Rooting Galaxy S2 - Dummies Guide

[ironass]

Model Number: GT-I9100
Android Version: 4.1.2

Right, that's OK.

Do not use CWM Manager though, as it is not compatible. Just use the CWM recovery.

 

[John the novice]

Right, that's OK.

Do not use CWM Manager though, as it is not compatible. Just use the CWM recovery.

Mant thanks for your help. Where do I find CWN Recovery, is it device dependant and as CWM Manager is incompatible how do I get rid of it?

 

[ironass]

Mant thanks for your help. Where do I find CWN Recovery, is it device dependant and as CWM Manager is incompatible how do I get rid of it?

You should have the CWM custom Recovery installed. You can boot to it manually, as follows...

Boot into Recovery Mode Samsung Galaxy S2 S3 S4 S5 ClockworkMod

 

[John the novice]

You should have the CWM custom Recovery installed. You can boot to it manually, as follows...

Boot into Recovery Mode Samsung Galaxy S2 S3 S4 S5 ClockworkMod

Success. Now I've created a Backup. I assume its in the root directory somewhere but what dose it look like - file name etc.?

 

[ironass]

Success. Now I've created a Backup. I assume its in the root directory somewhere but what dose it look like - file name etc.?

Hopefully, you had the good sense in Titanium Backup > Preferences > Backup folder location, to select your external SD card as the backup location for your folder, "Titanium Backup". If not, it will be labelled thus, on your internal memory.

 

[John the novice]

Hopefully, you had the good sense in Titanium Backup > Preferences > Backup folder location, to select your external SD card as the backup location for your folder, "Titanium Backup". If not, it will be labelled thus, on your internal memory.

I did Titanium and /esf backups soon after rooting. I believe I have located the Nandroid backup on the sdcard in a ClockworkMod Folder. Its a folder titled with the date and time of the backup and is 2.5GB.
Can I say how extemely grateful I am for all the help you have given me. Thank you very much.

 

[ironass]

I did Titanium and /esf backups soon after rooting. I believe I have located the Nandroid backup on the sdcard in a ClockworkMod Folder. Its a folder titled with the date and time of the backup and is 2.5GB.
Can I say how extemely grateful I am for all the help you have given me. Thank you very much.

Right... you can now change your user name to... "John the quite good at rooting".

For experienced and competent users, I have added the Lollipop, Android 5.1.1, ROM on CM12.1 to post #2. The thread on xda developers is hosted by Lysergic Acid, who is a well known dev. Please read it through, thoroughly and carefully, before proceeding and take a nandroid backup before flashing. Remember, these are, "Nightly", builds. If you have any queries, post them on the S2 general root forum and not in this specific rooting thread.

 

[nev_bkd]

Hello, Really sorry in advance for the long post but I really help!

My S2 is originally from Romania but it was unlocked for UK by a friend. After a while the media scanner kept running continuously and I performed a factory reset. It stopped the problem however I couldn`t install any of the previous apps. Also, once disconnected from my google account it didn`t let me sign in again ( username & password error).

I used your guide and rooted my phone using this: CF-Root-SGS2_XW_OXA_LA4-v5.0-CWM5.zip
I checked the rooting using Root checker basic - successful.
As I wanted to upgrade from gingerbread I continued and added the Jelly Bean NEAT ROM Android 4.1.2 with the Siyah Kernel S2-v6.0beta5 .

Before this: I saved my /efs on the computer using GSII repair and followed this guide up to step 3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/guide-data-moving-to-rom-t1502526 . I have copied the clockworkmod folder on my computer.

The phone had a small problem with a "the process com.google.process.gapps has stopped" error but I fixed it. I could log in to google and I could download any app. However, I couldn`t access my network ( T Mobile).

I tried putting it in and out of flight mode and it did not work. If I tried to select the network manually it said "unable to connect to network". It I let it select the network automatically, it showed emergency calls only. I still had an IMEI number ( didn`t write it down unfortunately) but it was different from the one under the battery. I also did not have any APN.

I thought then to install an official firmware and followed your guide here: http://androidforums.com/threads/jelly-bean-update-dummies-guide.680070/
I downloaded this one http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/4131/I9100BVLPB_I9100TMULPC_TMU/ and installed it. Odin showed "PASS".

Unfortunately, not my phone is stuck/looping at the Samsung logo and it won`t turn on from there. It can still enter Recovery mode and reboot but its still looping.
I`ve added the previous Neat Rom on an external SD card and tried to install it from recovery mode. I receive the error: "E:signature verification failed" . ( only the neatrom zip file is currently on the external SD card as it is brand new)
The only options I now have in recovery mode are: reboot system now, apply update from external storage, wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, apply update from cache, test redbend fotal[FS] .
What can I do ?

Initially my phone details were:
Android Version: 2.3.6
Baseband: I9100XXKI3
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWLA4-CL900411root@DELLBUILDER01 #2
Build: GINGERBREAD.XWLA4
PDA: I9100 XWLA4
Phone: I9100 XXKI3
CSC: I9100XEUKH2

After:

Andorid Version: 4 1 2
Baseband: I9100XXMS4
Kernel: 3031 Siyah S2 V6.065+gm@ubuntu #177 SMP PREEMPT Mon Feb 18 16:38:28 PST 2013
Build number: XWMS3 NeatROM v6.9
PDA: I9100XWMS3
Phone: I9100 XXMS4
CSC I9100 FOPLS6

 

[ironass]

Hello, Really sorry in advance for the long post but I really help!

My S2 is originally from Romania but it was unlocked for UK by a friend. After a while the media scanner kept running continuously and I performed a factory reset. It stopped the problem however I couldn`t install any of the previous apps. Also, once disconnected from my google account it didn`t let me sign in again ( username & password error).

I used your guide and rooted my phone using this: CF-Root-SGS2_XW_OXA_LA4-v5.0-CWM5.zip
I checked the rooting using Root checker basic - successful.
As I wanted to upgrade from gingerbread I continued and added the Jelly Bean NEAT ROM Android 4.1.2 with the Siyah Kernel S2-v6.0beta5 .

Before this: I saved my /efs on the computer using GSII repair and followed this guide up to step 3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/guide-data-moving-to-rom-t1502526 . I have copied the clockworkmod folder on my computer.

The phone had a small problem with a "the process com.google.process.gapps has stopped" error but I fixed it. I could log in to google and I could download any app. However, I couldn`t access my network ( T Mobile).

I tried putting it in and out of flight mode and it did not work. If I tried to select the network manually it said "unable to connect to network". It I let it select the network automatically, it showed emergency calls only. I still had an IMEI number ( didn`t write it down unfortunately) but it was different from the one under the battery. I also did not have any APN.

I thought then to install an official firmware and followed your guide here: http://androidforums.com/threads/jelly-bean-update-dummies-guide.680070/
I downloaded this one http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/4131/I9100BVLPB_I9100TMULPC_TMU/ and installed it. Odin showed "PASS".

Unfortunately, not my phone is stuck/looping at the Samsung logo and it won`t turn on from there. It can still enter Recovery mode and reboot but its still looping.
I`ve added the previous Neat Rom on an external SD card and tried to install it from recovery mode. I receive the error: "E:signature verification failed" . ( only the neatrom zip file is currently on the external SD card as it is brand new)
The only options I now have in recovery mode are: reboot system now, apply update from external storage, wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, apply update from cache, test redbend fotal[FS] .
What can I do ?

Initially my phone details were:
Android Version: 2.3.6
Baseband: I9100XXKI3
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWLA4-CL900411root@DELLBUILDER01 #2
Build: GINGERBREAD.XWLA4
PDA: I9100 XWLA4
Phone: I9100 XXKI3
CSC: I9100XEUKH2

After:

Andorid Version: 4 1 2
Baseband: I9100XXMS4
Kernel: 3031 Siyah S2 V6.065+gm@ubuntu #177 SMP PREEMPT Mon Feb 18 16:38:28 PST 2013
Build number: XWMS3 NeatROM v6.9
PDA: I9100XWMS3
Phone: I9100 XXMS4
CSC I9100 FOPLS6

Hello and welcome to Android Forums nev_bkd

I think I have got a handle on all your comings and goings with the various flashings, etc:

Currently, you have flashed a stock Samsung firmware to your Galaxy S2, i900?

You are now in a bootloop?

You cannot flash a custom ROM as you are no longer rooted after flashing a stock Samsung firmware and kernel.

You should boot into Recovery Mode and wipe your cache partition, (see #2.5 of Rooting Galaxy S2 - Dummies Guide),
and see if that helps you boot.

 

[nev_bkd]

Hello and welcome to Android Forums nev_bkd

I think I have got a handle on all your comings and goings with the various flashings, etc:

Currently, you have flashed a stock Samsung firmware to your Galaxy S2, i900?

You are now in a bootloop?

You cannot flash a custom ROM as you are no longer rooted after flashing a stock Samsung firmware and kernel.

You should boot into Recovery Mode and wipe your cache partition, (see #2.5 of Rooting Galaxy S2 - Dummies Guide),
and see if that helps you boot.

Thank you for the welcome and the quick reply.
I just wiped the cache partition but I cannot find advanced - wipe dalvik cache anymore. Unfortunately it is still bootlooping.

 

[ironass]

Thank you for the welcome and the quick reply.
I just wiped the cache partition but I cannot find advanced - wipe dalvik cache anymore. Unfortunately it is still bootlooping.

The advanced may only apply to a custom recovery which you no longer have. No matter. Try Factory Data Resetting your phone and re-flashing the stock Samsung firmware below...

Model GT-I9100
Model name GALAXY S II
Country United Kingdom / Ireland
Version Android
Changelist 0
Build date N/A
Product code XEU
PDA I9100XWLSS
CSC I9100XEULS4

 

[nev_bkd]

The advanced may only apply to a custom recovery which you no longer have. No matter. Try Factory Data Resetting your phone and re-flashing the stock Samsung firmware below...

Model GT-I9100
Model name GALAXY S II
Country United Kingdom / Ireland
Version Android
Changelist 0
Build date N/A
Product code XEU
PDA I9100XWLSS
CSC I9100XEULS4

Thank you very much! Bootlooping problem solved !
However, it still shows Emergency calls only even if the signal bars are full. . It says "Unable to connect. Try again" later both for manual & automatic network selection. Can you please help me fix this as well? Thank you!

 

[ironass]

Thank you very much! Bootlooping problem solved !
However, it still shows Emergency calls only even if the signal bars are full. . It says "Unable to connect. Try again" later both for manual & automatic network selection. Can you please help me fix this as well? Thank you!

Which country are you in and which network are you on?

 

[nev_bkd]

Which country are you in and which network are you on?

I am in England and currently using T-Mobile pay as you go

 

[ironass]

I am in England and currently using T-Mobile pay as you go

Strange! The firmware you have flashed is the generic U.K. one and should be fine for your GT-i9100 model and carrier. You could try the carrier branded T-Mobile firmware for the U.K...

Model GT-I9100
Model name GALAXY S II
Country United Kingdom (T-Mobile)
Version Android
Changelist 0
Build date N/A
Product code TMU
PDA I9100BVLPJ
CSC I9100TMULPJ

 

[nev_bkd]

Strange! The firmware you have flashed is the generic U.K. one and should be fine for your GT-i9100 model and carrier. You could try the carrier branded T-Mobile firmware for the U.K...

Model GT-I9100
Model name GALAXY S II
Country United Kingdom (T-Mobile)
Version Android
Changelist 0
Build date N/A
Product code TMU
PDA I9100BVLPJ
CSC I9100TMULPJ

Thank you, I will soon try this.
Does it mean anything that when I dial *#06# my IMEI number shows up like : " 15 digits / 01 " ?

 

[ironass]

Thank you, I will soon try this.
Does it mean anything that when I dial *#06# my IMEI number shows up like : " 15 digits / 01 " ?

No

Also, before you flash the T-Mobile firmware, check that you have the correct, up-to-date APN settings being used for T-Mobile PAYG, U.K. in the generic firmware that you have.

 

[nev_bkd]

Understood.
In settings, when I go to APN nothing is showing. From the menu I can either select + New APN or Reset to default.
After I find the right APN details, should I select +new APN and enter them?
Sorry for all the trouble I really appreciate your patience with a dummy like me

 

[ironass]

Understood.
In settings, when I go to APN nothing is showing. From the menu I can either select + New APN or Reset to default.
After I find the right APN details, should I select +new APN and enter them?
Sorry for all the trouble I really appreciate your patience with a dummy like me

Having no APN settings would explain your no network issue. You will need to create a new APN as follows...

SAMSUNG I9100 GALAXY SII-INTERNET SETUP (MANUAL)

 

[nev_bkd]

Having no APN settings would explain your no network issue. You will need to create a new APN as follows...

SAMSUNG I9100 GALAXY SII-INTERNET SETUP (MANUAL)

Another problem... It won`t save the new APN that I enter

 

[ironass]

Another problem... It won`t save the new APN that I enter

There are a number of reasons that this may happen...

Firstly, try your sim card in another phone to see if your sim is faulty. Other explanations are...

http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Help-Support/I-cant-save-the-APN/td-p/7240454

http://androidforums.com/threads/galaxy-s2-apn-info-will-not-save.435226/

 

[nev_bkd]

Thank you again. Sim is not faulty and the 2nd link attempt didn`t work for me.
Trying the first one with the APN app. I will have to root the phone ( following your guide again) and change the app to a system app to make it work ( http://android.riteshsahu.com/apps/apn-backup-restore ) . Hopefully that will do the trick and I will finally have no more questions for you

 

[nev_bkd]

There are a number of reasons that this may happen...

Firstly, try your sim card in another phone to see if your sim is faulty. Other explanations are...

http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Help-Support/I-cant-save-the-APN/td-p/7240454

http://androidforums.com/threads/galaxy-s2-apn-info-will-not-save.435226/

Second option failed as well. Rooted the phone & made the APN app work, followed the instructions and no APN is showing.
Should I just flash the other ROM you recommended me ?

 

[ironass]

Second option failed as well. Rooted the phone & made the APN app work, followed the instructions and no APN is showing.
Should I just flash the other ROM you recommended me ?

Worth a try.

 

[nev_bkd]

Worth a try.

Sorry to say but it went again into bootlooping
If I put back the stock samsung firmware can I use other networks than T Mobile ? Since I have pay as you go I could change...