[Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note II] chzeckmate:
HOW TO ROOT NK2 / Fix boot loop after NE2 to NK2 update

I've gotten a lot of question about rooting the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note II from people on NK2. As we know, the NK2 update has some anti-root measures in place that have caused confusion. Some people are just rooting for the first time after receiving the NK2 update and some were already rooted on NE2 and lost root or soft bricked after taking the NK2 update. First, I'll show how to root NK2 if you're already running stock NK2. The instructions for those who soft bricked after taking the NK2 update from rooted NE2 will be listed second.

Warning #1: Rooting your device will void your warranty and your insurance.

Warning #2: I'm not responsible for your device. If you want to root it, you understand that there are risks involved. If you have questions then you should ask before proceeding or don't do it.

Instructions for rooting stock NK2.

01. Review the warnings above.

02. Charge your device to at least 60%

03. Have your device, a good micro USB cable, and your Windows PC ready.

04. Create a folder on your desktop and and name it "L900 ROOT". Download the following files into it:

file Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note II drivers for Windows.

file Odin 1.85. You will need to unzip this file using 7zip or UnRAR.

file TWRP recovery

file SuperSU (donation is recommended)

05. Install the Note II drivers on your PC.

06. Move the SuperSU file onto the root of your external SD card.

07. Power off your device.

08. Put your device into download mode by pressing and holding volume down+home+power. When the warning screen appears, press volume up. A screen saying, "Downloading...Do not turn off target" will appear. This is download mode.

09. Right click on Odin and run as administrator.

10. Connect your device to your PC. The ID:COM box will highlight. If the ID:COM box doesn't highlight, then see the troubleshooting below.

11. Uncheck Auto Reboot and F Reset Time. Repartition should also be unchecked.

12. Click the PDA button. This will prompt you to select a file.

13. Select the openrecovery-twrp-x.x.x.x-toltesrp file from your L900 ROOT folder.

14. Click Start.

15. When Odin completes flashing TWRP it will say, "PASS". This may take several minutes. If it takes more than ten minutes see troubleshooting below.

16. Disconnect your device from your PC. Your device will still be on the screen saying, "Downloading...Do not turn off target". You will ignore this warning and go to step 17.

17. Remove and then replace the battery in your device.

18. Boot into TWRP recovery by pressing and holding volume up+home+power until "Teamwin" appears.

19. Tap "Install".

20. Select the UPDATE-SuperSU-vX.XX.zip file.

21. Swipe to confirm flash. This will flash SuperSU to your device.

22. Reboot System. Your device will reboot.

23. You're now rooted running NK2. Sign into Google and your Samsung account. You can install Root Checker and run it to confirm root. Enjoy.

Instructions for soft bricked after taking NK2 from rooted NE2.

WARNING: If you're stuck in a boot loop or stuck at the Samsung logo then remove and replace your battery. Make sure your device is at least 60% charged before following these instructions.

01. Create a folder on your desktop and and name it "L900 ROOT". Download the following files into it:

file Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note II drivers for Windows.

file Odin 1.85. You will need to unzip this file using 7zip or UnRAR.

file TWRP recovery

file SuperSU (donation is recommended)

file Stock NE2 firmware. You will need to unzip this file using 7zip or UnRAR.

02. Install the Note II drivers on your PC.

03. Put your device into download mode by pressing and holding volume down+home+power. When the warning screen appears, press volume up. A screen saying, "Downloading...Do not turn off target" will appear. This is download mode.

04. Right click on Odin and run as administrator.

05. Connect your device to your PC. The ID:COM box will highlight. If the ID:COM box doesn't highlight, then see the troubleshooting below.

06. Uncheck Repartition. Auto Reboot and F Reset Time should be checked.

07. Click the PDA button. This will prompt you to select a file.

08. Select the L900VPUCNE2_L900SPTCNE2_SPR file.

09. Click Start. Odin will flash NE2. When it's complete it will say, "PASS" and reboot automatically. This will take a long time. If it takes more than 30 minutes see the troubleshooting below.

10. Your device is now stock NE2. Now you can either root it as you did before (in which case you're done here) or you can take the NK2 update (in which case go to step 11)

11. You will get an update notification for NK2 shortly. Take the update when you get the notice.

12. You will now go to the steps for rooting stock NK2 above, starting with step 06.

If you rooted NE2 and want to stop the Sprint update notification from nagging you to take the NK2 update [TAP HERE].

Troubleshooting

These are common troubleshooting steps for issues with rooting, installing firmware, and custom recovery.

1. Proceedure. This is the #1 cause of failure. Make sure you follow the instructions precisely. If you aren't sure about something then ask a question.

2. Cable. A poor quality cable can prevent Odin from recognizing your device. Use a different cable.

3. Drivers. Try reinstalling drivers.

4. Bad download. Try redownloading files, drivers.

5. USB port. Some computers, especially older ones, function better on certain USB ports. Try another USB port.

6. Insufficient charge. Charge your device, it's in the instructions.

7. Restart your PC. Sometimes all it takes to get things running smoothly is a fresh start.

I know how frustrating it can be trying to find the information you need to get your device running the way you want. I really hope this helps someone. If you need help please post a question or message me directly. We are a community and we're here to help eachother. If this has helped you, then please remember to post that it worked for you. Donations are appreciated. If it didn't work for you then ask for help. Please don't just post that it doesn't work. This process works, so it's more likely that you just a little assistance.

Cheers and happy rooting!