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How to Unlock (and Root) the Bell Galaxy S2. Step by Step Guide

Thanks a lot Blue1K for your great guide. I have one small question, I rooted my SGS2 from Bell following this guide then unlocked it by the Galaxy_S unlock app but when I do factory reset, the phone become locked again and I have to re-install the Galaxy_S unlock and repeat the unlocking steps. Any idea why this is happening and how to prevent it?
Best
 
Blue1k said:
The Virgin boot screen is linked to the rom or kernel. The only way to get rid of it is to load a new rom. I haven't looked into lock sound hacks but there is a way as some roms have unique lock sounds. I'll look into this :)

Factory reset does not remove root. Root is tied the rom or kernel you installed. In this case it is the rooted cf-kernel that allows you to have root access. Wiping won't remove it. :)
Click to expand...

its not on the boot screen its when you wake your phone and its on the lock screen that shows the carrier name and now using the magic lock lock screen its alright but still have same lock/unlock noises wish i could change them
 
wildotchan said:
Thanks for the quick response, Blue.

I flashed the KI3 stock firmware and have noticed the improvement already...
How's the battery life with MIUI and what kernel are you currently running?

Looking forward to seeing your ROM guide.

By the way, that's a beautiful cat you got there....

Cheers,
wil
Click to expand...

Thanks. My cat thinks he is the king of our house lol.

Battery life is the same as with stock or maybe slightly less (easily a day).
The kernel is glguro's miui rom that comes loaded with Galnet's Miui. Siyah works well as does fluxi (a very cool german kernel with some neat hacks).

Miui is awesome except for a couple things: crappy video playback (not youtube) and video recording.
 
ghareb said:
Thanks a lot Blue1K for your great guide. I have one small question, I rooted my SGS2 from Bell following this guide then unlocked it by the Galaxy_S unlock app but when I do factory reset, the phone become locked again and I have to re-install the Galaxy_S unlock and repeat the unlocking steps. Any idea why this is happening and how to prevent it?
Best
Click to expand...

Weird. That should not happen. I have not heard of this before. I searched and have not seen anything about this.

The only suggestion I have is to try the following. If it does not work then you should probably email helroz himself. His email is listed in his app description in market.

Try this first:

A. Dial *#1234# to find the firmware version. Please tell me what it says.
B. What version of root kernel did you flash with?

If you are KG2 and matching KG2 CF-root kernel then you are ok.

If this is the case, then try:

1. Do a factory reset in recovery. Wipe cache. Then go into advanced and wipe dalvik cache. Turn off and reboot into download mode.
2. Flash the original stock telus KG2 rom and then the kernel using odin and PDA button (see first post)
3. Then root again using the KG2 CF-root kernel and odin
4. Reboot your phone.
5. Go into market and update your superuser app
6. Install busybox from market.
7. Then install the helroz app. Make sure your non-bell sim is in the phone while you do this.
8. Do all 3 steps listed in the Helroz app. Make sure to let it reboot after step 2 and then re open the helroz app and do step 3 after it reboots.

It should now be permanently unlocked. If not I honestly have no idea. The efs bin change should be permanent.
 
johnr2903 said:
its not on the boot screen its when you wake your phone and its on the lock screen that shows the carrier name and now using the magic lock lock screen its alright but still have same lock/unlock noises wish i could change them
Click to expand...

Oh! lol

That's easy. Sort of.

You will need Root explorer. PM if you want to try it out. I have an old version but it's not expensive to buy in the app store ;)

The lock and unlock sounds are found in /system/media/audio/ui

You can access this folder with root explorer.

You can then copy the original 2 lock sounds and paste them somewhere on your sd card to back them up.

OR

press the MOUNT R/O in the top corner to R/W and long press the lock and unlock ogg files and rename them to lock.ogg.bak and unlock.ogg.bak to back them up.

Then you find some cool lock sounds that you want and convert them to ogg and then rename them to lock.ogg and unlock.ogg

Then copy with root explorer. Go back to /system/media/audio/ui. Press MOUNT R/O so it says R/W. Now paste your 2 new ogg files in there.

If you don't know how to convert to OGG then find some cool sounds online and I can convert them for you into the proper OGG.

The other way is to flash a .zip with ogg files but my way is easier to do if you don't know how to make flashable zips. If this is too hard then you could message a link to some cool sounds you want and I can make the cwm flash zip for you.
 
Blue1k said:
Here is a new users guide I posted on craigslist. Just in case you get stuck on steps: :D

Bell Galaxy S2 (i9100M) Unlock Guide with Steps

Samsung-Galaxy-S2_6_copy.jpg


To all the people who are paying people to root their phones or paying big dollars to unlock your Bell Galaxy S2 here is a guide to do it for FREE!

Edit: Please ensure you are on KG2 before proceeding. You want to use a rooted kernel that matches the ROM you are currently running. Dial *#1234# to find out

1. Go to this XDA thread: XDA Developers Galaxy S2 Root and download this file: CF-Root-SGS2_JP_XSG_KG2-v4.1-CWM4
*Remember!: You should be flashing the rooted the CF-Root Kernel that matches your current firmware. If you are on KG2 then this KG2 root kernel is the proper match. If you are on something newer, then you can root with a newer CF-root kernel which can be found in the thread listed above.

2. Next, unzip the file you downloaded. There will be a file left inside. Leave it alone.

3. Next, download Odin. Odin is a flashing tool used by Samsung developers to flash roms, kernels etc. Unzip Odin into a folder and leave it for now.

4. You will need to install Samsung Kies which is like iTunes for your Samsung Phone. If you have not you can get it from here: Kies Canada. Make sure Kies fully installs and connect your phone at least once so it loads all the necessary drivers. Then close Kies and disconnect your phone from computer.

UPDATE: If you don't want Kies you can instead install just the Samsung USB drivers from HERE

5. You will need Debugging to be active. To do this on your phone, go to SETTINGS>APPLICATIONS>DEVELOPMENT>check debugging

6. Next, go to the folder on your computer where you have Odin and launch it. Press the PDA button and select the file you unzipped in step 2 (CF-Root file)

7. Power off your phone. Now, before connecting your phone to Odin you must put it into download mode. To do this simply press: HOME button, VOLUME DOWN, and POWER-all at the same time.

8. Then connect your phone and let it load all the drivers. Once Odin shows a YELLOW com box you are good to go. Press start and boom it will install the patched kernel. Your phone will reboot and it will be rooted. This means you have full access to system files and is like jailbreaking on an iPhone.

9. Now simply open the Android market app on your phone and download the free app called "Galaxy_S Unlock" by Helroz

10. Open the app and allow it superuser authority if it asks. Then click the tab that says unlock

11. There will be 3 steps listed. Press step 1. Then step 2 (and let it completely reboot...may take a few minutes). Then once rebooted open the app and press step 3.

Your phone will now work with any SIM.
Congrats! :)

My Galaxy S2 took 2 minutes to root and unlock. Hope this was helpful to people.

PS. Rooting will void warranty but it is reversible. If you need return it use Odin to flash back the stock rom with one from XDA or use the one on my server below.

*The ROM on my server is Bell KG2 and is for odin. Download the rom as a ZIP. Extract it and you will be left with a TAR file. Select PDA in odin and flash as instructed below.


Bell Stock Items
UPDATED Jan 1, 2012 :)

Bell KG2 Stock Modem
Bell Stock KG2 Rom
Bell Stock KG2 Kernel

How to flash stock KG2 ROM in recovery using Odin:
1. Download the zip file to your computer. Unzip it. You will be left with a TAR file
2. Launch Odin and press the PDA button and select the TAR file you extracted.
3. Put your phone into download mode (as shown above)
4. Connect your phone and wait for the yellow com image
5. Press start and your phone will be flashed with the stock Bell Rom

*you can flash the stock kernel using the same method as the stock rom (select PDA as well). DO NOT FLASH THE STOCK KG2 KERNEL if you are not using a KG2 rom.

How to flash the modem using Odin:
1. Ensure USB debugging is checked in settings>applications>development
2. Put the phone into download mode either by choosing this option in CWM or turning off then pressing VOLUME DOWN+HOME+POWER at the same time
3. Launch Odin. Make sure to check ONLY PHONE not PDA and load the modem.bin file. (see pic)
4. Connect your phone and wait for the yellow com signal. Then flash away
odin_modem.jpg




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to flash a custom ROM (non-Odin roms)

*Please be aware that flashing a custom rom means you will need to wipe your data which includes your account setup, text message history, contacts, and apps. It will NOT erase photos and videos.

* I highly recommend you do a nandroid backup first by going into BACKUP/RESTORE and selecting Backup (backup to internal if you don't have an SD card)

Backup your SMS messages: Use SMS backup and restore
Backup your apps: Titanium Backup (free)

*to backup accounts: Use Titanium to backup ACCOUNTS and ACCOUNTS & Sync Settings, Bluetooth Pairings, Contacts Storage (unless you are using gmail for saving your contacts. If so then don't back this up)

IN recovery, VOLUME keys are navigation and POWER button is select.

Step 1: Download the rom zip file using your computer and copy to somewhere on your phone. Say a folder named ROM on your SDcard

Step 2: Reboot into recovery (see above how to do this)

Step 3: In recovery go to WIPE/DATA FACTORY RESET

Step 4: Go back to the main menu and select WIPE CACHE PARTITION

Step 5: Go back to the main menu and select INSTALL ZIP from SDCARD
INTERNAL SD means phone memory in case you copied the zip to a
phone folder. Choose your rom.zip

Step 6: Let it flash, and then go back to main menu and choose ADVANCED
Then choose WIPE DALVIK CACHE and then FIX PERMISSIONS

Step 7: Go back to the main menu and select REBOOT SYSTEM

Please allow the phone to fully boot (it may take some time). Don't touch the phone for a few minutes after boot. Let it settle and then reboot. THEN set up your phone.

*If your flash went bad because of a mistake or corrupted file you can always boot back into recovery and restore your backup.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for this step by step rooting and unlock guide.
This is my very first time to use android phone and dont have
any knowledge about rooting and unlocking but it really works for me.
I am no longer stock to bell and works great in FIDO.
Thank you so much Blue1K,
 
Hello Blue1k, very nice user guide to unlock galaxy S2, just a small question for you. Do you know why after I "jailbreak" my phone, when I power up the phone I have a yellow inverse triangle with a exclamation point inside?. Everything else seems ok, but just that funny pictogram at the main screen when I boot the phone. Just like the post icon but the flat portion at the top.
thanks.
 
Blue1k said:
Weird. That should not happen. I have not heard of this before. I searched and have not seen anything about this.

The only suggestion I have is to try the following. If it does not work then you should probably email helroz himself. His email is listed in his app description in market.

Try this first:

A. Dial *#1234# to find the firmware version. Please tell me what it says.
B. What version of root kernel did you flash with?

If you are KG2 and matching KG2 CF-root kernel then you are ok.

If this is the case, then try:

1. Do a factory reset in recovery. Wipe cache. Then go into advanced and wipe dalvik cache. Turn off and reboot into download mode.
2. Flash the original stock telus KG2 rom and then the kernel using odin and PDA button (see first post)
3. Then root again using the KG2 CF-root kernel and odin
4. Reboot your phone.
5. Go into market and update your superuser app
6. Install busybox from market.
7. Then install the helroz app. Make sure your non-bell sim is in the phone while you do this.
8. Do all 3 steps listed in the Helroz app. Make sure to let it reboot after step 2 and then re open the helroz app and do step 3 after it reboots.

It should now be permanently unlocked. If not I honestly have no idea. The efs bin change should be permanent.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for your reply
In fact I think the reason is the new update in Helroz App because I did it in December and it was fine, does not matter how many resets I do, the unlock is there but since he updated the App few days ago I started having this issue (the update has combined galaxy s and galaxy s2 in one tab, before they were separated). I will keep you updated if I find a solution, and please do the same. Best
 
ghareb said:
Thanks a lot for your reply
In fact I think the reason is the new update in Helroz App because I did it in December and it was fine, does not matter how many resets I do, the unlock is there but since he updated the App few days ago I started having this issue (the update has combined galaxy s and galaxy s2 in one tab, before they were separated). I will keep you updated if I find a solution, and please do the same. Best
Click to expand...


Thanks for the update. I think I have an older version of Helroz's app I will post up.
 
ixetreize said:
Hello Blue1k, very nice user guide to unlock galaxy S2, just a small question for you. Do you know why after I "jailbreak" my phone, when I power up the phone I have a yellow inverse triangle with a exclamation point inside?. Everything else seems ok, but just that funny pictogram at the main screen when I boot the phone. Just like the post icon but the flat portion at the top.
thanks.
Click to expand...


That's because the kernel is cf-root and not official. Your phone will show the exclamation mark when this happens. Doesn't really matter. :)

If you want to get rid of it you will need flash a stock kernel over it. But you need to make sure you are flashing the matching kernel to your rom. Pm me if you need help with this.
 
Blue1k said:
That's because the kernel is cf-root and not official. Your phone will show the exclamation mark when this happens. Doesn't really matter. :)

If you want to get rid of it you will need flash a stock kernel over it. But you need to make sure you are flashing the matching kernel to your rom. Pm me if you need help with this.
Click to expand...

Weird question, I'm a newbie in the cell phone but, what is the avantages to flash my phone with a matching kernel. Right now I would like to remove some crappy software on my phone (like nova or zoompass) install by bell.

Thanks for your answers.
 
Hi Blue1K
Just a friendly reminder to post a link to download the Old Galaxy S_unlock by Helroz because I really need it. Your help is really appreciated. :)
 
ghareb said:
Hi Blue1K
Just a friendly reminder to post a link to download the Old Galaxy S_unlock by Helroz because I really need it. Your help is really appreciated. :)
Click to expand...

Yup will do. Sorry, been swamped with work (end of semester for my classes):(
 
So ive been trying to root my GT-I9100M from Sasktel using this guide. I check usb debugging, shut phone down, put into recovery mode, plug the micro usb in, wait for the yellow box (0:[COM5]), click PDA and click on the kernal for KG2 like in the guide. Press start and it stays at setup connection on Odin. What am I doing wrong?
 
ghareb said:
Hi Blue1K
Just a friendly reminder to post a link to download the Old Galaxy S_unlock by Helroz because I really need it. Your help is really appreciated. :)
Click to expand...

Thought I still had an old version but I don't. Looked for about half an hour and the only one I could find is version 1 which is what you don't want (doesn't support the S2). I'll keep looking. Funny thing is I haven't heard of any other problems with current app. I unlocked my new white S2 with the newest version a few weeks ago. I've flashed a ton of roms and unlock is still there.

I'll keep looking. ;)
 
Finkman said:
So ive been trying to root my GT-I9100M from Sasktel using this guide. I check usb debugging, shut phone down, put into recovery mode, plug the micro usb in, wait for the yellow box (0:[COM5]), click PDA and click on the kernal for KG2 like in the guide. Press start and it stays at setup connection on Odin. What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...

You are choosing the wrong mode. Recovery is for flashing custom roms, wiping a phone, and making backups. You want Download mode. See the front guide for help on how to boot into this mode. :)

If you meant download in your post above then I will have to try to figure out why. Usually a simple reason. PM me if you need help.
 
Blue1k said:
Thought I still had an old version but I don't. Looked for about half an hour and the only one I could find is version 1 which is what you don't want (doesn't support the S2). I'll keep looking. Funny thing is I haven't heard of any other problems with current app. I unlocked my new white S2 with the newest version a few weeks ago. I've flashed a ton of roms and unlock is still there.

I'll keep looking. ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help but did you try to make factory reset with the new app? it is the factory reset that is removing the app and the unlock. Best
 
ghareb said:
Thanks for your help but did you try to make factory reset with the new app? it is the factory reset that is removing the app and the unlock. Best
Click to expand...

Ya. I always factory reset, cache and dalvik before an install. Root is permanent. I think the issue is due to busybox. I'll look into it for you when I get a chance
 
Taking a break from Miui and trying out a TouchWiz Rom again.

I highly recommend this rom. Very fast and battery life is fantastic :)

V3RTR3MA Rom by r3mor3ma & vertumus for the Galaxy S2

Download from here: XDA

Watch the Video Review


All my Video Review will be listed on the main page.
 
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