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Let me start of by saying that my charger has not caught fire....yet.
I do however have a bad charger. The one that came with my g tablet makes a very loud buzzing sound and has started to smell like burnt cicutry over the past few days and am not sure what to do. I called viewsonic and emailed them and got generic responses. The guy on the phone referred me to "viewsonic's official support forum," XDA.. Not sure why he called this their official forum, as they have nothing to do with running this place.
Moving on....
Viewsonic told me I cannot buy a new charger and they will not send me a replacement as they do not have any "extra." What am I supposed to do. My friend has Gtab and his charger does not make noise, nor smell. If I continue to use mine, I am afraid it'll catch fire because if defiantly smells like something is burning up in there. What should my next step be? Obviously not using the charger is a good start, but I want to use my Gtab. I am out of Office Depot's return period and am kind of at a loss....
any ideas?
check this one out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-842310.html
try fleaBay, there is one listed there
I would buy a new one and ask Viewsonic to reimburse me under warranty.
Just a thought. Can you get one unverisal adaptor from Radio shack?
12v 2 amps anything that supplies 12v and at least 2 amps that would work, I picked up 2 extras from fleebay cause my brothers dog ate one cable. cut the bad part out and twisted wires so now I got 3 supplies
I am all for Viewsonic referring people to the forums for complicated software issues and unofficial matters (third party ROMs, Flash which isn't officially supported, etc.), but it's sort of ridiculous to tell you to come to XDA Forums for a bad charger. They should really ship you a replacement unit free of charge - this is a hardware failure, plain and simple. And yes, as others have pointed out, you can also buy compatible chargers elsewhere too, but that doesn't change the point that Viewsonic owes you a charger.
rcgabriel said:
I am all for Viewsonic referring people to the forums for complicated software issues and unofficial matters (third party ROMs, Flash which isn't officially supported, etc.), but it's sort of ridiculous to tell you to come to XDA Forums for a bad charger. They should really ship you a replacement unit free of charge - this is a hardware failure, plain and simple. And yes, as others have pointed out, you can also buy compatible chargers elsewhere too, but that doesn't change the point that Viewsonic owes you a charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what I am saying. I know that there are other chargers out there, but I think they should replace it, rather than suggesting that I spend my money on something that should work from the factory. To tell me that is my only option and they are not going to send a replacement is despicable. I work with electronics and can tell by the smell that there is some major circuitry getting fried in there.
I checked my radio Shack and they are out of stock... they'll get more next week.
dougmod said:
That is what I am saying. I know that there are other chargers out there, but I think they should replace it, rather than suggesting that I spend my money on something that should work from the factory. To tell me that is my only option and they are not going to send a replacement is despicable. I work with electronics and can tell by the smell that there is some major circuitry getting fried in there.
I checked my radio Shack and they are out of stock... they'll get more next week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd call them again - often times the first try you may just get an unhelpful support person.
Explain that your charger smells like burning circuits when you plug it in and is making a funny noise. Explain that you are worried about fire risk and the resulting legal liability, and nobody wants that. If you get nowhere this time, ask to speak to a manager and repeat (don't get too worked up, just tell the story again). If that gets you nowhere, explain that you are going to post on the XDA forums about how Viewsonic refuses to honor their warranty.
Come and report back on the forums as to your results. Specifically, if they still refuse, change the thread title to "Viewsonic refuses to honor warranty". We need to document these things when they happen.
I support this message defiantly let us know how it goes. They do read the forum.
rcgabriel said:
I'd call them again - often times the first try you may just get an unhelpful support person.
Explain that your charger smells like burning circuits when you plug it in and is making a funny noise. Explain that you are worried about fire risk and the resulting legal liability, and nobody wants that. If you get nowhere this time, ask to speak to a manager and repeat (don't get too worked up, just tell the story again). If that gets you nowhere, explain that you are going to post on the XDA forums about how Viewsonic refuses to honor their warranty.
Come and report back on the forums as to your results. Specifically, if they still refuse, change the thread title to "Viewsonic refuses to honor warranty". We need to document these things when they happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Call Office Depot
I would call Office Depot and see if they will allow you to return the charger and swap it for another. They may allow you to exchange it even if it has been past 30 days. I am not sure if Office Depot extends the return time. However, if this was a Christmas Gift and was not opened until Christmas Morning, you should have thirty days from Christmas for exchange.
In my opinion, it won't hurt to ask (all they can do is say no) so why not give it a try? Also, they may have another unit that was returned to the store that they are sending back. So, if they do it would not cost them anything to swap out the charger from one of their other returns. Just my opinion, but I would try calling Office Depot or even better, take it back in person and talk to the store manager. You might get lucky.
It would be a shame to have to send the entire G Tablet in for repair to Viewsonic, but if Office Depot won't swap it out, my next call would be to Viewsonic asking for an RMA number for repair. I don't think you should have to buy another power supply at your expense. Also, if you do buy another charger you would want to make sure the polarity of the plug is right or you will do more damage to the G Tablet itself.
In my opinion (sounds like an episode from The Good Wife).
GaryHypnosis said:
I would call Office Depot and see if they will allow you to return the charger and swap it for another. They may allow you to exchange it even if it has been past 30 days. I am not sure if Office Depot extends the return time. However, if this was a Christmas Gift and was not opened until Christmas Morning, you should have thirty days from Christmas for exchange.
In my opinion, it won't hurt to ask (all they can do is say no) so why not give it a try? Also, they may have another unit that was returned to the store that they are sending back. So, if they do it would not cost them anything to swap out the charger from one of their other returns. Just my opinion, but I would try calling Office Depot or even better, take it back in person and talk to the store manager. You might get lucky.
It would be a shame to have to send the entire G Tablet in for repair to Viewsonic, but if Office Depot won't swap it out, my next call would be to Viewsonic asking for an RMA number for repair. I don't think you should have to buy another power supply at your expense. Also, if you do buy another charger you would want to make sure the polarity of the plug is right or you will do more damage to the G Tablet itself.
In my opinion (sounds like an episode from The Good Wife).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rcgabriel said:
I'd call them again - often times the first try you may just get an unhelpful support person.
Explain that your charger smells like burning circuits when you plug it in and is making a funny noise. Explain that you are worried about fire risk and the resulting legal liability, and nobody wants that. If you get nowhere this time, ask to speak to a manager and repeat (don't get too worked up, just tell the story again). If that gets you nowhere, explain that you are going to post on the XDA forums about how Viewsonic refuses to honor their warranty.
Come and report back on the forums as to your results. Specifically, if they still refuse, change the thread title to "Viewsonic refuses to honor warranty". We need to document these things when they happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not have time to call today, but sent another email and got a generic response. I will call tomorrow morning and report back.
Tried calling again this morning. After being on hold for 39 minutes, I hung up. How the heck am I supposed to get in touch with viewsonic? This is just ridiculous.
The VS team have posted here on xda, look up their exact name and send a pm?
Sent from my GTablet-TnT-Lite using Tapatalk
I sent viewsonic a pm, but have not heard back. I am currently on the phone with them, but have been on hold, waiting for a rep for the past 23 minutes.
I also posted on their facebook wall...we shall see what kind of response I get...
EDIT: For some reason the post only shows up if I login to my account. Does someone have to approve the posts or did they hide it?
EDIT #2: Can anyone tell me if they see the post?
it says this:
After trying to contact viewsonic via 3 emails, 4 phone calls (waited a minimum of 20 mins per call for a rep), I have been unable to get a solution to my huge FIRE problem. The one time I spoke to a rep, I was told to go buy a charger for a Kodak camera with no financial restitution.
My g tablet charger buzzes and smells like burnt circuity and has taken a turn for the worse. I have documented everything on my end as it has become a FIRE risk. Viewsonic has done nothing to help me as emails come back with generic responses and I cannot even speak to them, as they do not pick up the phone.
here is a link to a thread I made about the charger catching on fire.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920985
I wonder if you wouldn't get anywhere calling US Merchants. The tablet is branded with their logo as well. And Viewsonic has said that US Merchants is handling the product.
You have already gone WAY above and beyond what you should have to for this, but it may be a better way to get things done. Also, they may have another number to call or a contact at ViewSonic that can resolve for you.
Just a thought.
Edit: I'm also wondering if maybe the moderator should call ViewSonic and discuss the reference to XDA as the "Official support Forum."
Yeah. Good idea. Ill give the other number a try,
Whats funny... is today mine started to make a small faint noise...
It took about 3 weeks for mine to get bad enough to post, so keep an eye on it.
Hello ALl,
I am not a developer and do very little tinkering with my android phones. That being said, I recently shattered my Nexus 5's sreen and sent it into LG to get repaired. They sent it back as "not repairable: Epoxy Crack." I turned it on as it was still fully functional (minus the screen) when I sent it off. The phone booted up with a letterboxed version of the Nexus 4 boot screen and after going through an initial set up, I went to settings to find that the phone now says:
Android version - KeyLimePie
Baseband version - M8974A-1.0.25.0.15
Kernel version - 3.4.0-gaf7416a-00002-g97abe44 / [email protected] #1 / Thu Apr17 10:56:17 KST 2014
Build number - aosp_hammerhead-userdebug KeyLimePie / FAC140417_KRT01B PDK853385 test-keys
Also, under runtime, I can chose between Dalvik, ART, and ART Debug mode. Lastly, there are a few diagnostics apps installed on the phone.
I am not sure if any of this is helpful to any developers out there, but if it is, please let me know and I can try to pull an image of the phone for you to use.
I suspect it is some old Android image that they flash onto every phone to do repairs, but since they did not reset the phone to stock, I am happy to try and get the software to any of you if you want it.
mrfochs said:
Hello ALl,
I am not a developer and do very little tinkering with my android phones. That being said, I recently shattered my Nexus 5's sreen and sent it into LG to get repaired. They sent it back as "not repairable: Epoxy Crack." I turned it on as it was still fully functional (minus the screen) when I sent it off. The phone booted up with a letterboxed version of the Nexus 4 boot screen and after going through an initial set up, I went to settings to find that the phone now says:
Android version - KeyLimePie
Baseband version - M8974A-1.0.25.0.15
Kernel version - 3.4.0-gaf7416a-00002-g97abe44 / [email protected] #1 / Thu Apr17 10:56:17 KST 2014
Build number - aosp_hammerhead-userdebug KeyLimePie / FAC140417_KRT01B PDK853385 test-keys
Also, under runtime, I can chose between Dalvik, ART, and ART Debug mode. Lastly, there are a few diagnostics apps installed on the phone.
I am not sure if any of this is helpful to any developers out there, but if it is, please let me know and I can try to pull an image of the phone for you to use.
I suspect it is some old Android image that they flash onto every phone to do repairs, but since they did not reset the phone to stock, I am happy to try and get the software to any of you if you want it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
na, its an old pre kitkat prerelease, and has been known about for a long time. whats odd is thats what they flashed, instead of anything more recent. unless thats what their technician have, odd they didnt go with the factory img.
simms22 said:
na, its an old pre kitkat prerelease, and has been known about for a long time. whats odd is thats what they flashed, instead of anything more recent. unless thats what their technician have, odd they didnt go with the factory img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is even more odd as I have done a factory reset before sending it in so as to ensure that my account data and info was off the phone in the case that they were to send me a new phone instead of swapping out the components of the original. It was fun looking through the random debugging and testing apps they left on the phone. Thank fully my fiancee reads and speaks Korean and she could tell me what the on screen buttons said.
Anyway, thanks. I have decided since LG won't repair the screen, I will. I ordered the screen, digitizer, and front bezel from ETradeSupply and will try to save the phone myself once the part arrives. If all goes well with the replacement, I will flash hopefully back to factory original and then upgrade to 4.4 again.
In the meantime, it looks like a few more days with the Moto G (purchased as a back up phone while sorting out the screen on the Nexus 5).
Interesting to see that the Test Version's Kernel date is 17th April 2014...
LG has two kind of firmware for their devices: FACTORY and USER. Factory image is used to test the phones hardware like bluetooth, wifi, screen etc... and enables some more options for LG testers to make it sure the phone works perfectly. The user image for nexus 5 is the same what google offers for us.
@mrfochs try to do a backup if possible. Kernel, system and radio that is what we need. Also please check the bootloader version if it somethig new then make a backup. You will have problems using LG flashtool in the future, but it can be solved easily. If you ever have to use lg flashtool to return to stock just contact me and we make your phone compatible again with LG flashtool.
While that build is technically old, like @vin4yak said, that kernel date is what's really throwing me off.
I'm on stock right now and KTU84P kernel reads it was created on March 17th, 2014
You should try and extract those troubleshooting apk's and share them with the community.
bitdomo said:
LG has two kind of firmware for their devices: FACTORY and USER. Factory image is used to test the phones hardware like bluetooth, wifi, screen etc... and enables some more options for LG testers to make it sure the phone works perfectly. The user image for nexus 5 is the same what google offers for us.
@mrfochs try to do a backup if possible. Kernel, system and radio that is what we need. Also please check the bootloader version if it somethig new then make a backup. You will have problems using LG flashtool in the future, but it can be solved easily. If you ever have to use lg flashtool to return to stock just contact me and we make your phone compatible again with LG flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am happy to try and make a backup, however I haven't the slightest clue how to go about doing it (like I said in original post I=newb).
mrfochs said:
I am happy to try and make a backup, however I haven't the slightest clue how to go about doing it (like I said in original post I=newb).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock bootloader, flash twrp recovery make a backup where you select system and boot then you upload the backup somewhere.
mrfochs said:
Anyway, thanks. I have decided since LG won't repair the screen, I will. I ordered the screen, digitizer, and front bezel from ETradeSupply and will try to save the phone myself once the part arrives. If all goes well with the replacement, I will flash hopefully back to factory original and then upgrade to 4.4 again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is so strange. I have the EXACT same situation happening to me. I got my phone back from LG as unrepairable due to "epoxy crack" and now it has this testing Key Lime Pie version that is impossible to update from.
Please let me know if you're able to successfully do the repair yourself or flash back to factory original. From this thread, it seems it's not easy to.
Which part did you order from ETrade Supply?
http://www.etradesupply.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=nexus+5
There's zero reason for this to be happening except extreme incompetence on LG's service tech's part. I would get in contact with them and demand some free service because of this. It's bad enough they can't repair the phone, but it's 100x worse that they send the phone back to you in even worse condition.
No excuse for this. I would be looking for compensation, personally.
Sadly I've heard other worrying things about LG's "repair" service. They don't even seem to realize there's a final clip that needs to be engaged on the back of the phone or else NFC and Qi don't work. That's basic stuff and gives me no confidence in their tech's abilities.
LG Flashtool affects Sideloads?
bitdomo said:
LG has two kind of firmware for their devices: FACTORY and USER. Factory image is used to test the phones hardware like bluetooth, wifi, screen etc... and enables some more options for LG testers to make it sure the phone works perfectly. The user image for nexus 5 is the same what google offers for us.
@mrfochs try to do a backup if possible. Kernel, system and radio that is what we need. Also please check the bootloader version if it somethig new then make a backup. You will have problems using LG flashtool in the future, but it can be solved easily. If you ever have to use lg flashtool to return to stock just contact me and we make your phone compatible again with LG flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have given up trying to get the app files off this phone as the current version of Android that is installed on here keeps crashing popping up "Google Play Services failed to load" or a handful of other popups indicating apps that have failed to launch. I set up the drivers on my computer to sideload 4.4.4 through ADB, but I keep getting "File Signature Verification Failed." Is this a result of trying to sideload the OTA while ADB is seeing a different firmware as a result of the LG Flash tool you mentioned?
I contacted LG to ask them how to get the factory software on the phone and they want me to ship the phone back to them in Fort Worth as their paperwork "doesn't indicate that anything was done to the phone." I would prefer to find a way to install stock back to the phone without having to mail my phone again (especially since I just replaced the screen).
mrfochs said:
I have given up trying to get the app files off this phone as the current version of Android that is installed on here keeps crashing popping up "Google Play Services failed to load" or a handful of other popups indicating apps that have failed to launch. I set up the drivers on my computer to sideload 4.4.4 through ADB, but I keep getting "File Signature Verification Failed." Is this a result of trying to sideload the OTA while ADB is seeing a different firmware as a result of the LG Flash tool you mentioned?
I contacted LG to ask them how to get the factory software on the phone and they want me to ship the phone back to them in Fort Worth as their paperwork "doesn't indicate that anything was done to the phone." I would prefer to find a way to install stock back to the phone without having to mail my phone again (especially since I just replaced the screen).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll fail if you're using stock recovery?
mrfochs said:
I have given up trying to get the app files off this phone as the current version of Android that is installed on here keeps crashing popping up "Google Play Services failed to load" or a handful of other popups indicating apps that have failed to launch. I set up the drivers on my computer to sideload 4.4.4 through ADB, but I keep getting "File Signature Verification Failed." Is this a result of trying to sideload the OTA while ADB is seeing a different firmware as a result of the LG Flash tool you mentioned?
I contacted LG to ask them how to get the factory software on the phone and they want me to ship the phone back to them in Fort Worth as their paperwork "doesn't indicate that anything was done to the phone." I would prefer to find a way to install stock back to the phone without having to mail my phone again (especially since I just replaced the screen).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contact me on hangouts: [email protected]
Then I will make it work to flash google's rom. Only thing you have to do is let me connect to your PC through team viewer and connect your phone in fastboot mode to your PC.
Let me provide and update and go on a rant here for a bit. For anyone who cares to listen.
It took me 1 chat, 1 failed supervisor call back, and 3 consequent phone calls ultimately escalating to a supervisor to get LG to understand they made a mistake and send me a shipping label so they can get the factory test OS removed.
Here is a copy/paste from my first uncanny chat with an LG representative:
Mariangie: Unfortunately the OS they tested is the way they use to repair the phone and since it was not responding on that mode (service mode) that's when the phone is deemed unrepairable
Mariangie: and regretfully no it cant be put back into normal (customer) OS
lifeinpictures: that makes no sense
Mariangie: My sincere apologies
lifeinpictures: controls work just fine
lifeinpictures: it worked fine before I sent it
lifeinpictures: and controls and touch work just fine now
lifeinpictures: you cannot tell me that you guys purposely send items back with a testing operating system, meant for techs and not users
lifeinpictures: at the least, I should be able to get my product in the same state I sent it in
lifeinpictures: not WORSE
Mariangie: I truly apologize again for the inconvenience this may caused, I personally understand your position. I will certainly forward your comments and dissatisfaction about this matter.
lifeinpictures: I don't need you to forward anything, I need you to fix it.
lifeinpictures: you broke it
lifeinpictures: therefore you should fix it
Mariangie: I wish i have other options available, unfortunately the phone cant be put back into normal OS. It seems to have a physical damage that result in internal part not working
Mariangie: techs try to putting the phone into service OS but it is not working
Mariangie: making it not possible to have it repair
Mariangie: and no way to put back on normal mode
lifeinpictures: Mariange, I really doubt you know enough about the testing hammerhead OS to know what you're talking about
Mariangie: My sincere apologies
raul takahashi: an OS is not reliant on physical, operating parts
lifeinpictures: I understand, you feel upset about this
lifeinpictures: I truly apologize again for the inconvenience this represent
lifeinpictures: And again I wish i could have other options to supply you with
lifeinpictures: I'm afraid no other options to provide you with
Mariangie: Sorry Mr. LifeinPictures.
lifeinpictures: this is pretty much against the law Mariange
lifeinpictures: this is like giving you my car to repair a cracked window
lifeinpictures: and you give it back to me with a broken engine, which wasn't broken before
Mariangie: My sincere apologies, Again I wish i could have other options to supply you with, I'm afraid no other options to provide you with.
It took me all evening, but I finally reached a supervisor to resolve (interestingly, it's the exact same supervisor I had escalated to just 2 weeks ago. read below if interested. He immediately accepted the mistake, and finally offered a ship label to get the phone shipped back and fixed.
I have lost complete faith in LG as a company and will do everything I can to avoid them.
Previous history, copied and pasted from Google forum thread about cracked screen:
To quickly recap my history and experience with Nexus 5.
1. Buy Nexus 5.
2. Drop it on carpet from coffee table 2 feet tall, screen completely shattered. 4 months after purchase. (Owned 12 phones in my life, all handled way more abuse)
3. Pay LG $140 to repair.
4. LG sends me refurbished unit, not my original one repaired. I'm ok with this.
5. Buy heavy duty case because apparently this thing is fragile.
6. Lunch in an outside restaurant patio. Sunny day. Table is warm to the touch, but nothing anyone notices or cares about as they eat. I put my phone face down, glass on table. Pick up phone to leave, there is a crack from side to side of the phone. Just great. Can't even handle everyday situations, less severe than a hot car (for example).
7. Crack very soon start expanding to the rest of the phone. Now entire screen cracked.
8. Send to LG for repair, again.*
9. Phone comes back as unrepairable due to "epoxy crack". (B.S. this was less severe than my 1st one and phone is fully functional, electronically and mechanically. Research proves many recent attempts by other Nexus 5 owners sending cracked phones for repair have been denied)
10. Phone comes back worse than it was when sent, with testing factory OS instead of user OS. Unable to update from.
*=Customer service: 4 days go by since LG has possession of my phone. I call to ask for status, rep says "wait until we call your or email you". Next day, I get a UPS notice that phone is being shipped back. I call to find out why, speak to 3 reps, none can tell me anything other than "it's not repairable". 4th call reaches supervisor, who tells me it's due to "damaged electronics". It's a lie, but I give up.
(My theory on these newfound lack of willingness to replace screens:
LG / Google is aware they skimped on glass quality to keep the price low. They made a (decent) business decision to first do "whatever it takes" to keep customers happy and loyal. This includes fixing screens "outside of warranty" (since they know it's impossible for customers to prove a cracked screen is manufacturer fault) for a very reasonable cost of $140 which is close to cost (parts + labor) or potentially at a loss. This keeps the majority of owners at bay. Now, Nexus 6 is on the horizon and the loss or lack of revenue from these Nexus 5 screen repairs has surpassed expectation so they have advised their repair stations to deny them. They've done their part with an acceptable level of damage control and soon everyone will get a Nexus 6, move on, and forget the Nexus 5 was a debacle.)
lifeinpictures said:
This is so strange. I have the EXACT same situation happening to me. I got my phone back from LG as unrepairable due to "epoxy crack" and now it has this testing Key Lime Pie version that is impossible to update from.
Please let me know if you're able to successfully do the repair yourself or flash back to factory original. From this thread, it seems it's not easy to.
Which part did you order from ETrade Supply?
http://www.etradesupply.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=nexus+5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lifeinpictures said:
Let me provide and update and go on a rant here for a bit. For anyone who cares to listen.
It took me 1 chat, 1 failed supervisor call back, and 3 consequent phone calls ultimately escalating to a supervisor to get LG to understand they made a mistake and send me a shipping label so they can get the factory test OS removed.
Here is a copy/paste from my first uncanny chat with an LG representative:
Mariangie: Unfortunately the OS they tested is the way they use to repair the phone and since it was not responding on that mode (service mode) that's when the phone is deemed unrepairable
Mariangie: and regretfully no it cant be put back into normal (customer) OS
lifeinpictures: that makes no sense
Mariangie: My sincere apologies
lifeinpictures: controls work just fine
lifeinpictures: it worked fine before I sent it
lifeinpictures: and controls and touch work just fine now
lifeinpictures: you cannot tell me that you guys purposely send items back with a testing operating system, meant for techs and not users
lifeinpictures: at the least, I should be able to get my product in the same state I sent it in
lifeinpictures: not WORSE
Mariangie: I truly apologize again for the inconvenience this may caused, I personally understand your position. I will certainly forward your comments and dissatisfaction about this matter.
lifeinpictures: I don't need you to forward anything, I need you to fix it.
lifeinpictures: you broke it
lifeinpictures: therefore you should fix it
Mariangie: I wish i have other options available, unfortunately the phone cant be put back into normal OS. It seems to have a physical damage that result in internal part not working
Mariangie: techs try to putting the phone into service OS but it is not working
Mariangie: making it not possible to have it repair
Mariangie: and no way to put back on normal mode
lifeinpictures: Mariange, I really doubt you know enough about the testing hammerhead OS to know what you're talking about
Mariangie: My sincere apologies
raul takahashi: an OS is not reliant on physical, operating parts
lifeinpictures: I understand, you feel upset about this
lifeinpictures: I truly apologize again for the inconvenience this represent
lifeinpictures: And again I wish i could have other options to supply you with
lifeinpictures: I'm afraid no other options to provide you with
Mariangie: Sorry Mr. LifeinPictures.
lifeinpictures: this is pretty much against the law Mariange
lifeinpictures: this is like giving you my car to repair a cracked window
lifeinpictures: and you give it back to me with a broken engine, which wasn't broken before
Mariangie: My sincere apologies, Again I wish i could have other options to supply you with, I'm afraid no other options to provide you with.
It took me all evening, but I finally reached a supervisor to resolve (interestingly, it's the exact same supervisor I had escalated to just 2 weeks ago. read below if interested. He immediately accepted the mistake, and finally offered a ship label to get the phone shipped back and fixed.
I have lost complete faith in LG as a company and will do everything I can to avoid them.
Previous history, copied and pasted from Google forum thread about cracked screen:
To quickly recap my history and experience with Nexus 5.
1. Buy Nexus 5.
2. Drop it on carpet from coffee table 2 feet tall, screen completely shattered. 4 months after purchase. (Owned 12 phones in my life, all handled way more abuse)
3. Pay LG $140 to repair.
4. LG sends me refurbished unit, not my original one repaired. I'm ok with this.
5. Buy heavy duty case because apparently this thing is fragile.
6. Lunch in an outside restaurant patio. Sunny day. Table is warm to the touch, but nothing anyone notices or cares about as they eat. I put my phone face down, glass on table. Pick up phone to leave, there is a crack from side to side of the phone. Just great. Can't even handle everyday situations, less severe than a hot car (for example).
7. Crack very soon start expanding to the rest of the phone. Now entire screen cracked.
8. Send to LG for repair, again.*
9. Phone comes back as unrepairable due to "epoxy crack". (B.S. this was less severe than my 1st one and phone is fully functional, electronically and mechanically. Research proves many recent attempts by other Nexus 5 owners sending cracked phones for repair have been denied)
10. Phone comes back worse than it was when sent, with testing factory OS instead of user OS. Unable to update from.
*=Customer service: 4 days go by since LG has possession of my phone. I call to ask for status, rep says "wait until we call your or email you". Next day, I get a UPS notice that phone is being shipped back. I call to find out why, speak to 3 reps, none can tell me anything other than "it's not repairable". 4th call reaches supervisor, who tells me it's due to "damaged electronics". It's a lie, but I give up.
(My theory on these newfound lack of willingness to replace screens:
LG / Google is aware they skimped on glass quality to keep the price low. They made a (decent) business decision to first do "whatever it takes" to keep customers happy and loyal. This includes fixing screens "outside of warranty" (since they know it's impossible for customers to prove a cracked screen is manufacturer fault) for a very reasonable cost of $140 which is close to cost (parts + labor) or potentially at a loss. This keeps the majority of owners at bay. Now, Nexus 6 is on the horizon and the loss or lack of revenue from these Nexus 5 screen repairs has surpassed expectation so they have advised their repair stations to deny them. They've done their part with an acceptable level of damage control and soon everyone will get a Nexus 6, move on, and forget the Nexus 5 was a debacle.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good on you for standing up to their B.S. as there's just no excuse for that to happen. We can't argue with their reasoning for not repairing (it's up to them to decide if they want to attempt a repair for $140, after all) but they can't be so lazy/incompetent as to not reload the proper software on there. It would take them what, a couple minutes? Similar to how they're not engaging people's NFC/Qi charger on the back of the phone which should be obvious to techs who's job it is to work with these devices.
Don't forget you can always bring your phone into an independent repair shop, they won't refuse your money though I doubt their attention to detail will be much better than your average LG tech.
remove lg version?
I have the same problem. Is it possible to root this phone and remove the LG flash version and put KitKat on there?
naparama said:
I have the same problem. Is it possible to root this phone and remove the LG flash version and put KitKat on there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you the one who contacted me on email?
yes
bitdomo said:
Are you the one who contacted me on email?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, that was me, thanks.
loop after flash
naparama said:
yes, that was me, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, I flashed the stock android after unlocking bootloader, but now it is stuck in a boot loop. I also I noticed that when it flashed, after finishing, it said boot.sig recovery.sig system.sig werent found. when I tried to boot in the safe mode, the little green android man was on his back with a red exclamation point. any thoughts?
I thought it important to share this experience.
Background:
I purchased my tablet in Sept 2012, unlocked it, and after awhile, settled on a CleamRom version that hit the sweet spot and left it that way for 3 years. Recently I got curious about the current custom ROM's and, forgetting what I used to know, screwed up and soft-bricked the tablet. I recovered it by pushing the stock firmware back onto it, but that process relocked the tablet.
I tried the unlock tool for weeks but just kept getting the dreaded "network connectivity issue" error. I contacted Asus customer support, and to my surprise, they (EmmaZhang) tried to help. She said they reset something at the Asus database and to try again, unfortunately I had the same result.
I was told to get an RMA and send the tablet in (N American service center, Grapevine, TX), and with some reluctance, I did as advised. After about a week or so, I got an email with an invoice for $341 to replace the motherboard and I had to pay or they would send the tablet back. I had packed the tablet extremely well and was sure there was a mistake. Weeks of back and forth emails ensued, I won't get into the level of frustration I experienced with the different and frankly ignorant responses I received from them but I was told that the tablet would not boot to the OS, and the only way to proceed was to replace the motherboard, and I was constantly urged to pay the invoice amount or they would send the tablet back. I was also told emphatically that they do not help with unlocking a device (what's up with that EmmaZhang ?) Eventually, they got tired of my protests and sent the tablet back.
Guess what? The tablet boots just fine, it's exactly as it was when I sent it in, and to my surprise, the unlock tool worked first time, and I am happily running ZombiPop with 9000 Quadrant scores. What is my take on this? The level of incompetence and/or lack of communication would have to be so high that I can't believe it. I can only believe that this was a deliberate attempt to defraud me of $341, and I wonder how many times they've done this.
Believe want you want, but again, I thought it was important to bring this experience to light.
Moderator Edited
Post edited - selling is not permitted on XDA.
I've had similar happen with ASUS notebook repair. There are plenty of horror stories to be found on the net about that.
I sent in a notebook because of a defective LCD and they replaced the LCD with one that had a deep gouge in it. As if it had been sliced with a knife.
My Xperia M2 is dying. When I leave it plugged in the wall charger overnight, it doesn't charge at all, after several time. This is, right now, resulting in a cool plug-unplug effect in the device, and even when the USB cable is disconnected, *the device still thinks it's connected to the power source*.
Another symptom that something was going really bad is that yesterday, my SIM card was being rejected by my device without any apparent reason, unless I rebooted my device, in which case it started working again, just fine. After happening 4 times in a row in a single day, I ejected the SIM card, cleaned it, and place it back. It didn't happen anymore, but could happen again.
Environment:
Almost 2 years old device, with unlocked bootloader. Model D2303, Revision 4, with XPERIA Z5 STYLE 4.6 installed on it. Device hadn't been *wiped* since 4 months now.
I personally have NO IDEA if it's related to XPERIA Z5 STYLE or not, and that's the reason why I placed this warning in it's thread.
Now you'll be asking, why creating a thread?
I don't want to mix any development thread with a possibly hardware fault, and I still want to hear your opinions and thoughts about this situation, mostly if it has happened to you at any time. Right now, I'm doing some tests, and if it still happens I'm going to send my device back to Sony Mobile Spain, hoping they can fix it under warranty.
Any ideas of what can be the problem? Please comment them down below.
Charging port or motherboard for a guess. Constantly plugging and un-plugging the USB cable when flashing ect will eventually wear out the connections even fluff in it could effect it. This is the only part of my M2 showing signs of heavy use
linuxct said:
Another symptom that something was going really bad is that yesterday, my SIM card was being rejected by my device without any apparent reason, unless I rebooted my device, in which case it started working again, just fine. After happening 4 times in a row in a single day, I ejected the SIM card, cleaned it, and place it back. It didn't happen anymore, but could happen again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This exact same thing happens on my aqua! Sometimes it ejects my sd card too,especially when I apply some pressure on the flap that covers it! I dont think it has anything to do with the rom..kernel and blobs (obviously) are stock...
aidy.lucas said:
Charging port or motherboard for a guess. Constantly plugging and un-plugging the USB cable when flashing ect will eventually wear out the connections even fluff in it could effect it. This is the only part of my M2 showing signs of heavy use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but did you saw the video from the link in OP? It has nothing to do with the Micro-USB, I twisted the cable as much as I could, and only when I turned on the screen on it went back to normal a few seconds, before it went mad, blinking again like if it was a notification (while it was not, ofc).
Also, having the Micro-USB cable disconnected a few minutes, and still showing as if it was charging, I think that's something in the main board or maybe in the battery. Could be the Micro-USB but... I'm not sure.
Konstantinosj77 said:
This exact same thing happens on my aqua! Sometimes it ejects my sd card too,especially when I apply some pressure on the flap that covers it! I dont think it has anything to do with the rom..kernel and blobs (obviously) are stock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first I thought it could be related with the SIM card issue (that's why I posted it lol), but it seems to me now the issue is either on the battery or in the main board.
Now, the thing is, I flashed stock, and the issue hasn't appear, yet. Could this be related to a bad battery callibration?
FML, it started doing it again. The device's going back to Sony. This confirms it's a hardware failure, and might not be related with Xperia Z5 STYLE at all.
Thanks for your answers.
If its still under warranty send into Sony theyll probably totally refurb it. Mine is two years old and stil under warranty till November according to the support app on mine. Funnily enough in the last two weeks I've suffered from a couple of random screen flickering/flashing moments myself where it just went crazy for a few seconds and the USB port is the only place showing any signs of wear on the device and I've not changed anything system related recently. Approx three or four weeks and hopefully I won't be using it anymore anyway as I get my upgrade.
Welcome to the club. You know the backstory, but in the end approximately two weeks ago i got my phone back from the service center. I was told that motherboard was replaced with new one.
Here's the part of the warranty notes
Symptom Codes: 0501, Cannot power on
[1281-2670] - D2303/Exchange
PBA/NEW PBA/CS
FaultCode 109. Not Repairable
ActionCode 36. Board Swap Handling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aidy.lucas said:
If its still under warranty send into Sony theyll probably totally refurb it. Mine is two years old and stil under warranty till November according to the support app on mine. Funnily enough in the last two weeks I've suffered from a couple of random screen flickering/flashing moments myself where it just went crazy for a few seconds and the USB port is the only place showing any signs of wear on the device and I've not changed anything system related recently. Approx three or four weeks and hopefully I won't be using it anymore anyway as I get my upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still, I'd consider using the warranty, repair it, and keep it in case you need it in a future (like me right now, I need another device or I'll be with a dumb phone for weeks ).
Didn't you guys realize the problems are happening 2 years after owning the device? This sounds to me like programmed obsolescence... So let's make Sony pay for it
Everything has a built in obsolescence nowadays anyway it's the only way to get to to spend more money like you said, It's working fine it's only happened a few times to be honest. Not bothered my M2 cost me absolutely nothing, end of July it'll get chucked back in its box and thrown in the draw for emergencies if I don't get rid. Even going back to stock I think if I get the x as planned.
Furious at Sony Mobile policies + Possible discontinue of most of my current projects
This message isn't needed anymore. Sony Mobile explained the reason why it wasn't covered under warranty (didn't attach the invoice of the device). Now it should all be fixed. Check #13.
Not needed anymore either. Check #13.
linuxct said:
Since I want to leave the message above intact, I'll be publishing all proofs here.
Here's the warranty info: http://www-support-downloads.sonymobile.com/common/warranty_phones_GB_24_4.pdf (which BTW, from what I understand, claims it's covered under it, except it's made by the wear and tear of the device, which is technically not, since I've used it most of the time like a normal person would do - i.e. A wear and tear scenario would be a bad micro-usb connection, but it's not the case since it's an internal fault [plus, a friend of mine which had a bad usb connection in his T3 got it replaced for free, so... yeah])
Here's the mail I got from them:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
And here's the rest of the "budget" (if that's how it's called) info, and the breakdown of the prices:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let everyone know if you are unable to do more dev work on the M2. I am sure a few 100 people would be waiting.
furankuM2 said:
Let everyone know if you are unable to do more dev work on the M2. I am sure a few 100 people would be waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a few 100 people?
Now I kinda wish it was just only 100 people, the impact would be a lot less than with +3200 people waiting over there.
Today I just learned two things:
Chat support at Sony Xperia is not that bad, and, always attach your invoices with the device you want to repair.
Here's the encouraging chat I've just had:
Luis E Fri, 07/01/16 9:19:37 PM Europe / Madrid
Welcome to support Sony Xperia, my name is Luis E. Allow me a moment to register your inquiry. To customize your query, please facilíteme your email address and a contact number
Client 9:20:08 am
-----------------------------
Luis E 9:20:34 am
Permit me a moment while seeking information about your query.
How can I help you ?
Client 9:21:43 am
All right. 1-**********60 the repair order indicates that I have to pass a budget, which does not cover warranty for replacement of a piece of 18 €. You could ask for more information about this? What specific part is?
Luis E 9:23:34 am
Sergio, does not detail pieces exactly changed me as it is an internal mechanical repair
In this case does not fall under warranty because you did not attach the phone purchase invoice; if you send it to invoice the [email protected] to check the phone warranty
9:24:17 am
Client 9:24:44 am
Come on! It is because I did not attach warranty?
Luis E 9:25:00 am
It is immaterial what the web always attached invoice
Client 9:25:32 am
Wow ... Well, if I send it immediately able to review again the budget?
Luis E 9:25:51 am
for sure Sergio remembers send from your email with which gestionaste repair and in the matter only put the number of repair
Client 9:26:11 am
Okay, thank you very much, I'll send it immediately
Luis E 9:26:20 am
Is there anything else in what I can help you?
Client 9:27:13 am
No that's all.
Many thanks
Luis E 9:27:26 am
Thank you for choosing Sony Xperia. You have a good day! If you need additional information visit our website: http://www.sonymobile.com
So, I actually hope this will end up in just a fright.
Still, they should make it very clear for the users that they need to attach the invoice with the device. In the first mail, and in the webpage, it didn't say anything about that, and since in the MySupport webpage it said I had warranty until 25th of this month, I thought I didn't need to attach anything to prove it.
So what are you supposed to do say if you have a Xperia device that is in warranty but needs a repair but have no receipt/invoice from purchase, as my M2 was free being on a contract not that it needs looking at so far, bet your feeling better now though knowing that..
aidy.lucas said:
So what are you supposed to do say if you have a Xperia device that is in warranty but needs a repair but have no receipt/invoice from purchase, as my M2 was free being on a contract not that it needs looking at so far, bet your feeling better now though knowing that..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, if you bought the device via a carrier, ie. Vodafone, Sony requests you to send it via your carrier to get it repaired. This "My Support" thing is intended for unlocked phones. But still, it should be extremely clear what's needed and what's not when you're going to send your device to them
I hope I hear from them tomorrow, Monday, can't wait to see if they accepted it!
Hope you get it sorted under warranty, I'll be moving to a new device end of the month all being well. I'm on a contract but my handset is a sim free network unlocked device as that's all my network supply for both payg and contract that's one of the reasons I use this network, never have to worry about locked down Bootloaders.
This the end of my Xperia M2 development days
So... Here's an update of what Sony said, regarding repairing my device under warranty.
Firsts things first:
1. They didn't mention that I needed to send them the invoice until the device arrived into their installations, implying I never realized what date was written on it, and trusting the date that appears on Sony Mobile "My Support" website was accurate, since nowhere it said it wouldn't be.
2. Sony Mobile displays a "Warranty valid until" date on it's "My Support" webpage, which turns out is just "ORIENTATIVE", regardless that wasn't mentioned until they told me on the email and the chat.
3. My invoice was generated on June 23rd of 2014, and the device was sent to Sony on June 26th 2016, meaning, the 2 years of legal warranty in Spain already passed when it was sent.
4. Sony Mobile wants me to pay either 71.54 EUR to get my device repaired, considering the piece they're going to replace costs just 18.15 EUR, and, if I just want to get my device back, they want me to pay 28.58 EUR for "postage and device check".
Being that said, this is what they told me once the invoice arrived at them:
Dear Mr. ******:
Regarding your inquiry number 1-******60, attached bill does not apply to repair your equipment under warranty, and listed as the purchase date 23/06/2014, having requested the repair order 26/06/2016, more than two years as set Guarantee states.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which I replied with:
Dear *****,
I sent the device to repair since, on the website of My Support, it says the warranty's valid until the day appears dated 25/07/2016, making consider, from my side, that the validity of the guarantee beyond this terminal regardless of the date of invoice.
If by such error on your web, you do not consider appropriate to repair the device under warranty, I ask at least return me the device, as it was and at no cost, as the reason to send them the device was to perform warranty repair, believing that it would be covered until that date mentioned.
Kindest regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note: To protect device's integrity, the screenshot attached above was altered to hide serial number information, and reference numbers.
And, after more than 48hrs, this is the reply I got in my inbox, just a few hours ago:
Dear Mr. *****,
Regarding your inquiry number 1-*******60, we inform you that it would not be possible to cancel cats return shipping terminal.
The date shown on the website is used for orientation since the date of purchase is what marks the beginning and end of the warranty period of the terminal, and this of 2 years from the date of purchase of the terminal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upset, I decided to go ahead and open a chat before they got closed today, jjust to ask why they do this to me:
Javier B Wed, 06/07/16 7:54:10 PM Europe / Madrid
Welcome to support Sony Xperia, my name is Javier B. Allow me a moment to register your inquiry. To customize your query, please facilíteme your email address and a contact number
Client 7:54:28 pm
****************************
Javier B 7:55:52 pm
How can I help you?
Client 7:57:36 pm
Regarding the repair order 1-******60, I just got a mail informing me that you can not return the terminal. This is because I requested a warranty repair, guided by indicators of its website, although I did not realize that was already expired. What solutions can have this?
Already I advance that, I will not make payment for the return or for the repair, because as I commented, the only reason to send the terminal was sending it to get repaired under warranty, as indicated in your web I have it available until the day 25/07
7:58:28 pm
Javier B 7:59:08 pm
In that case you can ask to be recycled as free; as indicated in the Spanish law guarantees the warranty is 2 years from the date of purchase.
Client 8:00:00 pm
That is, I lose a device, for which I paid over 200 € in its day, and has just presented the malfunction of the charge, because an error on your web ??
Javier B 8:00:20 pm
You can also request the return to not loose it.
Client 8:00:39 pm
Yeah, but would involve paying 28 €, about 30 €.
I find it incredible.
Javier B 8:00:50 pm
Are the terms of service you agreed to send.
Client 8:01:08 pm
Agree.
Javier B 8:01:26 pm
There is something else I can help you?
Client 8:01:30 pm
No.
Javier B 8:01:34 pm
Thank you for choosing Sony Xperia. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... That's the situation.
I'm deeply sorry to spam the board, but, I guess this is something the world needs to know about Sony Mobile. I've had so many headaches because of this device I'd even regret every single second I spent working on it, if it wasn't because of this awesome community, around it.
I don't have money want to pay them a single penny to them, since I just consider this is some form of hijacking (?), making the client pay for even breath to get his device safe and sound, even though it's not going to get fixed until you pay for the full thing (?). Nah.
It's a sad situation, actually. I'm afraid I won't be able to continue any of my projects, anymore, if they don't change their mind of it.
That estimate they generated is valid until end of this month. If I don't pay the postage or the full repair, they will recycle my device. And I guess that's what will happen.
If the situation doesn't change, I'll need to EOL the following projects of mine:
- Xperia Z5 STYLE, and it's predecessor, Z4 eXPERIence, which wasn't EOLed before.
- Modded TWRP with TA backup support (thankfully, the already published version is the latest as of right now).
- And, probably, my contributions to the MultiRecovery project, since I won't have a device to test. Still, I count on AleksJ to test up if anything comes up on my mind someday.
Thanks for all the support, as always, and I'll keep you posted on this. Feel free to share this to your contacts so that they know what Sony does when they come to repair your device.
Even more sad is that thousands are effected by your decision, not just you.
Now that is a bit of a bummer, I've just checked the date in my support app(using Xperia x support app) and the date of my Warranty end is definitely right not that it helps your situation. Any ideas on what you gonna do now.
This thread isn't needed anymore. Check here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...t-y-l-e-locked-unlocked-t3250564/post67698341
I'd close it, but since someone can experience the same symptoms as I did, will leave it open. Hope you find useful all what happened in here.
T-Mobile US is running a promotion where you get this phone for "free" when you attach it to a line after trading in an old phone. The gotchas are:
The phone you are trading in must:
Not be stolen/locked
Not have a Cracked Screen
Not have water damage
Have a valid IMEI
For ESN/MEID phones, generate your IMEI here: https://www.imei.info/calc
Turn on (It may need to fully boot as they grabbed the IMEI from the Dialer)
The must be attached to an active voice rate plan line
Pay Taxes and Fees (was ~$41usd for me)
Pay your monthly bill for 24 months or you will have to pay the difference upto $282usd
Up to 4 devices per account (must have 4 lines)
More info found on this page: https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/e...MO_P_HOMETOWN_Q8D0X5TZQIWIM1P724532_HP#offers
Trade-in process in a T-Mobile store worked well for me last Sunday. I traded in three old phones, after carefully removing any google account information from each. Factory resets don't remove this information. It has to be done manually when you reboot after the factory reset.
However, as stated above, you must have clean old phones that boot up to the main screen. The IMEI is checked and verified for each phone you trade-in.
There is a lot of verification done. For example, they will confirm that the old phone can be used on the T-Mobile network using the IMEI. They will scan your driver's license a couple of times. They will check every line on your account with you to make certain that the correct line is involved. To help them, I put a sticker on the back of each old phone with the IMEI on it. They did not trust the stickers, however. In most cases, I had to instruct the T-Mobile clerk on how to boot up the old phones and how to access the IMEI information. The clerk simply did not know how to boot up the old phones. Don't assume that he does.
From my viewpoint having completed the process for 3 lines, I strongly suggest you go to a T-Mobile store in person to do the trade-in. They will have lots of questions, and, if you mail it in, the answer will probably be, it doesn't qualify.
scottyrick2 said:
Trade-in process in a T-Mobile store worked well for me last Sunday. I traded in three old phones, after carefully removing any google account information from each. Factory resets don't remove this information. It has to be done manually when you reboot after the factory reset.
However, as stated above, you must have clean old phones that boot up to the main screen. The IMEI is checked and verified for each phone you trade-in.
There is a lot of verification done. For example, they will confirm that the old phone can be used on the T-Mobile network using the IMEI. They will scan your driver's license a couple of times. They will check every line on your account with you to make certain that the correct line is involved. To help them, I put a sticker on the back of each old phone with the IMEI on it. They did not trust the stickers, however. In most cases, I had to instruct the T-Mobile clerk on how to boot up the old phones and how to access the IMEI information. The clerk simply did not know how to boot up the old phones. Don't assume that he does.
From my viewpoint having completed the process for 3 lines, I strongly suggest you go to a T-Mobile store in person to do the trade-in. They will have lots of questions, and, if you mail it in, the answer will probably be, it doesn't qualify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory resets have always removed my Google info on prob 100+ devices I've done it to. The only time I've seen that the accounts are not removed is when factory reseting in recovery mode.
The phone doesnt need to be compatible on the T-Mobile network. People are trading in old AMPS/Analog phones thats been gone for a very long time.
hyelton said:
Factory resets have always removed my Google info on prob 100+ devices I've done it to. The only time I've seen that the accounts are not removed is when factory reseting in recovery mode.
The phone doesnt need to be compatible on the T-Mobile network. People are trading in old AMPS/Analog phones thats been gone for a very long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to remove your Google accounts before the factory reset. It will still require your Google password otherwise after the reset.
blackhawk said:
You need to remove your Google accounts before the factory reset. It will still require your Google password otherwise after the reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you reset via recovery. If you reset from the settings of the phone it does not. Test it yourself. As long as its not some obsecure phone model, 100% guarantee it does not.
hyelton said:
Only if you reset via recovery. If you reset from the settings of the phone it does not. Test it yourself. As long as its not some obsecure phone model, 100% guarantee it does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I made that former mistake returning a new 10+ once and it was fun
So if it in settings that won't (hopefully) happen?
I simply have no use for that kind of security.
Google is the #1 security risk
blackhawk said:
Lol I made that former mistake returning a new 10+ once and it was fun
So if it in settings that won't (hopefully) happen?
I simply have no use for that kind of security.
Google is the #1 security risk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing it via settings it shouldn't happen. If its a samsung and logged into a samsung account it does need to be connected via data or wifi and enter the samsung account password, otherwise just a google account no issues with resetting.
hyelton said:
Doing it via settings it shouldn't happen. If its a samsung and logged into a samsung account it does need to be connected via data or wifi and enter the samsung account password, otherwise just a google account no issues with resetting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Will the Samsung account do the same thing? Knox is nothing but trouble.
Meh, I like my phones to be dumb...
omega552003 said:
T-Mobile US is running a promotion where you get this phone for "free" when you attach it to a line after trading in an old phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for helping others by posting this information which I took advantage of.
A few more details I found out after getting the phone are that you can talk T-Mobile USA out of charging you a few of the (somewhat hidden so-called nominal) fees given they didn't charge me them (they only charged me the state tax on the $282 estimated MSRP) for the 64GB Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (Model SM-A326U).
You either call them up or visit a store or use your T-Mobile account online to order the "upgrade"
If you do not have or use your T-Mobile account online then you can talk them out of charging you the $20 (I did) but you have to have a good excuse - otherwise the only way to save that $20 charge is to do it online (they will walk you through the process on the phone though and not charge you).
Also you can talk them out of the $5.99 shipping & handling fee if you come up with a good excuse (ask me how I know this).
But if you don't talk them out of the nominal charges, the cost to you is:
State sales tax on the $282 MSRPP
$6 shipping & handling
$20 for ordering at a brick-and-mortar store or ordering via telephone support personnel
They send you a link to print a two-page PDF, the first page of which is essentially a generic checklist of what to do and the second page of which is specific to your trade-in device which contains three things.
The USPS free shipping label that goes on the outside of the box
The description of your trade-in phone that goes inside the box
An optional receipt for your records
You have to find your own box to ship back the old phone (or you can use the brown cardboard box that the new phone came in if you want. Don't worry the new phone comes with its own white box so you don't need the brown cardboard outside box.)
As stated in the OP, they told me you can trade in as many as four phones but each trade-in phone has to be in its own box with its own receipt inside and its own label on the outside.
You stick the receipt inside the box, along with your old phone, turned off but with the battery in place, and you stick a shipping label on the outside of the box.
When you go to the US Post Office to drop it off you can ask for a receipt from the Post Office and they will print one out (and email it to you if you like). You do not need to insure the shipment - you have to trust the US Post Office that they won't go postal on your package (so I snapped a photo at the post office, just in case).
You will get a series of texts from T-Mobile telling you the status such as these I received:
"Your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 White with serial number 1234567890 has been received and is currently being processed. For trade-in details, go to t-mo.co/mytradein01"
And then... the somewhat scary zero-dollar indicator...
T-Mobile has applied a device trade-in credit of $0 to your Equipment Installation Plan for your Samsung Galaxy S3 White. Please visit t-mo.co/order01 for details or call 611.
And finally... the reassuring word "complete"...
T-Mobile promo msg: The trade-in for line 2015551212 is complete and will receive a monthly bill credit for the 2021 Samsung Trade P7 promotion as long as you maintain eligibility & service. For details, go to t-mo.co/tradein01To expand further upon the terms and conditions it seems you have one month to send the tradin where they will nag you by text a few times if you procrastinate (ask me how I know this).
They don't want your charger or your cables or your SIM card or sdcard. They only want the phone which has to be complete and in a single unit all put together as a single item (phone + battery + the battery cover for example).
As was stated in the OP, they told me your old phone must work which they define as "being able to make a call" (even though it won't have a SIM card in it most likely). It doesn't matter what network, nor if it's old technology (some bands no longer even exist, I think).
However, the phone must be "undamaged" in so much as the screen can be scratched but not broken or cracked or washed out. There must not be water damage but the back and front can be scratched and dented as long as it's not major damage. The battery just has to have enough charge to power up the phone (as mine hadn't been charged in over a decade or so and wasn't even the original battery anyway).
In my situation the back cover was a different color than the phone and they said that's ok but that they'd note their pre-approval in the records.
Interestingly they say the phone must not be locked to a PIN but mine was locked to a PIN that I've long forgotten. After attempting all the old PINs I could think of, I called them back in exasperation to ask how to wipe out the PIN.
Thankfully they told me they'd note in the records that the phone is locked to a PIN and that those notes would inform the people checking the phone that it's OK that it's locked to a personal PIN.
Just to be clear this is a different "lock" than a carrier lock. My trade-in was a T-Mobile locked phone but they said the carrier lock status didn't matter to them (i.e., it could have been carrier locked to Verizon or AT&T and it wouldn't have mattered).
When I asked what happens if they don't approve the trade-in phone, I received various answers each time I called (which is the bane of all customer support queries) but the general answer was that they'd give us a chance to rectify the problem with another battery (if it was overbloated for example) or with another phone if necessary.
Although one person I asked said they'd have to cancel the order and start fresh with a new order - so if this happens to you that they don't approve your trade-in when they test it out - then let us know how they handled it - as that was my biggest worry given I had to punch a hole in the battery with a pin to let out the bloat just so that I could get the back cover to barely stay on as I had scrambled to find a back that fit (it was the wrong color) and I had it locked to a personal PIN, etc., any or all of which are faults which you'd expect in a 10 year old phone that has been sitting in a drawer waiting to be deemed useful again (just like The Brave Little Toaster was finally found useful after years of neglect).
Just a heads up. I traded in two Tracfone Alcatel MyFlip Phones bought on Amazon for 9.99$. They didn't give me any issues so network locked isn't a problem (opposed to the 'make a call on T-Mobile Network' above). I just wanted a backup phone since my current backup is a Samsung Galaxy SII (and my daily-driver for the moment a Galaxy S5).
Also, I 'd probably just do the request online. You save the 20$ fee from the store, and the 6$ shipping is more than what your time is likely worth per how much of a hassle and time consuming it seems to be to do it in person.
Besides that, GalaxyA325G's post perfectly reflects my experience and I couldn't explain it any better. Still not sure what exactly I should do with these phones (backups, as a standalone mp3, etc), but I do hope sooner or later they can be rooted and ROM'd. Time will tell.
My trade-in with 1 Tracfone Alcatel MyFlip Phone went was successful as well on Monday. I'll end up doing one more soon as well now too.