You're a Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100G user and you've just received the XXLPQ Ice Cream Sandwich firmware update for your device. Life couldn't be sweeter. Or, could it? What you're missing on your Galaxy S2 is ClockworkMod Recovery and, the most important part of all, root access.
ClockworkMod Recovery allows you to easily backup your ROM and data in case you want to try some of the newest customization goodies in the Android community. Root not only gives you added control over your device but also allows you to use a number of apps on the Google Play Store that are specifically for root-enabled devices.
If you want to make your life even sweeter, we've put together a guide to flash not just ClockworkMod Recovery to your Galaxy S2 but also root the XXLPQ firmware it's running on.
This guide shows you how to root ICS XXLPQ and flash ClockworkMod Recovery on Galaxy S2 I9100G.
Warnings
- The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy S2, model number GT-I9100G. 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 running on XXLPQ firmware
- 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.
- Samsung KIES installed on your computer. This is important as it will install the Galaxy S2′s device drivers.
- Enable USB debugging on your phone. This can be done through Settings > Applications > Development.
- Odin3 1.85 installed on your computer (Odin 1.85.zip, 198.58 KB)
- Before you start the rooting process, make sure to disable Samsung KIES and any antivirus and firewall software. This is to prevent them from interrupting the flashing process; interruption may lead to irreversible damage to your device.
- ICS kernel (GT-I9100G_ICS_ClockworkMod-Recovery_5.5.0.4.tar, 5.7 MB).
- Root package (Root.zip, 1.4 MB).
Instructions
- Copy the rooting package (Root.zip) to the root of your Galaxy S2′s internal SD card.
- Boot your device into Download Mode. You can do this by pressing and holding down the Volume Down, Home, and Power buttons. When you see the Warning! screen, press Volume Up to enter Download Mode.
- Double-click on the Odin3 executable file to launch it on your computer.
- In Odin3, click the PDA button.
- Navigate to where the ICS kernel file is and select it.
- Connect your phone to your computer. On the Odin3 window, you should see an “Added!” message in the lower left corner. This means that your phone was able to connect properly with your computer.
- If you do not receive this message, disconnect your phone and try to reinstall the device drivers. You may also try using another USB port on your computer.
- Click on Start to begin flashing the kernel.
- When flashing is complete, you'll see a “PASS” message with a green background in the upper leftmost corner of Odin3 and your Galaxy S2 will automatically reboot.
- If Odin3 seems to freeze or you receive a “FAIL” message with a red background, do the following:
- Disconnect your Galaxy S2 from your computer.
- Close Odin3.
- Remove your Galaxy S2′s battery.
- Re-insert the battery.
- Start over from step 2.
- After the phone has rebooted, turn your Galaxy S2 off again.
- Boot into Recovery Mode by pressing and holding down the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons. Let go when the screen turns on.
- Select Install ZIP from SD Card and choose the Root.zip file. Confirm that you want to flash the selected file.
- After the file has finished flashing, select Go Back.
- Select Reboot System Now.
Congratulations! Your Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100G running on XXLPQ firmware has now been rooted and is equipped with ClockworkMod Recovery. Have fun flashing all sorts of custom tweaks, hacks, and mods.
