Strange T-Mobile Oneplus 8 IN2017 with "secret" build number - OnePlus 8 Questions & Answers

Hello everyone, I'm a long time lurker and I just made this account to ask about a strange Oneplus 8 5g with T-Mobile native apps I came across from eBay.
Looking at the About Device shows a secret build number and a mystery manufacturer of "Faraday".
There is also a transparent text string along the bottom that moves with the phone orientation.
Seller indicated that the phone is locked and and any attempt to unlock or root will hard brick the device.
A factory reset does not clear the text string or reveal the build number.
CPU-X info attached.
T-Mobile 5G does work with sim card inserted. IMEI check came back clear. I will be going to a T-Mobile store today to see if they have any insight on it.
Any one have an idea of this phone's possible history?

I bet seller is full of BS. I don't know the T-Mobile variant in particular. But look into the MSM recovery tool and try flashing a stock build. I would not trust that phone with any personal information. Seems sketchy. What is interesting is that it shows no hardware specs.
I believe the build/manufacturer/etc is just from the build.prop file. It's not reading HW for that info iirc.
[OP8][OOS TMO 55CB] Unbrick tool to restore your device to OxygenOS
Disclaimer: By attempting any of the processes listed in this thread you accept full responsibility for your actions. I will not be held responsible if your device stops working, catches fire, or turns into a hipster and claims to have been...
forum.xda-developers.com

definitely try MSM. Could be a counterfeit though.

Mission success folks, we'll never find out what was up with those numbers though

Mikuworld said:
Mission success folks, we'll never find out what was up with those numbers though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just created an account because I bought the same phone after seeing another post on here that the person was successful in removing the numbers.
According to a comment on the other post, that’s the PCBA #, which can be pulled up with dialer code *#888#. I confirmed it on mine. Here’s the link if you’re curious:
Oneplus 8 IN2013 / IN2017 version has a floating number bar on the bottom.
Hi everyone, first post in a long time here. Just bought an unlocked Tmobile Oneplus 8 off Ebay. When it arrived the back of the phone has the model# IN2013 on the phone but there's also a sticker that says model IN2017. Everything looks fine...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just wanted to ask how you were able to get your phone into EDL mode as I’m unable to do it in order to run the MSM tool.
I’ve tried via holding the volume buttons and via adb and got nothing. The phone just turns off completely and won’t turn back on unless I hold volume up and power.
Any tips for someone in the same boat as you were in?
Btw, it’s quite odd that the numbers actually completely disappear only while editing a screenshot lol once you’re done editing the screenshot, they come right back.

Shoresy said:
Just created an account because I bought the same phone after seeing another post on here that the person was successful in removing the numbers.
According to a comment on the other post, that’s the PCBA #, which can be pulled up with dialer code *#888#. I confirmed it on mine. Here’s the link if you’re curious:
Oneplus 8 IN2013 / IN2017 version has a floating number bar on the bottom.
Hi everyone, first post in a long time here. Just bought an unlocked Tmobile Oneplus 8 off Ebay. When it arrived the back of the phone has the model# IN2013 on the phone but there's also a sticker that says model IN2017. Everything looks fine...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just wanted to ask how you were able to get your phone into EDL mode as I’m unable to do it in order to run the MSM tool.
I’ve tried via holding the volume buttons and via adb and got nothing. The phone just turns off completely and won’t turn back on unless I hold volume up and power.
Any tips for someone in the same boat as you were in?
Btw, it’s quite odd that the numbers actually completely disappear only while editing a screenshot lol once you’re done editing the screenshot, they come right back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case anyone sees this and has the same issue, I commented on both threads so am updating both threads as well. Here is the update:
OK...I'm an idiot, never read the end of the guide, figuring everything was in order and I wouldn't need that information until later. My phone was showing up as QHUSB_BULK instead of QDLOADER 9008 in Device Manager and for some reason the drivers I downloaded were being seen as incompatible with the phone.
After running Windows update, the drivers were successfully updated and on the very next attempt, I was able to get the phone into EDL mode and it was picked up by the MSM tool. Just figured I'd leave an update in case anyone is having the same issue and wondering how to move forward.

Related

[Q] trying to recover hipstreet flare

I have several of these hipstreet flare 4gb a13 based tablets. One started to hang on the android text boot screen. Reset button did nothing.
Using a combination power on then press hold up volume when the adroid icon appears brings this chinese menu up. Can anyone decipher for me?
Chartlb said:
I have several of these hipstreet flare 4gb a13 based tablets. One started to hang on the android text boot screen. Reset button did nothing.
Using a combination power on then press hold up volume when the adroid icon appears brings this chinese menu up. Can anyone decipher for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We dont support any of the china based knock off devices
Problem solved
Select option 2 from the first menu then select the bottom center option. It should restart. Apps are all still there. Funny that you don't support the "Chinese knock offs" I didn't know that any of these devices were made in northamerica. Hip street is a Canadian company btw.
Chartlb said:
Select option 2 from the first menu then select the bottom center option. It should restart. Apps are all still there. Funny that you don't support the "Chinese knock offs" I didn't know that any of these devices were made in northamerica. Hip street is a Canadian company btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why was it in Chinese I wonder.
it doesnt matter where it was made to be honest. knock off devices break copyright laws and that is the reason they are not supported here. Just because it has a name on it doesnt mean it is official.
example of this would be that recently (the last few days) devices have been poping up branded Samsung with "official looking" IMEI and product stickers but were found to be cheap knock offs and people were out alot of money because they thought they were legit.
Most of these devices dont have the hardware they state they do and when people try to fix them they end up with a paper weight.
zelendel said:
Then why was it in Chinese I wonder.
it doesnt matter where it was made to be honest. knock off devices break copyright laws and that is the reason they are not supported here. Just because it has a name on it doesnt mean it is official.
example of this would be that recently (the last few days) devices have been poping up branded Samsung with "official looking" IMEI and product stickers but were found to be cheap knock offs and people were out alot of money because they thought they were legit.
Most of these devices dont have the hardware they state they do and when people try to fix them they end up with a paper weight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your example describes a actual knock off, people buying the knock offs did not get them at Walmart or there local at&t store, the product I was seeking help on is a cheap tablet yes, but sold by a actual company. The flare that I have is not a knock off of a flare. The fact that they don't pay for a google license to there play site dose not diminish the fact that it is running the open source android os. The fact that the code modification was developed in Chinese seems to be inconsequential. Seems to me you have lost the concept of opensource.
Chartlb said:
Your example describes a actual knock off, people buying the knock offs did not get them at Walmart or there local at&t store, the product I was seeking help on is a cheap tablet yes, but sold by a actual company. The flare that I have is not a knock off of a flare. The fact that they don't pay for a google license to there play site dose not diminish the fact that it is running the open source android os. The fact that the code modification was developed in Chinese seems to be inconsequential. Seems to me you have lost the concept of opensource.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I havent. I am a firm believer in the open source community. It is just when people dont follow the rules set by open source which china devices generally dont. Like the GPL. This is one of the biggest things against them. Now if this company is different then I will applaud them.
zelendel said:
No I havent. I am a firm believer in the open source community. It is just when people dont follow the rules set by open source which china devices generally dont. Like the GPL. This is one of the biggest things against them. Now if this company is different then I will applaud them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said this is a Canadian company, this is not a knock off product, it is sold at Walmart and other places, it uses a low cost a13 processor and as far as I know it follows the gpl, assuming that it doesn't seems to be harsh considering you don't know them or their product line. It would be simlarlily harsh of me to assume that I would over pay for cellular service from AT&T if I hadn't researched the issue.
Chartlb said:
Like I said this is a Canadian company, this is not a knock off product, it is sold at Walmart and other places, it uses a low cost a13 processor and as far as I know it follows the gpl, assuming that it doesn't seems to be harsh considering you don't know them or their product line. It would be simlarlily harsh of me to assume that I would over pay for cellular service from AT&T if I hadn't researched the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasnt assuming man. I went looking for it before I posted. I hope you find what your looking for but this device is very rare around here. You may have to resort to going to a china based site to find anything on it.
Good luck.
zelendel said:
Wasnt assuming man. I went looking for it before I posted. I hope you find what your looking for but this device is very rare around here. You may have to resort to going to a china based site to find anything on it.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would have been a great response to my original post, as it stands I was able to restore the device following these steps.
1. Boot to chinese menu by:
A. restarting with power button
B. As soon as android icon appears press and hold vol up (10sec)
2. From Chinese menu select option 2
3. From second menu select middle option on second row
Device should restart might have to press green icon bottom row.
Also noted, item 1 on second row turns off touch screen, use vol up/down to toggle along and power button to select if you turn it off. Item 3 may turn it back on but not sure, otherwise restore as above and it will come back on.
Regards
Chuck
Hipstreet Flare 2 Firmware and Reset
After searching for the past hour, I finally found a solution that works
Basically I had a Hipstreet Flare 2 (HS-9DTB7-8GB) and this morning it was stuck at the boot screen (showing just "@9" logo). It would display that boot screen logo for about 15-20 seconds and then keep rebooting on its own over and over.
I tried to get to a recovery menu multiple times but failed.
I finally found an official firmware file from the Hipstreet site with instructions on how to restore firmware and reset device.
Just visit "flare2 (dot) hipstreetonline (dot) ca"
(sorry if I'm not allowed to post direct links...this is my first post and I just wanted to help others that are stuck)
The instructions listed on that page and very easy to follow.
Hope this helps
neviln said:
After searching for the past hour, I finally found a solution that works
Basically I had a Hipstreet Flare 2 (HS-9DTB7-8GB) and this morning it was stuck at the boot screen (showing just "@9" logo). It would display that boot screen logo for about 15-20 seconds and then keep rebooting on its own over and over.
I tried to get to a recovery menu multiple times but failed.
I finally found an official firmware file from the Hipstreet site with instructions on how to restore firmware and reset device.
Just visit "flare2 (dot) hipstreetonline (dot) ca"
(sorry if I'm not allowed to post direct links...this is my first post and I just wanted to help others that are stuck)
The instructions listed on that page and very easy to follow.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU WORKED!!!!!!!! Been looking for weeks to fix hipstreet
Instructions and Link to Firmware
UPDATE:
I've added mirror links at MEGA:
Firmware File: https[COLON]//mega.co.nz/#!FEJQlbiJ!SFhWBG_vHEPoGYX8HnOZrt1Cy3opph8adkAacJFQmKI
Manual: https[COLON]//mega.co.nz/#!UBRGhDDL!2RuHFSQFH8elYoVizn0mev4YeTale7YdeqMD9qffcaU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seems like the Hipstreet site is down. I had a few people message me looking for the stock firmware and instructions so I'll post a link to the Firmware file and the Hipstreet Manual:
Firmware File: www[DOT]tusfiles[DOT]net/7a3fp69oho38
Manual: www[DOT]tusfiles[DOT]net/r2oyb24lynxj
1. Download the file from the link above.
2. Unzip the file into one folder.
3. Format a microSD card (erase everything on it). Then copy the 4 files that you unzipped and copy them into the root directory of the microSD card.
4. Power off your Flare 2 unit (ensure that there is at least 50% battery left).
5. Insert the microSD card you loaded with files in step 3 into your Flare 2.
6. Hold the VOL UP button and the POWER button, and wait for the scrolling Android screen.
7. Let go of both buttons and flashing will begin. Please wait for flashing to complete.
You have successfully flashed your Flare 2.
Can't boot recovery!!
Is there any option for me if my Hipstreet Flare 2 won't boot into recovery using Volume and Power buttons?
Hi and thanks a lot!! This was the only way I was able to fix my Hypestreet Flare2!
ty!
does anyone have the manual referenced in the last post as the link is not working?

AT&T h910 news/discussion

The other variants have all started a thread so I thought we needed one too just to bring the news into one spot. I know our bootloader is locked but there still seems to be some hope for something. So anything you know or wanna keep us AT&T users up to date with I would appreciate it. 7 days for root I have faith in the developers to maybe do something for us.
I sure hope the AT&T variant gets some love. With the Note getting pulled and AT&T's lack of comparable alternatives, I think the V20 will be the choice. This is my first LG and so far I like it, but it's also the first phone I've had with slim hope of being unlocked/rooted. I did notice you can get to actual recovery with ADB but no luck getting to bootloader, phone just restarts like normal.
reckless_t said:
I sure hope the AT&T variant gets some love. With the Note getting pulled and AT&T's lack of comparable alternatives, I think the V20 will be the choice. This is my first LG and so far I like it, but it's also the first phone I've had with slim hope of being unlocked/rooted. I did notice you can get to actual recovery with ADB but no luck getting to bootloader, phone just restarts like normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. The guys are working on it in the sprint/att bootloader thread. That's what I'm watching.
Since I am chained to ATT if it cant be rooted I wont buy it. If it cant be rooted then its Pixel XL or Oneplus3t maybe. No chance on my only other choice the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 as it will probably never get released in the US.
I got the V20 (H910) because it was the closest thing AT&T had to the Note That I was giving up.
Waiting patiently for any news on a possible root solution.
Ive had a Note on At&t since the I717 and except for the missing spen and a few or the easy swipe features I say the V20 is a really nice phone kinda slow the wake up but Im used to it. Like most I would like to have root but not sure i need it since i was boot-loader locked out with the Note5
jpinks said:
Since I am chained to ATT if it cant be rooted I wont buy it. If it cant be rooted then its Pixel XL or Oneplus3t maybe. No chance on my only other choice the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 as it will probably never get released in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I am using the T-Mobile h918 on at&t
Didn't have the money for that. Had to take what Att have me at the time unfortunately.
How is everyone's WIFI calling?
I've received repeated comments on the terrible quality (crackling / missing voice / etc..). Was using the feature on an S5 and it sounded great.
Thanks
GrimmSh0t said:
How is everyone's WIFI calling?
I've received repeated comments on the terrible quality (crackling / missing voice / etc..). Was using the feature on an S5 and it sounded great.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly never know if it's on half the time - they sound the same quality to me, in other words ****ty for both with and without wifi calling.
Anyone else had distortion from the speaker?
There are lots of people with this issue, myself included. I'm going to the AT&T store here shortly to get mine replaced since it will now not play any sort of recognizable audio at any volume as well as doing the random audio pops and crackles when no other audio is being played.
I came across this:
Link removed
which points back to this that is no longer pinned down to the H918 anymore:
Link removed
has anyone tried these on the H910 yet? It does have the OEM unlock setting in the developer settings.
Ryuk359 said:
Anyone else had distortion from the speaker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine swapped out last night. The new one sounds 100% better.
Is there anything close to a nandroid backup without root? I need to swap it but I have important stuff that takes a while to get set back up. I've been putting off the swap because of it.
Can't boot into bootloader
monke30butt said:
I came across this:
http://www.androidinfotech.com/2016/11/root-lg-v20-att-h910-nougat-install-twrp.html
which points back to this that is no longer pinned down to the H918 anymore:
http://www.androidinfotech.com/2016/11/unlocking-bootloader-lg-v20.html
has anyone tried these on the H910 yet? It does have the OEM unlock setting in the developer settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't get into the boot loader mode. I have powered off then pressed the volume down and power button simultaneously (as mentioned in the post) and it reboots. I then tried simultaneous the power and both volume up and down buttons and I got a screen reporting IMEI number. Then I connected the phone to the computer and tried "adb reboot bootloader" command. That led to a reboot of phone (as if I had entered "adb reboot"). So, I can't get my H-910 into bootloader mode. The command "adb devices" gives "LGH910*******4 unauthorized" (serial number & unauthoized) so I know that other adb commands work. Hmmmmm!
You have to hold down the "Home Key" too aka the fingerprint scanner.
wayne8821212 said:
I can't get into the boot loader mode. I have powered off then pressed the volume down and power button simultaneously (as mentioned in the post) and it reboots. I then tried simultaneous the power and both volume up and down buttons and I got a screen reporting IMEI number. Then I connected the phone to the computer and tried "adb reboot bootloader" command. That led to a reboot of phone (as if I had entered "adb reboot"). So, I can't get my H-910 into bootloader mode. The command "adb devices" gives "LGH910*******4 unauthorized" (serial number & unauthoized) so I know that other adb commands work. Hmmmmm!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes a spammer, might even be his site lol. that site made a page like that for every variant but just changed name of device and that guy posted in every single v20 thread to get ppl to go to it
Bootloader
elliwigy said:
hes a spammer, might even be his site lol. that site made a page like that for every variant but just changed name of device and that guy posted in every single v20 thread to get ppl to go to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks....... he pulled me in and I even replied on that site which, of course, required that I verify email address. Now I seem to be signed up to a multi-topic site know as Disqus (as in discuss I guess).
elliwigy said:
hes a spammer, might even be his site lol. that site made a page like that for every variant but just changed name of device and that guy posted in every single v20 thread to get ppl to go to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who's a spammer?
I just asked if it was legit or not. And if this has been tried on our version yet.

Bricked S7 SM-G930T

Hey folks,
Got a bit of a problem. Seem to have bricked my S7. Which is a bit of a problem.
I was following this guide;
https://theunlockr.com/2016/09/03/root-samsung-galaxy-s7-s7-edge/
Which borked once I flashed it via Odin.
So I went about google how to take this back. Tried to follow this;
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/unbricked-t-mobile-galaxy-s7-t3600380
Failed half way through reflash and now comes up with;
"An error has occured while updating the device softwareuse the emergecy recovery function in the smart switch PC Software"
So i found this guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yXQUFrEWg4
So I download the Smart switch software and get to device initialisation and then it asks for my Serial Number. Which, I can't get because it's in the software of the phone. There's no external Serial number. I think if I could get an SN for a SM-G930T phone I might still have a shot at saving this.
Can anyone help me with this? I'd rally, really appreciate it.
https://samsung-firmware.org/model/SM-G930t/
Just found this which could be useful if I could get into the download bit, which I can't seem to be able to anymore.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s7/how-to/firmware-sm-g930t-odin-restore-t3367007
This too looks useful, again, only if I can get back to the download screen.
Could anyone send me an SN for an SM-G930T so I could get the emergency software recovery to work? That would be great.
Xposting here https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/6x1zcf/bricked_s7_smg930t/
Serial number should be printed on the back of the phone near the bottom / on the box
Not sure someone else's serial would work
*Detection* said:
Serial number should be printed on the back of the phone near the bottom / on the box
Not sure someone else's serial would work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not on the back of this phone. I also got this second hand from Ebay and so didn't have a box. So, I just found one on the internet and that has worked.
I've managed to get it back working... but I don't want to talk too soon. it's taking me through the usual startup stuff but I'm not out of the woods yet... This has been a hair raising adventure so far and I'm absolutely no further forward than I started. :laugh:
Not ideal finding a random SN tht matches your model number but we will see if that has any lasting repurcussions. In the meantime, it appears to have got me out of a hole.
*Detection* said:
Serial number should be printed on the back of the phone near the bottom / on the box
Not sure someone else's serial would work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't suppose you can link me to a rooting process for the SM-G930T could you?
_Leviathan said:
Don't suppose you can link me to a rooting process for the SM-G930T could you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link to switch from G930T to G930U and here is the link to the Root (The rooting process is the same across all carriers but the install of the G930U isn't)

OnePlus 8 IN2017, T-mobile locked, stuck on Android 10, April 1, 2020 security update

This is my first post here and I’m not a phone expert, so apologies if I leave anything out or if this is a noob question.
I purchased a OP 8 from ebay that had a series of numbers floating on the bottom of the screen, which the seller thought could not be fixed. Before buying, I came across a post here from someone who bought a similar phone and fixed the issue, so I thought I’d give it a shot since I just started getting into phones and figured it would make a good trade in device.
Turned out the numbers were something called a PCB number, so I followed the steps in that post and fixed it using the MSM tool.
Thought I was home free, but now I can’t get the phone to update the OS at all. It’s stuck on Android 10, security patch level April 1,2020.
In the settings, it says:
Google Play System update: 2019-10
Build Number: 10.5.7.IN55CB
When I try to check for updates, it just says that the phone is up to date.
I haven’t done anything with the phone other than fixing the annoying watermark so it’s not logged in to a Google account or anything else.
My hope was to trade the phone in after fixing it, but I have a relative who is in need of a new phone and I’d like to make sure this one is fully functional before giving it to them.
Is there anything I can do to update the OS? I tried searching around but all I’m finding is generic info to hit the “check for updates” button lol
Appreciate any help and please let me know if I left out any important details.

How to upgrade Note 20 Ultra from...Android 5.1. Seriously.

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........
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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...
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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).
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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.

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