Upgrade Galaxy S2 I9100 to XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Official Firmware

Samsung is not going to bring Android 4.4 KitKat for Galaxy S2 I9100 but still Galaxy S2 users can easily install Android 4.4.2 KitKat with a custom ROM. This time Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 received a new official firmware i.e. XXMS7 Android 4.1.2. This update is being pushed only to Poland region through Samsung KIES and OTA (over-the-air) update system. If you want to get this latest firmware on your Galaxy S2 I9100, then we have a complete guide on how to install XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on Galaxy S2 I9100 device. Please keep in mind that this is an Official Firmware, not a modified custom ROM. You can easily install XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on Galaxy S2 I9100 using our tutorial given below. I recommend you to read this article once before actually performing it on your device.

As you continue reading below, we will provide you all the necessary tips like How to Backup Android Devices before installing any official firmwares or custom roms and many more. We will install this official firmware by using ODIN which is the safe method to manually install a new firmware update on your phone.
But still we suggest you to backup your phone because you never know when something might go wrong.
Let's start the tutorial below for safe and successful installation.

Disclaimer: All the official firmwares, custom ROMs, software updates, themes, mods, tools, apps, or anything provided in our blog belongs to their respective developers. Most of the custom ROMs we are providing belongs to XDA Developers. We (iDroid Horizon) or the respective developers are not responsible if any of our tutorial damage or brick your device. However if you follow our instruction properly, we hope it would not bring you in trouble. If you face any problems with our tutorials, please comment below. We are sure that we can bring your device in original position.

Details about XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Firmware:

Model: GT-I9100

Model name: GALAXY S II

Country: Poland

Version: Android 4.1.2

Changelist: 1155032

Build date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:33:56 +0000

Product Code: XEO

PDA: I9100XXMS7

CSC: I9100OXAMS7

MODEM: I9100XXMS2

Update: Install XWMS3 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on Galaxy S2 I9100

Android USB Driver for Galaxy S2 I9100

You must have USB Driver installed in your Computer/Laptop to connect your Android Device. Please make sure you have installed it before flashing any ROMs or Firmware. If you don't have USB Driver from before, you can download the latest  official USB Driver from our Android USB Driver Section here:
Download Galaxy S2 USB Driver!

Backup and some important tips

Done with USB Driver? Good. Now here we go for some work that you must do before installing this firmware. Please follow the important points that you need to take care of, as we don’t want anyone losing their personal data or apps:
Backup your all important data and apps because during any installation of a new custom ROM or Official Firmware , your device will be wiped and cleaned with new operating system. Make a backup for just in case, you never know when anything might go wrong. Read below for some important tips on how to backup Android data in a easy process:

• Backup your Android Apps : How to Backup Android Apps.
• Backup your SMS messages : Read How to Backup/Restore SMS Messages.
• Backup Contacts, Gmail and Google Data with Google Sync.
• Backup Call History on Android : How to Backup Call History.
• Backup WhatsApp Messages : How to Backup/Restore WhatsApp Messages on Android.
• Backup APN Settings: GPRS, 3G, MMS Settings. How? Note down everything from: Settings > Wireless & Networks (More…) > Mobile networks > Access Point Names.

Samsung user can also backup data by using Official Sumsang Kies. If you backup data manually, you will get more options for what to choose from. You can also move your data to other Android devices from different manufacturers, i.e moving Samsung Galaxy S5 backup data to Google Nexus 10. If you already have a custom recovery (ClockworkMod, TWRP etc.) installed on your phone, we strongly recommend a backup using that as it creates a complete image of your existing phone set up.

Few more important things that you must remember before installing any custom ROMs or Official Firmwares:

• You might face some problems in connecting your Android device to the computer. How to fix? -> You need to enable USB debugging mode. See here: How to Enable USB Debugging — for Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat.

•  Make sure your Android device is charged up to 80-85% battery level. This might help you: How to Check Battery Percentage.  Why? Because, if your phone goes off suddenly while installing a custom ROM, flashing an official firmware update or installing mods etc. — your phone might get bricked or go dead permanently. No one wants that, right?

• Most of the tutorials and how-to guides on iDroid Horizon are for factory unlocked Android devices. We recommend NOT to try our guides if your device is locked to a carrier, unless we have specified the device model or carrier name.

If you find the above tips are helpful for you, please consider giving us a +1 or Like on our Facebook Fan Page to thank us!

All set and ready? Good. You can now proceed to the tutorial below and update Galaxy S2 I9100 to XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean official stock firmware.

How to Install XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on Galaxy S2 I9100

We have put together all detailed step-by-step  guides on how to update Samsung Galaxy S2 to XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. If you are used to installing official updates through ODIN on Samsung Galaxy devices, then this should not be any different for you.

Please read every line carefully and make sure you read the entire tutorial once before actually performing it on your phone.

To Remember:

1. This tutorial for installing XXMS7 Android 4.1.2 is only for Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100. Please don’t try this with other Android device.
2. This is an official Samsung firmware, not a custom ROM or a modified firmware.
3. Make sure you backup all your data in your phone before proceeding.

Rooting Warning: This is an official Android 4.1.2 build XXMS7 update for Galaxy S2 I9100, which means you will lose root after installing this update. You will again have to root Galaxy S2 to gain full system access and be able to install root apps again. We will post an article soon on How to Root Galaxy S2 I9100 Official Firmware. So stay tuned with us.

Entire Step-By-Step procedure:

Step 1 - Download Android 4.1.2 I9100XXMS7 for Galaxy S2 to your computer and extract the zip file.

Step 2 - Download ODIN v3.07 which will help you to install Android 4.1.2 on Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100.

Step 3 - Switch OFF your phone. Now go to Download Mode. How? Press and hold the Volume Down + Home buttons together, and then press the Power button till you see the construction Android robot and a triangle. Press Power again to confirm to enter into Download Mode.

Step 4 - Make sure you have your Galaxy S2 USB drivers installed on your computer.

Step 5 - Open ODIN on your computer. Connect your phone to your computer while your phone is in the Download Mode.

Step 6 - If your phone is connected successfully, one of the ID:COM boxes will turn yellow with the COM port number. This step might take some time.

Step 7 - Now select the files that you have to flash/install on your phone. These files are to be found from the extracted files in Step 1.

• Click on ‘PDA’ and select file with ‘CODE’ in its name.
• Click on ‘Phone’ and select file with ‘MODEM’ in its name. Ignore this step if there is no such file.
• Click on ‘CSC’ and select file with CSC’ in its name. Ignore this step if there is no such file.
• Click on ‘PIT’ and select the .pit file. Ignore this step if there is no such file.

Step 8 - In ODIN, check the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options. As for the Re-Partition option, check it ONLY if you selected a .PIT file in the above step.

Step 9 - Now click on the Start button in ODIN. Installation process will start and would take a few minutes to complete.

Step 10 - After the installation is completed, your phone will restart. After you see the home screen, unplug your phone from the computer.

That’s it. Your Samsung Galaxy S II has now been updated to Android 4.1.2 build XXMS7 software update. Go to Settings > About phone to verify what build have you installed.

Hit +1 or Like on Facebook to thank us!

If you run into any problems, feel free to drop us a comment below and we will reply you back ASAP with the fix or the solution to your problem.

Read More

How to Install Android APK files on Your Phone Manually

Usually we know that Android apps can be downloaded directly from the Android Market. In some cases, apps are not available from the Market and you have to install them manually using a APK file that you downloaded to your computer.
It may sound very easy and many of you would be already knowing this, but to most of the Android users – they are always stuck at how to install apps using a APK file. I have covered a step-by-step tutorial below.

How to Install Android APK on Your Phone Manually

Follow the steps below carefully to install an APK file using a file manager in Android phones.

Step 1 – Download the APK file in your computer. We’ll call the file as sample.apk here. If you downloaded directly on your phone, it will be in the folder called ‘downloads’ on SD card.

Step 2 - Download ASTRO File Manager from the Android Market on your phone. You can use any other file manager as well.

Step 3 -Now in your phone, go to Settings > Applications > check “Unknown sources” box. Tap ‘OK” on the warning.
OR
For Android 4.0+ users: Go to Settings > Security > scroll down and check “Unknown sources” box. Tap ‘OK” on the warning.

Step 4 -Connect your phone to the PC and transfer the sample.apk file anywhere in your SD card or phone memory.

Step 5 -Disconnect from PC and navigate through the app to your directory where the APK is transferred.

Step 6 -Tap on the sample.apk file. A popup will show up. Now tap on the “Open App Manager” button.

Step 7 -Tap on the Install button. It will then take you to the Android installation interface where it will show you the permissions required for the app. Tap ‘Install’ again for the installation to begin.
That’s it! The application is now installed in your phone!

Read More

How To Backup Android Apps Without Root using AirDroid

We have mentioned several times in our tutorials that you should always backup Android apps and keep your personal data safe before you try a new custom ROM, a risky system tweak or just a normal system upgrade. It is always better to have a backup copy. In this guide, we will look into how to backup your apps without root using the most easiest method.

So you have just found a new cool custom ROM for your Android phone (or even tablet) and you are all so excited to flash it on your device, but then you realize that you have to first wipe your phone using ClockworkMod recovery – and without it you wont be able to flash the ROM. Doing a full wipe means, all your data in your phone with be wiped clean and removed. You want to backup your Android apps? We have the best and easiest way to do it – AirDroid.

Backup Android Apps using AirDroid

AirDroid is a free Android app that allows you to wirelessly manage your Android phone or tablet from a PC using your favourite web browser. It has an awesome UI which not only is soothing for the eyes but makes this complicated process of backing up apps so easy and simplistic.
Let’s get to the tutorial now.

Requirements:

• Download AirDroid from the Google Play Store.
• A Windows/Mac/Linux computer on the same WiFi network as the phone.
• An Android phone or tablet, obviously!

Let’s get down to the actual tutorial now on how to backup Android apps on a phone or tablet using AirDroid, the easiest method to do it.

Step 1 - Open the AirDroid app on your phone and start the service. After it has been started, it would present a screen similar to this on your phone:

Step 2 - Enter the IP address (and port) into the URL box in your browser and enter the password which is provided on the phone.

Step 3 - Now you can browse/backup your contacts, files and pictures. Bonus point is that you can also upload files to your device without the hassle of connecting your phone to your computer. To Backup app just click on the Apps icon and a window will open showing you all the apps present on your phone.

Step 4 - Select all the apps or just the important ones you want to backup.

Step 5 - After selecting them, click on the Download button present on the top-right of the window.

Step 6 - After you press Download, AirDroid will download all the selected apps to your computer in .ZIP format. In case, you selected only one app then the downloaded file will be in .APK format.

That’s it! The downloaded apps in your computer are now a backup of what you had installed on your phone – same version, same release. Remember, AirDroid does not download apps from the Internet while backing up, instead it copies them from your phone’s installed apps to your computer.

After all the apps have been downloaded, just extract the ZIP file into a folder which you can save it on your computer or later transfer it back to your Android device, whenever needed. This Guide might help you : Read How to Install Android APK files on Your Phone Manually.

Read More

How to Backup WhatsApp Chat Messages on Android Phone

WhatsApp is no doubt one of the fastest growing means of keeping up with friends and other contacts from your mobile phone. It’s like BlackBerry Messenger on Android and iPhone – and we love it!
Now just imagine, you have had an important chat with a friend around evening and later that night, you plan to do a full reset on your phone. Well, you will lose that chat you had in the evening with your friend.
WhatsApp creates a backup automatically of your conversations everyday at 4am, but in case you want to back up your conversations at some other time, you can do it manually.

How to Backup Chat Messages in WhatsApp

Follow the steps below to backup your Whats chat conversations:

• Open WhatsApp.
• Press the Menu key, and go to ‘Settings’.
• Scroll down and go to ‘More’;.
• Now tap once on “Chat History Backup” and backup will start.

That’s it! Next time when you re-install WhatsApp after a full reset, you will be asked to restore your previous backup (which is stored on your SD card).

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Backup SMS and Restore on Android – Download Free App

How many times have you lost your text messages after a phone crash? Or have actually forgotten to backup SMS before updating your phone or installing a new firmware which would wipe / delete all your data and text messages. There are a number of apps available in the Google Play Store to backup and restore SMS on Android phones, but the best one we like is: SMS Backup & Restore.
SMS Backup & Restore allows you to backup your text messages from any Android phone. It is a very small app, but works flawlessly on any Android phone available in the market and is compatible with Android 1.5 and above.

SMS Backup & Restore Features:

The main features of this simple app includes:

• Backup SMS messages in XML format.
• Automatic scheduled backups – Automatically backup text messages.
• View backup contents on the phone.
• Option to backup selected conversations.
• Email a backup file.
• Delete all SMS messages on the phone.

Backups are created in XML format and saved to your device’s SD card. That XML file can then be converted to other formats, and can also be viewed on a computer. You can also e-mail your backup files easily anywhere you wish from within the app.

How to Backup SMS Messages on Android

Want to backup your text messages? Follow the simple instructions below:

Step 1 - Download and install SMS Backup & Restore on your Android phone.

Step 2 - Tap the Backup button to proceed.

Step 3 - Enter a filename and press OK to proceed. Backup process will start now.

Step 4 - That’s it. Your phone will vibrate when the backup is over and will show you a report.

SMS backup process has been completed! Now if at any point you want to restore your SMS messages back on your Android phone, we have instructions for that as well. See below.

How to Restore Text Messages on Android

Step 1 - Open SMS Backup & Restore.

Step 2 - Tap the ‘Restore’ button.

Step 3 - Select the backup file and tap the OK button for the similar restore process to start.

Step 4 - That’s it. Your phone will vibrate when the restore is over and will show you a report.

These are very simple and easy steps. If you run into any problems, don’t forget to drop a comment below so I can help you out with it.

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How to Backup Call Logs on Android Phone

Google allow Android users to backup some parts of their phone on their Google account and in case you do a full phone reset, it restores your data back. However, it does not create a backup of your call logs.
Android, by default, logs your last 500 calls. There is an app in the Android Market to help backup and restore your call logs on another phone or after a full reset. A very small app, but very useful.
Call Logs Backup & Restore is a free app that lets you do exactly what it says to. It creates a backup of your call logs and you can easily restore them back later on the same phone or a new phone.

I tried this between my Google Nexus 7 and a Samsung Galaxy S 5 – it worked perfect! Install the app from the Android Market. Then in the app, hit tap the ‘Backup’ button to start the backup process. The backup process could never be this easy!
Download Call Logs Backup & Restore from Android Market

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