Some questions about this phone - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Okay so I checked it out and it looks easy to root this phone but I want to put clockworkmod on the phone so that I can make custom backups. I am a little confused it looks like this phone has a download mode where I can do my flashing without CWM is that correct? If I understand right I have to download or flash a custom kernel with temp root permissions in order to install CWM, then from there I can use superoneclick to root permanantly. So then do I go back to the original kernel or a custom one if I like? Do I need CWM to install custom ROMS or can I just use this download mode? I am sorry for all the questions this is only my second samart phone actually third but I dont really count the Blackberry curve 2g. I never rooted my g2x till after it got its gingerbread update so I never used superoneclick I just had to use nvflash to install CWM then flash a custom ROM so this is a little different to me. I see there is alot of dev stuff for this phone and I cant wait to get started but I want to make sure I do it right. I saw a few other methods for root but since I want cwm anyway I figure just use superoneclick. Also if I hold vol down+home+power then my phone will do a factory reset right? unless I install CWM then it will boot into cwm right? Sorry to ask all these questions I just need alittle bit more info before I start I am very nosy and I like to understand fully what I am doing and how it works. so anyone with any helpful advice on this phone please chime in I would like to know all the tips tricks and shorcuts that this phone has. Thanks in advance and again it is nice to join a new fourm.
Charlie

Tl;dr; there's a Q&A thread with your answers.

Have a look for cf-root, its got everything you need and easy to follow instructions
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

As per seanicca above, you need CF root which is both rooting and CWM in one flash (using Odin).
Look at the xda bookmarks in my sig for a link and just read the instructions in the thread. It's a couple of minutes and it's done.

So what is this flash counter I keep reading about? Samsung actually put a counter in the phone to see how much flashing goes on? I still cant belive this phone has its own flash mode basically. I dont know that much about phones maybe that is a normal feature but I dont think so.

mojorisin7178 said:
So what is this flash counter I keep reading about? Samsung actually put a counter in the phone to see how much flashing goes on? I still cant belive this phone has its own flash mode basically. I dont know that much about phones maybe that is a normal feature but I dont think so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right - it's not a normal feature. I've never had it on a phone before the S2, but I'm sure it must have been around before. I've heard of some suppliers refusing to repair or replace phones that have a flash count on them, but I've also heard of an equal amount that don't care and ignore or don't know about it.
As you'll see all over the place on this forum there's 2 ways to get rid of it. 1 reflash a stock kernel, or 2 use a usb jig. I've gone down the 2nd route as it was only a few quid and is just quick and easy.

Related

[Q]First time unlocking/rooting SGII

Although I've flashed non-phone devices in the past (routers, PAP2, Ipod classic, etc.) This is the first time I'm going to be flashing a SmartPhone that I've ordered which I should be getting very soon.
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S II and have been crawling the forum trying to learn all I can before I try rooting and unlocking my phone when I get it. But I'm having trouble deciding on a few things.
Hopefully my question can become a guide for other new people who are just starting off like me.
Rooting:
To begin, I'm trying to figure out what's best for rooting.
I've looked at a few different methods..
Chainfire's direct method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
lyriquidperfection's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
CLShortFuse's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
LitePro's ROM and Root method all-in-one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
All of these have their own merits. But I'm trying to figure out the best approach for myself.
Although Lightn'ing (LitePro's) looks interesting and I may try that ROM later, for now I want to avoid changing the ROM till I know I like the phone. So I'm looking at the first three choices.
The one that I think I would be able to do easiest is either lyriquidperfection's or CLShortFuse's methods as they both are one-click solutions and I just need to grab the right kernels.
I don't know if there's any reason I would want to go with Chainfire's instead of the two previously mentioned. If there is please let me know.
I asked this question on the respective threads but as of posting haven't gotten an answer of if there's any reason to flash the original kernel back after rooting and if I keep root if I flash it back.
I also don't know much about the use of Jigs to avoid the flash counter going up. Is there any reason I need to worry about the flash counter going up? Is there a limit on number of flashes on a phone?
Unlocking:
For unlocking I looked at:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1092451
However it seems for my specific phone (Virgin/Bell) we use this method as posted in the same thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16482293#post16482293
This seems pretty much straight-forward. I just got to root the phone then get and run the app mentioned. Phone will crash/reboot and then no SIM lock.
If there's anything that seems wrong with this let me know please.
Other stuff:
At some stage here I want to be able to back up the stuff on the phone and get other typical tools.
I keep hearing about ClockWorkMod constantly and it seems to be a tool for backing up the phone data and making it easier to flash stuff in without use of ODIN.
I haven't found clear documentation on how I would do this on the SGII specifically.
I also here Titanium backup (sp?) is also a good idea to install at some point.
Is there other apps or otherwise I should be looking into before I start this journey into the wonderful world of hacked smartphones?
-This is a place marker for me making amendments so that later this may be more or less a guide for other beginners-
Dav_Edward said:
Although I've flashed non-phone devices in the past (routers, PAP2, Ipod classic, etc.) This is the first time I'm going to be flashing a SmartPhone that I've ordered which I should be getting very soon.
I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S II and have been crawling the forum trying to learn all I can before I try rooting and unlocking my phone when I get it. But I'm having trouble deciding on a few things.
Hopefully my question can become a guide for other new people who are just starting off like me.
Rooting:
To begin, I'm trying to figure out what's best for rooting.
I've looked at a few different methods..
Chainfire's direct method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
lyriquidperfection's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
CLShortFuse's one-click method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
LitePro's ROM and Root method all-in-one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274
All of these have their own merits. But I'm trying to figure out the best approach for myself.
Chainfires simplest method less problems for most .
Root + CWM .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I also don't know much about the use of Jigs to avoid the flash counter going up. Is there any reason I need to worry about the flash counter going up? Is there a limit on number of flashes on a phone?
Zero as Samsung will invalidate warranty for custom roms or rooted phones .
Other stuff:
At some stage here I want to be able to back up the stuff on the phone and get other typical tools.
I keep hearing about ClockWorkMod constantly and it seems to be a tool for backing up the phone data and making it easier to flash stuff in without use of ODIN.
I haven't found clear documentation on how I would do this on the SGII specifically.
Their is no documentation its probably written up in the FAQ or Wip but is a relativity simple tool anyway .Backup restore phones rom install custom rom wipe data factory reset reset battery stats to zero .
FAQ
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065995
Wip
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
I also here Titanium backup (sp?) is also a good idea to install at some point.
On a rooted phone Titanium pro allows you to back up your apps and also to freeze apps .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thorough stuff, props to you sir - you know search so you'll get your first thanks...
I would advice you to go with Chainfire's method. It's the easiest and most versatile method IMO. Definitely the best for beginners because you keep your stock ROM yet still are rooted and get Clockwork Mod.
The installed CWM (Clockwork Mod) Manager app with Chainfire's work is an easy way to see what it does - basically you can backup and restore your whole system/device, plus flash custom ROM/kernels/themes etc. Look into the flashing part later - baby steps are good here!
Titanium Backup is an excellent backup app for backing up/restoring apps and data, as opposed to the whole system. Buy the Pro version, definitely worth it.
I also like My Backup (also on Market), excellent for backing up contacts/SMS/MMS. The free version is a 30 day trial.
Can't help with unlocking, never needed to - sure others can help.
Good luck
Edit - JJ beat me too it, hadn't seen his post. Must type faster...
@JJEgan & @B3311, thanks for the useful information.
I was going to try those one-click methods because I thought those were the more newbie friendly methods. Thanks for the information to try using Chainfire's instead.
I will try using Chainfire's method instead with your advice when I get the phone. Having the tools like his CWM hopefully will make things easier.
I am a bit concerned though about his mention that Rom Loader won't work with his version of the build. I'd still like the ability to use custom roms down the road once I learn how to properly back up the phone so I can experiment with various roms till I find the one I like most.
Any advice about using rom loader or other possible difficulties using Chainfire's kernel?
Dav_Edward said:
@JJEgan & @B3311, thanks for the useful information.
I was going to try those one-click methods because I thought those were the more newbie friendly methods. Thanks for the information to try using Chainfire's instead.
I will try using Chainfire's method instead with your advice when I get the phone. Having the tools like his CWM hopefully will make things easier.
I am a bit concerned though about his mention that Rom Loader won't work with his version of the build. I'd still like the ability to use custom roms down the road once I learn how to properly back up the phone so I can experiment with various roms till I find the one I like most.
Any advice about using rom loader or other possible difficulties using Chainfire's kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most just put custom rom on sd card and flash via CWM .
Sorry no nothing about Rom Loader .
jje
I would also advice using CF-Root. I was scared of rooting my phone, but after using CF-Root, I don’t know why I was so scared. The process took a little over 30 seconds (I need practice). To me at lease I think it’s the easiest method, you just need to make sure to download the right kernel.
EDIT:
Get a UBS jig, After rooting, I had the "yellow triangle" I turned off phone, removed battery, inserted jig, put back battery, entered download mode, restarted phone and no more "yellow triangle"

[Q] Ok... I pulled a bonehead play....

Well gang - I did it... I pulled a screwed up play on my BRAND new Galaxy S2 - I rooted it with a tool I found at http://galaxys2root.com - the phone is rooted with SuperUser access, but I'm unsuccessful at getting it into any kind of recovery mode.... THAT is when I learned I was using tools for the Galaxy S2 S9100 - NOT the SGH-I777 that I have.
The issue at hand is now that I realized my mistake, how do I proceed from here? I can't get the phone into any kind of recovery mode, and since I went the wrong way to start, I'm looking for the best advice... should I go backwards and make it stock to start from scratch, or can I proceed forward from here?
Thanks...
Your best bet is using odin go the main developer tread and look for unbrick odin from entrophy. Folow the directions there.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Well, the phone isn't bricked - I'm able to fully use it with no problems... I just don't know which way to go as far as recovery mode so I can flash ROMs/Kernels...
Midnight1970 said:
Well, the phone isn't bricked - I'm able to fully use it with no problems... I just don't know which way to go as far as recovery mode so I can flash ROMs/Kernels...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would you use something from a website like that? not smart bro. just go to the dev forum and you'll find everything you need.
you'll have to use odin to flash a kernel with proper recovery.
task650 said:
why would you use something from a website like that? not smart bro. just go to the dev forum and you'll find everything you need.
you'll have to use odin to flash a kernel with proper recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right - it was a moron thing to do.... hence, the title of the email - I fully realize I pulled a bonehead play.
Can you provide specifics though? I've looked around, and frankly, I'm a little overwhelmed and unsure of what my next move should be. I downloaded odin, and don't quite know what to do with it yet... Just looking for a little specific help... I had great success with my HTC Inspire, so I'm not really newb, but I'm dealing with a new device and of course I'm ignorant and unashamed to ask for help.
Follow this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1313659
That will return your phone to stock. Then you can start over. The sticky in this section has links to a lot guides.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Midnight1970 said:
Well gang - I did it... I pulled a screwed up play on my BRAND new Galaxy S2 - I rooted it with a tool I found at http://galaxys2root.com - the phone is rooted with SuperUser access, but I'm unsuccessful at getting it into any kind of recovery mode.... THAT is when I learned I was using tools for the Galaxy S2 S9100 - NOT the SGH-I777 that I have.
The issue at hand is now that I realized my mistake, how do I proceed from here? I can't get the phone into any kind of recovery mode, and since I went the wrong way to start, I'm looking for the best advice... should I go backwards and make it stock to start from scratch, or can I proceed forward from here?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same thing less than a month ago (only I used his AT&T version.) I'm guessing your wifi doesn't work, correct?
To fix my problem I utilized the info posted by creepyncrawly here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18576627&postcount=1
I chose 2c to fix the phone, which had to be followed by booting into e3 and doing a factory data reset to get rid of the wifi issues.
To install clockworks mod and gain recovery options again I used the same thread by creepyncrawly and chose option 3c, which I used with Entropy's Daily Driver (currently running the latest version with no issues!) You can find that here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18129028&postcount=1
I'm now free to make my nandroid backups and flash custom roms to play with at will, hope their work helps you too!
Thanks a MILLION gang - going to work on this probably in the morning, I'm kinda fried from looking at the screen and banging my head against the desk most of the night.... my wifi is actually working fine - the phone works totally fine with SU access, I just want the ability to go to that next step.

Initial cfroot flasher

Hello
I was curious, having come over from a galaxy note, i have had experience using cfroot flasher which we frequently used as a way to ROOT and push CWM cfrrot kernel to our beloved notes on GB.
Being new to the s2 forum i was hunting for ways to flash and root the s2 and suprisingly found quite a few ways which were totally un-neccesary and only increased the binary counter, i couldnt understand why anyone would flash a custom kernel in odin and increase the counter, creating a problem for the warranty.
Despite various people offering this solution i set out to find various methods of rooting the s2 without doing the above mentioned, i found 3 methods, the most interesting one being my 12 hour non stop experiment with cfroot flasher, back and forth i went from ics to gb and back to ics, 4 times, now although i had limited joy with cfroot flasher on ics, it didnt want to root ics when it came to the GB side, it happily ROOTED and pushed CFROOT kernel to the s2, no questions asked, giving full root access and CWM recovery.
I wondered if their was anyone reason why this tool isnt being used on the s2 forum, it certainly makes life a whole lot easier for noobs thats for sure, after all, if cwm can be gained with root, then stock firmware can be copied to a firmware folder on the sd card and prerooted and flashed to get rooted ICS, it works fine, and surely this tool could be worked on to further improve its capability if it isnt yet capable of directly rooting ics via zergrush methods.
Im not sure who the creator was, i think it was the man they call God, chainey himself, i may be wrong, but i think its his work so all credit as usual goes to him, this isnt my discovery or creation, just his work i experimented with, so i know chainey has lots going on and a whole list of projects, maybe he doesnt have time to do anything with it, but it would certainly be interesting if it could be utilised as a safe method of root and recovery.
If anyone has come across it on this forum then please do let me know, id be interested to read what previous results were had using cfroot.
CF-root, install ICS rom, use triangle away. Problem solved.
Kaze105 said:
CF-root, install ICS rom, use triangle away. Problem solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep thats also one of the methods of course, everyone knows this, quick question tho, i havent used triangle away, can ya tell me, does it only get rid of the triangle, or does it actually reset the counter to zero as well?
graemeg said:
yep thats also one of the methods of course, everyone knows this, quick question tho, i havent used triangle away, can ya tell me, does it only get rid of the triangle, or does it actually reset the counter to zero as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does both.

hi guys...please help me with rooting my S2

I am totally noob on this, I'm interested to root my Sgs2.
I don't know what to use and what not, I only know that i've to use odin and s2 root, but it's very difficult for me to choose a kernal or rom or what i dont understand that. I have recently bought my s2 just 1 week back, It's ICS. I'm uploading my s2 information picture.
ronak123456 said:
I am totally noob on this, I'm interested to root my Sgs2.
I don't know what to use and what not, I only know that i've to use odin and s2 root, but it's very difficult for me to choose a kernal or rom or what i dont understand that. I have recently bought my s2 just 1 week back, It's ICS. I'm uploading my s2 information picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try the link below for the same ma8, read the op of the link carefully and fallow the instructions to root ur phone successfully
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20075898#post20075898
u will find the matching CF-root kerenl in post 8 of the above thread ,
look for this "CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEN_LP7-v5.4-CWM5.zip" link in the same dwnld that and flash thro ODIN by following the instruction carefully
how will i know what does this give me? I'm looking for more fast speed processor, battery life extended, more access and many more things...
After you've rooted your phone, then you'll be able to flash roms/kernels easily with CWM. Depending on what kernel you choose to flash/use, then you'll be able to look at overclocking (that's what I presume you mean by 'more fast speed processor') & you'll be able to look at 'battery life extended' again depending on whatever kernel you choose to use.
Take your time, and read the CFRoot thread carefully as Sun said.
Sun90 said:
try the link below for the same ma8, read the op of the link carefully and fallow the instructions to root ur phone successfully
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20075898#post20075898
u will find the matching CF-root kerenl in post 8 of the above thread ,
look for this "CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEN_LP7-v5.4-CWM5.zip" link in the same dwnld that and flash thro ODIN by following the instruction carefully
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do as advised by Sun90, and then look in my sig for the link "You have rooted your phone now what can you do" this is a good starting point, then move on from their. You will have a lot of reading to do, but this will only make sure you have all the right tool and knowledge to do what you need and correctly.
Thanks guys, I'll do that and read it carefully before doing anything to my phone, it's my 1st time and i dont want to break it....
Sorry to ask questions again and again, please understand my problem..
just to confirm guys, If bymistakely i did something wrong my phone break so what can be done??? My warranty will be voided so anything else can be done???
OK. First thing I'm going to say (and please don't take this the wrong way) is this; don't flash anything on your phone (don't root it or flash custom roms/kernels) if you're scared of losing your warranty or bricking your phone.
Rooting your phone or flashing non-stock firmware on it voids your warranty. Plain & simple. No two ways about it. Having said that, if you ever need to send your phone in for warranty service, many people find if they go back to stock firmware & reset the flash counter before sending it in, they do get warranty service; assuming the problem you're sending it in for service for wasn't caused by moisture, accidental damage, etc. In those cases, you won't get warranty service regardless.
But this is never 100% guaranteed, and if you're going to start flashing things on your phone, you should leave any expectations of warranty service at the door.
With regard to your other question about recovering from any problems with flashing, 999 times out of 1000, flashes go smoothly & you won't have any problems. If you do have a problem, as long as you can get into download mode (if the phone won't boot normally), you can often recover it/fix the problem. But you must understand every time you flash something on your phone you run the very small risk of bricking it (and it is a very small risk). That's something we all know (well everyone here should at least) & accept. It's a small price to pay for the freedom/control over your phone rooting/the ability to flash non-stock firmware give you.
If you want root without flashing insecure kernel use this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746794
Method 1
Odoslané z GT-I9100 cez Tapatalk 2
ronak123456 said:
just to confirm guys, If bymistakely i did something wrong my phone break so what can be done??? My warranty will be voided so anything else can be done???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well if u follow the instructuions carefully to pinpoint perfection, u will not be into any trouble ma8.
if still the doubt in ur mind then also see this link below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1457458
Thanks guys, It's just am worried about it...
I'm now on downloading mode and flashing it...fingers crossed lol
I did that with odin and i go an exclamation mark, but now my phone stuck over there....what to do???? It's not rebooting
Boot into recovery mode & do a wipe/factory reset.
how do i do that?
Dude, you seriously should be reading the Stickies before you do anything with your phone. Volume up/power/home (as opposed to volume down for download mode).
Gotta learn the basics first :-|
I'm really sorry (
i did the volume up buttom home and power, it's coming still the same exclamation mark when i had done that 1st..
Bootloop thread.
I'm doing this Hold down home, power, and volume UP. but it only stucks at the exclamation mark not going further.
Recovery mode - Turn phone off (hold the power button down until the phone switches off. If necessary, remove/replace the battery). At the same time, hold down home, volume up & the power button. This will boot the phone into recovery mode.
Again, flashing stuff on your phone without knowing the bare basics has a funny habit of ending in tears :-|

[Q] Stock recovery overwrite, flash CWM

In the procees of rooting, I had flashed CWM using Odin using recommened settings and it passed and rebooted to ROM(stock) itself. Then I rebooted to recovery mode but what I could see is the stock system recovery instead of the flashed CWM, and I know it was overwriiten by stock recovery by the system itself. I again did this flashing via ODIN but this time with UNCHECKED AUTO-REBOOT, and maually tried to reboot to recovery with button combinations, but instead rebooted to ROM itself. What should I do now to root my device?
Looking forward for your humble reply.
Thanks in advance ;P
regards,
riocrag
You can't have custom recovery with stock firmware, it will restore stock recovery on each boot.
Root doesn't require custom recovery, go read the sticky threads in general forum, search for cf auto root.
I'm don't want just root, I want to flash ROM also.
boomboomer said:
You can't have custom recovery with stock firmware, it will restore stock recovery on each boot.
Root doesn't require custom recovery, go read the sticky threads in general forum, search for cf auto root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For your information what I want is not just root but want to flash ROMS through recovery. Since the method I used isn't successful, can I flash recovery after going through CF AutoRoot process? If Yes, how to do it bro?
@Sarun said:
For your information what I want is not just root but want to flash ROMS through recovery. Since the method I used isn't successful, can I flash recovery after going through CF AutoRoot process? If Yes, how to do it bro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root your phone with CF Auto Root
Download and flash a recovery with Rashr (You can donwload it from the PS)
And after this find a rom you want and install it with the recovery BUT always read the section on "How To Install It"
Galaxy S3 International
efeXTREME Lite Rom v5.1
Arter97 Kernel v4.0 beta 3
Finally done,
Read that, read this and all. Especially you boomboomer you have been harsh, I almost spend a whole day on rooting this device that's actually some matter of minutes. First of all let me make you clear that I have gone through each stickies particular to this device and followed the linked tutorials also finally I figured a way out of this stuffs and finally with CWM and ROOT. A little advice from my part, for the sake of getting THANKS just don’t get your head into as many threads as possible. Since I was having deep knowledge about rooting and stuffs (not much about SAMSUNG stuffs), I was able to figure it out. What about if I was a complete noob? Your words should have left me in no hope.
As you leave notes always under your words about what is XDA becoz of noobs,
REMEMBER YOU WERE NOT BORN GEEK
No harsh feelings my friend what you felt by reading this is what I felt when I read yours. Chill bro.
riocrag said:
Read that, read this and all. Especially you boomboomer you have been harsh, I almost spend a whole day on rooting this device that's actually some matter of minutes. First of all let me make you clear that I have gone through each stickies particular to this device and followed the linked tutorials also finally I figured a way out of this stuffs and finally with CWM and ROOT. A little advice from my part, for the sake of getting THANKS just don’t get your head into as many threads as possible. Since I was having deep knowledge about rooting and stuffs (not much about SAMSUNG stuffs), I was able to figure it out. What about if I was a complete noob? Your words should have left me in no hope.
As you leave notes always under your words about what is XDA becoz of noobs,
REMEMBER YOU WERE NOT BORN GEEK
No harsh feelings my friend what you felt by reading this is what I felt when I read yours. Chill bro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"brief" unequals "harsh", that's all there is to it. This kind of talk is exactly what booboomers sig is intended towards. You discourage the people that wanna help. They tell you where you can find the info you need and you argue about semantics. Not everybody has the time to write a nice novel for everybody asking a question that has been aswered before again and again. I for one have a life that's not electronic. Sometimes less is more and in your case "less" was all boomboomer had time for. So please...

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