How to Root Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 and Install CWM recovery

Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 has got pre-rooted official Gingerbread firmware. This firmware is dubbed as XXLD8, all thanks goes to Powermetza XDA developer. This XXLD8 firmware version fixes all the bugs pertaining to PLAY Store and issues related to Camera as there were many instability issues which were reported earlier by the users. In this above post we are going to install XXLD8 firmware as well as install custom recovery on it, so without wasting time let’s move to the procedure.

Pre-requisites:
At SamsungMobileClub we make sure that our readers take all precaution and preventive [prevent data loss and soft Bricks] measures before installing ROM, Root or flashing firmware.
This procedure is only for Samsung Galaxy ACE 2 model no I8160 not for any other variants. If you try this procedure on other device, may have undesirable outcomes. It is not Samsungmobileclub neither developer responsibility if your device get damaged with this procedure.
We have explained all required steps in detail:
Step 1: To ensure that you do not lose anything, please create backup of SMS, Contacts, APN settings, Whatapp chat messages etc. [Alternative link to backup SMS, MMS, Contacts, Calendar, events on Samsung Android Phones]
Step 2: Please ensure that you have a desired battery level to perform the procedure [we suggest minimum 60%]. While installing any ROM or rooting your device it is required to enable USB debugging. You will find USB debug enable options in Settings>>Developer option. If you still do not get it, check out our detailed tutorial about Enabling USB debugging and checking batter status /Usages.
Step 3: We suggest a full backup of your apps and cache data, if you are rooted use Titanium Backup [App backup and Restore tutorial] or you can follow this tutorial to backup without root access.
Step 5: Please disable Antivirus, Firewall or other security apps before flashing Root, Firmware or ROM as them may interrupt the procedure. We also suggest disabling Samsung Kies if you are flashing through PC.
Step 6: While installing this firmware your device will be pre- rooted so no need to root it again.

Download Section:

• Download Pre Rooted XXDLI8 Firmware package, extract it in your desktop.
• Download ClcokworkMod recovery package, extract it in other safe place don’t mess it with  above firmware file.
• Download the ODIN v3 and install it on your PC

How to Upgrade Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 with Pre-rooted Official Gingerbread XXLD8 2.3.6 Firmware:

Step 1: First install the Odin program in your PC and run the program. Now, turn off your Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 and restart in download mode.  Download Mode is a place where Odin detects your device or handset in PC and transfer the firmware file. Enter Download mode through pressing Volume Up rocker key + power button at the same time while the device is turned off.
 Step 2: Now, Connect your Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 to PC with the help of original USB cable at this time Odin must be opened in your PC. If your drivers are properly installed then you should get the message “Added !!” under Odin’s message box in the bottom left and Odin ID: COM section will turn Yellow that means PC detected the device.
Note: If Odin will not detect the device then install the driver properly as provided or through Samsung Kies (it also helps to install the driver). After installing driver please uninstall the Kies and disable the antivirus, as it also trouble in Odin procedure.
Step 3: Now in Odin PDA option select the extracted file .Tar which you have get after extraction. Please check the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options should be enabled and all other options should be disabled.
Step 4: Once you have configure all the files Hit on Start button in ODIN. Installation process will start and would take around 5 minutes or above for applying this update. A “PASS!” message will also appear in Odin. When you see the message, you can safely disconnect your phone from your computer.
That’s it when update is applied successfully, you can check the firmware same from the path “Settings > Abut Phone” where you can see the firmware version as XXLD8 firmware. To check the root privilege, download the Root Checker app from GooglePlaystore.
Via XDA

How to install Custom Recovery on Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 with Pre-rooted Official Gingerbread XXLD8 2.3.6 Firmware:

Same Procedure again go to Download Mode in Galaxy ACE 2 I8160 by pressing Volume Up rocker key + power button at the same time while the device is turned off. Now on PDA section select the extracted firmware file.  Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options should be enabled. Hit on Start button and the update process will start. Device will reboot automatically, after reboot safely unplug the device.