Database Info

I think Kies just bricked my phone...

My phone is a SGH-i896, Samsung Galaxy S Captivate from Rogers,
I am extremely frustrated. My phone isn't rooted. I recently found out my phone was available for a 2.2->2.3 update so I decided to do it.
I downloaded Kies and connected my phone to the computer. Kies picked it up and told me to initiate the update. I did. After a while it told me there was an "error" with the update and I'd have to do an emergency firmware repair... what the hell? I proceeded to do what it asked me to do an emergency repair, but even that failed and it told me to "try again later"...
So, I tried "again later" but this time instead of getting the digger android I when I initiated the recovery mode (Hold volume up+down and connect the USB) I get the "phone-!-computer" screen. Now I'm stuck like this.
I searched around and someone said if you hold volume up+down and then hold power, and then when you see the BSOD, and it flashes, release power and it should boot up in download mode... but when I attempt there it just flashes then goes back to the BSOD.
What are my options to fix the phone aside from going to a service center and most likely having to send it in for repair?
Kies broke my phone. Ugh.

Vinhwut said:
My phone is a SGH-i896, Samsung Galaxy S Captivate from Rogers,
I am extremely frustrated. My phone isn't rooted. I recently found out my phone was available for a 2.2->2.3 update so I decided to do it.
I downloaded Kies and connected my phone to the computer. Kies picked it up and told me to initiate the update. I did. After a while it told me there was an "error" with the update and I'd have to do an emergency firmware repair... what the hell? I proceeded to do what it asked me to do an emergency repair, but even that failed and it told me to "try again later"...
So, I tried "again later" but this time instead of getting the digger android I when I initiated the recovery mode (Hold volume up+down and connect the USB) I get the "phone-!-computer" screen. Now I'm stuck like this.
I searched around and someone said if you hold volume up+down and then hold power, and then when you see the BSOD, and it flashes, release power and it should boot up in download mode... but when I attempt there it just flashes then goes back to the BSOD.
What are my options to fix the phone aside from going to a service center and most likely having to send it in for repair?
Kies broke my phone. Ugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your case, try (from a powered-off state) holding Vol+/Vol-, and then plug in your USB cable. That should kick you to download mode. If you still get the phone--!--pc screen, just try flashing from there. As far as ODIN and other programs are concerned, that's download mode.

jmtheiss said:
In your case, try (from a powered-off state) holding Vol+/Vol-, and then plug in your USB cable. That should kick you to download mode. If you still get the phone--!--pc screen, just try flashing from there. As far as ODIN and other programs are concerned, that's download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing this still shows the phone--!--pc screen... I've tried tons of combinations and fiddling around with it but nothing works it seems.

Vinhwut said:
Doing this still shows the phone--!--pc screen... I've tried tons of combinations and fiddling around with it but nothing works it seems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so we can give you clear directions, at the end of this, where do you want to be? On the stock rom, on a custom rom, Froyo, Gingerbread, etc? The steps to do those different things will vary what you need to do.
As a first step in all of those, though, you'll need to use either Heimdall or Odin to flash your phone, and you should have the Samsung drivers downloaded and installed (if you haven't already).

I want to be able to upgrade it to 2.3 more or less. If that's not possible, just to get my phone back in working condition... I'm close to calling Rogers to see what they can do if I can't figure this out on my own.
I guess I'll look up some information on Heimdall/Odin then about flashing (I really have limited knowledge in this area) - will doing any of this void my warranty?

Vinhwut said:
I want to be able to upgrade it to 2.3 more or less. If that's not possible, just to get my phone back in working condition... I'm close to calling Rogers to see what they can do if I can't figure this out on my own.
I guess I'll look up some information on Heimdall/Odin then about flashing (I really have limited knowledge in this area) - will doing any of this void my warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping that would be your response. Go to this thread. TRusselo whipped up a bunch of Odin one-clicks to get you back to stock Rogers packages, one of which is called "2.3.3 Gingerbread WITH bootloaders" (you can CTRL+F for that exact phrase). That should get you back to a working state.
Just make sure you don't pull out the cable or lose power while you're using it. That would guarantee you'll end up having to send it back.
And technically, it will and won't void your warranty. Flashing anything but stock stuff directly from Rogers probably voids it, but if this works properly, it's going to look exactly the same as if they did it, so you should be fine.

Thanks jm, I'll give this a try and post my results

Good luck. Just make sure to read the directions very carefully - it should be pretty self-explanatory, but it's better to be as safe as possible.

All fixed following jmtheiss' instructions! Thanks plenty!

Glad to hear you are back up and running Vinhwut. And jmtheiss, you provided clear instructions to get him there. That's how help should be given.

Need help getting to stock recovery

Need help...
Was messing the around with the screen density in the buildprop.. after reboot, "systemui keeps FCing" making it unusable and I cant do anything. Attempting to do a hard button combo to go into stock recovery but cant seems to get it to work.. Googleing tells me to, hold volume down and power till the LG logo, release power and rehold again.. it just reboots again.. holding all 3 brings me to a korean menu that I cant read.. holding up and power brings me to a recovery menu that I think only the service centre can use, there's no option in there, only asking me to reboot.
Any kind souls please....

scpion said:
Need help...
Was messing the around with the screen density in the buildprop.. after reboot, "systemui keeps FCing" making it unusable and I cant do anything. Attempting to do a hard button combo to go into stock recovery but cant seems to get it to work.. Googleing tells me to, hold volume down and power till the LG logo, release power and rehold again.. it just reboots again.. holding all 3 brings me to a korean menu that I cant read.. holding up and power brings me to a recovery menu that I think only the service centre can use, there's no option in there, only asking me to reboot.
Any kind souls please....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying to get into my stock recovery for some time now trying all sorts of button combos but to no avail. Previously I had the g2 and when it updated from jellybean to kitkat, the combo for entering stock recovery changed however, this new combo doesn't seem to work on the G Pro 2 either
You should be able to revive your device back to stock using the LG pc Suite however, after tampering with the system, it is often necessary to perform a factory reset after the pc suite has done it's work which will need you to enter stock recovery.
If you are completely stuck, I would suggest restoring your device using the pc suit and, all being well, your device will boot sufficiently for you to perform a reset through the phone settings menu. If you are really lucky, it may boot properly and you may not need to perform any reset however, it would still probably be a good idea to do so.

bobsie41 said:
I've been trying to get into my stock recovery for some time now trying all sorts of button combos but to no avail. Previously I had the g2 and when it updated from jellybean to kitkat, the combo for entering stock recovery changed however, this new combo doesn't seem to work on the G Pro 2 either
You should be able to revive your device back to stock using the LG pc Suite however, after tampering with the system, it is often necessary to perform a factory reset after the pc suite has done it's work which will need you to enter stock recovery.
If you are completely stuck, I would suggest restoring your device using the pc suit and, all being well, your device will boot sufficiently for you to perform a reset through the phone settings menu. If you are really lucky, it may boot properly and you may not need to perform any reset however, it would still probably be a good idea to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant use the LG Suite... the screen doesnt allow me to choose the connection type.. It just FC constantly.. I am screwed..:crying::crying:

scpion said:
I cant use the LG Suite... the screen doesnt allow me to choose the connection type.. It just FC constantly.. I am screwed..:crying::crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think the only option is to send it in officially and say I dun know what happened......

Help
Has anybody found the way to hard-reset D838 from a bootloop? I really cant reach the recovery mode

manas.neo said:
Has anybody found the way to hard-reset D838 from a bootloop? I really cant reach the recovery mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had tried everything.. Even adb command to reboot into recovery. It just brings me to a broken Android with red triangle. I am starting to think there is no stock recovery built in that is accessible to users..

I am now at the service centre. Well the guy can detect that its rooted.. voids warranty.... But will try to see if he can help to reflash the firmware.. If not have to change hardware and will be chargeable....... Fingers crossed. He did say users are not able to access the recovery..
Guys.. Until there's custom recovery, pls dun mess with it.....

That is really bad. I am stuck at bootloop and unable to reach the recovery mode. I wonder how entire web just talks about a hardreset process that doesnt even work
scpion said:
I had tried everything.. Even adb command to reboot into recovery. It just brings me to a broken Android with red triangle. I am starting to think there is no stock recovery built in that is accessible to users..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

manas.neo said:
That is really bad. I am stuck at bootloop and unable to reach the recovery mode. I wonder how entire web just talks about a hardreset process that doesnt even work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know.. I was desperate too... There's 2 versions, the other model is f350 or something.. Anyway at the service he did flash the phone again for me foc. BUT! He stamp a big NO WARRANTY as well... Goodbye to my balance 10 months warranty.. Buy hey.. I am grateful that I have my phone working again..I think.
I confirm with him again.. Yes, there is no stock recovery users can access....

scpion said:
I know.. I was desperate too... There's 2 versions, the other model is f350 or something.. Anyway at the service he did flash the phone again for me foc. BUT! He stamp a big NO WARRANTY as well... Goodbye to my balance 10 months warranty.. Buy hey.. I am grateful that I have my phone working again..I think.
I confirm with him again.. Yes, there is no stock recovery users can access....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you were able to get your phone back. I have some positive news. I am trying out a recovery method as we speak. Using the LG Software update & USB driver tool I found the option for a update recovery. So I gave the IMEI and it prompted for a connection to the device which wasnt there as the phone is stuck in a boot loop. So I thought if it is going to restore the firmware from PC ( and not OTA) then it at some point of time will take the phone to download mode. So I just put the phone in download mode and VOILA it recognised the connection. And right now it is downloading the recovery firmware. The firmware being downloaded is around 1.5GB which is exactly what size I expected it to be. I have my fingers crossed. Just hope it goes through fine.

manas.neo said:
Glad you were able to get your phone back. I have some positive news. I am trying out a recovery method as we speak. Using the LG Software update & USB driver tool I found the option for a update recovery. So I gave the IMEI and it prompted for a connection to the device which wasnt there as the phone is stuck in a boot loop. So I thought if it is going to restore the firmware from PC ( and not OTA) then it at some point of time will take the phone to download mode. So I just put the phone in download mode and VOILA it recognised the connection. And right now it is downloading the recovery firmware. The firmware being downloaded is around 1.5GB which is exactly what size I expected it to be. I have my fingers crossed. Just hope it goes through fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned in an earliar post on this thread, you can usually get the device into a booting state using the lg pc suite. You will probably have to perform a factory reset but, hopefully, after using the tool, you can access the software factory reset in the settings menu. From past experience with other lg devices, it can often help if you run the recovery more than once in the pc suite.

bobsie41 said:
As I mentioned in an earliar post on this thread, you can usually get the device into a booting state using the lg pc suite. You will probably have to perform a factory reset but, hopefully, after using the tool, you can access the software factory reset in the settings menu. From past experience with other lg devices, it can often help if you run the recovery more than once in the pc suite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Bob,
Yes I think the same option is there in the LG PC Suite as well. But unless you do what I have tried to do it wont recognise a device that has not booted yet. Devices soft-bricked or bootlooping wont be recognised by the PC suite for recovery. But thanks for the tip. I'd keep that in mind and see if it'd need another factory reset after recovery. But it seems like it will be a hard reset done by the recovery happening right now

manas.neo said:
Hi Bob,
Yes I think the same option is there in the LG PC Suite as well. But unless you do what I have tried to do it wont recognise a device that has not booted yet. Devices soft-bricked or bootlooping wont be recognised by the PC suite for recovery. But thanks for the tip. I'd keep that in mind and see if it'd need another factory reset after recovery. But it seems like it will be a hard reset done by the recovery happening right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck. If no joy just try the pc suit. I'm fairly sure I had a success on my old g2 with a similar problem to yours. Can't remember exactly what I did but I kept trying things and eventually the pc suit recognised and sorted my device. Perhaps try to adb reboot recovery with the pc suit on screen??

PC suite and the software update thing didn't work for me. It just refuse to recognize my device. Hope things work out for u!

bobsie41 said:
Good luck. If no joy just try the pc suit. I'm fairly sure I had a success on my old g2 with a similar problem to yours. Can't remember exactly what I did but I kept trying things and eventually the pc suit recognised and sorted my device. Perhaps try to adb reboot recovery with the pc suit on screen??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I was able to revive my phone. No loss of apps and data. Just the root was lost. Can you tell me what issues you have witnessed after such a recovery that made you to do a factory reset? The phone looks fine at the moment but wonder if it'd end up in a boot loop again.

manas.neo said:
Thanks. I was able to revive my phone. No loss of apps and data. Just the root was lost. Can you tell me what issues you have witnessed after such a recovery that made you to do a factory reset? The phone looks fine at the moment but wonder if it'd end up in a boot loop again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't have a problem. I just like to have a clean start and to make sure that there are no alien files left from my previous tampering.

bobsie41 said:
You shouldn't have a problem. I just like to have a clean start and to make sure that there are no alien files left from my previous tampering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It went all smooth. I'd like to shout out to all LG G Pro 2 users to make a note of this method and try it whenever they soft-brick their phones.

service
scpion said:
I know.. I was desperate too... There's 2 versions, the other model is f350 or something.. Anyway at the service he did flash the phone again for me foc. BUT! He stamp a big NO WARRANTY as well... Goodbye to my balance 10 months warranty.. Buy hey.. I am grateful that I have my phone working again..I think.
I confirm with him again.. Yes, there is no stock recovery users can access....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
I am in the same situation, I can not do the factory reset in any way was mentioned here (pc suite, lg update) in the forum, because there is no connection between the pc and the mobile.
Where you from anyway and which mobile service did you take your phone, how much was the service cost?
THX

david_csaba said:
Hi there,
I am in the same situation, I can not do the factory reset in any way was mentioned here (pc suite, lg update) in the forum, because there is no connection between the pc and the mobile.
Where you from anyway and which mobile service did you take your phone, how much was the service cost?
THX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try this:
VOL DOWN + POWER
when LG logo appears release booth keys and wait 2 sec then
VOL DOWN + VOL UP
you should get factory reset screen

[Q] Hard Bricked LG G3.

The issue with my phone.
I can't get into Download mode, computer won't pick it up and non of the buttons work. So I can't just flash a new rom.
It happened when I was trying to install This(I was being stupid and didn't look at the device.) So is there a way to fix it?
Things I tried and have
I have tried ADB, and fast boot they all get stuck waiting for the device (on every port).
I have the laf file. BUT here is the main issue my computer won't pick it up rendering the laf file useless.
I have looked on the forums and all methods purposed. Were for 32 bit computers or didn't work.
Signs of Life (Update One)
It just showed signs of life. It was dead so I charged it and the LED was flashing red and it charged now it is back to black screen and now sign of life though. I tried ADB on my tablet (didn't work) so I know the ADB issue might be my computer. That is good news because it means there is a chance of fixing it.
I am going to try to use ADB on my other computer to see if that works. If it does then there may be a chance of fixing it.

voxoph said:
The issue with my phone.
I can't get into Download mode, computer won't pick it up and non of the buttons work. So I can't just flash a new rom.
It happened when I was trying to install This(I was being stupid and didn't look at the device.) So is there a way to fix it?
Things I tried and have
I have tried ADB, and fast boot they all get stuck waiting for the device (on every port).
I have the laf file. BUT here is the main issue my computer won't pick it up rendering the laf file useless.
I have looked on the forums and all methods purposed. Were for 32 bit computers or didn't work.
Signs of Life (Update One)
It just showed signs of life. It was dead so I charged it and the LED was flashing red and it charged now it is back to black screen and now sign of life though. I tried ADB on my tablet (didn't work) so I know the ADB issue might be my computer. That is good news because it means there is a chance of fixing it.
I am going to try to use ADB on my other computer to see if that works. If it does then there may be a chance of fixing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked into the zip that you tried to flash, and it looks like it flashed the mmcblk0p5 partition, which on the G3 is aboot (and I believe is why even download mode is broken). You can get a clean aboot.img from the thread here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-lg-g3/development/rom-lg-d850-20f-lollipop-5-0-1-extras-t3052041) , but you will have to have some way to flash it. Are you able to get into anything at all on the phone itself, recovery even?
@southern87 : maybe you can provide some insight. I remember in the Lounge a while back you had a broken aboot. Where you ever able to get back to download mode or some other way to repair aboot?

cmulk said:
I looked into the zip that you tried to flash, and it looks like it flashed the mmcblk0p5 partition, which on the G3 is aboot (and I believe is why even download mode is broken). You can get a clean aboot.img from the thread here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-lg-g3/development/rom-lg-d850-20f-lollipop-5-0-1-extras-t3052041) , but you will have to have some way to flash it. Are you able to get into anything at all on the phone itself, recovery even?
@southern87 : maybe you can provide some insight. I remember in the Lounge a while back you had a broken aboot. Where you ever able to get back to download mode or some other way to repair aboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for responding. I am going to try ADB again but I can't get into recovery mode at the time being.

A similar thing just happened to me, except I got right out of it. Device was completely unresponsive, no download mode, adb nothing, indicative of a hard brick. Scared the **** out of me as I've had it less than 6 hours... Started holding buttons, and it came to life after ~1 minute of power button + volume down. Related? Well maybe not, thought I'd post it here. (TWRP 2.8.5 + Rooted CM12)

True Hard Brick, No OS!
Well I really did it this time. F*cked up big time. Wiped everything on phone, all I have is TWRP which is useless. Nothing. No bootloader, no sideloader, NO files! Guess I'll try to get into download mode.
Anyone have any ideas? Would be greatfull for any help.

TSF14 said:
Well I really did it this time. F*cked up big time. Wiped everything on phone, all I have is TWRP which is useless. Nothing. No bootloader, no sideloader, NO files! Guess I'll try to get into download mode.
Anyone have any ideas? Would be greatfull for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the TOT method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785089

hyelton said:
Follow the TOT method.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785089
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks hyelton, I don't even have download mode. Nothing, zero, (no).zip, zilch, nada. Guess I'll run it up to the AT&T Corporate store & see how much $s they'll charge to put it back to stock.

TSF14 said:
Thanks hyelton, I don't even have download mode. Nothing, zero, (no).zip, zilch, nada. Guess I'll run it up to the AT&T Corporate store & see how much $s they'll charge to put it back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't put it bAck to stock.. They either will tell you no as you voided warranty or it will be sent off for warranty. They don't flash in store.
You have to have download mode to flash.
So your plugging your phone inTo a non USB 3.0 plug using the OEM LG cable while holding volup and then plugging in the USB cable?

hyelton said:
They don't put it bAck to stock.. They either will tell you no as you voided warranty or it will be sent off for warranty. They don't flash in store.
You have to have download mode to flash.
So your plugging your phone inTo a non USB 3.0 CCCC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, AT&T said they would replace it for $199.00. Screw that. they gave me the phone # for LG, I will call them & see how much they charge to reinstall the OS. Yes, plugging into 2.0 usb while holding vol up with phone off. No sign of life.

TSF14 said:
Yes, AT&T said they would replace it for $199.00. Screw that. they gave me the phone # for LG, I will call them & see how much they charge to reinstall the OS. Yes, plugging into 2.0 usb while holding vol up with phone off. No sign of life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure your battery is not dead??

hyelton said:
Are you sure your battery is not dead??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if only it was that easy.

There are a few things you can try :
1.) Press the Powerbutton for a longer time
If you have a responce like the LG Logo or something like that, you might want to try and plug it to the computer and use the managing software
with which you can emergency reinstall the firmware.
2.) Press Power + Volume Down
If it restarts into the recovery menu, try to find a way to load a flashable stock rom of your handy onto the memory of your phone in order to "reflash" it.
(I don't know how you can do that )
3.) Go to the shop where you bought it and explain your problem, since rooting a LG device is not really easy to detect the chances that your warranty will cover for it are pretty high.
Sent from my LG-D955 using XDA Free mobile app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...y-download-t3053985/post60106965#post60106965

Read this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-lg-g3/help/bricked-d850-help-t3064874

Bricked bootloader? ULEFone Armor X7

Hello all. Firstly, i wish to apologise if this isnt the right place. But its been a while since ive been here, and couldnt find a ULEFone section.
Ill try to be as descriptive as i can.
Ive got my hands on a ULEFone Armor X7 that was running Android 10. It came to me with the problem of when you boot it up, it complained about corrupted firmware. And i had to press the power key to continue. They tell me it happened when they clicked on a link from a message and it took them to some website ending in RU. The phone rebooted and then displayed that every time.
So i went to their support page, and downloaded all the files needed to restore the firmware to stock. Using the SP_MDT programm they provided, Followed all the instructions to the letter. And everything responded as expected.
Looking around with other users who use mediatek/ULEFone devices this seems to be the norm.
-Plugged into the phone while holding volume down. Started a Port scan using the software
-Then using the software i start a firmware upgrade on the 1 port my device was connected to
-Let that finish, and i should unplug and reboot the phone
Except when it came time to reboot the phone. It just doesnt power on now. And now when plugging into the PC it comes up with "USB Device unrecognised/damaged"
If i leave it unplugged for say 30 mins and try again. The computer recognises it this time. But when i try to do a port scan with the tool again, it just fails.
Tried various PC's and differeing windows versions. All with the same results.
Is this phone now basically a goner? Or is there a chance i can recover it?
And what would have went wrong?
Thanks in advance

Vildar said:
..
Tried various PC's and differeing windows versions. All with the same results.
Is this phone now basically a goner? Or is there a chance i can recover it?
And what would have went wrong?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect you're going about it the wrong way.
You shouldn't be holding any button when you connect for flashing

Hovatek said:
I suspect you're going about it the wrong way.
You shouldn't be holding any button when you connect for flashing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was what was mentioned in the manufactures documents for reflashing the firmware. As holding down volume down while plugging in puts the phone into bootloader mode.
Pressing nothing when plugging in doesnt give me anything.

Vildar said:
This was what was mentioned in the manufactures documents for reflashing the firmware. As holding down volume down while plugging in puts the phone into bootloader mode.
Pressing nothing when plugging in doesnt give me anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you try SP flash tool. I'm not sure if this model has secure boot but I'm guessing its DA file is contained in the zip you downloaded if it does

Hovatek said:
Why don't you try SP flash tool. I'm not sure if this model has secure boot but I'm guessing its DA file is contained in the zip you downloaded if it does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will give this one a go (As soon as im able) and let you know what happens. Thanks

So this one gave the the same problems.
The DA Download bar goes to 100%. Sits there for a while then bails out.
However i did get a nice error message pop up that will hopefully help.
Hope this helps

I have not managed to get much further than thia. My guess is the phone is hard bricked. No amount of different software/drivers etc seems to have any effect.
It gets to the DA Download phase at 100%. But then just sits there. And then failes out with the above message. From what ive read about this does indead mean its done for.
Thanks for the help all the same

did you manage to fix it ?

New Samsung Update for A51 is Bricking phones

Good evening folks. Over the Past week, for some reason, people who downloaded the new Samsung update for A51 have had their phones bricked. FOR SOME REASON, this seems to only be happening here in South Australia. I haven't seen anywhere reporting on this issue other than local news. I have had three A51 phones come into my IT store, all with the same problem.
here is a link to one article talking about it: https://7news.com.au/technology/sam...ng-priceless-photos-vital-contacts--c-9340963
Upon installing the update, their phone will restart then it will not progress past the SAMSUNG logo. I have been able to get each and every phone into recovery mode however I when I try and reboot the phones into bootloader, they simply say "entering fast boot" and then don't progress any further.
Since I have been unable to boot the phone to bootloader I don't have many solutions in front of me, I can either factory reset the phone which has been proven to work, or I can try some alternative method. Simply put, I refuse to take the simple way out and simply factory reset the phone, I don't want my customers to go through the trouble of losing their photos.
The only real option I see is using ADB to install either a new update or new firmware, however, I have had ALOT of trouble finding the necessary software. I have been able to get ADB to detect the devices with a USB connection, so I tried installing some firmware, I found for my device. I didn't trust that this was the correct software, but it couldn't hurt to see if it worked.
Using a515fxxu5gvk6, I was able to find a website where I could download Firmware https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-A515F/TEL I don't believe this to have the correct software but it was the only option I could find that didn't require money or an account.
upon extracting the zip file and typing ADB sideload <file name> it would start the process of installing the software however, it would only install for a single second and then stop working. I would be greeted with the messages: "footer is wrong", "update package took 0.3s", and "signature failed". I believe this means I have either grabbed the wrong software or I have tried installing the software wrong
I really don't know where to find the correct software, and I don't even know if I will be able to update the phone using ADB since I never was able to enable developer tools.
I have already spent quite a few hours on this, and it's starting to drive me insane. I have gone down so many rabbit holes researching different options only to come back up empty-handed. Im lost and really don't know where to turn.
any help would be literally amazing, if someone could even point me in the right direction that's all I need. even if you tell me there is nothing that can be done and I need to factory reset the phone I can at least go to sleep knowing I god damn tried.

Well, one thing you should know is that Samsung doesn't use fastboot to flash software like many other brands. It's unfortunate to say that a lot of the guides you read online are just copy-paste of guides that do use fastboot. Adb doesn't really flash software without elevated permissions afaik.
You can flash firmware using Odin for Samsung devices. There should be plenty of guides online on how to use it, your main goal right now is figuring out how to boot into download mode for Samsung.
What I would do is try to turn the phone off completely if you've been able to boot to recovery. After that, hold both the volume buttons and while you're holding them, connect your phone to a PC. This should force the phone to boot to download mode. Read the screen as it may ask you to press VOL + to proceed.
After that, you can flash the files
AP_XXXX
BL_XXXX
CP_XXXX
HOME_CSC_XXXX (Use HOME_CSC instead of CSC_ so that the phones don't lose any data)
And after that, you should be able to flash firmware

ShaDisNX255 said:
Well, one thing you should know is that Samsung doesn't use fastboot to flash software like many other brands. It's unfortunate to say that a lot of the guides you read online are just copy-paste of guides that do use fastboot. Adb doesn't really flash software without elevated permissions afaik.
You can flash firmware using Odin for Samsung devices. There should be plenty of guides online on how to use it, your main goal right now is figuring out how to boot into download mode for Samsung.
What I would do is try to turn the phone off completely if you've been able to boot to recovery. After that, hold both the volume buttons and while you're holding them, connect your phone to a PC. This should force the phone to boot to download mode. Read the screen as it may ask you to press VOL + to proceed.
After that, you can flash the files
AP_XXXX
BL_XXXX
CP_XXXX
HOME_CSC_XXXX (Use HOME_CSC instead of CSC_ so that the phones don't lose any data)
And after that, you should be able to flash firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your reply. I have spent the past few hours setting up Odin and installing the firmware.
I have run into another problem, I select all the firmware I wish to install then click start. It loads for two seconds then says "PASS!". However the phone is still stuck in a boot loop
I believe this is because I haven't turned in USB debugging, since I can't get into the phone I can't turn it on even if I want to.
Is there another option?

USB debugging isn't needed when flashing through Odin. You're most likely just missing the Samsung dev drivers. Try and installing them: https://developer.samsung.com/android-usb-driver