Welcome to the first in our new series on hacking your phone. We’re starting off by looking at how to customise the operating system on your phone. With Android, it’s possible to install custom ROMs and change almost any aspect of the phone’s software.

For this simple step-by-step guide, we’re going to be using a Samsung Galaxy SII (i9100 international edition) and showing you how to root it with Odin and then how to install CyanogenMod which is probably the most popular custom ROM for Android. It has all the advantages of an unbloated stock Android Jelly Bean ROM with the bonus of some amazing extra features, massive potential for personalisation and an amazing launcher, lock screen and bundles widgets. Plus, it’s the easiest way to update the Galaxy S2 to Android 4.3 way before the networks are rolling out official upgrades. Before we start though, a disclaimer: by rooting your phone or installing custom ROMs, you may be voiding your warranty. We take no responsibility if your phone is damaged or bricked by following these instructions. Embed this video: Video by Mobile Network Comparison The topics covered in this tutorial are as follows: • • • • • • • • • All the downloads you need to follow this tutorial are linked here: → → → → → – if you have issues with Odin not recognising your phone when it’s plugged in, make sure you remove all existing drivers and install the → → Let us know how you get on and if you have any questions about the process, please leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Are you stuck in 'Downloading.Do not turn off Target!!' On your Samsung Galaxy smartphone?

Samsung Epic 4G Sprint (Galaxy S). Friend added clockworkmod recovery and installed rooted stock OS 2.3.6, which recently stopped being able to install apps (from Play Store, uptodown, or SD card). I attempted a factory reset via settings and it then would not boot past Galaxy S logo.

The suggested solution was to flash the ROM. I downloaded CM 10.1.3 stable and the pertinent gapps and followed instructions to install via recovery partition (Vol Down/Camera/Power, wipe data, cache, and Dalvik cache) and it was all working nicely. I even got Freedompop messaging app installed and could use data and texting. CM notification suggested that I update CM so I clicked on the 2015 snapshot update, it took 20 min to download then asked whether to install. Rebooted and is now stuck on the Galaxy S/Cyanogenmod logo and I can no longer access the recovery partition. Also the battery indicator remains fully grey (despite charging a good battery in external charger or in phone) and there is no charging indicator and when I unplug the charger the indicator remains.

I think this is all just a software problem but I cannot find any way to reflash the ROM without access to recovery mode. Download mode (1 plus power) does not work either.

I am new to this. All methods seem to require recovery or download mode or USB debugging, and I cannot access any of those.

Problem with nightly installation. Hi there, I’m stucked in the middle of the installation process of the CM nightly. I installed the SU zip and it worked fine.

During the installtion of the CM nightly the installtion is aborted (Status 7). What can I do? The normal system is not bootable but I can enter the CMW revocery. The following error occurs: “Warning: No file_contextsdetected filesystem ext 4 for /dev/block/mmcblk0p9 Can’t install this package on top of incompatible data. Please try another package or run a factory reset E:Error in /emmc/cm-12.1-20150927-NIGHTLY-i9100.zip (status7) Installation aborted.” Is there a chance to recover? Dear Team, I would like to thank the team for the detailed and illustrated tutorial on rooting the phone, installing custom ROM and upgrading the Android OS (10.1.3 stable). I followed all the steps at my Samsung Galaxy S2 (Intl) edition and have succeeded in doing so.

Till now, the phone is working fine and with no visible glitches. I am trying out with changing different settings to make sure that everything is indeed fine.

I would like to make here below points with regard to installation: 1. AOSP Keyboard not working – The stock Android keyboard application is not working. In the absence of failed keyboard app, I was not able to login to Play Store and install other keyboard app.

I had to manually install another keyboard application using the APK file. The other keyboard is working fine. As mentioned in comment of another user, I will try to flash the mobile with another latest version to make sure that the issue is not with the version of OS. Google Play Store Issue – I could sign in to Google Play Store but later it says no connection. Thus, installing applications through Play Store may be difficult. I will try to manually install the app using APK files. Any possible resolution?

Backup of Data – While taking the backup of data using CWM Recovery tool, I forgot to put the backup of stock ROM on my laptop or external card. Once I installed the new OS version and performed the factory reset/ wipe cache, I believe that the backup must be deleted as well. I believe that I could download the stock ROM from internet, but is there any way that I can retrieve the existing ROM Backup from my device? Any particular folder/ file that I should look out for the backup of data? I would like to keep this backup for versioning purposes and to make sure that I have a working fall-back option available with me. Thanks again for the detailed info and the steps outlined here. Unfortunately the Play store didn’t work as expected.

I had the correct version relative to the OS and mobile device. I tried to perform the installation multiple times but somehow the google error didn’t go. Other issues with the installation were that I was not able to use any google app, most important of all, Google Maps and Navigation.

Later, I found out that it may be because of an issue with the partition size at my SG-SII. The link mentions that certain S2 devices have a small partition size and thus separate google apps installer needs to be used. I took the latest small binary google apps and Android KK package from CGM, and followed the procedure. Surprisingly, all things have went till this time. I am using the device for past couple of days and things are fine.

All google applications and other installations are working fine. Google maps and navigation and play store are also working fine. If I come across any other issues or things of importance, I will post them in few days. Thanks, Sumit. Hello, I tried to root my phone which is basically the same as the one on the video: Galaxy S2 i9100 XXMS2.

I installed the ClockworkMod Recovery 6.0.2.9 successfully (I guess) via Odin. I put the CWM-SuperSu-v0.97 also put the cm.10.1.3 zip file into my ext.SD as well as the gapps-jb-20130813 zip file. Everything was fine until the last steps, and now the phone’s screen is black and I don’t know what to do When I reboot the system, the cyanogen mode didn’t start. Please tell me I can find my phone back ^^ Thanks in advance for your help( and sorry for my english).

Hi, I need your help since this is my first time rooting a phone, and I got stuck in the recovery mode half way through while following your steps in the video. My Samsung galaxy s2 is the correct model, i1900 (the international model) and I had downloaded all the files provided in your links, however it appears that I’m stuck with the error of ‘status 7’ while trying to install CyanogenMod 11.

And by reading the previous posts I think this is because the ClockWorkMod that I’m using is outdated. I’m at lost here so I really need your help please, do I install the latest Clock Work Mod (I tried installing the 6.0.4.7, its on my computer) or can I use a CyanogenMod 10 version?

I don’t know what to do, do I use Odin to transfer the files onto my phone? And How do I get out of recovery mode on my phone?

I Can Charge the fone but for some reason the fone will not connect to the computer. I recently bought the s4 and that has no trouble connecting to my laptop but my s2 wont 🙠x81 I cant access my fone via my laptop in ne form 🙠x81 I Have tried with USB debbuging and without new drivers uninstalled kies reinstalled it even tried *#7284# changed the settings and changed them back! Also tried to connect to Odin via download mode but no help;( that is the best link i found to help but been all over XDA aswell. Hi, Thanks for the tutorial.

It is very useful. Before I start to do the above steps, my phone is the G variant. Hence, couple of questions pops up: 1. Can we proceed with your steps although my phone is G variant? Is the steps still remain the same but just replacing the Cynogenmode & ClockWorkMod kernel with the G variant? Does the SuperSU link provided can be used for G variant?

After performing the above, will I be able to have my existing apps & settings back(i.e., WIFI password saved)? Does the option of backup appearing in the CLockWorkMod able to backup all these or should I just back it up on my laptop of all my apps before I commence above steps? Thanks for reply.

Now I faced with other issues after plug-in cable and start proses installation ROM Cyanogenmod 10.1.3 with odin(which is at odin colour turn to green and kernel flash and I stop that proses as suggested to pull out the battery) and continue next step my phone just stuck at logo scree that write “SAMSUNG GALAXY SII GT-I9100G”, I can do anything even try to hold three button (volume up/down+home+power). I needed help to settle recovery back my phone. More worse its my computer even can’t track my phone, it will put my phone on charging mood. Please I needed you help.

Thank you for your reply. I did the test to install only the stable 10.1.3 ROM and google apps and not the SuperSU. As a result the S2 was not rooted.

By the way #superuser menu is in the CM ROM! Then I tried to use the latest superSU 1.65 but phone remained unrooted. Only when I passed again through CWM recovery the superSU you suggested I had root access again. In some XDA forum I read that this superSU is the rooted kernel! I am getting really confused here!

I need to understand what my options are with CM ROMS. I want root access mostly for CPU profile handling and install things like FM radio that CM does not have! Otherwise I want to stay on safe side. Could you please analyze the process a bit more!

Thanks again!

If you have bought your S2 GT I9100 from China and if you are still searching for the perfect firmware for all your needs then all you need us a dedicated firmware with all your Chinese goodies in it right from font to all other things in your native language. And last but not the least along with the essence of the latest that is Gingerbread version 2.3.4 then what better it can be. In short we will see in this article on how you can update your with the latest version of dedicated Chinese 2.3.4 version which contains all the native fonts as well as all other language packs.

Please note that before proceeding further, we would like to say that this update is only for the users of Samsung Galaxy S2 GTI9100 and to no other users. If you still proceed with the updation process for any other device then we take no responsibility for the consequences which arise after the update as the phone can even be bricked forever and which is not a reparable thing. If you are a first timer who has recently purchased the Samsung Galaxy S2 GT I9100 and would like to keep your device upbeat with the technology then we will guide you with the same, all you need to do is to simply follow the instructions carefully which are mentioned below for a safe and simple firmware updation for your S II smart phone. Also, there have been rumors that soon Gingerbread 2. Best Word List For Fern Wifi Cracker Key here. 3.5 version will be coming out for the Galaxy S 2 GT I9100, yes you have heard it right. The update of Gingerbread 2.3.5 for Samsung Galaxy S 2 GT I9100 will soon be unveiled in the coming months which we will cover the same on Androidadvices.com though there is no perfect evidence on which date and time this firmware of 2.3.5 will be launched or pushed Officially via.

Please note that if and only if you know the Chinese language then only this firmware updation is advisable and if you are not comfortable with the Chinese language then this firmware is not for you and instead it’s better that you install the latest general firmware of Gingerbread XXKG3 2.3.4 version. If you have rooted your phone before then you will lose the root access, but if you wish to root the phone after updating then you will have to wait for the article as we will see on how you can root Galaxy S2 GT I9100 on the XXKG3 firmware version.

So, in the due course of the article we will see on how you can easily update the firmware for which you will have to follow the instructions like pre upgrade instructions as well as the actual procedure to update the phone.