Samsung Galaxy S2 received the long-awaited Android 4.1.2 official Jelly Bean firmware yesterday. The new update started rolling out for Spain and China. If you have downloaded and installed the firmware OTA or manually via Odin and now looking for a working rooting method, you have just at the right place now.
In the following rooting tutorial, we shall installed an insecure Kernel that would inject the Super User app into your phone and install the ClockworkMod Recovery mode. Having rooted your Galaxy S2 on Android 4.1.2, you will have the CWM Touch Recovery ver. 6.0.2.7. Siyah has packed all necessary tools in two formats- the one with .tar.md5 extension is meant to be flashed via Odin and the other with .zip extension can be installed by booting the phone into the stock recovery mode.
Disclaimer:
The procedure described here is considered risky and meant only for mature users who understand what it is all about. Neither the developer nor we at Droidviews will be responsible for any damage done to your Galaxy S2. The method has bee well tested and found working, but if do not follow the tutorial to the letter, you might make your phone unusable, and void its warranty too.
You can root your Galaxy S2 using [highlight_red]any of the methods (preferably the first)[/highlight_red]. We shall see both of them one by one.
1. Rooting Galaxy S2 on Android 4.1.2 via Odin:
- Download Siyah Kernel (do not extract)
- Download Odin flasher and extract the zip on your desktop: Odin3_v1.85.zip
- Make sure that either Kies or Samsung USB Driver is installed on your computer. Remember that during the whole procedure Kies should no be running.
- Backup your contacts, call-logs, messages, APNs, bookmarks, calendar, apps & games using these nice free apps.
- Charge you Galaxy S2 to at least 60% of battery level.
- Enable the USB Debugging mode on your phone: Settings> Developer Options> USB Debugging
- Boot your phone into Download Mode: turn off the phone, press and hold the Volume Down+Home (center) buttons together and then press and hold the Power key for a few seconds. Press the Volume Up key when the phone prompts you to do so to enter the download mode.
- Now go to the Odin folder and run the Odin program by double clicking the Odin3_v1.85.exe file.
- Connect your Galaxy S2 to the computer using a compatible USB cable. When Odin detects your device, you will see the ID:COM port turn yellow.
- Odin3 comes with two options, namely Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time pre-checked. Do not touch any other option.
- Jump to the PDA button, click on it and select the Siyah-s2-v6.0b4.tar file.
- Make sure that everything looks like shown in the image above, and then hit the Start button on Odin and let the Kernel be flashed.
- When the installation is complete, your phone will reboot automatically.
When the phones boots up, it should be rooted with ClockworkMod Recovery installed on it. To verify the root, look for the SuperUser app on your phone. Alternatively, you can download the Root Checker app from the market and run it to make sure that the phoneis rooted properly.
2. Root Galaxy S2 on Android 4.1.2 via Stock Recovery (Only Root):
If you want to only root your phone and do not need the ClockworkMod recovery for flashing custom ROMs or mods, use the method given below. The greatest advantage of this method is that it does not give the YELLOW TRIANGLE in return. Moreover, the flash count is not increased and you will not void your phone’s warranty.
- Download the SuperSU file (do not extract) and copy the file to your phone’s external SD card: CWM-SuperSU-v0.97.zip
- Charge your Galaxy S2 to at least 60% of battery level.
- Enable the USB Debugging mode on your phone: Settings> Developer Options> USB Debugging
- Boot your phone into Android Stock Recovery mode: turn off the phone, press and hold the Volume Up+Home (center) buttons together and then press and hold the Power key for a few seconds. Keep the three keys pressed till you see the Samsung logo flicker for two times followed by a black screen with blue text. Use the volume keys to highlight/scroll options and the Power key to select them.
- Go to “install zip from sd card> choose zip from sd card” and select the CWM-SuperSU-v0.97.zip file.
- Confirm the selection by choosing “yes” on the next screen.
- When the installation is finished, go back and select ‘reboot system now” option.
On booting up, your phone should be rooted. Download and install Root Checker app and run it to verify the root. Later, whenever you need to boot your Galaxy S2 into CWM Recovery mode, turn off the phone, press and hold the Volume Up+Home buttons together and then press and hold the Power key for a few seconds.
If you find this tutorial helpful, why not share it with your friends. Do not forget to drop your feedback and experiences via comments.
[googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummyapps.rootchecker”]Root Using PhilZ Kernel:
In case you want to root your Galaxy S2 using the PhilZ kernel, you can download it from below. Note that you need not flash the files given below if you have already rooted your phone. This is just an alternative to the Siyah kernel.
Hi Rakesh
My phone seems a bit odd i have no idea what kernel to use, here is what the about device page says:
Android Version: 4.1.2
Baseband Version: I9100BULS1
Kernel Version:
3.0.31-889555
dpi@DELL228 #3
SMP PREEMPT Thu Jan 3114:48:54
KST 2013
Build Number JZO54K.I9100XWLSD
I know i don’t want to use the kernel provided in this tutorial but which do i use as i cant find one to match any code on my phone
Try this tutorial instead: https://www.droidviews.com/root-and-install-cwm-recovery-on-samsung-galaxy-s2-gt-i9100-on-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean/
I have been using 32 GB micro SD on my S2 and 64 GB on my S4 without problem. If your device recognizes is sometimes, I do not think it is a problem with the ROM. May be the card slot is defective or loose.
Use the backup apps given here: http://droidviews.com/2013/backup-apps-contacts-logs-messages-and-settings-without-rooting-your-android-phone/
Try the method given here to install unbranded ROM (I am not 100% sure that it will work for you too): http://droidviews.com/2013/how-to-downgrade-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/
In case it does not work and you have already rooted your device try the method you used to unlock your device previously.
Hi Rakesh,
I just found some time and rooted my SGS2 GT-i9100 using your clear updated guide ‘Root and Install CWM Recovery on Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean’.
I now have a rooted Android 4.1.2, just like I showed in the screenshot above, only that now it runs the Jeboo kernel (V1.2a, that you supplied).
Thanks for that !
I tried to run an unlock application from the Google play store, which found the unlock code that was used in past and unlocked the phone in past (when the phone had ginger-bird OS), but the problem is that this unlock code does not work on the phone after it was upgraded to JB.
I did not do anything else except for rooting the phone so far, and I need to solve the SIM LOCK issue, the External 32 Gb SDHC card, and the battery issues.
You suggested me to try installing unbranded ROM but you said that this may not work. why?
Which section of the phone’s SW is responsible to UNLOCK the phone?
This is not the kernel (PDA), I now know…
How can I know if a zip file that will be used to install on the phone includes one or more of the parts [PDA / CSS / PHONE], and how can I know to match such files to my phone so that they will work fine together?
What do you suggest me to do now in order to:
1. Unlock the phone ?
2. Fix the battery issue
3. Fix the external memory issue.
P.S.
* Regarding what you wrote before, the memory started to have issues after I upgraded the OS to JB, so I think the problem is not with the memory and I guess that is related to the updated JB firmware.
* Regarding the battery – it is fast finished when the phone starts running some process and heat up – so I guess that this is also a firmware issue – some application or process kills the battery.
Cheers !
Try the GalxSim app: http://droidviews.com/tag/sim-unlock/
If your phone is old, replace the battery, you can also try a custom ROM: http://droidviews.com/2013/best-custom-roms-for-samsung-galaxy-s2-2013-edition/
Hi,
Just want to thank and update,
I used the GalaxSim app and it solved the problem for me.
it seems that is changed some files in efs folder and now the phone is not locked anymore.
I installed CM10.1 with google bundle (as CM10.1 comes preatty naked) using CWM. all seems now OK.
I will now start installing my application to phone.
BTW,
one important tip: CM10.1 could not be installed unless I had previous installation of Android 4.X on my phone. in addition it required that I only clear the user data and not perform format /system.
I am not sure if it was necessary or not to avoid clearing the Dalvik cache, in order for the CM10.1 to be installed OK.
Many thanks,
— Amit.
another update: so far the battery seems to behave much much better, but it is too early to say: I did not install any of my applications yet.
Thanks for coming back and sharing your feedback. I am happy I could help you in any way. Enjoy your new unlocked and rooted S2 and keep visiting! 🙂
Hi, here are the answers:
1. EFS data cannot be backed up without having root access.
2.Rooting usually does not damage EFS data and the guide I directed you is for GT-I9100 on 4.1.2, not ICS.
3. You’ll not lose the EFS so do not worry about that.
4. I agree that the JB update for device like S2 and Note have added issues to these devices but you can fix this by installing a good custom ROM after rooting.
If your wish to root the device is just for unlocking the device, you can try some other alternatives. I had a sim-locked S3 with Vodafone UK and I unlocked it simply by installing an unbranded firmware on it. If you are interested in that, let me know.
5. Yes it can if the device is not hard-locked. In my knowledge, carriers like Vodafone, O2 or Three soft-lock their devices.
6. As for the battery issue, stock JB does pose this issue. If you device is old, you should also consider replacing the battery.
7. For memory card issue, do this: http://droidviews.com/2013/memory-card-media-files-not-detected-on-phone-here-is-the-fix/
You can also try this: place the card in a card reader, connect to computer, copy the files on it on the computer, then format the card and put the files back.
Just hope I could address all your concerns. If you still got a question, let me know. Cheers!
Hi
I have Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-i9100, Originally with O2 ROM (UK), was locked and then unlocked and workd perfect for long time.
lately I upgraded OTA to Jelly Bean, and since then the phone is SIM LOCKED.
In order to unlock it I need to have root access.
in many guides that I saw, it was explained that:
1. Before rooting the phone I am advised to make a copy of EFS folder, in order to prevent loosing important phone data like IMEI, or breaking the phone.
in order to have this folder backed up I must have the phone rooted so this is a deadlock – in order to root the phone need to back up the folder, but this can be done only to rooted phones….
2. Many guides said that rooting or replacing ROM should be done ONLY to UNLOCKED phones. is this correct? why? can I run the procedure mentioned here on my SIM locked phone?
Thanks !
— Amit.
Hi Amit, I do not know who told you that you cannot root a SIM locked device. Rooting has nothing to do with network settings. It only changes the Kernel of the device, not the Modem. You can root your device but do not use this tutorial as it is older and meant for a specific firmware version as you can see in the title.
Try this one instead and let me know if you face any problem: http://droidviews.com/2013/root-and-install-cwm-recovery-on-samsung-galaxy-s2-gt-i9100-on-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean/
Hi,
I would like to ask you, if I choose either the second or the third method for rooting will I be able to get to the original kernel system without getting the yellow triangle and flash count increasing and in what way. Thank you.
Flashing via recovery will not give you the triangle. Your device will be rooted but you will not get CWM Recovery. If you want to only root your device, download and install this app: http://d-h.st/vhu
Let me know if it worked for you or not.
Thank you for your prompt answer. But I wanted to know the way for unrooting without triangle not to lose the warranty if I needed the device to have repaired.
You want to drink water without getting your mouth wet. LOL
Anyways:
If you root by installing the app I gave you link in my previous reply, you will get the triangle. I will not bump the flash counter and thus the warranty remains intact.
Finally I chose the third method the Philz kernel via stock recovery. It went fine, without triangle and it works well. Thanks.
hi
does this kernel really works for stock rom 4.1.2 and there are no known problems?
thanks
This is an old guide written when only a single JB firmware was available. Follow the latest tutorial from here: http://droidviews.com/tag/root-samsung-galaxy-s2/
Hi
I like it here is rooted. The whole looks chic. But a problem I have. Works for me and not the sim lock screen lock! What can I do?
This is a bug in the current kernel. Wait for till it updates and enjoy other features.
Okay, this will appear on this page?
Yes, surely. In the mean time you can also try data factory reset to fix the problem.
If the update is already here?
Yes, use the latest guide from here: http://droidviews.com/tag/root-samsung-galaxy-s2/
Hey thank you man. I really appreciate this. there is a regional block for international folks and installing market enabler is the only way to access all the apps that google has to offer. Thank you again
Failed to root it under this guide. Showed the yellow triangle at the start up though but to no avail. Any suggestions?
Sorry Adolf that it did not work for you. Philz kernel is probably the only working thing for rooting xwls8.
Please try Siyah kernel and let me know: http://d-h.st/hcS
Tested and found working. Post updated!
Failed to root it under this guide. Any suggesttions?
I did that exactly, but even after rebooting it asked me to enter the sim network unlock pin, and when i checked the root status it said no root acces :(((
help me
Updated the post. Hope now you will be able to get the root+cwm.