How To: Root Any Galaxy Note 2 Variant in No Time with One Easy Click

Root Any Galaxy Note 2 Variant in No Time with One Easy Click

While AT&T and Verizon may not have had a chance to screw Note 2 owners with unrootbale devices—mainly because they've screwed us over by not issuing KitKat updates—it's safe to say that they can in the future. And while Sprint and T-Mobile subscribers have been able to root, the various methods can make the process somewhat confusing, especially for first-timers.

But now, a new root method from renowned hacker Geohot—the same guy that brought iPhone jailbreaks and PS3 hacks—will allow us to root our Note 2s in the easiest way possible, with just a single click. In essence, you need to download and install Geohot's TowelRoot app, run it, and...well, that's it!

Update: Looks like AT&T and Verizon customers will have to wait just a bit longer, as some are reporting that the method is not rooting their devices. The current version of TowelRoot does not root these variants, but the dev is aware and a fix is in the works. That being said, I'd advise you to try the process anyway and report from results in the comments. Worst comes to worst, you won't be rooted, but the method will have no adverse effects on your device.

Note that the video above is showcasing the Galaxy S5, but the steps will be exactly the same for any variant of the Galaxy Note 2, as well as other Android devices (except for HTC and Motorola). For a more detailed explanation behind this exploit, check out Dallas' article for a full breakdown.

Step 1: Install TowelRoot

Point your phone's browser to the TowelRoot website to get started. From there, simply click on the lambda symbol to download the app—just make sure you have installation from "Unknown sources" enabled, which you can do through Menu -> Settings -> Security.

Once downloaded, install the app like any other.

Step 2: Run TowelRoot

Open the app, and hit make it ra1n to start the rooting process.

After that...well, you're done. Really. That's it.

TowelRoot exploits all Android kernels built before June 3rd, 2014, and during the exploit, the app injects root. This is a new method of rooting, and one that hasn't yet been patched. So yes, you really did just root your Note 2 with a click-and-reboot.

Step 3: Install SuperSU

While you're rooted, you'll still need a root manager app, and by far the best one is Chainfire's SuperSU. Head to the Play Store to download and install it.

Once you've got the app installed, run it and install the binaries it needs, and you'll be all set.

That was easy, and that's the beauty of Android.

Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new features for TV, Messages, News, and Shortcuts, as well as important bug fixes and security patches. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 17.6 update.

22 Comments

DOES NOT WORK on Verizon Note 2!!! Not at all, Dont bother trying if you took the OTA too 4.4.2.

Worked just fine on our test devices. Any specific problem you're facing?

Didn't work on my ATT Note 2. 4.3 Kernel 3.0.31-2048209. Any suggestions?

Didn't work on my AT&T Note 2 with 4.4.2 and Kernel 3.0.31-1728680... Any suggestions?

Even I can't root my note 2 version 4.4.2 may be due to knox m not able to root it

"This phone currently isn't supported" message on Sprint GN2 with 4.4.2 and kernel 3.0.31-1561791 (May 7, 2014)

That's what it says for my Verizon phone as well. SCH-I605 is the model.

Hey! I have a problem. I trying to install twrp on my frnds note 2 but it isn't installing. I googled the problem and found that the update of KitKat has left the phone with two files in system folder which reinstalls the stock recovery as soon as it is rebooted. Also deleting the files will solve the problem. But when I try to delete it, it doesn't get deleted or even renamed. I also tried to install SuperSU using stock recovery but it isn't installing.

Any suggestions?

What carrier do you have? If it's one whose model has a locked bootloader, you will not be able to install TWRP.

An alternative would be to install Safestrap.

I have the international unlocked version of Note 2(N-7100). Could you please elaborate on safestrap?

Still doesn't work with At&t Note 2 with 4.4.2.

How to check whether bootloader of note 2 is locked or unlocked?
Also can safestrap be used to flash custom ROM?

Towelroot v3 says "this phone not currently supported" on GT N7105 Kiktkat 4.4.2. Oh well, boohoo.

not working on my samsung galaxy note 2 GT-N7100 4.3 jelly bean plz it shows phone isnt supported

Sorry, but not working on GT-N7100, 4.4.2...

Good Day!

It Does Work to Galaxy Note 2 (SHV-E250S) Korean Model and running 4.4.2 (KitKat)

Many Thanks
God bless!

Neil

I am patiently waiting for XDA techs or Geohot techs to get the i317 AT&T root figured out, because I hate being led around with a ring in my nose by Samsung, Google, AT&T, etc. telling me they control my phone. Thanks guys for your speedy fix so the other half of Note 2 with Kit Kat 4.4.2 users can get rooted and be free..

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