Unroot Galaxy Note 2 LTE GT-N7105 to Stock Firmware and Reset Binary Counter [How to]

The international LTE version of the second generation Galaxy Note with model number GT-N7105 was launched with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is currently running on a slightly upgraded version of Jelly Bean software, Android 4.1.2.

Note 2 users who have rooted their devices and lost their warranty can now reclaim the warranty by unrooting the device. Below is our step-by-step guide to unroot the Galaxy Note 2 LTE. Besides, users can reset the binary or flash counter to zero by following the instructions.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any mishap. Users are also advised to verify that their devices meet following requirements.

Pre-requites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to transfer files between the Android device and computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect the Android device with the computer and use the Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option then check the USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP already installed then backup data using the recovery.

4) The Galaxy Note should have above 80% battery charge.

5) The phone should be factory unlocked and not locked to a particular carrier.

6) The Note 2 should be rooted.

7) The device will lose root with the installation of official firmware.

8) The stock official firmware works only on Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105. Applying this on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Therefore, verify the model number of the Galaxy device by selecting Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

Steps to unroot Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE GT-N7105 to stock official firmware

Step-1: Download appropriate official firmware according to region for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to the computer

Download link: Stock firmware

Step-2: Extract the downloaded firmware zip file to get a .tar.md5 file with few other files

Step-3: Download Odin3 v1.85 which will help to install the official firmware. Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3 v1.85.exe and some other files

Step-4: Switch off the Galaxy Note 2 and wait for five to six seconds for vibration to confirm complete power off

Step-5: Boot the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until the device turns on. Now press the Volume Up button to continue to enter Download Mode

Step-6: Launch Odin3 v1.85.exe as an Administrator

Step-7: Connect the Note 2 to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Wait for some time until Odin recognises the phone. Once the device is connected successfully the ID: COM box in Odin will turn yellow with the COM port number. Also, the successful connection will be indicated by a an Added message in Odin

Note: If the Added message does not appear, then try the USB port at the back of the computer. If Odin still fails to detect the device then reinstall USB driver.

Step-8: Select these files extracted from the stock firmware zip to install on the phone

a) Click the PDA button and select the file with .tar.md5 extension

b) Click the Phone button and select file with Modem in its name

c) Click the CSC button and select file with CSC in its name

d) Click the PIT button and select the .pit file

Note: Ignore the last three steps (b, c and d) if such files are not found.

Step-9: In Odin, verify that the Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected. But uncheck the Re-partition option, select it only when a .pit file is being used

Step-10: Finally click the Start button in Odin. The installation should begin now and would take few minutes to complete

Step-11: When the installation process is completed, the phone will restart automatically and soon a PASS message with green background will appear in the extreme left box at the top of Odin indicating successful installation. When the hone screen appears on the phone, unplug the USB cable from the device to disconnect it from the computer

[Source: The Unlockr]

How to fix bootloop issue?

If the Galaxy Note 2 gets stuck ay boot animation or experience bootloop (after step-11), then place the phone in recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together. In the recovery mode, perform data wiping task by selecting Wipe data/Factory reset then select Wipe Cache Partition. When the wiping process is done go back to the main recovery menu and reboot the device by selecting reboot system now.

How to reset binary counter?

1) Place the Note 2 into Download Mode, if the status says 0 or No then the device can be sent in for warranty

2) In case it shows 1, it means the device was on a non stock kernel. Now root the device then install Triangle Away from Google Play Store. Then flash stock firmware on the handset again. The counter should be now zero but the status might show modified. In such situation, do factory wipe. The device should be then back to stock firmware

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE should now be unrooted and running on official firmware with binary counter back to zero. Head over to Settings>> About phone to verify the software version of the device.

[Source: XDA]