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Hey all, firstly, sorry this is a rushed post but I'm hoping I can get some advice and pointed in the right direction. I'll start by saying I'm fairly experienced in tech and with Android.
So, a family member was having problem with her new android phone (Samsung J ... 6, 5 or something, I can find out) so I said I'd just do a factory reset - there was nothing on there she was worried about losing).
Long story short, this new security feature (if stolen) where you can't just factory reset has completely screwed me over. They are not tech orientated and can not remember the original google login they made, and barely half of the security questions to remember the original google account. I just want to cry. What was a basic factory reset has turned out to looking like I've 'bricked' their phone. I obviously haven't but it doesn't look good. I've read there's an APK to skip this google sign in step, and I feel competent to do it, but I feel like things can only get worse by this point. There is still hope to reset the google account, but what is your experience using this skip sign in APK. It sounds too easy, for would be thieves, and I don't trust it much. I'm thinking this has gone far enough, I should just tell her to take it back to the provider (EE UK) She's only had it a month. Any idea if they can do this in store or it'll be sent off. Any other words of advice with this skip sign in APK; pulling hair out, thanks
EDIT: Am I right in thinking I can't contact google any further to get the original account back?
whatsoup said:
Hey all, firstly, sorry this is a rushed post but I'm hoping I can get some advice and pointed in the right direction. I'll start by saying I'm fairly experienced in tech and with Android.
So, a family member was having problem with her new android phone (Samsung J ... 6, 5 or something, I can find out) so I said I'd just do a factory reset - there was nothing on there she was worried about losing).
Long story short, this new security feature (if stolen) where you can't just factory reset has completely screwed me over. They are not tech orientated and can not remember the original google login they made, and barely half of the security questions to remember the original google account. I just want to cry. What was a basic factory reset has turned out to looking like I've 'bricked' their phone. I obviously haven't but it doesn't look good. I've read there's an APK to skip this google sign in step, and I feel competent to do it, but I feel like things can only get worse by this point. There is still hope to reset the google account, but what is your experience using this skip sign in APK. It sounds too easy, for would be thieves, and I don't trust it much. I'm thinking this has gone far enough, I should just tell her to take it back to the provider (EE UK) She's only had it a month. Any idea if they can do this in store or it'll be sent off. Any other words of advice with this skip sign in APK; pulling hair out, thanks
EDIT: Am I right in thinking I can't contact google any further to get the original account back?
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Greetings!
Thank you for using XDA Assist.
Having the correct phone model would be helpful here because there are different methods available for fixing this issue. Google will be of no help whatsoever. You can try to bring the device to an authorized Samsung repair center, if available. Also I do recommend bringing it back to the original place of purchase.
Good luck!
Thanks for your reply and sorry for mine being so slow. I guess I'm on my own with this one, but if you can point me to the most favoured guide for a Samsung J36 (I think that is J3 (6) I would appreciate it.
The APK method seems seems easy enough but I'm really worried it has been patched out, seeing as it's a relatively new phone. The last thing I want to do is make it worse. Could you advise how safe the APK method is? usual disclaimers aside
I went into EE today and they weren't much help; they said there's not much they can do, which I don't believe, if we can prove the phone is from them, only a month ago. Thanks for your help. Stress :S
whatsoup said:
Thanks for your reply and sorry for mine being so slow. I guess I'm on my own with this one, but if you can point me to the most favoured guide for a Samsung J36 (I think that is J3 (6) I would appreciate it.
The APK method seems seems easy enough but I'm really worried it has been patched out, seeing as it's a relatively new phone. The last thing I want to do is make it worse. Could you advise how safe the APK method is? usual disclaimers aside
I went into EE today and they weren't much help; they said there's not much they can do, which I don't believe, if we can prove the phone is from them, only a month ago. Thanks for your help. Stress :S
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Click to collapse
I haven't seen one for the J3 specifically, as there isn't a specific forum for that model on XDA. May I recommend doing a search to see what turns up. I know that official Samsung repair centers can fix this problem.
Will do, thanks. I wanted to avoid paying for a fix but if it keeps things safe, so be it. I'd have to travel so hopefully they'd do it on the spot. ty
Hi guys,
I'm a new user, I have a problem to which, when talking to a friend, he recommended me to register here and ask about my issue, as there seems to be plenty Android Experts that may be able to provide me a straight answer or give me hope.
My dad just passed away, I still can't believe it happened, given the fact that he wasn't too old... but going back on topic, his phone is a Redmi Note 4 that I ordered him around two years ago, he lived abroad and was a regular user, he never messed up with settings or anything, just stock MIUI with the updates that were sent as far as he mentioned me last time we could speak about his phone. What I would like to know is if it would be possible to recover his phone data, what me and my sisters care for the most are his pictures, we want to recover them and save them in a place where we have access to.
However, while searching on many websites, there are many Android Data Recovery software but they always request me to enable the USB debugging, but it is impossible for me, as the phone has a Pattern/Fingerprint lock.
Also, found several software that claim to remove your screen lock without deleting the device contents but when I'm going to the unlock step, there is a prompt that I have to confirm to delete all the information. And I've downloaded more than five software for each, the last one I downloaded is called Dr. Fone from Wondershare; I sent an email to them asking if I have to purchase the product to get that feature but I have not received any reply yet.
Basically, the phone is locked without USB Debugging, and I cannot access the files in the phone which is all we want.
Does anyone knows of a way to unlock it?
I'd even pay if it is necessary, I just haven't purchased the software mentioned above because I can't find if they are real or are just scam, there isn't like much information about them. Or has anyone purchased or successfully used any of those softwares?
The model is a Redmi Note 4 I believe it was the Global Version, with MIUI 8.1, but I'm not sure.
I'm getting a bit frustrated, maybe my dad doesn't want us to unlock his phone and that is why I cannot find a way, but I would like to know if it is possible.
I really appreciate your time, I'm sorry for the long text, if there is anything that maybe I'm missing, please let me know.
Thanks in advance
Javier
Thjavo said:
Hi guys,
I'm a new user, I have a problem to which, when talking to a friend, he recommended me to register here and ask about my issue, as there seems to be plenty Android Experts that may be able to provide me a straight answer or give me hope.
My dad just passed away, I still can't believe it happened, given the fact that he wasn't too old... but going back on topic, his phone is a Redmi Note 4 that I ordered him around two years ago, he lived abroad and was a regular user, he never messed up with settings or anything, just stock MIUI with the updates that were sent as far as he mentioned me last time we could speak about his phone. What I would like to know is if it would be possible to recover his phone data, what me and my sisters care for the most are his pictures, we want to recover them and save them in a place where we have access to.
However, while searching on many websites, there are many Android Data Recovery software but they always request me to enable the USB debugging, but it is impossible for me, as the phone has a Pattern/Fingerprint lock.
Also, found several software that claim to remove your screen lock without deleting the device contents but when I'm going to the unlock step, there is a prompt that I have to confirm to delete all the information. And I've downloaded more than five software for each, the last one I downloaded is called Dr. Fone from Wondershare; I sent an email to them asking if I have to purchase the product to get that feature but I have not received any reply yet.
Basically, the phone is locked without USB Debugging, and I cannot access the files in the phone which is all we want.
Does anyone knows of a way to unlock it?
I'd even pay if it is necessary, I just haven't purchased the software mentioned above because I can't find if they are real or are just scam, there isn't like much information about them. Or has anyone purchased or successfully used any of those softwares?
The model is a Redmi Note 4 I believe it was the Global Version, with MIUI 8.1, but I'm not sure.
I'm getting a bit frustrated, maybe my dad doesn't want us to unlock his phone and that is why I cannot find a way, but I would like to know if it is possible.
I really appreciate your time, I'm sorry for the long text, if there is anything that maybe I'm missing, please let me know.
Thanks in advance
Javier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your situation, I lost my father a few years ago. It is possible to recover the data from your dad's phone, but, unfortunately, it is against the forum rules here to help with cracking a phone to retrieve data that does not belong to you. The reason why it is against the rules, even in your unfortunate situation, is because anything we tell you could be seen and used by other people to break into devices that do not belong to them.
Another factor is, we don't know if what you tell us is actually true or not. That does not mean that you are deceiving us, it just means we have no way of knowing and we can't just take your word for it.
These reasons make it unacceptable for anyone in this forum to help you. It's all about security and maintaining security, regardless of the situation, and it is somewhat a legal issue. Helping crack the device could be a liability against XDA or the members helping you. A member or user can choose to compromise their own security but we can't help with devices that are not theirs.
It is best if you didn't ask this question here and it is pointless for you to try making another thread about this issue with different wording because all of your threads and posts can be viewed from your user profile page. It is also pointless to try making another username to post this issue again with different wording because the moderators and Admin can see that it is still you with a different name.
I know it sucks, but anyone that helps you will be violating the forum rules. I'm not saying that you can't get this done, I'm just saying no one HERE can legitimately help you. I would try linking you to other places that can help you, but even that might be pushing the rules a bit.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
each device has a google account (and maybe a xiaomi account). you can check from PC if there is the google password saved in browser. if not, each google account has a fallback email address where you may be able to request a (google) password reset. from google you can lock the phone with temporary password, then unlock the screen with temporary password. if you recently changed the google password before, you need to wait at least 72 hours with internet connection. besides this you can check photos.google.com or drive.google.com for any backups.
without knowing the google account, you still can try to bruteforce the pattern with Teensy or Hak5 USB Rubber Ducky microcontroller connected via USB OTG adapter. if the phone does not support USB OTG there are more expensive solutions like XPIN Clip (this is just a common hint, the important part is the code for microcontroller which i don't share here). also there might be a chance to flash TWRP custom recovery in EDL Mode without unlocking the bootloader or factory reset via exploit, and TWRP might be able to decrypt userdata partition with default_password
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My sister ran away yesterday evening and she has no phone on her to track, but she left what appears to be a Samsung j3 behind that she used before she left. This could be what saves her life, I very much need XDAs help here. I have rooted and messed with phones and Odin around 5 years ago so I am very rusty with this stuff. Could someone please guide me on recovering her phones data and/or bypassing the lockscreen?
I S 3 5 0 said:
My sister ran away yesterday evening and she has no phone on her to track, but she left what appears to be a Samsung j3 behind that she used before she left. This could be what saves her life, I very much need XDAs help here. I have rooted and messed with phones and Odin around 5 years ago so I am very rusty with this stuff. Could someone please guide me on recovering her phones data and/or bypassing the lockscreen?
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Click to collapse
Specific model? A while ago on some models you could flash twrp and work to avoid it.
As for bypassing the lock screen, I would suggest not trying to unlock it, some people use the settings so that after enough wrong attempts to unlock the phone, it factory resets.
If the data inside the phone is a priority, take it to a specialist or the relevant authorities ASAP.
I do not suggest trying twrp as in this case, damaging the phone could bring serious
consequences
ThatLatinGuy said:
Specific model? A while ago on some models you could flash twrp and work to avoid it.
As for bypassing the lock screen, I would suggest not trying to unlock it, some people use the settings so that after enough wrong attempts to unlock the phone, it factory resets.
If the data inside the phone is a priority, take it to a specialist or the relevant authorities ASAP.
I do not suggest trying twrp as in this case, damaging the phone could bring serious
consequences
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Click to collapse
I would agree to hand it to the authorities, but the cops already existing 24 hour missing person rule has already killed so many children. I sincerely doubt the phone would find the right hands to access the data within a week, the professionals are right here on the internet across the world.
How do I find out the specific model? Would that be in a safe boot screen? For extra info, it has a removable rear cover and battery.
But what you are saying is there is no way to bypass the lock screen even with twrp?
Based on info I gathered from her search history on her school laptop, she could be on a greyhound. I've already told the authorities but they are quite slow at their job. Time is of the essence with this. Thank you for replying
I S 3 5 0 said:
I would agree to hand it to the authorities, but the cops already existing 24 hour missing person rule has already killed so many children. I sincerely doubt the phone would find the right hands to access the data within a week, the professionals are right here on the internet across the world.
How do I find out the specific model? Would that be in a safe boot screen? For extra info, it has a removable rear cover and battery.
But what you are saying is there is no way to bypass the lock screen even with twrp?
Based on info I gathered from her search history on her school laptop, she could be on a greyhound. I've already told the authorities but they are quite slow at their job. Time is of the essence with this. Thank you for replying
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Click to collapse
Turn the phone off , take the battery out , it should have something written on it like
smj30km
In some older models and versions you could use twrp to explore the contents of the phone , and even edit the system files to remove the lock , you cannot remove the google account this way mind you .
However given the stakes I again suggest against it as if something goes wrong , the phone will be wiped.
If you wish to do so anyway I will leave the links to the posts , but I will not be able to help if something goes wrong.
ThatLatinGuy said:
Turn the phone off , take the battery out , it should have something written on it like
smj30km
In some older models and versions you could use twrp to explore the contents of the phone , and even edit the system files to remove the lock , you cannot remove the google account this way mind you .
However given the stakes I again suggest against it as if something goes wrong , the phone will be wiped.
If you wish to do so anyway I will leave the links to the posts , but I will not be able to help if something goes wrong.
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Click to collapse
I forgot all the issues surrounding the google account. That pretty much leaves me with no options, I will have to just give it up to the authorities. Thank you for the good advice. Would it be appropriate to simply take this post down
I truly hope you cand find her , sorry if I came across as rude or not willing to help , but the fact that as you said , the phone is the only thing that may help you makes it difficult to recommend a twrp flash or even rooting the phone as this may damage it .
Wish you the best
ThatLatinGuy said:
Turn the phone off , take the battery out , it should have something written on it like
smj30km
In some older models and versions you could use twrp to explore the contents of the phone , and even edit the system files to remove the lock , you cannot remove the google account this way mind you .
However given the stakes I again suggest against it as if something goes wrong , the phone will be wiped.
If you wish to do so anyway I will leave the links to the posts , but I will not be able to help if something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot all the issues surrounding the google account. That pretty much leaves me with no options, I will have to just give it up to the authorities. Thank you for the good advice. Would it be appropriate to simply take this post down
Is this even possible?
I have strong suspicions to believe my andriod phone is hacked and there are people who are able to see what I do on my phone screen in the same house while using cellular data not even wifi(So obviously not casting).I know it's another tech noob post.I'd just ask you to brainstorm if this is possible as i'm not knowledgable enough?.The only other explanation would be a hidden camera.
I forgot to add i had my bootloader unlocked for a brief period while reflashing stock rom.
Sound more like you installed a custom rootkit
You rooted your phone and now you're worried about hidden cams?!
Reflash the stock image, change your Google password and be happy.
My phone isn't rooted I tried but I couldn't so I reflashed the stock firmware.The issues were there before reflashing the firmware.
Is what I said in the first paragraph possible?
I have known people who thought their TV was talking to them directly. So yes, you could be someone special.
Personally for me this line of thinking gets very tedious, very fast.
Factory reset then change Google password.
I have done it like ten times man.I'm not a mental case.I'm sure my phone is being spied on by someone in the same house.
The Litmus test I used is whenever I check explicit content someone has a weird or disgusted reaction and says look at what he's watching.
If you really believe what you're saying is true... stop using the phone and read a book.
Or just read threads here.
If someone is watching you they will soon get bored and find something else to amuse themselves with.
Asdert76 said:
I have done it like ten times man.I'm not a mental case.I'm sure my phone is being spied on by someone in the same house.
The Litmus test I used is whenever I check explicit content someone has a weird or disgusted reaction and says look at what he's watching.
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Click to collapse
Stop watching porn sites, disable front and back camera.
IMHO best thing you could do is to sell the phone at eBay.
People don't need to see what you are watching.
People have noses and ears.
jwoegerbauer said:
Stop watching porn sites, disable front and back camera.
IMHO best thing you could do is to sell the phone at eBay.
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Click to collapse
Yes he could sell it on eBay but the user who bought it will probably give it a bad review due to it being hacked
Nobody wants to buy a phone that's hacked not even me would do it
Austinredstoner said:
Yes he could sell it on eBay but the user who bought it will probably give it a bad review due to it being hacked
Nobody wants to buy a phone that's hacked not even me would do it
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Click to collapse
Used smart appliances too...
It's always the fridge... you know the tall silent type.
Hi there community <3
I invested a considerable amount of effort in searching posts/threads related to this but did not find anything even near to it so here I am.
I got my android phone stolen some weeks ago. Find My Phone is not helpful at all. I know that police can help tracking using IMEI but, my question is, is there any unique number, other than IMEI, which can be used to track phone? And if yes, who can track using that, phone makers or someone else?
I got a clue of this idea by this and this Quora posts. Kindly have a look at these posts if you don't understand what I am talking about.
I am very thankful to any helpful reply. The phone was very dear to me, or particularly, the data that it contained. So I am even willing to donate appropriately to anyone who can help me in the matter.
MiaBhai said:
Hi there community <3
I invested a considerable amount of effort in searching posts/threads related to this but did not find anything even near to it so here I am.
I got my android phone stolen some weeks ago. Find My Phone is not helpful at all. I know that police can help tracking using IMEI but, my question is, is there any unique number, other than IMEI, which can be used to track phone? And if yes, who can track using that, phone makers or someone else?
I got a clue of this idea by this and this Quora posts. Kindly have a look at these posts if you don't understand what I am talking about.
I am very thankful to any helpful reply. The phone was very dear to me, or particularly, the data that it contained. So I am even willing to donate appropriately to anyone who can help me in the matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your options are, Find My Device or contact law enforcement agencies.
Droidriven said:
Your options are, Find My Device or contact law enforcement agencies.
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Click to collapse
Yup, already did both of them. Weeks happened and still no good news that's why was looking for some other method.
MiaBhai said:
Yup, already did both of them. Weeks happened and still no good news that's why was looking for some other method.
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Click to collapse
It is possible that the IMEI and any other registered numbers that can identify the device remotely have been changed, making tracking/finding impossible.
by this time the imei has been already changed or used as parts for others, nothing to do.
Droidriven said:
It is possible that the IMEI and another registered numbers that can identify the device remotely have been changed, making tracking/finding impossible.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for enlightening and yes, that's a probability too but it's really hard to accept!
tutibreaker said:
by this time the imei has been already changed or used as parts for others, nothing to do.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for informing but let's hope for some miracle . Well, am I doing what's called clogging up the thread by saying Thanks? I wonder. Correct me if there's some XDA etiquette to follow.
Thanks for informing us Here. I am so glad that you are talking about this topic. Last year also lost my phone in which I captured lots of moments with my grandparents and that phone was Very important to me. I was depressed when I lost but because of my uncle who was on the cybercrime team, I got it back within 10 days. thanks to him and He also suggested FOUND ME tags, airtags, Gps trackers, and many more to protect my phone from being lost. I only use some of them and its also works & now I am happy with the memory of what I captured with my grandparents. I miss them so much.
Danielthomas0308 said:
Thanks for informing us Here. I am so glad that you are talking about this topic. Last year also lost my phone in which I captured lots of moments with my grandparents and that phone was Very important to me. I was depressed when I lost but because of my uncle who was on the cybercrime team, I got it back within 10 days. thanks to him and He also suggested FOUND ME tags, airtags, Gps trackers, and many more to protect my phone from being lost. I only use some of them and its also works & now I am happy with the memory of what I captured with my grandparents. I miss them so much.
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Click to collapse
I feel immensely happy for you since I am in the very same boat. Thanks for sharing your experience. If you have any inside information about how your uncle tracked down your phone, can you please elaborate on that? Was the phone IMEI changed by the thief? Did your uncle use some kind of location tracking (like triangulation or GPS) or found his information from SIM he had inserted in the phone? What was the condition of the phone when you found it? It would help me or anyone judge their scenario and accordingly decide what to do.