Root for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 isn’t a new thing, since one cool dude was able to port the cf-root from other device for this 5.5-inch phablet already. But now, cf-root has landed officially for the Galaxy Note 2, but with stock recovery which is not exactly in line with earlier cf-root tools since the Galaxy S, where cf-root included the cwm recovery too.

But anyway, you can get the clockworkmod recovery for Note 2 here, with root too, but for those who are interested only in root access, and are thus fine with stock Samsung recovery, cf-root is the best one could have or hope for.

Rooting your phone helps you unlock all the goodies locked by the phone manufacturer and it makes your device run to its full potential and utilize all its resources to the fullest. But, rooting an android device voids the warranty — although you can get it back by installing the Samsung firmware back on it.

Compatibility

This hack and the guide below are compatible only and only with Galaxy Note 2, model number N7100. It’s not compatible with the US variants or other devices. 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 Gain Root Access to your Note 2

  1. First, download and install the software Kies on your computer, which will install the necessary drivers for the phone.
    Download Kies
    This is only to install drivers on your PC, which you can also do by installing the drivers directly — download from here: 32 bit (x86) Windows |   64-bit (x64) Windows
  2. Download the CF-Root for Galaxy Note 2
    Download Link |  Filename: CF-Auto-Root-SGN2.zip
  3. Extract the CF-Auto-Root-SGN2.zip file to obtain the .tar file by name of – CF-Auto-Root-SGN2.tar. It’s important you get a this file with .tar extension. If you get files like recovery.img and cache.img, you’ve knowingly or unknowingly extracted the zip twice, which means the .tar got extracted too. In that scenario, use 7-zip free software to extract the .zip file, this should get you .tar file simple and easy.
  4. Download the Odin PC software. If you are new to this, know that Odin is what is used to flash stuff – firmwares, kernels, etc. – on Samsung phones. We’ll use Odin to flash the .tar file of CF-Root you just obtained step 3 above.
    Download Odin3 v3.04   |  Filename: Odin3_v3.04.zip [It’s all new Odin with refreshed looks, btw. Cool.]
  5. Extract the contents of the Odin3_v3.04.zip file to a folder to get bunch of files: Odin3 v3.04.exe, Odin3.ini, tmax.dll and zlib.dll. Don’t delete any file. If you have not turned on ‘show system files’ option in windows you might not see some files. But you’ll see the Odin3 v3.04.exe anyway, and that’s all we need.
  6. Now, turn off your Galaxy Note 2, N7100. Wait for some 8-9 seconds.
  7. Boot the Galaxy Note 2 into download mode, also known as Odin mode. This allows for flashing of files using Odin PC software you’s already downloaded. To boot into download mode, press and hold these keys together: Volume Down + Home + Power till the screen turns on. Then press Volume Up then to enter download mode.
  8. On PC, make sure that you have closed (exited) the Kies software completely. Kies should not even in background. Selecting the Exit option in Kies to close it is a recommended way to close Kies here. Once that is done, run Odin: double-click the Odin3 v3.04.exe file obtained you extracted in step 5 above.
  9. Important! Connect your Note 2 to PC now. You should get the message “Added !!” under Odin’s message box in the bottom left box.
    If you don’t get this message, make sure you installed drivers correctly (using Kies or directly) as given in step 1. If it still doesn’t work, try changing to another USB port on the computer and also use the USB ports on the back if you have a desktop PC.
    If you don’t see Added!! message, the rest of guide is of no use to you. So, get it first.
  10. Click on the PDA button in Odin, then browse to and select the CF-Auto-Root-SGN2.tar file obtained in step 3 above.
  11. 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. And make sure Re-Partition check box is not selected.
  12. Click on Start to begin flashing of CF-Root kernel which will be done in less than a minute and your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will be rooted, with just one-click involving the start and end of all procedures. When the flashing is complete, and is successful, you’ll get a PASS message (with green background) in the left-most box at the very top of the Odin. And the phone will automatically reboot. When you see the Samsung logo, you can safely unplug the cable.
    IMPORTANT Note: If ODIN gets stuck on setup connection or at any stage of this process after you’ve hit the Start button, and doesn’t seem to be doing anything, or if upon completion of the process you get a FAIL message (with red background) in ODIN, do this: disconnect the phone from the PC, close ODIN, remove battery for 4-5 seconds, re-insert it, turn phone on in Download mode again, and do the procedure again from Step 8.
  13. That’s it. You’ve successfully rooted your Galaxy Note 2, N7100.

If you experience any problems, let us know in comments below. We’ll try our best to help you as quickly as we can. And do share this guide with people you think it will be useful to.