S3 hard reset hangs: "Downloading do not turn off target!" - what to do?
If after a hard reset your Galaxy S3 shows the uninspiring screen with the inscription "Downloading, do not turn off target", you can't do much about it at first glance. We'll show you how you can quickly get your Samsung smartphone back on the road.
"Downloading do not turn off target!" - what is that?
Explanation: You do not need this mode to download the latest apps, and firmware updates are not always carried out via this screen. You need the "download mode" to transfer complete firmware data from the computer to the smartphone via USB connection. This happens for example with programs like "Odin". But if you don't really know your way around, you run the risk of turning your smartphone into a very expensive paperweight - so stay away!
S3 hangs after hard reset - so you solve the problem
Wild typing and various key combinations are of no use on this screen. Only one thing helps here: suddenly cut off the juice. Brute but effective: take the battery out. Proceed as follows:
- Open the back of the device at the notch provided. Caution: Samsung uses very thin polycarbonate for its smartphones. Jumps and breaks are not excluded in rough handling.
- Remove the battery, wait a few seconds, then put it back in the case and close the lid.
- If each component is back in the correct place, restart the device by pressing the power button. The smartphone should perform its usual service without any problems.
When the hard reset ends in download mode
If you have just tried a hard reset, it is worthwhile to try again. If this also fails, you can either supply your smartphone with a new firmware via "Odin" (you can find detailed instructions here) or reset it to the delivery state in recovery mode. We explain the latter step by step in this practical tip. But caution is also required here: A firmware flash with "Odin" is not for newcomers to Android.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can contact the manufacturer. If you have never had anything to do with "Root", "Flash processes" and "Odin", you will certainly be helped (if necessary also with a repair). However, if you have made repeated efforts yourself, even the warranty claim can be lost.