Update Galaxy Note 2 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with Resurrection Remix custom ROM

by Alex · January 5, 2015

Android 5.0 Lollipop is out and will soon embrace various Android powered devices. Galaxy Note 2 is among these smartphones that will receive the Lollipop OTA, though it might take some time until being able to test Android 5.0 OS on your own device. So, what do you say about skipping this wait and updating your Galaxy Note to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop right away? If I managed to arouse your interest, then stay close as I will show you how to install the new Resurrection Remix custom ROM on your Android device.

What is Resurrection Remix? This is a new custom ROM firmware that is based on latest Android release. Just like CM 12, Resurrection Remix is bringing Android 5.0.2 Lollipop OS to your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in form of a custom update.

A custom update is not an official Android system provided by Samsung or by Google. Thus, Resurrection Remix is developed by third party devs who are trying to come with a customizable version of Lollipop for your Note 2. Well, the best is that a stable version of Resurrection Remix system has been already launched so you can now anytime choose to download and install the Lollipop update on your own Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

The update process can be easily completed as you will only have to use a custom recovery image, like TWRP or CWM recovery, for flashing the Lollipop OS on your phablet. Of course, in case you don’t know, the update operation isn’t official and you will lose the warranty of your phone while completing the steps from below. If you want to update your Note 2 without losing the warranty, then you will have to wait for the Android 5.0 OTA release.

Now, if you have decided to try it, then you should know that Resurrection Remix is a stable Android 5.0.2 Lollipop ROM that will smoothly work on your Samsung Galaxy Note 2. You can install the firmware for a daily use and you can test any Lollipop feature you want. Moreover, the software has been optimized especially for your handset, which means that with this Lollipop built your Note 2 will run better and faster – of course custom features will be added so don’t expect to receive the default Android experience.

Anyway, if you want to complete this guide, then first you will have to take care of the following tasks:

Root your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 because updating with a custom ROM is possible only if the internal system of your phone is unlocked – the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware will have to modify some in built programs and settings.
As mentioned, Resurrection Remix can be flashed only by using a custom recovery image. So, take your time and install a custom recovery on your Android device.
Backup your data and save everything that means something to you. A wipe will be applied during the flashing process, so the backup is not something you want to miss.
Save the current ROM that runs on your Galaxy Note 2 by applying a Nandroid backup. By doing so you can anytime downgrade your phablet to stock Android OS without using Odin or other complex update operations.
On the other hand, you will need a computer for being able to complete this tutorial. So, make sure you can and then from the computer you are using temporarily deactivate antivirus-like tools.
Also, your Note 2 and your phone’s USB cable will have to be somewhere near you.
On your phone you should now enable USB debugging from “menu – settings – developer options”.
Also, you should charge your smartphone before doing anything else as if it will get turned off while you will try to install the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update, it might also get bricked.
You must apply the steps from below only if you own the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 because the Resurrection Remix firmware is compatible only with the mentioned device.

How to Update Galaxy Note 2 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with Resurrection Remix custom ROM Firmware

Download the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update file from here and save the package on your computer. Do the same thing with the Google Apps package which can be downloaded from this page.
Don’t unzip these files, just place them on desktop.
Connect your Galaxy Note 2 with your computer via USB cable and transfer the downloaded files on your phone’s SD card.
When done, unplug the USB cord and reboot your Android device in recovery mode.
Use the recovery environment for choosing the following options “wipe data factory reset”, “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvick cache”.
Moreover, from recovery select “install zip from SD card” and “choose zip from SD card”.
Pick the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update file and install Resurrection Remix on your Galaxy Note 2.
Don’t forget to apply the Google Apps package in the end.
That’s it; when done, from main menu of recovery select “reboot system now”.