencing the same issue and to see if any resolution has been found.
I'll be checking in to this thread to answer any questions, so feel free to ask and I'll answer if I can.
In typical Sprint fashion, this update is being rolled out over-the-air, via Google's GOTA update servers rather than a manual update via Kies. Updates are not in any way shape or form based on region! The GOTA servers pick devices at random. How it works is, when your device is picked, a small update file will be pushed to your phone without you having to do anything. If you hit "system updates" with this file on your phone, you get a prompt to download an update. If you do not have this file and you check for updates, you will not get a prompt. If you do not check for system updates manually, your phone will eventually give you a pop-up notification that you have an update pending (assuming your phone has received the update trigger file).
OTA updates are usually rolled about over about 1 week, so don't be alarmed if you don't get a notification for the update right away.
[info]Update: The download file for the update has been discovered, which can be used to manually update your phone to ICS.
Download link and instructions thread (thanks qbking77!): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1768479
If you have the desire to install the update prior to receiving the OTA notification, the update can be installed manually using the phone's stock recovery. This is not rooting or modding, only using stock recovery to install official Samsung signed firmware (which is the only kind you can install using stock recovery).
How-to video on installing the OTA update manually (thanks again qbking77!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcsfJXKv23o[/info]
I also see this question a lot ...
If I rooted my phone can I download and install the OTA update?
Being rooted alone is fine, although installing the update typically removes root privileges. However, your ROM, kernel, modem and recovery has to be 100% stock EL29 or the update installation will fail. This includes removing any system applications from the stock ROM. So if you uninstalled Sprint Zone for example, the update will most likely fail.
So if you are not 100% stock, what do you do if you want to install the update via the OTA? You have to return your device to stock EL29. Here's how ...
Go here http://forums.androidcentral.com/ep...11-root-e4gt-latest-method-el29-firmware.html, click the link to sfhub's XDA thread and download the NODATA version of his Odin one-click. Then follow the instructions and flash the firmware. Doing this will return you to 100% stock rooted and allow you to keep your Application data. You then should be able to install the OTA update without issue. Again, installing the update will likely remove your root privileges.
I've had just about every leaked ICS build for the Epic 4G Touch on my phone, and I will say that you very well may discover some problems after updating to ICS. While the latest firmware is mostly problem free, there are still some lingering bugs that affect users in some circumstances. My best advice is to check the forums to see if other users are experiencing the same issue and to see if any resolution has been found.
I'll be checking in to this thread to answer any questions, so feel free to ask and I'll answer if I can.
Last edited:
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