How to Root Galaxy S2 I9100 on Official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and Install CWM Recovery [GUIDE]

Samsung has pushed out official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean software OTA update to its second generation Galaxy S smartphone with build number I9100. One of the key features of the update is the new TouchWiz Nature UX interface.

The manufacturer is yet to provide details on the latest Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) upgrade, which Google has released for its Nexus devices. Thanks to the Android developer community, the Galaxy S2 has received the latest version of Jelly Bean software via several custom builds such as CyanogeMod, AOKP and RootBox ahead of official release. To experience these custom releases, the users have to root their device and install ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery. Rooting will enable users to access apps that require root permission while CWM Recovery will allow to install custom ROMs.

Galaxy S2 users, who are looking to root their devices running on Android 4.1.2 official firmware and install CWM Recovery, may follow our step-by-step instructions guide below. This rooting tutorial is applicable for all Android 4.1.2 firmwares. The CWM recovery file is shared by XDA developer, shoman94 and the SuperSU package being used to root the phone by regonised developer, Chainfire.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to the device. Users are advised to verify the model numbers of their devices since the methods below are compatible only with Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100; applying these on any other variant may brick the device.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S2 on the computer.

2) Ensure that the USB Debugging Mode is enabled on the phone. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option and ensure the USB Debugging Mode is turned on.]

3) The battery of the Galaxy S2 should have more than 80 per cent of charge.

4) Create back-up for all the data of the phone.

5) The device will lose warranty once it is rooted. However, users can regain the warranty by unrooting the phone.

Steps to install CWM Recovery on Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100

1) Download Jeboo kernel for Galaxy S2 to the computer [File name: jeboo_kernel_i9100_v1-2a.tar]

Note: Do not extract the file.

2) Download Odin3_v1.85.zip

3) Boot the phone into Download Mode. Press and hold the Volume Down and Home buttons together then press the Power button for a few seconds. Press the Volume Up button to enter into the Download Mode

4) Now go to the odin folder and run the Odin programme by double clicking the Odin3_v1.85.exe file on the computer

5) Connect the Galaxy S2 to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Once the Odin detects the phone, the ID: COM port will turn yellow

6) Now verify that the Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time options are clicked on Odin

7) In Odin, click the PDA button and select the jeboo_kernel_i9100_v1-2a.tar file

8) Hit the Start button in Odin to begin the installation process. Once the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot automatically

Once the device boots up successfully, it should be having CWM Recovery installed. However the device is still not rooted. Below is the method to root the phone.

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

1) Download root package for Galaxy S2 to the computer [File name: UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.25.zip]. Then copy the root zip file to the SD card of the phone

2) Power off the phone and then boot into CWM Recovery. Press and hold the Volume Up, Home buttons together then press the Power button for a few seconds. Release the Power button when the Samsung logo blinks for two times but keep pressing the other two buttons until a black screen with blue text appear

3) Using the Volume keys scroll down to 'Install zip from SD card,' select it using the Power button. Select 'Choose zip from SD card' by pressing the Power button again and then navigate to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.25.zip file and press the Power button to select it

4) Now confirm installation by clicking 'Yes' on the next screen

5) Once the installation is completed, return to the main recovery menu and select 'reboot system now' option in order to reboot the device

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is now rooted successfully on official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with CWM recovery installed. Navigate to the app list on the phone and open an app called SuperSU. Update the binary in case asked to.

Download and install Root Checker app from Google Play Store to verify the root method is installed and working properly. Switch off the phone and follow step-2 in order to boot the Galaxy S2 into CWM Recovery mode.

Click here for step-by-step guide to unroot Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 to stock official firmware.

[Source: Droid Views]