Database Info

[Q] Can't Enter Download mode or Recovery Mode

Hi!
I have a (pretty complicated) problem on my hands it seems.
I have a rooted Samsung Galaxy S III (Verizon, sch-i535), running cyanogenmod 10.1.2.
A couple days ago, I realized I wasn't able to press to power button to lock my screen.
I hadn't installed anything new, or changed any settings that was relevant recently.
It showed all the symptoms (that I have heard of) of a "stuck" power button:
Can't lock screen
Can't open sleeping phone with power button
Screen sporadically locks by itself
Power menu (the one that pops up when you hold the power button) pops up randomly and sporadically
Phone boots by itself when the battery is inserted
I figured it was a hardware issue, and I took it to a Samsung Repair center, where I was told there was nothing wrong with the button.
I returned home confused. I decided I should try flashing a newer version of cyanogenmod, where I realized I wasn't able to access either download mode or recovery mode. Let me elaborate:
When I put in my battery, it first (by itself) tries to enter recovery mode. It flashes a cyanogen booting screen for a a bit (varies in length, sometimes up to 1 second, sometimes not at all) and goes dark.
If I reinsert the battery, it repeats.
When I try to enter download mode, I can access the yellow exclamation point warning about custom OSes, where I can press volume up to start the process.
It shows the green android, says downloading, do not turn off, ODIN mode, etc, and soon crashes.
After a long time of trying to boot the phone, I found the only way to boot it is to first go through download mode, wait for it to crash, take out and reinsert the battery, and then wait (after which it will boot normally).
I've tried various apps that have a "reboot to download mode" or "reboot to recovery mode" function, but they all result in the phone crashing and staying dark.
tl;dr power button doesn't work (not hardware) so I can't access download mode or recovery mode
Edit: It seems that the power button action seems to get registered more when I move / shake the phone (not strictly the case, just seems like a pattern)
Does anyone know what's going on, or what I can do to get out of this mess?
Thanks!

Actually, I had this problem too where the phone thought the power button was being pressed even though it physically wasn't. The only difference though is that I was (and still am) using a TW rom. I ended up fixing it by just firmly holding down the power button (with a bit more pressure than normal) for a couple seconds and then letting go while the phone was on.
I'm not sure why that worked, but... it did.
Hope that helps

Like you said, all of the symptoms you are describing would be indicative of a stuck power button. How did they test the button at the repair center? I'd take it back to them. Otherwise i know mobiletechvideos.com has a fairly cheap power button repair service ($40).
A simple DIY fix you can try is to lightly smack the power button on the edge of a table, obviously not too hard or you can damage the phone/screen. I've seen people claim this has fixed a stuck power button issue. It's similar to what the poster above did. Sometimes dirt/gunk gets under the button and into the electrical contacts and this could help jar anything loose.

BattsNotIncld said:
Like you said, all of the symptoms you are describing would be indicative of a stuck power button. How did they test the button at the repair center? I'd take it back to them. Otherwise i know mobiletechvideos.com has a fairly cheap power button repair service ($40).
A simple DIY fix you can try is to lightly smack the power button on the edge of a table, obviously not too hard or you can damage the phone/screen. I've seen people claim this has fixed a stuck power button issue. It's similar to what the poster above did. Sometimes dirt/gunk gets under the button and into the electrical contacts and this could help jar anything loose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this worked for me for a couple months. It ended up completely stuck so this is probably not a long term solution.

Hey guys,
Thanks for the replies.
The guy at the repair center took it apart, and tried resoldering the power button (twice).
He seemed pretty convinced it was a software issue (might be because he's obligated to? not sure what their policy is on rooted phones).
Does anyone know of a software issue that might lead to something like this?

Please help me. Once when I tried to upgrade my phone it got damaged and i repaired it in a near by local shop.. I don't know what they did to my phone... now i can't upgrade my phone and i don't understand which recovery mode is in my phone. I got only four options in it.
1) reboot system now
2) apply sd card :update zip
3) wipe data factory reset.
4) wipe cache partition
Now the main option needed to upgrade "install zip from sd card" is not available.. Could someone help me to change it or atleast tell me which mode is this
This is that recovery mode
{
"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"
}
Sent from my galaxy ace GT-S5830

Nithin Nath said:
Please help me. Once when I tried to upgrade my phone it got damaged and i repaired it in a near by local shop.. I don't know what they did to my phone... now i can't upgrade my phone and i don't understand which recovery mode is in my phone. I got only four options in it.
1) reboot system now
2) apply sd card :update zip
3) wipe data factory reset.
4) wipe cache partition
Now the main option needed to upgrade "install zip from sd card" is not available.. Could someone help me to change it or atleast tell me which mode is this
This is that recovery mode View attachment 2813666View attachment 2813666View attachment 2813666
Sent from my galaxy ace GT-S5830
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's stock recovery. Not a custom recovery on a Samsung device. If you have a Galaxy Ace like your signature suggests, go to their forums. We can't help you here. If you do not have a Verizon Galaxy S3 (sch-i535), we can not help you.

S Duos Stuck on start screen vibrates and restart ..

Hello guys ...
I really need your help ... I went to the mobile repair stores and no result yet ...
Basically, my phone accidentally has hit the wall strongly ( If You Know What I Mean .. Angry young man )
After that when I press start button Its vibrates and show the start screen for few seconds then goes black starts again with vibration and start screen and so on until the battery dies ..
And also when I put it on the charger it shows battery sign with loading circle inside and again goes black then the battery with loading circle and so one .. Nothing happens ...
I know how to flash with odin and recovery I can pretty much fix with the basics .. but my phone not going into recovery mode at all .. it goes into into downloading mode but restarts again it dose not hold the mode until the computer can detect the device ...
So please guys .. pretty please ((( HELP ))) .. show if the another way for my phone ... I went to many mobile repair stores and obviously no result because they didn't encountered this kind of problems .. Still asking you guys HEEEEEEEEEEEEELP ....
{
"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"
}

Correction : not going into both recovery or download mode ...

Since your device hit the wall with its head, it had entered into a short term memory loss, can't really remember how to start up anything.
Well, in this case there is hardly any software stuff that's going to help you unless we find and fix what little part is damaged, which circuit got shot or broken memory. maybe they are not looking it up nicely, or don't want to use their brain to track the origin of the problem.
The device is starting, its even taking in power from the charger, so it's safe to say the initial point of contact is safe no short circuit, the contact with the power button is safe too. you said it goes into download mode but, get restarted soon enough, it even shows the boot screen, and the battery icon but get restarted again and again. why data is not getting read?
Well the answer lies here..Have you used a CD? what happens when it gets scratches? an old hard disk? spin..click cluck cluck..spin cluck cluck.

Sooo ... What should I do at this point !!!!! ?
"spin..click cluck cluck..spin cluck cluck" Master
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

well, since your device had physical damage, it's hard to say that it can be solved with only flashing or de-bricking.
Getting internal emmc changed could be an option, but it will need an experts hand. that would be the safest bet for getting this repaired.
but if we assume it's not damaged or corrupted, cause the device can reach to the point of splash screen and enters download mode.
then, corrupted OS and partitions can be a suspect in this case as well.
did you flashed anything on the device before? custom roms?
can you post a pic of the device when it enters into download mode?

Thanks Billysam for replying ...

Yes ,, I HAD COSTOME ROM INSTALLED AND IT WAS WORKING FINE ALSO
And downloading mode can be seen for a one or two seconds .. need video to show
All the screen works for one or two seconds only and restart .. it feels like some pressing the button to restart immediately ...

http://postimg.org/image/nlyacizlr/
http://postimg.org/image/3q2awzikf/
http://postimg.org/image/3q2awzikf/

We can do two things right now..
1- Try to boot in safe mode..
Hold power button, for 2 or 3 second and keep holding down button as long as you don't see the lock screen with safe mode written on it.
delete all user apps installed.
2- try this method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=63949797&postcount=4
Most of the ways that we can try here is after download mode stays as long as you can flash anything, or get into recovery, without them, these are the only 2 option I can guide you to. hope it get back on. good luck

Thanks Billysam ...
No safe mode
and
debrick didn't work
nothing happend
and also dear Billysam it goes into dowloading mode but for one second and restart immediately that was the case always just to make it clear ...

Well you've come a long way, what really is causing this now is hard to guess.
1. The device suffered physical damage,
2. You took it to many mobile repair stores, maybe something they fixed, something they broke, something else they flashed.
3. You tried almost all the ways possible related to software issues. there are none left.( if you find another let me know)
considering it just get restarted everytime you switch it on after a second or two, it can be any hardware any chip or ic related to the initial startup, just like i said if we think its emmc, it may be a faulty wire sending wrong volts, a bad resistance or capacitor, somewhere in the motherboard a blockade, or the ram cant access memory. who knows? unless you take out all the parts and see where the damage is, or just take them all out and put it back where it should be placed or replace few and keep trying and tracking all the way or just throw it again on the wall, or give it an electric shock. from simple to complex there are many ways and you can't be sure which will work.
but none more than already said. i hope this concludes our troubleshooting.

Hello Billysam,
5 points and 5 points only needed to mention .. May be you are right troubleshooting is over .. But for future consideration .. And small brainstorm ..
Point No. 1 :
Mobile repair store actually did not damage, broke or misplace and thing in my phone because they did not open it at all ... As soon as they saw the phone they its software related problem though I mentioned that the phone has an accident .. One of them actually told that if its hardware related (emmc ic) it will show the samsung logo and then restart .. even that one them told the solution is JTAG ..
Point No. 2 :
I had second S duos which I gifted after I did mix of the parts and reached to conclusion that the problem is the board which has every thing intact
piece by piece cause I separated every little part camera, led, speaker and antenna even the screen with the touch working perfectly fine the accident did not harm the screen in any way not a scratch ... And also I rooted, custom rom, stock rom with odin and custom rom again and phone was working fine with no problems till it hit the wall .. I know pretty much every thing about boot, recovery, recovery mode, fast boot and adb shell and also download mode ..
Point No. 3 :
The phone show the start screen and even download mode but as soon as it shows those it restarts .. I even made my own JIG .. whic works perfectly with other samsung phone goes immediately to download mode .. but my phone starts but nothing on the screen and restart like before ..
Point No. 4 :
Debrick !! what does it do ??? !!!! because it didn't do any thing to my phone ... it need little explaining so may be I did some wrong with the steps .. And I used 2 g.b. external sd card .. Is it compulsory to use more then 2 g.b. sd card ??!! ... ( what it had to do with starting dead phone and how ?? ) ..
Point No. 5 :
Used to and currently also using Nokia phones in their flashing program there was a mode of dead phone flashing which does not require starting phone full dead and flashes fine .. Isn't there a method like that for samsung a program or something ... yeah may its the JTAG ... I mean some thing with usb cable like fastboot or any other android commander or event trough connecting it with another phone ...
Sorry for inconvenience ... thanks alot ....

FRP solution Edit: ita not solved !

Edit: just tried on my friends phone, the factory reset things not solving this up, im solving this cuz rhats my last email, im sorry guys, i will find another way
Hey, i found a way how to remove frp in s7
But its kind in a bored way so straps in
First, bootup your s7/s7E and click start
Drain 1% battery and wait 1+- hours in wifi menu
Connect to wifi and click next, now in agreement policy click readmore and pick enhanced features, hold any text and click share, now a pop up come out saying open in apps, hold the "apps" thing, now you redirected to the setup "about", lress force stop then click battery, and click change power save location, now click google location history, and press the 3 dot tiles in upper right and press help, when help sellected a pop up come out saying open in. Select internet and go to rootjunky website and download samsung verification bypass app, now you want to press bookmark button on the downside of the browser and choose history then download history, now install the file and select open
In the setting add samsung account and sync now, after sync finished, go to backup & reset, select factory reset
Ater reset , its still prompt out the last gmail acc, now type your gmail account, and thats it thats my way
If you have any other way/simple way. Feel free to type in the comments

Lol, you sure about this ? Why must wait 24+hrs ? Anyway, we shall wait and see if this is working. May I ask where did you get this from ?
edit: bro, this might be working. Please explain more ' then click battery, and click change power save location".
I was stuck on this part...

plutozz said:
Lol, you sure about this ? Why must wait 24+hrs ? Anyway, we shall wait and see if this is working. May I ask where did you get this from ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot, its bcs thats my last email, im sorry everyone
Anyway, its no 24+- hours exactyl, just several hours on wifi menu and the "power saving" menu show up

Pls reply to my edited post above...thanks bro.

plutozz said:
Lol, you sure about this ? Why must wait 24+hrs ? Anyway, we shall wait and see if this is working. May I ask where did you get this from ?
edit: bro, this might be working. Please explain more ' then click battery, and click change power save location".
I was stuck on this part...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you click share , you should see a pop up, hold the app that popped up, and now it should go to the detailed setup app, and clicked battery there, there should a text "change to a power saving location"

Thx bro. Yes, I did everything until press 'force stop'. Then I can access status bar / notification bar. When you said click battery which battery ? Pls look at the picture, is it this battery (the word 'Battery' on lower row) ?

plutozz said:
Thx bro. Yes, I did everything until press 'force stop'. Then I can access status bar / notification bar. When you said click battery which battery ? Pls look at the picture, is it this battery (the word 'Battery' on lower row) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The word battery in lower row, in the first collumn you should see "change to a power saving location method"

aditia581999 said:
The word battery in lower row, in the first collumn you should see "change to a power saving location method"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I press the word 'Battery' and this is what I get. Please bear with me, but I don't see 'change to a power saving location' ??

plutozz said:
I press the word 'Battery' and this is what I get. Please bear with me, but I don't see 'change to a power saving location' ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats why i said wait in the wifi menu for 15-45min/1 hour to wait for that option to come out

aditia581999 said:
The word battery in lower row, in the first collumn you should see "change to a power saving location method"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aditia581999 said:
Thats why i said wait in the wifi menu for 15-45min/1 hour to wait for that option to come out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, now I see more clear. So wait on WiFi menu until 'battery notification pop-up' first ? Then we can go ahead for the rest of the steps ?
Anyway, if this work it will save me going to Samsung Service Center (even though I'm not sure they can resolve my situation) . My google acct. was hacked few days ago and the guy changed password and remote reset my device. I just got my google acct back to my control yesterday morning, and supposedly I've more than 72hrs after the reset but still no joy. That's way I'm eager to get this FRP fixed.
EDIT: Guess what, managed to log in and setup as usual. I don't know if 72hrs. lockout expired or whatever.
Thanks anyway bro. I guess all is good now.

plutozz said:
Ahh, now I see more clear. So wait on WiFi menu until 'battery notification pop-up' first ? Then we can go ahead for the rest of the steps ?
Anyway, if this work it will save me going to Samsung Service Center (even though I'm not sure they can resolve my situation) . My google acct. was hacked few days ago and the guy changed password and remote reset my device. I just got my google acct back to my control yesterday morning, and supposedly I've more than 72hrs after the reset but still no joy. That's way I'm eager to get this FRP fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually its not a "battery pop notif" its inside battery collumn, and there you can see "change location power save blabla"

aditia581999 said:
Actually its not a "battery pop notif" its inside battery collumn, and there you can see "change location power save blabla"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did regular setup and put my old google back and it worked. I'm sure my 72hrs FRP protection has expired. All is well, happy again. Thanks again bro Aditia.

I confirm this works to get to settings menu on S7 Edge.
This will get you in to settings I can confirm I can repeat the process every time.
like he said wait at least an hour before connecting to wifi and then the location power option appears in the later steps if it doesnt then you didn't wait long enough.
I can repeat this over and over to get in to the setting menu,
I currently have nova launcher installed, I can add a samsung account but I can't add a google account it asks me to enter the previous details first which of course she can't remember
Edit...
See the following image....
"Change to a power saving locating method" for this to show up you need to wait around 1hr on the wifi screen before continuing...
{
"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"
}
the following images are a few screenshots of my phone
http://imgur.com/a/Lz3XA/all
The home button doesn't function and I cannot access developer settings I believe this is because there is no account on the phone yet.
I had to stop the android setup to get the drop down menu to work but the settings cog icon does nothing when clicked but I can turn on wifi, gps, blutooth, torch etc.
I can access settings from the apps screen though.
There seems to be icons missing from apps for instance I know google chrome is on here as it pops up as an option to open links with but there is no icon for it in the apps menu or any of the desktops.
I can't use the play store, gmail app, play music etc as it attempts to add a google account to the phone. I was able to add new google account to the Email app though so she has a new email now that she can access and use.
Any app I install from other sources for instance file explorer, faceballs, etc do not show in the apps section, so I can only launch them again when closed by using the search to find faceballs etc.
The bottom left button that would normally bring up all running apps lights up when pressed the back button also lights up when I press the bottom left button but nothing happens.
Home button works to wake the phone up but when you have an app open and click it then it doesn't take you back home, you can still triple press it for voice help to turn on and off.
No camera is in the list of apps but can access it through the Gallery which has a shortcut on the desktop but does not appear in the apps list.
anyone know a way to launch TouchWiz?

Bump!
Please see edit to above post I have functionality of most features of the phone that let the other half use it day to day she just needs to keep it on and charged.

Update 2...
Once you have bypassed the screen once you never have to wait at the WiFi screen again. The location power option is immediately available everytime you reboot after the initial bypass I can restart and because I have nova launcher in my download history I can just select it to install again it makes no change then it launches and I'm back in the nova launcher with all my previous changes.

i waited at least 6 hours but still not showing "power saving locating method" plz help another way?

skyrio said:
i waited at least 6 hours but still not showing "power saving locating method" plz help another way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure during the wait that your phone is not plugged in to a charger or usb port on your pc.

stanneh said:
Make sure during the wait that your phone is not plugged in to a charger or usb port on your pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i made sure for it.. but i think my phone's security version is updated. that's why it doesn't show up the power saving method.

*New Updated* Easy FRP Bypass Method 2017
No need for PC's or OTG cables, only the phone, this exploit is amazing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdZ_-ORhFAI&t=1s

Xperia z5 softbricked after Sony update

Hey guys. I'm new to the site but not new to rooting a device. I have a Sony Xperia Z5 (Stock standard NOT ROOTED). On Friday I got a notification on my phone that a new update is available (1,2Gig). Did the update on Saturday and restarted without any hassles. Just after restarting I got a system msg on the screen that something stopped, I just ignored it and continued using my phone. Saturday night I registered my phone number and waited for a confirmation sms that didn't arrive. After several failed attempts and no sms received, I noticed that after I had a message my sim card was locked. Again this didnt bother me and I did a normal reboot (Hold power and select restart). Nothing happened! Phone did not restart and nothing has worked since. When charger is plugged in I have a flashing red light and when I hold in power I get a solid red light and that is that. I have tried Sony Companion but my phone does not connect with software repair (holding volume down) as per Sony. Volume up and power button also does not restart. I am now looking at flashing the phone and rooting it if possible but have no idea what is the newest firmware available and where I will find it
EDIT: My Xperia is a single sim phone. I installed Flashtool but it also does not pick up my phone. It seems Sony will get a really really crap call from a very p off customer.

Spawnos said:
Hey guys. I'm new to the site but not new to rooting a device. I have a Sony Xperia Z5 (Stock standard NOT ROOTED). On Friday I got a notification on my phone that a new update is available (1,2Gig). Did the update on Saturday and restarted without any hassles. Just after restarting I got a system msg on the screen that something stopped, I just ignored it and continued using my phone. Saturday night I registered my phone number and waited for a confirmation sms that didn't arrive. After several failed attempts and no sms received, I noticed that after I had a message my sim card was locked. Again this didnt bother me and I did a normal reboot (Hold power and select restart). Nothing happened! Phone did not restart and nothing has worked since. When charger is plugged in I have a flashing red light and when I hold in power I get a solid red light and that is that. I have tried Sony Companion but my phone does not connect with software repair (holding volume down) as per Sony. Volume up and power button also does not restart. I am now looking at flashing the phone and rooting it if possible but have no idea what is the newest firmware available and where I will find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/ftf-e6633-53-83-google-drive-patched-t3553825

Ok downloaded and tried to flash my phone with the version available in another threat in this section. Flashtool doen not see my phone at all. Volume up and connect cable as well as volume down and connect cable gives me NO RESULTS. Tried holding the off button inside the sim tray as well. Only constant is my phone stays dead and the red light flash when I plug in my charger. Been plugged in overnight and still flash red. Should have been green hours ago...

Spawnos said:
Ok downloaded and tried to flash my phone with the version available in another threat in this section. Flashtool doen not see my phone at all. Volume up and connect cable as well as volume down and connect cable gives me NO RESULTS. Tried holding the off button inside the sim tray as well. Only constant is my phone stays dead and the red light flash when I plug in my charger. Been plugged in overnight and still flash red. Should have been green hours ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't be easily bricked, can you try accessing and pressing the reset button near the sim tray similar to this?
{
"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"
}
after that, try connecting to PC while holding volume down using Flashtool

Yep tried that also. Sony also doesnt want to accept liability. So keep away from any Sony products. At least Samsung sort out their **** when it happens.

Spawnos said:
Yep tried that also. Sony also doesnt want to accept liability. So keep away from any Sony products. At least Samsung sort out their **** when it happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please keep calm, did you correctly installed Fastboot, Flashmode and Z5 common driver?
I think you did NOT.
Follow these steps, then your pc detect your phone..

sceryavuz said:
Please keep calm, did you correctly installed Fastboot, Flashmode and Z5 common driver?
I think you did NOT.
Follow these steps, then your pc detect your phone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the video doesn't play

tashum said:
the video doesn't play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRHS17x29uE

update flashtool to 0.92.23.2, install flashtool, fastboot and common xperia z5 drivers from folder where is flashtool installed, and then try flashing your device.

L33Tgod said:
update flashtool to 0.92.23.2, install flashtool, fastboot and common xperia z5 drivers from folder where is flashtool installed, and then try flashing your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried that method, it doesn't work, when I connect the phone holding volume down nothing happens, just the red light blinking....

tashum said:
tried that method, it doesn't work, when I connect the phone holding volume down nothing happens, just the red light blinking....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try different port on pc, and try different pc

L33Tgod said:
try different port on pc, and try different pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried several ports on two computers, still nothing.
i don't know what the issue is, but it doesn't make any sense. could a bad ota brake the motherboard?

tashum said:
tried several ports on two computers, still nothing.
i don't know what the issue is, but it doesn't make any sense. could a bad ota brake the motherboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is your bootloader unlocked ?

L33Tgod said:
is your bootloader unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not, the only sign of life i get from it is when i hold power button and reset button(the one near sim/sd card slot) together, three vibrations and that's it, but it won't boot.

tashum said:
No it's not, the only sign of life i get from it is when i hold power button and reset button(the one near sim/sd card slot) together, three vibrations and that's it, but it won't boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you go into bootloader mode ?
holding volume up and plugging cable ?

L33Tgod said:
can you go into bootloader mode ?
holding volume up and plugging cable ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No

tashum said:
tried that method, it doesn't work, when I connect the phone holding volume down nothing happens, just the red light blinking....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same on my side. Red light blinking and that is all. Just wonder how many phones was bricked with the last update, Sony has managed to do that in 2012 and 2015 with updates, and in all instances not accepted responsibility for their crap

Spawnos said:
Same on my side. Red light blinking and that is all. Just wonder how many phones was bricked with the last update, Sony has managed to do that in 2012 and 2015 with updates, and in all instances not accepted responsibility for their crap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And looks like if you don't have warranty, it's game over...
Unless anyone has any ideas??? It would be greatly appreciated!

@Spawnos @tashum
Alright guys, I will (TRY) to help you with some of my experiences.
I have bricked my phone like this a couple of times before, just like in your case I only had a red blinking or constant red led.
The only difference is that for me this didn't just happen after an OTA update, but it was my own mistake for messing up my phone.... but the end problem seems to be the same as you guys have.
First I want to ask, because I think it hasn't been asked or mentioned ( I am sorry if I missed it, just quickly read through the thread).... are the fastboot and flashmode drivers installed correctly aswell?
What Windows versions are you running?
On windows 10 for instance I know there is an additional step where you need to start in advanced startup the PC to be able to install the flashmode driver correctly.
You have to disable driver signature verification ( or what its called) on Windows 10... that much I know since I am a Windows 10 user myself.
Maybe I have always been lucky, this could be why I still have the same Z5 working again today.... but what I did (after making sure all drivers we're installed correctly),
was to just don't give up and keep playing with the phone in combination with Flashtool.... eventually when holding volume down and plugging I would finally get the green indicating flashmode.
What I have found best to do is make sure you have an FTF ready to flash:
IMPORTANT: leave your phone unplugged and completely turned off first, BEFORE doing these steps:
1. Click on the lightning icon and choose flashmode...
2. Choose your firmware...
3. Check every box under wipe. Yes this will wipe everything on the internal storage ( its a bummer I know, but I think you have bigger problems to worry about)...
4. Click flash and let the files prepare for flashing...
5. Once the files are prepared, another window will pop up telling you Flashtool is waiting for phone to be connected in flashmode....
6. Make sure that your phone is completely turned off before plugging it to your PC (Volume button UP + power button should turn it off... wait till you feel three vibration)...
7. Then its time to start pressing volume DOWN button and plug it to PC...
If nothing happens or you just get the red led blinking again, retry starting from step 6.
IMPORTANT: I have found (in my cases) that it was extremely important to have the FTF flashing process prepared BEFORE starting to try to plug to PC while holding volume DOWN button,
because when having the flash process prepared before plugging your phone to PC it can immediatly start the flashing process even if its just a millisecond that you're getting a tiny little green light.
Additionally if the above didn't work ( make sure you don't give up too easy on it ).....
You can try taping your volume UP button + the power button (while they are both pressed in) for about atleast 8-12 hours ( to get the battery completely discharged) and then try the above flashtool steps again.
I have never had to do this taping step myself before, but I have heard stories where it worked.
I don't know if any of this will work for you guys, but I just felt like I needed to share some of my experience about this with you
I wish you guys good luck, patience.... and keeping my fingers crossed :fingers-crossed:

koekoek91 said:
@Spawnos @tashum
Thanks for sharing your experiences, have to say i gave up on that phone, too frustrating trying so many things and no results. But I'll give it another shot, you gave me a little bit of hope!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Gear S2 Downloading do not turnoff target

Hi guys,
Looking for some help, I was updating my gear s2 using odin and I was not paying attention and believe I added the wrong file. Now my watch is stuck with the dreaded Downloading do not turn off target screen. The problem is I can't get the watch to do anything else. I have tried soldering the 4 usb cables and downloading the samsung drivers but odin does not recognize it.
Holding the buttons down only turns the watch off and back to the same screen. I can even let the battery sit for 3 days and the first time I plug it in, it goes back to the same screen . Its a lovely brick right now but just hoping someone with a bit more knowledge has an idea.

If not Top Secret...
Maybe tell us EXACT Model Name...
Example:
SM-R732 or SM-R730A or...
Best Regarsd

I'm in the same situation - It's actually impossible to even check the model version either.
It's stuck on downloading... Do not turn off target after a flashing to reset (inherited from my brother in law).
Can't connect via wireless anymore, nor BT (and I assume computer connection is not an option with this device?)
I'm now waiting for the power to die off on it though not holding my breath.
Any pointers as to where to go to unbrick this?

Hocus said:
Hi guys,
Looking for some help, I was updating my gear s2 using odin and I was not paying attention and believe I added the wrong file. Now my watch is stuck with the dreaded Downloading do not turn off target screen. The problem is I can't get the watch to do anything else. I have tried soldering the 4 usb cables and downloading the samsung drivers but odin does not recognize it.
Holding the buttons down only turns the watch off and back to the same screen. I can even let the battery sit for 3 days and the first time I plug it in, it goes back to the same screen . Its a lovely brick right now but just hoping someone with a bit more knowledge has an idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try to install the latest Samsung USB drivers? Do you have Samsung Kies installed? I had this problem and what helped me was uninstalling Samsung Kies and installing the latest Samsung USB drivers.

Same issue fo not understand
I have the same issue. My gear s2 is stuck on downloading... Do not turn off target. Powering off just reboots to the same screen. How can you uninstall kies or install latest drivers if the watch cant do anything with the watch? Please help me and give me a detailed procedure to follow. It would help me a lot.

@LukeSalonga
Step 1...
Identify your correct Model Name...
SM-R732 or SM-R730T or SM-R720 or SM-R730A or
Best Regards

Confused.
I cant check the model my watch cant do anything but show this screen.

Normally you can look with open eyes on your device... back cover... rear case...
Anyway... look first few seconds of this Video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQNOaZ8-BTQ
You are able to hold Power Button for few seconds to force reboot... and enter this reboot menu?
If Download wireless is possibe you can flash Firmware...
If you only can enter download aka Odin Mode... you are able to read Model Name... first line...
Code:
SM-R7[COLOR="Red"]???[/COLOR]
Best Regards

Doesnt show model
On my screen. It currently says: "Samsung gear s2. Downloading... Do not turn off target" There is no other writing on the screen. On the back there is text saying: "samsung gear s2 classic. 316L stainless steel case". There is no other writing on the watch.

samsung gear s2 classic. 316L stainless steel case". There is no other writing on the watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S2 Classic could be SM-R732... I have this Watch I know how it looks and how it works... IMHO...
Use Flashlight or Microscope... to look into the black part of Back Cover/ Rear Case.. to confirm it is SM-R732 and no LTE Variant of it...
Attached example of SM-R720 Back Case/Rear Cover... you can Google or Ebay this... to know how to look at your own Watch... with open eyes.
Again.
Are you able to hold Power key... for few Seconds...
Other Video...
Maybe look this time WHOLE Video and try to find your way to Reboot menu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJPhEIwgFtc
Best Regards

LukeSalonga said:
There is no other writing on the watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a small hole in the back cover near letters "ess" in "stainless"?

Model of watch
There is a cut out hole above the 'ess' in stainless at the back of the watch, however, there is text at the back saying: "SM R732".
---------- Post added at 07:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:23 AM ----------
adfree said:
S2 Classic could be SM-R732... I have this Watch I know how it looks and how it works... IMHO...
Use Flashlight or Microscope... to look into the black part of Back Cover/ Rear Case.. to confirm it is SM-R732 and no LTE Variant of it...
Attached example of SM-R720 Back Case/Rear Cover... you can Google or Ebay this... to know how to look at your own Watch... with open eyes.
Again.
Are you able to hold Power key... for few Seconds...
Other Video...
Maybe look this time WHOLE Video and try to find your way to Reboot menu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJPhEIwgFtc
Best Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have identified: SM R732 at the back of the watch.

Powering Off and Rebooting Problem
If I hold the power button:
1)The screen turns off
2)There is a quick vibration
3)Screen turns on again with the same thing.
No rebooting screen.

@LukeSalonga
Short summary.
Good
You have SM-R732... I have tiny experience because I have this Watch too. :good:
Bad
I still have not enough information...
A
How you reached this situation?
By accident... or randomly or like Thread Starter by doing "something"
Or you bought this Watch from Ebay and never worked?
B
Thread Starter wrote something about USB cable... with no success...
Look here what we mean with USB cable...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcLYt8S7jog
But... BAD BAD very BAD...
Maybe something like this happens:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80602127&postcount=11
Maybe eMMC have still this DL Flag from param... and can not overwrite with new data...
No idea about your solder skills...
I have never tried IMHO to test "USB JIG" to set DL Mode without Keys... with Resistor blabla...
So if no key Combination exist to enter valid DL Mode...
you are out of luck to repair.
Best Regards

Alright here is the story of how I got to this point:
-I bought this watch off of Gumtree Australia used.
-The watch had a reactivation lock active.
-The seller didn't respond to disable the reactivation lock.
-I followed this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCDouih8QtQ&t=291s
-I was up to the step where I had to flash the 'AP' file onto the watch.
-It was installing via wireless download.
-I flashed it with the AP file: COMBINATION-FTMA_R360XXU1DQH1.tar.md5
-On the watch screen, there was a downloading progress line.
-Once it completed, it booted to the downloading screen which I am stuck at now
-After about 2 days after I was stuck at this screen the Gumtree seller removed the reactivation lock.
So that's the situation I am in. Hope this helps. Thanks for the help so far.

I flashed it with the AP file: COMBINATION-FTMA_R360XXU1DQH1.tar.md5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okidoki...
If you flashed this to the SM-R732... then clear why not work as before... IMHO.
Code:
COMBINATION-FTMA_R[COLOR="Red"][B]360[/B][/COLOR]XXU1DQH1.tar.md5
This is Combination Firmware for SM-R360... NOT for SM-R732...
Best Regards

LukeSalonga said:
-I flashed it with the AP file: COMBINATION-FTMA_R360XXU1DQH1.tar.md5
-.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a big problem, but you will need to flash it via wired connection.
In any case the "rebooting..." menu is necessary to get into download (not wireless) mode, so try to find it. It must be there. The jig does not work (for me, at least).
And you need to buy an Y-type screwdriver and a R750 charging craddle.
$5 for the both, I think...
I used to buy such watches too, have a look at the photo...

Can someone compile a list of all the ways you can get to the reboot screen so I can try all of them? Thanks.

LukeSalonga said:
On my screen. It currently says: "Samsung gear s2. Downloading... Do not turn off target"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look, this may be enough to flash the watch.
This means that the device is in download mode already and is trying to download firmware.
But you have to open it and connect a cable.

Can someone compile a list of all the ways you can get to the reboot screen so I can try all of them? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"We" have only 2 Hardware Keys...
I can remember on SM-R760 for instance it was possible with weired Key Combination to bypass some mistake with DL wireless...
Something like hold release hold relaes blabla ... timing...
Look here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/smartwatch/gear-s3/wireless-mode-enter-gear-s3-sm-r760-t3710855
But... you have killed Original Software/Firmware on device...
Code:
COMBINATION-FTMA_[B]R360[/B]XXU1DQH1.tar.md5
Kernel is wrong... param is wrong... few important Software pieces now replaced by wrong Software from wrong device...
IMHO only sboot.bin Bootloader is still from SM-R732...
You have download Link to COMBINATION-FTMA_R360XXU1DQH1.tar.md5 ?
Maybe we can check param file... because here are flags/settings for USB etc inside..
We could try to analyze SM-R360 FTMA to feel/smell what is now wrong inside your SM-R732 and if chance is low or lowER with USB cable...
Best Regards
Edit 1.
I can only find BPI1 in public:
https://shell.boxwares.com/default.aspx?DeviceModel=SM-R360&Type=All#fh5co-table