[Q] adb not recognizing device - Moto X Q&A

Hello all, wanting to use ADB to do a backup of my device. Running OSX 10.9, Moto X 4.4.2 VZW, unrooted, stock. I've downloaded the Android SDK, ran it, and updated it; downloaded and installed the Motorola drivers; enabled USB debugging; navigated to adb and can run commands, but when I run adb devices, it does not list my device. Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Its your drivers. They aren't letting your PC see the phone.
Now, I know nothing of Mac....so not sure what you can do. Except uninstall them completely. Download again and be sure they're the right ones. Also, try another cable perhaps.

KJ said:
Its your drivers. They aren't letting your PC see the phone.
Now, I know nothing of Mac....so not sure what you can do. Except uninstall them completely. Download again and be sure they're the right ones. Also, try another cable perhaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is being recognized by the computer. I can transfer data and connect to Android File Transfer, etc. Just isn't being recognized by ADB. I'll try reinstalling the drivers, though.

patheimata said:
The phone is being recognized by the computer. I can transfer data and connect to Android File Transfer, etc. Just isn't being recognized by ADB. I'll try reinstalling the drivers, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes adb has issues while booted into android. Try this: Unplug the phone from the usb cable. Power it off.
Now, hold down the VOL DOWN button, and power it back on. You should boot into the bootloader. The screen will say something about "AP Fastboot Mode".
Now, plug the usb cord back in. adb devices should now respond with your connected phone, and your adb commands should work.
May I ask why you are backing up your phone via adb? Or more aptly, what do you plan to do with the backup? With a locked bootloader, there should be no way you will be able to restore whatever backup you plan to make. What am I missing?
Good Luck

samwathegreat said:
Sometimes adb has issues while booted into android. Try this: Unplug the phone from the usb cable. Power it off.
Now, hold down the VOL DOWN button, and power it back on. You should boot into the bootloader. The screen will say something about "AP Fastboot Mode".
Now, plug the usb cord back in. adb devices should now respond with your connected phone, and your adb commands should work.
May I ask why you are backing up your phone via adb? Or more aptly, what do you plan to do with the backup? With a locked bootloader, there should be no way you will be able to restore whatever backup you plan to make. What am I missing?
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I had intended to try the bootloader and quite frankly forgot as I got caught up troubleshooting other methods. I'll try that shortly and post results.
Meanwhile, you may be right. I've found lots of conflicting information. At least one person in the Motorola forums claims to have been able to do an adb backup and then restore it on his locked device after a FDR. I need to do one to try to deal with some battery issues. I was trying to find the path of least resistance for backup and restore, although I'm two days into researching this, so I can pretty well say this is no longer the path of least resistance, but I haven't wanted to give up, either, if it's possible...

patheimata said:
Thanks, I had intended to try the bootloader and quite frankly forgot as I got caught up troubleshooting other methods. I'll try that shortly and post results.
Meanwhile, you may be right. I've found lots of conflicting information. At least one person in the Motorola forums claims to have been able to do an adb backup and then restore it on his locked device after a FDR. I need to do one to try to deal with some battery issues. I was trying to find the path of least resistance for backup and restore, although I'm two days into researching this, so I can pretty well say this is no longer the path of least resistance, but I haven't wanted to give up, either, if it's possible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My best advice would be to make a list of all the apps you need, save any pictures or files you need, do FDR, then use the list to re-install your apps, and copy your pictures / files back, and set everything back up the way you want it.
Even if you are able to 'backup via adb', and do a FDR, once you subsequently do your 'restore', you will have the exact same issues you are having now. Battery issues are usually caused by misbehaving apps, but even if you assume the issue is caused by something else, the method you are pursuing is ill-advised.
Ok, so when you do a FDR, it clears the data and cache partitions, essentially returning the device to factory assuming you haven't tried to do root exploits or similar.
If you do a restore, it writes to....(you guessed it!) the data and possibly cache partitions. You'll essentially be right back at square 1 so to speak because -whatever- the problem is, you'll RESTORE it...
EDIT: What kind of battery life are you getting on your X? Can you give us an idea how long it is lasting, and tell us a little about your usage patterns. How much time do you spend on calls, and how much of the time is the screen on?
With what I would consider 'average' usage, I normally get 14~18 hours between charges. This includes very little talk time, but regular internet usage, and usually 1-3 hours of internet radio streaming.
I'm just curious how long yours is lasting between charges.

samwathegreat said:
My best advice would be to make a list of all the apps you need, save any pictures or files you need, do FDR, then use the list to re-install your apps, and copy your pictures / files back, and set everything back up the way you want it.
Even if you are able to 'backup via adb', and do a FDR, once you subsequently do your 'restore', you will have the exact same issues you are having now. Battery issues are usually caused by misbehaving apps, but even if you assume the issue is caused by something else, the method you are pursuing is ill-advised.
Ok, so when you do a FDR, it clears the data and cache partitions, essentially returning the device to factory assuming you haven't tried to do root exploits or similar.
If you do a restore, it writes to....(you guessed it!) the data and possibly cache partitions. You'll essentially be right back at square 1 so to speak because -whatever- the problem is, you'll RESTORE it...
EDIT: What kind of battery life are you getting on your X? Can you give us an idea how long it is lasting, and tell us a little about your usage patterns. How much time do you spend on calls, and how much of the time is the screen on?
With what I would consider 'average' usage, I normally get 14~18 hours between charges. This includes very little talk time, but regular internet usage, and usually 1-3 hours of internet radio streaming.
I'm just curious how long yours is lasting between charges.
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Click to collapse
Absolutely.
First, agreed on the app and cache situation. I was going to exclude apps on the adb backup and just use it for pictures, settings, text messages, etc., and leave out of the backup would be potentially corrupting it after the FDR. I've used other apps in the past to back those things up, but the promise of adb seemed easier (and more fun), thus going that route. I think I've thrown in the towel on that plan at this point, but it has been a good learning experience as I learned a lot commands and troubleshooting methods in that department.
As far as battery life goes, I've had two devices. Started with a dev edition, and while I had that, I was really impressed that it would make it all day long and still have some battery leftover at the end of the day. I exchanged it for a MotoMaker edition, though. I'm not sure I ever remember this one getting as good as battery life as the other, although it's been 5 months, so it's hard to tell. Nevertheless, 18 hours would be fantastic for me.
GSAM says my average fully charged battery lasts 14 hours, with 7 hours and 4 minutes active time. That sounds pretty on par with you, but looking at the charts, I believe they're projecting from 100%–0% as I wouldn't say I typically make it from 100%–20%, which is when I always try to recharge by. The 7 hours active is where I assume my problem lies, and thus the desire to try an FDR. I use my phone a lot, but I'm not active on it for over 7 hours a day. GSAM says my average screen on time is 2h 8min, max of 2h 33min. (These averages are over a 2 month period.) In light of that, I'm regularly charging midday to make sure I can make it through the end of the night.
Regular usage patterns include very little by way of voice calling. I felt like I was on the phone a lot today, that was probably no more than 10–15 minutes. Most of the rest of the SOT time split between texting and internet/light app usage.
Android OS is of course the far and away process consuming battery, which I realize tells us nothing and isn't that uncommon, especially when the phone isn't in use.
Over the past few months, I've tried isolating the typical likely suspects (Facebook and Facebook Messenger, Google+, location services, etc.), uninstalling them, and looking for battery improvements to no avail. The only time I ever really saw a direct correlation with a particular app that I could trace has been with Google Camera. I haven't reinstalled it since they're most recent update, but while it was installed, after it's first update I dropped to about 6–8 hours of battery life.
I've also participated a good amount in this forum on the issue: https://forums.motorola.com/posts/6675cef7e3?page=31 which also happens to be where I read of user jason.motox's experience backing and and restoring with adb.
Alright, I think that's a good start from there. Would love anyone's thoughts on best practices, etc. As much as I hate the thought of adding a few apps at a time every few days, I know that's the best way to go to ensure it's not an app. But anything else that anyone else is aware of to watch out for would be useful. Also happy to post a list of currently installed apps if that would be useful.
EDIT (A thought I started and never completed in the original post): I have read in the Motorola forums of at least one user eventually having the cellular radio replaced in theirs, which solved their battery life. In a 31 page thread, I had only seen one user have a FDR actually fix their battery problems, so I haven't exactly been hopeful that it would help mine. In addition to that, since I remember my Dev Edition getting better battery life all things being equal, it does make me wonder if mine is more hardware related than app or software/firmware.

patheimata said:
Absolutely.
First, agreed on the app and cache situation. I was going to exclude apps on the adb and just use it for pictures, settings, text messages, etc., and leave out of the backup would be potentially corrupting it after the FDR. I've used other apps in the past to back those things up, but the promise of adb seemed easier (and more fun), thus going that route. I think I've thrown in the towel on that plan at this point, but it has been a good learning experience as I learned a lot commands and troubleshooting methods in that department.
As far as battery life goes, I've had two devices. Started with a dev edition, and while I had that, I was really impressed that it would make it all day long and still have some battery leftover at the end of the day. I exchanged it for a MotoMaker edition, though. I'm not sure I ever remember this one getting as good as battery life as the other, although it's been 5 months, so it's hard to tell. Nevertheless, 18 hours would be fantastic for me.
GSAM says my average fully charged battery lasts 14 hours, with 7 hours and 4 minutes active time. That sounds pretty on par with you, but looking at the charts, I believe they're projecting from 100%–0% as I wouldn't say I typically make it from 100%–20%, which is when I always try to recharge by. The 7 hours active is where I assume my problem lies, and thus the desire to try an FDR. I use my phone a lot, but I'm not active on it for over 7 hours a day. GSAM says my average screen on time is 2h 8min, max of 2h 33min. (These averages are over a 2 month period.) In light of that, I'm regularly charging midday to make sure I can make it through the end of the night.
Regular usage patterns include very little by way of voice calling. I felt like I was on the phone a lot today, that was probably no more than 10–15 minutes. Most of the rest of the SOT time split between texting and internet/light app usage.
Android OS is of course the far and away process consuming battery, which I realize tells us nothing and isn't that uncommon, especially when the phone isn't in use.
Over the past few months, I've tried isolating the typical likely suspects (Facebook and Facebook Messenger, Google+, location services, etc.), uninstalling them, and looking for battery improvements to no avail. The only time I ever really saw a direct correlation with a particular app that I could trace has been with Google Camera. I haven't reinstalled it since they're most recent update, but while it was installed, after it's first update I dropped to about 6–8 hours of battery life.
I've also participated a good amount in this forum on the issue: https://forums.motorola.com/posts/6675cef7e3?page=31 which also happens to be where I read of user jason.motox's experience backing and and restoring with adb.
Alright, I think that's a good start from there. Would love anyone's thoughts on best practices, etc. As much as I hate the thought of adding a few apps at a time every few days, I know that's the best way to go to ensure it's not an app. But anything else that anyone else is aware of to watch out for would be useful. Also happy to post a list of currently installed apps if that would be useful.
I have read in the Motorola forums of at least one user eventually having the cellular radio replaced in theirs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier? Are you rooted, or are you able to unlock your BL? There is a root app called "Greenify" that many people swear by. It helps identify potential 'problem apps', and actually allows you to 'hibernate' them.
This basically 'hides' the app from the system completely, but you don't notice. When you explicitly launch the app it functions 100% normally, but a short time after you exit it, it gets hibernated again so it can't suck any power.
If you are rooted, or if you may consider unlocking, I would suggest giving Greenify a try. It always sucks to have to charge mid-day.
Also remember that even if moto won't unlock your BL, the gentleman from China will...for a small fee of course

samwathegreat said:
Who is your carrier? Are you rooted, or are you able to unlock your BL? There is a root app called "Greenify" that many people swear by. It helps identify potential 'problem apps', and actually allows you to 'hibernate' them.
This basically 'hides' the app from the system completely, but you don't notice. When you explicitly launch the app it functions 100% normally, but a short time after you exit it, it gets hibernated again so it can't suck any power.
If you are rooted, or if you may consider unlocking, I would suggest giving Greenify a try. It always sucks to have to charge mid-day.
Also remember that even if moto won't unlock your BL, the gentleman from China will...for a small fee of course
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly I'm a Verizon user, and since I didn't keep my Dev Edition, my bootloader is locked down hard core. I'd love to use Greenify. Had it on my GNex (speaking of atrocious battery life!), but no such luck here. I've contemplated unlocking and rooting, but I have read a lot of horror stories of OTA updates with the X for those who are unlocked and/or rooted and just didn't want to deal with all that. In moments like these, though, it makes me want to send a few bucks to that Chinese gentleman...

patheimata said:
Sadly I'm a Verizon user, and since I didn't keep my Dev Edition, my bootloader is locked down hard core. I'd love to use Greenify. Had it on my GNex (speaking of atrocious battery life!), but no such luck here. I've contemplated unlocking and rooting, but I have read a lot of horror stories of OTA updates with the X for those who are unlocked and/or rooted and just didn't want to deal with all that. In moments like these, though, it makes me want to send a few bucks to that Chinese gentleman...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are just a few caveats to being unlocked:
If a new OTA comes out, it is recommended to return to stock before accepting the OTA. This is because OTAs include a "manifest" of the files that SHOULD be present on the device, along with their checksums. A modified device often won't match the manifest.
Don't let this scare you though. We may not be updated past 4.4.2 heck, 4.4.3 hasn't been released on anything yet. And if we do get another OTA, you can SBF back to stock, take the update, and then re-install everything.
In my humble opinion, the ability to use root apps (especially TETHER) is much more important to me that the minor inconvenience of possibly having to set everything back up again in the future.
If you're considering it, I recommend you take the plunge. You will get your money back if he doesn't have your code. I was able to unlock my device using the China method this 2nd time around and my device is from Nov 2013 - he still had my code. So there ARE some 2013 models in his database for sure....or I wouldn't have gotten one.
If you suspect this is a hardware problem, unlocking is ill-advised as your warranty will be void. Even if you re-lock the bootloader, it will never show "LOCKED" - it will say "RE-LOCKED" instead......and they will know you had unlocked it.
Good Luck

Related

Help diagnosing freezes and random reboots

I am hoping someone has dealt with either of the following problems, and come up with a way to effectively diagnose and fix either.
The phone - 1101 build; running AT&T Stock KK4; rooted via kernel swap method (using stock KK4 kernel after swap, i.e., do not have clockwork recovery); some AT&T bloatware frozen with TiBu, otherwise stock with root
Problem #1 - roughly once a day, the phone will freeze when in sleep mode; I have had this happen with both the slide to unlock and Exchange PIN lock screen up; when I hit power to wake the phone, the screen wakes up but is unresponsive and then the screen won't shot off again; live wallpaper is frozen in place, but if the phone was plugged in, the battery icon continues with the animation loop. And if the phone is not plugged in, battery power drops rapidly in this state.
The phone isn't completely dead, because if I connect/disconnect it via USB (set to debug mode) to my laptop, the computer recognizes the phone is connected, but it is dead enough that if I call the phone, it does not recognize the missed call. The only way I can restore the phone is a battery pull. Usually it takes several minutes for the phone to come back after this, acting like it would if I had flushed the dalvik cache or installed an update.zip from recovery.
Problem #2 -also roughly once a day, at random times the screen will wake up momentarily, then clear, and I will hear the AT&T boot up sound, after a short while, the phone will run through the media scanner and any other startup launches, acting as though it had been turned on, but the battery stats show continuous uptime throughout. I have had this happen when using the phone, including when on a phone call (and the call did not drop).
I have seen problem #2 on virtually all of the AT&T GB leaks, and it seems to get more frequent the more apps that are installed. I had not seen problem #1 until recently.
The phone is out of warranty, and owned by my employer. I am not due for a new phone from them until July. I've done more master clear/reflash stock cycles than I care to admit, tried replacing/testing for disk errors the external SD card, etc..., and am afraid of doing that and having the problems come up again.
Any thoughts on how to diagnose either of these problems?
Hmm... I don't really think there is an exact diagnosis for any of these issues. Some phones are just problematic like that. The only thing I can suggest is trying a different ROM or kernel, and that might help your stability.
I have the exact same problems. Hope someone comes up with a fix. The only help I can give you is that when the phone freezes, instead of pulling the battery, you can hold the vol up & power buttons for 10 seconds and the phone will restart. Easier than pulling your phone apart, especially if you have it in a case, like I do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
korockinout13 said:
Hmm... I don't really think there is an exact diagnosis for any of these issues. Some phones are just problematic like that. The only thing I can suggest is trying a different ROM or kernel, and that might help your stability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the way I see it, unfortunately these problems could be a function of:
Bad hardware
Misbehaving app
ROM issue
Kernel issue
I tried pretty much every leaked AT&T GB ROM and had random reboots with all of them. Seems to track with the number of apps installed, but can't prove that. I have not tried any custom ROMs or kernels.
Since this is technically not my phone, I am trying to avoid doing anything that can't really be undone if I need to turn the phone back in at some point. And I need something that can be a daily driver for work calls and Exchange email, and rely heavily on tethering when I am on the road.
Anyone with ideas on what to test, or how to capture enough log information to figure out where the problem is, would be a big help. Otherwise, I am stuck riding this out until July when I can get a new phone from my employer.
Nothing you do can't be undone, it's just a simple Odin flash away.
Be sure to back up your efs folder before flashing too much
studacris said:
Nothing you do can't be undone, it's just a simple Odin flash away.
Be sure to back up your efs folder before flashing too much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used Odin with the various GB leaks; if I go further afield (heck, performance is dicey already, how many more problems could I have with one of the ICS alphas), is it still a straight shot back to stock KK4, or are there other steps to do first?
And before I go down that road, any suggestions on diagnostics (other than yet again pulling apps off of the Captivate to see if one of them is the culprit...?)
stoobie-doo said:
I've used Odin with the various GB leaks; if I go further afield (heck, performance is dicey already, how many more problems could I have with one of the ICS alphas), is it still a straight shot back to stock KK4, or are there other steps to do first?
And before I go down that road, any suggestions on diagnostics (other than yet again pulling apps off of the Captivate to see if one of them is the culprit...?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You actually might have less problems on ICS. But it all depends. You can always get back to stock with one, bootloader-free, safe flash. Diagnostics wise, there isn't really much you can do besides removing apps. I would only worry about the ones that are constantly running in the background, as they could possibly be screwing with the phone while in sleep. I think it's unlikely that this sort of testing would actually help though. I still say try something different.
stoobie-doo said:
Anyone with ideas on what to test, or how to capture enough log information to figure out where the problem is, would be a big help. Otherwise, I am stuck riding this out until July when I can get a new phone from my employer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same issues except in my case I have tried to recreate the conditions and check memory and I am close to maxing it out. Part of my problem is that I come from a Palm background and I have found that Android, or at least the Cappy, is not as responsive (I was really spoiled by Cards on my Pre) I was thinking that my Android noobness is causing me to push the phone too hard and locking it up. FWIW, you might want to check memory issues

[Q] Files missing

As of right now I'm missing pretty much every file on my Internal Storage. No TiBu, no SMS Backups, no pics. However under storage in the settings menu it still shows 9 Gigs Free, which leads me to believe that its there, just not visible... There are some folders, but they are empty or don't contain the files it used to.
I noticed it at 2 AM when SMS backup & Restore notified me that it wouldn't backup because it couldn't find the SMS.xml file. I used Astro and ES File Manager to find it manually and I couldn't, at which point I noticed everything was missing.
Prior to that my phone was plugged into my PC, simply to charge. I was on the phone walking a friend through a Windows update and installing some software, and I plugged into my USB 2.0 port to charge the phone (3 hour phone call), which I've used multiple times. While it was plugged in I didn't really us the PC much other than google searches and reading news\posts\forums. I did however install Avast Antivirus cause I was walking her through it and I've never used it before. I'm hoping that had nothing to do with it. I googled Avast wiped my phone, and various similar phrases and didn't find any similar forum posts.
At this point, I could write a whole book about what might have caused it. I really have no clue. I'm looking for either anyone with a similar experience, or more importantly, anyone with a resolution.
Edit: I have a GSM Dev, Unlocked Rooted. Tmobile 4.4.2 using Faux Kernel.
That sucks dude! I haven't heard of this randomly happening on any phone I've had. Aside from recovery wipe accidents.
Drag!
Sent from my N5 cell phone telephone....
Haven't even been in recovery for a while. Even the backups made in recovery aren't there or aren't visible to the recovery either. I'm not even upset, I've lost things before due to my flashaholic tendencies, but I don't even flash stuff on this phone. That was one of the main reasons I kept this instead of my Nexus5, figured I'd be more productive not having to flash all the time. Might as well get a different phone...
More importantly I want to know the cause so that I and others can avoid it happening again. Almost makes me wish I kept my Nexus5, which now that I think of it, I have a fairly recent backup of on my PC. Who hoo!
Anyone with any thoughts or input, greatly appreciated.
MotoX Developer Edition went from German 4.4.2 to Great Britain 4.4.2 to T-Mobile 4.4.2 no problem. Fastboot FTW!

[Q] Moto X randomly dies

Ok, so I bought a brand new in box Moto X from an acquaintance. After a month or two it started randomly rebooting, and after a couple of weeks of rebooting once or more per day, it died. Wouldn't power on (not even recovery). I sent it in for repair>got it back>3 days and it died again>sent it in again>got it back>1 day and it died again>sent it in again>got replacement>2-3 months later the new phone is starting the cycle again. Every time I pull it out of my pocket, the lock button doesn't work, and it's locked up on Active Display. I hold the power button and reboot it, only to have it happen again in an hour. I am doing a factory reset now--does anyone have any idea what the problem may be? what i should avoid when setting it up again?
This phone is 100% untampered with. No root, no nothing.
Please help me out. Thanks!
quaxer said:
Ok, so I bought a brand new in box Moto X from an acquaintance. After a month or two it started randomly rebooting, and after a couple of weeks of rebooting once or more per day, it died. Wouldn't power on (not even recovery). I sent it in for repair>got it back>3 days and it died again>sent it in again>got it back>1 day and it died again>sent it in again>got replacement>2-3 months later the new phone is starting the cycle again. Every time I pull it out of my pocket, the lock button doesn't work, and it's locked up on Active Display. I hold the power button and reboot it, only to have it happen again in an hour. I am doing a factory reset now--does anyone have any idea what the problem may be? what i should avoid when setting it up again?
This phone is 100% untampered with. No root, no nothing.
Please help me out. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a headache.
When were both phones manufactured? What version of KK were you running? Did you upgrade software OTA, if so what did it upgrade to?
Are you saying you never downloaded any apps? never installed anything on the phone? What services did you use? (apps.. anything, what were they?) Were there any other things you noticed out of the ordinary? What were Motorola's responses the first time they replaced the phone? What are their responses now that you are having the same issues with this replacement device?
Otherwise I'd advise you let us know what modifications (apps installed, anything) you had done and continue to do, that will give a variable context to the issue, at least. Other wise we a have an issue with no variables on the actual phone. The more information you give the higher quality the responses you can receive
bothgoodandbad said:
That sounds like a headache.
When were both phones manufactured? What version of KK were you running? Did you upgrade software OTA, if so what did it upgrade to?
Are you saying you never downloaded any apps? never installed anything on the phone? What services did you use? (apps.. anything, what were they?) Were there any other things you noticed out of the ordinary? What were Motorola's responses the first time they replaced the phone? What are their responses now that you are having the same issues with this replacement device?
Otherwise I'd advise you let us know what modifications (apps installed, anything) you had done and continue to do, that will give a variable context to the issue, at least. Other wise we a have an issue with no variables on the actual phone. The more information you give the higher quality the responses you can receive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I don't know when the phones were manufactured. Can you advise me how to tell?
2) I had a number of apps on it including WhatsApp, BBM, Toggl, SwiftKey, The Weather Network, ES File Explorer, BBC, The Economist, Espresso, Google Now Launcher, Dictionary.com, TimmyMe, MyBackup Pro, eBay, Amazon, Kayak and a few others. It's still doing the same thing after a data wipe.
3) The first three times I had trouble they had me send in the phone with no quibbles. The first two times they tried to repair it (the documentation just said "replaced component, and reflashed software"), and after two failed attempts, they simply replaced it. Now they want to start the cycle over again... asking me to send it in for repair.
When they sent me the replacement it arrived with 4.4.4. The previous phone had issues with 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 both. I am still running stock 4.4.4.
Thanks for your help
quaxer said:
1) I don't know when the phones were manufactured. Can you advise me how to tell?
2) I had a number of apps on it including WhatsApp, BBM, Toggl, SwiftKey, The Weather Network, ES File Explorer, BBC, The Economist, Espresso, Google Now Launcher, Dictionary.com, TimmyMe, MyBackup Pro, eBay, Amazon, Kayak and a few others. It's still doing the same thing after a data wipe.
3) The first three times I had trouble they had me send in the phone with no quibbles. The first two times they tried to repair it (the documentation just said "replaced component, and reflashed software"), and after two failed attempts, they simply replaced it. Now they want to start the cycle over again... asking me to send it in for repair.
When they sent me the replacement it arrived with 4.4.4. The previous phone had issues with 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 both. I am still running stock 4.4.4.
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, hopefully your info helps someone help you better or hopefully it can help/spark someone truly seasoned in android/moto x etc to chime in
To check your manufacture date boot into your fastboot menu, check image to verify you're there.
Then choose BP Tools and then once that menu loads choose the option for UPC/Manufacture date read out, check for the date when it appears on the screen, maybe you are on a batch that has specific issues.
I've never heard of this issue, yuk sounds terrible. Goodluck! If you do end up finding answers somewhere else can you please come back here and post the resolution?
When I hit BP Tools it just reboots the phone... I don't know what's wrong???
maybe static electricity?
or do you use any cases?
maybe wrong charger?
Multiple devices, different Android versions, Sounds like an app issue to me.
If it happens frequently, then that is good in a way... You could factory reset and don't install a single app. If it doesn't act up for a couple days ..... Install about 5 apps. Go a couple days.... Install 5 more, etc... Etc. When it starts to act up, you know it's an app you recently installed, so it'll be easier to narrow down.
A logcat could help too. Search on that for how. It would likely show what happened at the time of the reboot /shutdown.
quaxer said:
1) I don't know when the phones were manufactured. Can you advise me how to tell?
2) I had a number of apps on it including WhatsApp, BBM, Toggl, SwiftKey, The Weather Network, ES File Explorer, BBC, The Economist, Espresso, Google Now Launcher, Dictionary.com, TimmyMe, MyBackup Pro, eBay, Amazon, Kayak and a few others. It's still doing the same thing after a data wipe.
3) The first three times I had trouble they had me send in the phone with no quibbles. The first two times they tried to repair it (the documentation just said "replaced component, and reflashed software"), and after two failed attempts, they simply replaced it. Now they want to start the cycle over again... asking me to send it in for repair.
When they sent me the replacement it arrived with 4.4.4. The previous phone had issues with 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 both. I am still running stock 4.4.4.
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
quaxer said:
When I hit BP Tools it just reboots the phone... I don't know what's wrong???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the volume +up button (once BP Tools is highlighted) and not the power button to select BP Tools I'm assuming that's what's happening, hmm
I would send it back to Motorola again. If the issues continue, tell them you want it replaced with something else like the 2014 Moto X.
Ok -- so the issues stopped completely over Christmas vacation, but I went back to work this morning (I work in a dusty woodworking plant) with my phone in my pocket, and bang, they were back. Every time I pulled my phone out of my pocket it had powered off, and finally it didn't want to power back on. I called Moto, and this time actually got a competent rep on the line. He blamed the issues on static electricity, and I second his opinion, because the machinery I work with tends to create some static, and the dust in my pocket may exacerbate the problem (?)
Anyway, he recommended that I plug the phone in and hold the power button for 2 minutes to drain the static. Voila! It seems to have worked.
Solved for the time being. Thanks everyone for your input.
quaxer said:
Ok -- so the issues stopped completely over Christmas vacation, but I went back to work this morning (I work in a dusty woodworking plant) with my phone in my pocket, and bang, they were back. Every time I pulled my phone out of my pocket it had powered off, and finally it didn't want to power back on. I called Moto, and this time actually got a competent rep on the line. He blamed the issues on static electricity, and I second his opinion, because the machinery I work with tends to create some static, and the dust in my pocket may exacerbate the problem (?)
Anyway, he recommended that I plug the phone in and hold the power button for 2 minutes to drain the static. Voila! It seems to have worked.
Solved for the time being. Thanks everyone for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is awesome.
Also, I recommend leaving your phone on your desk/home/car when you work
Or maybe a full-body armor case or something.
Statics & electronics = bad idea. Even if you can drain it and it works, it's still hurting the components inside.
So, it's been a bit, but I just came back to this phone. I never did send it in to Moto, though it seemed to have died completely. It sat in the drawer for a couple of weeks, and now on a whim I plugged it into my computer, and it started up! I had never tried plugging it into a computer, just chargers...
BUT,
In the last 10 minutes it's been sitting here rebooting itself every 2 minutes... I guess I'll try wiping it again (It didn't do the trick last time), but this phone has serious problems.

H811VK (TMo G4) bootlooping, need2preserve data, didn't want2replace so soon

Hi ...
So about Tuesday (14th) morning, my G4 rebooted itself, and went into perpetual bootloop. I bought it on 3/10/2016, so it was out of warranty by a few days. I'd heard, various places online, that people were getting their G4s fixed even out of warranty, but ....
First, I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. The rep there didn't know about the bootloop issue, and said he wasn't able to help me.
Next, I contacted LG live chat online, and they said they were unable to help because the camera lens is broken. (That happened within a month or so after getting the phone. Even if I didn't tell them up front, they still would have found out when they got it. I'd considered buying a replacement & installing it myself previously, but never could figure out which was the exact OEM model or where to get it.)
I really need to preserve the data that's on the phone. I'm not just talking about pictures, documents, downloaded files, etc (I think camera pics are backed up automatically, but idk about screenshots for example) ... I also mean Wi-Fi credentials, my 60-70+ open Chrome browser tabs & history, txt/mms messages, call logs, voice mails (stored in the T-Mo Visual Voicemail app) - basically everything.
Both T-Mobile and LG, if I understood right, told me that if they took the phone in for repair, one of the first things they'd do is factory reset it, which would wipe out that data, and I can't have that.
I'm at a loss for what to do right now. I really want to get my specific phone's bootloop / motherboard issue fixed, with its data retained, and not get it replaced, at no cost to me. (Don't care so much about the camera, it's still working fine even with the external lens busted off.) If I have to replace the phone, I still need to preserve the data I mentioned above, plus anything else I may have forgotten. (Basically a full system image/clone.) Also I haven't rooted / installed a custom OS.
If replacing with a new phone is in order, I'll want a really good one without breaking the bank. (I was going to keep the G4 until 2020 or 2021, if not longer - my T-Mobile G1 lasted 4.5 years and was a then-lower-end phone at the time than the G4.) I'm still trying to figure out what all I want in the phone, or what my budget is. (I *do* know I don't want anything by Apple, or an equivalent of the G4 or Note 7 of course.) My initial budget idea (ONLY for complete phone replacement, NOT if repair is involved), subject to modification, would include taking the $ I would have used to upgrade my 4790K desktop PC to Ryzen 7, and instead getting a new phone. I'm thinking anywhere from $300 to $800. A few preliminary models that popped up in my search are the LG G6, Galaxy S8, Note 8, 1+5, Pixel/2, and a few other Asian-sounding brands I'm not sure about yet. If it's decided I have to get a new phone, I'll be making another post/thread asking for more advice in detail on that.
pianoplayer88key said:
Hi ...
So about Tuesday (14th) morning, my G4 rebooted itself, and went into perpetual bootloop. I bought it on 3/10/2016, so it was out of warranty by a few days. I'd heard, various places online, that people were getting their G4s fixed even out of warranty, but ....
First, I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. The rep there didn't know about the bootloop issue, and said he wasn't able to help me.
Next, I contacted LG live chat online, and they said they were unable to help because the camera lens is broken. (That happened within a month or so after getting the phone. Even if I didn't tell them up front, they still would have found out when they got it. I'd considered buying a replacement & installing it myself previously, but never could figure out which was the exact OEM model or where to get it.)
I really need to preserve the data that's on the phone. I'm not just talking about pictures, documents, downloaded files, etc (I think camera pics are backed up automatically, but idk about screenshots for example) ... I also mean Wi-Fi credentials, my 60-70+ open Chrome browser tabs & history, txt/mms messages, call logs, voice mails (stored in the T-Mo Visual Voicemail app) - basically everything.
Both T-Mobile and LG, if I understood right, told me that if they took the phone in for repair, one of the first things they'd do is factory reset it, which would wipe out that data, and I can't have that.
I'm at a loss for what to do right now. I really want to get my specific phone's bootloop / motherboard issue fixed, with its data retained, and not get it replaced, at no cost to me. (Don't care so much about the camera, it's still working fine even with the external lens busted off.) If I have to replace the phone, I still need to preserve the data I mentioned above, plus anything else I may have forgotten. (Basically a full system image/clone.) Also I haven't rooted / installed a custom OS.
If replacing with a new phone is in order, I'll want a really good one without breaking the bank. (I was going to keep the G4 until 2020 or 2021, if not longer - my T-Mobile G1 lasted 4.5 years and was a then-lower-end phone at the time than the G4.) I'm still trying to figure out what all I want in the phone, or what my budget is. (I *do* know I don't want anything by Apple, or an equivalent of the G4 or Note 7 of course.) My initial budget idea (ONLY for complete phone replacement, NOT if repair is involved), subject to modification, would include taking the $ I would have used to upgrade my 4790K desktop PC to Ryzen 7, and instead getting a new phone. I'm thinking anywhere from $300 to $800. A few preliminary models that popped up in my search are the LG G6, Galaxy S8, Note 8, 1+5, Pixel/2, and a few other Asian-sounding brands I'm not sure about yet. If it's decided I have to get a new phone, I'll be making another post/thread asking for more advice in detail on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the safe way is to do the freezer method search and youll find tutorial.. get you data and stuff. use titanium to back up apps with data with the paid app..
raptorddd said:
the safe way is to do the freezer method search and youll find tutorial.. get you data and stuff. use titanium to back up apps with data with the paid app..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of the freezer method. I did pop it in the fridge and it almost started to work for a minute, but maybe I should try the freezer. I've also heard of people heating it and getting some temporary use out of it.
I have the paid Titanium Backup on my rooted Galaxy Relay 4G, but I haven't rooted the G4. And, once I went to a new phone, how would I restore without root? (I'd decided not to root until the warranty expired, but it'd be nice to get one that's more friendly to that in the future, also have better full backups, etc.)
Also I've heard there's a way to disable a couple cores & get it working that way, but I have Marshmallow and I hear it requires Lollipop.
pianoplayer88key said:
I've heard of the freezer method. I did pop it in the fridge and it almost started to work for a minute, but maybe I should try the freezer. I've also heard of people heating it and getting some temporary use out of it.
I have the paid Titanium Backup on my rooted Galaxy Relay 4G, but I haven't rooted the G4. And, once I went to a new phone, how would I restore without root? (I'd decided not to root until the warranty expired, but it'd be nice to get one that's more friendly to that in the future, also have better full backups, etc.)
Also I've heard there's a way to disable a couple cores & get it working that way, but I have Marshmallow and I hear it requires Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we have antirollback in h811 if you are in 20i you are okey to downgrade if higher then 20i say 20o then you cant downgrade to lollipop.
not sure how you would go about restoring. your data..
raptorddd said:
we have antirollback in h811 if you are in 20i you are okey to downgrade if higher then 20i say 20o then you cant downgrade to lollipop.
not sure how you would go about restoring. your data..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... well since I can't boot (for now) past the LG screen, idk if I can even get TO a place where I can attempt a rollback.
And even if I have to use other methods to get the data back (so long as it doesn't cost much, as in less than the cost of an SD card) ... then another important criteria for my next phone is automatic backup of *everything*, either to the cloud, or to a second removable micro SD card, or something. (And, by backup of everything, I mean full system image basically.)
And the data I'm talking about includes, but is not limited to, call logs, browser history & open tabs (chrome was my primary browser on that phone), sms/mms messages, saved voicemails (in the T-Mobile Visual Voicemail app), and other things that aren't saved in places like Documents, Downloads, DCIM, Pictures, etc.
pianoplayer88key said:
Hmm... well since I can't boot (for now) past the LG screen, idk if I can even get TO a place where I can attempt a rollback.
And even if I have to use other methods to get the data back (so long as it doesn't cost much, as in less than the cost of an SD card) ... then another important criteria for my next phone is automatic backup of *everything*, either to the cloud, or to a second removable micro SD card, or something. (And, by backup of everything, I mean full system image basically.)
And the data I'm talking about includes, but is not limited to, call logs, browser history & open tabs (chrome was my primary browser on that phone), sms/mms messages, saved voicemails (in the T-Mobile Visual Voicemail app), and other things that aren't saved in places like Documents, Downloads, DCIM, Pictures, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is bootloopng . thats a hardware issue.. i would suggest to do the freezer method .making sure no moist gets in phone.. i think people put in frezzer with cable and recovers their data.
So ... the freezer method has worked (with the phone in a Ziploc bag), at least partially. After turning off WiFi, a few days ago I was able to use ES File Explorer (already installed) to copy the internal phone memory to a 128GB SD card which was only about 10-20% full or so. (I couldn't copy absolutely everything, as my G4 isn't rooted yet.) I did it in stages - first copied several user data folders just in case it croaked mid-backup (it didn't), then did the rest.
Just earlier this morning, I used SuperBackup+ (or whatever it's called, I forget atm & the phone's charging again) to back up a few more things.
Then I went into the settings to see if anything was set to back up to the cloud, or could be backed up. Under "Backup and Reset", it was set to back up to my Google account. I also checked a few other settings.
Right before turning on WiFi again, I opened CPU-Z, to find most of the temps around 8°C. After turning WiFi back on, within seconds most of the temps shot up to the 30s to 60s °C, and the top 2 on the list (which included battery) pegged at 140°C, then the phone rebooted itself. So apparently turning WiFi on quickly overwhelms the phone. (I can't use mobile data, as I took the SIM card out and am using it in my SGH-T699 for now.) It then started up briefly, and while I *think* I may have been able to turn off WiFi again before it rebooted again, it started looping, from what I could tell. (Was probably time to take a break anyway, as I'd been standing there for a good 10-15 minutes or so with the freezer door open.)
I'm still hoping I might have a little bit of life left for backing up, after giving the phone a rest, battery a charge, letting the freezer settle down, and refreezing the phone.
One more thing I'd like to do with the phone - root it. Is there a way to do it without an internet connection, if possible without a computer (although maybe I could shut the freezer door on the USB cable), and for sure without wiping the device? I'd really like to use Titanium Backup Pro (already installed) to back everything up to the 128GB SD card.
Also I've heard about possibly disabling the two fast CPU cores, but also heard that may only work on Lollipop. (My G4 has Marshmallow installed.)
Anyway, right now the phone is plugged in (out of the freezer) and charging again. Interesting thing though ... while it was powered on in the freezer, it was saying I had 51% battery left. (This was right after I'd pulled it off the charger and it said 98-100% or so - the powered-off battery meter.) Then, plugging it back in (again powered off), it said 78%. Is the huge discrepancy in battery percentages temperature related, or indicative of another issue like a weakening battery? (The battery hasn't swelled at all, from what I can tell.)
I think it's time for a new phone soon, though. I might make another topic with more details, but a few I'm looking at maybe are the Asus Zenfone AR, Google Pixel, OnePlus 3T, Samsung Galaxy S7, maybe a few others. (I'm not as sure about the LG G6 or V20.) Other brands under consideration include HTC, Huawei, LeEco, Motorola, Oppo, vivo, Xiaomi & ZTE.
Basically I'd like something that
officially supports rooting / custom ROMs (and stock ROM is as close to vanilla Android as possible),
is officially supported for updates for a good while (for example if it comes with Android 7, I can upgrade to 9 or if possible 10 OTA, and beyond with community-made ROMs),
has a decent CPU/GPU (like SD 820/821/835 & Adreno 530/540),
plenty of RAM (6+ GB),
a decent amount of internal storage (64+ GB),
has either a micro SD slot or supports USB OTG or both,
among other things.
I'm guessing the 1+3T might be the best compromise? (Or stretch the budget & get the Pixel?) Or should I maybe consider waiting for the Pixel 2 or the OnePlus 4/5? Or get one of the other options / something else entirely? (I'd like to buy within the next month or two, if not sooner.) I had been planning to upgrade my desktop PC to AMD Ryzen 7, but figured I'd use the $ I would have spent on that, on the phone instead. (I can limp along on my i7-4790K a while longer, or my laptop's i7-6700K, etc, it'll just be somewhat slower in video editing, multitasking, etc. From what I hear my i7s are maybe faster at 1080p gaming, but I don't game all that much.)
I'm on T-Mobile - the $30/month 5GB+100min plan for now, but eventually tentatively plan to upgrade to unlimited with the unlimited hotspot addon.

should we restore our backups after hard reset

Hi there community,
revolted because of battery life on my pixel (pixel 4 xl) I did few moments ago hard reset, to give it a try. Battery level droped ca. 45% in few hours doing nothing ( I don't have any new apps or somethig new on phone) During this initial setup, I was wondering should we restore our backups 1-1, will this just give us our problem back, or somehow this will be avoided? (to be clear, I am not thinking that HardReset will 100% resolve the problem, just want to give it a try)
I hope you understood my dilemma and my english
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
100kaa said:
Hi there community,
revolted because of battery life on my pixel (pixel 4 xl) I did few moments ago hard reset, to give it a try. Battery level droped ca. 45% in few hours doing nothing ( I don't have any new apps or somethig new on phone) During this initial setup, I was wondering should we restore our backups 1-1, will this just give us our problem back, or somehow this will be avoided? (to be clear, I am not thinking that HardReset will 100% resolve the problem, just want to give it a try)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean allow Google backup to restore your apps then YES, it is perfectly safe (and a big time saver). You may have to reset again to get that option. In my experience, once you use the phone and start setting it up, the restore option is not offered again. If you are talking about another type of backup like Titanium Backup, then you would allow Google to restore first and then run TiBu afterwards to restore your remaining user apps. As far as battery performance there are many ways to track down the culprit(s), BUT a fresh start is always a good thing for phone performance and stability. Best of luck! :good:
@v12xke
Thank You for Your clear response. I did restored the apps from the google one, but I thought it would be possible to restore settings also (e.g. app folders and their position, ringtone, widgets and similar).
Maybe now is not such a big deal, I have started from beginning, but is this possible for the future and if it is, should it be done?
and I will check TiBa, thanks once again.
100kaa said:
@v12xke
Thank You for Your clear response. I did restored the apps from the google one, but I thought it would be possible to restore settings also (e.g. app folders and their position, ringtone, widgets and similar).
Maybe now is not such a big deal, I have started from beginning, but is this possible for the future and if it is, should it be done?and I will check TiBa, thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. I use a combination of Google backup, Titanium Backup (requires root) and Nova Launcher. Nova allows you to backup all your home screen(s) icon locations and widgets. Google restore first, TiBu all the remaining apps, and then restore a recent Nova backup will get me back to 95% of where I was. App settings (and notifications) require a bit more time. As for how long between resets? I usually only reset on a major release 9->10->11, but sometimes things just happen and you either live with it, or reset. Hopefully this reset will allow you to find the app(s) causing the battery drain. Next time boot into safe mode first and try to duplicate the battery drain. If the battery is performing normally in safe mode, one of your apps is causing the problem and you have a smaller problem to deal with. in finding it. Best of luck. :good:
@v12xke
Hey thanks once again. I am sooo unfamiliar with Root and benefits from rooting the phone, it's a nuclear since for me. I bought Nova Launcher but I could not find how to enable "at glance" so I will wait for a bit, just to get bored with this launcher, I think it won't take a lot of time. And just to share, battery is much better today. I have 62% and its almost 12 hours as I disconnected it from the charger.
If you could share with me few links with benefits of rooting or some useful links, I would appreciate it so much.
100kaa said:
@v12xke
Hey thanks once again. I am sooo unfamiliar with Root and benefits from rooting the phone, it's a nuclear since for me. I bought Nova Launcher but I could not find how to enable "at glance" so I will wait for a bit, just to get bored with this launcher, I think it won't take a lot of time. And just to share, battery is much better today. I have 62% and its almost 12 hours as I disconnected it from the charger.
If you could share with me few links with benefits of rooting or some useful links, I would appreciate it so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ability to root is the primary reason I have stayed with Google phones over the past 10+ years. There are many advantages, but the ability to flash firmware (stock or custom) strong ad blocking and the ability to backup offline are a few. I also refuse to be locked out of something I paid for. First you should verify your variant is one that CAN be unlocked. Not all Google phones are unlocked. Where did you buy your phone? If you did not purchase an unlocked phone directly from Google, your phone may be bootloader locked and you will not be able to root even if you wanted to. First, enable developer settings and verify whether the toggle to allow OEM unlocking is NOT grayed out or locked. If you are able to toggle this setting, your bootloader can be unlocked and the phone can be rooted. Note: it is perfectly safe to toggle this setting even if you never intend to root your phone, so feel free to enable if you can. If for some reason you cannot change this setting, your phone has been bootloader locked. Step 2: Determine if the phone is carrier locked which is different from bootloader locked. Do you know if you are tied to using one carrier, or do you know for a fact you can use a SIM from another carrier? Have you tested this already? If not, borrow a SIM from a different carrier and try it. Knowing whether your phone is carrier locked is important, because if your phone is carrier locked, you may still be able to get it unlocked.
@v12xke
Thank you very much for your time and patience. I am able to unlock OEM (and i did it ) regarding the carrier lock, it's unlocked, I am using e-sim from T-Mobile and when visit other countries, I use sim card from other carrier/country and its working.
You have started my curiosity, I would like to give it a try, can you please point me at some good tutorial and will it be ok that I send you some questions if something pops out
thank you very much
100kaa said:
@v12xke
Thank you very much for your time and patience. I am able to unlock OEM (and i did it ) regarding the carrier lock, it's unlocked, I am using e-sim from T-Mobile and when visit other countries, I use sim card from other carrier/country and its working.
You have started my curiosity, I would like to give it a try, can you please point me at some good tutorial and will it be ok that I send you some questions if something pops out
thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, and you're lucky to have an unlocked version. My son does not root, but his bootloader is unlocked anyway just in case something happens we can always get it back to stock. The next step I would suggest is to download, install and test the fastboot/adb tools. It is the command line interface that enables you to push/pull files to and from your phone (and unlock the phone). Very simply you d/l the zipfile and extract into a dedicated folder (eg. adb). It makes it easier if you add that folder to your path statement, but this is not a requirement. There are many tutorials on how to install these basic binaries (as opposed to the entire SDK which you don't need). Once you can use the fastboot command "fastboot devices" and get a response from the phone you are ready for unlocking. You can find one of the exhaustive, step-by-step, and well written guide HERE. Lots of time and effort went into that guide by @Homeboy76. :good: Best of luck, and remember even if you decide not to root that's ok, but at least your bootloader will be unlocked and you will have learned some basic fastboot/adb commands. The best time to install and learn the basics is BEFORE you have a problem.

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