[Galaxy S II Original Android Development] Phil3759:
Root your ICS/JB phone S2 + Samsung + not Samsung phones - No more waiting for custom kernels

This topic provides universal root methods to bypass the use of custom kernels. I took the time to write it as I was tired from waiting for a Dev to publish a custom kernel for the last firmware released.

I will try here to reference most threads and ways to root your phone. Some methods will let you root as soon as you get the new ROM, no more waiting for some dev to release a kernel for you.

I will not list here custom kernels that come with root, you can find them in other threads.

As a general rule, do not forget to take extra precautions when you flash anything: ALWAYS DO A NANDROID BACKUP IN CWM

Method 1 - Recommended

Push superuser + Busybox (Now v1.20.2 from Linus Yang) in recovery

Now, on the i9100 and some other phones (N7000...), you can flash the attached signed zip files in stock recovery, no more need to CWM.

A BIG BIG THANK YOU TO Chainfire for his support that made it possible and to Entropy512 who pushed me to look for a fix

Attached is the CWM Recovery 4.x non touch version, confirmed safe for wiping. It will not superbrick your phone

>>>>>> Now it is even getting greater with attached Clockworkmod v6.0.1.2 !!!! <<<<<<

>>>>>> Also probably safe from brickbug <<<<<<​

Pros

Cons

Special notes about busybox

This method was first inspired from Rachmat3 thread here and Chainfire script here (do not forget to thank them). I modified it to work in stock recovery, enhanced script, include Chainfire superSU last version + BusyBox last binary. I also keep a ChainsDD superuser version.

Instructions

For phones affected by the superbrick bug (i9100, N7000) and that has a stock recovery accepting update.zip files (most phones with a temporary cwm.zip file at Clockworkmod site:

.

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For most (if not all?) ICS phones having a CWM image at Clockworkmod site:

Fix common issues: You end with both ChainsDD and Chainfire superuser and SuperSU

Method 2

CF_Root + stock kernel + [optional] Mobile Odin Free version​

Here, you use an older CF_Root kernel, and flash your newer stock kernel

Method 3

Insecure Kernels + SuperOneClick + [optional] Mobile Odin Free​

Not tested by me. You get superuser instead of Chainfire superSU + an older busybox

Method 4

Insecure Kernels + S2 Root - For SAMSUNG Devices​

Mobile Odin Free version

Flash your stock kernel from complete ROM file​

Now that Intratech stopped releasing stock kernels in his thread, rooting using methods 2 and 3 can be a problem. In fact, you will not be able to flash your newer original stock kernel after rooting with insecure or cf_root older kernel. You can look in above lyriquidperfection thread for a stock kernel to flash in odin. But, if you do not like to wait for him to release a kernel, you can get Mobile Odin Free version

Mobile Odin Pro (Payed) version

Root + Flash - You should consider buying it.​

With this method, you will have SuperSU from chainfire (that can be updated from market) but no Busybox.

You can install busybox from market or from attached CWM_Root_Busybox_1.20.2_Only_(No_SuperSU)-S2-Update2-signed.zip file in this thread

Chainfire - adbd Insecure app

Getting switchable insecure kernel WITH stock kernel​

One of the advantages for some people in CF_Root kernel is the insecure mode. Now, you can have insecure kernel like behavior without flashing a custom kernel. There is a magic app for that, signed Chainfire.

Thread + free download link here:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1687590

And you can buy it from market to support author:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.adbd

Instructions, quoted from chainfire

Feel free to comment or suggest enhancements