Recently, I decided that I wanted to root. However considering that most companies for the warranty, I checked the documents for warranty, and I wasn't too sure what they meant by the highlighted statement in the pic. Funnily enough, the list where it describes what is not covered under warranty doesn't talk about unlocking bootloader... So technically can I root and still have warranty?
Unlocking the bootloader doesn't void warranty but rooting does. If they suspect you've given them a modified device for repair they have the right to refuse the repair or charge you for it.
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Ok,
So I keep seeing people make the assertion that applying a ROM upgrade that is not provided by the carrier/manufacturer/vendor/etc. will void your device warranty. Not being one to blindly trust the legal advice I read on internet forums, I decided to do some research myself. If this has been discussed already, my apologies. I searched but nothing really came up. Here's what I found:
The user manual available on the HTC site quite clearly states "your warranty is invalidated if you open or tamper with the device's outer casing." No mention of software/firmware related voiding of the warranty.
In the warranty booklet that came with the Cingular 8125 (it's an HTC booklet, so my guess it comes with all products, regardless of vendor), clause 6.a. is the only one that appears to apply in this case. The clause states:
The Product has been subjected to abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, expsure tomoisture or dampness, unauthorized modifications, unauthorized connections, unauthorized repair, misuse, neglect, abuse, accident, alteration, improper installation, or other acts which are not the fault of HTC or authorized by HTC, including damage caused by shipping or damages caused by accessories not provided by HTC.
So there are a couple of clauses here that could apply. I say could because there is no clear definition of what "modifications", "connections", installation", etc. mean.
Unauthorized modifications. To me, modifications in this context implies a physical modification i.e adding memory, etc. I say this because it is inline with exposure, connections, and repair.
Alteration. What in the world does alteration mean in this context? It doesn't say "unauthorized alteration" which implies that any alteration would void the warranty. Isn't loading software an alteration? Again, I believe this to refer to physical alterations.
Improper installation. Again, what does installation mean? Does it mean installing programs, or installing the physical device in some manner that is not authorized by HTC?
Lastly, "other acts which are not the fault of HTC or authorized by HTC". This is the one that I believe could be the kicker, as it's there to be a complete catch all.
So what does this tell us? Absolutely nothing. Could HTC theoretically decline a warranty repair because someone applied an unauthorized ROM upgrade? Definitely.
However, there's plenty of threads out there where people say "will void your warranty" but I have yet to see one where someone actually had a warranty repair or replacement denied because of a ROM upgrade.
Given that I've written this long post and haven't answered any of my own questions, I'm wondering if anyone out there has actual first hand knowledge of the warranty not being honored in this situation. I'm not interested in situations where someone was told that the warranty would be voided, because as we all know service reps are, in many cases, either un-informed about things like that or they are intentionally told to say that, even if it truly wouldn't (I was a phone rep in financial services for 4 years after graduating college, so I can say this from first hand experience).
Any real experiences in this area? The next question of course is even if it did void the warranty, would anyone notice if you re-flash with the original ROM and return it?
This is the first device I've used where the manufacturer provides the bootloader unlock. If I proceed to unlock it, does this completely void the warranty, or does it void any warranty claim resulting from an improper flash?
I would love to root JB and maybe install third party ROMs, but I've also heard this tablet has sketchy QC and would prefer a warranty to fall back on in the event it does fail.
WildZontar said:
This is the first device I've used where the manufacturer provides the bootloader unlock. If I proceed to unlock it, does this completely void the warranty, or does it void any warranty claim resulting from an improper flash?
I would love to root JB and maybe install third party ROMs, but I've also heard this tablet has sketchy QC and would prefer a warranty to fall back on in the event it does fail.
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It voids warranty, meaning you have to pay to get it fixed and you're not getting a replacement unit for free.
WildZontar said:
This is the first device I've used where the manufacturer provides the bootloader unlock. If I proceed to unlock it, does this completely void the warranty, or does it void any warranty claim resulting from an improper flash?
I would love to root JB and maybe install third party ROMs, but I've also heard this tablet has sketchy QC and would prefer a warranty to fall back on in the event it does fail.
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Assuming you're still under retail return policy, I'd thoroughly test all problem areas before I'd unlock. It depends on your location and the relevant consumer laws, but, technically speaking, by unlocking you agree with ASUS' criteria (refer to the EULA) in which you consent to completely and voluntarily void your entire warranty. Of course, IF an issue arises that is clearly unrelated to flashing (e.g., a cracked screen or a failed audio jack) you might be treated with consideration, but you are no longer ENTITLED to the support and warranty you were originally.
That being off my chest, ASUS' trained monkeys provide utterly horrible customer service anyway (Gary and Tien do their best, but even they run into the ASUS HQ concrete wall) -- read the hilarious threads on this forum and ask yourself if you really can't do without that with regards to software issues. I think you can.
Hardware issues are another matter, though, so test, test, test and test some more.
Hi
According to FSFE. I can't post outside link, sorry, but you can find it in its homepage
If your device becomes defective in the first 6 months, it is presumed that the defect was there all along, so you should not need to prove anything.
If your device becomes defective after the first 6 months, but before 2 years run out, you are still covered. The difference is only that if the defect arises now, the seller can claim that the defect was caused by some action that was triggered by non-normal use of the device4. But in order to avoid needing to repair or replace your device, the seller has to prove that your action caused5 the defect. It is generally recognised by courts that unless there is a sign of abuse of the device, the defect is there because the device was faulty from the beginning. That is just common sense, after all.
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So I guess that if you flash and some time later you have a problem, Asus must prove that the problem is caused by flashing the device.
What do you guys think?
Regards
It's a bit tricky.
You AGREE to the voiding of your warranty. It works the same as breaking the seal on a device. If you choose to break it, you choose to prematurely void your warranty. Simple as that. I know people refuse to read Readme's and EULA's, but it's all in there. Wether we agree or not isn't relevant. They're not breaking any laws.
But they also HAVE to offer hardware service for two years as per EU law.
ShadowLea said:
It's a bit tricky.
You AGREE to the voiding of your warranty. It works the same as breaking the seal on a device. If you choose to break it, you choose to prematurely void your warranty. Simple as that. I know people refuse to read Readme's and EULA's, but it's all in there. Wether we agree or not isn't relevant. They're not breaking any laws.
But they also HAVE to offer hardware service for two years as per EU law.
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It is "legally soft" to agree to anything that goes against (inter)naitonal law. If, for example, you sign a work contract in which you are paid less than the (European) minimum wage, it's still illegal, your consent notwithstanding. EDIT:in that sense, you cannot even void the warranty fully; only partly.
I'd think the onus is on ASUS actually proving to any appreciable degree that a certain issue is in fact caused by an unlock and/or flash. As you said, unlocking and/or flashing do not have a bearing on hardware issues like screen issues, housing clicking, microphones breaking and such. If you buy it under European warranty, you'll be covered for any such issue for two years after purchase. That's pretty am "period" at the end, hahaha -- although you might need a lawyer to pressure them a bit, or have verbal abilities yourself.
ElMonty said:
What do you guys think?
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Read the applicable laws, not the propaganda from either side.
It is perfectly OK for Asus to bind their warranty to any conditions they want (no repairs for defects that appear on Tuesday...), because it is a voluntary service and as long as they do not sell the devices directly to consumers it is irrelevant.
The seller is liable for repairs or replacement according to EU law, and that guarantee cannot be legally voided or reduced. However after 6 months, you as the customer must prove that the defect was already there when you bought it, which is usually difficult or impossible.
_that said:
Read the applicable laws, not the propaganda from either side.
It is perfectly OK for Asus to bind their warranty to any conditions they want (no repairs for defects that appear on Tuesday...), because it is a voluntary service and as long as they do not sell the devices directly to consumers it is irrelevant.
The seller is liable for repairs or replacement according to EU law, and that guarantee cannot be legally voided or reduced. However after 6 months, you as the customer must prove that the defect was already there when you bought it, which is usually difficult or impossible.
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You're absolutely right that after 6 months the potential for headaches and stomach ulcers grows exponentially. Here in Holland, you're pretty much covered even after that period for up to 2 years after purchase. It would not be that hard the argue that a screen issue does not arise because of unlocking, and the same goes for other issues that are clearly hardware-related. However, if you'd end up with a cooked processor (after overclocking) or a bad recovery wipe... well... you'd be on your own and would have to swallow the bill. It'd be OK crying a bit while chewing, though.
MartyHulskemper said:
It would not be that hard the argue that a screen issue does not arise because of unlocking, and the same goes for other issues that are clearly hardware-related.
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Clearly a screen issue has nothing to do with firmware flashing, but how do you *prove* that if the screen breaks after a year, it is only because it was already defective when you bought it, and not because you inadvertently sat on it?
_that said:
Clearly a screen issue has nothing to do with firmware flashing, but how do you *prove* that if the screen breaks after a year, it is only because it was already defective when you bought it, and not because you inadvertently sat on it?
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Wipe the butt marks? Just kidding, obviously. There's always a grey area, and that's where customer-friendliness comes in. Or not.
Hi,
As probably like most of the population on here I rooted by TF700 and then a couple of months later a H/W issue has developed. My bottom left hand side of the screen appears to be constantly being "touched" hence making the device unusable.
I fully accept the warranty is void however I won`t accept being completely ripped off for the repair which is what a few threads on here allude to with other issues.
I just wondered if anyone else has had this issue and if they got had a price for the repair ?
If not its on Ebay for spares and repairs.
As a general note - very disappointed with ASUS. TF700 was always seemed to very laggy no matter when rom/tweak I did ( compared to my TF100 ) and so I`ll doubt I`ll get the next one.
If it's just rooted, you still have your warranty. The warranty is only void if you Unlocked your tablet....
ShadowLea said:
If it's just rooted, you still have your warranty. The warranty is only void if you Unlocked your tablet....
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Thanks - sorry I meant to say that. Its unlocked locked. I`ve already had really helpful emails from ASUS.
I thougth about multiboot and lineage. Is there anybody who got their S7 repaired from the EU? Because I think its an EU law that hardware garanty is bound to hardware problems. At least I remember someone writing about it when I searched about that topic. Did someone manage that?
Thanks for any answer.
It is prohibited by law to refuse repair when e.g. KNOX is broken or when the device is rooted.
Samsungs claim that the hardware is broken by the user is incorrect in EU. Judges say that Samsung deliberately did it herself.
EU regulation (1999/44/CE) is generally interpreted so that rooting/flashing may not break hardware warranty. And warranty needs to be provided by the (German) seller, not by the manufacturer.
Well, I got it from my grandma, who got it from her contract with vodafon. So, you would say I can trigger KNOX?
Remember, Samsung is a smart company, KNOX is an e-fuse, part of the hardware. So, flashing a custom recovery will trigger KNOX, so with a software you can damage the hardware. Hence, warranty void.
With one single mouse click, you broke both the software and the hardware.