Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users in the Middle East received a treat on Wednesday in the form of a rootkit for Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 XXDMB5.
Whether you upgraded to the most recent firmware via Samsung KIES or Over-The-Air (OTA), rooting is now available for your Galaxy Note 2.
The method is somewhat involved and uses the ODIN flash tool to gain root access, but it also installs ClockworkMod, meaning users will at least not have to bother with a second installation to load the recovery tool.
Although the rootkit only works with firmware officially designated for the Middle East region, IBTimes reports that Galaxy Note 2 owners in the UK and other European countries can manually load the firmware onto their devices.
As most Apple expatriates will attest, rooting an Android device tends to be more complicated than jailbreaking an iPhone. This rootkit is no exception, accompanied by a not-so-simple 8-step guide:
Step 1) Download and unzip the rooting package.
Step 2) Download ODIN v1.85.
Step 3) Put the device in download mode by simultaneously pressing the Volume Down and Home buttons. Without releasing the keys, begin tapping the Power button until a Samung logo appears, or red and yellow text.
Step 4) Launch ODIN and connect your device.
Step 5) Wait. You'll the ID:COM box turn yellow, and then some port information. Do nothing until phase completes.
Step 6) Click the "PDA" key, and then find the file called "cwm6-root-note2.tar" from the archive unzipped in Step 1.
Step 7) Check "Auto Reboot" and "F.Reset Time" in ODIN.
Step 8) Click on "Start" in ODIN. Wait. Your phone will restart, and then it will be rooted.
As always, make sure to back up your phone before starting and don't attempt rooting with less than 85 percent battery life. You must also enable Debugging mode on your device and make sure that latest USB drivers are installed on your computer.
