Hi.
This is my first time back in the forum for many years, but I know if anyone can help me, the folks here can
Background
I work for a small care and support provider and we recently bought 20 ruggedised handsets to run our mobile care app from. The devices are locked down using remote management software from Miradore, with apps being installed remotely via a managed google play account.
The issue
Since introducing the handsets late last year, we have had several that have apparently been 'hard reset'. The software 'factory reset' isn't available, thanks to configuration files installed via Miradore, but the hard reset option using combinations of power+vol keys obviously bypasses this.
My investigations so far
The handsets that have been affected were used by different people in different locations. They are all configured the same and are all off-the-shelf Android 10 smartphones that haven't been rooted, had bootloaders unlocked or modded in any other way. The manufacturers are Wheatek (BV6300) and OUKITEL (WP5).
What I'd like
My first thought is to somehow disable the hard-reset option, but only if another option (ADB or similar?) can perform a hard reset if needed, otherwise I could end up with a lot of expensive bricks. It would also be nice to capture some kind of evidence at the time of the hard reset to get a clearer picture if this is a fault or malicious actions by users.
Your advice and suggestions will be very much appreciated. Thanks.
Related
I need some troubleshooting advice and I hope someone here can help me. I have the Canadian version of the BlackJack2 (i616) which with it's current configuration (WM 6.1) has a bug. The bug is that the audio is effectively broken during incoming and outgoing calls. There are multiple dialogs about this on multiple forums including this one --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=439620.
Here is what we know:
- Some software can be installed and the phone is fine after reboot. This includes titles such as but not limited to: MS GPSID, Garmin Mobile XT, SPB Wallet, TCPMP, Skyfire etc.
- Some software when installed effectively breaks the audio. This includes titles such as but not limited to: SDA Unlocker, SPB Backup, SPB Wireless Monitor etc.
- After a "trouble" software is installed, the phone works UNTIL you reboot the phone. In other words you could effectively run the software and use the phone normally if you DON'T Reboot the phone. This is clearly not a sustainable solution..
- When the audio is broken, SOMETIMES a simple reboot will fix the issue. Sometimes you need to reboot the phone several times, reboot and remove pieces of the phone, reboot and hop on one leg, reboot and bang your head on your desk... What ALWAYS fixes the problem is a hard reset. So clearly something is amiss here since there is no real consistent solution without wiping the unit.
- Uninstalling the "trouble" software DOES NOT fix the problem. The damage is done as soon as the software installs the first time. So unfortunately you can't just uninstall the software and go about your day.
- Issue is preset only on the i616 with WM 6.1. That is the Canadian Samsung "Jack" and equal to the BlackJack 2 found at AT&T.
- Samsung will do nothing to help since the issue happens after installing a non-Samsung software... Of course..
- Rogers/Fido are giving us the run around as well.. "Go talk to Samsung, go play in the street.."
Here is what I've done so far:
- I'm able to duplicate the problem anytime since I know which softwares break the phone.
- I've given up trying to fix the problem by messing around removing battery, SIM, Micro SD, jumping around etc. because rebooting the phone after each scenario takes too much time and my head is sore from the banging.. I simply hard reset the unit each time.
- I've installed CERegEditor in an effort to perhaps compare the registry after a "trouble" software is installed/uninstalled. This has proven to be very time consuming and I feel that without some advice on what to look for this is a case of diminishing return.
Can anyone provide some next steps for troubleshooting this? Are there any ideas as to what to look for or try out? I'm open to anything.
Thanks!
Dave
I feel this idea could be useful for a lot of us, not on our phones since we are likely rooted but on our family members and non tech friends stock phones. Which we usually end up fixing.
My idea if it is possible would be be for a "Plan B" type app for use after a broken screen, were the completely stock phone without ADB enabled needs data extracted.
My hope is that someone could make a app that is remotely installed from play.google.com that automatically turns on ADB debugging (if possible without root)
After that most data can be extracted with "adb backup" or adb pulls.
I can't count how many times this would of helped me in the past if it existed. Any dev up for the job? I am sure it would be appreciated by people.
Guess no one was interested in this idea.
shadowofdarkness said:
Guess no one was interested in this idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think many of us are interested but one (so far) can help.
would be a good idea.... who ever was in need for something like that will be likely to pay for that... :laugh:
I could see this being a massive security risk. Sure the app could be handy, but it would also make stealing info from a phone very very easy.
So on that note, I don't think it will ever make it through, though I am sure there are ways.
Just install something like SMSBackup+: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
Set it to automatically back up to their gmail, every so often, and then when it comes time to have to do repairs, you can get all of their calling/sms stuff back, since Google automatically deals with the contact infos.
it wouldn't be a security risk since the only way to install it would be from play.google.com which no one can do without your password. also pour planning with other software is not the point of this since I have been asked to recover data from devices by people that I honestly had no clue they owned the device before they broke it.usually family I don't see on s normal occurrence.
I've always been taught to keep a back up of anything you consider important.
Either way...
There are ADB backup solutions out there, there are recovery apps in the Playstore that will scan for missing or deleted files.
If you have access to the Playstore you have access to all the already available recovery apps. Why the need for an app that will basically root and unlock the device from behind their 'lock screen'?
If you have no direct GUI access, you want an app that you run on your computer that forces the phone connected via USB, to unlock and let you access whatever you want before you restore the phone. This is a massive security problem, because anyone could download that app, and use it to break into phones.
Sound like the 'prior planning' apps, are the best way to go.
I think you are missing my point. I know that prior planning is the best but it it not always possible when dealing with people so tech illiterate that even thought they own the device they barely understand it is not a iPhone because that is what a smartphone is to them.
My intended use is for physicaly broken phones (mainly screen) where I can't control any apps with the screen or turn on ADB from settings.
You thought on the security risk is wrong since out of the ways I can think of to install it via play store on the phone is would not be used since that would mean the attacker could just go into settings and do it the normal way. sideloading is impossible since it would be redundent due to that already needing ADB on.
The intended way via the web is safe enough since the attacker would need your email, password.
Do you hate the "Plan B" app that gps tracks your lost or stolen phone that is already in the play store and gave me this idea. It shows in the store as having between half a million and a million installs. Do you think those people should of went without such a app and lost their phone since they should of just pre planned since it is better.
Hi, this is my first post here, after many years as a lurker. I have recently encountered an issue for which there doesn't seem to be a solution.
I have lost data (mainly photos and videos) after I accidentally deleted them, when I set up my cloud account, a long story that I won't bore you with..
In every single instance of similar issues over the years with all my android phones, [starting with the mighty HTC G1, and through many HTCs and now finally to the Huawei p20 pro],I have come up against a data loss that is genuinely non-recoverable.
All other android phones will allow 3rd party sofware access (sometimes with a small quick root install) to the phone.
The huawei is the first phone I have encountered that deliberately inhibits this. In order to get root access, I have to factory reset the phone.
This is a major issue, and one that I think would have put me off purchasing this phone had I known about it.
There simply is no way to retrieve lost data on a phone if you had not rooted it prior to the data loss.
How frustrating it is, to know that due to me being a silly billy and setting my cloud to delete local pics after upload, (then deleting the cloud thinking I had local copies), has cost me dearly.
The pics are still there to be recovered, but i can not ever get access.. to my own data, on my own phone, due to the firmware.
I think its time to finally go Samsung.
Please someone tell me I've missed something obvious, and that there is a way to retrieve these pics?
Tal.
I want to get my bootloader code first
Hi all,
Some expert advice please. My technophobe wife’s S7 Edge has suddenly decided to ignore her PIN, which has never been changed.
Phone isn’t registered with Samsung.
Google Device Manager no longer provides the remote unlock feature (swines!)
Against my better judgement, I tried Wondershare’s Drfone tool, but it doesn’t support the S7 so the only option it provides is “wipe device to remove PIN”. (Very bloody useful).
I’ve installed ADB Tools on my PC, but can’t do anything serious without USB debug enabled on the phone. It isn’t.
I’d hoped to be able to enable that through recovery mode. No go.
Obviously the phone is on stock firmware so there are no fancy tools installed.
Is there ANYTHING else I can try to bypass the amnesiac Lock Screen, or at least get onto the damn thing remotely to recover 4+ years of notes, contacts, etc?
TIA.
Password/hardware failures happen; been locked out of bios when it failed. Had no password been set there been no problem.
Rule #1 avoid password lockouts as you are the most likely one to get locked out!
Rule #2 or maybe #1, always have at least 2 hdd backups that are location/electronically isolated.
An earth grounded conductive box (Farraday cage) is preferable to protect from near close lightning strikes*, strong magnetic fields and EMPs
If no backup exist you may have just learned two things I and many others have learned the hard way. Yes, well...
Try a hard reboot (not reset!)
Try clearing the system cache, doubt either will get it but worth a shot.
If ADB is enabled on the device more options maybe available.
A data recovery expert may be able to recover the data.
Hopefully you can recover it but better protect your ass...ets in the future.
Start today with all your devices.
*they happen randomly and can completely wipe and/or destroy a unshielded drive, even many yards away.
So our constant oppressor is able to follow us from phone to phone no matter what make or carrier and within minutes I'm sure has rooted phone and is complete control. Now have take up sending inappropriate text under a close associate's phone #. Even went so far as to reach out and touch someone at 2:30 in the morning last Friday. "I don't need another breather..." I NEED for this person to disppear from OUR LIFE.
"I DO NOT obtain the skills to do this!" I NEED SUGGESTIONS or insight on how to accomplish this.
Android phones are extremely secure in terms of who can control it. As long as you don't overrule Android's default security mechanisms no externals can take control over your Android phone.
jwoegerbauer said:
Android phones are extremely secure in terms of who can control it. As long as you don't overrule Android's default security mechanisms no externals can take control over your Android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well default security has been defeated and I'm pretty sure has been rooted. I've gone thru 60 phones and various carriers since Dec on the last 10 phones when I tried hard reset they either crashed completely or the recovery was completely missing.
To test whether a phone's Android got rooted or not people typically run an app like the free-of-charge "Root Validator" app.
Must make
Longhorn22 said:
Well default security has been defeated and I'm pretty sure has been rooted. I've gone thru 60 phones and various carriers since Dec on the last 10 phones when I tried hard reset they either crashed completely or the recovery was completely missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you factory resetting from the OS?
Most manufacturers have factory reset utilities. HTC RUU, OnePlus MSM, etc.