Well it's regarding rooting.
I heard it opens up a world of opportunity with your smartphone, and some apps I really want are only available vain rooted phones. I have the Samsung galaxy s3 international version. It was originally from Australia if that matters at all. It is on 4.0.4. Anyways, being a noob to android more or less, and being a bit apprehensive (because I have no warranty and I cannot obtain another phone easily) I was wondering basically how risky it is to brick your phone in a) the process of rooting your phone. Is it common? If it does get bricked is it reversable by a restore or simply gone? Also after rooting, is there any upkeep or management I need to do to make sure my rooted phone does not screw up? And lastly. What is the safest and easiest way to root the international quad core gs3 on ics. Thank you to everyone for your time
mysticgorilla said:
Well it's regarding rooting.
I heard it opens up a world of opportunity with your smartphone, and some apps I really want are only available vain rooted phones. I have the Samsung galaxy s3 international version. It was originally from Australia if that matters at all. It is on 4.0.4. Anyways, being a noob to android more or less, and being a bit apprehensive (because I have no warranty and I cannot obtain another phone easily) I was wondering basically how risky it is to brick your phone in a) the process of rooting your phone. Is it common? If it does get bricked is it reversable by a restore or simply gone? Also after rooting, is there any upkeep or management I need to do to make sure my rooted phone does not screw up? And lastly. What is the safest and easiest way to root the international quad core gs3 on ics. Thank you to everyone for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, most you could pick up be reading a bit, everything is already explained around here but since i was in your shoes very recently:
- there's always a risk. You need to be aware of that. That said, most cases that actually go wrong it's usually user's fault who failed to follow instructions closely. So read them. And read some more. And then read again just to make sure. And then i'd read again.
I used this very recent method from chainfire (salute and donate to the man if you like and can, he deserves it) to root my 4.0.4 international GT-I9300 S3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957273
Triangled away next and everything worked like a charm. This preserves everything as stock as possible just adding root to your phone.
- from what i can tell, as long as you don't do anything that messes with the bootloader, you can always recover from a procedure gone wrong. Just disconnect, remove battery, insert and try again. Rebooting the computer or changing usb ports usually helps too (on odin).
- after rooting successfully, the very first thing you should do is backup your /efs folder. This is easy, just pick up root explorer or some other file manager that allows exploring you root (/), go up in your folders until you get to / look for the efs folder and just copy it (NOT MOVE) elsewhere (sd card, external sd, your computer preferably, whatever, just have that safe). This will come in handy in case you lose your imei at some point. Just restore this folder's contents and you're good to go. If that happens and you don't have a backup, it's a f'ing pain you can do well without.
- anything else root related is just common sense. Since you have the potential to screw up your entire phone with root permissions (this is why you don't have them in the first place), if an app pops up asking for root permissions, be sure what it is before allowing. If you're not sure, you can always deny first and allow later in the superuser app.
- you can also look into backing up with nandroid. You can think of this as an image of your entire phone. With this you can restore your phone to the same state it was when you did it. Useful when something went wrong and your phone doesn't boot anymore or you just wanted to try new roms with the option of coming back to what you had before. Not sure how you do it on the S3 still, but it usually requires a modified recovery like CWM. The method to root above doesn't install one though, it preserves what you had. Check this instead if you're interested:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Cheers dude, i'm sure everything will go well for you too.
Chance of a brick about .0001 % rising to 100% for those that are to lazy to read follow instructions .
BASICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1927113
jje
Thankyou very much to everyone who has read and replied to this. 3 more minor questions. Is there a way to first update my phone to jellybean 4.1 via Odin or something like that? Or is this possible after root, because I don't want to stay on ics. Also what exactly happens if I update while rooted. Does it wipe or unroot my phone or the like? Also should my phone be in use debugging, and lastly what does it mean to unlock my bootloaders? That was more than 3 questions sorry thanks again
mysticgorilla said:
Thankyou very much to everyone who has read and replied to this. 3 more minor questions. Is there a way to first update my phone to jellybean 4.1 via Odin or something like that? Or is this possible after root, because I don't want to stay on ics. Also what exactly happens if I update while rooted. Does it wipe or unroot my phone or the like? Also should my phone be in use debugging, and lastly what does it mean to unlock my bootloaders? That was more than 3 questions sorry thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You don't need to root to update to JB.
Just download any ROM you want from http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300 (I recommend the UK unbranded ROM, BTU) then use Odin3 to flash it to your devices. Search the forums for specific instructions on this procedure. I'll just tell that it takes no more than 2-3 minutes.
2) If you're going to root, I suggest you do it beforehand, by flashing a kernel like Siyah (in ICS), and then proceed to flashing the stock JB ROM, HOWEVER, instead of using Odin3, you will use MobileOdion (available from Play Store), because that way you'll have a fully rooted and stock device.
3) Using step 2 above, it will not wipe not unroot your phone. It is safe and retains all your settings. That is the beauty of MobileOdin. There is a free version.
If you root and THEN install via Odin (PC), then you'll lose root, but not your settings.
In either case, you only wipe the device IF YOU WANT TO.
So, the best option is to:
a) Install SiyahKernel using Odin3 (PC)
b) Download the JB BTU ROM from http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300
c) Extract the .md5 from the ZIP file and move it to the device's ext. sd card
d) Install MobileOdin in the device
e) Use MobileOdin to flash the .md5 you moved to it in step (c)
f) install TriangleAway (download from XDA) and run it to reset binary counter (which got incremented in step [a] )
Results: rooted, JB, stock, all settins retained, no binary counter increment
Simonetti2011 I have been searching the internet here in New Zealand and that has been the best answer I have found so far!
I do have a slight question thought. I live in New Zealand and have the GT-I9300T model of the GS3 and I'm wanting to install the international unbranded rom for that I can get updates faster (here in NZ it takes months and months to get updates)
I downloaded the International UK unbranded firmware 4.0.4 and was going to flash that rom onto my phone then upgrade to jelly bean via kies but have since relised I should just download the jellybean UK firmware straight away. Do you by any chance havea link to the firmware that I would need, I noticed there were a few different versions.
Also about the CSC, would I need to do any changes?
Many many thanks in advance, Sorry for hijacking this thread, just figured I was on the same pages as the OP
prawln said:
Simonetti2011 I have been searching the internet here in New Zealand and that has been the best answer I have found so far!
I do have a slight question thought. I live in New Zealand and have the GT-I9300T model of the GS3 and I'm wanting to install the international unbranded rom for that I can get updates faster (here in NZ it takes months and months to get updates)
I downloaded the International UK unbranded firmware 4.0.4 and was going to flash that rom onto my phone then upgrade to jelly bean via kies but have since relised I should just download the jellybean UK firmware straight away. Do you by any chance havea link to the firmware that I would need, I noticed there were a few different versions.
Also about the CSC, would I need to do any changes?
Many many thanks in advance, Sorry for hijacking this thread, just figured I was on the same pages as the OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
The 9300T and the 9300 are NOT the same device, therefore they use different firmware (ROM). The ROMs for the 9300T are here: http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9300T
I don't think there is a 9300T ROM for the UK, since the model released there is the 9300 (non-T).
It seems that either Samsung-updates hasn't indexed any ROMs for your model or they haven't been released.
About CSC: just don't worry about it... download and flash any ROM you want for your specific model and don't worry. If you don't like it, just download and flash another one.
Thanks heaps for that!
I actually just tried the UK unbranded rom that was for the i9300 on my i9300T and suprisingly everything seems to work ok so far (phone calls, txting, 3g etc)
Thankyou to everyone!
Thank you for your responses to my post regarding rooting my s3. They were very helpful. i succesfully rooted via chainfire cf auto root for the I9300 model without problem. Just one last question, I have been searching around a bit and some people are saying that flashing the jellybean firmware via odin, is not a perfect copy.. i mean some say they have been experiencing very minor problems here and there. So, if i update to the uk firmware on jelly bean via odin or mobile odin, and i experience some problems, can i still get the official ota update or jellybean 4.1 via kies when it is released? Thanks again for your help. Im pretty new to this android stuff
Related
Hey everyone,
First post, n00b question - please be gentle.
First, I'll start with a positive. I have come from using an iPhone, and I was quiet comfortable with jailbreaking and cydia. I now have a Samsung Galaxy S 2 / II (GT-I9100T). I am from Australia, and on the Telstra network. Whoever is in the same boat would know it is quiet an adjustment, but you can root! (if you wanted to know).
I followed this persons 3 part guide and with sucess:
I cannot post the link but it is on YouTube and the video title is:
How To Root The Samsung Galaxy S II - Part 1
How To Root The Samsung Galaxy S II - Part 2
How To Root The Samsung Galaxy S II - Part 3
Username is mattj101101
I had Android 2.3.3 installed.
Second part is a question, is there any debranding roms / kernals that is ok for the GT-I9100T? I have tried the *#272*IMEI# but it only had 'Preconfig - TEL'
My phones info:
PDA: 19100TDVKF4
PHONE: I9100TDVKF2
CSC: I9100TTELFK3
My Kernal version, after the root is 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKDD-CL161513root<insertATsymbol>DELL103 #2
Hopefully with these answers I can help other fellow people out with this particular model (that are sold in Australia). Also if someone has the stock Telstra rom for re-flashing (if needed for warrenty) please point me in the right direction.
Thank-you.
Hey,
Ive got the GT-I9100T from Vodafone (both can run on the telstra bandwidth now ) and have had no issues flashing most roms. Only thing you may notice is the new modems aren't as good as the stock ones you currently have, so you may need to reflash the original modem through odin to get the best support.
Before you do flash though, make sure you back up your /efs folder, it contains the bin files for your IMEI for your phone, and people have reported flashing a rom can change that, so beware! also, before you do flash, try find the stock telstra rom for your phone incase you need to reflash. There are a few threads about it all, so good luck
The i9100T can use i9100 roms, but it will change the product code to i9100.
Easiest way to root is using CF-root, match the part of the version number in bold "PDA: 19100TDVKF4"
My phones info:
PDA: The rom/kernel
PHONE: The modem/radio, responsable for signal quality and speed, you dont need to match this to rom version, and the best way to find a good one is to test different ones.
CSC: APN settings and bundles apps, no need to match this, but if you do chose to all you may have todo is enter your APN settings for internet and MMS manually.
You can flash any rom onto any SGS2 via odin, see this guide, that will debrand etc.
Also, you rooted using a very old insecure kernel, people have had random reboots with that one, I suggest you flash back your stock kernel (you will keep root) or flash a version of cf-root (you will gain clockworkmod recovery, a way to flash roms/etc from your phone, and nandroid, a whole phone backup system, like snapshots)
I would recommend flashing DarkyRom2 on your S2. Runs fast, stable and great battery life. It roots your phone as well and changes your kernel to SuperCore which has a lot of optimisations.
Instructions:
Since you're not rooted (stock firmware/kernel)
1. Flash SuperCore_1.7.tar with Odin (put in PDA and do NOT tick repartition)
2. Get DarkyROM2 Tool and Superuser from market
3. Upload DarkyROM2_XXKH3_Base_R2.zip to SD-Card (INTERNAL)
4. Open DarkyROM2 tool. Accept SuperUser access request notification (this confirms you are rooted.
4. Under the DarkyRom tab, be sure "Wipe User data" is selected AND "INSTALL MODEM" is NOT SELECTED. (this will wipe everything from your phone but keep your stock KF4 modem. Any other modem causes signal problems for our I-9100T. )
5. No need to select "Install Kernel" Since SuperCore 1.7 is already installed.
5. Go back to the General Tab and use "Flash/Install File from SDCARD" to browse to and install DarkyROM2_XXKH3_Base_R2.zip
6. Wait for the phone to reboot and flash the new firmware
Get the files here:
http://www.darkyrom.com/community/index.php?threads/rom-cwm-sgs2-darkyrom2-kh3-base.4950/
I modified the instructions given on that link and posted it above for you since it's a little different for our I-9100T phones.
more info on I-9100T here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16824749&postcount=10
Interestingly, I just purchased a SGS2 here in Thailand (I'm also an Aussie) and the model of the phone is GT-I9100T.
Unfortunately I cannot seem to find a KL2 kernel for CF-Root to patch it with... any suggestions?
Also, the site that held all the OEM kernels (MultiUpload) for download is now showing a "Shut down by the FBI" logo : )
As long as you're certain you've got a I9100T, use the KL1 CFRoot kernel. Will work fine.
ApriliaM3 said:
Interestingly, I just purchased a SGS2 here in Thailand (I'm also an Aussie) and the model of the phone is GT-I9100T.
Unfortunately I cannot seem to find a KL2 kernel for CF-Root to patch it with... any suggestions?
Also, the site that held all the OEM kernels (MultiUpload) for download is now showing a "Shut down by the FBI" logo : )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone details are as follows:
Model: GT-I9100T
Android: 2.3.6
Baseband: I9100TDCKL1
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100TDCKL2-CL767350 [email protected]#2
Build: GINGERBREAD.DCKL2
This is not an Aussie phone such as the Telstra I9100T that I see spoken about.
I purchased this phone here in Thailand 3 days ago and I have a few questions.
1. Is there a way to backup the original kernel before rooting?
2. Will the KL1 kernal make me lose things such as Thai language options etc?
3. Any way to restore the KL2 kernel in the future?
Thanks for taking the time to reply!
MistahBungle said:
As long as you're certain you've got a I9100T, use the KL1 CFRoot kernel. Will work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Doubt it. And the only link for DCKL2/Thailand in Intra's official firmware thread is dead as it was MegaUpload, and he more than likely won't have a backup (you could always ask him tho). Search around elsewhere online, you might find a copy of this kernel somewhere.
2) I don't know for certain, but I don't think so. I would have thought something like language would be more firmware-related.
3) Refer to 1) I don't see why you'd need to ? In order to get warranty service from Samsung, all you'd need to do is flash the most recent firmware available for your phone (for all they know you could easily have got this from an OTA update via Kies), do a factory reset/make sure there's no apps left on your phone that could tip off whomever repairs it that the phone was rooted, and use a jig to reset the flash counter. Obviously there are no rolled gold guarantees with getting warranty service once you've voided same by rooting the phone/running non-stock firmware firmware on it, tho.
ApriliaM3 said:
My phone details are as follows:
Model: GT-I9100T
Android: 2.3.6
Baseband: I9100TDCKL1
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100TDCKL2-CL767350 [email protected]#2
Build: GINGERBREAD.DCKL2
This is not an Aussie phone such as the Telstra I9100T that I see spoken about.
I purchased this phone here in Thailand 3 days ago and I have a few questions.
1. Is there a way to backup the original kernel before rooting?
2. Will the KL1 kernal make me lose things such as Thai language options etc?
3. Any way to restore the KL2 kernel in the future?
Thanks for taking the time to reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just worried it might stop future updates to ICS or similar via Kies.
At least I think I've managed to find another copy of the latest kernal on a site other than MegaUpload...
It's at 50% and counting : )
3) Refer to 1) I don't see why you'd need to ? In order to get warranty service
Running a CFRoot kernel over stock firmware should still allow you to receive OTA updates via Kies. If you find it doesn't, simply use Checkfus (search for it on here), it allows you to find/download the latest firmware for your phone/country that you'd normally get via Kies.
Really ? Cool Might wanna post a linky to your source over in Intra's thread. I'm sure there will be other people who might need it at some stage.
ApriliaM3 said:
I was just worried it might stop future updates to ICS or similar via Kies.
At least I think I've managed to find another copy of the latest kernal on a site other than MegaUpload...
It's at 50% and counting : )
3) Refer to 1) I don't see why you'd need to ? In order to get warranty service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so would you believe...
I ran the guide from Intra.
Installed an insecure ROM and then ran SuperOneClick and was rooted.
I restored the OEM kernel that I found online and BINGO - UNROOTED!
I repeated the procedure just to check everything again... same deal!
Phone is currently unrooted again...
MistahBungle said:
Running a CFRoot kernel over stock firmware should still allow you to receive OTA updates via Kies. If you find it doesn't, simply use Checkfus (search for it on here), it allows you to find/download the latest firmware for your phone/country that you'd normally get via Kies.
Really ? Cool Might wanna post a linky to your source over in Intra's thread. I'm sure there will be other people who might need it at some stage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you flash an original (unrooted) kernel over your rooted kernel you'll lose root.
There's a procedure for removing the yellow warning triangle at boot in the CFRoot thread & also retaining root, but I found it too fiddly when I first rooted my phone so I simply bought a jig & did it that way.
I can't speak for anything to do with SuperOneClick as I've never used it.
ApriliaM3 said:
Ok so would you believe...
I ran the guide from Intra.
Installed an insecure ROM and then ran SuperOneClick and was rooted.
I restored the OEM kernel that I found online and BINGO - UNROOTED!
I repeated the procedure just to check everything again... same deal!
Phone is currently unrooted again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently so... now I'm confused about what the guide was trying to achieve.
Also, Kies now tells me it's not compatible with my device... Perfect!
MistahBungle said:
Yeah, if you flash an original (unrooted) kernel over your rooted kernel you'll lose root.
QUOTE]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I have no idea whatsoever about anything to do with SuperOneClick. If you want a rooted phone minus the yellow warning triangle at boot without fiddling around, root it with a CFRoot kernel, buy a $3 jig from eBay, done.
So far as Kies not working, you could try uninstalling/reinstalling Kies, or simply use Checkfus as I've said previously. Me, I'd use Checkfus. Quick, easy & like the paragraph above, no fiddling around.
Edit to add - Yes, obviously Kies won't work if you're running an "insecure rom" as per your post above. I presume you mean a custom rom you found somewhere on here or elsewhere ? One of my earlier posts did say Kies should (not always) work if you're running a rooted kernel over a stock Samsung rom. If you're running a non-stock rom Kies won't work.
ApriliaM3 said:
Apparently so... now I'm confused about what the guide was trying to achieve.
Also, Kies now tells me it's not compatible with my device... Perfect!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ApriliaM3 said:
Apparently so... now I'm confused about what the guide was trying to achieve.
Also, Kies now tells me it's not compatible with my device... Perfect!
MistahBungle said:
Yeah, if you flash an original (unrooted) kernel over your rooted kernel you'll lose root.
QUOTE]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditch Kies there is a better alternative out there. MyphoneExplore, do a seach via google. You'll also need to get the app client software from the android market. I use it to synch my work Outlook Calendar to my phone. You can also back up your contacts, sms and call records.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: I tried CF-Root KL3 (wanted KL2) and it seems fine so far.
I have root and everything else seems the same (Thai language support etc.)
I'll keep you posted : )
Thanks for taking the time to deal with my issues!
Hope I can do the same for some others on this Forum in the future.
I'd not heard of Checkfus so I'll give that a try, thanks : )
There's no CF-Root to match my phone exactly but I guess there's nothing to lose now by trying something close : P
I ordered the jig almost a week before getting the phone but it seems the postage to Thailand is sloooow.
I'm running a stock ROM and unrooted but Kies is still misbehaving.
MistahBungle said:
As I said, I have no idea whatsoever about anything to do with SuperOneClick. If you want a rooted phone minus the yellow warning triangle at boot without fiddling around, root it with a CFRoot kernel, buy a $3 jig from eBay, done.
So far as Kies not working, you could try uninstalling/reinstalling Kies, or simply use Checkfus as I've said previously. Me, I'd use Checkfus. Quick, easy & like the paragraph above, no fiddling around.
Edit to add - Yes, obviously Kies won't work if you're running an "insecure rom" as per your post above. I presume you mean a custom rom you found somewhere on here or elsewhere ? One of my earlier posts did say Kies should (not always) work if you're running a rooted kernel over a stock Samsung rom. If you're running a non-stock rom Kies won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something may have borked so far as the CSC goes (which tells Kies, the Market, etc where you are). I did say you should be able to use Kies, you're not the first person to have problems with it after rooting
Personally speaking, I've never used Kies & almost certainly won't use it. Ever. Custom roms/kernels are a piece of you know what to flash via CWRecovery (or Odin for that matter), and official firmware updates are easy to get with Checkfus & flash via Odin if I ever have to go down that path for warranty purposes or whatever.
Kies is a truly awful piece of software
Edit to add after your edit - No worries
ApriliaM3 said:
I'd not heard of Checkfus so I'll give that a try, thanks : )
I'm running a stock ROM and unrooted but Kies is still misbehaving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Kies is dodgy...
When I got home I plugged it into Kies on the home PC and everything was fine!
Have you experimented much with any Custom ROM's?
MistahBungle said:
Something may have borked so far as the CSC goes (which tells Kies, the Market, etc where you are). I did say you should be able to use Kies, you're not the first person to have problems with it after rooting
Kies is a truly awful piece of software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello fellow XDA user
I have recently bought a the I9100 internation version and I am really pleased, however I do know the power of a ROM and how much it could improve or brick your phone.
However I came from the Galaxy S i9000, I never managed to recover the phone, so it would be recognized by kies, it did recognize my phone, but it said that 'Kies didn't support any upgrades for it'. Meaning if I would like to return it for garantee reasons, the shop or manufacturer will see I have been messing with my phone, which excludes my warranty.
Therefore I wonderd if there was a possibility to install roms or root your phone and unroot it, so kies would regonize it again.
Thanks alot and feel free to suggest any rom
Intensity007 said:
Hello fellow XDA user
I have recently bought a the I9100 internation version and I am really pleased, however I do know the power of a ROM and how much it could improve or brick your phone.
However I came from the Galaxy S i9000, I never managed to recover the phone, so it would be recognized by kies, it did recognize my phone, but it said that 'Kies didn't support any upgrades for it'. Meaning if I would like to return it for garantee reasons, the shop or manufacturer will see I have been messing with my phone, which excludes my warranty.
Therefore I wonderd if there was a possibility to install roms or root your phone and unroot it, so kies would regonize it again.
Thanks alot and feel free to suggest any rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes there is a way cfroot to which will give you superuser access and also CWM recovery by then swapping back to stock kernel will unroot also if you using odin to flash this wil increase binary counter look for a app called triangle away this will reset the binary counter but only works on ics.
this is just basics to answer quickly your question please still search within the sgs2 forum sections most of all new users questions have been answered and there is many guides for new users to refer to in development sections prior to installing customs roms etc
DJBoxer said:
yes there is a way cfroot to which will give you superuser access and also CWM recovery by then swapping back to stock kernel will unroot also if you using odin to flash this wil increase binary counter look for a app called triangle away this will reset the binary counter but only works on ics.
this is just basics to answer quickly your question please still search within the sgs2 forum sections most of all new users questions have been answered and there is many guides for new users to refer to in development sections prior to installing customs roms etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about CF root .. but as I said before, I managed to restore the stock functionality of my Galaxy S, but I never managed to get support from Kies again. ('Kies doesn't support updates for your phone'). I don't know if the Galaxy S II method might diffrentiate from that .. but I do want to be on the safe side with my warranty and I don't want another bad to happen to my phone.
Quik Recap
1) Prepare Odin --> Go download Mode (Power + volume down + home button)
2) Flash Phone --> Odin --> Install CF Root Kernel
3) Mount Phone ---> USB --> Download Rom ---> Boot ClockWorkRecovery (Power + volume up + home button)
4) Enjoy Rom --> Enjoy Xda Power
5) How to Revert?, will kies regonize it and support it
Code:
[URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20075898&postcount="]CF Root Kernals By Chainfire[/URL]
Can someone please answer my post above, I really want to start modding, but I also want to be able to get back to an unrooted version with Kies support
Check out the links in my signature, especially the one about going back to stock. That should satisfy your request.
Long story short, reset your flash counter and flash stock rom. But make sure you READ
OK. The experience on here over the past 6 mths or so goes something like this. About 50% of people who go back to stock firmware for their region after using custom roms or stock firmware not for their region seem to be able to get OTA updates via Kies OK. For some reason(s), the other 50% or so of these people seem not to be able to get OTA updates to work despite flashing a full stock rom for their region (with correct CSC).
Why doesn't it seem to work for some people ? Who knows ? I don't think I've seen a single answer that could cover even a small majority of those cases.
Regardless, if you find you ever go back to stock with the intention of getting OTA firmware updates & they don't work, do what plenty of people on here do & flash them via Odin. Easy fixed.
The bottom line with warranties is this. The moment you start rooting your phone or flashing non-stock firmware on it, you should forget about/lose all expectations of warranty service/replacement should something go wrong with your phone. At the end of the day, you mess with your phone, why should Samsung/your telco foot the bill ?
Having said that, if you format everything, go back to stock & reset the flash counter, again, the experience on here is many people seem to get warranty service OK.
What you seem to be looking for is a 100% iron-clad guarantee.
There isn't any. If potentially borking your phone & having to pay to have it repaired/replaced yourself frightens you, best advice would be simply don't mess with it. Stay on stock. That's the only way you're getting 100% guarantees. If you've only ever been on stock/OTA updates & never rooted/flashed custom firmware and the phone borks, they pay to fix it.
Pretty simple really.
Hi,
I've had a look around and can't find a thread that answers my question completely. I just want to gain root access to phone, I have no intention of flashing a custom firmware. My phone is a Galaxy S2 I9100 running Vodafone Australia's stock 4.0.3 ICS.
As I am new to rooting, I have browsed through this page but still have questions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I want to be able to easily restore my phone to its stock, unrooted state for warranty purposes. I'm not quite sure how to do this, Is there a way to backup my phones kernel as it is now, and be able to flash back to the stock kernel if something were to go wrong?
Also, My kernel version is 3.0.15-I9100TDULP9-CL422302 ..... The key letters being LP9? So then which one of these 2 would I flash?
CF-Root-SGS2_XW_KPN_LP9-v5.4-CWM5.zip OR
CF-Root-SGS2_DX_SIN_LP9-v5.4-CWM5.zip
Or would either work?
(Yes still going, sorry!) I also saw something called a Binary Flash Counter which counts the amount of times a phone has been modified? Would I be affected by this by just gaining root access? And if so how do I prevent that? (My ultimate aim is to root, but still keep warranty)
Thanks in advance for any help, its really appreciated.
mkirpy22 said:
Hi,
I've had a look around and can't find a thread that answers my question completely. I just want to gain root access to phone, I have no intention of flashing a custom firmware. My phone is a Galaxy S2 I9100 running Vodafone Australia's stock 4.0.3 ICS.
As I am new to rooting, I have browsed through this page but still have questions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I want to be able to easily restore my phone to its stock, unrooted state for warranty purposes. I'm not quite sure how to do this, Is there a way to backup my phones kernel as it is now, and be able to flash back to the stock kernel if something were to go wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get back to stock look for your firmware in Intratech's thread. It also provides links for kernel only downloads.
Also, My kernel version is 3.0.15-I9100TDULP9-CL422302 ..... The key letters being LP9? So then which one of these 2 would I flash?
CF-Root-SGS2_XW_KPN_LP9-v5.4-CWM5.zip OR
CF-Root-SGS2_DX_SIN_LP9-v5.4-CWM5.zip
Or would either work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the thread you were referencing:
The XX and OXA identifiers are not that important. Usually a "KG1" kernel is a "KG1" kernel, and that is that. Sometimes (pretty rare) it happens there will be multiple different kernels with the same name in different firmwares, that are actually different. If this happens, they are usually only very minor changes and you should expect them to still be fully compatible. I include the "XX" and "OXA" identifiers so the very advanced users can deduce from which full firmware I have taken the kernel file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Yes still going, sorry!) I also saw something called a Binary Flash Counter which counts the amount of times a phone has been modified? Would I be affected by this by just gaining root access? And if so how do I prevent that? (My ultimate aim is to root, but still keep warranty)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you will be affected (if rooting with CF-root method) and no, you can't prevent it. However you can reset things. The easiest way to do this is to use TriangleAway from the Play store.
Best thing to do if you want a backup that's as close to stock as possible is to root your phone & then do a Nandroid backup in CWM before doing anything else to the phone (flashing custom roms, other kernels, etc). That will give you a backup that is essentially stock other than the rooted kernel.
If you want to guarantee warranty service, don't mess with your phone (yes, I'm serious). Once you start messing with it, you should lose any expectation of warranty service should the worst happen (rooting your phone/running non stock firmware voids your warranty). Having said that, many people who have rooted their phones and/or run non-stock firmware have been able to get warranty service by going back to stock & resetting the flash counter either with a jig or Triangle Away before sending it in for service. However, this is never a guaranteed, rolled gold 100% certainty.
FXRB is right, before you root your phone, either download your current firmware from Intratech's thread, or use the PC version of Checkfus to download it. This will save you problems if you need to go back to stock in say, 12 mths, and you forget which firmware was originally on the phone.
Unrooting Sprint Samsung s2 ics 4.0.4 fh13
I rooted my phone but would like to unroot it back to previous or stock. Please help with any information to unroot. Thanks.
hispeed10 said:
I rooted my phone but would like to unroot it back to previous or stock. Please help with any information to unroot. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Reset binary counter using Triangle away app.
2. Download Stock firmware for your country/region here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmware/
3. Flash the firmware via Odin.
Done
hispeed10 said:
I rooted my phone but would like to unroot it back to previous or stock. Please help with any information to unroot. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to what Jokesy said, you say you have a Sprint Samsung s2 ics 4.0.4 fh13. The Sprint variant is the Epic 4G Touch, and has a different forum located at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1281.
This forum is for the I9100, which is a GSM phone, and doesn't even work on Sprint's CDMA network.
For your own sake and future sanity, please go to and stay in that forum, and avoid flashing anything from this forum for the I9100.
I rooted my phone pushing CWM.zip and SU-busybox in recovery mode.
First CWM.zip And then su-busybox in the Clockwork orange mod. Its rooted and no yellow triangle.
Just got the GT-I9100 International version for my daughter (we are on AT&T). What do I need to know before checking and installing updates? I started to check for updates but it asks for my location and I read somewhere about people who downloaded U.S. version (in the U.S.) and installed it on their non-U.S. phones and they screwed up the machine. I believe the phone is from Germany (the initial language when we turned it on was German).
Thanks.
sbi1 said:
Just got the GT-I9100 International version for my daughter (we are on AT&T). What do I need to know before checking and installing updates? I started to check for updates but it asks for my location and I read somewhere about people who downloaded U.S. version (in the U.S.) and installed it on their non-U.S. phones and they screwed up the machine. I believe the phone is from Germany (the initial language when we turned it on was German).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no version of the i9100 sold in the US. What you probably read about is someone who flashed firmware or a ROM for the i777 (or some other different variant model) to an i9100. The i777 is the variant sold by AT&T. The i9100 is sold internationally.
As long as you stick to flashing things meant for the i9100, you should be fine.
Also, make sure of the exact model. There is also the i9100G variant, which is incompatible to the i9100 in terms of firmwares, kernels, and ROMs.
Just be careful, and if you intend on flashing anything, only use things meant for that exact model phone.
Thanks. I meant OTA update. If I check OTA update, isn't it getting updates from Samsung US or something like that?
BTW, these are the specifics of this device. I am also considering rooting it. Not sure what would be the best way though (I only have experience with rooting my I777) l.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
sbi1 said:
Thanks. I meant OTA update. If I check OTA update, isn't it getting updates from Samsung US or something like that?
BTW, these are the specifics of this device. I am also considering rooting it. Not sure what would be the best way though (I only have experience with rooting my I777) l.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe you'll get any OTA updates on the i9100 while in the US. I haven't, in over a year. Besides, you can turn it off. (OTA)
Aint the updates controlled by CSC?? From the pic it seems to be XW -> UK i guess? So you should still get UK updates ...
Rooting is simple (My guide is to skip rooting and jump straight for custom rom, but the steps to root are the same)
1. Download any version of CWM from here
2. Get desired rom (kernel too if you want)
3. Place everything in Externel SDcard
4. Boot into stock recovery (Power+Home+Vol up)
5. Use stock recovery to flash CWM
6. Backup Current stock rom
7. Wipe the usual
8. Flash Custom rom (Or just kernel)
9. Reboot
10. ?? Profit ??
Now you got Custom rom or Kernel + Full stock rom backup (can always get stock rom from sammobile if you lose it)
-Grift- said:
Aint the updates controlled by CSC?? From the pic it seems to be XW -> UK i guess? So you should still get UK updates ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I have had this phone for over a year, bought from the UK, and never had an OTA update. I am in the US, and am an AT&T customer.
Thank you both!
-Grift- said:
Aint the updates controlled by CSC?? From the pic it seems to be XW -> UK i guess? So you should still get UK updates ...
Rooting is simple (My guide is to skip rooting and jump straight for custom rom, but the steps to root are the same)
1. Download any version of CWM from here
2. Get desired rom (kernel too if you want)
3. Place everything in Externel SDcard
4. Boot into stock recovery (Power+Home+Vol up)
5. Use stock recovery to flash CWM
6. Backup Current stock rom
7. Wipe the usual
8. Flash Custom rom (Or just kernel)
9. Reboot
10. ?? Profit ??
Now you got Custom rom or Kernel + Full stock rom backup (can always get stock rom from sammobile if you lose it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I understand correctly? This is just a temporary CWM? How do I get a permanent CWM?
sbi1 said:
Did I understand correctly? This is just a temporary CWM? How do I get a permanent CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By flashing a kernel that has it included. You can do this with a CWM flashable package from within the temporary CWM. Recovery is part of the kernel package on this phone.
This is where it comes into play that you make sure you flash a kernel meant for the i9100.
Recoveryception bro
Not sure why I cannot find stock in sammobile.
ctomgee said:
As I said, I have had this phone for over a year, bought from the UK, and never had an OTA update. I am in the US, and am an AT&T customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reason I am asking about update is that the phone keeps 'suggesting' to check for Software Update and when I start the update process it asks me to choose which country I am at. So I am wondering what will happen if I download an update OTA. I read somewhere that it comes from Samsung US and Samsung US only have updates for US models.
ctomgee said:
By flashing a kernel that has it included. You can do this with a CWM flashable package from within the temporary CWM. Recovery is part of the kernel package on this phone.
This is where it comes into play that you make sure you flash a kernel meant for the i9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need specific kernel for LPI (current is I9100XWLPI), or any kernel for I9100?
sbi1 said:
Reason I am asking about update is that the phone keeps 'suggesting' to check for Software Update and when I start the update process it asks me to choose which country I am at. So I am wondering what will happen if I download an update OTA. I read somewhere that it comes from Samsung US and Samsung US only have updates for US models.
Do I need specific kernel for LPI (current is I9100XWLPI), or any kernel for I9100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends. A custom kernel like Siyah will do. I don't think OTA works on this phone in the States.
I'm not a fan of all the advice that you're getting. The advice being given to you is for those who want to run custom firmware. You mentioned wanting the OTA (which won't likely happen for you as a user residing in the US). Simply download Samsung Kies and install on your desktop.
http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/
Once it detects your phone plugged in via USB, it will tell you which firmware you're on, and what the most recent firmware for your model is. If the most recent is newer than what you have, it will prompt you to update.
EDIT: See attached image for a screenshot of my Kies w/my SGS2 i9100.
jaykresge said:
I'm not a fan of all the advice that you're getting. The advice being given to you is for those who want to run custom firmware. You mentioned wanting the OTA (which won't likely happen for you as a user residing in the US). Simply download Samsung Kies and install on your desktop.
http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/
Once it detects your phone plugged in via USB, it will tell you which firmware you're on, and what the most recent firmware for your model is. If the most recent is newer than what you have, it will prompt you to update.
EDIT: See attached image for a screenshot of my Kies w/my SGS2 i9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, at the end of the day I do want to root and maybe even install a custom rom (trying to convince my daughter that it's safe ). I did root and run Shostock on my I777, but I don't have any experience with the I9100.
I don't necessarily want the OTA update, I was just worried that if I try to update it (currently 4.0.3...not sure if there is a newer version at all), the OTA will put something that does not belong there. As I said, I read somewhere about Samsung US downloading US version that doesn't work with the I9100.
If you want to root and rom, this is the right place. If you or your daughter are more comfortable with a stock ROM, get Kies. It's not going to download the US firmware. Here's why.
-you plug it in and it detects the phone, literally saying, "Hey, I have an i9100 here, not an i-777!"
-It looks for your current firmware, literally saying, "Hmm, I see UK 4.0.3 here, let's see if there's more current UK firmware."
-It then finds the more current firmware for what is currently installed, "Egads! There's a 4.0.4 UK firmware!"
Anyway, there is in fact a more recent firmware for your device (4.0.4) and it contains numerous bug fixes. I'd recommend installing Kies and running that update. Then, if you haven't done much with the phone yet, factory reset it to clean out any left over garbage. It will give you a smooth experience. And for what it's worth, I've had no desire to root/rom my SGS2. On my Incredible, not only did I root/rom, but I had my own project (Liberation) that I ran on these very boards. With the SGS2, there's been no need for me to do that.
Some like the "pure google experince"
So indeed we got an update through Kies. Thank you.
BTW - it is a German phone. It came with, and re-installed with the update, some German links/apps (I removed them when we first started it). For some reason the updated stock is not shown in the Kernel version as it did before (see pic).
Question: I am using TB on my I777. Maybe I'll skip the root on her phone, she will be going to college and I won't be around to fix things if needed . Is there an app to backup user apps without root?
sbi1 said:
So indeed we got an update through Kies. Thank you.
BTW - it is a German phone. It came with, and re-installed with the update, some German links/apps (I removed them when we first started it). For some reason the updated stock is not shown in the Kernel version as it did before (see pic).
Question: I am using TB on my I777. Maybe I'll skip the root on her phone, she will be going to college and I won't be around to fix things if needed . Is there an app to backup user apps without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are on german firmware, I'd recommend learning how to use ODIN as your next step. Switch it over to UK firmware. All apps are in English. Once you use Odin to switch over to a different country's firmware, Kies will only detect your device as being from the new country, and only look for compatible firmware within that country. This is something that you can do that won't require root, won't risk voiding your warranty (if you follow the simple instructions), and can be a precursor to root/romming if your daughter wants to go that route.
jaykresge said:
Since you are on german firmware, I'd recommend learning how to use ODIN as your next step. Switch it over to UK firmware. All apps are in English. Once you use Odin to switch over to a different country's firmware, Kies will only detect your device as being from the new country, and only look for compatible firmware within that country. This is something that you can do that won't require root, won't risk voiding your warranty (if you follow the simple instructions), and can be a precursor to root/romming if your daughter wants to go that route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks jaykresge. I am familiar with Odin. As I mentioned - my I777 is rooted. What I don't know though is how/where to get the correct UK firmware to replace the one I have and "UK'ing" the device
So...
I was asked to root a Samsung Galaxy S II i9100 the other day...
I got the person to back up all of their stuff through Kies and then they bought the phone back to me to try and root.
(Why do they want to root it? To remove the noise on the camera when capturing video - I believe this will help narrow down which version it is..)
I managed to download and install a Siyah version, through Odin, and i have the CWM recovery mode, and also the Download mode available.
When i boot up the phone, it comes up to the Yellow triangle image, and no further...
I thought it was a pretty simple task, clearly i have messed up and not realised the extent of the process - i am clearly missing something out - or downloading the wrong things... Should i be downloading a different version - i can't find what files i should have already - and i don't know how i would be able to download apps to the phone now it's only on recovery mode...
I understand everyone asks these and you direct them to other previous threads, but i've doubted myself on everything i've done up to now, so could anyone clarify the correct steps i should be taking?
I believe the phone was on 2.3.3 before my attempted root, but i don't personally have any other details of the phone....
I don't even mind if i can't root it, but if i could possibly revert it back to stock i would be equally happy as we currently have an unusable phone.. (I don't think it's bricked is it?)
Thanks in advance,
Tom.
MrTommo said:
So...
I was asked to root a Samsung Galaxy S II i9100 the other day...
I got the person to back up all of their stuff through Kies and then they bought the phone back to me to try and root.
(Why do they want to root it? To remove the noise on the camera when capturing video - I believe this will help narrow down which version it is..)
I managed to download and install a Siyah version, through Odin, and i have the CWM recovery mode, and also the Download mode available.
When i boot up the phone, it comes up to the Yellow triangle image, and no further...
I thought it was a pretty simple task, clearly i have messed up and not realised the extent of the process - i am clearly missing something out - or downloading the wrong things... Should i be downloading a different version - i can't find what files i should have already - and i don't know how i would be able to download apps to the phone now it's only on recovery mode...
I understand everyone asks these and you direct them to other previous threads, but i've doubted myself on everything i've done up to now, so could anyone clarify the correct steps i should be taking?
I believe the phone was on 2.3.3 before my attempted root, but i don't personally have any other details of the phone....
I don't even mind if i can't root it, but if i could possibly revert it back to stock i would be equally happy as we currently have an unusable phone.. (I don't think it's bricked is it?)
Thanks in advance,
Tom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are still able to access cwm and download mode I am pretty sure that you are not bricked(but still there is always a small probability) so I recommend you flash a stock rom via Odin, read lots because I have read of an old siyah kernel which has the brick bug, be careful with ics stock as well.
For all the above recommended matters there are hundreds of threads with extensive details.
For Rooting read several threads and choose the easiest method.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know, the kernel you flashed ( siyah ) is not compatible with gingerbread....
So as another poster commented, flashing a firmware in Odin will be the easiest way to recover. Then you can try rooting again....
But do your research first....
Afaik. ...rooting methods for gingerbread are "not prolific". It might be advisable to flash 4.0.3 ics or 4.1.2 jellybean and then root that........
Sent from my Rooted, De bloated Stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and Tapatalk 2....
Why did you not advice him to update his phone????? You went through all that trouble of using KIES to backup and you didn't update the phone?
A firmeware update might have already solved his problems.
And how could you not read that the flashed Kernel does not support such an old Android version. Rooting has a possibility to cause your phone harm, so it should come naturally that you inform yourself on the topic and double check everything in order to minimze the risks.
I am really sorry for what I wrote, but I just can't understand such a mentality!