Rooting Galaxy S2 - Dummies Guide

[Anas Ahmed]

This thread is all about rooting the Galaxy S2. You could post in the general rooting forum if you have a specific post rooting question such as yours. That way we can keep this thread for those who are rooting their phones.

Ok thank you !

 

[Dieter Kible]

Hi all,
when searching for hints how to root my old Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100G (I9100GGSMH Kernel Version 3.0.31-893450) I found your tutorial and it sounded easy enough that I could do it. I successfully followed the instructions in post #2 up to #2.4. Step 4 but then the success-story had an abrupt end: the S2 did not boot any more after showinf a green 'PASS' in odin. It stucks in the splash screen 'Samsung Galaxy S II..' and whenever I press the power button it just starts over and hangs in the same screen again until I remove the battery.
I tried to go into the 'recovery mode (as recommended in #2.5) but this does not work any more. Fortunately the 'download mode' still works, however, it does not boot from there either. Whad did I do wrong?
I wonder what can be done now to recover the device?

I flashed the kernel: Siyah-s2-v6.0b5.tar (had JB 4.1.2)

Many thanks for any tip
Dieter

 

[ironass]

Hi all,
when searching for hints how to root my old Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100G (I9100GGSMH Kernel Version 3.0.31-893450) I found your tutorial and it sounded easy enough that I could do it. I successfully followed the instructions in post #2 up to #2.4. Step 4 but then the success-story had an abrupt end: the S2 did not boot any more after showinf a green 'PASS' in odin. It stucks in the splash screen 'Samsung Galaxy S II..' and whenever I press the power button it just starts over and hangs in the same screen again until I remove the battery.
I tried to go into the 'recovery mode (as recommended in #2.5) but this does not work any more. Fortunately the 'download mode' still works, however, it does not boot from there either. Whad did I do wrong?
I wonder what can be done now to recover the device?

I flashed the kernel: Siyah-s2-v6.0b5.tar (had JB 4.1.2)

Many thanks for any tip
Dieter

Hello and welcome to Android Forums Dieter Kible

As per post #1...

"This guide is for rooting the Samsung Galaxy S2, GT-i9100, GT-i9100M, GT-i9100T & GT-i9100P only and no other variant.***


If you are unsure of the model of your phone, go to Settings > About phone > Model number

(*** The Dummies Guide can also be used to root the, "GT-i9100G", on Gingerbread, (only), providing you use the root kernels mentioned in post #2, here)"

I would suggest downloading and flashing the stock firmware for your, "G", variant to get you up and running again.

 

[Dieter Kible]

Hello and welcome to Android Forums Dieter Kible

As per post #1...

"This guide is for rooting the Samsung Galaxy S2, GT-i9100, GT-i9100M, GT-i9100T & GT-i9100P only and no other variant.***


If you are unsure of the model of your phone, go to Settings > About phone > Model number

(*** The Dummies Guide can also be used to root the, "GT-i9100G", on Gingerbread, (only), providing you use the root kernels mentioned in post #2, here)"

I would suggest downloading and flashing the stock firmware for your, "G", variant to get you up and running again.

Many thanks ironass,
I actually read this comment carfully but came to the conclusion that it would apply to the newer JB as well - clearly my fault!
Now I guess I'm in trouble and have to figure out how to flash an appropriate stock firmware.
Is there another forum on androidforums dealing with my sort of problems?
So far I only found a stock ROM 'I9100GXXLSR-DBT.zip' on 'http://www.handy-faq.de/forum/galaxy-s2-original-roms-kies-f357/' but it does not completely match my smartphone model. Do you think this would work?

Thanks a lot
Dieter

 

[ironass]

Many thanks ironass,
I actually read this comment carfully but came to the conclusion that it would apply to the newer JB as well - clearly my fault!
Now I guess I'm in trouble and have to figure out how to flash an appropriate stock firmware.
Is there another forum on androidforums dealing with my sort of problems?
So far I only found a stock ROM 'I9100GXXLSR-DBT.zip' on 'http://www.handy-faq.de/forum/galaxy-s2-original-roms-kies-f357/' but it does not completely match my smartphone model. Do you think this would work?

Thanks a lot
Dieter

Sorry Dieter Kible, that rooting method is only applicable to Gingerbread firmware.

If you post your, "Version", details as per, "Rooting procedure", #2.0, I can point you to the stock Samsung firmware for your device model, CSC and Product codes.

 

[Dieter Kible]

Sorry Dieter Kible, that rooting method is only applicable to Gingerbread firmware.

If you post your, "Version", details as per, "Rooting procedure", #2.0, I can point you to the stock Samsung firmware for your device model, CSC and Product codes.

Great offer! However, as I did not have a SIM installed any more I did not do this *#1234# and hoped that the kernel information were sufficient (3.0.31-893450). Therefore I do not have this information available.
Could I flash a suitable Gingerbread firmware instead and then upgrade to the appropriate Jelly Bean ROM?
As I'm not really focussed on Jelly Bean, could I flash any other ROM such as from CWM?
Or let me ask it differently, can I recue the device in any way?

Thanks for your valuable help
Dieter

 

[ironass]

Great offer! However, as I did not have a SIM installed any more I did not do this *#1234# and hoped that the kernel information were sufficient (3.0.31-893450). Therefore I do not have this information available.
Could I flash a suitable Gingerbread firmware instead and then upgrade to the appropriate Jelly Bean ROM?
As I'm not really focussed on Jelly Bean, could I flash any other ROM such as from CWM?
Or let me ask it differently, can I recue the device in any way?

Thanks for your valuable help
Dieter

Those kernel details will be common to all the GT-i9100G firmwares I am afraid and therefore, no help in narrowing the precise firmware down.

In that case, you could download the latest stock Samsung, unbranded Germany (DBT), firmware for the GT-i9100G... (there is also an Austrian firmware available if you are in Austria)

ModelGT-I9100GModel nameGALAXY S IICountryGermanyVersionAndroidChangelist0Build dateN/AProduct codeDBTPDAI9100GXXLSRCSCI9100GDBTLS1

Use the instructions, link and video in #1.7 of Jelly Bean update - Dummies Guide for details of how to flash the above firmware to your phone, using the Odin PC suite.

 

[Dieter Kible]

Those kernel details will be common to all the GT-i9100G firmwares I am afraid and therefore, no help in narrowing the precise firmware down.

In that case, you could download the latest stock Samsung, unbranded Germany (DBT), firmware for the GT-i9100G... (there is also an Austrian firmware available if you are in Austria)

ModelGT-I9100GModel nameGALAXY S IICountryGermanyVersionAndroidChangelist0Build dateN/AProduct codeDBTPDAI9100GXXLSRCSCI9100GDBTLS1

Use the instructions, link and video in #1.7 of Jelly Bean update - Dummies Guide for details of how to flash the above firmware to your phone, using the Odin PC suite.

Hi Ironass,

sorry for replying slowly.
Unfortunately there is no good news. The flash process did not work, although it started promising, after a couple of seconds a 'FAIL!' flashed up in Odin and the data transfer was terminated.

This was the dialog in Odin3:
<ID:0/004> Added!!
<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
<OSM> Please wait..
<OSM> I9100GXXLSR_I9100GXXLSP_I9100GDBTLS1_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
<OSM> Leave CS..
<ID:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/004> Initialzation
<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping
<ID:0/004> Firmware update start
<ID:0/004> cache.img
<ID:0/004> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/004> factoryfs.img
<ID:0/004> XmitData Fail..
<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Showed 'FAIL!' after a couple of % progress bar (~15%)
After more than 15 minutes without progress I disconnected the device

Now the situtation seems to be even worse. Whenever I try to switch on the S2 I can only see an icon of a mobile phone connected to an icon of a PC with an attention mark on it. I cannot go into download mode any more no matter what I tried, even removing the battey for more than half an hour.
Odin now repeatedly aborts the communication attempts right after being started:

first lines as above
<ID:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Showed 'FAIL!' after 0% progress bar

Any ideas?

Thanks, sorry for bothering you again! But I have no idea where to find help now.
Dieter

 

[ironass]

Here are a few suggestions that should work. Ensure that you DO NOT have, "Repartition", enabled in Odin. Re-download the stock firmware to your PC in case you had a bad download. Only use the USB cable that came with the phone. Do not connect to your PC via a USB hub. Try a different USB port on your PC. DO NOT have Samsung's PC suites, Kies or Smart Switch, running in the background on your PC, you just need their drivers, not the actual programmes, running.

 

[tjmurph9]

Trying to root my S2 and got a fail on Odin. Appreciate any ideas.

Kernel 3.0.31 - 889696
Android 4.1.2

Version
PDA: I9100TDVLSM
Phone: I9100TDVLS3
CSC: I9100TVAULSF
Build: Tues May 7 12.03.32 KST 2013

Odin Message:
<ID:0/004> Added!!
<ID:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/004> Initialzation..
<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/004> zImage
<ID:0/004> __Xmit Write fail
<ID:0/004> XmitData Fail..
<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
<ID:0/004> Removed!!

Failed a number of times at Setup Connection, could not open COM port. Used Kies to reinstall drivers. Odin went as far as zImage. Waited 10 minutes with no obvious action, then pulled the USB cable. Phone has booted back to factory OK. My primary reason for rooting is to remove Samsung's bloatware.

Murph

 

[ironass]

Trying to root my S2 and got a fail on Odin. Appreciate any ideas.

Kernel 3.0.31 - 889696
Android 4.1.2

Version
PDA: I9100TDVLSM
Phone: I9100TDVLS3
CSC: I9100TVAULSF
Build: Tues May 7 12.03.32 KST 2013

Odin Message:
<ID:0/004> Added!!
<ID:0/004> Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
<ID:0/004> File analysis..
<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/004> Initialzation..
<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/004> zImage
<ID:0/004> __Xmit Write fail
<ID:0/004> XmitData Fail..
<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
<ID:0/004> Removed!!

Failed a number of times at Setup Connection, could not open COM port. Used Kies to reinstall drivers. Odin went as far as zImage. Waited 10 minutes with no obvious action, then pulled the USB cable. Phone has booted back to factory OK. My primary reason for rooting is to remove Samsung's bloatware.

Murph

Hello and welcome to Android Forums tjmurph9

You have the Australian variant, i9100T, of the Galaxy S2 on stock Vodafone firmware. Could you post a link to the kernel that you are using to root your phone.

 

[tjmurph9]

I chose the kernel suggested in your original post

#1.8. Android Version 4.1.2, Jelly Bean.

Download the Siyah v6.0beta5 .TAR kernel file and flash via Odin as follows in post #2.)​

 

[Hawker]

Change the port you are plugging your USB cable into, and use the Official USB cable and not a cheappo ebay jobbie

 

[ironass]

I chose the kernel suggested in your original post

#1.8. Android Version 4.1.2, Jelly Bean.

Download the Siyah v6.0beta5 .TAR kernel file and flash via Odin as follows in post #2.)​

That is the correct kernel for rooting the G900T on Android 4.1.2. You did unzip it and choose AP: in Odin and the Comm: is turning blue for a connection and the phone is in Download mode... just checking.

 

[tjmurph9]

Change the port you are plugging your USB cable into, and use the Official USB cable and not a cheappo ebay jobbie

Thanks Hawker. Done both of those along my short journey.

 

[tjmurph9]

That is the correct kernel for rooting the G900T on Android 4.1.2. You did unzip it and choose AP: in Odin and the Comm: is turning blue for a connection and the phone is in Download mode... just checking.

Five important little letters there, Ironass!!! "unzip". I read the note about unzipping .zip kernel files, but since the one I was using was a .TAR, I figured I'd follow EXACTLY what your instructions recommended. Everything else is as per your post. I'll give it another try tonight, but I reckon you've found the issue. Thank you in anticipation!

By the way, thanks for your work in putting this resource together and in monitoring it to help us Luddites. Very much appreciated by this Luddite!

 

[tjmurph9]

That is the correct kernel for rooting the G900T on Android 4.1.2. You did unzip it and choose AP: in Odin and the Comm: is turning blue for a connection and the phone is in Download mode... just checking.

All good now, Ironass. Odin doesn't recognise the extracted file, but when I returned to the .TAR archive it just worked! I don't think I did anything different. Anyway, the check app says it's rooted, so now I'm on to the next stage to get rid of as much of the crap as I can manage. Thanks again for the resource and for your patient assistance.

 

[wahnsin]

Hi ironass, thanks for getting back to me!

To clarify, the card worked fine on the phone before rooting, and is still being recognized on other phones.

But I'm glad that this seems to be a more isolated problem, and will try your suggestion soon (I'll have to find space first). Once everything is copied safely, how will I be able to format the SD card through my phone, especially as long as it isn't recognized for more than a second? Is there a way? If not, what's the next best way, and do I need to consider formatting options?

Well, exactly the same issue here, so not all that isolated apparently.

my sandisk 64gb ultra card's formatting got destroyed (apparently) during rooting.

At least that's my guess, since the card had been working in that same phone without issue for years now, and it stopped working the moment the rooting was done.

Also, when I plugged it into my laptop's card reader it showed up as "unformatted". (Now reformatted to FAT 32 and showing up again in the phone)

Tthankfully I didn't have anything on there that I can't restore, but it's still a pain and deserves some kind of warning in a "guide for dummies"...!

 

[ironass]

Well, exactly the same issue here, so not all that isolated apparently.

my sandisk 64gb ultra card's formatting got destroyed (apparently) during rooting.

At least that's my guess, since the card had been working in that same phone without issue for years now, and it stopped working the moment the rooting was done.

Also, when I plugged it into my laptop's card reader it showed up as "unformatted". (Now reformatted to FAT 32 and showing up again in the phone)

Tthankfully I didn't have anything on there that I can't restore, but it's still a pain and deserves some kind of warning in a "guide for dummies"...!

This is only the 2nd time this has been reported in 6 years and 800+ posts and will not be due to rooting, which simply replaces the phone's kernel and has no bearing on the external SD card. More likely, it is due to a faulty or cheap SD card. Use SD Insight to check your card.

 

[el cusumbo]

Hi, does anyone still have a working link to the Siyah v6.0beta5 kernel? The one in post #1 seems to be broken.

 

[ironass]

Hi, does anyone still have a working link to the Siyah v6.0beta5 kernel? The one in post #1 seems to be broken.

Try the link again. It has been repaired.

 

[ocnbrze]

wow people still have the s2? how is that possible????????

 

[ironass]

wow people still have the s2? how is that possible????????

Like the old Timex watch ad.... "Takes a licking... keeps on ticking!"

Say what you like about the S2... they were built to last. Mines on the stripped down Lineage OS for Android 7.1.2. So long as you don't expect lightning fast speed and run nano gapps, it's still a good little back-up phone.

 

[el cusumbo]

Try the link again. It has been repaired.

Thanks a lot!!!

I'm at least willing to give it a try before I throw the good old thing away just because the OS is outdated...