I have the Moto E5 Play, the XT1921-5 model from Boost. I was given it by a friend who asked if I could save it. Apparently, he must have flashed a wrong kernel or rom and it will only go to a screen telling me Startup Failed and to hook it up to the Software Repair Assistant to fix it. Well, The Software Repair Assistant is for the Verizon models. This is the Boost version. Tried flashing stock firmware but won't let me do it. If you notice on the fastboot screen it reads the correct model but the eMMC and DRAM say SAMSUNG. Also, the baseband version it says does not exist. Does anyone have any clue as to what this dude did or if it is even possible to repair? It's a brand new phone just can't install an OS. Any ideas would be appreciated
The device is booting into what is called [circa AOSP @ https://developer.android.com/docs] a Yellow-Boot mode. Unfortunately, without the device's bootloader unlocked,a yellow boot bricks a device. That's my guess.... I would go ahead and try the software repair assistant (even though it's for vzw devices) & just see if you can salvage it at all..... I know I had a vzw great play and after rooting it with the Magisk 13.3 tethered exploit, I came to this screen after flashing a modified boot.img w/ a locked bootloader, and I had to use the software repair assistant to salvage it. If that doesn't fix it, maybe try to sideload the stock firmware through recovery..?
Related
I have an issue with a bunch of these tablets from Sprint at my company.
Before stepping in they were used and locked with a PIN that I dont have.
I would like to restore these and deploy them but it seems like everything I try i cannot get
passed MDM to flash any image.
On top of being locked out these tablets have some sort of deployment software that applies security policies so its completely unaccesible
even through ADB.
Does anyone have a trick for this situation? Would utilizing a JTAG be able to force wipe or reload firmware?
if anyone has any approaches that would be much appreciated!
only partial way to bypass is flashing combi+installing some sort of launcher
i did jtag but tablet wont boot (i need emmc dump to fix it via SDcard)
Today I got up real pissed with Samsung for being so restrictive around ROM flashing, rooting, flashing custom firmware or even stock firmware, so wanted to create this post to help anybody considering to get a Samsung phone to stay away from it.
This post is not intended to recommend any specific brand or model of android phone, but to recommend the exact opposite, which brand and model NOT TO EVEN THINK of purchasing.
This post relates to Samsung Galaxy S9 G9600 model which is Snapdragon architecture, but since Samsung is coming up with a bunch of "security features" I tend to think this may be the case for other models as well. I browsed all around XDA and other sources for guides on how to root and install custom roms, and it turns out Samsung manages to have limitations for EVERY step of the way.
Getting a few facts straight
Reference post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga.../rom-lineageos-17-1-s9-s9-snapdragon-t4093301
Ok, so there is a solid thread about a custom firmware and looks like several users got hands on it, but they might have been able to get passed though all Samsung security crap before it came out or before it got so tightened up. I'll list below every limitation I found:
OEM Unlock
There is a step where we need to tick OEM Unlock from the phone developer settings, it turns out Samsung has put a 7-day timer for this option to even appear listed to enable. If you do factory reset of the phone, the 7-day timer restarts. There are a few posts around on how to get passed this timer, but to me they were all crap, none of them worked. STRIKE ONE!
Bootloader unlock
After 7-days, we get the OEM Unlock option to appear, at this point you may think: Hurray!! .... WRONG! Now next step is to unlock the bootloader using an utility called CROM Services... And as you may have already guessed, did not work! I'm able to install the apk, but on launch it complains about wrong android version. (Tried with Android 8 and 10) STRIKE TWO!
There are some posts and guides claiming to be able to unlock bootloader by using fastboot utility, I can't reach to understand how, since fastboot commands rely on the bootloader to be previously unlocked (?). I least that is my understanding, correct me if wrong. Needless to say fastboot did not work for me. ADB lists my device but fastboot doesn't. There are a few troubleshoot guides around to try selecting proper USB driver from windows device manager, tried all that, tried a couple of ADB installations, fastboot didn't work.
Knox and RMM state
After some lookup in the web, Samsung incorporates some security features trying to prevent device theft and such things. For us power users this is in reality just a whole load of crap preventing us to get all the juice out of our phones.
Reference: https://www.goandroid.co.in/unlock-bootloader-of-galaxy-s9-plus-snapdragon/84688/
TWRP Recovery
Next step would be to flash a custom recovery such as TWRP with Odin or adb/fastboot, but since we are not able to unlock the bootloader in previous step, this is not doable at all. STRIKE THREE! OUT!
Fastboot utility doesn't recognize the device in download mode, so we can't send any commands to the phone.
Odin complains it is only able to flash signed stock roms, so since TWRP is not, we cannot flash it.
Rooting
Needless to say that if we don't have TWRP, we cannot flash the corresponding packages to root. Although this step may not be needed to install custom firmware, rooting has not been possible.
Stock ROM Flashing
Ok, so let's stay out of custom firmware - let's play around with stock firmwares. At this point, since flashing stock firmwares is kind of allowed by Samsung I was able to try out a couple from android 8 to 10 with Odin
Stock ROM Source: https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s9/firmware/#SM-G9600
But watch out! Once you get to install a specific build version, you cannot go back or downgrade to ROMS with previous Android build version. So now that I got Android 10 cannot go back to 8 or 9, this is probably because locked bootloader and unable to unlock. Here, Odin complains with FAIL! (AUTH) message.
STRIKE FOUR! EVEN OUTTER!
SIM Unlock
Ok, let's stay out of Samsung S9 G9600 model, let's crash it to the wall and throw it away to the garbage! Ok no, let's have it carrier unlocked and sell. Unlockbase is a well known and trusted sim unlock provider, I purchased a license to unlock by USB cable, but... GUESS WHAT! G9600 is not supported for unlocking operator network with this software... what a surprise!! I was able to apply for a refund and got my money back, so no worries here.
Note that flashing carrier free ROM does not unlock sim to use with any network operator.
I'll be trying to unlocking by code soon, as this is based on IMEI number, I may think this is independent to the phone model and edition, so I hope I have more luck with this option.
Conclusion
G9600 is a really crappy phone to mess around with. I may have ran low on luck with this specific Samsung Galaxy model since I got it as a gift, which is the latinamerican crappy edition. I wonder if other S9 editions and other Samsung models run with better luck than mine on this scenery... But as a lesson to myself, I will stay away of any Samsung smartphone in the foreseeable future.
OEM Unlock
The 7-day lock prevents stolen phones from being factory reset, leaving the thief with a phone permanently protected by your account. While a minor inconvenience, it's actually effective and not the worst compared to other manufacturers.
Bootloader Unlock
After OEM Unlocking, flashing TWRP through ODIN is effectively unlocking the bootloader. This is possible on both exynos and snap.
Knox and RMM
While this is an inconvenience, from Samsung's point of view, it's worth it. It makes the phone look more secure in the eyes of potential customers. If you really wish for NFC payments, I'm still able to use GPay with Magisk on a custom ROM.
TWRP Recovery
TWRP is flashed through ODIN, not fastboot. Look up an actual guide before complaining.
Root
Yes you can
Stock ROM Flashing
The one thing I could agree on with you is Samsung disabling OTA updates when OEM unlocking. I don't see the point really, but you're free to flash whatever you want through ODIN. Downgrading shouldn't be an issue. Not sure what's up with that.
Before buying a phone, how about you do some research before crying on forums. As a power user coming from the Oneplus One, I don't regret going for Samsung in the least.
Thanks for your reply, I had dropped all hope after several attempts over last few weeks. Found this option and I was able to get past my blocking issue with TWRP and moved on.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...er-development/g9650zhu6dta7-android-t4051751
I have G960F and have to admit I totally disagree with your original post. I've been using custom ROMs on nearly every phone I ever had and don't think S9 (G960F) is bad in terms of unlocking. Just did an OEM unlock, waited a week, flashed TWRP through Odin, booted straight to TWRP and immediately flashed a custom ROM from it (because a boot to the stock ROM would replace TWRP back with the stock recovery IIRC). In the end I got sick of all the problems with Magisk and non-working google pay that I went back to the stock ROM - making S9 the first phone I use with a stock ROM even though it can be flashed. I think it's a great phone for power users.
And as far as SIM unlock goes - Samsung is not to blame, the carrier the phone was made for (and purchased from) is. Phones that Samsung itself sells are unlocked. I wonder why there's still some countries where SIM locking remains legal.
This thread is a prime example of how people end up with bricked devices. So much misinformation in one page LOL
I had the 9650 and most of what I'm doing here is user error. This was one of the best devices I've ever owned. I mention of fast boot and such you obviously just do not know samsung devices. You can't blame samsung on your own ignorance
My friend flashed a ROM onto his NAND via TWRP and he bricked it, so he gave it to me. Can't get PC to recognize over USB, even after downloading android usb drivers
what do
if all else fails ill contact samsung and try to get a warranty replacement
Write the device info, and the ROM he used, and the state of the device right now.
Is the device completely black? Does it boot to download mode? Is TWRP accessible?
Once you flash TWRP, your warranty is over, your KNOX is tripped. The only thing you can do is to either fix this issue, or replace the motherboard (you'll pay for that).
Mohamedkam000 said:
Write the device info, and the ROM he used, and the state of the device right now.
Is the device completely black? Does it boot to download mode? Is TWRP accessible?
Once you flash TWRP, your warranty is over, your KNOX is tripped. The only thing you can do is to either fix this issue, or replace the motherboard (you'll pay for that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean device info, like, IMEI?
this was a while ago, so it was some kind of Lineage OS ROM
It's completely black
PC notices when it's plugged in, but doesn't recognize what it is.
doesn't boot into download mode
There's nothing could go wrong, the TWRP and ROM are working fine with other users, the problem you are facing is caused by a broken block device system.
Means your friend may have flashed the wrong ROM. Your device is Snapdragon, which comes usually locked, and have to pay to unlock it.
Of course there won't be a lot of development for it, however, Exynos variants are unlocked, and has tremendous amount of development.
If you flashed a ROM built for Exynos, on your Snapdragon device (if TWRP error 7 did not stop you), it will cause this problem.
The reason is, the Exynos Kernel does not work on Snapdragon.
There's only two things I can advise you to do:
Use a Dongle Box.
Replace the motherboard.
I need help too. So, I own a Moto G5s plus sanders. I unlocked its bootloader the day I got it. Didn't keep any backup and rooted it. I Also installed dot os based on android 11. But my 4G Volte connection was finicky. So, I decided to use a Volte zip patch. But, anyways I flashed the zip via TWRP and tried to reboot. But the phone didn't turn on after that. After a few minutes to my shock I understood that I hardbricked my mobile. No button combos, nothing worked. Anyways in my desperation I found a YouTube video showing the use of blankflash to revive a phone and lo and behold I used the procedure to again restore my device. It booted to the fastboot interface. But my happiness was short lived. My baseband was unknown at this point and the bootloader was I dunno downgraded to 0.5 inplace of 2.12. But, more importantly the unlock status was lost. I unlocked it again and all went well. I could even flashed TWRP. but then I realised I couldn't upgrade my bootloader. I couldnât do anything. It's always gives a "security downgrade", "preflash validation failed" and "permission denied" error. I even tried RSA official rescue tool from Lenovo but even it was unsuccessful. It was never unsuccessful before that. Not even with a unlocked bootloader. I researched for days and tried custom ROMs. I flashed stock images. Nothing brought back my baseband and IMEI. When I type "fastboot oem unlock critical" it gives me permission denied error with a message. "Need OEM signed bootloader." I think the blankflash bootloader is the root of all evil. I need to change it and therefore I need to enter the edl mode. I have tried all adb commands and fastboot commands. The phone reboots okay after those commands but never goes into edl mode whatsoever. I am also ready to do a controlled hardbrick of my device to go into the edl mode so that I can use my device again with a proper bootloader and a properly working fastboot. Please help
i think this vid will help
Greetings everyone. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong forum. Please move this in appropriate forum if I made a mistake. Believe me, for the last 7 days I have searched all of xda and internet, followed innumerable guides, FAQs and workarounds and none worked. So, as a last resort I am starting this thread
Device: Motorola Moto G5s Plus XT1804 ......4GB _64GB variant
Problem: 1) Baseband not found (unknown) Original Baseband: M8953_52.61.07.98R SANDERS_INDIADSDS_CUST
2) IMEI 0 (Sim cards are not detected).
I bought this refurbished phone about an week ago after my last LG went kaput. I was happy by the build quality of the phone. But it only ran Android 8.1 Oreo. So, I decided to put a custom ROM in it. I am not exactly a newbie to the world of CyanogenMods, Lineage OSes and Pixel Experiences. Or, so I thought. Anyways, after a lot of searching I finally decided on Dot OS 5.2 Official Android 11 version. The ROM looked very pleasing and the reviews looked positive. So, I got the unlock key from Motorola website, unlocked the bootloader, put in official TWRP recovery in it. Everything went like a breeze and in all that excitement I forgot to take a backup of the persist, efs and other partitions. A very costly mistake it seems. DotOS booted fine and looked really fresh till I found that there is a small cross near the SIM card network signal triangle up righthand side corner and the signal is only LTE and not VOLTE. I was using a Vodafone Sim card at the time. Although VOLTE option was enabled in SIM settings. To confirm my doubts regarding VOLTE I switched to a JIO Simcard and alas I was not able to make a call without redirecting through the horrid JIO calling app. VOLTE was indeed not working. So, I looked up for a fix and I found a Volte ZIP file from here https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...0QFnoECBAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0YgJvCjQWXXV8WQSJkxBOK . This was the starting of my troubles. I flashed the universal VOLTE fix zip from TWRP and it flashed fine. On rebooting, I found to my shock that my phone was not turning on. I pressed and held the power key and there was no sign of life. I couldnât go to the fastboot bootloader or recovery. Only the white led blinked at the top when connected to the charger. My phone was apparently hard bricked. I searched frantically for a solution in this forum and YouTube wherein I found that one can bring it back to life by doing a blankflash. Found the blankflash file here https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...wQFnoECAsQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1eVdBWGVFr8aiqLdP-ZkeT followed the instructions and it flashed my bricked device back to fastboot. I was relieved for a moment but the next I found that the Bootloader version has downgraded from BL C2 07 to BL C0 05. I knew something was wrong as bootloader downgrade shouldn't be possible. Also the unlock and rooted status were also lost and the baseband was unknown at this point. Anyways the device was recognised as a fastboot device and I tried to flash the stock ROM latest version using the fastboot. But, only then I realised there was something wrong with the bootloader. It gave errors like security downgrade, permission denied, preflash validation failed, remote command failed. At this point I was truly confused and worried. Why would it think the latest bootloader to be a security downgrade to a supposedly old bootloader and prevent me from flashing it. However it did flash the other files like gpt.bin for partition, oem.img, boot.img, system.img sparsechunks and everything else. I booted back to Android 8.1 Oreo and everything seemed working except my IMEI now read zero and my Simcard was not recognised by the device. After that I again unlocked my bootloader. Somehow the original unlock key worked and the bootloader screen said flashing unlocked but the bootloader didn't behave like an unlocked bootloader. The TWRP installed fine but couldnât install the latest Pixel Experience. The flash screen said PE 11 was for Sanders and my device is (blank no name). I tried both the normal and plus and both behaved similarly. Lineage OS unofficial builds behaved similarly. I again tried Dot OS and Arrow OS and both installed fine except there was no signal. For a moment I tried to forget about the bootloader but concentrated on recovering my IMEI and Baseband but I couldnât. For nearly 5 days I tried different guides including a detailed guide using Validus Sanders ROM but none worked. My EFS folder has files around 12 megabytes but my Persist seems deleted at zero bytes. The IMEI keeps changing between null, zero and unknown depending on the 20 something ROMs I tasted on this device. At this point, I am at a loss. This was to be my main phone and I am financially crunched. I can't buy another phone right now. I think that blankflash bootloader is corrupted and it is giving me permission denied errors. Even Magisk won't work properly. I even tried using the official rescue and smart assistant tool by Lenovo and it failed at 47 percent. I tried in different computers and Win7 to Win 11 OSes but it was of no use. I also tried getting a QCN file but I couldnât get one for the device to recover the IMEI. Please suggest something if anyone of you can save this poor device of mine. Thanks in advance
Raghaov said:
i think this vid will help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply but my phone is soft bricked now. It was hardbricked and I uses a faulty blankflash bootloader to bring it back to life. My device is softbricked now. I have lost my baseband and I have no IMEI. I cannot take calls and no mobile data. Can you show me a way to go to edl mode in my device. Thanks again.
can your phone turn on if yes can you root it with magisk
if yes then pls tell me i will tell you
I can do everything except calling and mobile data. Yes, I have rooted with Magisk and have root access. But my baseband is unknown and my IMEI is showing zero. I can't call or access mobile data. Although I can use wifi
I have tried what is shown in this video already. Didn't work
I think the blank flash bootloader was corrupt or of a different region.
so go to magisk manager and on top-right corner you will see setting click the button right next to it and click on reboot to edl
I didn't even knew that. Trying asap. Will update
Doesnât work. Reboots back to system.
Updated Magisk to latest and tried both edl and download mode like you said brother. Everytime boots back to system. Am I missing something. The phone was not connected to the PC at the time
I am on stock Oreo now. Rooted and twrp installed
An interesting observation while installing Xposed, it gave an error that the device is not rooted properly
I have an untouched dump file for my model. The whole thing. Could you please guide me how I can restore my smartphone from that.
can you flash it through adb sideload fastboot twrp etc
I don't know but I sold the device. I bought a new one. Thanks @Raggaov for the help.
you're welcome
I was using the Sony conpanion app to update my phone when we had a power cut mid update.
Now the phone refuses to boot, only message I get is "your device is corrupt and cannot be trusted and cannot boot"
It then restarts after 5 seconds and is now stuck in this constant loop.
The Sony companion app is now useless as even though it can detect the phone it can't repair it. It throws up and error about it not liking the model oh my phone for some reason.
Thinking my phone might be 100% dead I installed Sony's flashing tool Emma, and thanfully it can detect the phone and thinks it is a XQ-AT51 since I flashed UK/EU androind 11 on it before.
I am really not sure how I can even try and fix this phone, I can't flash it because OEM unlocking was not enabled along with USB-Debugging, (why when its a normal update) and I can't get the recovery menu to show up at all anymore.
If anyone has any idea on how I may salvage this id like to know since most if not all guides I find are out of date or require me to be able to enable OEM unlocking or boot into the phone in the first place. If all else fails I am just tempted to buy a used phone with a broken screen from Ebay and just swap out the mainboard...I looses 12GB ram to 8GB but its better than having a brick.
Currently playing 12.13GSI, so seeing your post is too slow, follow the steps below to restore the original factory!
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-xperifirm-xperia-firmware-downloader-v5-6-5.2834142/
Follow the guide~
2. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-newflasher-xperia-command-line-flasher.3619426/page-83
Follow the guide~
Hope all is well with your phone!