How to Flash/Restore back Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 I8160 Original Stock ROM Firmware

This is the step by step and the proper procedure on how to flash, restore or install back your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 GT-I8160 original firmware or stock ROM. This has been useful and can be done only if you have modified your Galaxy Ace 2 by means of rooting, installing custom ROM, custom recoveries, custom kernels and system images. This method is called manual flashing, since we are going to use a flasher tool to install back the device original factory default firmware like the way how you bought it out-of-the-box or previously updated through Kies and OTA software updates. A flashing processes is also useful for fixing soft-bricks in-case your Galaxy Ace 2 ended-up unusable when you messed it up from modding like you’ve only have your device just stuck at welcome screen logo or it doesn’t boot normally.

What is a Stock ROM and how to find which one is for my Galaxy Ace 2?

As I told you, the stock ROM is the original firmware installed on your devices like “Android 4.1.1, 4.2 Jelly bean” since how you bought it and or updated via Kies and OTA. Each country of origin from where your Galaxy Ace has been released uses a different firmware build versions. This firmware can be easily determined by seeking the product code of your device and also with CSC’s or Consumer Specification Codes. For example in United Kingdom it uses a “BTU” CSC code for unbranded Galaxy Ace 2 and also other CSC’s for branded or locked by network operators.

It doesn’t mean or sounds like that if you’re in Germany and then your unbranded Galaxy Ace 2 has a “DBT” CSC code. What if you have your device bought by you or by your friends, family members and etc from France or nearby European countries and send it with you in Germany. So, the best thing you should do is to check and verify first you’re device original firmware before downloading a specific stock ROM. Although, it will not harm your device if you have installed the wrong one but there is a big conflict when you try to update though Kies and or via OTA. Kies will read and check your device system firmware before it will release you an update.

How to check your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 product and CSC codes:
1. A model number can be check at the back of your device battery. The last three digit number refers to which country it was released or originated. You can also check it  via your device settings and some codes.

2. Checking your device current firmware information.
The first three digit letters after CSC info – ex: I8160XXXxxx

INFORMATION	LOCATION	EXAMPLE
Model Number	Settings > About > Model Number	GT-I8160
Android Version	Settings > About > Android Version	Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean
Product Code	Keypad > *2767*4387264636#	GT-I8160xxxBTU
FirmwareVersions	Keypad > *#1234#	PDA: I8160xxxxx MODEM:I8160xxxxx CSC: I8160XXXxxx
Kernel Version	Setting > About > Kernel Version	2.6.35.7-I8160xxxx-xxxx rxx@xxxx #2

FAQ about installing back your Galaxy Ace 2 original firmware

Q: Does it safe to flash stock ROM?
A: There is a risk danger in flashing firmware either original stock ROM and or custom ROMs on the device. Any unwanted interruption occurred will cause your device into softbricks. If it is your first time heard about this method,  it is highly recommended to search more and learn about flashing stock ROM before you proceed.

Q: Does Flashing will remove all my data stored on the device.
A: Yes and NO. There are two types of stock ROM, the wiped and non-wiped version. It is highly recommended that you should back-up all your important data stored in the phone’s memory like contacts, messages before flashing.

Q: Do I Need to ROOT or UNROOT my phone before flashing stock ROM?
A: NO need to root or unroot yor device, but you will loose root once flashing is made. So, you need to re-root your device again.

Q: Does Flashing stock ROM to my phone will erase the network lock?
A: NO. Your network (or SIM) lock will still remain active.

Q: Does Flashing stock ROM will remove root on my phone?
A: Yes. If you currently have rooted, your phone will return back to original factory settings after flashing. You need to re-root again to install any 3rd party applications.

Q: Does flashing an operator specific firmware will restrict my open phone to that operator’s network?
A: NO. Your phone still remain open for any Operator SIM. Operator specific builds usually containing “only specific country or carrier provider” logo, bloatwares, wallpapers and/or browser settings, etc.

Disclaimer: We shall not be held responsible if anything happens to your device by following this guide. You may proceed at your own risk, your phone is not a toy for us, it is your own personal property, it is up to you to decide on what and how to do about it.

Important Reminders before Flashing Galaxy Ace 2 GT-I8160 Stock ROM

- Make sure that your Galaxy Ace 2′s battery is fully charge.
- Stock ROM packages comes in two formats the ‘Full-Wipe’ (delete your stored data after flashing) and the ‘Non-Wipe’ (it doesn’t delete your phone’s stored data) but it is highly recommended to make a back up all important files stored from your phone’s internal memory – contacts, messages, etc.  before flashing no-matter if it is Full-WIpe or Non-Wipe,  just to be safe and ensure that your stored data are in  safe  if something went wrong during the flashing process.
- Remember or back up the APN settings of your device. ( This only done if you try to install other regions stock ROM.
- Use a PC or laptop that runs in Windows OS, with a good and perfectly working USBserial port.  Odin will not work on MAC OS.
- Use the supplied USB cable for your Galaxy S3.
- Enable USB debugging from your phone’s settings. Go to Settings > Applications > Development, and tick the box that says ‘Enable USB Debugging’.
- Do a “Hard Reset” if you have a lot of 3rd party applications installed from your phone, this is useful to gain a smooth flashing. (Just make sure that you already back up all your important files before resetting your device.
- Ensure that KIES is closed and not running in the system tray! Kies will interrupt and doesn’t like Odin, it will block you from flashing.

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