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I am looking for some help getting root access on the ZTE Valet from Straight Talk.
Android Version: 4.1.1
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-perf [email protected]
Please let me know if you need more info, or if there is a root method already confirmed working for this device.
Thanks!
I am still looking
I am still looking for a root solution for this phone. I have tried several solutions (made for other devices) that I found searching the forums and google, but nont have worked.
If anyone knows of one, please PM me.
I really don't think this phone can be rooted because of the "proprietary" nature of Tracfone's service. Although the phone is ZTE by manufacture and Tracfone is tied in with Straight Talk as well, the way Tracfone service is metered probably means if you rooted it it may not work through them anymore.. but that's just my supposition. Having said that.. I bought one today myself. Although I've rooted all the Android devices I have.. I don't intend to even try with this one.
I know it's a little late to be chiming in on this, but I thought you'd appreciate an answer.
The ZTE tracfone/straightalk devices cannot be rooted. period. The reason behind this is that the airtime tank info (minutes, service date, etc) is actually stored on the phone itself instead of the network. They had to develop an un-rootable phone so that people couldn't go in and edit their own airtime tanks. It's not an issue on normal tracfones, but android wasn't secure enough on it's own. Perma-locked bootloader, locked kernel.
The only way to root your device is to get a new device. It sucks, but it's the sacrifice of being on a prepaid plan with this company.
Source: My own Tracfone ZTE Valet and a boatload of research and experimentation.
Good luck.
iamthedonut said:
I know it's a little late to be chiming in on this, but I thought you'd appreciate an answer.
The ZTE tracfone/straightalk devices cannot be rooted. period. The reason behind this is that the airtime tank info (minutes, service date, etc) is actually stored on the phone itself instead of the network. They had to develop an un-rootable phone so that people couldn't go in and edit their own airtime tanks. It's not an issue on normal tracfones, but android wasn't secure enough on it's own. Perma-locked bootloader, locked kernel.
The only way to root your device is to get a new device. It sucks, but it's the sacrifice of being on a prepaid plan with this company.
Source: My own Tracfone ZTE Valet and a boatload of research and experimentation.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I don't have the phone, my understanding is you can check the tracfone website for how many minutes/data you have left and not just the app on the phone. If true then the minute tank is not just on the phone but "in the cloud" which to be honest makes perfect sense. Andriod is hard to 100% lock down, sooner or later a hack will happen. It is just the nature of the OS. One reason it is open source, but then again iOS is not and people found ways to jail break/root that. So I am not going to say it is "impossible", and I really think the minutes/data information is stored on tracfone's servers not on the phone. It would cost them too much if they got hacked and were able to add minutes for free.
Now if I am wrong, ok but I doubt I am based on my experience with computers and I don't think Tracfone would take the risk. Also I have found instructions on rooting some Android tracfones by Samsung. So again I think it is possible, just no one has figured out how with this one (yet).
Update: I recently watched a review of this phone on youtube and the person was demonstrating how to see the minutes you have left and mentioned that often it is not instant when you add time/data. And even after using minutes you need to click the refesh to see the latest information regarding your minutes/data. If it was on the phone itself, no update would be needed. It would just be "there". So it is server based, not on the phone itself.
So I've read this phones been out for awhile now. and no one has an official root method for it. YET (omg)
And several people claim to have it rooted using:
VRoot, RootGenius, King / Kingo root
I've been doing an INSANE ammount of googling the last few days. and installing / uninstalling doezns of rooting APK's and EXE's
And so far... I've got absolutley nothing!
I need help!
They all say it cant be rooted / rooted improperly / No SU binary installed / Phones locked / locked up good, what ever.
Hell I'd even pay to send it to a company or to buy pricey software just to get it rooted.
I really need this phone rooted.
Anyone have ideas? same problems? any success?
(good working paid / free programs?)
XDA Visitor said:
So I've read this phones been out for awhile now. and no one has an official root method for it. YET (omg)
And several people claim to have it rooted using:
VRoot, RootGenius, King / Kingo root
I've been doing an INSANE ammount of googling the last few days. and installing / uninstalling doezns of rooting APK's and EXE's
And so far... I've got absolutley nothing!
I need help!
They all say it cant be rooted / rooted improperly / No SU binary installed / Phones locked / locked up good, what ever.
Hell I'd even pay to send it to a company or to buy pricey software just to get it rooted.
I really need this phone rooted.
Anyone have ideas? same problems? any success?
(good working paid / free programs?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, and welcome to XDA!
Unfortunately, I don't have much in the way of good news.
There are a couple threads out there who have the same problem as you:
> Android Development and Hacking > Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting > Alcatel One Touch Pop Icon (Straight Talk ) root, or where to start to build a root
> Android Development and Hacking > Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting > [Q] Root request: Alcatel Onetouch Pop Icon A564C
Please create an account, so you can post in other forums (otherwise have the benefits of being a member), and then subscribe to those two threads, so you can check on progress.
Sorry, that's probably the best I can offer, since you have probably already seen the root directory.
Hope this helps,and good luck!
This is useful. But not quick enough. There was a forum i saw once.. where you could request / pay for devs to root something idk if it was here or another website. But i need a solution sooner. Anyone got ideas? :C:crying:
Fluttershy_plays said:
This is useful. But not quick enough. There was a forum i saw once.. where you could request / pay for devs to root something idk if it was here or another website. But i need a solution sooner. Anyone got ideas? :C:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
The monetary exchange (unless potentially a root service with a suggested donation) would go against policy here, so it sounds like a different forum site. I came across for-pay root services before, so they are around. Unfortunately I have no experience with these services, so I am unable to weed out the good from the bad and the skeezy.
The only suggestion I have at this point (and it's part question), is if rooting is that important, you may try an exchange (if is still possible) for a phone model that can be rooted. Can save a lot of headaches. I know, sounds like bad advice, but I was not able to intervene at the right time (and suggest a device that works for you), so now I need to backpedal.
I do hope you find what you are looking for though.
joel.maxuel said:
Hi,
The monetary exchange (unless potentially a root service with a suggested donation) would go against policy here, so it sounds like a different forum site. I came across for-pay root services before, so they are around. Unfortunately I have no experience with these services, so I am unable to weed out the good from the bad and the skeezy.
The only suggestion I have at this point (and it's part question), is if rooting is that important, you may try an exchange (if is still possible) for a phone model that can be rooted. Can save a lot of headaches. I know, sounds like bad advice, but I was not able to intervene at the right time (and suggest a device that works for you), so now I need to backpedal.
I do hope you find what you are looking for though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was considering this. But the company i just started with.. (TotalWireless) shared with a family member 60$ for unlimited c&t 5gb shared.data down from $90 straighttalk, was a really good deal. And the alcatel is the only phone with the newer android, 4.4.2 and screen size 5.0 screen and quad core. Im used to 3.5s and 4's I wany this phone for the screen size and the quadcore.
My old phone with straight talk was the samsung galaxy ace style. Which took me forever to root.. i finally found out about towel root, and hitting the version till numbers popup and changing the 4 to a 0 and it rooted.
But i use black market app. And cpu speed boosyers things like that so i need root.
+ limited storage. I had this phone out of the box for an hour and i already used up all the room, need my sd card.
Fluttershy_plays said:
I was considering this. But the company i just started with.. (TotalWireless) shared with a family member 60$ for unlimited c&t 5gb shared.data down from $90 straighttalk, was a really good deal. And the alcatel is the only phone with the newer android, 4.4.2 and screen size 5.0 screen and quad core. Im used to 3.5s and 4's I wany this phone for the screen size and the quadcore.
My old phone with straight talk was the samsung galaxy ace style. Which took me forever to root.. i finally found out about towel root, and hitting the version till numbers popup and changing the 4 to a 0 and it rooted.
But i use black market app. And cpu speed boosyers things like that so i need root.
+ limited storage. I had this phone out of the box for an hour and i already used up all the room, need my sd card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at the selection, and I see what you mean. I forgot that the S3 (to me, the best of the bunch) didn't make it to KitKat officially (only to 4.3) and that it's a dual-core device. The Alcatel looks to be the most advanced, except for having the 4GB storage (thus I see the need for root to leverage to MicroSD for apps).
Unfortunately, there's not much I can say. I now see only two options (well three, but different carrier is out of the cards):
Find a responsible rooting service
Take advantage of Total's BYOD program
You can do one or the other, but not both. That is, if the service tries to root, and is unsuccessful, Total may see the attempted modification and withdraw the return process. Also, Bring-your-own-device may not work for the device you pick, since they seem to be a Verizon MVNO.
Hope this helps.
joel.maxuel said:
I looked at the selection, and I see what you mean. I forgot that the S3 (to me, the best of the bunch) didn't make it to KitKat officially (only to 4.3) and that it's a dual-core device. The Alcatel looks to be the most advanced, except for having the 4GB storage (thus I see the need for root to leverage to MicroSD for apps).
Unfortunately, there's not much I can say. I now see only two options (well three, but different carrier is out of the cards):
Find a responsible rooting service
Take advantage of Total's BYOD program
You can do one or the other, but not both. That is, if the service tries to root, and is unsuccessful, Total may see the attempted modification and withdraw the return process. Also, Bring-your-own-device may not work for the device you pick, since they seem to be a Verizon MVNO.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Know anywheres i can find unlocked CDMA phones?, with similar or better hardware to the alcatel? I heard it was possible?
Fluttershy_plays said:
Know anywheres i can find unlocked CDMA phones?, with similar or better hardware to the alcatel? I heard it was possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA is really unchartered territory for me (I only ever used GSM personally), but you may want to check with Total to see if they are indeed a CDMA-only shop. From what I understand, once you unlock a CDMA phone, you have to rely on a SIM/RUIM card for subscription info (probably explains why I have seen "SIM cards" in slots on CDMA phones before).
So if CDMA-only indeed, you may need to go this far (found an example using an LG G3 from Sprint):
> Sprint LG G3 > Sprint G3 General > Unlock Sprint LS990 for any CDMA carrier!!!
If you go with a different phone, be sure there is an equivalent howto for that device before buying (I used the search terms "CDMA unlock").
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Can i back up the rom image of one of my devices and use that to revive a soft-bricked device of the same model?
If so what software should i learn about and use?
thewildnative said:
Can i back up the rom image of one of my devices and use that to revive a soft-bricked device of the same model?
If so what software should i learn about and use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
We wouldn't recommend doing that.
Please follow a working known way to fix your soft bricked device.
May I please know the make and model of your device?
-Vatsal
Vatsal said:
Hello,
We wouldn't recommend doing that.
Please follow a working known way to fix your soft bricked device.
May I please know the make and model of your device?
-Vatsal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My device is an LG. Model "l21g". The name is "Destiny", by Tracfone for Walmart's Straight Talk service. Running 5.0.1
Be aware though it can be difficult to google the model name. Below are a list of variants the device can be referred to:
- LGL21G
- LG L21G
-LG LGL21G
Yeah it can get kinda annoying. But since my device is clearly not a flagship type, and is merely less than generic, there aren't many people out there publishing fixes for it. How could would i be able to bring my soft-bricked device of the identical model, to work again. It will still bring up the LG logo screen and just stay stuck there. I've been searching for months now and have not found a known working way of fixing it. Especially since it's just another cheap android. The crafted design of the device heavily resembles the design of the G3, where on forums like these [http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/help/lg-g4-stuck-bootloop-t3268734], i've seen g3's and g4's have a natural booting dysfucntion due to an assumed LG's own lack of quality in hardware design. Of course though, different model will have different methods. I cannot find any other place on the internet offering firmware downloads for my device, except here [http://bbs.gaodi.net/Firmware-669539-1-1.html]. And you can see that i've tried reaching out to them as well. But with literary not responses. Not even from that site's support team, with regard to how their point system works to reveal download links to the zip files. Chances are its another shizzy site filled with malware.
So if you have any idea on how to help me. I'd be happy to try almost anything.
Due to a little frustration I decided to create a whole thread for this.
I suck at computers and I have no idea what I am doing so I ended up bricking my device lmao.
In theory, the thought of rooting your device, and installing a custom OS sounds great! (Like communism) but when put in practice never really works out. The reason for that (I think) is because there are so many different versions, models, and brands. I end up spending all my time trying to refine my search to the right software and versions, and then when I do, I am stuck with some stupid site like (every damn rom site) with a 20kb/s download rate, and a page full of ads! Why? Because they are storing like 2 billion different 2GB roms. In my opinion paying for faster download speed from these websites is ridiculous. I don't even know why they offer (you would have to be stupid(like me)).
(tl;dr: Android SUCKS)
So, now to my actual question...
With the release of the Librem 5 phone, there really is not going to be a point to rooting phones anymore, because google with already be decimated from it... But that comes out in April/May and I still need a phone in the meantime.
So.. Are there any cheap phones ($500+/-), that are not a pain in the ass to root? And one that the developers actually care about to actively develop. All I wan't is a phone I can install stock android with root, and that can be installed without google or gapps. Also I live in Canada, which is another reason why it's a pain in the ass to find a decent phone because all our carriers deadbolt their firmware, and bootloaders like their storing the coordinates to some secret location with a pot of gold.
starscrpt said:
Due to a little frustration I decided to create a whole thread for this.
I suck at computers and I have no idea what I am doing so I ended up bricking my device lmao.
In theory, the thought of rooting your device, and installing a custom OS sounds great! (Like communism) but when put in practice never really works out. The reason for that (I think) is because there are so many different versions, models, and brands. I end up spending all my time trying to refine my search to the right software and versions, and then when I do, I am stuck with some stupid site like (every damn rom site) with a 20kb/s download rate, and a page full of ads! Why? Because they are storing like 2 billion different 2GB roms. In my opinion paying for faster download speed from these websites is ridiculous. I don't even know why they offer (you would have to be stupid(like me)).
(tl;dr: Android SUCKS)
So, now to my actual question...
With the release of the Librem 5 phone, there really is not going to be a point to rooting phones anymore, because google with already be decimated from it... But that comes out in April/May and I still need a phone in the meantime.
So.. Are there any cheap phones ($500+/-), that are not a pain in the ass to root? And one that the developers actually care about to actively develop. All I wan't is a phone I can install stock android with root, and that can be installed without google or gapps. Also I live in Canada, which is another reason why it's a pain in the ass to find a decent phone because all our carriers deadbolt their firmware, and bootloaders like their storing the coordinates to some secret location with a pot of gold.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get something that is not a Samsung, not carrier branded(an international model) and is factory unlocked or can be unlocked.
I suggest you just do some searching to find some devices that you are interested in, then write down the model number of each device and then do some Google searches using those model numbers one at a time to see if a known rooting method exists for each model, then do some Google searching to see if TWRP exists for each model number, then do some searches to see if there are ROMs available for each model number.
We can't predict the future and say which devices will have a rooting method, we can only point you to devices that have already had a known rooting method discovered for that model, you can find that information yourself by doing the Google searches listed below.
To find root methods for the devices:
"Root for (specific device model number here)"
That should find root method for the device in question.
To find TWRP or custom recovery for the devices:
"TWRP for (specific device model number here)"
Or
"Custom recovery for (specific device model number here)"
That should find TWRP or custom recovery if it exists for the device in question.
To find custom ROMs for the devices:
"Custom ROMs for (specific device model number here)"
That should find ROMs if they exist for the device in question.
You might want to consider getting an international device directly from the manufacturer that is factory unlocked or can be unlocked(also known as SIM/carrier unlocked) instead of getting a carrier branded/sold device. Factory direct doesn't come with bloatware and unlocked/unlockable means it should be able to be activated on your carrier network.
Also, make sure the device has a factory unlocked bootloader(this is not the same thing as SIM/carrier unlocked) or can at least be unlocked using a known and verified unlock method. The unlocked bootloader is required if you want to flash custom recovery or custom ROMs.
If you just want to use the stock firmware and modify it to remove the Google stuff, unlocked bootloader won't be required for that. But, if you are going to just modify the stock software already on the device, I will advise you to make sure that the stock firmware for that device is available for download and then download a copy of it just in case you mess something up in the process of removing Google and its components, then you can just flash the firmware on the device to fix it(if you don't screw it up too bad, that is).
I would really recommend that you choose a device that has:
1) an unlocked/unlockable bootloader so that you can flash TWRP on the device
2) has an available downloadable stock firmware so that you can repair the device, if needed
3) has a TWRP recovery available so it can be installed on the device and then used to create a backup of your unmodified stock ROM, then you can modify the device and if you screw something up, you can use TWRP to restore the backup that you create, this will return the device to working condition.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven pretty much covered it extremely well.
With regards to rooting:
It often can raise the stress levels beyond normal. Set aside time and take each step slowly and deliberately. Some guides can be much worse than others.
PS. Your idea of a cheap phone is at least 3x the cost of my idea of a cheap phone
The Asus Zenfone 6 just released bootloader unlock and kernel source so there should be a fairly healthy dev community when its released in the US.
The librem 5 ?? I dunno , on my list for sure . but hardware specs soundsmeh for the price . And will we be able to install ubuntu software like clementine music play ? jeez if so that would make up for the lack hardware.
looks like 2019 q3 is going to be an exciting time. I want the zenfone 6 but I dunno..... that librem 5 ubuntu phone is going to need to be checked out once rc is released .
I need help from someone a lot smarter than me. First time poster, but no stranger to rooting. (If I break some protocol, please correct me, I want to be a good citizen.)
Background (can be skipped)
I bought a Note 20 Ultra 5G (model #SM-N9860F) from a guy for a steal of a deal. Now I know why. Before buying we started it up and made a phone call, so I figured most everything else would be fine. Took it home and started messing with it, only to find it laggy and exhibiting other odd behaviors. So I went to check for updates before loading it up with my stuff.
But there was no Update button. I tapped "Software Info" and the next thing I saw made me read it three times. It showed, "Android version: 5.1."
Issues
So...
The phone functions but with lag and issues. SIM is recognized, then unrecognized. SIM cannot be used for data (though wifi is fine).
Not kidding, Kingo Root says it was able to root this Snapdragon phone. Root Checker Basic confirms it as rooted.
Using all the various key combinations posted all over the Internet, I cannot get into Download mode. I've tried for days.
Rebooting into Recovery shows Chinese options. (After many days of messing with it I finally found a way for it to show the English list...happy to share how I got there if anyone cares.)
The phone does connect to a Windows PC successfully via USB and can share files to internal and external memory.
Interestingly, the 500GB of internal memory only shows a fraction of it as available. Wondering if Android 5.1 just can't recognize that much space.
Bottom line
I am unable to get into Download mode. When I do get to where I think Download mode should be, the green Android guy is lying down with the words "No command" underneath. Therefore I can't use Odin, or a paid service, or Samsung Smart Switch...even tried the old Kies, since it has Android 5.1 on it. ALL of them require me to get into Download mode, and it just won't go.
Plan B?: I've heard repeatedly that rooting a Note 20 Ultra is (nearly?) impossible. Since multiple apps on my device insist I successfully rooted it, I was hoping I could use the TWRP app (it's installed) to flash something that could help. But I don't know what that would be, or if it would help at all. TWRP doesn't recognize the .zip, .tar, or any other files I've found and copied to the device. Maybe it's looking for a .img? I'm just not sure, and I don't even know what to look for.
Additional info
I've attached a few screen shots and photos.
I'd be ever so grateful for anyone's guidance. Again,
How can I get into Download mode? Seems that would get me back on the paths I know better.
And/or what can I flash using TWRP on what appears to be a rooted device? Would that even help?
Thank you!
kbtraveler said:
I need help from someone a lot smarter than me. First time poster, but no stranger to rooting. (If I break some protocol, please correct me, I want to be a good citizen.)
Background (can be skipped)
I bought a Note 20 Ultra 5G (model #SM-N9860F) from a guy for a steal of a deal. Now I know why. Before buying we started it up and made a phone call, so I figured most everything else would be fine. Took it home and started messing with it, only to find it laggy and exhibiting other odd behaviors. So I went to check for updates before loading it up with my stuff.
But there was no Update button. I tapped "Software Info" and the next thing I saw made me read it three times. It showed, "Android version: 5.1."
Issues
So...
The phone functions but with lag and issues. SIM is recognized, then unrecognized. SIM cannot be used for data (though wifi is fine).
Not kidding, Kingo Root says it was able to root this Snapdragon phone. Root Checker Basic confirms it as rooted.
Using all the various key combinations posted all over the Internet, I cannot get into Download mode. I've tried for days.
Rebooting into Recovery shows Chinese options. (After many days of messing with it I finally found a way for it to show the English list...happy to share how I got there if anyone cares.)
The phone does connect to a Windows PC successfully via USB and can share files to internal and external memory.
Interestingly, the 500GB of internal memory only shows a fraction of it as available. Wondering if Android 5.1 just can't recognize that much space.
Bottom line
I am unable to get into Download mode. When I do get to where I think Download mode should be, the green Android guy is lying down with the words "No command" underneath. Therefore I can't use Odin, or a paid service, or Samsung Smart Switch...even tried the old Kies, since it has Android 5.1 on it. ALL of them require me to get into Download mode, and it just won't go.
Plan B?: I've heard repeatedly that rooting a Note 20 Ultra is (nearly?) impossible. Since multiple apps on my device insist I successfully rooted it, I was hoping I could use the TWRP app (it's installed) to flash something that could help. But I don't know what that would be, or if it would help at all. TWRP doesn't recognize the .zip, .tar, or any other files I've found and copied to the device. Maybe it's looking for a .img? I'm just not sure, and I don't even know what to look for.
Additional info
I've attached a few screen shots and photos.
I'd be ever so grateful for anyone's guidance. Again,
How can I get into Download mode? Seems that would get me back on the paths I know better.
And/or what can I flash using TWRP on what appears to be a rooted device? Would that even help?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you got what you paid for, it's probably a fake Note20 Ultra.
From what I can tell, the model & build numbers conflict, they're from different models of the Note 20 Ultra, that's why I think it's a fake.
Even the model number doesn't look right, it has a hybrid Chinese/European model number........
KOLIOSIS said:
Sounds like you got what you paid for, it's probably a fake Note20 Ultra.
From what I can tell, the model & build numbers conflict, they're from different models of the Note 20 Ultra, that's why I think it's a fake.
Even the model number doesn't look right, it has a hybrid Chinese/European model number........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Koliosis,
Yeah, thanks, that has crossed my mind, and that's why I posted those images. If it's fake it's a really good one, but I am aware I could have to chalk that up to experience.
Still, why in the world would a fake have Android 5.1 on it? And it works(-ish)! Isn't that still bizarre? Anything that can be done to force it into Download mode or to flash something with TWRP to at least get an OS from the modern era?
Thanks again...
kbtraveler said:
Hi Koliosis,
Yeah, thanks, that has crossed my mind, and that's why I posted those images. If it's fake it's a really good one, but I am aware I could have to chalk that up to experience.
Still, why in the world would a fake have Android 5.1 on it? And it works(-ish)! Isn't that still bizarre? Anything that can be done to force it into Download mode or to flash something with TWRP to at least get an OS from the modern era?
Thanks again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be several threads/tutorials here that show how to flash firmware using Odin (& of course,includes how to get into download mode).
Before you try that out,have you tried to use Samsung's Smart Switch program on your PC?
Given the information you've posted,it's difficult to determine which model you have,which makes matters worse since we don't want to make a bad situation worse.
I'd start with the Samsung Smart Switch, hopefully it'll be able to determine the make of your phone & flashing stock firmware should be a breeze. (If it's indeed a genuine Samsung Device).
KOLIOSIS said:
There should be several threads/tutorials here that show how to flash firmware using Odin (& of course,includes how to get into download mode).
Before you try that out,have you tried to use Samsung's Smart Switch program on your PC?
Given the information you've posted,it's difficult to determine which model you have,which makes matters since we don't want to make a bad situation worse.
I'd start with the Samsung Smart Switch, hopefully it'll be able to determine the make of your phone & flashing stock firmware should be a breeze. (If it's indeed a genuine Samsung Device).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir, and that's my problem. I've rooted and changed ROMs on a dozen devices or more in the past (thanks to XDA!!), always using Odin. But this phone simply will not go into Download mode at all. Using every key combination I can find I either wind up with the Chinese recovery selections I mentioned or I get that "No command" screen with the Android lying on its back.
So far I've tried these PC apps:
Odin (several versions)
Smart Switch
Kies
FixPPO (https://android.imyfone.com/android-issues/android-no-command-error/)
DroidKit (https://www.imobie.com/android-system-recovery/fix-android-no-command-error.htm)
Some, like Odin and the paid options, require Download mode - which isn't working for me - so those apps can even tell I've plugged a phone into the USB port.
Just to put it out there, when the phone is booted into the OS and attach it to the PC, Windows recognizes it's connected but Smart Switch does not. That supports your point that it may not be a Samsung device, but I wondered if it could also have something to do with Smart Switch coming after 5.1 was old.
I just wondered if somebody who didn't know what they were doing somehow downgraded this phone to Android 5.1 before I accept it as a full loss. Still hoping...
kbtraveler said:
Yes sir, and that's my problem. I've rooted and changed ROMs on a dozen devices or more in the past (thanks to XDA!!), always using Odin. But this phone simply will not go into Download mode at all. Using every key combination I can find I either wind up with the Chinese recovery selections I mentioned or I get that "No command" screen with the Android lying on its back.
So far I've tried these PC apps:
Odin (several versions)
Smart Switch
Kies
FixPPO (https://android.imyfone.com/android-issues/android-no-command-error/)
DroidKit (https://www.imobie.com/android-system-recovery/fix-android-no-command-error.htm)
Some, like Odin and the paid options, require Download mode - which isn't working for me - so those apps can even tell I've plugged a phone into the USB port.
Just to put it out there, when the phone is booted into the OS and attach it to the PC, Windows recognizes it's connected but Smart Switch does not. That supports your point that it may not be a Samsung device, but I wondered if it could also have something to do with Smart Switch coming after 5.1 was old.
I just wondered if somebody who didn't know what they were doing somehow downgraded this phone to Android 5.1 before I accept it as a full loss. Still hoping...
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Makes since you tried Kies (given the stated Android version).
Can you download/sideload any apps that may help identify the phone (& check for Knox 0x0) such as this one:
Phone INFO+ (SAM) - Apps on Google Play
All-in-one INFO and TOOLS for Samsung devices.
play.google.com
AIDA64 - Apps on Google Play
Hardware and software information utility for Android devices
play.google.com
I wish I had more to offer,it's been years since I've dealt w/a rooted Samsung (Note 5).
Hopefully,others will chime in & offer a solution.
FWIW,Definitely following this thread, I'm interested in how things work out, hopefully for the better.
Aah i made an account just to respond to you
i had an iPhone 7 Jet Black replica with android 5.1 once upon a time, same symptoms- 8GB actual storage but will show 128GB when connected to PC
So here are my two cents: These devices won't be recognized by samsung tools as they are not having motherboards made by samsung. I would recommend that you check actual specs from AIDA64 and you will find out which company has made the motherboard or device, mine had strange MediaTek processor though. And hopefully you will find some chinese websites where people are talking about how to flash firmwares in these phones but i recommend not to do that, i had to lose my device as it got bricked.
Well, that's exactly why I come here. I'd never come across that AIDA64 app, and I've attached screen shots. I've never heard of a "Kirin," but sure enough, it's Huawei. Dang it!
@priteshsolanki, hate to hear about your experience. Thanks for the heads up.
So...does Huawei have a Smart Switch equivalent, lol? And by the way, even if I got this working, would Huawei have enough hardware in this bugger to be able to listen in and send data back to Mother China?? I don't know how that kind of thing works...
kbtraveler said:
Well, that's exactly why I come here. I'd never come across that AIDA64 app, and I've attached screen shots. I've never heard of a "Kirin," but sure enough, it's Huawei. Dang it!
@priteshsolanki, hate to hear about your experience. Thanks for the heads up.
So...does Huawei have a Smart Switch equivalent, lol? And by the way, even if I got this working, would Huawei have enough hardware in this bugger to be able to listen in and send data back to Mother China?? I don't know how that kind of thing works...
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This is strange, i think The AIDA64 app is being fooled here too! To find which company has made it, Its gonna be same experience as finding father of an orphan child which just had permanent memory loss
Its not Kirin, its not huawei.. why?-
So its showing ARMv7 32bit processor, which is definitely not Kirin 1020. because kirin 1020 is a high end processor itself too and uses 5nm technology and Cortex A78 architecture! (While yours is showing stone age 28nm with Cortex A7)
Then there is Platform MT6799. When i look up for that, its again showing totally different company- MediaTek chipset "Helio X30 (MT6799)" which is a deca core processor but what we got here in your details is a Quad core processor.
What we know about your processor:
- its Cortex A7 @1301 MHz and has 28nm manufacturing process
(can't be 5G at any cost)
- From above details it seems like an ancient processor which came out somewhere around 2012, probably thats why its running 5.1.
- The performance is equivalent to high end Android Jellybean device, but definitely not suitable for using in 2022
- The storage and RAM amount shown there are just to fulfill fantasies, dont expect it to be reliable. Its probably a 1 or 2GB Ram with 4 or 8GB storage.
- The software in the phone is really fantastic, i have never thought that a clone can be so perfect that even Apps like AIDA64 will have a hard time finding the facts!
Now coming to the main questions:
1) Can it be upgraded?
90% no based on research i have done in google, this phone is totally non existent for google. for remaining 10% you can expect the rom maker to contact you in DMs after seeing your thread here and offer you an upgrade lol
2) Should you use any file syncing tools with it?
Quick answer: Syncios app is your best bet to sync data between phone and back, but only luck can help you find actual firmware of the device
Slightly long answer: So according to our findings all these data shown in phone settings fake, and syncing apps back in 2011-12 i think its going to give you hard time finding a working one. Android 5.1 in todays time is not something you should be using as daily driver for sure. I suggest you to just treat it like a toy.
About my iPhone 7 back in the day, i bought that one for some 60USD but it was worth it, had some kind of apple music app which never required login but was able to stream any songs for free. so ive used that one out for music only.
I really wish there was a better way to put it, but you can try one last dry hope at needrom website to see if they have any details about this device.
kbtraveler said:
But there was no Update button. I tapped "Software Info" and the next thing I saw made me read it three times. It showed, "Android version: 5.1."
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Like has been said, sounds like you got a fake, Software info is one of the first things I would have checked before buying, not after you have bought it and then start having issues. Unfortunately you only really have yourself to blame. like is quite often said if the deal "seems to good to be true" there are reasons why.
@samorgs60, you are very right. I've taken many chances like this one on many electronic devices, and to my recollection, this is the first time I got burned. It's kind of like speeding: I don't always obey the speed limit to the letter (number?), so in the past when I got what I believe was an unfair speeding ticket - I was accused of going faster than I was - I dealt with it my accepting it as a balance in the universe for all the times I should have been busted.
@priteshsolanki, what a catch! Wow. That is kinda amazing, and would explain why it has 5.1 on it. I'm actually astonished at the quality of the device in every way, other than the obvious.
So I hate to ask this, but...isn't it true that carriers (I won't mention mine by name here) make offers for value against a new phone if your current phone simply 1) turns on and 2) does not have a cracked screen? That kinda seems to describe what I've got right now. Not interested in misleading on purpose, but what is the likelihood this would qualify as a trade-in? If they took it initially, what's the likelihood of it coming back to haunt me (the carrier contacting me about it not being a Samsung)?
Really appreciate the help, guys!
It sucks that you got a fake. If you paid with PayPal or Credit, I'd file a claim/dispute and try to return for a refund. Carriers usually log the IMEI of trade ins and if it doesn't match the model or is blacklisted in any way, the trade will be denied.