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Ice Cream Sandwich on the Nexus S

Want Ice Cream Sandwich on your Samsung Nexus S but down't want to wait on the update to push out over the air? The dowload location has been found, and we've got your update instructions. We've already updated our Nexus S, and it takes just a couple minutes.

Again, folks, this is the GSM verison. And, specifically, the T-Mobile version. If that's not your phone, keep out. Now, instructions:

  • Grab the OTA package here
  • Rename it to update.zip.  This isn't needed for the Nexus S bootloader, but it makes things easy, if that's how you prefer them.
  • Copy it over to the internal storage on your Nexus S.
  • Power off, then hold volume up and power to reboot to the bootloader.
  • Using the volume key to navigate, select recovery, then use the power button to confirm
  • When you see the warning triangle and arrow, hold the power button and tap volume up.  You'll see a menu.
  • From the menu, select "apply update from /sdcard", and choose update.zip from the list.
  • Let it do its thing and update your system, radio, and other partitions.  When finished, choose "reboot system now"
  • Enjoy!

That simple! Now you've got the all new Android 4.0.3.

More: Nexus S forums
Big ups to Koush and Beezy for the download location!

 

 

87 Comments

Posted by uansari1
December 16, 2011 - 17:169 weeks ago

Damn, that was quick! Now we just need a dev to transform it into a rooted, unsigned package. ;-)

 
Posted by justin43712
December 16, 2011 - 17:219 weeks ago

Does it factory reset and remove data?

 
Posted by Chris_Droid
December 16, 2011 - 17:269 weeks ago

No!
And btw:
ITS FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
Posted by dedeandmaddog
December 16, 2011 - 17:289 weeks ago

AAAGGGGHHH!, come on Sprint release the hounds for NS4G!!!!

 
Posted by u3k
December 16, 2011 - 17:359 weeks ago

http://memegenerator.net/cache/instances/400x/11/12063/12352629.jpg

 
Posted by Mikok655
December 16, 2011 - 17:389 weeks ago

Can i update with an unlocked bootloader???? Someone please help before i do it and get into trouble. I just dont want to lock it again and loose all my data

 
Posted by dissector13
December 16, 2011 - 17:449 weeks ago

how come mine keeps aborting? It says "failed to verify whole-file signature"
"signature verification failed"
"Installation aborted"

Someone help? pls

 
Posted by DumbUglyDragon
December 16, 2011 - 18:079 weeks ago

Stock ROM?

 
Posted by misterbiscuit
December 16, 2011 - 19:189 weeks ago

I have the same issue...

 
Posted by evil_ash
December 16, 2011 - 19:529 weeks ago

I had the same problem on my mac. When I would download the zip file my mac would open it for me. Then I compressed the file again and tried using it. That was causing the error. I downloaded the file on a windows box and then moved it over to my mac. That seemed to do the trick since the windows box wasn't decompressing the file for me.

 
Posted by awg_ilyas
December 16, 2011 - 20:089 weeks ago

Same here, on stock GB.

 
Posted by tankcole
December 16, 2011 - 17:469 weeks ago

Nooo! Where is the CDMA version??

 
Posted by BlackHawkA4
December 16, 2011 - 18:029 weeks ago

And where is Sprint's update?! O well, the source is going up; and, at least one Nexus S is getting it; so, better "port" than from the GN for us NS4G people. (Assuming it doesn't come shortly, soon.)

 
Posted by hfx_nick
December 16, 2011 - 18:049 weeks ago

Assuming the T-Mobile update won't work on the i9020a? Can someone fill me in?

 
Posted by DumbUglyDragon
December 16, 2011 - 18:069 weeks ago

Confirmed on XDA. Flashing on an i9020 kills all reception.

 
Posted by hfx_nick
December 16, 2011 - 18:109 weeks ago

Figured. Thanks!!

 
Posted by zeniazenin
December 17, 2011 - 01:209 weeks ago

Sorry for the dumb question. but how do I downgrade it back to original version? I got "baseband unknown" and I do have the version mentioned above.

 
Posted by bdptcob
December 16, 2011 - 18:109 weeks ago

Mine doesn't have the face unlock option. Does anyone else have this feature on their nexus s?

 
Posted by chr1zis
December 16, 2011 - 18:169 weeks ago

Mine doesn't have the face unlock option either. I also have a Nexus S.

 
Posted by b95505017
December 16, 2011 - 20:169 weeks ago

Me neither :(
https://plus.google.com/photos/109438021395332158795/albums/568688149315...

 
Posted by graze81
December 16, 2011 - 18:259 weeks ago

Newbie question, will this update work for the Rogers Nexus S?

 
Posted by martonikaj
December 16, 2011 - 22:429 weeks ago

Dude, read the post...

 
Posted by bsxboy
December 16, 2011 - 18:389 weeks ago

having the same problem as dissector13... tells me "signature verification failed". i'm on rogers (canada). can anyone help? i would appreciate it very much. thanks!

 
Posted by bsxboy
December 16, 2011 - 18:389 weeks ago

having the same problem as dissector13... tells me "signature verification failed". i'm on rogers (canada). can anyone help? i would appreciate it very much. thanks!

 
Posted by stargater2212
December 16, 2011 - 19:179 weeks ago

Same here. The same problem as dissector13. Running stock os with bootloader locked running on T-mobile.

Update: Fixed. Redownloaded the file and tried again and it worked.

 
Posted by cozbaldwin
December 16, 2011 - 18:489 weeks ago

Wait... I have the Nexus S on AT&T. Will this not work? I thought it was GSM...?

 
Posted by bsxboy
December 16, 2011 - 18:509 weeks ago

apparently you have to wait for a separate at&t release

 
Posted by cozbaldwin
December 16, 2011 - 18:589 weeks ago

DAMMIT.

 
Posted by firask
December 21, 2011 - 12:579 weeks ago

I Upgraded my phone on AT&T, not rooted and working fine without any problem.

 
Posted by awg_ilyas
December 16, 2011 - 19:189 weeks ago

For those with a the ATT Nexus S.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20378557&postcount=299

You'll need the UCKE1 radio for it to work.

 
Posted by pearljam5000
December 16, 2011 - 19:389 weeks ago

Works perfectly on my 9023(slcd version)

Initial Impression:

Keyboard's much better
Browser better and smoother
The phone is a bit faster
The UI is very nice.
I'm happy with the update(:

 
Posted by Chromana
December 16, 2011 - 19:409 weeks ago

I have a UK version (I9020) so will this work? Thanks

 
Posted by kamran193
December 17, 2011 - 12:599 weeks ago

it has worked for me on

baseband version: I9020XXFK1
build number: GRK39F
android version 2.3.6

everything works on 4.0.3 including wifi

 
Posted by dzakharov
December 19, 2011 - 10:199 weeks ago

Thanks kamran193!
Just updated my Videotron (Canada) Nexus S with the same specs:

baseband version: I9020XXFK1
build number : GRK39F
android version : 2.3.6

The update was smooth, just followed the instructions. No problems, everything works fine. Now running:

baseband version: I9020XXKI1
build number : IML74K
android version : 4.0.3
kernel version : 3.0.8-gb55e9ac android-build@apa28 #1

So I guess it's a green light for Videotron users ;-)

 
Posted by dzakharov
December 19, 2011 - 13:259 weeks ago

After playing with ICS 4.0.3 for some time can also confirm (as some other users here) that there is no "Face Unlock" option in screen lock settings... but who cares ;-).

 
Posted by kavman
December 16, 2011 - 19:589 weeks ago

Worked just fine on my Vodafone Australia Nexus S (GSM) that was on stock 2.3.6

Happy days!

 
Posted by Mephisto216
December 16, 2011 - 20:179 weeks ago

I have the nexus s for t-mobile and tried this....now my phone wont even turn on....someone help!!

 
Posted by BartmanJax
December 16, 2011 - 20:369 weeks ago

After I just spent hours configuring ADW EX and know that Swype won't work on ICS, I think I'll wait.

 
Posted by fiona
December 16, 2011 - 21:269 weeks ago

Brilliant. Update flashed without any problems. Btw - Swype works fine. I was worried when I saw an earlier comment but I decided to go ahead anyway even though I'm a huge fan of Swype. I've tested it on an email or two and texts and it works flawlessly. I have the latest version of Swype where they actually notify you of updates. Perhaps visit their site and pull down the latest.

LOVING ICS so far...and will likely play with it for hours tonight!

 
Posted by damambt
December 16, 2011 - 22:029 weeks ago

was able to get this official update on at&t i9020a after 2 hours of booting an rebooting and tinkering. will post some intructions on how to for those impatient at&t nexus s lovers!

 
Posted by dissector13
December 16, 2011 - 22:249 weeks ago

You're a godsend! Pls keep us informed on how u did it! I won't be sleeping tonight!

 
Posted by jay419
December 17, 2011 - 00:239 weeks ago

PLEASE let us know how!!

 
Posted by Nividius
December 17, 2011 - 00:379 weeks ago

Anyone Here Try this on a Telus phone? (canada)

 
Posted by canolaoil
December 17, 2011 - 11:459 weeks ago

I am unable to make it work. Get a verification error when unpacking update.zip.

 
Posted by sbadre1
January 23, 2012 - 15:084 weeks ago

Yes! I tried it and it did not work. My phone loaded back up normally. Anyone know why this didn`t work

 
Posted by Dubweizer
December 17, 2011 - 00:479 weeks ago

Flashed the update ... nice! Thanks, no quality sleep for me tonight.

 
Posted by Nividius
December 17, 2011 - 00:529 weeks ago

those of you who it works for. what version do you have? I9020A?

 
Posted by dissector13
December 17, 2011 - 00:549 weeks ago

I think they have I920T

 
Posted by Nividius
December 17, 2011 - 00:579 weeks ago

what baseband / build # is yours dissector13?

 
Posted by dpang
December 17, 2011 - 00:599 weeks ago

Works wonderfully, only this is that it gets a but laggy when you first turn on your phone but over a while the laggy disappears and face unlock is not available

 
Posted by zeniazenin
December 17, 2011 - 01:269 weeks ago

Sorry for the dumb question. but how do I downgrade it back to original version? I got "baseband unknown" and I do have the version mentioned above.

 
Posted by born2reign813
December 17, 2011 - 01:369 weeks ago

Works flawlessly. Thanks for the release of this. Can't wait until I can get this on my SG2 and my Xoom!!

 
Posted by 7seven
December 17, 2011 - 04:269 weeks ago

Guys, is this exactly the same thing as if I would have wait for the automatic OTA update? Will I still get the update notifications after that, if and when they will be available? I have the European version with SLCD. Does this work on it? Do I risk anything? Sorry if this a dumb question.

Later edit: Nevermind, I just noticed is says: "the T-Mobile version". I guess I will have to wait for the OTA. Any ideea how long this can take (maximum)?

 
Posted by crester
December 17, 2011 - 02:049 weeks ago

Come on! Release the Rogers/A&T version already!!! lol

 
Posted by yusuf_gr8
December 17, 2011 - 04:219 weeks ago

I update my nexus S (Model: GT-I9020T) with this update and that seems to have bricked my unit completely. Anyone have any idea what could have gone wrong? Any suggestion on how i can recover my device? -Thanks

 
Posted by vincekeel
December 17, 2011 - 10:259 weeks ago

Hey there. I too have suffered the same fate. My Nexus S won't reboot. In case, you manage to get it working, please please do let me know. Thanks

 
Posted by Rohil
December 17, 2011 - 04:319 weeks ago

I have a Nexus s 19023 in India. Will flashing this cause a problem? Also do i need to unlock my bootloader? Will i receive OTA updates later as this is the final build by Google itself. Sorry for the dumb questions. I am a noob at this :P

 
Posted by SujayKrishna
January 19, 2012 - 01:454 weeks ago

Did u ever try it? Anyone else with an Indian Nexus S here tried it?

 
Posted by jgngo
December 17, 2011 - 04:439 weeks ago

Confirmed to be working for Globe Telecom Nexus S in the Philippines. Upgrade went flawlessly with apps and data intact. Took about 10 minutes to do the upgrade. The update is official as it comes from the google servers.

 
Posted by axel droid
December 17, 2011 - 04:459 weeks ago

saw some people had problems after updating it. would like to know if it is safe to update on my unlocked Nexus S (2.3.6 android atm) I9023XXKF1, build number GRK39F. thanks

 
Posted by uansari1
December 17, 2011 - 06:079 weeks ago

Given that numerous people are having problems with the update, I think you guys should lay off this update for a couple days, until the devs have figured out what's up..

 
Posted by jzmati
December 17, 2011 - 06:419 weeks ago

WIFI is not working on my Nexus S ( Baseband version I9020XXKI1 ) after the update ... any way to get back to 2.3.6 or to get it working ??

 
Posted by mwuagi
December 17, 2011 - 18:529 weeks ago

My WiFi is dead too. WTF?

 
Posted by tazh89
December 17, 2011 - 07:549 weeks ago

lol feel like buying a nexus s juat so i can have ics NOW...

 
Posted by mp3ief
December 17, 2011 - 08:569 weeks ago

Completed the update, everything working fine but WIFI is now not working. Have rebooted, issue persists. Can turn wifi on and off. Occasionally it will see my network but not connect. Sometimes it says network out of range despite the fact I'm right here at the base station. Tried forgetting the network, still nothing. Same baseband version as jzmati (I8020XXKI1).

Anyone else facing this issue?

 
Posted by nanyate
December 17, 2011 - 12:309 weeks ago

I have the same baseband. No network issue so far.

 
Posted by mwuagi
December 17, 2011 - 18:539 weeks ago

My Wifi is not working either. This seems to be a somewhat common bug. I hope they fix it ASAP... I'm screwed without it.

 
Posted by yoavhorev
December 17, 2011 - 12:139 weeks ago

Can I use it on the I9023XXF1 Baseband vesion? it is a GSM sim unlocked device.

 
Posted by nanyate
December 17, 2011 - 12:319 weeks ago

Works pretty well but I'm having problems with Kobo and Kindle. Kindle force closes and Kobo will no longer sync properly. The USB transfer from Mac OS Lion has not been smooth either. Most files are not recognized. Have had to disconnect and reconnect USB drive to get the phone to read the files.

Anyone else having the same issues?

 
Posted by blagh1
December 17, 2011 - 13:309 weeks ago

I'm also getting the unknown baseband issue after updating my T-Mobile 9020T running stock 2.3.6. Wifi works but cell and data do not. Any solutions?

 
Posted by techguy23
December 17, 2011 - 19:349 weeks ago

I am also having this same exact problem if you find a solution can you please post it? thanks

 
Posted by blagh1
December 18, 2011 - 22:499 weeks ago

I was able to solve the baseband unknown issue by flashing the radio. The problem was the 4.0.3 update did not update the radio properly. In the bootloader it showed as version I9020XXXXX instead of I9020XXKI1. I unlocked the bootloader with 'fastboot oem unlock' and then flashed the radio from http://unforgivendevelopment.com/2011/12/17/new-nexus-s-goodies-radio-an... with 'fastboot flash radio radio-I9020XXKI1.img' and then the baseband was recognized and phone and data work properly.

One big downside though: if you haven't previously unlocked your boot loader you will lose everything. Apps, settings, everything on the SD card. So be sure to back up everything that matters.

 
Posted by somerussianguy
December 17, 2011 - 16:029 weeks ago

There are multiple people with problems with this update...

so, whoever updated successfully, do I just flash this update as any other ROM?

wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache
wipe dalvik cache
install from recovery?

 
Posted by mwuagi
December 17, 2011 - 18:559 weeks ago

Not ready for prime time. WiFi doesn't work after the update.

 
Posted by techguy23
December 17, 2011 - 19:429 weeks ago

I competed the update coming from stock 2.3.6 and followed the steps given to update. Now my wifi works find but it tells me the baseband is unknown and my phone wont connect to the T-Mobile network...can anyone help?

 
Posted by jomcty
December 17, 2011 - 21:099 weeks ago

I performed the manual install per the provided instructions to my stock T-Mobile NS 2.3.6 and everything is working perfectly; radio, wifi, bluetooth, gps, tethering.

Takes a little getting used to but overall a nice upgrade. Thanks Google for the timely update!

 
Posted by El Pap
December 18, 2011 - 07:519 weeks ago

No wifi after upgrade to ice cream sandwich .
Anny fix available?

 
Posted by mwuagi
December 18, 2011 - 13:039 weeks ago

Okay folks. For those of us having the WiFi problem, I've figured something out. I scoured the Android forums to see who else is having the WiFi problem, and I did a (sort of) data study to figure out the similarities. From the names of the folks (who used actual names instead of "handles"), I started to see a trend of folks who were not necessarily in the U.S. (difficult, since the U.S. is so mixed in ethnicity). I then had a theory that most of the WiFi problems were with folks who were not on T-Mobile and in the U.S.

I am presently in the Middle East. I have SIMs for many countries, and I shut off my phone and put in my U.S. T-Mobile SIM to see what would happen. With the T-Mobile SIM, the WiFi works! So the problem is with phones that have SIM cards other than U.S. T-Mobile.

At least the engineers have a clue as to where to look to fix the problem now!

 
Posted by mp3ief
December 18, 2011 - 13:519 weeks ago

Mwuagi,

Great find. My Nexus S was purchased at Best Buy for Tmobile but I use it in Angola with a Unitel SIM card. I threw out the original T-Mobile SIM that came with the phone without ever activating it. I was just in the US for Thanksgiving and picked up a temporary SIM card (H2O). I've put that one in the phone and sure enough the WIFI worked as soon as I turned it on. It connected to my network right away, no problems.

I tested with my Danish SIM card (One Mobile) and it connected to my network, no problem. I tested with my South African SIM Card (Vodacom) and it connected to my network again, no problem.

I put my normal SIM back in (Unitel) and it is now not connecting again. Going directly into my WIFI settings it looks like it is trying to connect to my network. Going into Advanced WIFI settings it shows I have an IP Address. Navigating web pages and monitoring my data usage clearly shows I am using 3G rather than WIFI.

I have tried testing the WIFI with the Unitel SIM in by using Tethering. That seems to work just fine.

 
Posted by X1111
December 18, 2011 - 15:419 weeks ago

confirm WiFi doesn't work on mine with middle east sim-card
what's this funny problem that we have ?!

 
Posted by 7seven
December 18, 2011 - 16:299 weeks ago

I can confirm it works for the european version with the SLCD display - baseband version - I9023XXKI1 - I'm on Vodafone Romania. Everything works great!

 
Posted by nelze
December 18, 2011 - 19:009 weeks ago

I'm from Asia and I also have problems with the WiFi. I don't have a T-Mobile simcard like you guys do so this issue is driving me crazy. It says that it's "connected" to my net, but there's a blinking up arrow on the signal.

BTW I'm using static IP.

Any hints? :(

 
Posted by jomcty
December 18, 2011 - 23:269 weeks ago

The "Automatically lock" after # minutes after sleep doesn't appear to work for me. With it set to 2 minutes, I enter my pattern to enter my phone, press the power button to sleep it, wait a few moments and press the power button again. I'm presented with the pattern entry screen again.

Shouldn't it wait # minutes before locking again?

 
Posted by Bob Googol
December 21, 2011 - 13:479 weeks ago

I have an i9020T with an AT&T SIM. I followed the steps to upgrade, and I now have ICS running, but my cell connection no longer works. I can't make calls or send text messages. If I go to Settings > Security > SIM Lock, the "Lock SIM card" checkbox is checked, even though my SIM is not locked (I used it on another phone just fine). And I can't uncheck it. It says "Can't change SIM card lock state. Possibly incorrect PIN."

Is there any way to fix this? If not, is there a way to downgrade to GB again?

 
Posted by defty08
December 26, 2011 - 23:448 weeks ago

Will this work for a Koodo (Canada) phone?

 
Posted by darKARAS_13
February 9, 2012 - 15:251 week ago

Has any1 w/a Nexus S on the Telus (Canada) wireless network tried 2 upd8 from GB 2 ICS? I was actually recommended 2 try this option by Telus store rep.

I tried following the steps listed above, but after the 7th step [From the menu, select "apply update from /sdcard", and choose update.zip from the list.], my phone just sits there idle, doing nothing but display the android logo/icon w/the warning triangle containing the exclamation mark; it doesn't continue to the final step [Let it do its thing and update your system, radio, and other partitions. When finished, choose "reboot system now].

Here are my phone's specs: (Android ver. 2.3.6/Baseband ver. I9020AUKF1/Kernal ver. 2.6.35.7-gf5f63ef android-build@apa28 #1/Build number: GRK39F)

 
Posted by darKARAS_13
February 9, 2012 - 16:051 week ago

When I try 2 select the [update.zip] from the "apply update from /sdcard", it just opens other sub-menus (sum of which contain even MORE sub-menus...), and when I try to select 1 of those, nothing happens other than it opening 2 a menu selection that only takes me bac 2 the previous menu/sub-menu selection...

othrwise, it just sits idle w/the android logo/icon & the warning triangle as I st8ted before.

Any help w/upd8ing 2 ICS wood B gr8ly appreci8ed.