The Galaxy S3 and the Nexus 7 aren't the only hot devices these days. The Android 4.0.4 update dubbed as the XXLRG is also on fire as it finds its way to Galaxy Note GT-N7000 users. The Ice Cream Sandwich update crash-landed in German territory, but it turned out that it's also applicable to the international variant of the Galaxy Note. It's not as fine as the most awaited Jelly Bean but it will surely kick the Galaxy Note up a notch.

Installing the XXLRG update on the Galaxy Note brings apparent performance to the device, making it more stable and relatively smoother than the previous updates. And, as far as bugs and issues are concerned, none were reported by users or developers so far. To try installing the Android 4.0.4 ICS firmware XXLRG build, see the requirements and instructions below.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy Note, model number GT-N7000. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

• A Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000
  • [Optional] For a cleaner and safer flash, the developer suggests that your phone should be running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread before flashing the update.
• A Windows PC
• Handset USB drivers installed on the PC. You may install the drivers by installing Samsung Kies.
• Enable USB Debugging on your handset.
• Disable antivirus, firewall, and other security software. Also disable Samsung Kies and other software that accesses your phone. Such software can interfere with the procedure in this guide.
• Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.
• Download the following files to your computer:
  • XXLRG firmware (N7000XXLRG_N7000DBTLRG_DBT.zip, 659.7 MB)
  • Odin3 v1.85 (Odin3-1.85.zip, 198 kB)

Instructions

1. On your computer, extract the N7000XXLRG_N7000DBTLRG_DBT.zip file and you should get N7000XXLRG_N7000DBTLRG_N7000XXLRB_HOME.tar.md5
   • NOTE: Sometimes the MD5 extension maybe hidden and the file will end with TAR.
2. Extract the contents of the Odin3-1.85.zip to a convenient location, preferably on the Desktop where it's easy to find.
3. Switch off your phone.
4. Reboot your phone to Download Mode. Press and hold down the Power button, Volume Down button, and Home button together until you see “Warning!” on the screen. Press the Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.
5. Go to the Odin folder that you extracted and look for Odin3 v1.85.exe. Double-click it to run Odin.
6. In Odin, select the PDA button and locate the N7000XXLRG_N7000DBTLRG_N7000XXLRB_HOME.tar.md5 file that you extracted earlier.
   • NOTE: Don't make any other changes in Odin. Make sure that “Re-partition” is not selected underOptions.
7. Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable. Odin should recognize your phone and will display an “Added!” message in the message box found at the bottom left. If your phone is not recognized, check if the drivers are properly installed.
8. In Odin, click START to flash the XXLRG update on your phone. Your phone will automatically reboot when the flashing is done. Other indicators that the flashing is successful are the Samsung logo displayed on your phone's screen and a “PASS” message displayed in Odin's message box.
9. If you encounter problems with Odin such us being stuck or getting a “FAIL” message, just disconnect your phone, close Odin, remove and re-insert the battery of your phone, and start from step 4 again.
10. It may also happen that the phone will get stuck at the booting animation (the part when the Samsung logo is displayed). Do the following to make it boot completely:
    1. Remove the phone's battery and re-insert it.
    2. Reboot your phone into Recovery Mode by pressing the Volume Up button, Home button, and Power button until the display turns on. Use the Volume keys to navigate and the Power button to select option.
    3. Once in Recovery Mode, select Wipe data/Factory Reset and confirm the action on the next screen.
    4. After the wiping is complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot System Now. Your phone should be able to complete boot with XXLRG installed on it.

Congratulations! You just installed Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich build XXLRG on your Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000. Enjoy!