Root Galaxy S2 Running on XXLQ5 Android 4.0.4 Firmware with CF-Root Kernel

Just a day ago the first Android 4.0.4 firmware for the Galaxy S2 – which brought many improvements particularly in performance and smoothness – was leaked online, which we covered with a step-by-step guide on how to flash it. And now, like always, XDA Elite Recognized Developer Chainfire has released the CF-Root kernel for the XXLQ5 firmware, which you can flash to automatically root the firmware, as well as install ClockworkMod recovery on it so you can install custom ROMs.

Update: The CF-Root kernel has been updated, as the previous one had a bug which could cause the internal SD card to brick and hence make the device stop completely. If you have flashed it already, flash the one given below as it is an updated kernel that does not have the bug.

So, read on to find out how you can root the XXLQ5 Android 4.0.4 firmware on the Galaxy S2.

Compatibility

This hack and the guide below are compatible only and only with Galaxy S2, model number I9100. It’s not compatible with the I9100G or any other device. Check your device’s model number in: Settings » About phone.

Warning!

The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don’t know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to your device, we won’t be held liable.

How to Root XXLQ5 Android 4.0.4 Firmware on the Galaxy S2

It’s important you’ve the proper drivers for the phone installed. If you have installed Samsung’s Kies software, you already have the drivers, so download them only if you haven’t installed Kies.
Download links: 32 bit (x86) Windows | 64-bit (x64) Windows
Make sure you are on the XXLQ5 Android 4.0.4 firmware available → here. Do NOT try this on any other firmware. Check your current firmware version in Settings » About.
Download CF-Root kernel from the official download page → here.
Filename: CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_LQ5-v5.6-CWM5.zip
Unzip the downloaded file once. You will get a .tar file – CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_LQ5-v5.5-CWM5.tar.
DO NOT extract the .tar file (this might show up as a zip file as well, but do not extract it). You need to flash the .tar file using Odin to gain root access and install ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) alongside. (If you’re getting a zImage file, it means you’ve extracted the .tar file too! — and that’s not a right thing to do.)
Download Odin 1.85 from → here.
Filename: Odin 1.85.zip | Size: 199 KB
Extract the contents of the Odin 1.85.zip file to a folder.
Disconnect your phone if it’s connected to PC, then switch it off.
Now, put the Galaxy S2 in Download Mode — press and hold these keys together: Volume Down + Home + Power. A Warning! screen will come up; press Volume Up key to continue to enter Download Mode.
Open Odin — double-click the Odin3 v1.85.exe that you got after extracting the file Odin 1.85.zip.
In ODIN, click on the PDA button, then select the CF-Root-SGS2_XX_OXA_LQ5-v5.6-CWM5.zip file obtained in step 4.
Important! Do not make any other changes in Odin except selecting the required files as given in step 10. Leave all other options as they are.
Connect your phone to PC now. You should get the message “Added!” under Odin’s message box in the bottom left.
If you don’t get this message, then probably there is a problem with drivers. Make sure you’ve proper drivers installed (check step 1). Also, uninstall Kies from the Control Panel as well (this will leave the drivers on the computer but remove Kies which can interfere with the procedure).
Now, hit the START button to start flashing CF-Root kernel. When the flashing is complete, your phone will automatically reboot — and when you see the Samsung logo, you can safely unplug the cable. Plus, you’ll get a PASS (with green background) message in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin. What to do if Odin gets stuck: If ODIN gets stuck and doesn’t seem to be doing anything, or you get a FAIL message (with red background) in ODIN, disconnect the phone from the PC, close ODIN, remove battery, re-insert it, turn phone on in Download mode again, and do the procedure again from Step 9.
If you run into any roadblocks while flashing the kernel, let us know and we’ll help you out.