Database Develop

[Q] Sent phone back for warranty, T-Mobile didn't reset it

Long story short, my first HTC One had dead pixels so I warranty exchanged it. Stupidly, I assumed T-Mobile would factory reset my phone before selling it as a refurb, but no. A few days ago, I started getting random instant uploads on my Google+. Then, my Facebook was locked due to account activity in MEXICO (also where the photos were located), and now, I checked my Gmail, and there are sent messages to random people I do not know. I have changed my passwords, but what I'm wondering is, can T-Mobile really get away with this? They took a phone they knowingly know was defective, did not even turn it on to look at it or reset it, and sold it (or gave it) to some guy in Mexico.
What can I do? Who knows what sensitive information that person took? Obviously, since they've been using my account, they couldn't possibly think they were using their own account. T-Mobile is not open for customer support until the morning, but I'm FREAKING OUT and absolutely furious that something like this was allowed to happen.

first of all that really sucks that that happened. i cant imagine what that other person in "mexico" could have taken from your personal info wise....
i would call them and see what happened. make sure to also monitor your credit. you never know what they could have taken.
that is a pretty ridiculous breach of private info if you ask me

I feel bad for you that this happened. But really you should have done the factory reset before you sent it back. There is no way I would send my phone without doing this
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Obviously, to all those detractors, I normally reset my phone before sending it in for repairs/exchange. It slipped my mind this time; screw me for assuming the big phone company would handle things correctly, huh?
In any case, the instant upload photos have EXIF and location data pinpointing the exact location of the photos. It'd be hard for them to argue that it's not coming from my previous phone when:
1. I have emails being sent from my account to people I have never spoken to
2. I'm not in Mexico; I'm in Virginia
3. My Facebook was also locked due to being accessed... from Mexico
I'm about to call T-Mobile (after eating breakfast). Wish me luck.

aznxk3vi17 said:
Obviously, to all those detractors, I normally reset my phone before sending it in for repairs/exchange. It slipped my mind this time; screw me for assuming the big phone company would handle things correctly, huh?
In any case, the instant upload photos have EXIF and location data pinpointing the exact location of the photos. It'd be hard for them to argue that it's not coming from my previous phone when:
1. I have emails being sent from my account to people I have never spoken to
2. I'm not in Mexico; I'm in Virginia
3. My Facebook was also locked due to being accessed... from Mexico
I'm about to call T-Mobile (after eating breakfast). Wish me luck. And thanks, everyone, for calling me stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it and let us know what happens. Expect to speak with a supervisor, because a normal employee most likely legitimately won't be able to help your situation. Know what you're going to ask them for (compensation or whatever it is you're looking for).
I know that at AT&T, they reset your device when you exchange it.

Thread cleaned
No reason for calling anybody stupid. It might have not been the best idea, but still we can keep a civilized tone here.
cheers

So I just had a conversation with a T-Mobile representative. He claims to have spoken with T-Mobile engineers and HTC representatives, and they all told him that there was nothing they could do. The T-Mobile guy pinned the blame on HTC, saying it's their responsibility to wipe phones before sending them back to T-Mobile for selling. Either way, I also discovered the IMEI for my old phone was still linked to my account, even though I've since received a replacement device with a new IMEI. Apparently, there was nothing he could do with that information either.
So, he just says they'll "keep an eye out" on my account looking for suspicious activity. I think I'll call back later and explicitly ask for a manager (this time I figured he could do something with the IMEI). I would have asked for the manager, but I have work to do, after all.
Is there anything they should be able to do with the IMEI? They said they can't wipe the phone anymore without the actual device, and they have NO IDEA who the phone belongs to now. You'd think they keep track of that sort of thing.

That really stinks that they would resell without resetting the phone. I have Cerberus installed as a hidden system app on all our phones, can remotely lock, locate, and factory reset if need be. Well worth it.

aznxk3vi17 said:
So I just had a conversation with a T-Mobile representative. He claims to have spoken with T-Mobile engineers and HTC representatives, and they all told him that there was nothing they could do. The T-Mobile guy pinned the blame on HTC, saying it's their responsibility to wipe phones before sending them back to T-Mobile for selling. Either way, I also discovered the IMEI for my old phone was still linked to my account, even though I've since received a replacement device with a new IMEI. Apparently, there was nothing he could do with that information either.
So, he just says they'll "keep an eye out" on my account looking for suspicious activity. I think I'll call back later and explicitly ask for a manager (this time I figured he could do something with the IMEI). I would have asked for the manager, but I have work to do, after all.
Is there anything they should be able to do with the IMEI? They said they can't wipe the phone anymore without the actual device, and they have NO IDEA who the phone belongs to now. You'd think they keep track of that sort of thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're just playing the blame game. I'd believe them when they say it's HTC's responsibility (sounds reasonable), but HTC might say the reverse, that it's T-Mobile's responsibility. Like I said, unless you have some sort of compensation in mind, they're probably not going to offer you anything. Checking for "suspicious activity" on your T-Mobile account is useless since it's not even on your account anymore. The IMEI number might be able to be blacklisted so it can't be used on T-Mobile (and soon in the US altogether), but that's about it really.
There are a few apps that let you track down a phone after it's lost, but here's one that actually lets you WIPE it afterwards. Provided the guy still has your Google account on the phone, you should be able to install this via Google Play on your computer (the phone should still be associated on your account) and then wipe it. It'll say the name of the carrier it's on in Mexico followed by "HTC One."
http://lifehacker.com/android-lost-controls-your-stolen-phone-even-after-you-511903024
Don't change your Google passwords yet because it needs your Google account to work. Afterwards, you can change all your passwords.

cschmitt said:
That really stinks that they would resell without resetting the phone. I have Cerberus installed as a hidden system app on all our phones, can remotely lock, locate, and factory reset if need be. Well worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I had already installed Cerberus. Problem is, I removed the phone from my Cerberus account because I wrongly assumed I wouldn't need it anymore. If I had kept it installed and on my account for just a few days longer, I'd be able to lock the phone, but alas.
Product F(RED) said:
They're just playing the blame game. I'd believe them when they say it's HTC's responsibility (sounds reasonable), but HTC might say the reverse, that it's T-Mobile's responsibility. Like I said, unless you have some sort of compensation in mind, they're probably not going to offer you anything. Checking for "suspicious activity" on your T-Mobile account is useless since it's not even on your account anymore. The IMEI number might be able to be blacklisted so it can't be used on T-Mobile (and soon in the US altogether), but that's about it really.
There are a few apps that let you track down a phone after it's lost, but here's one that actually lets you WIPE it afterwards. Provided the guy still has your Google account on the phone, you should be able to install this via Google Play on your computer (the phone should still be associated on your account) and then wipe it. It'll say the name of the carrier it's on in Mexico followed by "HTC One."
http://lifehacker.com/android-lost-controls-your-stolen-phone-even-after-you-511903024
Don't change your Google passwords yet because it needs your Google account to work. Afterwards, you can change all your passwords.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already changed my passwords. I assume changing my password back to my original wouldn't work, since it would still require the person with my phone to log on with it? Also, the SIM was of course removed, so I can't use that app, since I don't know the phone number of the person now carrying the old phone.

aznxk3vi17 said:
Yeah, I had already installed Cerberus. Problem is, I removed the phone from my Cerberus account because I wrongly assumed I wouldn't need it anymore. If I had kept it installed and on my account for just a few days longer, I'd be able to lock the phone, but alas.
I've already changed my passwords. I assume changing my password back to my original wouldn't work, since it would still require the person with my phone to log on with it? Also, the SIM was of course removed, so I can't use that app, since I don't know the phone number of the person now carrying the old phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think changing your password back would work. You don't need a SIM card in the phone for it to work. It needs any data connection (e.g. Wifi).

Nexus on account lock

Is there any way to flash a new firmware to this phone without unlocking it with the account? I can't unlock bootloader without accessing the settings...

Get the person you got the phone from to remove the device from their account using their security panel at security.google.com

That's the problem-I bought this phone from a pal who doesn't remember his password and that's the reason why he sold it. I bought it because it's IP isn't registered as stolen and he's got all the accessories and original box so I don't think it's stolen, but I didn't know google introduced that kind of security in this phone :/ thought I'll just flash a new rom and problem will be gone.

If he can't remember his Google PW or properly use the recovery to get it/a new one then that's......I dunno.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Nechoya said:
That's the problem-I bought this phone from a pal who doesn't remember his password and that's the reason why he sold it. I bought it because it's IP isn't registered as stolen and he's got all the accessories and original box so I don't think it's stolen, but I didn't know google introduced that kind of security in this phone :/ thought I'll just flash a new rom and problem will be gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google provides a guide to reset passwords here. He will need to reset the password on the GMail account he used on the device, log into that account on a PC, enter the account security settings and remove the device from that account. This is the only way you will be able to restore this device to operating condition, so you better hope he can remember the GMail account he used to set up the device.

N950f-ds [galaxy note 8 exynos] - rmm state lock

Hello,
I negotiated a Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS) through a site of collective purchases in Brazil, with invoice and all the accessories.
I did all the tests in the device and I decided to buy it, because it seemed reliable.
The device already had the factory settings, but with Android 7.1.1.
I activated automatic update in order to upgrade the android to 8.0.
I received the update and installed it. When restarting the phone, I started the settings normally, I was able to configure the Samsung Account, but when I was starting the configuration of the Google account my phone blocked.
After trying several unlock passwords, I made contact with SAMSUNG which instructed me to send the device for local service.
When I arrived at the service it was verified that my device had "transport block" and who is responsible for unlocking the device is the store in which the device was purchased.
I went to the store that was described in the purchase invoice and there informed me that the store does not perform any kind of unlock or block, so I could not solve the problem.
After several discussions with Samsung and the store, it was verified that my invoice was exchanged and that it was possibly not true.
It was from there that I realized that I was deceived by the seller of the device, because when I try to contact him, my calls do not complete and he blocked me in the social networks.
The only information I have about him is his name and the phone number that should have already been discarded.
Anyway, I realized that I would have to try on my own. Because of this, I am doing this post. I apologize for the long text above before passing the technical information, I had to explain what happened, because I do not want to pass as a thief.
After doing several research I found that the lock was being triggered by RLC.apk which is located at "/system/priv-app/Rlc/Rlc.apk" in stock firmwares.
I found an instruction that guided to freeze the performance of this app with application Ice box v3.1.9.1.
I tried the instruction, but it did not work on devices with Binary 4 (which is my case). The device continues to locked.
I talked to some technicians who told me that this is a block known as SEDA_LOG or DNP 0001. There are some companies that unlock remotely, but it does not have support for Binary 4.
With rom COMBINATION I can use some applications installed by adb, even my data network works perfectly.
The IMEI is normal, unlocked, and is out of the blacklist.
Other information is that the RMM State is Lock, FRP ON, OEM LOCK ON.
Also, when the lock screen appears a few times the message "Silent Log is not allowed for commercial version, please get the EM token".
Through the Samsung Account I can make the phone ring and even locate it, but it does not unlock.
Some failed attempts:
- flash a rom from another region (the device region is ZTO, I tried O2U)
- wait 7 days for the RMM State to disappear (not disappeared, continued locked)
- freezing the RLC app
- enter several PINs to try to unlock.
- login with my samsung account on rmm.samsung.com to try to unlock rmm, but I can not access.
If anyone can help me, or can guide me in what to do, I am very grateful.

Well, if you got scammed by some nasty person, strictly talking, the device in your hands was illegaly traded, as such, here in XDA no solution will be given or support offered, sorry, these cases appear often, and the moderators usually close the threads

winol said:
Well, if you got scammed by some nasty person, strictly talking, the device in your hands was illegaly traded, as such, here in XDA no solution will be given or support offered, sorry, these cases appear often, and the moderators usually close the threads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand!
Anyway thank you.

Need a way to remove mi account lock on my own device cause Xiaomi won't help

Some months ago, I purchased a Xiaomi Redmi 8 from a local store, here, in Greece.
The device was originally given to my brother who has been using it for about a month or so. He knows nothing about tech in general and I was not with him when he set up his phone, so he created a new gmail and mi account on his own.
A few days ago, he was given another device that he is more familiar with, so he decided to switch to it and give the Redmi 8 to my other brother.
Before handing it to him, he told me to create a backup of his photos and perform a hard reset on it in order to wipe everything in the device. I did so, but when rebooting the device after the hard reset, I came across a message telling me that the device is locked and that I need to log in using my old mi account in order to unlock it.
Well, you may have already understood what the problem is. He doesn't know the password to neither his mi nor his gmail account and he didn't even add his phone number as a password reset backup so there is no way for me to unlock it using that way.
Manual verification doesn't work either, cause the accounts are considered to be new, as there are no previous passwords, emails or any kind of history associated to them.
I searched about it and found out that I had to contact xiaomi global in order to sort this issue out so that's exactly what I did (I tried contacting Xiaomi Greece first but they told me that they couldn't help and that I had to send an email to Xiaomi Global).
I sent an email to Xiaomi describing my issue in detail. In the email I also included everything that proved that I am the original owner of the device, because I understand that without proof they wouldn't be able to do anything.
So I included:
- A photo of the locked device with me holding it
- A photo of the device's box with me holding it
- A photo of the IMEI numbers written on the box and on a sticker that came with the device, which I also included as text (in written form) in the email's body
- A photo of the official receipt that I received from the store upon purchase
- The email that my brother used for the mi account he created (he managed to remember the email but not the password)
After four days of communication, switching to different case managers and with me describing my problem again and again, their final answer was that they simply can't do anything about it, because of privacy concerns.
Keep in mind that I don't want to recover my brother's old mi account, I don't care about it, he doesn't care either. What I'm asking for is to have my legally purchased device unlocked, by either completely removing the mi account that is associated with it or switching it with a mi account that he actually knows the password for.
Since then, I've contacted Xiaomi Global again and again, multiple times, and I always receive the same reply, that due to privacy issues they don't accept any unlock requests. For my own legally purchased device ffs!
I read about similar cases online, that got sorted out without even providing a receipt of the purchase and my case is somehow related to privacy issues and cannot be solved, so I'm left with a totally useless device.
Is there any other way to unlock it, I'm extremely frustrated with their behavior, so much that I think I won't be buying any Xiaomi devices anymore.

I believe there is a mi-tool that will allow one too bypass the activation screen and get into your device os here is a link that can help
https://www.androidjungles.com/download-mi-account-unlock-tool/

emmeriche said:
I believe there is a mi-tool that will allow one too bypass the activation screen and get into your device os here is a link that can help
https://www.androidjungles.com/download-mi-account-unlock-tool/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came across that one on YouTube but is it legit?
It seems really sketchy, has anyone actually tried it?

Marvinlock said:
I came across that one on YouTube but is it legit?
It seems really sketchy, has anyone actually tried it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had to try it but people in the mi community have recommended it , other than that I'm sure how else to by pass user login
Unless you remember the user name you can try to renew change the password by logging in on pc

- The email that my brother used for the mi account he created (he managed to remember the email but not the password)
go to https://account.xiaomi.com and retrieve your password by mail and if you connected it to your sim number get it out of your phone and insert it in another one to reserve verification SMS

Hi. I have the same issue. Bypass don't work. Could it be helpful to downgrade the device to older OS? Does anyone has experienced a positive bypass?
Related to https://www.androidjungles.com/download-mi-account-unlock-tool/

If it isn't your account go to
Xiaomi Cloud
Manage your data and devices anytime, anywhere
i.mi.com
And follow the steps, for me it worked perfectly

I have the same Problem, i purchased a Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro (ther big one with 128GB Storage) second Hand. The Seller has removed his Google Account but not his Xiaumi Account. So he also has left his Data on the Telephone because he was very busy and asked me to remove it from the Phone.
So it's my first Xioami Device with having a Xiaomi Account and i never had anything to do with such Accounts, only the Google Account that you need on most of all Phones. So i performed a Factory Reset on the Phone and the Phone is now locked by the Xiaomi Account and unuseable. I have everything from the Seller, The Original Box, the original Bill (was originallly purchased in Czechslovakia i think) and the Papers came with the Phone.
Have someone an Idea what i can do? I live in Vienna/Austria and would be very thankful for any form of help to bring the Phone back to Life.
I contacted the Xiaomi Support, i tried some Guides in Youtube Videos with won't work with my Phone or are Fake, tried some Account Unlock Tools.... I have no Idea anymore, maybe someone here can help me out please?

Is the bootloader unlocked??
If yes you can reflash miui

gabtit7 said:
Is the bootloader unlocked??
If yes you can reflash miui
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i bought it as a used phone and fastboot means bootloader is locked. is there a way to unlock it via fastboot mode?

To check if bootloader is unlocked, while booting up but before the boot animation, there should be an unlocked lock.
If you can't find that lock then you should go visit a support center or so
If it is unlocked tell me here and I'll help

Unforgently i think it isn't unlocked because i cannot see this unlocked lock at bootimg up. Any ideas?

Tech support

Just follow the method #1 of the guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...for-merlin-redmi-note-9-redmi-10x-4g.4233977/
(Method #2 is specific for MERLIN devices. If your device is NOT merlin, you can brick it.)

gabtit7 said:
Tech support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unforgently Xiaomi Support is not very helpful. i don't know why, they build good Phones for good Prices but the Customer Support there is a Mess.
VD171 said:
Just follow the method #1 of the guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...for-merlin-redmi-note-9-redmi-10x-4g.4233977/
(Method #2 is specific for MERLIN devices. If your device is NOT merlin, you can brick it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try method 1 with the original begonia global firmware i downloaded, i hope it will work. Thank you very much!

Mobile-User_2021 said:
I will try method 1 with the original begonia global firmware i downloaded, i hope it will work. Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will lock bootloader again.
If you have unlocked bootloader and want to backup it, just backup the SECCFG partition.
And then, after the "firmware upgrade" just restore the SECCFG partition.

VD171 said:
It will lock bootloader again.
If you have unlocked bootloader and want to backup it, just backup the SECCFG partition.
And then, after the "firmware upgrade" just restore the SECCFG partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Bootloader is already seems to be locked, so its no Problem if the SP Flash Tool will lock it again. But its a good Hint, Thank you anyway.
I just want to have a working Device for Daily use because i sold my other Phone and buyed this one as a used one because a friend of mine use the same Model and is very pleased with it. It has some useful functions huawei doesn't provide.
For now i have to use the reserve Phone from a friend of mine, a LG G3 D855 with 1GB of RAM and Android 5. So i will be very happy if my Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro working like it should work.
But for now i'm warned and can everybody strongly recommend to look that the seller of an mobile phone has removed ALL of his accounts from the phone befire you buy it.

Mobile-User_2021 said:
The Bootloader is already seems to be locked, so its no Problem if the SP Flash Tool will lock it again. But its a good Hint, Thank you anyway.
I just want to have a working Device for Daily use because i sold my other Phone and buyed this one as a used one because a friend of mine use the same Model and is very pleased with it. It has some useful functions huawei doesn't provide.
For now i have to use the reserve Phone from a friend of mine, a LG G3 D855 with 1GB of RAM and Android 5. So i will be very happy if my Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro working like it should work.
But for now i'm warned and can everybody strongly recommend to look that the seller of an mobile phone has removed ALL of his accounts from the phone befire you buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unhappy, neither Xiaomi or Google asks if you want to protect your device asking for password if anybody try to wipe data.
You are right, we need to confirm if everything is clear before to buy.

Mobile-User_2021 said:
I have the same Problem, i purchased a Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro (ther big one with 128GB Storage) second Hand. The Seller has removed his Google Account but not his Xiaumi Account. So he also has left his Data on the Telephone because he was very busy and asked me to remove it from the Phone.
So it's my first Xioami Device with having a Xiaomi Account and i never had anything to do with such Accounts, only the Google Account that you need on most of all Phones. So i performed a Factory Reset on the Phone and the Phone is now locked by the Xiaomi Account and unuseable. I have everything from the Seller, The Original Box, the original Bill (was originallly purchased in Czechslovakia i think) and the Papers came with the Phone.
Have someone an Idea what i can do? I live in Vienna/Austria and would be very thankful for any form of help to bring the Phone back to Life.
I contacted the Xiaomi Support, i tried some Guides in Youtube Videos with won't work with my Phone or are Fake, tried some Account Unlock Tools.... I have no Idea anymore, maybe someone here can help me out please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi why is everybody hard resetting their phones the old way, in Xiaomi devices the proper way is to do it thru the settings menu or simply logout the mi account of the device (but offcourse doing it this way will ask for a pasword).
In regards to your quetions you may have to options:
1. Ask the seller to remove the phone from his mi account in https://i.mi.com/
2. Jtag the phone or going for the prior mentioned software https://www.androidjungles.com/download-mi-account-unlock-tool/

Actually if you go into recovery (stock one), it has the option to contact support thru mipcsuite. Once I had the good " the system has been destroyed" screen and they fixed it for me w/o even contacting each other

Sansung A71 unlock pin and Google account problem

I found a SAMSUNG A71 after wipedate/factory reset the phone still asking the pin unlock or Google account ,its any solution to can use this phone again?

bombo450 said:
I found a SAMSUNG A71 after wipedate/factory reset the phone still asking the pin unlock or Google account ,its any solution to can use this phone again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You "found" a Samsung A71 that isn't yours? Lol yeah you just triggered it's Factory Reset Protection, you won't be able to use it without knowing the original PIN or Google account.

no method to use the phone again?

No, it can only be unlocked by the original owner

Its need to be some method to hack this protection ,with program or ??

There isn't. And even if there was, such programs are forbidden to be discussed in XDA.

A fix the problem and now the phone is unlocked without problem

bombo450 said:
A fix the problem and now the phone is unlocked without problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sadly there are ways to go around FRP.
Usually it involves opening the keyboard settings and triggering webview from the 3rd party licensing disclaimer ... then a somewhat longer trip depending on the OS that finally brings you to the main Settings app where you can remove other Google account and do whatever.
FRP in Android is kinda a flop, in the end the only thing that it manages to protect is your account.
Some of these FRP and Webview security holes have been fixed by Google with A9 and A10, but many still remain in OEM custom android OSs.
I myself had to do this in many occasions for old folk that don't remember their passwords/pins (password recovery not an option) and want to give the phone to someone else. Never did it for a "found" phone tough.

ban.codrut said:
Yeah, sadly there are ways to go around FRP.
Usually it involves opening the keyboard settings and triggering webview from the 3rd party licensing disclaimer ... then a somewhat longer trip depending on the OS that finally brings you to the main Settings app where you can remove other Google account and do whatever.
FRP in Android is kinda a flop, in the end the only thing that it manages to protect is your account.
Some of these FRP and Webview security holes have been fixed by Google with A9 and A10, but many still remain in OEM custom android OSs.
I myself had to do this in many occasions for old folk that don't remember their passwords/pins (password recovery not an option) and want to give the phone to someone else. Never did it for a "found" phone tough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was difficult to break through my girlfriend for got her pincode and made it worse for got her Google account password now it's lock.any hints or break to get started or unlock even better thanks