How To Update Samsung Galaxy S II I9100 to Gingerbread XWKE7 2.3.3 Firmware
Great news for all Samsung Galaxy S II GT I9100 users as its now spreading its wings across the Globe, with the launch of Samsung Galaxy S II in India today, one more market has opened up for Samsung Galaxy S2. In India Samsung Galaxy S 2 I9100 is priced at 32, 280 INR and comes along with host of other features like Android 2.3 Gingerbread version of firmware, Samsung Exynos 1.2 GHz dual core processor for faster processing speed, Near Field Chip, latest Bluetooth 3.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and also sports the USB, Wi Fi with b/g/n support, Wi Fi direct, 16GB of internal storage capability, DLNA, 8 MP camera along with the 2 MP front camera with clear video calling capability. Along with that there are host of other features which are packed in this phone. For complete coverage on the specifications and review about this phone you can read the Complete review of Samsung Galaxy S2. This phone of Samsung Galaxy S2 is priced bit costlier than the LG Optimus 2x by just over Rs. 2000 and is cheaper than Apple iPhone 4 which too will be launched in India on 27th of this month.
So, for all those who have managed to get the Samsung Galaxy S2, let’s check out on how you can straightaway update your phone with the latest version of Gingerbread 2.3.3 which is dubbed as the version XWKE7. Please note that this version of XWKE7 is the KIES release and is being pushed as an update in select countries. Please note that if you have updated the device earlier to the XWKE2 or if your current version is XWKE2 then just connect your phone with the latest KIES 2 software application to get the update automatically on your phone. If the device’s current version is not 2.3.3 Gingerbread XWKE2 then too not to worry as we will tell you on how you can easily update your phone with the latest firmware of XWKE7 2.3.3 Gingerbread version. If there is any type of tegrak or Voodoo lag fixes are applied then you will have to turn off the same as this will interrupt the firmware updation process. If the lag fixes are not disabled then there is huge risk of bricking the device as these lag fixes basically locks the handsets since these changes the file systems of the phones.
There are quite a few improvements have been done in this all new firmware version of XWKE7 which are mentioned below. But it’s very important to note that before you proceed you will have to go through the below pre update instructions carefully just to ensure that no problems are experienced in the firmware updation process. This new firmware update is having the base band version of XXKE4 and the kernel version is of version 2.6.35.7 – I9100XWKE7 – CL215725. Please note that if the kernel version differs you will have to flash or upgrade the device again as if it doesn’t match then it means that the firmware is not installed successfully. So, let’s check out the improvements in the firmware version of XWKE7.
Improvements in XWKE7 2.3.3 Gingerbread:
- Background picture in the Menu has been improved and is now made to a darker looking image compared to the earlier’s light image.
- Samsung Apps application now comes with all the latest DNS updates and the frequent download error has been fixed. With this bug most of the users were facing issues while downloading the application as application used to download just 40 – 50% and just hangs over there.
- Many users also reported and had problems with the Android Market Place as the applications from the Market place used to download twice despite selected for just once to download.
- Compared to the earlier battery life, the battery life has now been substantially increased so as to facilitate longer battery life and the battery powers of 1650 mah has been perfectly optimized for better battery backup, stand by and talk time.
- Now, the free RAM too is increased and it also releases more RAM to the users directly so that the phone becomes much faster as the RAM availability has been increased to the users so that apps can make use of it and also the start-up time has been marginally reduced by two points.
- Camera application now comes along with the advanced tools and also the bug of pink spot for some of the users have now been fixed and also now you can enjoy the benefit of better image quality as well as the greater zooming of image levels.
- The quadrant speeds have been substantially improved and also the user interface is now much speedier than before. This update is considered as the major update with almost all the fixes.
- Also, if you have additionally increased the processing speed then too its recommended to set it to the normal or else it will create un necessary hinderence in the firmware update process.
Pre Upgrade Instructions:
- Before proceeding to update, you need to ensure that you have synced all your contacts with your Google Account, all sms, applications, videos and music files which are there in your phone should be taken a backup or else the data will be lost. Anything which is in SD card will not be lost, so you can alternatively move to SD Card. If you are planning to store in internal SD Card then it’s preferred to store the data in computer as a backup as in an unlikely event the data in SD Card may get corrupted.
- Next up remove the SIM card as well as the external SD cards if any in your phone, just to make sure that in an unlikely event the data in it doesn’t get corrupted,
- Ensure that you have kept original USB cable handy which you have got with your Galaxy S II GT I9100,
- Additionally, ensure that your phone has at least more than 50% of battery power left, this is just an advisory which if followed then you will not experience any difficulties as while updation of the device the battery consumption is at a maximum,
- Ensure that your computer / laptop which runs on a XP, Vista or Windows 7 OS the firewall and other antivirus programs are disabled and also you should have admin privileges to download and install the software including the drivers and also along with this you will be requiring the USB port on your computer which supports USB 2.0.
- Last but not the least ensure that your phone is Samsung Galaxy S II GT I 9100 and not any other phone as if you proceed installing any other phone then there is a high possibility that you will brick your phone after which your phone will become un usable.
So, after following the pre upgrade instructions now let’s proceed to the instructions with which you can update the Samsung Galaxy S 2 GT I9100.
Note: Since the firmware update has been updated, all the APN Settings will be cleared. So, to access all the data services / MMS / Internet, you will have to get the Internet settings from from your Service provider.
Procedure to update Samsung Galaxy S II GT I9100 to XWKE7:
- Before we proceed for the installation of the firmware, you will have to make sure that you have downloaded the XWKE7 2.3.3 Gingerbread firmware in your computer. Please note that as soon as you download this zip file you will have to unzip the file so as to get the two files which are named as I9100XWKE7_I9100XXKE4_I9100XEUKD1_HOME which is the firmware file and the second one is the Odin software tool which will be helpful in updating the firmware.
- Now, from the extracted files, open the Odin3 v 1.83 file as shown in the above extracted files and then a new window will be opening up as shown below,
- Now, up next you will have to keep the Odin software tool as opened in your computer and then after this you will have to put your phone into download mode. Now, switch off the phone and ensure that you take out any SD Card as well as SIM card if any and keep your phone in the switch off mode. Download mode in Galaxy S II can be entered by pressing down on Volume Down button + OK button, and holding both simultaneously press the Power Button. You can also refer the below picture if you are unable to enter into the download mode for reference on how to turn ON the download mode.
- Now, after you see the above screen on your phone, you will have to connect your phone to the computer in which Odin is open with the help of USB cable. As soon as you connect the phone, you will see that first ID:COM box as shown below will turn yellow and in the message box you will see that it will show ADDED as shown in the below snapshot.
- So, up next you are ready for initiating the firmware updation process. Now, all you need to do is to just click on the PDA option in the Odin and then you will have to select the file which you have extracted after downloading the firmware which is named as I9100XWKE7_I9100XXKE4_I9100XEUKD1_HOME.
PDA – I9100XWKE7_I9100XXKE4_I9100XEUKD1_HOME
- After selecting the file, ensure that you haven’t added the PIT file and also don’t tick on the Re-Partition field as this will spoil the phone and may also brick the phone in some cases. So, now as soon as you enter in the fields with the above mentioned files, you will have to click on the Start option to proceed for the updation process after which the device upgradation process starts as shown below,
- Now, as soon as the update is applied into the phone, the phone will process the update at the final stage which will be shown just like the below mentioned screen as in the message box you will see the message as “PASS” which shows that the firmware update was successful.
There you go, as soon as the updation of the Samsung Galaxy S2 is finished you will see that the device will be rebooting, as soon as the device is rebooted you will have to simply pull of the USB cable after you see the home screen on your phone. Since there is a cache memory of the previous firmware gets stored in the device, you will have to clear the same and which can be done by performing the full reset by dialing the short code *2767*3855# and then you will see that all the cache is cleared successfully. To check that version has been successfully updated or not you will have to type in the code as “*#1234#”.
Do, let us know if you face any of the problems as we will ensure that all problems are solved. Just in case if you have encountered with any issue or say if the firmware is interrupted in between then no need to panic as all you need to do is to just follow the upgrade instructions from the start so that the firmware is installed successfully.
Comments (125)
Friends call him Droid Geek because he tries out different ROM’s everyday and helps droid users experience better features on their devices. Add +Neal Pradeep on Google Plus for more Updates.
what is the password for the rar?
@alin androidadvices.com
Does this work with samsung galaxy s 4g??
I sure hope so cause im about to try it now.
@AMALIO no its only for Galaxy S2
Please help – Can i update my galaxy s2 with I9100XWKE7_I9100XXKE4_I9100XEUKD1_HOME
Model Number – GT-I9100
Baseband Version – I9100DDKE4
Kernel Version – 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555
ROOT@DELL101 #2
BUILD NUMBER – GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
did’nt get the password plz help
androidadvices.com
Password
its there in the article @mafce
Thanks man!
nothing happens when i connect the usb cable in download mode
nothing happens…
Just went through update – works like charm so far. in KE2 I had random reboots, will see if the firmware fixes this. However, pink spot in camera still exists… ;( (yes, the firmware was updated!)
i just bought my self a S2 today my firmware version is XWKE8 as default ????
yes, i dont know whether this is new or what. Do you have any idea. if so pl. share. I am planning to buy this phone but worried about the news of pink spot of camera. Is that true? did u notice it dude.
All steps ok but this I can not get: you will see that first ID:COM box as shown below will turn yellow
Is there a way to do this on a Mac?
no not as of now!
i cant see the Password???
Works well. Cheers!
thanks alex for the appreciation, stay tuned for more! Is there anything else you would like to have it for your Android?
what is the password
androidadvices.com is the password which is mentioned in the article too!
pls give me the password for .rar thanks in advance
@neal no dude no pink spots in the cam have taken a couple of pics n video’s no issues, smooth as hell
Thanks,,,
Please remove the second screen shot (with partition ticked) as it distruct users.
Thanks
i cant get added in the ID:COM box help!!!!!!!
restart the computer and phone and retry the process!
restarted both… still the same prob…sgs2 GINGERBREAD.XWKE2…AND BY THE WAY the odin that i downloaded from this site was v1.85 and not v1.83…btw do we need to install the drivers of the phone on the pc befor that?????… and also is this the latest update for sgs2??? help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!! i just tried again out of the blue after a few days and it worked thanks again 22!!
androidadvices.com is the password!
The pink spot is still there! Its a horrible bug…
not be able to update as it says ‘cant open com port’
Thank you! Worked nicely!
Please help – Can i update my galaxy s2 with I9100XWKE7_I9100XXKE4_I9100XEUKD1_HOME
Model Number – GT-I9100
Baseband Version – I9100DDKE4
Kernel Version – 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555
ROOT@DELL101 #2
BUILD NUMBER – GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
yes buddy, go ahead you can update with the same!
I have updated my phone, it is working perfectly fine and battery backup is really increased
Thanks Neal
Worked a treat, cheers. Now I never have to be reminded I am on Optus.
thanks for your feedback!
Please advise whether i can upgrade with XWKE7 2.3.3 Gingerbread
I have just purchased a Samsung Galaxy S2 in Malaysia. Details are as follows:
Model No : GT-I9100
Android Version : 2.3.3
Baseband Version : I9100DXKF1
Kernel Version : 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF1-CL265340
root@DELL106 #2
Build Number : GINGERBREAD.XWKF1
Thank You.
Hi,
I bought this phone in INDIA(Bangalore). Today when i connected the phone through samsung kies. It said new upgrade available. I upgraded it & it was successful. Please let me know if i have the latest & correct version. I am very confused will different numbers/versions.
Model No : GT-I9100
Android Version : 2.3.3
Baseband Version : I9100DDKE4
Kernel Version : 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555
root@DELL101#2
Build Number : GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
Please do reply… If anything wrong do mention as in what to be done ? Thanks in advance…. …
yes you can proceed for updating this version! no, there is nothing wrong!
hey i have
Model Number – GT-I9100
Baseband Version – I9100DXXKE7
Kernel Version – 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555
ROOT@DELL101 #2
BUILD NUMBER – GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
Baseband Version – I9100DXXKE7 – does this mean i already have it or something? or can i upgrade it? it seems i cant upgrade it with settings>about phone>update seems to say there is no update available?
can i still update it to Gingerbread XWKE7?
yes you can proceed and update with the same!
excuse meee. please help me. i bought my samsung galaxy s2 in Indonesia
my baseband version is
2.6.35.7-1900DXKG3-CL357463root@DELL147#2
and my build number is
GINGERBREAD.DXKG3
can i update to XWKE7 ?
and i dont have to root my phone for this update right??
thnk youuu.. please replyy
yes buddy you can proceed for updating the device!
hello there brother..i purchased gs2 4 day’s back..jow ever there is no pink spot problem nor battery problem as if of now
Details of my phone are as follow’s
PDA: I9100XWKF3
PHONE : I9100DDKE4
CSC I9100ODDKF3
KERNEL VER
2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555 ROOT@DELL101#2
IS THERE A NEED TO UPDATE….IF SO…CAN ABOVE SHOWN METHOD CAN BE USED?
yes you can update with this version of firmware!
THANK YOU NeaL Pradeep…..upgraded safety…i was wondering..if in future some new upgrade officially from sasung arrives…then will kies will be upgrade device by itself ?? than k u for this wonderful website
that depends on the region and update, we will always help you in updating. no worries!!
Hi Neal,
I bought GS2 in India and my firmware details are as follows
PDA: I9100XWKF3
Phone: I9100DDKE4
CSC: I9100DDKF3
I read all your post. You are rocking man….
Reading all the posts, I am bit confused now. Can you just clarify which is the latest firmware for Inida?
XWKE7 or XWKF3?
all are glabal firmwares and you can update with any of the version!
I installed your files, but it seems to be the UK version. Not that it’s a problem, most of it is the same, just some apps meant for UK owners.
I installed it to improve my battery life, but I don’t see much difference. Last night I fully charged my phone. It’s 12 noon now and my battery is down to 65%. I haven’t used it much except to install some apps. Didn’t play any games on it. Is this normal?
yes its normal!
thank you very much i was really scared i might brick my phone but it worked like a charm!
why cant i see the .tar file after DL? im clicking on the PDA button and navagating to where it should be but looks like its not inclded in the DL?
nvm i figured it out, works fine
you should be able to see! its there in the DL link!
how long does it take to completely upgrade this firmware once I clicked the start button? since I already waited for about 15 minutes and the bar process won’t move.
Please hellpp
re insert the battery and retry!!
how long does it take to finish the upgrade once I clicked the start button.. since I’ve been wait for half an hour now… huks…
is it normal?? please help meee….
kindly re insert the battery and then apply the update again!
so I detach the usb then re-insert the battery? and perform the update from the beginning?
Yeeeayy I did it… PASSSS… with help from my brother and u of course… thanks dude……
thanks julia for your trust in us! Let us know for more help!
how long does it take to finish the upgrade once I clicked the start button.. since I’ve been waiting for half an hour now… huks…
is it normal?? please help meee….
Added!!
Odin v.3 engine (ID:4)..
File analysis..
SetupConnection..
Initialzation..
Get PIT for mapping..
Firmware update start..
Sbl.bin
NAND Write Start!!
boot.bin
cache.img
factoryfs.img
above is the status…
reinsert the battery and then re apply the update again!
thanks for the kernal firmware. Works! Red spot from my camera is gone but now its bit blue/purpleish color. Anyone experiencing the same?
no tony not as of now!
cool, is this the latest kernal ?
yes it is having latest version…
Thank You… worked like a charm
good
Hai All! I have a question. I live in Australia, My SGS2 is on a plan with Three Mobile Australia. The battery life on this phone is insulting, however I expected this and was confident i could fix the issue with updating the firmware. Now the firmware build is:
Gingerbread.DUKF4 I think that this is some sort of custom job by 3 to accomodate their needs. I’ve checked the update from the phone and by hooking it up to my muta but it seems adamant that there is no update avaliable. I figure thats because its connecting to Three’s database of updates for their own lame custom job of the OS. Im just wondering if this is a newer version, and if so then will it mess with the Three network on my phone? mobile networking really isnt my area when it comes to computers so I thought i’d better check first. I really need to get this Battery life fixed. ASAP replies are good ^_^. Thanks for your help in advance
what is the password for rar?????????????????????
its androidadvices.com
Hi…
Any updates for the Indian version of S2 just upgraded my phone to ke7 from ur site. I suppose this is a generic Uk update.
Again when connected to Kies it upgraded the phone again.
I want to know if there are any specific upgrades for Indian S2 because lot of things dont work on the phone like the IM.
Please advice.
Thanks in advance
no, not as of now, but are you facing any issues?
Hello Brother,
i want to know something, is there any scrolling problem if i update to this version. and as Dhrupad Shah there is an IM Problem Because i have also indian version gs2.
I Heard from some theards that it also click photos slower as compare to stock firmware.
Any links of indian version (gs2)
Sorry for my bad English
Waiting for your reply
Thanks
there is no issue as of now! we will solve if there are any issues!
NeaL,
Thanks very much!…It worked!!
Thanks,
Ravinder Verma
Model Number: GT-I9100
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9100XXKDH
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKDD-CL161513 root@DELL103 #2
Build number: GINGERBREAD.XWKDD
what is the difference between XWKDD and XWKE7??? which one is more upgrade???
can I upgrade XWKE7 2.3.3 Firmware version????
yes you can proceed with the update!
Thanks a lot I had trouble first getting the id:com lite, but as you said I re-booted phone and PC
everything worked a treat thanks again.
great to hear that mark!
Hi All,
My firmware version for the S2 is
PDA: I9100XWKF3
Phone: I9100XXK27
CSC: I9100XEUKD1
Can anyone please tell me if this is the latest firmware?
Any help is appreciated.
K A PATEL
its XXKH3
HI Neal,
can you please tell me where to update to this version?
follow the procedure!
Anyone please help me here. Still not got resolved.
I tried flashing Samsung Galaxy S II I9100 to Gingerbread XWKE7 2.3.3 using http://androidadvices.com/how-to-update-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-i9100-to-gingerbread-xwke7-2-3-3-firmware/ link.
After done successfully, my About Phone reads like this:
Is it correct and is it updated correctly? Why is Baseband shows KE4 instead of KE7?
I am so much confused.
Android Version 2.3.3
Baseband Version I900XXKE4 (WHY IS THIS BEING DIFFERENT?)
Kernel Version 2.6.35.7-I900XWKE7-CL215725
Build Number Gingerbread.XWKE7
yes its correct! no need to worry!
Followed your step again and finally when I dialled *#1234#, this is what I get in my screen:
PDA : I9100XWKE7
PHONE : I9100XXKE4
CSC : I9100XEUKD1
Is this update correct? Will this different be there all the time?
Can I use Kies to update from here if possible?
no, you will have to use Odin as mentioned!
Okay, here is my status now.
I tried putting it in Kies, and this is what it pops up saying:
New Firmware available:
Current Firmware Version: PDA: KE7 / PHONE: KE4 / CSC: KD1 (XEU)
Latest Firmware Version: PDA: KF4 / PHONE: KE7 / CSC: KD1 (XEU)
Can I opt to update from Kies from here?
Please advice.
yes go ahead!
Thanks for the prompt responses Neal. So my cuurent baseband is KE7, and kernel & build number are KF3.
So you say its correct?
Few new apps are installed after this update, and all are based on UK. Is this update really for India?
I reinstalled whole bunch of applications from market. But when I click on my apps in market, it shows few. Rest are all showing in normal application list and not in my apps.
Is there any possibility to go back to mu original factory version of galaxy s2 that was in June 2011?
It had 3.3.3 with KDDE4 baseband.
Please help.
no, its not an India specific firmware!
sure we will soonj come up with an article on the same!
hi.. just bought the s2 for a month. Got problem with baseband unknown. Ask the samsung service and answer is baseband problem couse root the phone. original is 2.3.3 and on phone 2.3.4. any solution to get back baseband? plz help me…
thanks
the baseband version wont be changed untill and unless you flash with the different kernel!
Hello can anybody tell me for what need this update?What thay make to the phone,dose thay make the phone works more good than befor…
you can follow the above procedure to update the phone!
dose it work beter than befor????can i restor to my previous version than,,pls need a littlle help…thx
yes you can restore to the earlier version, what was the earlier version?
i dnt remember can u tell me how to restor…or i need the update of my earlier version….can u halp me with this…thx
tell us on what was your last version so that then we can guide you on the same!
i dnt remember that is any way how i can fiend that again
Hello everyone.
I recently bought a Samusing Galaxy S II from Chennai with Android 2.3.3 XWKE8.After two weeks,I decided to update to 2.3.4 XXKG6 version….after that,I could see my signal bar full…but when I slide down the Notifications bar,It says ‘Emergency calls only’ and I couldn’t access the network services like calling and internet,messaging etc.Somebody please help me!!!!
update with the latest version,
http://androidadvices.com/update-samsung-galaxy-s2-gt-i9100-xwkh4-gingerbread-234-firmware/
u wanna know what is my new version????
Worked like charm!!! through the entire process my hands were shivering..so as to not brick the fone…and THE PINK DOT HAS GOOOOONNNNEEE!!! YES!!!!
@nill
does these software update have arbic language please update about
no, not as of now..
TO NEAL BHAI,
Hey I updated my from ur webiste. followed everything as instructed.
My fone’s version now is
PDA -KE7
PHONE -KE4
CSC -KD1
BUUUT, wen i connect my fone to Kies, I get the message that
there is a new firmware available for my fone it is
PDA -KI4
PHONE -KI1
CSC -KH2
So Should i update my fone to that version???
And after your update my Android Market App is not downloading anything..
Its only downloads on 2g or 3g not on wifi.
Before it used to but not after the update., so shud i update or no???
im on the same situation
Please help – Can i update my galaxy s2 with I9100XWKE7_I9100XXKE4_I9100XEUKD1_HOME
Model Number – GT-I9100
Baseband Version – I9100DDKE4
Kernel Version – 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3-CL276555
ROOT@DELL101 #2
BUILD NUMBER – GINGERBREAD.XWKF3
YES YOU CAN APPLY THE UPDATE!
is it true that aftr updrading to 2.3.4 via odin the android market stops to function and we are unable to download any of the apps…???????
No, every single function will work!
After the flash my phone is just stuck in a bootloop.
Please help
update with some other stock firmware, it will be fixed!
hello guys, i want to root my SGS2 with kernel DXKG3, but i cant find insecure DXKG3. so what should i do? I watch the tutorial from cnet about rooting the SGS2, it suggesting to pick the closest kernel. what kernel i must to pick?