[Q] PLEASE HELP. Soft Bricked My Verizon Galaxy S4. - General Questions and Answers

Someone please please help me. I am in desperate need of a solution. And before I lay out the issue I am having, I would like to thank everyone for taking their time to read through my post and give their input. I truly appreciate it everybody. Much much thanks.
Just as a disclaimer, I've looked all over the internet, everywhere I can possibly find for days on end, and none of what I found worked for me. It feels like I tried everything there could be, and that is why I am coming here. Again, thank you.
So here's a little background information: I have a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 (SCH-I545). I got the phone over the summer, and as soon as I received the phone I was updated to the apparently dreadful VRUMAE7 update. There afterwards, I tried rooting the phone. I've had rooting experience before with decent success, and never ran into problems like I did. It took awhile for me root my S4, but after awhile I was able to successfully root it. Although, I'm pretty sure I may have done something wrong. You will see why shortly.
So a week or two back, my S4 prompted me to update to the next update. I believe it was Android 4.3 (VRUEMJ7). I was very excited for the update and tried running it. But every time I accepted the update and tried updating, my phone went into Recovery to download the new update and stalled out with an error. Thereafter I would have to reboot the phone to get it working again. After failing to update multiple times, I realized that it is probably because I messed up my root. So without doing much research, I simply tried flashing the stock firmware that came with my phone thinking it should work pretty flawlessly.
I have a Mac OS, so using VmWare Fusion with Windows 7, I downloaded Odin and booted up my phone on Recovery mode, downloaded the stock VRUMAE7 firmware I found online, and began flashing. But Odin threw me a error, so I tried rebooting my phone thinking it would go back to normal. BUT this time, it kept going into recovery mode with a yellow Triangle saying firmware was installed incorrectly, etc. I was so frustrated at this point, thinking that I truly may have bricked my phone.
I began on this long journey of going through all the sources I could find online possible, downloading every type of Verizon S4 firmware I can find, trying every Odin method possible, and spending long long hours of the night biting my fingers at my dreadful fate. I even tried flashing the stock PIT File along with my stock firmware, to see if that would fix it. But no luck. I also tried using a standard windows machine rather than VMware, still with no luck.
I ask you all to please suggest any ideas, thoughts, or inputs you possibly can. I am willing to try anything and everything at this point. Please do help. I appreciate you guys reading through my lengthy question, sorry for that. Just wanted to lay everything out.
Thank you very very much.

muazra said:
Someone please please help me. I am in desperate need of a solution. And before I lay out the issue I am having, I would like to thank everyone for taking their time to read through my post and give their input. I truly appreciate it everybody. Much much thanks.
Just as a disclaimer, I've looked all over the internet, everywhere I can possibly find for days on end, and none of what I found worked for me. It feels like I tried everything there could be, and that is why I am coming here. Again, thank you.
So here's a little background information: I have a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 (SCH-I545). I got the phone over the summer, and as soon as I received the phone I was updated to the apparently dreadful VRUMAE7 update. There afterwards, I tried rooting the phone. I've had rooting experience before with decent success, and never ran into problems like I did. It took awhile for me root my S4, but after awhile I was able to successfully root it. Although, I'm pretty sure I may have done something wrong. You will see why shortly.
So a week or two back, my S4 prompted me to update to the next update. I believe it was Android 4.3 (VRUEMJ7). I was very excited for the update and tried running it. But every time I accepted the update and tried updating, my phone went into Recovery to download the new update and stalled out with an error. Thereafter I would have to reboot the phone to get it working again. After failing to update multiple times, I realized that it is probably because I messed up my root. So without doing much research, I simply tried flashing the stock firmware that came with my phone thinking it should work pretty flawlessly.
I have a Mac OS, so using VmWare Fusion with Windows 7, I downloaded Odin and booted up my phone on Recovery mode, downloaded the stock VRUMAE7 firmware I found online, and began flashing. But Odin threw me a error, so I tried rebooting my phone thinking it would go back to normal. BUT this time, it kept going into recovery mode with a yellow Triangle saying firmware was installed incorrectly, etc. I was so frustrated at this point, thinking that I truly may have bricked my phone.
I began on this long journey of going through all the sources I could find online possible, downloading every type of Verizon S4 firmware I can find, trying every Odin method possible, and spending long long hours of the night biting my fingers at my dreadful fate. I even tried flashing the stock PIT File along with my stock firmware, to see if that would fix it. But no luck. I also tried using a standard windows machine rather than VMware, still with no luck.
I ask you all to please suggest any ideas, thoughts, or inputs you possibly can. I am willing to try anything and everything at this point. Please do help. I appreciate you guys reading through my lengthy question, sorry for that. Just wanted to lay everything out.
Thank you very very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
it seems an easy problem but do it at your own risk I don't take responsibility of bricked device,etc
so lets go with what you need:
A- Odin [I believe you already have it]
B- stock rom go to this site:
androidayos.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-odin-stock-firmware/
and choose the suitable stock rom based on your Baseband version
C- Drivers installed for your device [if your mac/laptop recognizes your device then skip this step if not google it,download the drivers and install them]
IMPORTANT:Make sure you have 80% or more on battery
after you get these stuff install the device drivers as mentions in C then turn your device off and power it while holding volume up it should take you to download.now open odin and navigate it to the rom which you downloaded from B and flash it .wait for green color to appear and your back to your stock now it should open normally hope that I helped

Related

[q] Help Boot Loop! WIND

I don't know where to post this, I'm coming here all panicked and retarded, so I'm apologizing in advance.
I literally bought my Galaxy S 4G from WIND (Canada) this morning. From what I understood, upgrading the OS was dangerous, all I wanted to do was root... I followed this guide: ht tp ://w ww.gal axyforum s.ne t/forum/off-topic-forum/5053-rooting-tutorial-here-posted-permission-t-mobile-galaxy-s-4g-gingerbread.html (remove spaces)
which I found in a post on these forums. Someone who also was on WIND said it worked fine for them... They were rooted. I foolishly tried it, everything seemed FINE. When I load CWM it can't mount my SD card. I don't know what to do, it's stuck in T-Mobile boot screen loop if I try to exit.. I literally just stopped crying. My dad is going to KILL me if he finds out I ****ed up the new phone I just bought HOURS ago. I don't know what the **** to do, I don't know what's wrong. I need help, please. Anybody know what I can do? I don't care about rooting, I just need my device to work. Please, someone, anyone with any idea, what should I do? I can get back into download mode, and CWM. Is there anything I can do there? There's a recovery guide pinned but it says it's for the T-Mobile version, which I read is the same, can I use that to fix my phone?
This is my first Android device, I've never owned one before. I don't know ****, I shouldn't have tried anything... I just got cocky and made a mistake. I'm usually very good with this kind of stuff. Please someone tell me if there's something I can do to fix this, please!
I'm sorry if I sound stupid, I'm trying not to, I'm just really panicky and stressed right now.
I've tried searching through the forums - I still am searching through them, I'm sorry if I missed a post that can help me.
EDIT: I found someone who is also stuck in a boot loop... He seems to have SD Card issues as well, but doesn't speak English very well, so I don't thing he was able to communicate what his issue was...
Quote:
Originally Posted by GMK63
.......(---------THAT WHAT I FOLLOWED .
But I did the first part and They said i should get the stuff I store on my SD Card to pull out a file (``12) In CWM, use your volume up/down positions to navigate, scroll down to "Install Zip From SDcard". Select with a click of the power button. Navigate to where you put sms-T959V-KJ6-v0.1.1-rc1-unsigned-update.zip (in the root of your SDcard) and select with the power button. Confirm you want to install.
``)
but it doesn't give me the option to go get it on my SDcard and Now my Phone just turns on and off with the samsung galaxy S logo plus T-mobile exclusive logo . The only possitive thing about all the damage is that I can still put my phone on dowload mode and I just think if someone knows how to get my phone back to it state they will need me to put it on download mode.
Thank you in advance for your Help, for replying and offering to help.
I appriciate it. My phone is Mobillicity carrier just like wind .[/B]
Then, user bhundven replies to him saying:
Ok, this is really simple. I've explained it in quite a few threads in the Galaxy S 4G forums in General, Q&A, and the Dev forum. I'm going to explain this, but in a way to be more general. So I'm being verbose in case anyone else with a T959W happens to run across this and has not tried anything yet.
Again, I'm not good with windows at all, and I prefer it that way.
If you're on windows, check out our wiki:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki...xy_S/SGH-T959V
There is tons of help there for setting up heimdall on windows with all the right drivers and such.
Once you have heimdall setup get AntonX's latest cwm zip for his kernel.
This kernel is a BML kernel, and this guide I am giving you right now will help you get cm9 installed which is an MTD kernel. You can find out more about BML vs. MTD here.
Once you have downloaded AntonX's kernel, extract the zImage from it and open up the terminal/cmd prompt and navigate to the directory you extracted the zImage to.
Put your phone into Download Mode and type the following in the command prompt:
Code:
heimdall flash --kernel zImage
The heimdall program will flash this kernel+initramfs to the kernel partition and reboot the phone. Do not unplug the usb cable until you see the "Galaxy S" screen. When you see that screen, unplug the usb cable and remove the battery from the back.
Assuming you downloaded CM9 and put it on your sdcard already, you can get into recovery by holding the vol+ and vol-, then pressing the power button to turn the phone on. When you see the "Galaxy S" screen, let go of the buttons, and you should be in the recovery now.
This is where things get a little tricky. If you have not tried to do anything to your phone yet. This would be a great time to use the "Backup and Recovery" menu on CWM. Do a full backup.
The "assert 7" error that the previous person got was because the cwm install script (the updater-script) checks the already installed /system/build.prop's data against the "to be installed" build.prop to verify this rom can be installed. If it doesn't exist, then it moves forward.
So the first order of business is to wipe the /system partition. Go to "Mounts and Storage" and format the system partition.
Now go back to the main screen and do "Factory Reset/Wipe Data".
Now go "Install zip from sdcard" -> "choose zip from sdcard" -> and use the volume keys to select the zip file.
After the rom is installed, navigate back to the main screen and "Reboot the system now" if it doesn't reboot by itself.
When the phone reboots, because it is going from BML to MTD, it obviously can't just install the files to what would be an MTD partition if the kernel knows nothing about MTD. So it boots into the newly installed MTD kernel and continues the installation, which in the end will also reboot again.
The first boot is very slow. It is building a cache of all the pre-installed system applications. Let it sit for a while. I know it's tempting to go play with your phone right away, but resist if you can.
The next CM9 release will be on a different kernel, and albeit a much better rom.
I will also be adding OTA Asserts for SGH-T959W so that you will not have to wipe /system before installing the rom, but I do that still just for good measure. But this also means that your phone will work properly with the google play store.
If this still does not work, please let me know what went wrong and I will be happy to assist!
-Bryan
Is what Bryan is saying my solution? I don't think he understood the SD Card mount issue. Does anyone know how to fix that? I really hope to hear from you guys ASAP before my dad catches on... Please. I really need help. I'll search more in the morning, it's 1 AM here.
Okay well first of all.. GET A GRIP OF YOUR SELF
*slaps twice across the face
This phone is unbrickable so can you get in to download mode? (power off phone then when it's off hold the volume up and down buttons at the same time, while holding them down connect your phone to a usb cable)
A green android digging thing should show on your screen. Tell me when you get this far.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
As a matter of fact, you don't entirely need a download mode screen to recover your device too. I've gotten to a pixelized colorful screen and thought my phone was done for, but Odin/Heimdall still recognized it, so I was able to recover my phone.
Calm down and as long as your phone can still be detected on your computer, you will be fine. Odin or Heimdall should be able to show that he device was "added" when you plug it in.
bkoon1218 said:
As a matter of fact, you don't entirely need a download mode screen to recover your device too. I've gotten to a pixelized colorful screen and thought my phone was done for, but Odin/Heimdall still recognized it, so I was able to recover my phone.
Calm down and as long as your phone can still be detected on your computer, you will be fine. Odin or Heimdall should be able to show that he device was "added" when you plug it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, just make sure you have the drivers installed for the phone first and for the purpose of my method of recovery download Odin. If you did everything correctly you'll see a green light in Odin under recognized devices once you're in download mode
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
lonoguge said:
Okay well first of all.. GET A GRIP OF YOUR SELF
*slaps twice across the face
This phone is unbrickable so can you get in to download mode? (power off phone then when it's off hold the volume up and down buttons at the same time, while holding them down connect your phone to a usb cable)
A green android digging thing should show on your screen. Tell me when you get this far.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the slaps, I needed them!
Yes! I think I am still able to get into download mode, atleast I was able to last night (After the loop issue). Also, I formatted (factory reset option or something?) my settings when I was in CWM last night assuming that would change it back to the way it was, or atleast fix the SD mount problem..I hope this doesn't cause any issues.
What should I do when I'm in download mode?
bkoon1218 said:
As a matter of fact, you don't entirely need a download mode screen to recover your device too. I've gotten to a pixelized colorful screen and thought my phone was done for, but Odin/Heimdall still recognized it, so I was able to recover my phone.
Calm down and as long as your phone can still be detected on your computer, you will be fine. Odin or Heimdall should be able to show that he device was "added" when you plug it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news! It's nice to hear that someone who's phone was also messed was able to repair it.
lonoguge said:
That's true, *just make sure you have the drivers installed for the phone first and for the purpose of my method of recovery download Odin. *If you did everything correctly you'll see a green light in Odin under recognized devices once you're in download mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I get these drivers? Should I download the latest version of Odin?
I'll try this as soon as I get back from taking my little sister to school.
I just want to say again, this is the SGH-T959W from WIND in Canada. It's apparently the same hardware as the SGS4G from T-Mobile, just different software. I hope this isn't a problem.
Thank you both for replying so soon. After tossing and turning in bed for the last 5 hours, barely getting any sleep, it's such a relief to read these posts!
Obviously you didn't read too much if you bought the phone and tried to mess with it the same day. You would have seen if you went to the 2nd page of here and actually read something like this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1552119 where I clearly say, it is it different, you will get boot looped, I am working on a package to fix it, and for anyone on a wind phone to hold on and wait.
I don't have time to try and help and fix every single wind phone in the world because people get too impatient and start flashing everything in the world from the first post they read. Odin and Heimdall fail at certain parts of flashing this phone. I am trying to give the Heimdall creator as much as I can to help fix this, so everyone telling to flash this or that package, it's not going to work, it will fail. I have verified this 100 times with Heimdall.
I can't put together a 1click package that fails flashing, that's why people are ending up in this position in the first place.
I can get your phone fixed but not right this second. There is no permanant damage done, and the less you just keep flashing random stuff, the more likely the chance I can help you fix it, but I'm busy, I run my own business and my paying customers come first as does my mortgage and bills before spending an hour teamviewed into someones pc to fix this.
So hang tight, I will try later to get this fixed, it's not screwed, quit flashing anything you find.
Past what getochkn just said (and please do ignore the "advice" given by people who don't experience with a T-959W), next time you see a "helpful" post on some site that starts off "get this from [the original source]" -- please, please take the time to read the original source.
Secondly, just because your phone has the a similar "trade name" as another phone doesn't mean they are even close to the same inside. Even the model numbers don't mean much. Firmware from a T-959 generally won't work on a T-959V, and, as you have found out, T-969V firmware can make a T-959W a nice paperweight for a while.
Thirdly, I just don't "get" why people even consider flashing their phone on the first day they own it, before they have any idea what it came with and what it can do, not to mention voiding their warranty before even the buyer's remorse period has expired.
While you're waiting for someone to bail you out, you might want to take the time to download Java, the Microsoft C++ executables, and a full version of Heimdall.
getochkn said:
Obviously you didn't read too much if you bought the phone and tried to mess with it the same day. You would have seen if you went to the 2nd page of here and actually read something like this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1552119 where I clearly say, it is it different, you will get boot looped, I am working on a package to fix it, and for anyone on a wind phone to hold on and wait.
I don't have time to try and help and fix every single wind phone in the world because people get too impatient and start flashing everything in the world from the first post they read. Odin and Heimdall fail at certain parts of flashing this phone. I am trying to give the Heimdall creator as much as I can to help fix this, so everyone telling to flash this or that package, it's not going to work, it will fail. I have verified this 100 times with Heimdall.
I can't put together a 1click package that fails flashing, that's why people are ending up in this position in the first place.
I can get your phone fixed but not right this second. There is no permanant damage done, and the less you just keep flashing random stuff, the more likely the chance I can help you fix it, but I'm busy, I run my own business and my paying customers come first as does my mortgage and bills before spending an hour teamviewed into someones pc to fix this.
So hang tight, I will try later to get this fixed, it's not screwed, quit flashing anything you find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I really didn't read enough, big mistake, I was just really cocky because I've modded almost every device I own (Wii, PSP, PS3, PS2 various and iDevices [mine, and friends]). Of course, they're all different (Not saying it's all the same thing! ), I just felt very confident because I've never had issues with anything before. At least this is a good learning experience, I've really been put in my pace. I always felt that bricking was something that happened to other people, it doesn't happen to me. I know that sounds stupid, but idk, that's just how I felt. I physically feel sick over this 'whole ordeal (Seriously), I'm such an idiot. >.<'
Thanks for the warning, I won't flash anything! I'm so relieved to hear that there's no permanent damage done, and to be able to speak to someone who's familiar with this specific problem and this specific model of the SGS4G, AND is willing to help me!
Do you know when you'll be able to help me? Of course, take your time, I completely understand that you have other stuff going on, I'm just wondering to see if I can maybe think of some cover up so my dad doesn't find out.
Also, I have a 14 day warranty, is it void now even though the root didn't work? I'm assuming it is.
Edit: Yup, if what jeffsf says is true, it's void.
jeffsf said:
Past what getochkn just said (and please do ignore the "advice" given by people who don't experience with a T-959W), next time you see a "helpful" post on some site that starts off "get this from [the original source]" -- please, please take the time to read the original source.
Secondly, just because your phone has the a similar "trade name" as another phone doesn't mean they are even close to the same inside. Even the model numbers don't mean much. Firmware from a T-959 generally won't work on a T-959V, and, as you have found out, T-969V firmware can make a T-959W a nice paperweight for a while.
Thirdly, I just don't "get" why people even consider flashing their phone on the first day they own it, before they have any idea what it came with and what it can do, not to mention voiding their warranty before even the buyer's remorse period has expired.
While you're waiting for someone to bail you out, you might want to take the time to download Java, the Microsoft C++ executables, and a full version of Heimdall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just very impatient sometimes. I really do enjoy doing this kind of stuff, it's fun for me. I just got really excited and wasn't thinking straight and just went out and tried rooting it. I've wanted an Android for a while now, and have always planned to root it to unlock it's full potential. I've never modded anything else day 1 (and never will again), this is the first time I've done this. I feel terrible about it.
Will do, thanks for helping, jeffsf.
If your still under 14 days return it with a stupid I don't know what happened look. If its stuck just on the tmob screen they most likely will never know what you did. Your other choice is to be a man and own up to it. Tell your dad and take your lumps. That choice is yours. Give it serious thought before you choose as it might define what type of person you end up becoming.
hechoen said:
If your still under 14 days return it with a stupid I don't know what happened look. If its stuck just on the tmob screen they most likely will never know what you did. Your other choice is to be a man and own up to it. Tell your dad and take your lumps. That choice is yours. Give it serious thought before you choose as it might define what type of person you end up becoming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like they might know. I'm willing to try it as a last resort, I'd like to give getochkn a shot first.
I'll tell my dad what happened after it's fixed. I just can't deal with him stressing me out about it more than I already am.
I will have a package probably tomorrow that will provide as detailed instructions as I can.
getochkn said:
I will have a package probably tomorrow that will provide as detailed instructions as I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, wow! That's much sooner than I was expecting! Thanks for taking the time to do this for me, it really means a lot. Thank you so much getochkn!
Package and instructions here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956025
getochkn said:
Package and instructions here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956025
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much getochkn!
I read all the instructions before attempting this. But, I have a problem. Heimdall failed to flash. It said something about failing to retrieve the PIT or something? So, I tried again. Didn't work. So, I restarted my computer, and my phone.
Phone doesn't go into download mode, instead, I end up on a screen saying "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
What should I do?
BagelBreath said:
Thank you so much getochkn!
I read all the instructions before attempting this. But, I have a problem. Heimdall failed to flash. It said something about failing to retrieve the PIT or something? So, I tried again. Didn't work. So, I restarted my computer, and my phone.
Phone doesn't go into download mode, instead, I end up on a screen saying "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That firmware screen should detect as download mode still in Heimdall. I have gotten that and reflashed from Heimdall before. Not sure why it's trying to download the pit, it should only do that when you tell it to download pit. Flashing shouldn't trigger that. See if Heimdall will detect it in that firmware recovery mode and I guess try again, otherwise your phone is really borked.
getochkn said:
That firmware screen should detect as download mode still in Heimdall. I have gotten that and reflashed from Heimdall before. Not sure why it's trying to download the pit, it should only do that when you tell it to download pit. Flashing shouldn't trigger that. See if Heimdall will detect it in that firmware recovery mode and I guess try again, otherwise your phone is really borked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply!
It worked! I really can't thank you enough! Thanks again for taking the time to do this!
I think it may have said "Uploading Pit" because it said it again this time, but it didn't encounter a problem when it did that.
I know I have 3 choices, the one I would like to choose is ICS. Would mind pointing me in the direction of an ICS ROM that's compatible with my device? I'm afraid to use something that may not work and mess up my phone again.
EDIT: Actually, I think I'll just stick with this. I just installed the twist kernal and the modem, everything works, I'm rooted and have recovery. I'd rather not mess with it until I'm more experienced with droids.
Thanks again everyone, especially you getochkn! I'm so relieved that my phone is working again! My dad didn't notice that I wasn't using the new phone I got, so I didn't have to cover up or anything.

[Q] Tab 2 WILL NOT ROOT!!

Please, for the love of god, someone help me!!
I have spent the past 2 days trying to root my brand new Tab 2 (verizon) p3100 (android 4.1.2). I've tried every tutorial that I can find. I've tried various versions of Odin, various versions of heimdall, various versions of CWM and other rooting files. I get error after error. The device still works fine but it WILL NOT ROOT!!
I am currently trying to use Odin3 and CF Auto Root (my 100th attempt probably). Every time I use Odin, any version, any tar file, it fails with a "Fail! (Auth)" error. The message in download mode says "SECURE CHECK FAIL: recovery".
I've done a factory reset of the Tab. I've cleared cache. I've tried running Odin is an admin. I've tried different usb ports on my PC (Windows 7, 64bit).
It doesn't matter what I try, it always results in an error. This thing just WILL NOT ROOT!
Can anybody tell me what the problem is? Or another way to root? Please. This is driving me crazy!!
Thank you!!
Try this.
Huge problem
I found these instructions:
droidviews.com/how-to-root-and-install-cwm-twrp-recovery-verizon-galaxy-tab-2-sch-i705-on-ics-jelly-bean/
And finally got it to root. Then I got to the part where I installed the terminal emulator, granted it root access, and followed the instructions to install aboot.img. Then the Tab shut down, I thought it was going to reboot but it never started back up. Now I can't get it to turn on or go into recovery or download mode. Nothing. Everything was fine up to that point. Now nothing at all. How do I fix this??
ninasmith said:
I found these instructions:
droidviews.com/how-to-root-and-install-cwm-twrp-recovery-verizon-galaxy-tab-2-sch-i705-on-ics-jelly-bean/
And finally got it to root. Then I got to the part where I installed the terminal emulator, granted it root access, and followed the instructions to install aboot.img. Then the Tab shut down, I thought it was going to reboot but it never started back up. Now I can't get it to turn on or go into recovery or download mode. Nothing. Everything was fine up to that point. Now nothing at all. How do I fix this??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<facepalm>
Oh boy... WHY the heck did you flash a bootloader (totally unnecessary step to begin with) from a completely different device?!?! There is so much info on rooting P31xx here on XDA, describing several different methods in details, and yet you managed not only to find a way that is not even intended for your device, but to proceed with no understanding of the process whatsoever...
I would suggest to take a deep breath, and try again (and again) to get your tab started in download mode (hold Volume DOWN + Power until you see a warning screen). If you can do that, flash the proper ROM with Odin -- whatever version you can find, but the one for your device. Then promise yourself to NEVER do anything without at least a basic understanding of what you are doing.
If you can't get the download mode working, then look up the service centre. You have an option to play dumb and just say it suddenly died on you -- maybe, you get lucky and could claim the warranty.
EDIT: OK, I am really confused now... You specifically said you have a P3100, but you also mentioned Verizon. So, which one is it that you have -- GT-P3100, or SGH-i705??? These are very different devices! If you indeed have an i705, disregard what I said above (it's relevant to P3110), and start with this thread. It may not be as bad after all...
kt-Froggy said:
<facepalm>
Oh boy... WHY the heck did you flash a bootloader (totally unnecessary step to begin with) from a completely different device?!?! There is so much info on rooting P31xx here on XDA, describing several different methods in details, and yet you managed not only to find a way that is not even intended for your device, but to proceed with no understanding of the process whatsoever...
I would suggest to take a deep breath, and try again (and again) to get your tab started in download mode (hold Volume DOWN + Power until you see a warning screen. If you can do that, flash the proper ROM -- whatever version you can find, but the one for your device. Then promise yourself to NEVER do anything without at least a basic understanding of what you are doing.
If you can't get the download mode working, then look up the service centre. You have an option to play dumb and just say it suddenly died on you -- maybe, you get lucky and could claim the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a different device. I have the Tab 2 from Verizon, which is the i705. I thought it was the same as a p3100 but I guess it's not because verizon locks it down more. The model number, listed in settings, is the i705. So I found these instructions and actually rooted it just fine using odin (finally). When it rebooted, I had super user and all was good. Until the part where it told me to do the aboot.img with the terminal emulator.
I have been trying for the past half hour and cannot get it to do ANYTHING. I've held down every combination of buttons and nothing at all. It will not turn on. It will not go into recovery. It will not go into download mode. Nothing. I plug it into the computer and it's not recognized by the PC (because it's not on). I've plugged it into the wall. Nothing. It will not do anything! I don't know what will happen if I try to take this back to Verizon.
ninasmith said:
It's not a different device. I have the Tab 2 from Verizon, which is the i705. I thought it was the same as a p3100 but I guess it's not because verizon locks it down more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more clear now, thanks! I updated my post above, before I read your reply. i705 and P3100 are very different, not just because of customizations by VZW, but technically -- different CPU, chipset, radio module, everything.
One thing I can think of is to just leave it plugged in to the wall charger overnight, and try again. You might also want to ask your question in the respective thread that I linked above. But if you really can't get your tab to show any signs of life, you are out of luck, I guess...
BTW, here is another thread for you, related to unlocking the bootloader on i705.
kt-Froggy said:
It's more clear now, thanks! I updated my post above, before I read your reply. i705 and P3100 are very different, not just because of customizations by VZW, but technically -- different CPU, chipset, radio module, everything.
One thing I can think of is to just leave it plugged in to the wall charger overnight, and try again. You might also want to ask your question in the respective thread that I linked above. But if you really can't get your tab to show any signs of life, you are out of luck, I guess...
BTW, here is another thread for you, related to unlocking the bootloader on i705.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah I tried for about an hour. I had it plugged into the wall. It would not do ANYTHING at all. I took it back to Verizon and exchanged it. Now I just cross my fingers and hope they don't figure it out.
ninasmith said:
Thanks. Yeah I tried for about an hour. I had it plugged into the wall. It would not do ANYTHING at all. I took it back to Verizon and exchanged it. Now I just cross my fingers and hope they don't figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good that they exchanged it for you. Better luck next time! Read those two threads I linked, it should give you enough info.
BTW, my apologies if I sounded like an a$$. To be fair, you said you had a P3100, and I didn't realize it was actually a different device until I noticed that you also mentioned Verizon. Looks like you tried to do the right thing, but somehow it went sideways. Well, sh!t happens...

[Completed] Currently panicking: root gone wrong

First of all, sorry if I am posting this in the wrong thread or wrong area.
I'm seriously depressed and deprived of sleep because I finally rooted my phone and everything went wrong.
Yeah, I fell in with that crowd. Shame on me, i know ,_,
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900W8 is the victim. I downloaded CF AUTO ROOT HLTECAN HLTEUB SMN900W8 which, apparently, should have had no problem. Used Odin 3.07 on my laptop and the process was smooth and quick. Buuuut of course my phone got mostly wiped (no surprise here, totally worth the root). Along with that wipe came the rage of Google and Samsung.. don't know why but most apps just force close when I try to open them.
Long-story short I need to regain access to my Google account, my messages (so I can, you know, message my grandmother so she can pick me up at the university) and the ability to have a functional good phone.
I've learned my lesson, I'm leaving this rooting stuff to the more apt. However I need guidance on how to what I believe is called "flash" the system back into having all the permissions it used to have. Not sure what I'm talking about any more.
If it is possible to keep the root and somehow fix the problem (regain access to basic services such as messages and play store) that'd be nice. But really, I just wanna travel back in time and forget this ever happened so late at night that it's almost morning and my feelings are extra hurt.
Hello Dear ,
Its ok just re install the official rom for ur device n900w8 after that just do a full for ur device through stock recovery then install twrp through odin in AP tap from this link
https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxynote3canada.html
After that boot ur phone to custom recovery then install supersu from this link
https://download.chainfire.eu/743/SuperSU/BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip
That's all for rooting ur device mate
Thank You ,
Thanks for the help! But I'm still a bit lost. I did as you suggested and found the 5.0 stock firmware, which I am currently downloading. I will open Odin, plug in my phone, put the firmware file in the AP slot and install it from the download screen on my phone. Same process as the rooting that failed earlier.
However, I don't get the TWRP part.
"after that just do a full for ur device through stock recovery then install twrp through odin in AP tap from this link"
Is that step necessary, or is it just in case I want to try rooting my device again? Also, in the list you provided doesn't seem to be 5.0/lollipop for the phone. But then again, I'm not entirely sure how all that works.
Thanks again!
Installing the Stock firmware did not work. Once the phone boots, everything stops working unexpectedly.
Oh well, I guess it's time to take it to a store ,_,
Thanks anyways!
I am in utter shock. For some strange reason, factory reset worked and my phonne is ok. Not sure how... but it actually worked!
Nice to hear that mate congrats then

Firmware encountered a problem.......

Ok, so there was a thread on here for this issue, but it has been dead for 5 years so I hope it's ok I open this new thread.
I have been given a Samsung Tab 2 GT-P5110 by a colleague of mine. At some point in time he managed to corrupt the firmware to get the black screen of death 'firmware has encountered a problem.......'. This will not have been from flashing ROMs or attempting to root the device (he's an elderly guy, who recently asked me for help resetting his Google passwords, so rooting is well beyond his expertise). I first thought this won't be an issue, I'll hook it up to Odin, flash a recovery, stick it in download mode and then flash a new ROM...... However this failed, Odin confirming the process was unsuccessful. I understand this may be because the corruption is seated deeper than just the level of flashing a new ROM and have read flashing a new kernel may go deep enough to make progress, however, I have only ever used Odin for flashing ROMs so this is all new to me.
I would be very appreciative if someone was able to point me in the right direction, I have found some kernels to download which I think would be compatible, but I'm a little foggy on the steps I should take. Alternatively, someone may know another route to go down, I am also not afraid to open this little guy up and do some DIY surgery if needs be, after all I didn't buy the thing so I have nothing to lose.
Any suggestions would be great and if you want some more info please feel free to ask.
Thanks in advance.
elboobio said:
Ok, so there was a thread on here for this issue, but it has been dead for 5 years so I hope it's ok I open this new thread.
I have been given a Samsung Tab 2 GT-P5110 by a colleague of mine. At some point in time he managed to corrupt the firmware to get the black screen of death 'firmware has encountered a problem.......'. This will not have been from flashing ROMs or attempting to root the device (he's an elderly guy, who recently asked me for help resetting his Google passwords, so rooting is well beyond his expertise). I first thought this won't be an issue, I'll hook it up to Odin, flash a recovery, stick it in download mode and then flash a new ROM...... However this failed, Odin confirming the process was unsuccessful. I understand this may be because the corruption is seated deeper than just the level of flashing a new ROM and have read flashing a new kernel may go deep enough to make progress, however, I have only ever used Odin for flashing ROMs so this is all new to me.
I would be very appreciative if someone was able to point me in the right direction, I have found some kernels to download which I think would be compatible, but I'm a little foggy on the steps I should take. Alternatively, someone may know another route to go down, I am also not afraid to open this little guy up and do some DIY surgery if needs be, after all I didn't buy the thing so I have nothing to lose.
Any suggestions would be great and if you want some more info please feel free to ask.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash a custom recovery, and install this, https://builds.unlegacy-android.org/aosp-4.4/espresso/ua_espresso-4.4.4-20171105172717.zip
Thanks for the reply. I have attempted to flash a recovery, however every one I've tried fails and tells me 'NAND write failed'. I tried the TWRP recovery and philztouch. You don't have a link to a recovery you think might work? I'm pretty sure I've been using recoveries that should work, but you never know.

My (un)pleasant experience rooting the Samsung Galaxy S8 G950U

All links to articles that I tried to follow are at the bottom of this post. Attempt this root at your own risk!
Let me start out by saying I have successfully rooted Android phones before (Motorola Droid from 2009 and LG G3 Vigor from but this phone was not wanting to cooperate from the very start. My intention was to root my Galaxy S8 so that I can install a custom ROM and get rid of unneeded software (i.e. Google, Sprint software, etc...). As it turns out, this is easier said then done. After A LOT of searching on this site and DuckDuckGo, I came across a few articles that seemed like they were legit and would get the job done. So, I prepared by downloading all the necessary files (the new firmware, Odin, adb, etc...) and factory resetting my device. I then tried to follow along with the first tutorial. Everything looked good. I was able to get everything set up just fine. My problem started when I was in the Download mode on the device (the light blue screen that says "Downloading..." in the center).
Before even connecting the device, I had PrinceComsy Odin fired up and ready to go being sure to follow the tutorial steps completely and accurately. Then, I connected my device and hit start.
...It's looking good!...
...Added!...
After a few other very promising log outputs .... nothing happened. I thought to myself, "Okay, no big deal. It said I may have to retry a couple times to get it to work." So, I reset everything back up and rebooted the phone back into Download mode. This time I tried the regular Odin version instead. However, I was presented with an error after hitting start: "SHA256 Invalid". After some searching, I found out that if you get that error in the regular Odin you should try the PrinceComsy Odin. Wow, okay, so I went back to PrinceComsy Odin and tried again to no avail. Still didn't work.
This is when I started to become concerned that I wouldn't be able to root this phone. Note: At this point, the phone still booted back into the OS with no problems. i.e. It was not bricked...yet!
I wasn't even past the Odin part of the root and already I was having problems. What was going on? I did some more searching around the web and these forums and found something interesting. Supposedly having your device plugged into the USB3.0 ports on your computer can sometimes mess Odin up. I tried plugging the phone into the normal USB2.0 ports on the back of my computer and restarted the whole process again.
Now, I was getting some weird errors. Stuff like "odin fail complete(write) operation" and "fail (no pit partition)". I started to sweat a little bit. I can't screw this phone up! I rebooted the phone just to make sure everything was still fine on the device. It booted into OS perfectly fine, again.
Okay, so one more try, and then I'll stop. I did everything again (booted phone into download mode, fired up PrinceComsy Odin, added firmware to appropriate slots, connected the device, and hit start). Once again, everything looked fine until I got another error, "Error SW REV CHECK FAIL : [aboot] Fused 4 > Binary 2". It was at this point I looked more closely at the text on the top left of the Download mode.
My bootloader was locked and for some reason that had something to do with all this failing. After all, I wasn't trying to change the bootloader at all; just trying to gain access to root permissions. Most of the tutorials I looked at said to enable the "OEM Unlocking" option in settings. However, I didn't have this option at all. I didn't think it would matter that much but boy was I wrong. I decided to give up, boot back into the OS, and call it a day.
I rebooted the phone and it took longer than normal. Like way longer. It was stuck at the Samsung splash screen for about an hour before I realized that the device was probably bricked. "Great," I thought. So, I managed to find the stock firmware on Sam Mobile. Once again, I used Odin and tried flashing the stock firmware. This time however, Odin actually completed! I thought I had done it. I successfully restored my phone, right? Nope, turns out the firmware I installed wasn't actually Sprint's original stock firmware. I'm not sure exactly what it was but everything looked fine until I entered the setup device screen. Some settings were greyed out and I was getting some weird error messages (I don't remember what they were). Then, after completing the setup, I noticed that I was no longer on the Sprint network. I also had some of Cricket's and MetroPCS apps installed by default. It was like the phone was in a so called "carrier limbo" and unable to connect to any one carrier. The weird thing is I was still able to send and receive phone calls and receive text messages. It was at this point, I realized I royally screwed up my phone I tried to factory reset (through the Recovery mode) hoping that would fix some issues but nope. Didn't seem to fix anything.
The next day, I took the phone back to the Sprint store to see if they could do anything. Of course, I knew they were just going to try factory resetting it as well. The tech came back and said they could ship it off to Samsung and have them repair it or replace it. I am really crossing my fingers and hoping that they just replace the phone. That would fix all of my issues (including the cracked screen ). Now, I have to wait 5-7 business days before I know if I'm going to be stuck without a Galaxy phone or if I'm going to get a new phone straight from the factory. Who knows? As of now, I am using my old LG G3 Vigor temporarily while Samsung looks at my phone.
TL;DR: If you are on the Sprint network, have a Samsung Galaxy S8, model sm-g950u, US variant, ATTEMPT ROOTING AT YOUR OWN RISK! Sprint apparently has some pretty intense software locks on their phones which is rather unfortunate seeing as I believe Android to be an open-source and modifiable OS. Basically, we have to use the phone as it is from Sprint or we can't use it all. This is unacceptable.
I will update this post with any new information as it becomes available.
Links
LG G3 Vigor: https://support.sprint.com/support/device/LG/LG_G3_Vigortrade-dvc8360002prd
Motorola Droid: https://www.cnet.com/products/motorola-droid-verizon-wireless/review/
1st Root Method: http://www.stechguide.com/root-galaxy-s8-and-s8-plus-snapdragon-variants/
2nd Root Method: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...on-sampwnd-t3658911/post73455543#post73455543
3rd Root Method: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/development/root-partcyborgrom-aqi6-deodexed-t3702988
Restoring Stock Firmware: http://rootmygalaxy.net/stock-firmware-on-galaxy-s8-and-galaxy-s8-plus/
Before rooting, flash it with the unbranded "U1" firmware which is much cleaner (bloat free), and also works on all carriers as long as the sim lock is unlocked.
I just use the regular Odin and flash TWRP for the correct Samsung device then find a nice custom ROM you can install using TWRP I wrote several guides for it using Samsung phones, A3(2017, A5(2017, A7(2017, A5(2014, J8(2018 other than the button sequence for DL/recovery it is pretty much works the same, installing a stock ROM I did with Odin but finding a good stock ROM that you can download at a decent pace is harder. The OEM unlock is under Dev option in your phone though combined with USB debugging so you would need to do that before using Odin. But I get where you are coming from most guides are confusing as hell.

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