Update: Unfortunately, this exploit no longer appears to be working. People are having trouble flashing the appropriate firmware and cannot get back to an unlock state, so this method does not currently work and we don’t recommend using it. A new method is in the works.

When XDA Elite Recognized Developer AdamOutler released the bootloader unlock for the Verizon Galaxy Note II, most assumed this heralded the end of unlock struggles with the device. However, users have been heading back to the forums in a small panic because the bootloader managed to re-lock itself. Always ready to jump on such a matter, AdamOutler has already released a fix.

A symptom of the re-lock is users getting an understandably frightening message saying to return their devices to Verizon. Thankfully, no such thing is needed, and a fix is already available. Here is Adam’s take on the subject:

Previously unlocked devices will display a clear message instructing users to return the device to Verizon. Don’t do it. The OTA just relocked your device. Flash back to the provided bootloader baseline with this PIT file, then unlock as usual.

Apparently, what’s going on is that Verizon has been sneaking new bootloaders onto devices via over-the-air updates. This replaces the hacked bootloader and re-locks it. According to Adam, this is because it refreshes the Samsung keys that were broken during the initial unlock. While it may sound alarming, re-hacking the bootloader is pretty simple.

As AdamOutler stated, the easiest way to fix this problem is to flash a bootloader baseline and PIT file that are provided by Adam in the link below using Odin 3. Then, it’s a matter of using CASUAL to unlock the device again. It’s exactly the same method as the first time around. If you can’t remember, we’ve posted Adam’s unlock video at the bottom and Adam links to the original unlock in the thread (also linked below).

For the full details and the download link for the tools needed, check the original thread.

Previously, we posted about hidden menus on Samsung Galaxy devices. These menus can provide a number of useful functions and can actually help solve problems or make processes easier. In previous instances, the hidden menus have been used to restore bricks. There is now a tool for the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II that helps get to those hidden menus a little easier.

XDA Elite Recognized Developer AdamOutler repackaged the tool with CASUAL. It originally came from the Galaxy Note 2 IRC channel, and it’s quite simple to use. Enable USB Debugging on the phone, plug the device into your computer, click the “Do it” button in CASUAL, and enable the hidden menus on the phone. From there, you’ll have access to the following menus:

USBSetting Menu
LTE Mode Menu
TestMode Menu
##DATA# Menu
##MSL# Menu
##DEBUG# Menu
##Phone Util# Menu
##RTN# Menu

While the hidden menus probably won’t be helpful to an average user, they often come in handy for various troubleshooting purposes or for finding more info about your device. The tool itself is a handy and quick way to get there, and is definitely work checking out.

For more details, check out the original thread.

One of the flagship features of Samsung’s Galaxy Note line is Multi-Window, which offers true on-screen multitasking by allowing you to simultaneously open two apps on the screen. Due to its popularity, it has even made its way officially to the Galaxy S III in the latest firmware updates, and unofficially ported to the good ole’ Galaxy S II right here at XDA.

While the feature is quite useful as it comes, our developer community isn’t exactly known for being content with stock features. As proof, we have seen several mods that extent the feature to support almost any app. XDA Recognized Developer LegendK95 has taken it one step further and released MultiWindow Complete Control for the Verizon Galaxy Note 2.

As the name implies, this mod grants you full control over the MultiWindow bar, allowing you to easily add or remove applications, sort them in alphabetical order, and even control Samsung’s predefined applications in the MultiWindow view. Do note that the mod is available for devices running a deodexed ROM based on the VRALJB firmware.

You can find more information, the download link, and installation instructions in the forum thread.

One of the coolest features of the new Galaxy Note II is the Multi Window feature. Most Galaxy Note II devices didn’t ship with the mod initially, and received updates from their various carriers. Then came a mod that allowed users to add any app they wanted to the Multi Window list, which makes it much more awesome. Now, the mod has been ported to the last variant to hit stores, the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II.

XDA Senior Member hairdewx posted a mod that lets users add any app to the Multi Window list. Unlike the most recent mods, which include an app that adds the apps for you, Verizon users are stuck using the old fashioned way for right now. This means de-compiling the apps, making the appropriate changes, re-compiling the app, and re-installing. Once done, the app will show up in the Multi Window bar.

The process isn’t difficult, but it does take some time for those unfamiliar with de-compiling and re-compiling applications. To do it, hairdewx suggests using APK Tool, which is a good idea since it’s well known and tutorials are easy to find. Eventually, a one-click method will show itself like with the other variants.

For more info, check out the original thread.

Not long ago, great news came to Verizon Galaxy Note II owners that the Verizon Note II has had its bootloader unlocked. Now that developers can transfer some of the really cool stuff brought over to the Note II, they are doing just that. However, even before unlock, the Verizon Note II was a world phone capable of running on GSM and CDMA networks. The only issue? When on a GSM network, only phone calls and texts work. Now, there is a mod to make data work too.

XDA Forum Member joderme has released a method that gets data working when on a GSM network. XDA Recognized Developers adrynalyne and imnuts also gave a helping hand in the mod. In addition to making data work on GSM networks, the process will also get rid of the annoying error message about the SIM card not being from Verizon.

There are two ways to apply the mod. The manual way is to pull the apns-conf.xml, add the carrier data, put it back, and change permissions. Then you should be able to set it to that carrier and allow you to access data. The simpler way is a flashable zip that adrynalyne released, which allows users to edit these settings without pulling any files. There is also talk by imnuts of making a all-in-one APN file that works for all major networks. That is still a work in progress, but if it works, then users would just need to add that file and be done.

For the full details, check out the original thread.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II has been extremely successful, cashing in on the success of the original Galaxy Note and selling millions of units within weeks of its launch. If you got your hands on the Verizon variant of this 5.5″, quad-core powerhouse and can’t wait to root it, you’re in luck! The device has been rooted, and the method shared with us by XDA Senior Member droidstyle, with credits to XDA Recognized Contributors mrRobinson and Beanstown101.

What’s even better is that the method doesn’t require any exploits or commands. As with rooting most Samsung devices, it involves downloading the stock rooted Odin-flashable image for the carrier-branded Note 2 and flashing it to the device in download mode. Once flashed, you’ll have a rooted Note 2.

You can find the complete method and the relevant download links in the forum thread.