Although the Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update for Verizon started arriving last Friday (Dec. 14), most users felt that it was pretty late compared to other U.S.-based subscribers and that if it was anyway that late, why the company didn’t directly push out the latest Android 4.2.1 refresh.

However, now thanks to a custom firmware build, build SCH-I535, users of Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 can try their hands at the latest Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. For users to install Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean on their Verizon-based Galaxy S3, users will need to install custom firmware LiquidSmooth ROM, which is based on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean AOSP, on their devices.

For those who are unsure, the LiquidSmooth ROM is considered one of the smoothest, most stable and fast Rom as it is built from AOSP release. The ROM also comes with a number of customizations that users usually find in CM10.1, AOKP, Team CAN, and Team EOS ROM.

Before proceeding with the installation process, it is to be noted that the LiquidSmooth ROM is still under development. Although most of the features will work fine but users may still face certain issues and bugs while using the LiquidSmooth ROM on their Galaxy S3s. All such issues, as expected, will be fixed as development moves ahead.

Nonetheless, there are some prerequisites that are needed to be followed before attempting the installation. It is highly advised to back-up the device’s data first so that they may be obtained once the process is over. Also, the device needs to have at least 80 percent battery power, a backup of the EFS Folder has to be made (check here on how to), and there should be a USB driver installed for Galaxy S3 on the PC.

Users also need to make sure the USB Debugging is enabled, and that the device is already rooted with a ClockworkMod Recovery installed. Users will also need the LiquidSmooth ROM for Verizon Galaxy S3 [Filename: Liquid-JB-v2.1-Beta1-d2vzw.zip] and Google Apps [Filename: gapps-jb-20121011-signed.zip].

Important: Make note that the installation process should be attempted at the user’s own risk and MobilenApps will not be held responsible for any kind of damage to the phone that may or may not occur during the process.

Here are the steps to install:

Step 1: Connect the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 to PC via USB.

Step 2: Now copy all downloaded zip files to the SD card of the phone, but don’t extract any file as yet. (Find the download links below)

Step 3: Disconnect USB and turn off the phone.

Step 4: Next, boot into ClockworkMod recovery in the Galaxy S3 by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home, and Power button together till the Samsung logo appears on the device’s screen.

Step 5: Now release all three buttons. Here users should see ClockworkMod recovery screen soon. Next, use Volume keys to browse between options in recovery while using Power key to select an option. (Users can also try this alternative method to get hold of the Recovery Mode without key combination)

Step 6: Users will need to perform a Nandroid backup of their existing ROM. To do that, select Backup and Restore, then on the next screen, select Backup again. Head back to the main recovery menu after backup is complete.

Step 7: Here, perform the data wiping task. To do so, select wipe data/factory reset, then select Yes on next screen to confirm the action. Give it few minutes till the data wipe is completed.

Step 8: Select install zip from sdcard and then select choose zip from sdcard. Next, locate the Liquid-JB-v2.1-Beta1-d2vzw.zip file that you copied earlier in Step 2 and select it by pressing Power button (tap if using touch version).

Step 9: Confirm the installation by selecting Yes – Install _____.zip on the next screen. The ROM installation will begin.

Step 10: After the installation process ends, repeat step 8. But, this time, choose gapps-jb-20121011-signed.zip instead of ROM zip to install the Google apps package.

Step 11: Once the installation is done, go back to the main recovery menu and select reboot system now to reboot the smartphone and boot up into customized Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean ROM LiquidSmooth. The first boot will take a bit of time so be patient.

Step 12: On the account of users wanting to go back to the previous ROM, boot into recovery, select backup and restore then restore the previous ROM by selecting it from the list.

Download Links:

LiquidSmooth ROM for Verizon Galaxy S3 [Filename: Liquid-JB-v2.1-Beta1-d2vzw.zip]

Google Apps [Filename: gapps-jb-20121011-signed.zip]

However, Android Jinn, regarding the installation process, states that this tutorial “is only for Verizon Galaxy S3, model number SCH-I535. Don’t try this guide in any other Android device.”