The Android community is a lot like a garden thirsting for water. When it leaks, roots are bound to show up. The first Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich firmware (build XXLQ5) for the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 was leaked online a few days ago and brought with it performance and smoothness improvements. It was only a matter of time before the community would find a way to root it.
XDA Developers member Chainfire, known for his easy rooting methods, has developed a kernel for XXLQ5. Newbies who have only started sinking their teeth in playing with their Android devices will be delighted to know that the CF-Root Kernel for firmware build XXLQ5 can be easily flashed via Odin. Not only does this root the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 on Android 4.0.4 build XXLQ5 but also installs ClockworkMod Recovery.
The previous version of this kernel had a bug that would cause the internal SD card and stopped the device completely. The kernel included in this guide is the updated kernel that no longer has that bug (according to the dev).
Warning
- The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy S2, model number GT-I9100. 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
- Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 running Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich build XXLQ5
- A Windows PC
- An archive extraction program, such as WinRAR and 7-Zip
- 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.
- Download the following:
- 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.
Instructions
- Extract the CF-Root Kernel to get the CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_LQ5-v5.5-CWM5.tar file. We recommend extracting it to a convenient location, such as your Desktop.
- Turn off your phone.
- Put the Galaxy S2 in Download Mode. You can do this by pressing and holding down the Volume Down key, Home button, and Power button together. When a “Warning!” screen will come up, press the Volume Up key to enter Download Mode.
- Double-click on Odin3 v1.85.exe to launch it.
- In Odin, click on the PDA button. Navigate to where the CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_LQ5-v5.5-CWM5.tar file is and select it.
- Do not make any other changes to Odin. Make sure thatRe-partition is NOT checked.
- Connect your phone to your computer. You should see an “Added!” message in Odin's lower left message box.
- If you don't get this message, there may be something wrong with your USB drivers. Make sure that you've properly installed them.
- Hit the START button in Odin to begin flashing the CF-Root Kernel.
- When flashing is complete, your phone will automatically reboot. When you see the Samsung logo, you can safely disconnect your phone. On the Odin window, you'll also see a PASS message with a green background in the upper leftmost box.
- If Odin gets stuck and doesn't seem to be responding, or if you receive a FAIL message, close Odin, remove and reinsert the phone's batter, and start over from step 3.
Congratulations! Your Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 running Android 4.0.4 build XXLQ5, has now been rooted and has ClockworkMod Recovery. Enjoy your root privileges.
