Samsung Galaxy S2

Status
Not open for further replies.
GB -> ICS -> Root+CWM -> Cyanogenmod 9

Quick and dirty guide to go from stock GB through to stock ICS and onto CM9

1. Upgrade to stock ICS.
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/xxlpb-galaxy-s2/

This will get you onto ICS and you can stop at this point if you don't want to root or load custom ROMS.
If you stay here then please do a factory reset. The first time I did this I found I got the odd force close because some apps were not happy going from GB to ICS. Factory reset sorted this problem out.

2. Root and CWM.
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/root-xxlpb-on-galaxy-s2-i9100-using-cf-root-kernel/

Again, you can stop at this point and enjoy a rooted ROM with ICS.

3. Cyanogenmod (Adapt this step for any ROM you want).
Get the latest here: http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=galaxys2
Download to your SD Card.
Turn off your phone.
Hold Vol Up, Home and Power until you are in the CWM menu.
Wipe data, cache and Advanced/Dalvik Cache.
Select install zip from SD Card, navigate to your downloaded Cyangenmod ROM, select it, confirm and flash.

4. Install GApps (Google Apps needed for Play Store, GMail, etc...)
Get the latest here: http://goo.im/gapps
Be sure to download the latest for your device and CM9.
Follow the same steps in 3 using CWM to flash this.

I have written the above from memory so wording may not be 100% but the steps should get you where you need to go.

Please don't be afraid of bricking. It is actually so hard to brick. If you follow the guides in the links above you won't have an issue.

If you have the yellow triangle at boot up (indication that you are running a customer ROM), then grab TriangleAway from the Play Store.

Hope this helps guys. Happy flashing :)
 
Correct.

I will post a quick and dirty guide to help take you from stock right through to CM9 in a mo. Same one I used for my wife and my mate.

Are there any major issues concerning the Cm9 nightlies that should be considered? I'm currently running the latest Resurrection Rom and pretty happy with it! :)
 
Are there any major issues concerning the Cm9 nightlies that should be considered? I'm currently running the latest Resurrection Rom and pretty happy with it! :)

No major issues that I am aware of. I have flashed CM9 on a few GS2's for my mates as well as my wife. No complaints from anyone. Just getting good comments about how much nicer their devices are etc...
If you are really concerned, do a quick Google and have a look at XDA. Anything major will be reported. As far as I am concerned, all should be good.

In your case, do a Nandroid before you flash. If you don't like it, you can go back.
Just remember if your current ROM is a GB based one, then before you restore you must flash a GB kernel.
 
Took the plunge for my first custom ROM on my SGS2. :D

Running CM9 13/05 and must admit its flipping stable and a heluva faster the Stock! :) Really awesome ROM. Now what themes you guys using on CM9. Found a lot on the play store but any recommendations?

Oh and have you guys used TriangleAway? Anyone have problems?

TA
 
I'm currently running a ICS rom, but I'm getting more curious about CM9 :). The only issue I have is the factory reset, as I'm not too keen on setting everything up again, like favourites in gps, k-9 mail accounts, etc. Is there a way to keep all of that?
 
Took the plunge for my first custom ROM on my SGS2. :D

Running CM9 13/05 and must admit its flipping stable and a heluva faster the Stock! :) Really awesome ROM. Now what themes you guys using on CM9. Found a lot on the play store but any recommendations?

Oh and have you guys used TriangleAway? Anyone have problems?

TA

I'm holding off on themes - none of them look particularly good (or better than stock CM9) to me. Now that you're on CM9, this site is worth keeping an eye on also: http://opendesign.bbqdroid.org/

Haven't used TriangleAway myself (used a jig when I first rooted in Gingerbread).
 
I'm currently running a ICS rom, but I'm getting more curious about CM9 :). The only issue I have is the factory reset, as I'm not too keen on setting everything up again, like favourites in gps, k-9 mail accounts, etc. Is there a way to keep all of that?

You might be able to keep some of it with TitaniumBackup, but it's not recommended to restore data with TB (rather than the app only). Suppose you could try it, one app at a time, then see if they force-close? Also see if the apps themselves have any backup feature.
 
I'm currently running a ICS rom, but I'm getting more curious about CM9 :). The only issue I have is the factory reset, as I'm not too keen on setting everything up again, like favourites in gps, k-9 mail accounts, etc. Is there a way to keep all of that?

Welcome flash junky ... :whistle:

Here is what I do (recently). I flashed Siyah kernel 3.2.2 (latest version). This kernel has a dual boot option. It means that you can boot another rom like CM9 to a secondary option and keep your (lets say) stock ICS version as your primary option. This way you can flash to secondary and get a feel whether you like the rom or not WITHOUT doing a full wipe of your phone. Only the secondary rom is affected. If you don't like it, then it is easy to just wipe the secondary rom and try something else. Unfortunately, you would still have to set up the rom (a bit of a schleb) for now. I asked GM if he can implement a function whereby the kernel will look for installed apps on the primary rom and request installation of same on the secondary rom. It was shot off at first, but I now he is looking into it and hopefully we will have a solution soon!

You might be able to keep some of it with TitaniumBackup, but it's not recommended to restore data with TB (rather than the app only). Suppose you could try it, one app at a time, then see if they force-close? Also see if the apps themselves have any backup feature.

You are right! It is not advisable to restore data when switching to another rom! ... but ... I did a full restore of app and data when testing CM9 (from LPS). It went without a glitch. and all the apps were usable. BUT, it was only user apps. Systems apps are a definite no go!!!

Took the plunge for my first custom ROM on my SGS2. :D

Running CM9 13/05 and must admit its flipping stable and a heluva faster the Stock! :) Really awesome ROM. Now what themes you guys using on CM9. Found a lot on the play store but any recommendations?

Oh and have you guys used TriangleAway? Anyone have problems?

TA

I found CM9 to be very laggy. Not nearly as smooth as the scrolling on stock LPS. Both roms ran on Siyah 3.2.2. This was the case even before I restored apps with TB. I will perhaps try it again over the weekend ... dunno yet ...
 
Last edited:
Quick and dirty guide to go from stock GB through to stock ICS and onto CM9

1. Upgrade to stock ICS.
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/xxlpb-galaxy-s2/

This will get you onto ICS and you can stop at this point if you don't want to root or load custom ROMS.
If you stay here then please do a factory reset. The first time I did this I found I got the odd force close because some apps were not happy going from GB to ICS. Factory reset sorted this problem out.

2. Root and CWM.
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/root-xxlpb-on-galaxy-s2-i9100-using-cf-root-kernel/

Again, you can stop at this point and enjoy a rooted ROM with ICS.

3. Cyanogenmod (Adapt this step for any ROM you want).
Get the latest here: http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=galaxys2
Download to your SD Card.
Turn off your phone.
Hold Vol Up, Home and Power until you are in the CWM menu.
Wipe data, cache and Advanced/Dalvik Cache.
Select install zip from SD Card, navigate to your downloaded Cyangenmod ROM, select it, confirm and flash.

4. Install GApps (Google Apps needed for Play Store, GMail, etc...)
Get the latest here: http://goo.im/gapps
Be sure to download the latest for your device and CM9.
Follow the same steps in 3 using CWM to flash this.

I have written the above from memory so wording may not be 100% but the steps should get you where you need to go.

Please don't be afraid of bricking. It is actually so hard to brick. If you follow the guides in the links above you won't have an issue.

If you have the yellow triangle at boot up (indication that you are running a customer ROM), then grab TriangleAway from the Play Store.

Hope this helps guys. Happy flashing :)

Thanks for this, I'm very tempted to root and flash and what have you. Just a noobie question: I used this guide and download links to update to stock ICS: http://synapses.co.za/installing-ice-cream-sandwich-samsung-galaxy-s2/

Would everything go smooth if I use that guide (the root part, since I already did the stock ICS part) and use your guide from number 3 to install CM9?

Thanks again
 
Thanks for this, I'm very tempted to root and flash and what have you. Just a noobie question: I used this guide and download links to update to stock ICS: http://synapses.co.za/installing-ice-cream-sandwich-samsung-galaxy-s2/

Would everything go smooth if I use that guide (the root part, since I already did the stock ICS part) and use your guide from number 3 to install CM9?

Thanks again

The easiest way to flash CM9 using my guide would be with what's described as the "noob-proof ODIN method" in the first post of this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1419102 . Then download the latest nightly, and update as per the instructions just above the "noob-proof" method.

[Edit]Sorry, didn't notice you were already rooted. Seeing as you are, what Mike said![/edit]
 
I'm currently running a ICS rom, but I'm getting more curious about CM9 :). The only issue I have is the factory reset, as I'm not too keen on setting everything up again, like favourites in gps, k-9 mail accounts, etc. Is there a way to keep all of that?

Yeah...that was my reasoning as well. But finally decided to do it...did a Nandroid backup, TB nackup and also backed my EFS using EFS Pro. (Can never be too safe :) ) Anyway...flashed CM9, downloaded all the apps from the APP Store and then restored the data only via TB...everything restored fine except Opera Mobile - Just didnt open at all. So as a "noob" I would say everything went along just dandy :)

The only thing I have noticed so far (compared to Frankenstein XWLP8 ) is that the auto brightness is a bit slow to react at times.

Besides that...menus and scrolling is more responsive...fluidity will judge as I go.

TA
 
The easiest way to flash CM9 using my guide would be with what's described as the "noob-proof ODIN method" in the first post of this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1419102 . Then download the latest nightly, and update as per the instructions just above the "noob-proof" method.

[Edit]Sorry, didn't notice you were already rooted. Seeing as you are, what Mike said![/edit]

Still on stock ICS, not rooted yet :)

Edit: Also, thanks for writing that guide!
 
Last edited:
Small question, does CM9 only connect to the net via wifi...? I just flashed CM9, the latest version, but it won't connect through mobile network.... Any ideas?
 
Small question, does CM9 only connect to the net via wifi...? I just flashed CM9, the latest version, but it won't connect through mobile network.... Any ideas?

All my devices too a few minutes for the 3G icon to pop up and connect. If yours refuses to connect, check your APN settings.
 
Amen brother! It will also be less of a battery drain than ICS ... even with Speedmod!

My perfect combo was XWLA4, KL1/KI4 modem, ICS Domination with Soeedmod kernel ... bliss ...


Touchwiz is outdated. It has in real terms not improved. When you start playing around with custom roms, a lot of proper ICS features are unlocked - as if someone actually did some effort to improve on touchwiz. The biggest problem with ICS is that you don't really realise you have upgraded. It is the same look and on certain Sammy firmwares a worse feel. You'd eve find that the battery drains faster. From tests done on XDA, LPS is the most battery friendly, but that is not even as good as XWLA4 was. I digressed a bit but the point is that with custom roms, you get the actual ICS feel that was supposed to hit our phones. And the custom roms are "lighter" than Sammy roms - meaning less or no bloatware.

EDIT: Go check out some of the screenshots of the many custom roms and come back and tell us you don't think the look is awesome. You would understand ... ;)

Sent from my Galaxy S II

Thanks of rthe info, I'll check them out ;)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X