T-Mobile and Samsung have started rolling out the official Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update middle of last month via Samsung Kies for the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S2 SGH-T989.  The update for build UVLH1 brings a lot of important changes from Android 4.0.3, resulting in appreciable smoothness, stability, and better performance.

If you were unable to upgrade to build UVLH1 via official channels, here's your chance to do it manually.  This is official stock software, so you'll lose root privileges but will not increase your phone's flash counter.

This guide shows you how to upgrade the Galaxy S2 T989 to Android 4.0.4 ICS build UVLH1.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S2, model number SGH-T989. 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

• T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S2 SGH-T989
• 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.
• Download the following files to your computer:
  • UVLH1 firmware (T989UVLH1_T989TMBLH1_TMB.zip, 406.4 MB) — also available from a mirror link
  • Odin3 v1.83 (Odin3 v1.83.exe, 415.5 kB)
• 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.

Instructions

1. On your computer, extract the T989UVLH1_T989TMBLH1_TMB.zip file.  You should be able to extract the T989UVLH1_T989TMBLH1_T989UVLH1_HOME.tar.md5 file.
2. Double-click on the Odin3 v1.83.exe file to launch Odin on your computer.
3. Switch off your Galaxy S2.
4. Boot into Download Mode. You can do this by first plugging one end of the USB cable into your computer. Then, holding down the Volume Up and Volume Down keys, plug in the other end of the USB cable into your phone. Once the Download screen with the green Android appears, let go of the buttons.
5. On the Odin screen, you'll notice an “Added!!” message on the lower-left message box.
   • NOTE: If you don't get this message, re-install the phone's drivers.
6. In Odin, click the PDA button. Navigate to where the T989UVLH1_T989TMBLH1_T989UVLH1_HOME.tar.md5 file is and select it.
7. Do not make any other changes to Odin.
8. Click the Start button in Odin to begin flashing the UVLH1 firmware.
9. When the flashing is complete, your Galaxy S2 will automatically reboot. You'll see a green “PASS” message on Odin.
10. If you get a red “FAIL” message or Odin seems to hang, do the following:
    • Disconnect the Galaxy S2 from the computer.
    • Remove the phone battery.
    • Re-insert the battery.
    • Start over from step 4.
11. You can disconnect your Galaxy S2 once you see the Samsung logo.
12. There is a chance that your Galaxy S2 will reboot to the stock Android 3e Recovery, with a black background and an Android in the middle of the screen with blue text. Simply do a Factory Reset from the 3e Recovery by following the steps below. If it boot loops, also perform the following steps.
    • Boot to Recovery Mode. You can do this by pressing and holding down the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power keys together until the screen turns on.
    • Select Wipe data/factory reset.
    • Select Reboot system now.

Congratulations! Your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S2 SGH-T989 is now running on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich UVLH1 firmware. Enjoy!