Samsung Galaxy S2 is reportedly able to handle the latest Android 4.4 KitKat OS despite the fact that Samsung might have stopped creating updates for the smartphone. Android Geeks have tested Resurrection Remix custom ROM for Samsung Galaxy S2 users and posted instructions on how to prepare and flash the firmware. Resurrection Remix ROM has been posted to XDA by "westcrip". Features from AOSP Android 4.4.2 along with some other components that users can find in CyanogenMod and AOKP builds are also present in Resurrection Remix.
Before starting the installation process users should follow the preparation guide below:
1. Use this post only with Samsung Galaxy S2 model number I9100. This is the Exynos model, not the I9100G TI OMAP one, so you shouldn't try to flash the files that you'll find in this post on any other Android devices.
2. The Galaxy S2 that users are about to update should be rooted and running a custom Recovery image such as CWM or TWRP.
- both CWM and TWRP are supported by this guide, but the instructions are written for CWM.
- if users want to use TWRP, then users should carefully apply the corresponding actions, as the actions are very similar.
3. Create a full NANDROID Backup for the installed ROM.
- this will set a restore point for the smartphone, so that users will be prepared in case something goes wrong, the phone might not boot, and users will need a way out.
- this step is listed in the tutorial, too, so users won't miss it.
4. A 'Factory Reset' is required for this guide, so that the new ROM will install successfully at the first attempt.
- Factory Reset process will wipe all data from the system partition, which means that users will lose installed apps data and all the other system files.
- Factory Reset doesn't delete contents from internal nor external storage.
- this step is listed in the tutorial.
5. Users can backup data from installed applications and SMS text messages using the Helium tool.
6. Sync Contacts data with users default Gmail account.
7. Enable USB Debugging from Developer Options menu.
8. This is a post for advanced users, do not blame us in case something goes wrong and you brick the phone or lose any important data in the process.
9. Check the phone's battery charge level and make sure that it is over 50%, so that the device won't switch off in the middle of the updating process.
10. Read the entire post and don't skip any steps that were listed below.
11. If you cannot complete the guide, then you should try more than once and ask for more help.
The next part of this guide is about learning how to flash a new KitKat custom ROM for your smartphone.
1. Download the ROM from here.
- make sure to download the latest build available.
2. Download Gapps for this ROM from here.
3. Connect your Galaxy S2 to your PC and then move both zip files to your smartphone's internal storage.
- disconnect your phone from PC when the files are copied successfully.
> do not extract the archived zip contents.
4. Power off your Galaxy S2 now.
5. Next, boot the phone in CWM / TWRP Recovery Mode.
- it can be done if you press simultaneously Volume Up, Home and Power, all at the same time.
> release the buttons when the main custom Recovery menu appears.
6. First you need to create a full NANDROID ROM Backup for the installed OS.
- select 'backup and restore', name the file and save it on your device.
7. Now you can apply the Factory Reset:
- select 'wipe data/ factory reset' option, confirm.
8. Next, install the Resurrection Remix Android 4.4.2 ROM:
- select 'install zip from sdcard', then 'choose zip from sdcard' and find the ROM zip.
> confirm installation and then wait until the process is complete.
9. When the ROM is installed you need to select again 'choose zip from sdcard'. Flash the Gapps zip now.
10. After both files are installed you can get back to the first recovery screen.
11. Reboot the Galaxy S2 now and wait until Resurrection Remix KitKat home screen appears.
> note that this first boot will take at least several minutes to load, which is why you shouldn't press any buttons until the process is complete.
12. Enter your Google Account info when the new home screen appears.
> take control over your device and start testing all the new features and functions.
If you don't like this new ROM and how it works with your device, then you can always choose to use the NANDROID ROM Backup file created in step 6. Use the same custom Recovery image when trying to restore a ROM backup.
Note: The aforementioned Custom ROM updates are not coming from Samsung and have nothing to do with the already mentioned company. This report is only made to inform users of possible updates and this site is not liable for any damages that these installations may cause.
