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Has anyone been able to unlock their TF701 with the Asus Unlock Tool? I get the dreaded unknown error message that plaqued previous Transformers: unknown error occurred , which may be a network error please try later.
On previous Transformers I know it had to do with serial number issues. I checked the serial in settings and it matched the serial on my box. I literally just charged my tablet, and then immediately tried to unlock so I know it's not an app issue or anything like that. I don't even have Google synced. I just turned on Wifi and tried to unlock. I noticed that I was running an older firmware so I decided to manually upgrade that (auto upgrade didn't work even after clearing those two apps, can't remember their names) and the same error occurs. Tried rebooting of course and still nothing.
I'm guessing the unlock tool just isn't working right now? Sucks since I'm going to end up restoring all my stuff and then having to format during a future unlocking.
OP here with an update. I contacted Asus Support and they suggested a factory reset. Didn't think it would work but tried it anyways and of course it didn't. Any ideas out there...anyone successful with unlocking their 701?
below_radar_00 said:
OP here with an update. I contacted Asus Support and they suggested a factory reset. Didn't think it would work but tried it anyways and of course it didn't. Any ideas out there...anyone successful with unlocking their 701?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if there is root it will be in the development thread. patience:good:
AngryDinosaur said:
if there is root it will be in the development thread. patience:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this isnt about root. but i have same problem, talking to asus couple days they requested a screen shot of my device ids. sent that today, said they talking to tw headquarters about it.
AngryDinosaur said:
if there is root it will be in the development thread. patience:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply but this isn't about root. This is about unlocking the device.
I'm ready to unlock too. Haven't tried yet, as after reading your experiences in guessing Asus needs to update. But if I can do anything to help, please let me know.
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk 4
i unlocked the ww 45, then manually upgraded to ww 47, because no matter if locked, automatic update didn't work.
what i noticed is, the unlocking made an extra 2 or so reboots and seemed to hang somewhere in between for a couple of minutes.
however it worked.
also nothing prevented me from reinstalling the update again, even already running ww 47.
another thing i noticed is, a wd my passport drive shows up as a memory card, but updating from there is not possible.
in my case it only accepted it from the 'internal' microsd (i used a 64GB sandisk)
lpdunwell said:
i unlocked the ww 45, then manually upgraded to ww 47, because no matter if locked, automatic update didn't work.
what i noticed is, the unlocking made an extra 2 or so reboots and seemed to hang somewhere in between for a couple of minutes.
however it worked.
also nothing prevented me from reinstalling the update again, even already running ww 47.
another thing i noticed is, a wd my passport drive shows up as a memory card, but updating from there is not possible.
in my case it only accepted it from the 'internal' microsd (i used a 64GB sandisk)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you using the us tablet for world wide update?
lortay78 said:
I'm ready to unlock too. Haven't tried yet, as after reading your experiences in guessing Asus needs to update. But if I can do anything to help, please let me know.
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you try it, let us know. I still can't get it to unlock. I have the US version.
below_radar_00 said:
Has anyone been able to unlock their TF701 with the Asus Unlock Tool? I get the dreaded unknown error message that plaqued previous Transformers: unknown error occurred , which may be a network error please try later. I don't even have Google synced. I just turned on Wifi and tried to unlock. I noticed that I was running an older firmware so I decided to manually upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not 100% sure about this but if you don't have your google info entered then the unlock utility cant flag your device in google play to prevent you from downloading DRM content. So unless it succeeds in that connection it won't unlock.
I suppose if you really wanted DRMed content you could get another google play account and unlock..... then maybe not. Personally I dont care about DRMed stuff, I refuse to use software which automatically assumes I'm going to pirate, and cripples my device in the process.
gregpilot said:
I am not 100% sure about this but if you don't have your google info entered then the unlock utility cant flag your device in google play to prevent you from downloading DRM content. So unless it succeeds in that connection it won't unlock.
I suppose if you really wanted DRMed content you could get another google play account and unlock..... then maybe not. Personally I dont care about DRMed stuff, I refuse to use software which automatically assumes I'm going to pirate, and cripples my device in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...that's a pretty good theory! I did end up syncing my Google account late last night after I did a factory reset and it still doesn't work. I just double checked that my account is indeed active and synced and it is. I tried the unlock tool again just in case and same error message. I don't understand why something straight out the box won't unlock with their own tool.
I'm going to wait, I guess, for a recovery before I flip out about this. I seem to remember having to wait for the tool after I finally got my tf201. After owning that device, I really want to make sure I am confident of the hardware. So far, though, it seems great.
lortay78 said:
I'm going to wait, I guess, for a recovery before I flip out about this. I seem to remember having to wait for the tool after I finally got my tf201. After owning that device, I really want to make sure I am confident of the hardware. So far, though, it seems great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It finally works. Tried just now and worked the first time. Must have been an issue with the Asus servers.
So I bought a Nexus 6 on Amazon when they were on sale. I used wugfresh NRT and unlocked it, rooted it (no custom recovery) and then updated the files for tethering. Its activated on Verizon if that matters-
I got an update today, I was running LMY48I and I choose the file to update to LMY48M. I used the NRT and sideloaded it, and after I was done it still shows I have LMY48I, and a few hours later the OTA shows up at in my notifications again.
What am I doing wrong?
caecusscius said:
So I bought a Nexus 6 on Amazon when they were on sale. I used wugfresh NRT and unlocked it, rooted it (no custom recovery) and then updated the files for tethering. Its activated on Verizon if that matters-
I got an update today, I was running LMY48I and I choose the file to update to LMY48M. I used the NRT and sideloaded it, and after I was done it still shows I have LMY48I, and a few hours later the OTA shows up at in my notifications again.
What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are you doing wrong? oh, thats an easy one..! you havent done any research into the phone that you are using. i bet you probably used a toolkit to root it as well. anyways, for the 20 billionth time ill repeat it. you can not take an ota if you are not completely, 100% stock. and root is not stock. on top if that, many completely stock nexus 6 cant take updates as well, if any system files have changed.
simms22 said:
what are you doing wrong? oh, thats an easy one..! you havent done any research into the phone that you are using. i bet you probably used a toolkit to root it as well. anyways, for the 20 billionth time ill repeat it. you can not take an ota if you are not completely, 100% stock. and root is not stock. on top if that, many completely stock nexus 6 cant take updates as well, if any system files have changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your help is awful, condescending and rude. Maybe its the effect of the internet, but that is how it sounds. I did root using a toolkit- and I used the same toolkit to sideload the OTA. I assumed that I could do that since that is what the 40 threads I read about told me to do. I have a job and a wife and kids, I don't have the time to be a full time developer for my phone just to enjoy it. ALL I needed root for, was to enable tethering- otherwise I'm happy with stock android.
I will take one thing from what you did write and assume that because I edited the build.prop to enable tethering I will not be able to sideload OTA's either? IF I can't, thats fine with me- Can you tell me how to disable the OTAs?
Anyone else know how to read a question and offer an answer without insults?
I did find out how to hide the OTA notification- it was so easy I feel dumb- but not having used a 5.x android before this one I couldn't have known it.
caecusscius said:
Your help is awful, condescending and rude. Maybe its the effect of the internet, but that is how it sounds. I did root using a toolkit- and I used the same toolkit to sideload the OTA. I assumed that I could do that since that is what the 40 threads I read about told me to do. I have a job and a wife and kids, I don't have the time to be a full time developer for my phone just to enjoy it. ALL I needed root for, was to enable tethering- otherwise I'm happy with stock android.
I will take one thing from what you did write and assume that because I edited the build.prop to enable tethering I will not be able to sideload OTA's either? IF I can't, thats fine with me- Can you tell me how to disable the OTAs?
Anyone else know how to read a question and offer an answer without insults?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But his answer is 100% correct. If you change any system file cannot OTA. Don't kill the messenger. No OTA with root, Kernel, change build.prop. Or custom recovery. If change any file no OTA.
caecusscius said:
Your help is awful, condescending and rude. Maybe its the effect of the internet, but that is how it sounds. I did root using a toolkit- and I used the same toolkit to sideload the OTA. I assumed that I could do that since that is what the 40 threads I read about told me to do. I have a job and a wife and kids, I don't have the time to be a full time developer for my phone just to enjoy it. ALL I needed root for, was to enable tethering- otherwise I'm happy with stock android.
I will take one thing from what you did write and assume that because I edited the build.prop to enable tethering I will not be able to sideload OTA's either? IF I can't, thats fine with me- Can you tell me how to disable the OTAs?
Anyone else know how to read a question and offer an answer without insults?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i apologize, i was a little ruder than i meant to be. but not much, just a little. and i bet that you didnt learn much about the rooting process using the toolkit? anyways, before ever even rooting the phone, you have to do some research about it. or you wouldnt be asking such a basic question. heck, search can a rooted nexus 6 take an ota on google. one search, its all it really needs to take. anyways, it doesnt matter that you have a job, a wife, kids, this applies to everyone, do some research. im not a youngster myself, lol.
Obviously you read only the first sentences of everything I write... its Ok I notice you are from Brooklyn- I can forgive you for not using southern manners that I am accustomed to. I am not trying to take an OTA- I was trying to sideload it using ADB. I know I can't take it normally.
I'm currently downloading the system.img from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
I'm going to try and flash just the system.img and cache.img so I can update to the newest version without going back to stock.
I also found out how to hide the OTA update
caecusscius said:
Your help is awful, condescending and rude. Maybe its the effect of the internet, but that is how it sounds. I did root using a toolkit- and I used the same toolkit to sideload the OTA. I assumed that I could do that since that is what the 40 threads I read about told me to do. I have a job and a wife and kids, I don't have the time to be a full time developer for my phone just to enjoy it. ALL I needed root for, was to enable tethering- otherwise I'm happy with stock android.
I will take one thing from what you did write and assume that because I edited the build.prop to enable tethering I will not be able to sideload OTA's either? IF I can't, thats fine with me- Can you tell me how to disable the OTAs?
Anyone else know how to read a question and offer an answer without insults?
I did find out how to hide the OTA notification- it was so easy I feel dumb- but not having used a 5.x android before this one I couldn't have known it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone with a job, a wife and kid and I can assure you, nothing is more frustrating than to do the research after something happened, phone not working while waiting for calls or whatever other inconvenience.
What simms22 tried to convey is "know thy phone".
If you look for how to "root your nexus" you'll see how simple the pRocess is and you might feel better using the tools needed, rather than trusting some obscure tool that could always come with even more payloads.
Simms22 is someone who helped hundreds after they got themselves stuck after using root kits, his frustration I think lies more in the continued pushing of root tool kits for phones that don't need it.
The tone you took personal was directed at the root kits, at them being allowed, as they create just as much problems as they promise to fix.
Know thy Nexus, it's really a great thing.
Sorry if the reply is maybe a little long, must be all this not posting in a while
Daniel
caecusscius said:
Obviously you read only the first sentences of everything I write... its Ok I notice you are from Brooklyn- I can forgive you for not using southern manners that I am accustomed to. I am not trying to take an OTA- I was trying to sideload it using ADB. I know I can't take it normally.
I'm currently downloading the system.img from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
I'm going to try and flash just the system.img and cache.img so I can update to the newest version without going back to stock.
I also found out how to hide the OTA update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now see, you made me smile, thank you
btw.. i was born in Ukraine(but Russian). left ehen i was two, came to the states when three, in 1975. lived in and outside cincinnati most my life. moved to Brooklyn 10 years ago
---------- Post added at 11:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 PM ----------
morfic said:
As someone with a job, a wife and kid and I can assure you, nothing is more frustrating than to do the research after something happened, phone not working while waiting for calls or whatever other inconvenience.
What simms22 tried to convey is "know thy phone".
If you look for how to "root your nexus" you'll see how simple the pRocess is and you might feel better using the tools needed, rather than trusting some obscure tool that could always come with even more payloads.
Simms22 is someone who helped hundreds after they got themselves stuck after using root kits, his frustration I think lies more in the continued pushing of root tool kits for phones that don't need it.
The tone you took personal was directed at the root kits, at them being allowed, as they create just as much problems as they promise to fix.
Know thy Nexus, it's really a great thing.
Sorry if the reply is maybe a little long, must be all this not posting in a while
Daniel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh, my, god.. its morfic!
Well, Hopefully I didn't mess things up using the toolkit instead of doing it the other ways: I know its not much harder to do it other ways, I'm just pressed for time. A few things about my situation:
I live in the country of Texas where I don't have ANY internet service providers. I have however, an old unlimited data plan from Verizon and a pretty good signal strength that I've boosted with a custom built amplifier (we also have metal roof that blocks a lot of signal otherwise)
I NEED internet so I don't become a savage. My phone tethering the internet is my PRIMARY way of having internet. Its very important that I can tether my unlimited plan...
After flashing the system.img and the radio img it booted back up no problems and I had lost root- I re-rooted it and changed the build.prop to allow tethering.
However- I dun F&*ked up somewhere, because now I can't seem to get LTE and my service is terribad. I'm assuming it was flashing the radios? Maybe because its verizon crap I need to do something else...
This has been a 5 hour ordeal (I watched tv during it all...) but now my phone doesn't quite do what i need it to do.
caecusscius said:
Well, Hopefully I didn't mess things up using the toolkit instead of doing it the other ways: I know its not much harder to do it other ways, I'm just pressed for time. A few things about my situation:
I live in the country of Texas where I don't have ANY internet service providers. I have however, an old unlimited data plan from Verizon and a pretty good signal strength that I've boosted with a custom built amplifier (we also have metal roof that blocks a lot of signal otherwise)
I NEED internet so I don't become a savage. My phone tethering the internet is my PRIMARY way of having internet. Its very important that I can tether my unlimited plan...
After flashing the system.img and the radio img it booted back up no problems and I had lost root- I re-rooted it and changed the build.prop to allow tethering.
However- I dun F&*ked up somewhere, because now I can't seem to get LTE and my service is terribad. I'm assuming it was flashing the radios? Maybe because its verizon crap I need to do something else...
This has been a 5 hour ordeal (I watched tv during it all...) but now my phone doesn't quite do what i need it to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are many other nexus 6 radios, you can try sny of them. they will all work. you can try to find which one is best for you.
simms22 said:
there are many other nexus 6 radios, you can try sny of them. they will all work. you can try to find which one is best for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link?
caecusscius said:
Link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/ref-nexus-6-modem-collection-t2969380
Last night before bed, the phone appeared to be working fine: it was tethering and data was working. This morning I find that I can't call out or receive calls. I tried lots of things to fix this: none worked. Any ideas?
It appears to be stuck hanging up...
caecusscius said:
Last night before bed, the phone appeared to be working fine: it was tethering and data was working. This morning I find that I can't call out or receive calls. I tried lots of things to fix this: none worked. Any ideas?
It appears to be stuck hanging up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried a reboot?
Yes, and I tried a few other things. Right now, I've factory reset the device and I will re-root it and change build.prop I was trying to NOT have to do that. Right now its back to stock and not rooted... but it makes calls and is updated to the 48M build.
I was trying to enable VOLTE and HD calling which appears to be what messed it up probably (although flashing radios might have done it... )
I used the *#*#4636#*#* to check it and it was all sorts of messed up and not connecting to any towers. I'm in my classroom lab and it was making all the speakers go crazy... something was badly messed up
Mine did it last night. I had to wipe dalvik and cache in TWRP to get it back. Has happened occasionally since 5.0. The one I call can hear me. I don't hear them or the phone ringing. Completely dead on my end. VOLTE was disabled in settings.
caecusscius said:
Obviously you read only the first sentences of everything I write... its Ok I notice you are from Brooklyn- I can forgive you for not using southern manners that I am accustomed to. I am not trying to take an OTA- I was trying to sideload it using ADB. I know I can't take it normally.
I'm currently downloading the system.img from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
I'm going to try and flash just the system.img and cache.img so I can update to the newest version without going back to stock.
I also found out how to hide the OTA update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You keep referencing that you found how to disable the ota notification - do tell. This would help.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
voyageurs60 said:
You keep referencing that you found how to disable the ota notification - do tell. This would help.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the notification appears, long press it in your drop down status bar. Then click "app info", then untick the box for " show notifications ".
Hi there, I recently purchased an t710 which I upgraded to 5.1.1. I'm wondering if there is any reason to wait rooting this device and tripping knox. I purchased an extended warranty for accidental etc from squaretrade so I'm not too worried.
What do you think? Also this is the first touch device I ever owned and I've never owned any smart devices other than a blackberry curve 8330. :victory: I am however quite savvy with computers in general. I've strayed from these devices due to high cost and high toss rate.
Couldn't hurt to throw in some app recommendations too! I sure would like to customize a bit more than samsung is allowing me to.
In addition to my original question, what's the best root and image available for my galaxy tab s2 t710 currently? I wasn't quite sure as there are a few. Does flashing one of the images wipe everything?
Also, as I understand it, many knox features have to be paid for with a regular subscription or something and the applications are not fantastic currently. Am I wrong?
Feel free to add anything you think I should know, also app recommendations would be great. Thanks!
Well, I took the plunge anyway, but I didn't do a backup with TWRP, everything is working but I forgot. Besides knox status, I'm assuming there's a way to undo this correct? like factory reset? Or did I screw it up (If I need to that is.)
wirelesskebab said:
Well, I took the plunge anyway, but I didn't do a backup with TWRP, everything is working but I forgot. Besides knox status, I'm assuming there's a way to undo this correct? like factory reset? Or did I screw it up (If I need to that is.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox status doesn't totally matter its more for secure environments like corporate or government to know that a device has been compromised.
Samsung and carriers often still warranty devices that have the Knox flag tripped.
To answer your question though, there is no way to undo a Knox flag.
Hey, I said besides knox status lol. I meant since I didn't backup in twrp before flashing root is there still a way to restore default firmware if necessary? Also how do I disable the securitylogger? People have mentioned it on the forums but I can't seem to find how to do that, thanks.
The only adverse effect I have noted so far was having to re-enter my wifi password.
Can anyone recommend a decent busybox? I installed this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busybox&hl=en but is it the best one truly? The only other root program I have installed is AdAway. Actually, any decent app recommendations would be great, thanks!
wirelesskebab said:
Hey, I said besides knox status lol. I meant since I didn't backup in twrp before flashing root is there still a way to restore default firmware if necessary? Also how do I disable the securitylogger? People have mentioned it on the forums but I can't seem to find how to do that, thanks.
The only adverse effect I have noted so far was having to re-enter my wifi password.
Can anyone recommend a decent busybox? I installed this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busybox&hl=en but is it the best one truly? The only other root program I have installed is AdAway. Actually, any decent app recommendations would be great, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what reason do you need to install busybox? Unless you have a real need for it why install it and cause more issues?
I can't think of a real single time I've ever needed busy box.
Xposed, Root explorer and Titanium backup are the 3 apps I use on every device I have.
auto rotate suddenly stopped working after I rebooted the tablet, I tried doing a factory reset but that hasn't fixed it, it won't go into landscape mode. Any ideas to fix this?
I just rebooted it through TWRP instead of inside the system and that fixed it, why the heck wouldn't a factory reset? anyone ever hear of this issue before?
A slap on the back has been known to fix it.
Hi everyone,
Long time reader, first time poster. This website really is the best source for all your galaxy needs. I learned how to root my first Android, a galaxy S4 here. Anyways, I'm here because I have scoured the internet trying to find a certain ROM that it seems no one has made.
I have a Galaxy S6 Active. recently, I lost service with AT&T, and I want to install a custom ROM on it. Here's the things though. This is no longer an AT&T phone. I don't care about KNOX, or if I can make or receive phone calls on it. I want to turn it into smething completely different. Linux OS, perhaps. Just an external hard drive. If I had to put a name on what I'm trying to find, it would be "NFC device with bluetooth and WIFI capabilities". I hope I'm explaining myself clearly. It's no longer a phone to me, but a blank canvas I can tweak and morph into something completely new.
Lmao good luck. Root.bounty @ $1550
ThegoLopez said:
Hi everyone,
Long time reader, first time poster. This website really is the best source for all your galaxy needs. I learned how to root my first Android, a galaxy S4 here. Anyways, I'm here because I have scoured the internet trying to find a certain ROM that it seems no one has made.
I have a Galaxy S6 Active. recently, I lost service with AT&T, and I want to install a custom ROM on it. Here's the things though. This is no longer an AT&T phone. I don't care about KNOX, or if I can make or receive phone calls on it. I want to turn it into smething completely different. Linux OS, perhaps. Just an external hard drive. If I had to put a name on what I'm trying to find, it would be "NFC device with bluetooth and WIFI capabilities". I hope I'm explaining myself clearly. It's no longer a phone to me, but a blank canvas I can tweak and morph into something completely new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take some time to use the "search" function :') there is no root for this phone so your stuck with Stock rom until root is available
ryanraven said:
Take some time to use the "search" function :') there is no root for this phone so your stuck with Stock rom until root is available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, I did. There are so many cool ROMS out there. I guess what I'm not understanding is....well... why?
So, a cell phone (if you can even call it that any more, lol) is a piece of hardware with software on it. If I remove ALL of the software from it, Everything... even ODIN. Aren't I left with something similar to a laptop with a formatted hard drive?Can't I put something like an MBR on it and start from scratch? That's what I'm looking for. Not some program that can simulate kit kat or lollipop. I want something that will wipe it down to where all I see on the screen is a flashing C:\
ThegoLopez said:
Trust me, I did. There are so many cool ROMS out there. I guess what I'm not understanding is....well... why?
So, a cell phone (if you can even call it that any more, lol) is a piece of hardware with software on it. If I remove ALL of the software from it, Everything... even ODIN. Aren't I left with something similar to a laptop with a formatted hard drive?Can't I put something like an MBR on it and start from scratch? That's what I'm looking for. Not some program that can simulate kit kat or lollipop. I want something that will wipe it down to where all I see on the screen is a flashing C:\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you understand how these phones work, you could indeed somehow wipe all the partition of the phone in Odin which if you didn't know isn't part of the phone but a computer program, but if your clever enough to build an OS by yourself to run on the phone then Thumbs Up! & you'd need to unlock the phones bootloader and have very expensive hardware and software to even get into this phone, your idea is good but impossible sorry to burst your bubble my friend.
ryanraven said:
I don't think you understand how these phones work, you could indeed somehow wipe all the partition of the phone in Odin which if you didn't know isn't part of the phone but a computer program, but if your clever enough to build an OS by yourself to run on the phone then Thumbs Up! & you'd need to unlock the phones bootloader and have very expensive hardware and software to even get into this phone, your idea is good but impossible sorry to burst your bubble my friend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mind=blown. OK, so that is something I was not aware of. So, to try and understand it better, that is like me trying to login to my laptop's BIOS and it having password protection that only Dell knows the code to?
ThegoLopez said:
mind=blown. OK, so that is something I was not aware of. So, to try and understand it better, that is like me trying to login to my laptop's BIOS and it having password protection that only Dell knows the code to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, pretty much. Except in this case, it's both Samsung and AT&T's business agreements that have it locked down. Until someone cracks it, or they unlock it, we're all in a holding pattern.
chrisliphart said:
Y...it's both Samsung and AT&T's business agreements that have it locked down. Until someone cracks it, or they unlock it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, big business definitely has us at their mercy. Plus I heard a rumor that the guy who unlocked the previous bootloader now works for them.
So, how would one, with only ODIN, a USB cable, an internet connection, and alot of time on their hands, go about trying to unlock this bootloader? I mean, I know there are many people out there who are WAY more qualified than me and have way better equipment. But, hey, I could do it. I'm coming into this with no frame of reference or previous experience. Meaning I have the ability to see the problem from a perspective that no one ever has before. Who knows... and I can't fail if I never even try
Problem:
My mum has an Android-based Samsung phone and unfortunately, when the main folder with photos ("Camera") was moved from the Phone to PC via USB cable, it was made using Cut and Paste. By accident the files were pasted into Recycle Bin and we received warning "Files will be permanently deleted. Do you wish to proceed?". We pressed "No" to abandon this process and undo the mistake. Nevertheless, the entire folder "Camera" has already disappeared from the window of DCIM folder on the phone (as viewed from PC). Similarly, the folder appears to have been deleted when viewed from within the phone. (also the phone now has 150 Gb free, while before the process it had 110 Gb free, so it appears 40 Gb of photos have been deleted....
Attempts to fix:
Standard photo / data recovery services failed to bring results (searching hidden folders using Windows Explorer, Total Commander and Ultdata Android).
We then tried two professional software solutions (Cellebrite UFED and Oxygen Forensic Device Extractor -- Android Agent), which also did not manage to locate photos on the device.
It appears as if they were completely deleted.
The same person who used the two prof software solutions above has access to PC-3000, but he claims it's not suitable for Android data recovery (?)
We have already spent 2 days and hundreds of dollars on consultations, which unfortunately still have not brought any results, while the emotional weight of deleted memories is haunting us. Thus, we appeal to help of this forum.
Current thoughts:
#1 All other methods suggested require rooting the phone, which apparently will wipe the whole and make recovery of that specific folder even less likely (correct me if I'm wrong).
#2 All suggestions to make back-up of the phone / clone the entire memory are not relevant, as the only files that are of importance here are the files in the deleted folder, and those files are not hidden and therefore will not copy into this back-up anyway (correct me if I'm wrong).
#3 One person told us to ask Samsung customer service, but their response was that they don't do data recovery and that they only can restore if there was Samsung cloud backup activated.
Questions:
Q1: What is our best course of action? It seems, rooting is one way or another, inevitable. What rooting method would be best to use here, given the situation and my phone specifications? I understand that there is no 100% guarantee to recover the erased photos, but we would like to at least give it a try with maximum chances of success.
Q2: Given that the files we want to back-up are already deleted and not visible, is it even worth it to try to make any back-ups? or will it be in vain, and should we just proceed to rooting and further recovery attempts?
Q3: IF, we successfully root, what is the best way to access the hidden data? Do we need help of this expert who has PC-3000 and specialized software, or is it going to be accessible using our own PC+USB cable + extra downloaded software?
Phone:
Samsung S21 Ultra (G998B). Android 12. No cloud, no backup. Phone not used for now. New data is not copied onto the phone. Phone not rooted.
Thank you for all your help. I do hope to find some solution. We are down hundreds of dollars, many hours of talking to consultants, many of whom appear to just google potential solutions and offer us some basic things, while the pain of cherished memories potentially lost forever is the worst, much worse than money lost. Any help or constructive feedback would be appreciated!
BTW if someone offers a working solution, I can offer consultancy fee for time and success fee in case of recovery.
Root probably won't be possible without unlocking the bootloader, and unlocking the bootloader factory resets the phone, which formats the internal storage and permanently deletes everything. I've used root apps to recover deleted photos and videos before but that only works if the phone was already rooted, or if there's a way to do it without wiping the phone. When I joined XDA almost a decade ago it was relatively common to see root methods that used exploits, and didn't require you to wipe the phone but that's not really a thing today. All this is to say that root is almost certainly not a viable option.
Have you checked for professional forensics services that can disassemble the phone and connect wires directly to the storage chips?
I've seen Youtube videos like this, where they get into the guts of the electronics and use solder and wiring. Sorry I don't know more specifics, but perhaps you can find them online and mail your phone for professional forensics recovery.
Maybe you can download a folder files of camera for the S21 Ultra :U
KingFatty said:
Have you checked for professional forensics services that can disassemble the phone and connect wires directly to the storage chips?
I've seen Youtube videos like this, where they get into the guts of the electronics and use solder and wiring. Sorry I don't know more specifics, but perhaps you can find them online and mail your phone for professional forensics recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^this^ Your best shot. With this you may only get one shot especially if you cause more damage by misadventure...
Others here have gone this route and gotten good results. $400-800 for non rush service is in the ballpark.
KingFatty said:
Have you checked for professional forensics services that can disassemble the phone and connect wires directly to the storage chips?
I've seen Youtube videos like this, where they get into the guts of the electronics and use solder and wiring. Sorry I don't know more specifics, but perhaps you can find them online and mail your phone for professional forensics recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
blackhawk said:
^this^ Your best shot. With this you may only get one shot especially if you cause more damage by misadventure...
Others here have gone this route and gotten good results. $400-800 for non rush service is in the ballpark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I have come across some websites mentioning this, but could not find any agency of repute in my region offering such a solution. And especially if I can only get one shot with this, I definitely want to pick the best agency to try it out. The photos inside are worth it for me to shell out hundreds of dollars if necessary...
I wonder also, if we can reasonably expect technical progress to be able to solve this situation. I don't mean some stuff like quantum computing, but for instance I'm aware that PS3 has recently been cracked , a few years after it came out. Can I reasonably expect something similar to happen to Android 12 that what's not breakable/crackable today, may become so in 1-2 or maybe 3-4 years? While I'd hate to have to wait for 2-3 years, there's nothing time-sensitive in those photos; just family moments that I would like to be able to revisit 10 years later, so if I only will be able to access them later on, that's fine, I can just put my phone in a drawer for a few years and wait. As long as this wait is not in vain. Definitely don't need false hope.
Thanks for your feedback!
samsungs21 said:
Thank you. I have come across some websites mentioning this, but could not find any agency of repute in my region offering such a solution. And especially if I can only get one shot with this, I definitely want to pick the best agency to try it out. The photos inside are worth it for me to shell out hundreds of dollars if necessary...
I wonder also, if we can reasonably expect technical progress to be able to solve this situation. I don't mean some stuff like quantum computing, but for instance I'm aware that PS3 has recently been cracked , a few years after it came out. Can I reasonably expect something similar to happen to Android 12 that what's not breakable/crackable today, may become so in 1-2 or maybe 3-4 years? While I'd hate to have to wait for 2-3 years, there's nothing time-sensitive in those photos; just family moments that I would like to be able to revisit 10 years later, so if I only will be able to access them later on, that's fine, I can just put my phone in a drawer for a few years and wait. As long as this wait is not in vain. Definitely don't need false hope.
Thanks for your feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread here I posted on going 4-8 months. He had hid data recovered from a Samsung for $1200 rush job vs the usual $800 charge). I've tried to find it, but you see my post count. Usually that works in my favor but not always He shipped it to them if I recall correctly.
Try these guys. That may be the company he used. Been too long and it was of passing interest to me. If you do recover the data please report back. Many posters here have asked for this.
Due to the way those files were lost they may not be recoverable. Personally I would've written them off. However only a recovery specialist can say for sure.
blackhawk said:
There's a thread here I posted on going 4-8 months. He had hid data recovered from a Samsung for $1200 rush job vs the usual $800 charge). I've tried to find it, but you see my post count. Usually that works in my favor but not always He shipped it to them if I recall correctly.
Try these guys. That may be the company he used. Been too long and it was of passing interest to me. If you do recover the data please report back. Many posters here have asked for this.
Due to the way those files were lost they may not be recoverable. Personally I would've written them off. However only a recovery specialist can say for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reached out to the guys you recommended, though their website / social media have not been updated since 2020... Will report back on the progress.
samsungs21 said:
reached out to the guys you recommended, though their website / social media have not been updated since 2020... Will report back on the progress.
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure that's who he used and I know only what I read on their site. Just saying...
Can't you just plug the phone to a PC and use a recovery tool like DiskDrill, or something?
Flash the original firmware
Samarimama said:
Flash the original firmware
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Click to collapse
That would do nothing except complicate the issue.
RSGI said:
Can't you just plug the phone to a PC and use a recovery tool like DiskDrill, or something?
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Click to collapse
tried that. The phone is not considered a hard drive, hence neither appears on the list of hard drives on Disk Drill, nor can be selected as folder/destination to run it on...
samsungs21 said:
tried that. The phone is not considered a hard drive, hence neither appears on the list of hard drives on Disk Drill, nor can be selected as folder/destination to run it on...
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Click to collapse
I should mention that even if the jpegs can be recovered their exif data is not able to be associated with the jpeg. The folder structure is lost as well. A sea of jpegs with no time stamp or original image name. A daunting task in itself to sort these out.
Make a factory reset
Samarimama said:
Make a factory reset
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That would overwrite the lost data potentially making it impossible to recover as if it's not already bad enough.
It was a simple data transfer that went bad (this can happen), nothing indicates the user partition or rom are corrupted... throwing rocks at it doesn't help.
samsungs21 said:
tried that. The phone is not considered a hard drive, hence neither appears on the list of hard drives on Disk Drill, nor can be selected as folder/destination to run it on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try an app called "Disk Digger". Its on the playstore. It might belp.
RSGI said:
Try an app called "Disk Digger". Its on the playstore. It might belp.
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Click to collapse
If you're not going to use a professional recovery service, go for it.
Otherwise using the device risks overwriting the now unallocated data... once overwritten recovery is completely impossible on a flash drive.
blackhawk said:
That would overwrite the lost data potentially making it impossible to recover as if it's not already bad enough.
It was a simple data transfer that went bad (this can happen), nothing indicates the user partition or rom are corrupted... throwing rocks at it doesn't he
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samarimama said:
Make a factory reset
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Click to collapse
That would definitely ruin his chances of any recovery... just avoid making any writing on the storage, cause if the data you want to recover is overwrite, it's definitely gone... at least intact...