Update Galaxy S2 i9100 to Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) with XWLP2 Firmware

As most of you already know, the Samsung Galaxy S2 was officially updated to Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 a few days ago in some parts of Europe. As is always the case, the update is then gradually rolled out to other parts of the world. Russia just got its version of Ice Cream Sandwich for the Galaxy S2 with the XWLP2 firmware, which you can manually update to if you are in Russia and own a Galaxy S2.

The firmware can be tried by people in other parts of the world too, but if you are not in Russia, it’s best to try the international Europe version of the firmware, XXLPQ, which we covered → here.

Read on to find out how you can flash the XWLP2 Ice Cream Sandwich firmware on your Galaxy S2.

Compatibility

This firmware and the guide below are compatible only and only with the 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 your device, we won’t be held liable. 

Pre-Installation Requirements/Tips

  1. 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.
  2. If you have Samsung’s PC software Kies installed, un-install it first because it may interrupt the flashing process.
  3. Drivers! — it’s important you’ve the proper drivers installed. Download links below.
    32 bit (x86) Windows |   64-bit (x64) Windows

How to Install XWLP2 on Galaxy S2 i9100

  1. Download the XWLP2 firmware.
    Download Link  |  Filename: I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_SER.zip  |  Size: 430 MB
  2. Now, extract the downloaded file I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_SER.zip (from step 1) to any folder, you’ll get these 2 files:
    1. I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5
    2. SS_DL.dll (simply ignore this one)
  3. Now, download the Odin software which you’ll need to flash the XWLP2 on your Galaxy S2 i9100.
    Download Link  |  Filename: Odin3 v1.83.exe
  4. 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 safe. After the screen goes off, wait for vibration to confirm complete switch off.
  5. Boot Galaxy S2 into Download Mode in order to flash the XWLP2 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.
  6. Open Odin (from step 3) — double-click the Odin3 v1.83.exe.
  7. 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.
  8. Now, in the PDA tab in Odin, select the file you got in step 2.1 I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5.
  9. Important! Do not touch any other button or make any other changes in Odin except selecting the required file as given in step 8.
  10. Now, hit the START button to start flashing XWLP2 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 Odin.

    IMPORTANT Note: If ODIN gets stuck at some stage and doesn’t seem to be doing anything, 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.

  11. In case you encounter any roadblocks flashing XWLP2, let us know in the comments below and we’ll try to help you out.

You have successfully updated your Galaxy S2 to XWLP2 Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 firmware. Let us know in the comments how it works out for you.

82 Comments

  1. Been using this as part of WanamLite 9.9 – very smooth, no real problems to speak of…! 🙂

  2. guyz i flashed it but when i turn the phone on its stuck on the samsung galxy sii welcome screen…any ideas??

    1. i got it to work…I did a wipe cache data and a factory reset and worked

    2. Don’t worry, do the step 11 on this page here – http://nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/ . No need to do any other steps, just the step 11 which involves booting into recovery mode and doing Factory Reset and Wipe Cache, after which, rebooting the system.

      It wouldn’t take more than 5 mins at all. Let me know, then.

    3. Don’t worry, do the step 11 on this page here – https://nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/ . No need to do any other steps, just the step 11 which involves booting into recovery mode and doing Factory Reset and Wipe Cache, after which, rebooting the system.

      It wouldn’t take more than 5 mins at all. Let me know, then.

  3. update 2.3.6 after  atach the phone in  kies normal mode and update on line i try it and sucsess full result ok u can use it and try this

  4. i installed it and also the root for it .it works fine intally but starts to hang and heats up like anything,all i did then was to go back to gingerbread and all problems solved.also on ics many app dont work and nor does the root work to well .i think  i will wait till these intall teething problems get solved before upgrading again

  5. Been using this as part of WanamLite 9.9 – very smooth, no real problems to speak of…! 🙂

  6. Been using this as part of WanamLite 9.9 – very smooth, no real problems to speak of…! 🙂

  7. guyz i flashed it but when i turn the phone on its stuck on the samsung galxy sii welcome screen…any ideas??

    1. i got it to work…I did a wipe cache data and a factory reset and worked

    2. Don’t worry, do the step 11 on this page here – https://nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/ . No need to do any other steps, just the step 11 which involves booting into recovery mode and doing Factory Reset and Wipe Cache, after which, rebooting the system.

      It wouldn’t take more than 5 mins at all. Let me know, then.

  8. guyz i flashed it but when i turn the phone on its stuck on the samsung galxy sii welcome screen…any ideas??

    1. i got it to work…I did a wipe cache data and a factory reset and worked

    2. Don’t worry, do the step 11 on this page here – http://nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/ . No need to do any other steps, just the step 11 which involves booting into recovery mode and doing Factory Reset and Wipe Cache, after which, rebooting the system.

      It wouldn’t take more than 5 mins at all. Let me know, then.

  9. update 2.3.6 after  atach the phone in  kies normal mode and update on line i try it and sucsess full result ok u can use it and try this

  10. update 2.3.6 after  atach the phone in  kies normal mode and update on line i try it and sucsess full result ok u can use it and try this

  11. i installed it and also the root for it .it works fine intally but starts to hang and heats up like anything,all i did then was to go back to gingerbread and all problems solved.also on ics many app dont work and nor does the root work to well .i think  i will wait till these intall teething problems get solved before upgrading again

  12. i installed it and also the root for it .it works fine intally but starts to hang and heats up like anything,all i did then was to go back to gingerbread and all problems solved.also on ics many app dont work and nor does the root work to well .i think  i will wait till these intall teething problems get solved before upgrading again

  13. Worked great!  A bit funny having all the Eastern European apps and stuff (I’m in Australia), but ICS generally runs well.  I went from Litening ROM directly without any hassles, even my apps and settings were transferred over!

  14. Worked great!  A bit funny having all the Eastern European apps and stuff (I’m in Australia), but ICS generally runs well.  I went from Litening ROM directly without any hassles, even my apps and settings were transferred over!

  15. Worked great!  A bit funny having all the Eastern European apps and stuff (I’m in Australia), but ICS generally runs well.  I went from Litening ROM directly without any hassles, even my apps and settings were transferred over!

  16. Another Australian user here, flashed fine – nice and easy! Flashed from Vodafone stock with latest update to ICS without issue at all. As below, all settings and sms’s etc transferred over, which is naice!

  17. Another Australian user here, flashed fine – nice and easy! Flashed from Vodafone stock with latest update to ICS without issue at all. As below, all settings and sms’s etc transferred over, which is naice!

  18. Another Australian user here, flashed fine – nice and easy! Flashed from Vodafone stock with latest update to ICS without issue at all. As below, all settings and sms’s etc transferred over, which is naice!

  19. works well but very bad battery life (1h 30 min off charge with 24 min up time results in 21% battery loss)

  20. works well but very bad battery life (1h 30 min off charge with 24 min up time results in 21% battery loss)

  21. works well but very bad battery life (1h 30 min off charge with 24 min up time results in 21% battery loss)

  22. is there a fix for the abnormal battery drain and the battery getting hot?? 

    1. Search here and try the xxlpq firmware.

  23. is there a fix for the abnormal battery drain and the battery getting hot?? 

    1. Search here and try the xxlpq firmware.

  24. is there a fix for the abnormal battery drain and the battery getting hot?? 

    1. Search here and try the xxlpq firmware.

  25. odin stuck at CS for MD5 

    1. Disconnect S2, restart PC, remove phone’s battery for 4-5 seconds and then place it back and go to download mode then. Follow the guide again. Should work.

  26. odin stuck at CS for MD5 

    1. Disconnect S2, restart PC, remove phone’s battery for 4-5 seconds and then place it back and go to download mode then. Follow the guide again. Should work.

  27. odin stuck at CS for MD5 

    1. Disconnect S2, restart PC, remove phone’s battery for 4-5 seconds and then place it back and go to download mode then. Follow the guide again. Should work.

  28. I remove battery and disconnect phone from pc ,after that phone not connect to pc

    1. Install this firmware, this one is better I guess — nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/

  29. I remove battery and disconnect phone from pc ,after that phone not connect to pc

    1. Install this firmware, this one is better I guess — nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/

  30. I remove battery and disconnect phone from pc ,after that phone not connect to pc

    1. Install this firmware, this one is better I guess — nerdschalk.com/xxlpq/

  31. Not good!!!!! get the MAPSamsung settings error message so often especially when I go into my sms’s or other applications! It is making me very angry! It is a bloody buggy platform! AND it has ruined my ability to use the full site pc site of facebook and I cant add names into private settings in my statuses anymore as it wont let that happen and it bugs up the whole facebook page! THANKS A LOT!!! Absolute CRAP!!!!

    1. Whoa, just do factory reset from recovery mode and it might fix all of that, and you may end up loving it. To go to recovery mode, Switch Off phone first, wait for like 10 seconds, hold together Volume UP and Home and Power keys until you see Samsung logo. You’ll enter recoveyr mode soon. Do factory reset from there.

      Or, simply install this firmware, XXLPQ, it’s based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich too.

  32. Not good!!!!! get the MAPSamsung settings error message so often especially when I go into my sms’s or other applications! It is making me very angry! It is a bloody buggy platform! AND it has ruined my ability to use the full site pc site of facebook and I cant add names into private settings in my statuses anymore as it wont let that happen and it bugs up the whole facebook page! THANKS A LOT!!! Absolute CRAP!!!!

    1. Whoa, just do factory reset from recovery mode and it might fix all of that, and you may end up loving it. To go to recovery mode, Switch Off phone first, wait for like 10 seconds, hold together Volume UP and Home and Power keys until you see Samsung logo. You’ll enter recoveyr mode soon. Do factory reset from there.

      Or, simply install this firmware, XXLPQ, it’s based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich too.

  33. Not good!!!!! get the MAPSamsung settings error message so often especially when I go into my sms’s or other applications! It is making me very angry! It is a bloody buggy platform! AND it has ruined my ability to use the full site pc site of facebook and I cant add names into private settings in my statuses anymore as it wont let that happen and it bugs up the whole facebook page! THANKS A LOT!!! Absolute CRAP!!!!

    1. Whoa, just do factory reset from recovery mode and it might fix all of that, and you may end up loving it. To go to recovery mode, Switch Off phone first, wait for like 10 seconds, hold together Volume UP and Home and Power keys until you see Samsung logo. You’ll enter recoveyr mode soon. Do factory reset from there.

      Or, simply install this firmware, XXLPQ, it’s based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich too.

  34. I am getting following error while updating Galaxy S2 I9100 to ICS

    Leave CS..
    Odin v.3 engine (ID:18)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Initialzation..
    Get PIT for mapping..
    Firmware update start..
    boot.bin

    Complete(Write) operation failed.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    When I tried for the first time, I got same error as above, so I restarted the phone as indicated in above instructions by removing battery and restarted Odin3 but after phone was restarted, it does not go to ‘download’ mode and just shows a screen with image of: phone..yellow triangle(with exclamation mark)..PC

    I have tried by changing the USB ports and drivers were installed successfully.. I am using Windows 7. Please help !! I’m getting freaked out…

    1. Pls provide a photo of your phone showing the screen that you are getting when trying to enter download mode. Use Google Picasa or any other photo sharing service to upload and then paste the link here.

    2. Hello Kapil, thank you for your response..I’m getting this screen only: http://i.imgur.com/e4Bcg.jpg

    3. I too have the same problem any help how to restore back to download mode

    4. Hello Naren,

      I was actually able to fix this issue and finally install ICS on my galaxy s2

      if you’re stuck at above screen: download CF-Root from : http://mirror9.downloadandroidrom.com/download/GalaxyS2/kernels/ICS/CFRoot/CF-Root-SGS2_XX_XEO_LPQ-v5.3-CWM5.zip?token=450968782

      Use Odin to flash your phone and this screen (as in above image) will be removed and your phone will restart to Samsung logo with a yellow triangle..

      Now simply restart the phone by taking out battery and hold 3 keys combination to get to download mode (vol down + home button + power)

      After you get to download mode, connect with PC and be sure that you have downloaded the right ICS package compatible to your phone model..NOTICE that I9100G and I9100 are 2 different models.

      Simply use Odin to install compatible package and it should complete smoothly without any error.

      The reason I got above error (when I posted for help) was because I was installing I9100 package into my I9100G model which caused this issue.

      I hope this helps 🙂

    5. Thank you very much! that was very helpful to me!

    6. Glad to be of help…

    7. Hi:) I’m facing the same problem as above, with showing the yellow triangle with exclamation mark. I’m using I9100G too………and I think I was installing Odin ICS for I9100 too:(

      Does it means after I install the ICS for I9100G in computer, and the phone is still showing the mark(as above), I still run the ICS(for I9100G)as usual?

      Thanks for concern and I really really really………………FREAK OUT just now by looking at my phone with that marking;(

  35. I am getting following error while updating Galaxy S2 I9100 to ICS

    Leave CS..
    Odin v.3 engine (ID:18)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Initialzation..
    Get PIT for mapping..
    Firmware update start..
    boot.bin

    Complete(Write) operation failed.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    When I tried for the first time, I got same error as above, so I restarted the phone as indicated in above instructions by removing battery and restarted Odin3 but after phone was restarted, it does not go to ‘download’ mode and just shows a screen with image of: phone..yellow triangle(with exclamation mark)..PC

    I have tried by changing the USB ports and drivers were installed successfully.. I am using Windows 7. Please help !! I’m getting freaked out…

    1. Pls provide a photo of your phone showing the screen that you are getting when trying to enter download mode. Use Google Picasa or any other photo sharing service to upload and then paste the link here.

      1. Hello Kapil, thank you for your response..I’m getting this screen only: http://i.imgur.com/e4Bcg.jpg

        1. I too have the same problem any help how to restore back to download mode

          1. Hello Naren,

            I was actually able to fix this issue and finally install ICS on my galaxy s2

            if you’re stuck at above screen: download CF-Root from : http://mirror9.downloadandroidrom.com/download/GalaxyS2/kernels/ICS/CFRoot/CF-Root-SGS2_XX_XEO_LPQ-v5.3-CWM5.zip?token=450968782

            Use Odin to flash your phone and this screen (as in above image) will be removed and your phone will restart to Samsung logo with a yellow triangle..

            Now simply restart the phone by taking out battery and hold 3 keys combination to get to download mode (vol down + home button + power)

            After you get to download mode, connect with PC and be sure that you have downloaded the right ICS package compatible to your phone model..NOTICE that I9100G and I9100 are 2 different models.

            Simply use Odin to install compatible package and it should complete smoothly without any error.

            The reason I got above error (when I posted for help) was because I was installing I9100 package into my I9100G model which caused this issue.

            I hope this helps 🙂

          2. Thank you very much! that was very helpful to me!

          3. Glad to be of help…

          4. Hi:) I’m facing the same problem as above, with showing the yellow triangle with exclamation mark. I’m using I9100G too………and I think I was installing Odin ICS for I9100 too:(

            Does it means after I install the ICS for I9100G in computer, and the phone is still showing the mark(as above), I still run the ICS(for I9100G)as usual?

            Thanks for concern and I really really really………………FREAK OUT just now by looking at my phone with that marking;(

  36. I am getting following error while updating Galaxy S2 I9100 to ICS

    Leave CS..
    Odin v.3 engine (ID:18)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Initialzation..
    Get PIT for mapping..
    Firmware update start..
    boot.bin

    Complete(Write) operation failed.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    When I tried for the first time, I got same error as above, so I restarted the phone as indicated in above instructions by removing battery and restarted Odin3 but after phone was restarted, it does not go to ‘download’ mode and just shows a screen with image of: phone..yellow triangle(with exclamation mark)..PC

    I have tried by changing the USB ports and drivers were installed successfully.. I am using Windows 7. Please help !! I’m getting freaked out…

    1. Pls provide a photo of your phone showing the screen that you are getting when trying to enter download mode. Use Google Picasa or any other photo sharing service to upload and then paste the link here.

      1. Hello Kapil, thank you for your response..I’m getting this screen only: http://i.imgur.com/e4Bcg.jpg

        1. I too have the same problem any help how to restore back to download mode

          1. Hello Naren,

            I was actually able to fix this issue and finally install ICS on my galaxy s2

            if you’re stuck at above screen: download CF-Root from : http://mirror9.downloadandroidrom.com/download/GalaxyS2/kernels/ICS/CFRoot/CF-Root-SGS2_XX_XEO_LPQ-v5.3-CWM5.zip?token=450968782

            Use Odin to flash your phone and this screen (as in above image) will be removed and your phone will restart to Samsung logo with a yellow triangle..

            Now simply restart the phone by taking out battery and hold 3 keys combination to get to download mode (vol down + home button + power)

            After you get to download mode, connect with PC and be sure that you have downloaded the right ICS package compatible to your phone model..NOTICE that I9100G and I9100 are 2 different models.

            Simply use Odin to install compatible package and it should complete smoothly without any error.

            The reason I got above error (when I posted for help) was because I was installing I9100 package into my I9100G model which caused this issue.

            I hope this helps 🙂

          2. Thank you very much! that was very helpful to me!

          3. Glad to be of help…

          4. Hi:) I’m facing the same problem as above, with showing the yellow triangle with exclamation mark. I’m using I9100G too………and I think I was installing Odin ICS for I9100 too:(

            Does it means after I install the ICS for I9100G in computer, and the phone is still showing the mark(as above), I still run the ICS(for I9100G)as usual?

            Thanks for concern and I really really really………………FREAK OUT just now by looking at my phone with that marking;(

  37. Added!!
    Enter CS for MD5..
    Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
    Please wait..
    I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
    Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
    Leave CS..
    Odin v.3 engine (ID:5)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Can’t open the serial(COM) port.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    When i tried the procedure this is what i am getting Please Help

  38. Added!!
    Enter CS for MD5..
    Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
    Please wait..
    I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
    Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
    Leave CS..
    Odin v.3 engine (ID:5)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Can’t open the serial(COM) port.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    When i tried the procedure this is what i am getting Please Help

  39. Added!!
    Enter CS for MD5..
    Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
    Please wait..
    I9100XWLP2_I9100OXELP4_I9100XXLPQ_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.
    Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
    Leave CS..
    Odin v.3 engine (ID:5)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Can’t open the serial(COM) port.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    When i tried the procedure this is what i am getting Please Help

  40. Odin 1.83
    SGS I9100

    I did it like in this instruction but it is not work for me
    Odin stuck on CACHE step and doesn’t want to move up.

    Please help me! Now my phone (after turning on) shows me the firmware upgrading issues

    How can I fix it?!

  41. Odin 1.83
    SGS I9100

    I did it like in this instruction but it is not work for me
    Odin stuck on CACHE step and doesn’t want to move up.

    Please help me! Now my phone (after turning on) shows me the firmware upgrading issues

    How can I fix it?!

  42. Odin 1.83
    SGS I9100

    I did it like in this instruction but it is not work for me
    Odin stuck on CACHE step and doesn’t want to move up.

    Please help me! Now my phone (after turning on) shows me the firmware upgrading issues

    How can I fix it?!

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