XXLPQ -- Update Galaxy S2 to Android 4.0 Official Firmware Manually

Well, here it comes — the first official Android 4.0 update from Samsung, labeled as XXLPQ. Galaxy S2 users in Baltic, Poland, Hungary and other Nordic countries can use the Samsung’s PC software Kies to update their phone to Android 4.0.

But those of us who are apparently not from that area of earth, but are as much eager as one could be about official Ice Cream Sandwich for Galaxy S2, well, there is the Odin software to install the XXLPQ manually. It’s pretty easy and if you’ve been keeping up with us, you may have already done it countless times — XXKP8, XXLPH, XXLPJ, etc. But this time around, we flash the official Ice Cream Sandwich update for Galaxy S2 — XXLPQ.

Well, there are some features missing from the earlier leaks, XXLPH and XXLPJ, like there is no 3d anim effect in drawer and while swiping home screens, which was present in XXLPH and XXLPJ, but other than that, XXLPQ is cool — no touch lags and it’s pretty fast and fully working rom, with TouchWiz 4 UI of course, hate it or not.

So, let’s see how to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich with XXLPQ, the official Android 4.0 firmware via Kies.

Compatibility

This firmware and the guide below is compatible only and only with Galaxy S2, model number i9100. It’s not compatible with any other device, including US variants of S2, the Epic 4G Touch, T-mobile Galaxy S2 and AT&T Galaxy S2 along with Skyrocket. 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 you or your device, we won’t be held liable — you only will be responsible, you’ve been warned!

Pre-Installation Requirements/Tips

This procedure will wipe all your apps, data and settings (but it will NOT touch your SD cards, so don’t worry about those). Backup your Apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc. This Android backup guide would help you.
If you have Samsung’s PC software Kies installed, un-install it first because it may interrupt the flashing process.
Drivers! — it’s important you’ve the proper drivers installed. Download links below.
32 bit (x86) Windows | 64-bit (x64) Windows

How to Install XXLPJ on Galaxy S2 i9100

Download the XXLPQ Kies firmware from this link → XXLPQ (alternate mediafire links — part 1 and part 2). Filename: I9100XXLPQ_I9100OXALPQ_XEO.zip | Size: 382.43 MB
Now, extract the downloaded file I9100XXLPQ_I9100OXALPQ_XEO.zip (from step 1) to any folder, you’ll get these 2 files:
1. I9100XXLPQ_I9100OXALPQ_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5
2. SS_DL.dll (simply ignore this one)
Now, download the Odin software which you’ll need to flash the XXLPQ on your Galaxy S2 i9100. Download Link. Filename: Odin3 v1.83.exe
Power Off your phone and also disconnect it from PC if it’s connected, and don’t forget to keep phone’s battery above 50%, just to be very very safe. After the screen goes off, wait for vibration to confirm complete switch off.
Boot Galaxy S2 into Download Mode in order to flash the XXLPQ firmware using Odin. For this, press and hold these keys together:Volume Down + Home + Power, you’ll get a Warning! screen.. press Volume up to continue to enter download mode.
Open Odin (from step 3) — double-click the Odin3 v1.83.exe.
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. See point 3 above under Pre-Installation Requirements.
Now, in the PDA tab in Odin, select the file you got in step 2.1 — I9100XXLPQ_I9100OXALPQ_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5.
Important! Do not touch any other button or make any other changes in Odin except selecting the required file as given in step 8. Your Odin’s screen should look like this:
Now, hit the START button to start flashing XXLPQ firmware. When the flashing procedure is finished, 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. Screen would look like this (below) on successful flashing of XXLPQ. IMPORTANT Note: If ODIN gets stuck at some stage and doesn’t get you PASS, do this — 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 6. Same if you get FAIL in Odin.
After you’ve got the PASS message, the phone will probably get stuckat S logo. If it reboots fine without getting stuck at the S logo, then okay, you’re done, skip to next step. Otherwise, worry not and do this:
1. Boot to recovery mode — for which, first power off phone and after screen goes off, wait for 5-6 seconds, and then press and hold Home + Volume Up + Power keys together. Once you are in recovery mode, use volume keys to move the selection up and down and power or home key to select the option.
2. Go to Factory Reset and select it. Select Yes on next screen.
3. Now, go to Wipe Cache and select it. Confirm Yes on next screen.
4. Now, select reboot system now to boot your Galaxy S2. It will boot up fine. And you’ll have official Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, firmware on your Galaxy S2 i9100. Go to Settings and scroll down and select About Phone and check the info there.
Also, if data network (3G, GPRS, etc.) isn’t working for you, you gotta fill in APN Settings meant for your carrier in Mobile and Network settings. Here’s a full list of carriers and their APN settings » Link
In case you encounter any roadblocks flashing XXLPJ, let us know in comments below and we’ll try to help you out.