[SOLVED] [Q] S2 Rooting Method Help Guide - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi Everybody
First of sorry for what might seem some obvious questions to you all, sorry!
I've recently got an S2 and would like some guidance on rooting my phone if possible.
I'm a bit weary as to what method is best, since I've got the BrickBug version also some help on the actual files to use and the sequence of events would be great or any links also appreciated.
My Phone details are:
Model Number: GT-I9100
Android Version: 4.0.4
Baseband Version: I9100XXLQ6
Kernel Version: 3.0.15-I9100XWLPT-CL941023
[email protected]#3
SMP PREEMPT Fri Jul 27 18:08:15 KST 2012
Build Number: IMM76D.XWLPT
Or using the *#1234# method:
PDA: I9100XWLPT
PHONE: I9100XXLQ6
CSC: I9100CPWLPA
As far as I can work out there appears to be two common methods for rooting.
#1 Use the Odin program and flash the Siyah Kernel S2-v4.1.5.tar file.
So does this method basically root the phone and also provide a permanent recovery utility (CWM) built in and a safe kernel, making it safe from the brick bug?
The only down side of this method that I can see, unless I've missed something is the Custom ROM Counter and a Yellow Triangle thing on boot-up. Which can be got rid off, by installing an app from the Play Store?
Or:
#2 [GUIDE] ROOT/UNROOT Stock ICS Firmware without flashing unsecure kernel
Download this File first and put in your SDCARD
- MOD EDIT: Links removed as its the unsafe version...
or download zip from clockworkmod.com/rommanager
- SU-Busybox-Installer.zip
Reboot to recovery.
Choose apply update from external storage.
Choose CWM.zip and wait until CWM recovery appear.
Choose install zip from sdcard or external SD
Choose and Install SU-Busybox-Installer.zip
Reboot
You are done and now your device is Rooted
Not sure what to download from the first link. So basically does this mean I download the recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip or the recovery-clockwork-5.8.1.5-galaxyS2.zip version from the clockworkmod link? Is there a specific one you would recommend what's the difference?
Or does it mean the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip from the SiyahKernel site?
Place the SU-Busybox-Installer.zip and the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip (or one of the other two zips mentioned above).
Then Reboot into stock Recovery mode.
Then choose Apply Update From External Storage.
Then choose the recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip or recovery-clockwork-5.8.1.5-galaxyS2.zip one. Then wait until the selected new recovery appears.
Or is it the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip?
Then from the new recovery screen select Install Zip from SDCard or External SD.
Choose and Install the SU-Busybox-Installer.zip.
Then Reboot from recovery screen options.
This method will root the phone (SU-Busybox-Installer.zip.) and also provide a permanent recovery utility (Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip) and a safe kernel (Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip), making it safe from the brick bug?
Which method is the safest and are there any pros and cons for both.
Method 1 Seems simpler but you've got a ROM counter and a yellow triangle thing?
Method 2 I read somewhere that the phone started having severe battery issues after rooting very high current drain?

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MudSlug said:
Android Version: 4.0.4
PDA: I9100XWLPT
PHONE: I9100XXLQ6
CSC: I9100CPWLPA
#1 Use the Odin program and flash the Siyah Kernel S2-v4.1.5.tar file.
So does this method basically root the phone and also provide a permanent recovery utility (CWM) built in and a safe kernel, making it safe from the brick bug?
The only down side of this method that I can see, unless I've missed something is the Custom ROM Counter and a Yellow Triangle thing on boot-up. Which can be got rid off, by installing an app from the Play Store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since u have already done ur homework, I will take the time to answer all ur questions instead of the usual "flash siyah via odin".
The first method is the easiest. And for ICS 4.0.4, use the latest Siyah v5.0.1 kernel instead. This will ROOT ur phone, give u a permanent CUSTOM RECOVERY and keep u SAFE from the Brickbug.
Yes, this will trip ur counter, which can easily be reset using Triangle Away app.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II
---------- Post added at 07:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 AM ----------
MudSlug said:
#2 [GUIDE] ROOT/UNROOT Stock ICS Firmware without flashing unsecure kernel
Not sure what to download from the first link. So basically does this mean I download the recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip or the recovery-clockwork-5.8.1.5-galaxyS2.zip version from the clockworkmod link? Is there a specific one you would recommend what's the difference?
Or does it mean the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip from the SiyahKernel site?
Place the SU-Busybox-Installer.zip and the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip (or one of the other two zips mentioned above).
Then Reboot into stock Recovery mode.
Then choose Apply Update From External Storage.
Then choose the recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip or recovery-clockwork-5.8.1.5-galaxyS2.zip one. Then wait until the selected new recovery appears.
Or is it the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip?
This method will root the phone (SU-Busybox-Installer.zip.) and also provide a permanent recovery utility (Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip) and a safe kernel (Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip), making it safe from the brick bug?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2nd method involves flashing a TEMPORARY custom recovery using ur stock recovery.
This temporary custom recovery can then be used to either
-simply root ur device without a permanent custom recovery (by flashing SU-Busybox-Installer.zip), or
-root with a permanent custom recovery (by flashing Siyah zip).
For this, u can use either recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip or recovery-clockwork-5.8.1.5-galaxyS2.zip. It doesn't matter which.
The siyah zip however cannot be flashed in stock recovery.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 AM ----------
MudSlug said:
Which method is the safest and are there any pros and cons for both.
Method 1 Seems simpler but you've got a ROM counter and a yellow triangle thing?
Method 2 I read somewhere that the phone started having severe battery issues after rooting very high current drain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method 1 - easier and safer too (if u are new to flashing and stuff).
Method 2 - risk of brickbug because it uses temporary CWM recovery.
Rooting by itself doesnot cause issues like high battery drain or whatsoever. It could either be caused by some root apps that the user installed, or it could be due to the custom kernel used to root.
I hope I was able to answer all ur questions.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II

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Thank you immortalneo for your reply and sorry for my late reply!
I've installed the Kies program for backups and the drivers required for Odin.
Also I've got Odin3-v1.85 as recommended by the masses.
Odin does seem to be the easiest method and the one I'll probably opt for.
Reading about the two versions of kernel the SiyahKernel S2-v4.1.5 and SiyahKernel S2-v5.0.1.
It seems that most people prefer to use the S2-v4.1.5 due to better battery life and one mentioned that S2-v4.1.5 is for ICS and the S2-v5.0.1 is better for JB? This is in retrospect to the post's dates and to the there release dates of v4.1.5, 8th Sept 2012 and v5.0.1,10th Nov 2012 that majority of opinions is to use v4.1.5? Is there any major difference, the release notes are way above my comprehension.
Do these new kernels have any real noticeable affect from a phone users point of you as to the way the phone functions, speed, battery life etc (See below)?
Also, I was all set for having ago and had a look on YouTube as some people suggested. The nearest matching video I could find was by Zedomax guide of How to Root Galaxy S2! [Easiest Method]. This method seems identical to guides that I find here. A hell of a lot comments are negative and varied from:
" wont start up, it shows the exclamation mark in the yellow triangle", "blank screen", " rooting worked but I can't copy anything to my phone now", "phone wont start up", "menu button and back button have become unresponsive", "camera no longer work". etc etc?
Though it does seem strange that after 84,517 views he has got 529 likes and only 21 dislikes?
So I'm a bit weary now.
Any ideas as to what could've went wrong for them? Or any confidence building ideas greatly appreciated.
Look forward to any replies.
MudSlug ~~~"

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MistahBungle said:
Flash the Odin version of a pre-rooted custom kernel in order to root your phone. It takes anything 'dangerous' completely out of the equation, and we seem to get a lot of people on here having problems after they've flashed temporary CWM (possibly simply just because they're n00bs, but, anyways). In other words, it saves stuffing around. Siyah is a good choice, but obviously don't have to stick with it after you've flashed it & decided on a rom/other kernel to flash.
You end up with a rooted phone + CWM, from there you can flash whatever you want/backup/restore until your heart's content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply MistahBungle.
The Odin method is the one I would go for. Just not sure as to what version of the Siyah kernel to go for v4.1.5 or v5.0.1 due to conflicting posts?
Also the Odin method for flashing a Siyah kernel as stated on this site seems the same as the aforementioned YouTube method and all the negative comments and problems have mad me a bit weary! As there seems to be a lot of screwed up phones during and after the process.
Could this be due to the BrickBug kernel somehow? Kind of putting up a fight before being replaced?
I'm a cautious fellow by nature....
Mainly because it's a new phone and I don't want it turned into a new paperweight!
MudSlug ~~~"

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MistahBungle said:
Problems happen when you're careless/don't know what you're doing. I've seen <10 people on here in 18 mths (out of many thousands) brick phones thru 'bad luck'.
Not sure which version of Siyah as I haven't used it/run that version of Android for ages. Should be in the first post of the Siyah thread which versions are compatible with whatever version of Android (I'd need to search myself to find out, and you're capable of doing that). The worst thing that can happen if you flash a wrong version of Siyah is your phone won't boot properly, which is easily recoverable by flashing the right version (Unless you're one of those 0.000001% of people who have a bad flash full stop).
In all honesty (and I say this to everyone who says what you've said), if you're that worried about what may/may not happen to your phone, leave it stock & enjoy it. Simple. There is no known way you can completely remove all risk from flashing. The best you can do is know what you're doing before you do it (which you've done), which makes that risk very very small.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you MistahBungle.
Off topic: I've installed the full version of PowerAmp on my phone. But it doesn't seem to show any album art work any ideas regarding this anyone? I've used it on my previous phone without any problems, I've tried the obvious things from the settings menu, without any luck!
Off topic: I've installed the full version of PowerAmp on my phone, but it doesn't show any album art! I've used it before on my previous phone without any problems and tried various options in the settings but without any luck. Any ideas anyone?
I'll have ponder as to what to do, root or not to root! Now should I flip a coin or ask the mystical 8-ball
Hmm, decisions, decisions.
MudSlug ~~~"

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There is another option......
Flash a compatible PhilZ kernel....
This is as simple as flashing a zip in stock recovery....you'll avoid the flash counter issue, and you'll have permanent touch CWM at the end of it. ...Odin is NOT required for this method....
Visit the thread....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877270
research which kernel matches your firmware, download the zip (not tar) and flash....simples
Sent from my Rooted, De bloated Stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and Tapatalk 2....

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keithross39 said:
There is another option......
Flash a compatible PhilZ kernel....
This is as simple as flashing a zip in stock recovery....you'll avoid the flash counter issue, and you'll have permanent touch CWM at the end of it. ...Odin is NOT required for this method....
Visit the thread....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877270
research which kernel matches your firmware, download the zip (not tar) and flash....simples
Sent from my Rooted, De bloated Stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and Tapatalk 2....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you keithross39.
I'll have a look into that method as well. I'm suspicious that it's the BrickBug on the ICS stock that's causing these problems for the people on YouTube and it's a matter of luck as to if it works or not on ICS with the dodgy kernel.
Thanks again for the reply....
~~~"

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Sorry Guys just another noob question!
Do I have to put the phone into USB debugging mode to use Odin?
It doesn't seem to be mentioned in the YouTube video and in some other posts?
Thank you for any replies in advance.
~~~"

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MudSlug said:
Thank you keithross39.
I'll have a look into that method as well. I'm suspicious that it's the BrickBug on the ICS stock that's causing these problems for the people on YouTube and it's a matter of luck as to if it works or not on ICS with the dodgy kernel.
Thanks again for the reply....
~~~"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The general advice if you're running 4.0.4 is NOT to wipe ANYTHING while you're on the stock kernel. Once you've flashed your safe kernel (either siyah or philz) brickbug is no longer an issue. All you have to decide is do you want to use Odin or the stock recovery to do the job.....
IMO....Odin has the potential to be more risky......
Sent from my Rooted, De bloated Stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and Tapatalk 2....

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MudSlug said:
Do I have to put the phone into USB debugging mode to use Odin?
It doesn't seem to be mentioned in the YouTube video and in some other posts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not necessary to turn on USB debugging, because the Odin flashing is done in download mode.
Some people recommend turning it ON, but I have found that it makes NO difference at all.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II

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keithross39 said:
The general advice if you're running 4.0.4 is NOT to wipe ANYTHING while you're on the stock kernel. Once you've flashed your safe kernel (either siyah or philz) brickbug is no longer an issue. All you have to decide is do you want to use Odin or the stock recovery to do the job.....
IMO....Odin has the potential to be more risky......
Sent from my Rooted, De bloated Stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and Tapatalk 2....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for your replies keithross39 and immortalneo
Yes, I was wondering if the majority of problems people were having was due to using Odin on the previous YouTube link?
I've found a good vid on YouTube by Babblingboolean (How to Root ICS Galaxy S2 and load CWM Recovery (GT-i9100 and GT-i9100M)).
This method uses: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1501719 by Rachmat3.
So in my case I guess the instructions go like this:
Download: recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip and place in the phones SD. This will give me custom temporary recovery?
Download: Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip and place in the phones SD. This will give me a permanent custom recovery and asafe kernel free from the BrickBug and also root?
Power off phone then boot into stock recovery mode by Vol Up + Home + Power.
Then select Apply Update From External Storage option and find and select the recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip
this will then install and open up the temporary CWM recovery.
Then from the open CWM recovery select Install Zip From SD Card option and find select the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip. Then select reboot.
This will then replace the previous temporary recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip?
Then all being well look for the SU app and the CWM app in app list or check with a market SU permissions app.
Q. Does it matter what SD location I put the two files in, phone SD or Ext SD?
Q. Then I assume it's ok to delete the two zip files from the phone after?
Sorry immortalneo if I'm paraphrasing you in your reply in post #2. I just don't want to **** this up!
If all goes well I'm thinking of trying out a JB Rom: DarkyROM HD v3.0 to get rid of some the bloatware.
Anyone had any experience of this ROM?
Hope someone out there can comment on the above method for rooting, safe, dodgy etc?
Thanks again for reading this and for any replies...
MudSlug ~~~"

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MudSlug said:
Q. Does it matter what SD location I put the two files in, phone SD or Ext SD?
Q. Then I assume it's ok to delete the two zip files from the phone after?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess u have got it all figured out mate! :thumbup:
Since ur planning on flashing the temporary CWM using stock recovery, u MUST place those files in the EXTERNAL SD CARD.
And yes, u can delete the zips after ur done with them.
A word of caution while using a temporary CWM on 4.0.4:
Never wipe or format anything, nor do a nandroid restore while on temporary CWM! It will trigger the Brickbug!!
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II

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This is the method I used to root my wife's S2. Her phone was confirmed to be at risk from the brickbug. The method worked well, but the CWM was temporary....meaning that it needed to be reflashed every time recovery was used to enable the CWM options to be used......bit of a pain, but workable.......
Edit....just read your post in it's entirety....flashing siyah afterwards will give you permanent CWM and root.....
But with your chosen procedure; you're flashing 3 zips....this seems to be a bit (forgive me) long winded, when with the PhilZ method, you just flash one.....
Sent from my Rooted, De bloated Stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and Tapatalk 2....

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To be honest, I rooted my ICS using a temporary CWM.. I still have that zip in my phone even now!!
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II

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immortalneo said:
Guess u have got it all figured out mate! :thumbup:
Since ur planning on flashing the temporary CWM using stock recovery, u MUST place those files in the EXTERNAL SD CARD.
And yes, u can delete the zips after ur done with them.
A word of caution while using a temporary CWM on 4.0.4:
Never wipe or format anything, nor do a nandroid restore while on temporary CWM! It will trigger the Brickbug!!
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thanks for the positive reply immortalneo.
Also thank you for checking my plan of attack and for the warning too. So it looks like I'm all set to give it ago then.
I'll see what other comments come in in the mean time before I make my charge.
Any other advice is always welcome too.
MudSlug ~~~"

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Hi keithross39
Sorry I overlooked your reply, and thanks for the reply.
My plan was just to flash the two zips.
The 1st one was just to give me a temporary CWM recovery to allow me to flash the 2 nd Siyah v 4.1.5 kernel since apparently you can't flash Siyah from the stock recovery this would then give me a permanent CWM with root and safe from the brickbug.
Hopefully that's the correct way?
MudSlug ~~"
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

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Come to think of it, u can skip the first step (flashing temporary CWM) if u use Philz kernel instead of Siyah.
Its a safe kernel, which will root ur phone and install permanent CWM. And best of all, it can be directly flashed in stock recovery.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II

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Yippee! - I'm know Rooted.
Hi Guys
Just to let you all know that all went well and that I'm rooted now.
I used the Temporary CWM method by Rachmat3 with the aforementioned YouTube guide by Babblingboolean.
I wasn't entirely sure about Odin, since a lot of problems seem to stem from using it.
I thought before I should start that I should increase the screen time out, I didn't want to take the risk of it going off on me during a crucial moment and selecting something I shouldn't of in the recovery modes. Also using the standard recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxyS2.zip version instead of the touch one, as I didn't want to select the wrong thing with my fat fingers!
The only snag I had was the location of the Siyah-s2-v4.1.5-CWM.zip. I couldn't find it on the external SD, so I just moved it to the internal.
Looking in my app tray, I now have two new apps: SuperSU v0.94 and CWM Manager v3.15.
I've also installed DroidWall which requires root access and seems to be working well.
I also ran the emmc bug checker app the result was: NO. Sane chip
Not sure as to whether this is actually checks anything kernel wise or just reads the kernel title?
Old Kernel Version: 3.0.15-I9100XWLPT-CL941023
[email protected]#3
SMP PREEMPT Fri Jul 27 18:08:15 KST 2012
New Kernel Version: 3.0.15-Siyah-s2-v4.1.5+
[email protected]) )
#49 SMP PREEMPT Tue Sep 11 12:21:30 PDT
2012
So I'll assume that I am safe?
Anyway a big thank you to: immortalneo and to keithross39 for your advice and patience.
I think I'll leave it for awhile before I start thinking about ROMs etc
Thanks again guys for your help and all the best.
MudSlug ~~"