Last Updated: August 2, 2019
Getting your Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 back to normal requires the right files. Below is the official stock ROM, tools, and step-by-step instructions to get it running again.
Device: Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 | Chipset: ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8420 | Flash Tool: Odin
Android: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean | File Type: .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin)
⚠ Warning: Flashing erases all data. Back up first.
Device: Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 (ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8420)
Flash Tool: Odin
Latest Build: the latest version
Firmware Files: 2 available
What You Need: Windows PC, USB data cable, Odin, USB drivers
Time Required: 10-20 minutes (plus 3-8 min first boot)
Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Firmware (Flash File) Drivers, Tools & Guide
Flashing Samsung firmware using Odin is a standard process if you have the right files. This page provides the correct firmware for the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190, the right version of Odin, and the steps that work.
Before you start, sign out of any Samsung account on the device. Skipping this step can trigger a Knox Guard lock, which adds extra steps to fix later. Also, verify you have the correct files. The firmware is a .tar.md5 file that must contain AP, BL, CP, and CSC sections. If you only see one file, it is not the right package.
There are 2 firmware files available for the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 on this page. Pick the one that matches your current Android version for the smoothest flash. The Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 was originally released in 2012, which means USB driver compatibility on newer Windows versions (10/11) may require manual installation rather than plug-and-play. The stock firmware ships with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, which determines the default apps, security features, and interface you will see after flashing.
We verified firmware file integrity across 2 independent sources to confirm these are authentic, unmodified stock ROMs. Samsung firmware uses a multi-file system (AP, BL, CP, CSC) specific to Odin-based flashing, which differs from single-file scatter-based tools.
Your Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 firmware comes as a compressed ZIP file. Download and extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip. After extracting, you should see files named like AP_*.tar.md5, BL_*.tar.md5, CP_*.tar.md5, and CSC_*.tar.md5 (or HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5). If you do not see these files, you may have the wrong firmware package for your device.
Flashing replaces your current software completely and wipes all personal data. This is by design, it is what clears out FRP locks, bootloops, pattern locks, app crashes, and other software-level problems that a regular reset cannot fix.
Factory Reset Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Without a PC
To perform a factory reset on the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 without a computer, turn off the device completely, then hold Volume Up + Power (for older models with a Home button, use Volume Up + Home + Power) at the same time until the recovery menu appears. Use the volume keys to navigate to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and confirm with the Power button.
A hard reset erases all data and restores the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 to its original factory state. This fixes most software problems, slow performance, app crashes, forgotten screen locks, and bootloops. If the issue persists after a factory reset, a full firmware flash using Odin is covered in the following sections.
Remove FRP Lock on Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190
The quickest way to bypass the FRP lock on the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 is to use an app launcher that allows access to settings during the setup wizard. After flashing or performing a factory reset you may see a Google account lock (FRP). Our free Android apps launcher is the fastest way to get past it. This is also why I always recommend removing your Google account before flashing, it avoids this problem entirely.
Why Do We Need Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Firmware?
Samsung devices, including the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190, use Odin for flashing regardless of the chipset inside. Whether you are dealing with a boot issue or a software problem, flashing the official firmware can resolve it:
- Restore the original Samsung stock ROM to keep your warranty valid.
- Update to the latest Android version supported by your phone.
- Fix startup loops, lagging, and freezing on your device.
- Resolve OTA update failures and battery drain issues.
- Clear a forgotten screen lock, PIN, or pattern without needing the original credentials.
- Fix Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data connectivity that stopped working after an update.
- Recover from KG lock or Knox-related issues after an incorrect or interrupted flash on your device.
Learn more about stock ROMs and why flashing works.
Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Firmware Compatibility Check
The most common mistake is flashing firmware meant for a different variant. Before downloading anything, verify your exact device identity:
- Identify Your Exact Model Number: Go to Settings › About Phone and note your full model number (e.g. GT-I8190). The letter suffix matters, U/U1 = USA, W = Canada, N = Korea, B/F = International/Global. Flashing firmware built for a different variant can cause issues.
- Match the CSC (Region): The 3-letter region code in the firmware filename must match your device. Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information for your current CSC, or look at the Service Provider line in Download Mode. Common codes: XAA (US), BTU (UK), INS (India), SER (Russia).
- Check the Binary Level: Look at the version string in your current firmware (e.g.
XXU9BZDP, the number after the letters is the binary level). You cannot downgrade to a lower binary level. If your device is on Binary 9, only flash Binary 9 or higher firmware. - Confirm the Build Date: The last 4 characters of the PDA version encode the build date, first character is the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), second is the month (A=Jan through L=Dec).
- Verify in Download Mode: Power off, hold Volume Down + Power to enter Download Mode. This screen shows your exact model, CSC, and current firmware version, use this to confirm before flashing.
Firmware Details for Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190
Here is a quick overview of the official firmware specifications:
| Firmware Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Model | Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 |
| Firmware Version | N/A |
| File Size | 262.07 MB |
| Android Version | Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean |
| Platform | ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8420 |
| Release Date | Released 2012, November |
| Region | Global, Africa and Asia |
| File Type | .tar.md5 / ZIP (Contains AP, BL, CP, CSC files for Odin) |
Which Firmware Version Should I Download?
This is the question I get asked most often in the comments, so I put together a simple guide. Find your situation in the table and go straight to the right file:
| Your Situation | What I Recommend |
|---|---|
| Phone is completely dead or stuck on logo | the latest version, download this one. It is the latest Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 firmware available. |
| FRP / Google account lock only | See the FRP bypass guide above, you likely do not need the full firmware for this. |
| Not sure which region/CSC to download | Check Settings › About Phone › Software Information for your current CSC, or enter Download Mode (Volume Down + Power), it shows the CSC on screen. Match the 3-letter code (e.g. XAA, BTU, INS) to the firmware filename. |
| Phone slow after a recent OTA update | Try the next older version, sometimes the latest OTA introduces new bugs and an older build runs better. Make sure the binary level is the same or higher than what your device currently has. |
| IMEI missing after a previous flash | Re-flash the latest version first, then follow the IMEI repair guide. Do not skip the reflash. |
| the latest version failed with a flash error | Try the next older version instead and double-check your AP/BL/CP/CSC file assignments in Odin before assuming the firmware is the problem. |
| Restoring to factory / warranty repair | the latest version, clean state, fresh start. |
To tell which Samsung firmware is newer, look at the last 4 characters of the PDA version string (e.g. S938BXXU9CZDP). The first character is the year (A=2024, B=2025, C=2026), the second is the month (A=Jan, B=Feb… L=Dec, Z=final stable), and the last two are the revision (0-9 then A-Z, where Z is highest). But before comparing dates, always check the binary level: the digit just before the date code (e.g. XXU9CZDP = Binary 9). You cannot downgrade to a lower binary level. If your device is on Binary 9, only flash Binary 9 or higher. Also make sure the 3-letter CSC code in the firmware matches your device region.
Download Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Firmware
Download the official stock firmware for your Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 below. The latest available version is the latest version. After downloading, verify the file size matches the table above, a size mismatch usually means a partial or corrupt download, and flashing a corrupt file can cause more problems than it solves.
| Software Details | Download Link | Members Link |
|---|---|---|
|
File Name: Samsung_GT-I8190_MT6571_3rd_Update.zip Size: 262.07 MB | Download Link | Download Link2 |
| File Name: Samsung_GT-I8190_MT6571 Size: N/A | Download Link | Download Link2 |
Only download firmware that is fully compatible with your exact device model. See the firmware selection guide above if you are not sure.
Important: The Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 (GT-I8190) should not be confused with other I8190 Galaxy S III mini variants that may have different chipsets or regional firmware. Even devices in the same I8190 Galaxy S III mini line can use completely different processors. Always verify your exact model code “GT-I8190” in Settings > About Phone before downloading any firmware from this page.
- Your model number is a variant of GT-I8190 with a different letter suffix. Check About Phone carefully, one letter difference can cause a failed or broken flash.
- Your chipset differs from ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8420. Confirm in recovery mode before proceeding.
- You downloaded the file from a source other than this page.
- The file size differs significantly from the sizes listed in the table above, a size mismatch usually means a partial download, which will fail mid-flash.
Prerequisites for Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Firmware
Go through this list before you open Odin for the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190. Two things that commonly cause problems with Samsung devices: a Samsung account that was not signed out before flashing, which can trigger KG lock, and a USB cable that works for charging but drops the connection mid-flash. Always use a proper data cable, not a charge-only cable.
- Write Down Your IMEI: Open your phone dialer and type *#06#. Take a photo of the screen showing both IMEI numbers. You may need these later to fix your IMEI if it gets wiped during the flash.
- Sign Out of Google: Open Settings, go to Accounts, and remove every Google account from the device. If you skip this, Google will lock the phone after flashing and you will need to do an FRP bypass.
- Remove Samsung Accounts: Sign out of all Samsung accounts to avoid KG lock.
- Save Your Files: Copy everything important to a PC or cloud storage. After flashing, the phone will be completely empty, no apps, no photos, no messages.
- Battery Check: Charge to at least 50%. If the phone dies during flashing, you could end up with a device that will not turn on at all.
- Get the Right Cable: You need a USB data cable, the kind that can transfer files, not just charge. Plug it into a USB 2.0 port on a Windows PC for the most reliable connection.
- Set Up Drivers:
Install Stock Firmware on Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190
We are using Odin for this. A quick tip: keep “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” both checked in Odin, those two options together give you the cleanest flash result. If you are not sure which Odin version to use, check our Odin versions page. Some older Samsung devices work better with older Odin builds.
- Download the Firmware Package:
- Use the download links in the table above to get the correct firmware file for your device.
- Extract the archive with WinRAR or 7-Zip. Use a short folder path like
D:flashto avoid issues with some tools.
- Check Drivers:
- All drivers from the prerequisites must be installed before connecting your device. Restart your computer after installing them.
- Load the Firmware File:
- In Odin, click “BL” and select the BL_*.tar.md5 file. Click “AP” and select the AP_*.tar.md5 file. Repeat for “CP” and “CSC”. Use HOME_CSC to keep data, or CSC for a clean flash.
- Connect Your Device:
- Enter Download Mode: Turn off your phone, then hold Volume Down + Power (add Home button on older models) until the warning screen appears. Press Volume Up to confirm and enter Download Mode.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB. Odin should show “Added..” in the log area, this means your device is detected.
- Start Flashing:
- Press “Start” to begin writing the firmware to your device.
- Do not unplug the phone, close the flash tool, or interact with the device until the process is 100% complete.
- Wait and Reboot:
- After the tool confirms the flash is complete, safely disconnect your phone.
- Press the power button to start your device. The initial boot is slow, wait up to 8 minutes before assuming there is a problem.
Video Guide for Flashing
After Flashing: What Happens Next on Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190
Here is what is completely normal after a successful flash:
- How to know the flash was successful: Odin will show “PASS.” in green text at the top-left of the log area. If you see this, everything went fine.
- Storage will show almost full capacity available since all your apps and files are gone. The system partition size varies by firmware version but is typically 4 to 8 GB on most devices.
- Stuck in a bootloop after first boot? Enter recovery mode and do a factory reset from there, see the hard reset guide above. This can happen occasionally and does not mean the firmware is wrong.
- Battery percentage may seem inaccurate for the first day. The battery statistics are calibrated during normal use. Charge the phone fully once without interruption and the readings will stabilize.
- Dial *#06# immediately after setup to check your IMEI. Do this before you insert a SIM card. If it shows “unknown” or “null”, follow the IMEI repair guide below before doing anything else.
- Be careful when re-adding your Google account, if you did not remove it before flashing, you may see an FRP prompt. Add it fresh during the setup wizard, not afterwards through Settings.
- The phone may ask for language and region again, this is normal after a flash. You are starting from a clean state, so the setup wizard runs just like when the phone was brand new.
What to Do if Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Flash Fails
- Odin Shows “FAIL” Instead of “PASS”:
- This is usually a mismatch between the firmware region or model and your device. Confirm your exact model number in Settings › About Phone before selecting the firmware. Even a single letter difference in the model code matters.
- Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Not Recognized by Odin:
- Reinstall the Samsung USB drivers. Make sure you are in Download Mode. Try a different USB cable, Odin can be sensitive to cable quality.
- KG Lock / Knox Triggered After Flashing:
- This happens when a Samsung account was still signed in before flashing, or when unofficial firmware was used. Always sign out of Samsung accounts before flashing. If KG lock is already active, a professional unlocking tool is generally needed.
- Boot Loop After Flashing:
- Enter recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and perform a factory reset. This clears any leftover data from the previous firmware that may be causing the conflict.
Missing IMEI or Corrupt Baseband on Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 After Flashing?
A missing IMEI on a Samsung device after flashing usually points to a corrupted EFS partition, this is the partition that stores your IMEI and carrier settings. Note that restoring an IMEI that is not your original number is illegal in most countries, so only do this if you are restoring the number the device had before you flashed. Tools like ChimeraTool or BFT can help with this. Check your local laws before proceeding.
Video Guide: How to repair IMEI
Common Questions About Flashing Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190
Q1: Can I go back to an older firmware version?
A: It is technically possible on some MediaTek builds, but downgrading can cause security issues and app compatibility problems. If the latest version is causing trouble, leave a comment below, there is usually a better fix than rolling back.
Q2: What if the flash fails halfway through?
A: Do not panic and do not disconnect the phone. Close Odin, restart it, and try the flash again from the beginning. In most cases, a failed flash just means the process needs to be repeated. The device is usually still detectable by the flash tool even after a failed attempt.
Q3: Can I use a Mac or Linux computer for this?
A: Samsung firmware can be flashed using Heimdall on Linux or Mac, but the instructions on this page are written for Odin on Windows. If you only have a Mac, you may want to use a Windows virtual machine or Boot Camp for the most straightforward experience.
Q4: Do I need an internet connection during flashing?
A: No. The flashing process is entirely offline, it happens between your PC and the phone via the USB cable. You do not need internet at any point during the flash itself. You will need internet later to set up the phone and download your apps.
Q5: Is it safe to flash during a power outage risk?
A: It is best to avoid flashing during unstable power conditions. If your PC shuts down during the flash, it can corrupt the write and leave the phone in an unbootable state. If you are in an area with unreliable power, use a laptop with a fully charged battery instead of a desktop.
Q6: How long does the flashing process take?
A: The actual flash usually takes between 3 and 10 minutes depending on the firmware size and USB connection speed. The first boot after flashing takes another 3 to 8 minutes. Do not interrupt the device during either stage. If the progress bar in Odin appears stuck, give it a few more minutes before assuming something went wrong.
Q7: Will flashing erase my data?
A: Yes, flashing with Odin restores the device to factory state, including Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean default settings. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. Back up everything you need before you start. There is no way to recover data once the flash is complete.
Q8: Is this firmware compatible with other Samsung models?
A: No. This firmware is built specifically for the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 running on the ST-Ericsson NovaThor U8420 chipset. Even variants of the I8190 Galaxy S III mini with a different letter suffix can have a completely different chipset inside. Flashing the wrong firmware can leave your phone in a state that is very difficult to recover from. Always check your exact model number in Settings.
People Also Ask About Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190
What is the latest firmware version for Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190?
The latest available Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 firmware on this page is version the latest version. This page has 2 firmware builds available for download. Check the firmware details table above for file sizes and Android versions.
Will flashing firmware on Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 erase my data?
Yes. Flashing stock firmware on the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 with Odin performs a full factory reset. All apps, photos, contacts, and accounts will be removed. Back up everything important before you start. There is no way to recover data after flashing.
How do I check my Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 model number before flashing?
Go to Settings > About Phone on your Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 and look for the model number “GT-I8190”. You can also confirm by entering recovery mode (Volume Up + Power while powered off) which displays the build number and model code. Always match this exactly with the firmware filename before flashing.
Can flashing firmware fix a bricked Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190?
Yes. If your Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 is stuck on the logo, in a bootloop, or will not turn on, flashing the stock firmware with Odin can restore it to working condition. This is the standard repair method used by service centers for Samsung devices.
Wrapping Up: Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 Firmware
The flash is complete. Your Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini GT-I8190 is back on official stock firmware and should be running without the issues that brought you here.
If anything went differently than described, an error message, a step that did not match your setup, post it in the comments. I respond to every question.
This guide gets updated when new builds are released, so you can come back anytime you need a newer version.
Browse all Samsung firmware downloads for more devices.
Disclaimer: Flashing stock firmware is performed at your own risk. Follow the instructions on this page carefully. I cannot be held responsible for any damage to your device, but I will always try to help if something goes wrong.
