[Q] Unrooting and returning to stock - Sprint Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Sprint is taking away the discount I've had, so S5 has to go back to BestBuy and I'll go to VZW. I'm already rooted and in on the sleshepic's ROM. What steps should I take besides flashing the stock ROM to make the phone returnable? I guess I'll need to return to the stock recovery. What about the KNOX and its flash counter? Will it present a problem?

stopeject said:
Sprint is taking away the discount I've had, so S5 has to go back to BestBuy and I'll go to VZW. I'm already rooted and in on the sleshepic's ROM. What steps should I take besides flashing the stock ROM to make the phone returnable? I guess I'll need to return to the stock recovery. What about the KNOX and its flash counter? Will it present a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends how much the store pays attention.
Sometimes they just check that the phone turns on, remove the battery and scan the barcode to deactivate lol.
Most phone returns end up being sent out to the manufacture to be "refurbished" as they are not allowed to sell them as new again.
You could always just flash stock rom on it and try, worst they will do is say no, and in which case you can flash back the recovery and try again.
The KNOX/Counter can't be reset (or at least yet) so if they go by that, regardless you're screwed, but again, it all depends how much they care, know, or pay attention.

Do you know how can I flash the stock recovery? Where can they see the KNOX counter? My phone doesn't show anything during the boot process.

stopeject said:
Do you know how can I flash the stock recovery? Where can they see the KNOX counter? My phone doesn't show anything during the boot process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd imagine same process people used to get the recent update:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729617
The KNOX counter I think shows in the bootloader.
The Sprint store by me checks every Samsung device for it if flagged or not in the back, no idea if BestBuy would or is even aware. It totally depends on who you deal with and if they involve anyone else etc.

Oh, so they might actually boot the phone into recovery... If this happens I will be screwed. Will they put a record in my account? In other words, if the first attempt fails, will I be able to try my luck in a different store?

stopeject said:
Oh, so they might actually boot the phone into recovery... If this happens I will be screwed. Will they put a record in my account? In other words, if the first attempt fails, will I be able to try my luck in a different store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude honestly I wouldn't sweat it at all! Say you bought it at Best Buy, if they reject you (which I could almost guarantee they won't as long as you are stock), then just go to the next nearest Best Buy. Stop sweating it so much brotha!

Thanks! I just need to remember to reinstall that USB port cover

stopeject said:
Oh, so they might actually boot the phone into recovery... If this happens I will be screwed. Will they put a record in my account? In other words, if the first attempt fails, will I be able to try my luck in a different store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Na they won't put a record, just make sure to get your receipt back is all, regardless if they check it's your proof of purchase and right to retain, even should they decline to accept the refund. FWIW Best Buy is legally allowed to decline any and all returns, as any store is. But in this case I don't think you need worry unless you got a really tech savvy person who does ROMs themselves and wanted to be an a$$ lol.
But as the other person stated, the chances of Best Buy booting it into recovery are slim, just put an stock rom on it.
I doubt they'd even notice the charger port door missing lol.

Want to report that my return went well. They matched MEID on the sticker under the battery to the box and turned the phone on normally. They didn't put it onto recovery or download. So I'll stay with my old S3 for a little bit longer.

Related

what should i do to my phone before i send it in to be fixed?

my phones power/usb port is broken, i still have manufactures warranty, should i send it in to be fixed? and what should i do to it before i send it in, what steps should i take and how do i do that, dont worry im not an idiot you wont be wasting your time if you help me, i catch on quickly, my phone is S-off and fully rooted, with a custom ROM installed i know i probably shouldent send it in like that, where should i start, is there a better alternative to sending it in? by the way i do pay for mobile insurance thru AT&T, all help is greatly appreciated, thank you very much
greentrees89 said:
my phones power/usb port is broken, i still have manufactures warranty, should i send it in to be fixed? and what should i do to it before i send it in, what steps should i take and how do i do that, dont worry im not an idiot you wont be wasting your time if you help me, i catch on quickly, my phone is S-off and fully rooted, with a custom ROM installed i know i probably shouldent send it in like that, where should i start, is there a better alternative to sending it in? by the way i do pay for mobile insurance thru AT&T, all help is greatly appreciated, thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are good number of threads out there that can help you, I recommend searching. In short, any time you're going to send your phone in to AT&T, it's a good idea to unroot and install a stock RUU. I'm not 100% on the rules or whatever, but rooting voids warranty and if AT&T sees it they may reject your warranty claim, assuming you go the route to send it in. Search for Gene's tool to unroot, or use the AAHK (I believe there is a step in there to unroot). I've used Gene's tool and I know it works fine.
The only alternative I can think of is taking it to a 3rd party to have it fixed. You probably won't have to unroot then but if you're paying for insurance you might as well use it and not pay out of pocket..unless of course the fix would be relatively cheap but honestly can't see that being the case. Hope that helps!
If the phone is under manufacters warranty then spend the $5 for shipping to have to sent to the HTC department address they give you. Its much cheaper and a better route to go than yo have ATT charge you $150 for the phone insurance coverage. I had to send mine in. I unrooted it and put it back to complete stock. That was all I needed to do. Because they never said my warranty was voided when they received my phone upon looking at it and testing it, or whatever they do.
So just unroot and return to complete stock and you'll be fine.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using XDA App
will i be able to unroot and flash stock RUU without hooking up to my pc via USB?
greentrees89 said:
will i be able to unroot and flash stock RUU without hooking up to my pc via USB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S-ON tool will work without USB. Just get it on your SD card somehow (via adapter, or download from phone):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1208507
I talked to ATT today and they gave me the number for the warranty replacement hotline. I've noticed that my phone has become increasingly hard to turn on via the power button (Its become slightly recessed), the battery door doesn't fit onto the phone, making the top volume key hard to press, and the vibration feels as if something has become lose inside the device.
My question is, what if when the manufacturers test the device, they decide that nothing was initially wrong. Will I get some sort of weird bill?
My device is completely spotless, minus the details mentioned above.

[Q] Static from headphone jack (questions about Moto service)

Hi, my headphone jack has always been pick about having things plugged in just right, usually the slightest bit of ling screws it up. Finally today, it just started giving serious static in right side. when music or any sound starts it goes away, but the volume is very low on that side. It only does it when there is power (battery is in), so I think it is a bad connection in there. I have some questions regarding this.
1. How horrible is the Motorola service? they say 5-7 days, but is that really the case (In the U.S.). My warranty is still good, I'll just flash back to stock.
2. will opening the phone up void my warranty? I am somewhat experienced with electronics, so I could probably fix it, but I don't wantt to void the warranty in case it doesn't work.
3. I also have a stuck pixel on my screen that has been there since I got the phone (New). Will they fix that as well even though I can only select one problem on the application form? Should I mention it as well so that they might fix it?
Thank you,
-lkrasner
P.S. Unfortunately this means that I might be unable to do much for a while when I send my phone away. I hope you guys get ICS without me, and I will be waiting to try it out myself.
lkrasner said:
Hi, my headphone jack has always been pick about having things plugged in just right, usually the slightest bit of ling screws it up. Finally today, it just started giving serious static in right side. when music or any sound starts it goes away, but the volume is very low on that side. It only does it when there is power (battery is in), so I think it is a bad connection in there. I have some questions regarding this.
1. How horrible is the Motorola service? they say 5-7 days, but is that really the case (In the U.S.). My warranty is still good, I'll just flash back to stock.
2. will opening the phone up void my warranty? I am somewhat experienced with electronics, so I could probably fix it, but I don't wantt to void the warranty in case it doesn't work.
3. I also have a stuck pixel on my screen that has been there since I got the phone (New). Will they fix that as well even though I can only select one problem on the application form? Should I mention it as well so that they might fix it?
Thank you,
-lkrasner
P.S. Unfortunately this means that I might be unable to do much for a while when I send my phone away. I hope you guys get ICS without me, and I will be waiting to try it out myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do a mis-flash or delete the system partition and take it into a store and tell/show them it does not boot, that you picked it up off the charger and it was like that, and you need a replacement. They will send you a replacement and you have 30 days to return your "broken" phone. I have done this 4 times with my A2s.
jimbridgman said:
Just do a mis-flash or delete the system partition and take it into a store and tell/show them it does not boot, that you picked it up off the charger and it was like that, and you need a replacement. They will send you a replacement and you have 30 days to return your "broken" phone. I have done this 4 times with my A2s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my AT&T warranty is up?!?! will it still work? I still have my 1 year moto warranty.
Edit: If this does work I owe you something huge, plus I would get my screen problem fixed
EDIT 2: would I be better off just deleting something that would just stop if from booting past the boot logo (big M) so it wouldn't be so obvious that I just killed it with is basically sayins so on the fastboot screen. If so what could I delete that wouldn't prove I had rooted, probably nothing now that I say that.
lkrasner said:
But my AT&T warranty is up?!?! will it still work? I still have my 1 year moto warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the Moto warranty, AT&T will just help you "file" it since it is done through them anyhow.
Just don't call moto yourself.
jimbridgman said:
That is the Moto warranty, AT&T will just help you "file" it since it is done through them anyhow.
Just don't call moto yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet, I will try that, what should I do to brick just erase system with fastboot? isn't that really obvious? or are all the employees just stupid. Obviously I need to do something recoverable so that i can get it back if it doesn't work.
lkrasner said:
sweet, I will try that, what should I do to brick just erase system with fastboot? isn't that really obvious? or are all the employees just stupid. Obviously I need to do something recoverable so that i can get it back if it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do anything that will make it either boot loop or stick on the dual core/moto boot screen. Whacking system/boot should do that, and you can still flash it back to stock before you send it back if you really want to.... they are just going to fully refurb it and re-sell it...
The secret is to act dumb, pretend like you know nothing bout flashing and this site... just act like it just went nuts and started this, and it will not boot.
Ask for the advanced replacement.
jimbridgman said:
Do anything that will make it either boot loop or stick on the dual core/moto boot screen. Whacking system/boot should do that, and you can still flash it back to stock before you send it back if you really want to.... they are just going to fully refurb it and re-sell it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, and they will not be able to see root then, and if they flash it back to stock it will no longer be rooted, so I should be fine. I opened a service request with Moto earlier, do you think that will be a problem? Should I wait until it expires so they don't get suspicious that I bricked it on purpose.
lkrasner said:
OK, and they will not be able to see root then, and if they flash it back to stock it will no longer be rooted, so I should be fine. I opened a service request with Moto earlier, do you think that will be a problem? Should I wait until it expires so they don't get suspicious that I bricked it on purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it is borked when you take it to the store they can't see that it is rooted cause it won't boot... all they are going to do it call their 1-800 number and help you file a support request... then the person the phone will let you know of the "requirements" and ask if the phone has any visible water damage, yadda yadda...
Then they will send you a new phone and you should get it in 3 or so days and you are supposed to send the old one back in the SAME box... so you will already have flashed the fxz and been using the phone the whole time you waited for the new one to show up... just don't forget to send it back... I did and waited until 25 days later, and I was bugged mercillessly by att...
Just make sure you factory wipe and take out your sim and SDcard, and battery door... they do not send anything but the core of the phone, no batt or batt door or anything.
lkrasner said:
OK, and they will not be able to see root then, and if they flash it back to stock it will no longer be rooted, so I should be fine. I opened a service request with Moto earlier, do you think that will be a problem? Should I wait until it expires so they don't get suspicious that I bricked it on purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jim on playing dumb,hilarious ..i do that when i upgrade my phone.im such an ass when i upgraded to a2 from xperia x10 that i didnt even bother restoring it to stock, i left cm7 on it,custom bootlogo ,said "free xperia team" on boot.i just pretended i didnt know what happend. it was so enjoyable.
service rep - "it appears to be rooted"
My response - "What do you mean rooted? It has roots like a plant?".
@krasner
You worry to much,they cant prove anything.just brick it and youll be fine.u could even play dumb as u crack a smile while doing so and they still really cant do anything to prove u did it and have to exchange it.
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
worked beautifully! I deleted build.prop and default.prop, so it just went to a black screen after the moto logo. when the guy called the warranty center he said it was "extremely defective and clearly in need of replacement."
After I walked out, I went home, booted into bp tools, taking me to cwm and used adb to push the two files back. The phone already shipped.
However I am thinking of selling it BNIB and getting something else, any ideas what I could get for it
lkrasner said:
worked beautifully! I deleted build.prop and default.prop, so it just went to a black screen after the moto logo. when the guy called the warranty center he said it was "extremely defective and clearly in need of replacement."
After I walked out, I went home, booted into bp tools, taking me to cwm and used adb to push the two files back. The phone already shipped.
However I am thinking of selling it BNIB and getting something else, any ideas what I could get for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe 150. It wont be "NIB" you will not get a box, batt, back cover, etc. With the replacement.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747, running CM9, using xda premium

Verizon S3 Wont turn on after proper rom flash

Ok, Phone was rooted suscessfully, Unlocked bootloader, was running a 4.2.2 Rom.
Buddy found the MS HD 10.0 Rom and wanted to try it. US phone. I looked at all the details and didnt see anything about it not being compatable.
Flashed the rom, went through all the GUID steps selected roms , styles etc etc, and It said completed "click here to reboot" So i did so.
Went black screen and now wont DO ANYTHING. cant get into download mode, recovery, a vibrate out of the phone, anything. Took the battery out for a min and plugged it in and get the orange light. Put the battery back in and STILL NOTHING. Please help! Buddy phone and he needs it
It's best to think of the international gs3 and us gs3 as two different phone. Because they are.
Flashing firmware meant for a different phone will result in a hard brick. Sorry
corbn89 said:
It's best to think of the international gs3 and us gs3 as two different phone. Because they are.
Flashing firmware meant for a different phone will result in a hard brick. Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So its Done? :/..... He has a best but warranty . any way they can tell its been software tampered with at this point? So he can get a free one lol
As was said above, MS HD ROM is for the international S3 (i9300). It is important to make sure you are in the right forum before downloading and flashing any ROMs. Unfortunately, many still make this mistake. The only way to fix is to replace the phone or send it to these guys:
http://mobiletechvideos.mybigcommerce.com/
You can try and send it for JTAG repair (places like mobile tech) and they may be able to revive it.
But I'm not sure if places like best buy can positively confirm it was a bad flash if the phone is completely dead. I wouldn't think so but I'm not 100%
corbn89 said:
You can try and send it for JTAG repair (places like mobile tech) and they may be able to revive it.
But I'm not sure if places like best buy can positively confirm it was a bad flash if the phone is completely dead. I wouldn't think so but I'm not 100%
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about the Download Jig
If you are talking about Black Tie Insurance from Best Buy then you are fine and this is not fraud. Insurance is for boo boo's like dropping, smashing, flashing failures, drop in the toilet...all of that. They do not care if phone was rooted or misflashed. Insurance is not fraud, trying to get free replacements from the carrier under warranty by lying is.

[Q] Odd Phone Behavior after flashing H810PR10 (Lost 30GB of memory?)

It would appear that, in my habit of ruining everything, I failed the low effort boot and bricked my new LG G4. Thankfully, I remembered that in this instance you can flash the stock firmware to return to default. Unfortunately, the US firmware wasn't available, but apparently the Puerto Rico one was. I flashed that and got my phone back working just fine, kind of.
First, it doesn't lock normally. Usually, I set it to the 10 minute lock delay, where I just have to swipe unless 10 minutes have passed, then it requires the password. Instead of going to a lock screen, it skips that and just goes right into the phone. It's probably a settings thing, but it's weird.
The worst thing is that I have apparently lost 30GB of storage to "miscellaneous". When I plug it into my computer, it says that I only have 1GB of storage on the whole phone. What is going on here?
Same thing happened to me. Your not gonna be able to flash anything else because of the space on the phone, and can't get the System Image onto a MicroSD card to try and fix it either. I tried both then I just called up AT&T and told them about a problem which I did encounter with the flash making noise when turned on. They replaced the phone
Not sure if there is an actual work around to get the space back but what happened was you flashed it to the wrong partition.
I have the same issue. No one has figured it out yet
TheProblemCauser said:
Same thing happened to me. Your not gonna be able to flash anything else because of the space on the phone, and can't get the System Image onto a MicroSD card to try and fix it either. I tried both then I just called up AT&T and told them about a problem which I did encounter with the flash making noise when turned on. They replaced the phone
Not sure if there is an actual work around to get the space back but what happened was you flashed it to the wrong partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that I'm not encountering any issues like that so far. I doubt that they'd replace an issue caused by failed root.
Sorry for the double post, but is there any way that I can create a situation where I could get my phone replaced? I just got it, so it still is under warranty.
Flash the ATT system image back on to it and brick it is about your only option.
Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk
Nynten said:
Sorry for the double post, but is there any way that I can create a situation where I could get my phone replaced? I just got it, so it still is under warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best case scenario would be to call them up and tell them your phone got bricked due to an update. Then let them know that you needed the said phone in a working condition until you can get a replacement.
Or tell them a bull**** problem, normally they send you the replacement then you ship yours out to them. Done this twice already I'm on my 3rd G4
TheProblemCauser said:
Best case scenario would be to call them up and tell them your phone got bricked due to an update. Then let them know that you needed the said phone in a working condition until you can get a replacement.
Or tell them a bull**** problem, normally they send you the replacement then you ship yours out to them. Done this twice already I'm on my 3rd G4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I just take it to the shop bricked "from an update" and get a new one there or do I have to mail it in?
How do I flash the stock att .Img with a full system data. Sorry of this is a noob question
Nynten said:
Can I just take it to the shop bricked "from an update" and get a new one there or do I have to mail it in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably can. Its still under warranty so you should still get it replaced
TheProblemCauser said:
You probably can. Its still under warranty so you should still get it replaced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take it to a shop, but they will still call customer service and you will have to mail it in still. I paid extra to have a next day replacement.
Was told they don't switch phones in store anymore. Had a few local friends confirm their warranty replacements were done the same way from in store. I'm not sure if that is a national policy, regional, or local. I can say I did like it better when they could switch out in store.
Anybody come up with another solution besides sending the phone back??? I won my phone off a att contest. So I doubt if att will do anything about it. Plus I can't install the stock Img and re soft brick the phone because I don't have anymore space

Question What am I missing

Bought phone off marketplace; verified it was working by inserting my SIM card and making a phone call prior to purchase. Later on while setting up the phone I discover that it's got administrative software installed on it and retail mode turned on.
Looking closer at the box, it said it's a demo unit. (I know, should've been more thorough)
The question I have is if it's a true demo unit that's unsalvageable, why was I able to make the call? (I used my own SIM)
Some demo units can make calls. People like to try them out in stores. Personally, I'd try to return it. Maybe you can flash a new firmware. Doubt makeup of hardware any different since it works. Never know though.
mt2020 said:
Some demo units can make calls. People like to try them out in stores. Personally, I'd try to return it. Maybe you can flash a new firmware. Doubt makeup of hardware any different since it works. Never know though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately returning isn't an option, the guy knew this thing had an issue and decided to not tell me. I figured since it made a call, it should be fine.
The IMEI number comes back as clean, I might try and see if I can use it for a "trade In" if flashing new firmware doesn't seem like it can happen.
How much did you pay?
kat3k said:
How much did you pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too much of course.
Just go into Settings->Developer Options->Demo mode and take it out of demo mode.
Rubby1025 said:
Just go into Settings->Developer Options->Demo mode and take it out of demo mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't allow me to, asks for a password, none of the ones i've found floating around have worked.
there's a admin lockdown, software called SENNCO from Brichtec, its what's removed the "wipe data/factory reset" from the recovery menu im guessing.
mt2020 said:
Some demo units can make calls. People like to try them out in stores. Personally, I'd try to return it. Maybe you can flash a new firmware. Doubt makeup of hardware any different since it works. Never know though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm able to get to the recovery screen and it seems to allows me to install updates from ADB; am I okay trying to use my pc/ODIN to flash tmobile firmware I have for this device?
Why not? You said if non of this works you're going to trade it in... As long as you don't brick it... And if you're on TMobile... Is it eligible for care plus? If so, you may be able to pass it off to them for repair
Great minds...i was doing that while you posted i guess. Was able to flash and reboot and it went back to the same locked down version that was there before. I guess this means that it's the bootloader/recovery that's locked down? Will try replacing that next.
Any idea where I might find the TWRP for this phone?
ankur079 said:
Great minds...i was doing that while you posted i guess. Was able to flash and reboot and it went back to the same locked down version that was there before. I guess this means that it's the bootloader/recovery that's locked down? Will try replacing that next.
Any idea where I might find the TWRP for this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really sure, haven't rooted or used recovery software in a long time. Finally decided to let others be beta testers and just want a working phone. Go to Samsung Care plus web site, plug in your serial number or IMEI and it will tell you if it qualifies for coverage. If so, $8 month, first 3 or 4 months free, cancel at anytime. If covered, pay deductible and let them fix or replace, which in this case would most likely be replace. Past that, USA phones are pretty locked down if they weren't purchased unlocked. Yea, you can unlock a provider phone after a while on their plan, but boot loader still tough to Crack. I think that's what you just ran into.
mt2020 said:
Not really sure, haven't rooted or used recovery software in a long time. Finally decided to let others be beta testers and just want a working phone. Go to Samsung Care plus web site, plug in your serial number or IMEI and it will tell you if it qualifies for coverage. If so, $8 month, first 3 or 4 months free, cancel at anytime. If covered, pay deductible and let them fix or replace, which in this case would most likely be replace. Past that, USA phones are pretty locked down if they weren't purchased unlocked. Yea, you can unlock a provider phone after a while on their plan, but boot loader still tough to Crack. I think that's what you just ran into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, worth a try i suppose if nothing else pans out.

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