Update: To block the update notification follow the information below but use the build # L710VPUCOJ1 instead of L710VPUBMK5.


This guide was originally written for the Boost Mobile Galaxy S3 SPH-L710 (d2vmu) however if you know the correct build number you can technically use it to stop the OTA update nag for any device.

I figured there are others like me avoiding the MK5 4.3 update so I thought I would post how to stop that annoying notification once and for all. There are other methods that say to freeze this app or rename this file but both those methods mess up other things. The correct way is to modify your build.prop.

The following instructions are how to modify the build.prop manually but there also are build.prop editors you can use. However I've never really messed with any so i won't be able to provide much help if you have a problem. If you use a build.prop editor then you only need to look at steps 1, 4, 5 & 6. Please make a backup with a custom recovery first.


I am not responsible if you brick or damage your phone! I have done this mod successfully on my phone and my old phone when I wanted to block it's OTA. I can't stress enough how important it is to make a backup before modifying /system! While there are quite a few steps listed below this is a pretty simple process. Basically all you need to do is copy a file, edit 2 words (sort of), rename the old file (to create a backup), then replace it with the new edited version.

1. Boot into recovery and make a backup! This is very very important even if you are using a build.prop editor. If you modify your build.prop incorrectly you could end up stuck in a boot loop. After you make a backup restart back into Android.

2. Using your favorite root explorer (I use ES File Explorer) navigate to /system and copy your build.prop to your sdcard.

3. Open the build.prop in a text editor (I use the one built into ES File Explorer.)

4. Scroll down 10 lines or so. What you're looking for is the 2 lines after:

I find it easier to look for that line.

5. The 2 lines you need to edit are one right after the other:

6. Next replace L710VPAMG2 with L710VPUBMK5 in both lines. When you're done it should look like this:

7. Make sure system is mounted as writable.

8. Navigate back to /system.

9. Rename your old build.prop found in this directory to build.prop.bak (it's always good to have backup!)

10. Copy your newly modified build.prop to /system

11. Check the permissions for your new build.prop. I had to add the read permission for group and other (it should be 644).

12. Navigate to /cache and delete the OTA update. It should be a zip file with a real long file name. The file name for me ended with MG2_to_MK5_Update_FWD.zip. On my S3 it was the only zip file in that directory.

13. Make sure system is no longer mounted as writable.

14. Reboot your phone. After first boot if the OTA notification is still present just swipe it away from the notification shade (don't click on it.)

And that's it. I haven't had any update notification for 2 days now.

This should work with any rom (and any carrier) but if you're running a Sprint rom the build # you're changing may look different. Also if you have a custom rom there may already be a flashable zip to fix your build.prop. Moar & Wicked Sensations both have zips.

One other thing. Only change the build # in the 2 lines that are posted above. Changing Android version numbers or the build # in other places could cause unwanted results. For example, if you go to settings, about phone, you'll notice it still says MG2 after this fix. But Boost thinks you're on MK5.

Enjoy!

 

Thanks. Last year when I wanted to do this to my old phone I read so much misinformation. I hope this helps somebody out. I posted it from my phone so when I get home I may clean up the formatting a little.

 

I cleaned it up some so it should be easier to read. I swyped that at work using Evernote and then copied and pasted it lol.

Thanks I saw a couple posts today asking how to block the update so that's what prompted me to do it. Especially since it's pretty easy to do.

Thanks. I thought about it, or even just posting the build.prop but that would only work for the stock rom. This fix should work for every Sprint 4.1.2 TW rom. That and I don't know how to make a flashable zip.

 

Updated thread for blocking Kit Kat. New build to use is: L710VPUCNDC

 

To block the newest OTA the build to use is: L710VPUCNJ3

 

I still haven't gotten one at all. I'm waiting for it in hopes to catch the tar.

 

That's strange since I have done this to my phone to stop the latest update notification and it worked fine. Did you remember to set the permissions?

 

Just make sure you make a backup first and you'll be fine. Worst case scenario you just have to restore it.

 

No I don't. I'm using xposed and it's working fine. Although the only module i use is Wanam. Maybe try a different editor? I use Total Commander for my file browser now and used it's built in editor.

 

That could be. I'm glad you got it working.

 

Updated original post with new build L710VPUCOJ1.