How to unlock the Samsung Galaxy S3 bootloader

As we mentioned in our previous tutorial, there are mobile operators like Verizon that lock their devices bootloader. That means no rooting, no custom firmwares, no custom recovery and other stuff you install normally on your Android device. Fortunately, we are now providing you with this tutorial that shows how to unlock your Galaxy S3’s bootloader.

Prerequisites

Enable USB debugging on your device. To do that, go to Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging.
Install USB driver for Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 to be able to connect the device with the computer.
Download and extract Odin v.3.07 to a convenient folder.
Download the Root + Unlocked Bootloader zip file (do NOT extract).
Download VRALEC Bootchain.
Download the original VRALEC Bootchain corresponding to your phone’s firmware number: VRBLK3 VRBMB1 VRBMD3
Download the custom recovery you like the most: ClockworkMod 6.0.2.3 or TWRP 2.4.3.0.

NOTE! Keep in mind, we are no responsible for what’s done to your device. This tutorial will take your handset through the rooting process. Please follow the below steps accurately in order to not brick your phone.

Flashing VRALEC Bootchain

Turn off your handset and wait like 5-6 seconds for the vibration confirming it’s completely shut down then, boot the phone into Download Mode by holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons all together until Android appears on the screen. Then press the Power button again to enter Download Mode.
Launch Odin and make sure only Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time boxes are checked. Then click on PDA and select the .tar.md5 VRALEC Bootchain you’ve downloaded on step 5 (Prerequisites).
Connect your Galaxy S3 to computer via USB. ID:COM box should turn blue. This show that Odin is communicating with the device.

4. Click on Start to begin flashing.

Installing a Custom Recovery

If your phone is not already in Download Mode, follow the first step from Flashing VRALEC Bootchain to do it.
Uncheck Auto Reboot box.
Click on PDA and select your desired .tar.md5 custom recovery file.
Click on Start to begin flashing.

TROUBLESHOOTING! If your phone is rebooting into recovery mode, press “reboot system now” and then agree to disable flash recovery.

Rooting and Unlocking the Bootloader

Locate the SuperSU_Bootloader_FIXED.zip file you’ve downloaded earlier.
Connect your phone to the computer and copy this file to the root of your SD Card.
Disconnect your handset from computer and boot it in recovery mode. To do that, press Volume Up, Home and Power buttons until the Galaxy S3 logo appears. Quickly release the buttons.
Use the volume buttons to select factory reset then press the Power button to proceed.
Select clean in order to install a new ROM from the SD card on your device.
Select the .zip file you copied earlier to your Galaxy S3 and press the Power button to proceed.
Select “reboot system now” when prompted and then disagree to “disable flash recovery”.

On this step your Samsung Galaxy S3 should be rooted with an unlocked bootloader.

Restoring the original VRALEC Bootchain

Turn off your handset and wait like 5-6 seconds for the vibration confirming it’s completely shut down then, boot the phone into Download Mode by holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons all together until Android appears on the screen. Then press the Power button again to enter Download Mode.
Launch Odin and make sure only Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time boxes are checked. Then click on PDA and select the original .tar.md5 VRALEC Bootchain you’ve downloaded on step 6 (Prerequisites).
Connect your Galaxy S3 to computer via USB. ID:COM box should turn blue. This show that Odin is communicating with the device.
Click on Start to begin flashing.

I hope this guide was clear to you. Please leave your opinion in the comment section below.

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