Root Sprint Galaxy Note 2 SPH-L900, Install TWRP and Custom ROMs

Hello folks, today we gather around this page to help the newcomers and seekers to Root their Sprint Galaxy Note 2 followed by Instructions on Installing ClockworkMod Recovery and Custom ROMs. Rooting proves very beneficial and is the gateway to Custom ROMs and Mods. A rooted device is certainly way far better than any other stock unrooted device. Are you confused about rooting and afraid of the risks? Then read out “To Root or Not to Root?“.

Terms & Info

• Rooting: Rooting is a process that allows any Android smartphone/ tablet user to gain root privileges over the android subsystem. Rooting not only helps in removing carrier limitations but also serves a purpose to change, remove or install an operating system.
• ClockworkMod (CWM): A Linux/ UNIX operating system employs a recovery and since Android is based on Linux also has recovery. Clockworkmod is a secondary recovery system created by Koush, which adds enormous features like wiping partitions, flashing flashable .zip files like ROMs, kernels, patches, etc to the stock device recovery.
• Custom ROMs: These are the aftermarket Android firmware which is not officially supported by the device manufacturer. They are made available to the world by Android developers all around the world. Custom ROMs are either built from Google’s source code i.e AOSP (Android Open Source Project) or are modified versions of the device manufacturer’s ROM (Stock ROMs or Factory ROMs) with additional tweaks and extend functions which are not delivered with the Stock ROMs. Some of the popular Custom ROMs include CyanogenMod (CM), Android Open Kang Project (AOKP), MIUI, Codename Android (CNA), Oxygen, ParanoidAndroid and many more.

Benefits of Rooting a Sprint Galaxy Note 2

A rooted Galaxy Note 2 always have numerous advantages over its unrooted variant. Rooting denies all the limits that an  OEM or a carrier like in this case Sprint, can impose. It allows Android system access to any user which not only enables it to use certain privileged apps but also allows to modify/ change the device kernel & amend its partition layout.

Early Requirements

• Download Sprint Galaxy Note 2 root files.
• Download and extract the downloaded “Sprint_N2_Files.zip” to the desktop, so now we have a folder named “Sprint_N2_Files“, which comprises of all the required files.
• A USB Data cable compatible with Note 2 and appropriate USB Drivers.
• At least 70-80% battery to avoid any uncertain shutdowns or hang-ups.
• Backup your Storage, Contacts, Messages, and Organizers before following the guidelines. Backup your contacts, call-logs, messages, APNs, bookmarks, calendar, apps & games.
• Turn of Kies during this process.

How to Install TWRP Custom Recovery

1. Turn off your device. Press Power key + Volume Down key + Center Home key altogether until you see a warning screen. Press the Volume Up key to enter into Odin Download Mode.
2. Plug in your device to the PC using the data cable.
3. Open the “Sprint_N2_Files” folder, earlier placed on the desktop. Execute the “odin3 v1.85.exe” by double-clicking on it.
4. You shall now see a COM number within the yellow box on the upper left, this indicates that your device has been successfully detected.
5. Click on PDA button and browse to the extracted “Sprint_N2_Files” folder and select openrecovery-twrp-2.3.1.1-t0ltespr.tar which is the required TWRP file.
6. Click START and sit down for a while, when it’s done you will automatically be indicated by PASS and the device will reboot.
7. To boot into your newly Installed TWRP, power off your Note 2. Press Power key + Volume Up key + Center Home key together and release the power button once you see the lights ON, hold on to the Volume Up and Center Home key until you see the Recovery.

So, we’re done with Installing TWRP on your Sprint Galaxy Note 2. Let’s continue to Rooting your device with SuperSU binaries.

How to Root Sprint Galaxy Note 2

Note: Perform this rooting process only if you want to root a stock or unrooted ROM. If you are willing to Install a Custom ROM, then this process is not necessary because most of the Custom ROMs available are already rooted.

1. Download the SuperSU Binary flashable package.
2. Connect your Galaxy Note 2 to the PC via USB cable and enable USB Mass Storage.
3. Drag the downloaded CWM-SuperSU-v0.97.zip to the root (Not in any folder, for convenience) of your device’s Storage.
4. Disconnect the device and power it off.
5. Press Power key + Volume Up key + Center Home key altogether and release the power button once you see the lights ON, hold on to the Volume Up and Center Home key until you see the Recovery.
6. When In the Recovery, tap on Install and select the earlier placed CWM-SuperSU-v0.97.zip on the root of your Storage. Once selected, swipe the round button to initiate the flashing process.
7. The process merely takes some seconds, once done go back to the main Recovery page.
8. Tap on Reboot and select System. This will reboot your device.

How to Install a Custom ROM

We have already briefed you about a Custom ROM and its advantages. The first step towards installing a Custom ROM is to choose one, which meets all your requirements and has the potential to accompany you on a long run until and unless you decide to change it.

1. Download the ROM zip package of your desired ROM from the links provided by the developer.
2. Download the appropriate Gapps zip package (if not included in the ROM) and Add-ons (if any provided by the developer).
3. Connect to the PC via USB cable and transfer the downloaded files in Step #1 & 2 to the root of your device’s Storage (recommended for convenience).
4. Disconnect the device and power if OFF.
5. Press Power key + Volume Up key + Center Home key altogether and release the power button once you see the lights ON, hold on to the Volume Up and Center Home key until you see the Recovery.
6. Once in the recovery:

• Backup –> Tick everything  and backup
• Wipe –> Cache
• Wipe –> Dalvik Cache
• Wipe –> Factory Reset
• Wipe –> System
• Install –> choose the ROM zip file and swipe the button to start the flashing process
• Install –> choose the Gapps zip file and swipe the button to start the flashing process
• Install –> choose the Add-ons zip file and swipe the button to start the flashing process
• Reboot –> System

Your device shall now boot into your favorite Custom ROM. Enjoy Android the Custom way!

So, here we are done with guiding you through the whole process. All we expect is that you like it, share it on your favorite social media to show your appreciation.

You may now proceed to the Best Custom ROMs Series for Sprint Galaxy Note 2, to choose one of the Best ROMs available for your device.

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