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How to downgrade Galaxy S2X from Jelly Bean to ICS for dummies?

M
Hello there, I was psyched about the Jelly Bean release but I really don't like parts of it. Now that I've had it for over a month I'm sure that I want to go back to ICS but I'm worried about voiding my warranty and/or messing it up. Is there a simple way to downgrade the OS?

16 replies

C
Userlevel 7
Badge +4
I think the only way to no this would be through ODIN and you'd have to download a copy of the stock ice cream sandwich rom.thay was originally on it. You might want to check out the xda forums for detailed instructions on how to do this You may need to reinstall your apps afterwards too since some may not be backwards compatible. I'll see of I can find some links for you. Just make sure you read and understand the directions before you start.
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S
Userlevel 6
It's a process that's a bit involved if you've never done it before, but it's actually very doable. You need to use Odin (since your phone is a Samsung) and you use this to flash the factory image for your phone, provided by Samsung. This method allows you to flash any firmware that was released officially for your phone. If you'd like to know more about the process, I can tell you, but be prepared, if you're not comfortable with delicate things, like the possibility of bricking your phone, you might be better off staying on Jellybean. It's up to you 🙂
M
Thank you both, I'll look in to what the process is. I've backed up my phone using KIES and Google accounts, I have no paid apps so I'm good to go. I am nervous about playing with such unknown things but the texting change in Jellybean REALLY doesn't work for me. It used to be so smooth, now it's so painful I want to throw my phone out the window.
S
Userlevel 6
C
Userlevel 7
Badge +4
Woah woah woah, stop the clock. Have you tried just installing another messaging app? There are tons out there. I like Chomp, John Burke likes Sliding Messages. There are free ones too like GoSMS Pro Try one of those if your just doing it to fix the text thingus.
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M
Chad Burr wrote:

Woah woah woah, stop the clock. Have you tried just installing another messaging app? There a...

I've tried downloading text-swype apps but so far none have been near as good as the base was with ICS. Also some strange things like I don't have a normal phone ring-tone to choose from for the main ring-tone... A lot of little things like that. I like to keep my phone simple so I don't want to download an app for all the usual things that it used to do. Do you have any suggestions on a good free swype helper? Maybe I just didn't find the right one.
C
Userlevel 7
Badge +4
Chad Burr wrote:

Woah woah woah, stop the clock. Have you tried just installing another messaging app? There a...

First off you can download right one packs off the Internet free and find the right ones for all your notifications Are you talking about swiping away the text notifications?
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C
Userlevel 7
Badge +4
Chad Burr wrote:

Woah woah woah, stop the clock. Have you tried just installing another messaging app? There a...

Or are you simply talking about the keyboard? If so the best one out there imo is swiftkey which scans your social media accounts to learn how you type.
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S
Userlevel 6
Chad Burr wrote:

Woah woah woah, stop the clock. Have you tried just installing another messaging app? There a...

If you like Google's default keyboard (not Samsung's) Mel, but with swyping enabled, you can now download it from the Play Store directly, they've made it available to everyone. It's the same keyboard that AOSP devices get, like the Nexus series. Maybe give it a try? Personally, I'm a Swiftkey fan and it's what I use!
C
Userlevel 7
Badge +4
Chad Burr wrote:

Woah woah woah, stop the clock. Have you tried just installing another messaging app? There a...

Lmao right one packs = ringtone packs Glad it all worked out for you! Enjoy your phone.
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S
Userlevel 6
You'll also be able to download Odin from the XDA forums like Chad mentioned. The most obvious thread about Odin is this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189539 It's in the Galaxy S3 section, but it's the same Odin tool for all Samsung phones. There's also a bit of a tutorial in there, so this should be a good start point! Good luck! 🙂
S
Userlevel 6
Some random Mobile Master wrote:

You'll also be able to download Odin from the XDA forums like Chad mentioned. The most obvious t...

Please Mel, before going ahead with downgrading back to ICS, give Chad's advice a goog try! If it's only SMS that's bugging you, there are alternatives! If all else fails, then you can consider the flashing process! 🙂
M
Some random Mobile Master wrote:

You'll also be able to download Odin from the XDA forums like Chad mentioned. The most obvious t...

I'm going to give swiftkey a try, it's worth it for all the work downgrading the OS would be, thanks!
S
Userlevel 6
Some random Mobile Master wrote:

You'll also be able to download Odin from the XDA forums like Chad mentioned. The most obvious t...

Hey, no problem! Most people like Jellybean better than ICS too, so give it one last chance to impress you 🙂 You'll like Swiftkey! It's very customizable, and swyping is a piece of cake on it!
M
Some random Mobile Master wrote:

You'll also be able to download Odin from the XDA forums like Chad mentioned. The most obvious t...

OK even if I end up bricking my phone and needing a new one I can NOT believe how awesome Swiftkey is. It's even better than the old texting software, pretty colours 😉 Thank you all for helping, I'm amazed that it was so quick!
S
Userlevel 6
Some random Mobile Master wrote:

You'll also be able to download Odin from the XDA forums like Chad mentioned. The most obvious t...

That's the spirit Mel! Glad it's working out for you 🙂

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