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How to Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)

In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3) issue. a VBMeta file is used to verify the integrity of the system so that your device is only able to boot the authorized and signed firmware. To bypass this restriction, many custom ROMs now come with their own custom vbmeta, but there are still a few that don’t. And for these sets of ROMs, you will need to manually flash the stock or blank vbmeta IMG files.

Well, to be fair, there are still some clouds of uncertainty regarding this file and its usage. And this is the major reason why we are witnessing an increase in the number of issues related to the vbmeta. Fortunately, in most cases, the fix for the same is fairly simple and easy to execute. And this guide shall make you aware of just that. This tutorial will list out four different methods to fix the Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3) issue. Follow along.

How to Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)

Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)

There exist three different methods to rectify the aforementioned issue. As far as the success rate is concerned, I have personally tested the first fix and manage to fix the issue. The other two fixes, though not tested by me, have also given out successful results by the testers. So on that note, let’s get started. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps. 

Fix 1: Flash Stock Firmware via Odin

This has given the maximum success rate and is a pretty straightforward fix as well. All you need to do is just flash the stock ROM for your device via Odin. Here’s how:

STEP 1: Download Firmware via Frija

To begin with, download the stock firmware for your device and region (CSC) via the Frija Tool. You could also refer to our guide to carry out this task: How to Download Samsung Stock Firmware/ROM via Frija Tool.

Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)

STEP 2: Boot to Download Mode

Next up, boot your device to the download mode. For that, please refer to our instructions given in this guide: How to Boot any Samsung Device to Download Mode]. Or you could also refer to the below steps:

Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)

  1. Press Volume Down and Power button, until the phone restarts.
  2. Quickly plug back the USB cable and Hold Volume Up and then Press Volume UP again (OEM is now off and the Phone will reboot)
  3. Quickly press Volume UP & Down at the same time again *don’t remove USB cable*, until download mode comes up.
  4. This time only press Volume UP and your device should be booted.

STEP 3: Flash Firmware via Odin

Next up, download, and install the Odin Tool onto your PC. Using it, you will have to flash the firmware onto your device. You may refer to our guide for the same: How to Flash Stock Firmware via Odin. Or refer to the below shorter instructions: [do keep in mind that doing so will wipe off all the data from your device, so take a backup beforehand]:

Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)

  1. To begin with, extract the zip file that contains your stock firmware.
  2. Then in Odin, select the file that begins with BL and put it into the BL section, do the same with AP, CP, and CSC.
  3. Ignore the USERDATA field. For CSC do not use HOME_CSC, use CSC.
  4. Then press Start and you should be all set. The flashing will now start and could take a few minutes.

Once the flashing is complete, your device will boot to the OS and the issue should have been rectified. With this, we conclude the first method to fix the Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3) issue. Let’s now make you aware of the other two methods.

Fix 2: Flash VBMeta.tar in CP Slot

If you are getting this error message while flashing the TWRP Recovery, then apart from putting the TWRP in the AP slot of Odin, you will also have to put the vbmeta.IMG file in the CP Slot. You could get the vbmeta.img from the stock firmware that you had downloaded for your device via Frija or refer to our guide on How to Download and Flash a Blank vbmeta file.

So once the AP slot is filled with TWRP and the CP is filed with vbmeta, boot your device to the Download Mode and then start the flashing process of both these files via Odin. Once the flashing is complete, your device shall automatically boot to the OS. And this shall fix the Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3) issue as well.

Fix 3: Flash PIT and Recovery.img.tar Files

  1. To begin with, download the stock firmware for your device via Frija [How to Download Samsung Stock Firmware/ROM via Frija Tool].
  2. The downloaded firmware will be in ZIP, extract it. Then extract the CSC firmware file and get hold of the PIT file [How to Extract PIT File from Samsung Firmware].
    Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)
  3. Likewise, also grab the recovery.img.lz4 from the extracted firmware. Then change this recovery file to recovery.img.tar by renaming it.
  4. Now launch the Odin Tool, go to the PIT section, click on the PIT button and load the PIT file.
    Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)
  5. After that, put in recovery.img.tar in the AP slot of the tool.
  6. Now go to the Options tab of Odin and uncheck the Auto Reboot option.
  7. Finally, boot your device to the Download Mode and connect it to the PC via USB cable.
  8. Once your device is recognized by the tool, hit the Start button to initiate the flashing process.
  9. Once done, boot your device to recovery and then perform a factory reset (it will wipe off all the data).
    Fix Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3)
  10. That’s it, you may now boot your device to the OS without any issues.

So with this, we round off the guide on how to fix the Error Verifying VBMeta Image OK_NOT_SIGNED(3) issue. We have shared three different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one spelled out success for you. Likewise, all queries are welcomed in the comments below.

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  • Hi, I’m stuck with a different error on my Galaxy S10,
    ODIN MODE (AVB Fail)
    vbmeta: Public key used to sign data rejected. (5)
    recovery: Error validating footer. (0)
    recovery: Error verifying vbmeta image: invalid vbmeta header (6)
    CUSTOM VBMETA
    VBMETA G973FXXVFHVE1
    Please help!

  • Hi, I have a similar issue like this, but my Galaxy S10 says,

    ODIN MODE (AVB Fail)
    vbmeta: Public key used to sign data rejected. (5)
    recovery: Error validating footer. (0)
    recovery: Error verifying vbmeta image: invalid vbmeta header (6)
    CUSTOM VBMETA
    VBMETA G973FXXVFHVE1

    Please help!