Question Is it possible to reinstall a factory image? - ASUS ROG Phone 5 / 5s

Hello XDA!
First of all, long time lurker, but infrequent poster here. My phone is an Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro running stock and non-beta software and is not rooted. I am reaching out to see if anyone on here who has more technical savvy than me (which is probably most of y'all) can help me figure out how to reinstall a fresh factory image on my Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro or can offer any other possible solutions for my issue.
The reason I am wanting to do this is because I recently installed a software update from Asus that seems to have a persistent issue that is a pretty major problem to me. The issue is that whenever I reboot the phone and plug in headphones and audio plays, but it stutters and BLASTS out of the headphones (multiple sources tried, even happens with system notification sounds). This only happens with wired headphones and never with Bluetooth. I had this happen to me once for less than a half a second and my ears were persistently ringing for about 3+ hours after this and I am certain that it damaged my hearing to a small degree. Because of this I no longer trust to use any headphones with the phone and this is a huge bummer because I use wired headphones A LOT.
I have tried to factory reset the phone several times already and the issue persists through without any restoring of anything during setup (in fact it won't recognize the backup that it created the day before the factory reset), but the issue is still present. I contacted Asus customer support (for which lets just say I have strong feelings on) and explained the issue and they want me to RMA the phone for a hardware issue.
I really do not wish to do this as this means I will have to either switch phones a few times which is always incredibly time consuming or be without a phone for an estimated period of up to 10 days if I do the RMA. I also disagree that this is a hardware issue because of two things: 1) if it were a hardware issue then I would think that the problem would be constant and not happen just once after each reboot and I would think that doing something in the software, i.e. a reboot, wouldn't consistently recreate the problem. Thus I am trying to find a way to "restore" the operating system of this device to see if I can solve what I believe to be a software issue that shouldn't require any RMA.
I have seen that posts that linked official files from Asus before, such as the "AsusUnlock_1.0.0.7_210127_fulldpi.apk" found in the OP of the "Install any custom ROM on ROG Phone 5 / 5s (GSI)" thread here in this very forum. Is anyone aware of any officially sourced files for stock software/firmware for this phone and a process through which I could reinstall it?
I am also open to thoughts and other possible options to consider.
Also I will give bonus points to anyone who can help me figure out how to fix the issue where my Google backup by this very same phone won't restore its own Google backup when going through the setup and can help me restore it. It does recognize a different Google backup for a tablet that is set up for my child to use, so it is not an issue with the restore being completely broken.
Thanks in advance for anyone willing to try and lend a hand.

Hi, here you can find stock firmwares make sure you got for right region.
ROG Phone 5s Pro | Gaming Phones|ROG - Republic of Gamers|ROG Global
Fueled for winning by the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 888+ 5G mobile platform, ROG Phone 5s Pro launches your mobile gaming experience into the next dimension. With an unbelievably responsive 360 Hz native touch-sampling rate, the 144 Hz / 1 ms display brings you the smoothest ever viewing...
rog.asus.com

Yeah, just for additional info for anyone who finds this. I've also been working with ASUS customer support. I was given two links on flashing official firmware:
Unofficial guide on flashing - https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1009748/
Official firmware images - https://rog.asus.com/phones/rog-phone-5s-pro-model/helpdesk_bios (same as previous comment above; thanks Teddy)
When I asked why my version is newer than any they currently have listed on the site I was told that it "could be a preview release given directly by Google" (I doubt this as this appeared as an official OTA by Asus that had very specific patch notes to this phone in it) and that because my version is newer than any listed on their site would result in trouble if I tried to flash the newest version listed, but an older firmware than what is currently installed and that I should still just RMA my phone.
For reference my current firmware is RKQ1.210303.002.WW_Phone-18.1220.2201.186 and the latest firmware listed on their site at the time of this writing is WW-18.1220.2111.164.
Great phone (aside from the hearing damage), but utterly useless support.
Still open to thoughts and ideas though if anyone still has any.

You can "downgrade" your firmware by doing a RAW flash directly to version you need OR to any lower version and then install the official ASUS version you want manually. Also need to disable OTA updates to avoid being updated to the latest automatically.
Having the device checked for hardware issues is probably the best idea however.

Andrologic said:
You can "downgrade" your firmware by doing a RAW flash directly to version you need OR to any lower version and then install the official ASUS version you want manually. Also need to disable OTA updates to avoid being updated to the latest automatically.
Having the device checked for hardware issues is probably the best idea however.
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Click to collapse
Could you provide more info on this "downgrade" via "a RAW flash"? Is there a guide or something that will give more info about this?
I think I might be screwed though for the RMA. Customer service says apparently its a Taiwan version and cannot be serviced in the USA and has to be sent to via Taiwan RMA and the page they gave me seems to indicate there are no service centers for ROG Phones; see https://www.asus.com/support/service-center/taiwan#.
Short rant is that I literally spent hours and I mean HOURS (if not possibly days) of my time with Asus customer service and searching online trying to find a US version with US warranty and ultimately getting nowhere and deciding to go with the one I have now. Four months in to a $1700 phone and basically I am stuck with a dangerous headphone jack and no option to fix it other than maybe what you mentioned, Andrologic.
Today has not been kind.

ChrisMills83 said:
Could you provide more info on this "downgrade" via "a RAW flash"? Is there a guide or something that will give more info about this?
I think I might be screwed though for the RMA. Customer service says apparently its a Taiwan version and cannot be serviced in the USA and has to be sent to via Taiwan RMA and the page they gave me seems to indicate there are no service centers for ROG Phones; see https://www.asus.com/support/service-center/taiwan#.
Short rant is that I literally spent hours and I mean HOURS (if not possibly days) of my time with Asus customer service and searching online trying to find a US version with US warranty and ultimately getting nowhere and deciding to go with the one I have now. Four months in to a $1700 phone and basically I am stuck with a dangerous headphone jack and no option to fix it other than maybe what you mentioned, Andrologic.
Today has not been kind.
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Click to collapse
There are links to download RAW images along with guides in the help thread pinned to the top of this forum. You should find what you need there. The RAW's come include flash scripts that does it all for you.

Just curious for opinions while this thread is still going:
Does anyone lean towards my issue being a hardware problem or something else (and if you could be specific and suggest something for me to try about it)?
The reason why I ask is because I personally feel like this is an issue with when the headphone jack initializes output or something because it only ever blasts audio after a reboot and I any audio plays. After it stops and plays again the levels seems to return to normal. I can also reliably make this happen the same way every single time. Finally (and somewhat conspiratorially), the update I installed just before this started to happen had patch notes that included "optimized audio parameters."
My appreciation in advance for any thoughts and insights.

Related

Lg update support tool

i went to LG's site and used their support update tool too install all the needed drivers for my G2x and after it was done i unplugged and rebooted my phone and now my phone seems much smoother and color even slightly better, and more even with less yellow. weird cuz im not sure if it installed anything on the phone but it must have. anyways try it out. it'll make your life easier for updates anyways.
LG support update tool site
it doesn't install anything on your phone. you're seeing things. aren't you the same one who had a "fix" for the yellowish screen that was proven wrong?
what i did DID fix my last yellow screen on my 3rd g2x from the store, i was incorrect about the screen bleeding being related.
I'm looking to contribute information on what has worked for me so others may have similar results and less of a headache since no one here has the luxury of an LG tech in their house to fix their phone at will. if you don't like it then don't do it. everyone on this site wants the same things from what i see, and theirs no need for people with negativity putting others down when everyone is merely sharing experiences and information.
from lg....This application allows you to conveniently download the user's manual and application
software forthe LG handset you use, and update phone software by connecting your
handset to the PC directly.
so if you didn't update the software, how could it fix anything? all it does is install the usb drivers to allow your phone to be detected by your pc. and allow the update tool to detect your phone. not being negative. just realistic. sorry
When I open LG Mobile Update tool and have my G2x connected, I found there's an update and I am installing it.
mingkee said:
When I open LG Mobile Update tool and have my G2x connected, I found there's an update and I am installing it.
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Click to collapse
What is your current software version? I don't find any updates on mine and mine is V10F.
same here
there wasn't an update last time i was on their site for our phone, and now it has the G2x p999 as an option on their actual site. the tool used to install a couple other drivers when i used it last time and those may have been incorrect. it has never said update available to me until i checked today.
even if its just drivers maybe that was what was causing it or maybe now that since it had correct drivers on windows (not on phone out-of-box) it possibly corrected an error. either way doesn't matter to me. may have fixed something or maybe not. just sharing
no offense meant friend. it seemed like that statement was going to continue into something uneeded, thanks for the apology though. some people on here attack people who are just looking to help (i see it on many forums), and who aren't necessarily experts or programmers. and those are people who don't need to be on here in my opinion. it just disrupts the flow of ideas which leads to solutions. edison said he never failed when inventing the lightbulb. just found thousands of ways how a lightbulb wasn't made
v10f version did not change on my phone but the drivers changed from what the tool installed when i first got the phone when it came out. it used to install some others on my computer in addition when selecting LG-p999dw in support tool software. its possible that this changed nothing but my phone does run smoother and ive been messing with it since last night and it was a bit unstable and slow when i took it out of the box.
Pecata said:
What is your current software version? I don't find any updates on mine and mine is V10F.
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Same as yours.
I finally got "no update available" message on update tool and the update is greyed out (it's been red once).
What a bummer!
"The Cell phone is the latest version already. So you don't need to update"
There is no update.

No OTA updates after RMA

So I sent my tablet back to Asus a few weeks ago because it wouldn't turn on/charge. They replaced the main board and sent it back.
Everything was smooth sailing until I discovered that the tablet was running an old android version. I checked for updates in the "About Tablet" section of settings and received the message: "Internet connection error or the server is busy. Please wait a moment and try again" - I've waited three weeks.
My tablet previously had a US SKU, but now runs on WW with the new main board.
I decided that since I can't OTA, I may as well unlock my tablet and get rid of this piece of **** stock ROM. Alas, I'm also unable to unlock my device or connect to the device tracker. I suspect all these problems are related.
I know I can update manually, but I didn't pay good money for this tablet to use workarounds.
Has anyone experienced this problem before? If so, how did you go about fixing it?
Any help or advice would be appreciated! I would rather not send my tablet back to the service center again.
bamtori said:
So I sent my tablet back to Asus a few weeks ago because it wouldn't turn on/charge. They replaced the main board and sent it back.
Everything was smooth sailing until I discovered that the tablet was running an old android version. I checked for updates in the "About Tablet" section of settings and received the message: "Internet connection error or the server is busy. Please wait a moment and try again" - I've waited three weeks.
My tablet previously had a US SKU, but now runs on WW with the new main board.
I decided that since I can't OTA, I may as well unlock my tablet and get rid of this piece of **** stock ROM. Alas, I'm also unable to unlock my device or connect to the device tracker. I suspect all these problems are related.
I know I can update manually, but I didn't pay good money for this tablet to use workarounds.
Has anyone experienced this problem before? If so, how did you go about fixing it?
Any help or advice would be appreciated! I would rather not send my tablet back to the service center again.
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Click to collapse
I receive the same error when checking for a system update. My tablet is completely stock and was not send for rma and also is on the latest android version. The system update screen shows the last successful update check was on 15/9.
I'm experiencing this as I type this. I haven't RMAed my tablet or anything, bone stock. For some reason it gives me that error now. I have a feeling its a issue on Asus end.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bamtori said:
So I sent my tablet back to Asus a few weeks ago because it wouldn't turn on/charge. They replaced the main board and sent it back.
Everything was smooth sailing until I discovered that the tablet was running an old android version. I checked for updates in the "About Tablet" section of settings and received the message: "Internet connection error or the server is busy. Please wait a moment and try again" - I've waited three weeks.
My tablet previously had a US SKU, but now runs on WW with the new main board.
I decided that since I can't OTA, I may as well unlock my tablet and get rid of this piece of **** stock ROM. Alas, I'm also unable to unlock my device or connect to the device tracker. I suspect all these problems are related.
I know I can update manually, but I didn't pay good money for this tablet to use workarounds.
Has anyone experienced this problem before? If so, how did you go about fixing it?
Any help or advice would be appreciated! I would rather not send my tablet back to the service center again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know where you are actually located and where the service center that handled your RMA is, but if you are in the US, they screwed up. If you are in the US and running a WW firmware, you won't get OTA updates.
If you are in a WW region, you can try to clear cache and data and then force close CMClient and DMClient under Apps > All, reboot and try the system update again.
Not being able to unlock after having the main board replaced is unfortunately a very common issue.
There may be some hope: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2339495
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 4
Another possible reason for not getting updates is the servers in Taiwan do not have the new MB information matching the serial number of the tablet. That will cause updates to not register. Try connecting to the Asus device tracker website but as you stated it does not work. If that does not work then that is pretty much your proof. Only way to fix this is to have someone at the HQ in Taiwan update the server there with the proper information. After that if the website works then you should get updates again and unlock the tablet. If you contact phone support you will be wasting your time since they can't fix the problem and will say send it back for rma.
Look up the thread on the device tracker not working. You will find answers there if the servers do not have the proper info.
Good luck.
fsured said:
Another possible reason for not getting updates is the servers in Taiwan do not have the new MB information matching the serial number of the tablet. That will cause updates to not register. Try connecting to the Asus device tracker website but as you stated it does not work. If that does not work then that is pretty much your proof. Only way to fix this is to have someone at the HQ in Taiwan update the server there with the proper information. After that if the website works then you should get updates again and unlock the tablet. If you contact phone support you will be wasting your time since they can't fix the problem and will say send it back for rma.
Look up the thread on the device tracker not working. You will find answers there if the servers do not have the proper info.
Good luck.
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Click to collapse
I needed to RMA my tablet again for an unrelated screen problem anyway, so I figured I'd try and get them to fix the device tracker/unlock issue at the same time. I called the service center (Australia) and told them that they messed up on the last RMA and now I couldn't use the device tracker anymore.I physically attached a letter explaining the issue (to the screen of my tablet) and away to the service center it went.
15 days of RMA later, I was reunited with my tablet and now everything works: updates (for the time being), device tracker and the unlock tool.
The fact that they don't just update the server information when they replace the mother board is fairly stupid and inefficient on their part. Oh well, I'm just happy I can use my tablet to its potential now.
Thanks for the help and information everyone!

[SOLVED][Q] Can't UNLOCK the bootloader of TF300TL

**********
FINALLY, 2 full months of waiting and talking mindlessly to customer service (thread posted on April 30th, and it's June 30th now), and this morning when I saw the app and decided to try again, it prompted me to input the PIN! After reflashing the stock firmware and logging into Google, the tablet was unlocked! What a long run... and right before I was about to sell this and buy another tablet (I am going to buy it anyway, I guess).
**********
Yeah, it's me again.
Prior to this I have asked about the compatibility of ROMs on the TL variant, with few answers. I thought it would be an easy trip after I have the tablet in hand - I can try things out anyway and can restore to stock if anything goes wrong - but what happens now had wasted me hours of time and had totally f*cked me up. Yep, this thing comes with a locked bootloader at Android 4.2.1.
It doesn't look like a great deal, since the official Unlocker V8 app claims to support WW 4.2.x, but in reality it simply won't do, usually claiming "An unknown error occurs, which may be network connection issue, please try again later".
Now, I've done quite some searches in the past few hours and got some seemingly viable answers. First, it seems the S/N of my tab does not match that on my box, so after digging up Ratchet and its source code, I found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2243521, and using similar steps I successfully modified my S/N to the one on my box, which now shows up correctly in Settings-About-Status. Second, many complain that it won't work that nicely on a rooted device, so I reflashed stock and wiped data, which eliminated every single trace of root. Third, I'm in China so network might be a problem, so I hooked up my VPN also.
But none of the above worked. After clicking the unlock button, it either takes seconds or minutes, but all it shows is the same error message.
I've seen people sending the device in to ASUS for registration or something like that, but since it's a used device and goes from US AT&T (while I'm in China), I can't do that, and I doubt the customer service won't give any effective answers for a tablet that's mostly obsolete.
So now I'm out of ideas... Anyone?
EDIT: I've registered the device on ASUS's website, and also contacted their live chat support, but as the rep said, my serial number is valid and this means it's already in the database, so there's nothing he can do.
Finally able to send a ticket to ASUS for the issue, hopefully they'll respond just as effective as they responded to other people.
Also, even though the bootloader is LOCKED, I managed to downgrade the thing back from JB 4.2.1 (WW_epad-user-10.6.2.10) to JB 4.1.1 (WW_epad-user-10.4.3.9). Even the bootloader is downgraded, as reported on screen, which in my eyes is unbelievable. Flashing anything unsigned is still a no-go, though.

Find X2 pro stuck on Android 10

Hey guys,
I posted on the other threads but it seems like my concern shifts to be another.
First off: Yes I have tried switching regions with the tutorials. No nothing happened. I switched back to EuEx, no dualism because I don't need it.
Yes I tried every possible EU VPN Tunnel and updating OTA.
Nothing helped.
Now I have searched for my current Firmware, and there is no actual discussion about it. It is CPH2025_11_A.52 I am on the security Patch Level December 2020. So it came to my mind that it could actually be the firmware that prevents the updatingprocess. Is this possible?
With every other EU-Colleague of mine getting at least C59 with EuEX I'm starting to think it's just my phone.
Is there something I can do about it or do I have to wait for a flashable Android 11 zip? Which would ultimately leave me with selling the phone since I purchased it in regards to receiving an android 11 smartphone.
Thanks for reading in advance!
No problem with your version ,its just Oppo s way of doing things.I have cph 2025.11.A50 november security patch.
I reached them and they said i should take my unit to service ,i asked them why?its not broken !
Very wierd solution.
My phone works like a charm ,great performance ,good battery life ,so im happy with the software.
P.s bought phone from Switzerland.
@andreiselegean1984 @CaptainRage while it may not be broken on the hardware level there definitely seems to be something wrong with it, so sending it in is not that weird a solution imho. There surely is some sort of repair service in your country that acts as an official Oppo partner for warranty repairs, so why not just contact them and see if they can help by just flashing the newest software onto it and be done with it. The only hassle being that you'll have to do without it for a couples of days but maybe you still have one of your older phones that you can use instead for the time being...
Well Oppo doesn't seem to be cooperating that much:
We are sorry to know that you didn’t receive the ColorOS 11 update on your Find X2 Pro just yet.
In order to clarify this for you, please allow us to offer you a background explanation.
To make sure everything of the new version can run smoothly and reduce the unnecessary risk of the end-user, the ColorOS 11 update is released in batches. This is a protective measure used in global leave for all the new software versions.That’s why a certain amount of devices don’t receive the update on the announced date. But don’t worry! As your satisfaction is our priority, we at OPPO are doing our best to release the update for your phone as soon as possible. Rest assured that you will receive ColorOS 11 soon.
I appreciate your understanding and wish you a wonderful day!
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Click to collapse
CaptainRage said:
Well Oppo doesn't seem to be cooperating that much:
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Click to collapse
This is just the usual BS the customer service gives you, forget about that. There have to be companies in your country that are official Oppo service partners which do all the repairs that are eligible for warranty. Contact one of them directly and tell them what the problem is and see if they accept it as a warranty repair.

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........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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