What exactly are the warranty implications of using htcdev.com? Say if... my headphone port stopped working 6 months later, would they try and pull the whole "You unlocked your bootloader, therefore your warranty is void" stunt to avoid fixing it?
I'm getting impatient waiting for a properly reversible S-OFF method.
good point but i took the plunge this morning
...
Unlocking the Bootloader, will void most of, or possibly all, of your warranty depending the the situation.
Generally hardware issues will still be covered by your warranty after unlocking your Bootloader, however you are likely to be charged for us to reinstall the official ROM at the repair centre, the reason for this is that to carry out a warranty repair the phone must be in a warranty condition and this includes the software being as it was intended.
Additionally, if our technicians determine the cause of the hardware fault to be a direct cause of the software changes, then this will be out of warranty and chargeable also.
After your phone has been unlocked, even if you return it to a locked state there remains a record in the software that the Bootloader has been unlocked previously, and we have a record taken of which serial numbers have been unlocked.
I would discourage anyone from unlocking their Bootloader if they are not 100% aware and willing to accept the consequences.
For more information please visit the FAQ on our website, following the link below. http://htcdev.com/bootloader/faq...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is an excerpt from an email i got from the htcdev support team. i was asking exactly the question you have, so unlocking is at one's own risk!
I'll stick to waiting it out...
I was actually going to start a similar thread. I do hope that there will be a dev somewhere that is/will work on S-OFF for this device. I'm OK with waiting because to be honest the only thing I really want is a CM9 build or a AOSP/AOKP build. I'm not really worried about the warranty for myself but I tend to sell my devices. I suspect others will be concerned.
Although I would love to get rid of these damn three dots. UGH!!!
thanks for the info above, was about what i thought, but nice to know. I will be holding off for as long as i can. Fingers crossed
I've been told on the IRC channel (#htc-one-x @ freenode) most aren't expecting an S-OFF method for a few months. That might be worth considering. I plan to wait at least a few weeks, if by then I haven't heard of any effort being spent on pursuing S-OFF I will most likely unlock using official method.
S-OFF seems to be beyond the abilities of the revolutionary team for new bootloaders. I may eat my words but it looks like they simply aren't good enough. Hopefully someone with the skills can achieve it.
I unlocked via HTC dev. Don't care about the warranty.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
There will be no real s off In the next few months if there will even come one.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I think most of the Software "Bricks" you cant take care by yourself after you`ve unlocked and rooted.
If there is any Hardware damage caused by an manifacture issue you will get a new device for sure.
So feel free to unlock via HTCDev.com imo
As much as I hated signing my warranty away when I unlocked my handset, I do understand & respect HTC's position.
I think that for the most part, HTC will honour genuine hardware faults.
Faults that are likely to be caused by running custom ROM's, like burning out the CPU by overclocking, would not be honoured.
HTC are a good company, in my experience, and would not want to drive away the loyal customers who buy their devices because they "want" a HTC.
Don't let the post's you read about users who develop faults & issues put you off. The reason they post is because they have an issue, how many users signup just to say "everything works fine"?
But do understand the potential risks involved.
With that in mind... I can't wait forever for S-OFF. I'll go with htcdev.com and get insurance for my phone
Related
I called HTC UK support a few days ago not for my wildfire s but my sons, it has a dodgy power button really hard to press and sometimes no response, hitting the side of the phone helps lol, so maybe a loose connection between the flex cable and connector.
It has always been a bit unresponsive since first purchase but wasn't too bad, I guess I only noticed it because mine was so much easier to press, anyway it has been getting worse over time.
So HTC asked if it was rooted or had been s-off as if it was they would not do the repair without a charge of £50-£60 and stated the engineers will check for this before any work is carried out.
I argued that the problem was hardware related and not software/firmware and it should be covered but they dissagreed.
I think this is poor customer service.
If I bricked my phone then I wouldn't argue, it would be my problem but this is faulty hardware so I'm pissed.
I will do the repair myself when it gets to a point that it becomes a real problem for my son, as I used to repair mobiles in a shop and currently repair pc's.
Just would've been nice to have the warranty option.
Anyway moral of the story s-off or unlocked bootloader don't expect any kind of warranty from HTC whether a software or hardware issue.
Edit: almost forgot. I asked if I send it would they flash the firmware as I didn't want them to!
Their response was they would flash the phone whether I want them to or not even though its a hardware issue.
How crazy is that.
THANKS HTC AND SHAME ON YOU :banghead:
That's bad. But I think it depends also on the country you live in. Some countries, like mine have specific laws for such a case. That means, if e.g. the defect is not caused by a software issue, they have to do the repair.
Yeah I might send a letter to a UK customer service manager and see what kind of response I get.
Good luck. You should also consider - if your son's device is already unlocked - to downgrade a stock rom. I somehow doubt that htc people check, if the device has gone through the htcdev process. They maybe just check HBOOT and if there is neither LOCKED (OOW), UNLOCKED nor RELOCKED, they think it's okay.
Didn't htcdev it.
Xtc clipped it but either way I told the guy its stock etc etc but he didn't care.
He said they've had a few phones returned to customers without repair because the engineers check the bootloader and htcdev.
In Germany you have different kinds of liability from the manufacturer's side.
If the malfunction appears within the first 6 months, it is generally believed to be a manufacturing fault and if the manufacturer doesn't want to replace it, he has to prove that it was not.
If the malfunction appears after more than 6 months, but less than 24 months, the manufacturer still has to replace devices that failed due to a manufacturing fault, but the burden of proof is on the consumer side. Obviously it's hard for a consumer to prove that the malfunction is due to a manufacturing fault, so if the manufacturer refuses to replace the device you're probably gonna fight a losing battle. However, most manufacturers will stil replace the device as anything else would harm their reputation.
The manufacturer cannot ask you to agree to forfeit either of these claims, as such an agreement would be void. However, after more than 24 months you're definitely out of luck from the legal point of view. You will only get service if you signed up for a special maintenance contract with the manufacturer, which obviously is only relevant for very expensive and long-lasting goods.
theq86 said:
Good luck. You should also consider - if your son's device is already unlocked - to downgrade a stock rom. I somehow doubt that htc people check, if the device has gone through the htcdev process. They maybe just check HBOOT and if there is neither LOCKED (OOW), UNLOCKED nor RELOCKED, they think it's okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to provide them some kind of unique identifier for your device before they give you the unlock token. I think they know which serial the device had that this identifier is from and will then check the serial against some database.
They asked me the condition and as I explained its my sons its in a brand new condition in a case not been out the house really as he uses his blackberry outside.
It's about 7 months old.
Not sure about the law in the UK. Getting in contact with some jurist will probably help. I don't know where you're working, but most bigger companies have some kind of "legal department". Maybe you can contact one of your colleagues while relaxing over a beer.
A lawyer will probably charge far more than the phone's worth.
no.human.being said:
You have to provide them some kind of unique identifier for your device before they give you the unlock token. I think they know which serial the device had that this identifier is from and will then check the serial against some database.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right. And I also found out, that whatever you do, whatever you down or upgrade the state of the bootloader lock persists.
I downgraded to an older ROM ,thus getting back HBOOT 1.08.0000. after installing HTCDEV HBOOT again, it remembered the RELOCKED state. When you first flash the HTCDEV HBOOT you get LOCKED (OOW). So somewhere this information is stored.
theq86 said:
You are right. And I also found out, that whatever you do, whatever you down or upgrade the state of the bootloader lock persists.
I downgraded to an older ROM ,thus getting back HBOOT 1.08.0000. after installing HTCDEV HBOOT again, it remembered the RELOCKED state. When you first flash the HTCDEV HBOOT you get LOCKED (OOW). So somewhere this information is stored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the security-related information is stored along with the Radio firmware. S-ON/S-OFF is, CID is, SIM-Lock is, so bootloader lock is probably too.
HTC is not who you need to talk to. You need to go to the store where you bought the thing.
Went there today (o2 store) the guy basically said if that's what HTC said then its my hard luck.
intel007 said:
Went there today (o2 store) the guy basically said if that's what HTC said then its my hard luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What an ass hole lol.
I would just spam HTC customer support up with complaints like I did when there was no bootloader unlock. They don't like me anymore. It also kills there reputation badly so they will say things to try and make up for it.
Just call or email them again, hope you get some stupid ass HTC woman who don't know jack **** about phones and gives you a free HTC One X as a replacement lol.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S using xda premium
benjamingwynn said:
hope you get some stupid ass HTC woman who don't know jack **** about phones and gives you a free HTC One X as a replacement lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'll get on the case thanks, the one x should make up for my troubles lol
benjamingwynn said:
What an ass hole lol.
I would just spam HTC customer support up with complaints like I did when there was no bootloader unlock. They don't like me anymore. It also kills there reputation badly so they will say things to try and make up for it.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been bombing their inbox for days now about getting ANY Marvelc kernel sources. They keep refering me to http://htcdev.com/contact, and I keep responding that I have, and I want Marvelc sources. I must admit, I'm not being nice anymore either.
"Danielle" is taking it in stride though.
This sort of behaviour is not unheard of. in 2007 my daughter bought a Compaq laptop with a international warranty. She went to Nottingham and had a problem. When contacted HP essentially said that take it back to India for repairs, and quoted some page (14 or something) of their web warranty, basically claiming that since the model was not sale in the UK (the numbers always change across borders) they did not want to know. Then she wrote back that she is a lawyer, and was a PG at Notts U. They immediately advised her to take it to the service centre in (or just at the fringe of) the campus. Then unit was sent to the HQ and was back with a new power board within three days (this too in the XMas period).
So you have to persist, and if possible bare your fangs to get anything done.
I've not done this with HTC but with other companies in the past i have told little white lies usually saying it wasn't a fault of mine even when it was.
I am currently in conversation with HTC about the warranty.
Here's part 1.
Customer Chat
Chat Transcript
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to Ryan B.
Ryan B: Hi Paul, thank you for contacting HTC Support. How may I help you today?
F4flake: I've recently become the owner of a HTC one x
F4flake: the boot loader is locked and as such I am unable to perform any administrative tasks with the software
F4flake: I wish to be able to gain root access as the device is mine.
F4flake: there is a way of doing this of course but in order to do so I must unlock my bootloader
F4flake: there is an official process to do so over at HTCdev.com
F4flake: HOWEVER
F4flake: as part of the process it suggests that unlocking the bootloader MAY invalidate my warrentee
F4flake: As such I must seek clarification as
F4flake: 1. The phone is mine, I purchased hardware, nowhere was there an agreement where I said I would not excercise a fundamental administrative right over the software
F4flake: 2 In the UK a provider cannot simply wash their hands of responsibility from their product.
F4flake: 3. The wording is extremely non-specific
F4flake: your turn
F4flake: are you still there?
Ryan B: We will not wash our hands of the customer just because they have rooted their phone, if the customer bricks the phone we can not cover this under warranty as this was not a manufacture issue.
F4flake: then under what circumstances is the warranty void?
Ryan B: But if the customer has rooted their device we can un-root the phone but this will involve changing the motherboard in the phone and this will be a chargeable repair.
F4flake: ok, do you want to call a supervisor? Only unrooting a linux installation does not, I can assure you, require replacing a motherboard
F4flake: also my question remains unanswered. Under what specific circumstances is the warranty invalidated
Ryan B: If the phone has illegal software, the motherboard needs to be changed.
Ryan B: Please note that if our engineers determine that the fault you are experiencing is caused by physical damage, wear and tear or illegal software, it will not be covered by warranty. The repair will be chargeable and we will send you a quote. Should you not wish to pay that quote, there will be an approximate £25 diagnosis, shipping & handling fee to have the device returned to you and not repaired.
Liquid-damaged devices are returned immediately, unrepaired and without charge as they are beyond economic repair.
F4flake: how are you defining illegal? and in what way does a motherboard need changing when it can be simply flashed with the correct software?
F4flake: also, I don't have a problem, I'm simply seeking clarification of the rather vague statement at htcdev
F4flake: can I see a copy of anything that could possibly mean I could in any way load illegal software on my phone? I'm fairly intrigued by this possibility
Ryan B: Illegal as in the sense of someone taking a ROM and customizing it without consent. Regarding the motherboard replacement, this is what HTC have to do as the security will be turned off on the phone displaying that the phone has been tampered with.
F4flake: well on the second point, if the security on a phone is removed, are we talking about an unlocked bootloader or a security flag referred to as s-on or s-off?
Ryan B: That's correct.
F4flake: because once again NEITHER would require replacing a mainboard
F4flake: and what's correct? the first example or the second?
F4flake: the bootloader is not the security flag
F4flake: also, what do you mean by illegally customizing a ROM? Android is open source
F4flake: what part of android would be being illegally customized?
F4flake: Sorry, are you still with me?
Ryan B: You need to S-Off the phone which involves unlocking the bootloader and this will void the warranty. The ROM can be customized by many users and we do not support this.
F4flake: sorry, in order to install a different rom you don't need to s-off your phone.
F4flake: you would need to unlock your bootloader
F4flake: you may not support people making their own ROM but is that actually illegal?
F4flake: have you taken it to court somewhere?
F4flake: look I'm just looking for clarification as to what remains and what doesn't remain of my warranty if I unlock my bootloader.
Ryan B: No but we just say illegal but in the office we say custom software.
F4flake: while I'm sure it isn't a conversation you particularly want to have, unfortunately the HTC dev site is really non-specific
F4flake: so when you say illegal you mean legal then?
Ryan B: I understand.
F4flake: only I'm all for nuance, and "custom software" isn't lost on me
F4flake: so shall we get back to the crux
F4flake: what part of the warranty is invalidated?
Ryan B: No Head Office have told us to say illegal as if any stock ROM is tampered with it's not supported by us.
F4flake: why am I unable to have root access, just as I do with the laptop I've purchased
Ryan B: You are allowed but we do not support this and the whole warranty will be void.
F4flake: ok but head office may have said it, but if it is unprosecuted and unlegislated, then seriously. it's a fairly frivoulous phrase to throw around
F4flake: hang on, if I unlock the bootloader the whole warranty is void?
Ryan B: That is correct as the phone has been tampered with.
F4flake: even though you provide the tool to do it officially?
F4flake: only the htcdev site says it "may" void the warranty. surely it'd be simpler if it simply stated that it absolutely would invalidate all your warranty?
Ryan B: It is there for the customers own use we do not promote rooting devices.
F4flake: also, I think you'll find it's not legal in the UK
F4flake: So let me get this straight and I'll leave you alone I promise.
F4flake: the act of using the htcdev official bootloader unlock function entirely invalidates your warranty?
Ryan B: Only if the bootloader is unlocked.
F4flake: Ok, I know I said I was well up for nuance, but is there a distinction I'm missing there?
F4flake: I was expecting a yes or no answer
Ryan B: No there isn't.
F4flake: Sorry Ryan, can you explain, only your answers appear to be somewhat ambiguous
F4flake: If the bootloader is unlocked, is the warranty void?
Ryan B: One moment please i am getting someone who can help you further.
F4flake: thank you ryan
It doesn't matter what HTC says. Consumer law > HTC's warranty.
Of course not, I'm just seeking clarification of what HTC are up to.
part 2.
Luke: Hi, Paul
F4flake: Hi luke
F4flake: Are you reading through or should I go from the top?
Luke: Just need a moment to read through this chat log, I understand you are not happy that unlocking the bootloader of your device voids your warranty, is that right?
F4flake: No, not as such.
F4flake: I'm seeking clarification as to what "may" void your warranty means.
Luke: Unlocking the bootloader of your device will remove the warranty.
F4flake: Ok, should that not be reflected at HTC dev?
Luke: The main reason for this is due to the fact you can perform administrative tasks on the phone, for example over clocking. This can be done. We cannot condone that this will be in warranty as any damages that may occur in the future may have been caused by you performing one of these actions.
Luke: The HTC dev site is there for developers
F4flake: Of course it is, but the developers will shortly not be there for HTC
Luke: What do you mean?
F4flake: So let me get this straight, The act of unlocking the bootloader voids warranty in its entirety?
Luke: Yes
Luke: All repairs will be chargeable
F4flake: Then I guess I will have to return my handset, inform my twitter followers and post the entire conversation on xda.
F4flake: I imagine there are a whole bunch of users world wide who will be interested to know they can no longer look to HTC for their purchases.
F4flake: Thank you for your clarification.
F4flake: I believe that's everything I need to know. Thank you for your time.
Luke: Thank you for your time Paul. I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy that opening the bootloader of your device will void your warranty.
Luke: I apologise I could be of no further assistance to you.
Luke: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
F4flake: Not yet, I will shortly be questioning the legality of that statement with my friendly neighbourhood consumer rights person. As I don't believe it will stand up under UK law, Has anyone tested it yet?
Luke: I wouldn't know that Paul.
Luke: Thanks for chatting with me today, Paul. To end our conversation, please click End Session. You’ll be invited to take a short survey which I’d be grateful if you took a moment to complete. Enjoy the rest of your day!
F4flake: cheers.
just because you spoke to one manager does not mean it is the same thing for the rest..i still think that if you return the phone to the original rom that came with the handset straight out of the box and yeah lock it if may depending on the issues you return the phone back i still think you are covered. now if software issue and i mean by flashing a new rom or kernel caused the phone and motherboard not to function correctly then fine that is understandable that your warranty will be voided. but if say the screen is damaged or say the LED light is not working then i feel your warranty should still be covered
Does kinda make you wonder though if unlocking the device through htcdev site was the right thing to do or not sometimes. either how i never had to send a phone in for anything major as i always take care of my phones..for others though that have issues maybe they should look into this in more depth...kinda makes you think twice when reading such threads if one should purchase a htc phone if they like to flash and stuff
Nice... They put their hands off everything, when the phone is unlocked on htcdev site... Some devs here should find the way how to unlock bootloader without htcdev as quick as possible... I want to use custom rom but with full warranty...
I will donate everyone who can do this... And I think many of us will... ))
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Hey I s-offed my old desire and reflashed an old ruu before I sent it back for warranty repair.
They turned it around and gave it straight back.
Simply wanted to point out the "may" void warranty is infact "will" void warranty of they damn well feel like. Causing a pain in the ass.
So under the guise of being developer friendly they have in fact become far less friendly.
It's nothing we didn't know, but it should inform our consumer choices, it certainly will mine.
f4flake said:
Hey I s-offed my old desire and reflashed an old ruu before I sent it back for warranty repair.
They turned it around and gave it straight back.
Simply wanted to point out the "may" void warranty is infact "will" void warranty of they damn well feel like. Causing a pain in the ass.
So under the guise of being developer friendly they have in fact become far less friendly.
It's nothing we didn't know, but it should inform our consumer choices, it certainly will mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like i said. Kinda makes you wonder sometimes. This has kinda put me off HTC now..I did had my doubts but still thought to ignore due to the fact of my good run of looking after my phones. With sammy all you had to do is use a Jig reset your binary count and flash a stock rom to unroot and that was it warranty back. Bah i love my One X but reading all this kinda makes me wonder if getting a HTC is worth buying anymore..Hell iphones when you jailbreak you can reset them back unjailbreak and you still have your warranty.
Still love my HOX though and i have to make sure i even take more good care of my baby now more then
So if my power button falls off after 1 week and i have an unlocked bootloader, i have to pay HTC to repair my phone?
This is very interesting conversation. I purchased OneX few weeks ago and still am hesitant to unlock it because I very much dont like the idea of letting htc officialy know that I am unlocking the device, even though on htcdev it states that it may void the warranty.
If they would offer us a way to completely unlock the phone(including s-off) and then told us that it will void the warranty that would be a different story.
As for motherboard replacement, I had very similar experience. My last phone was HD2 (with android ofc) and because my hardware buttons got very worn off I took it to a local htc service (official) for repair. I wasnt claiming warranty because it expired so I had to pay for repair. After a day they called me and letting me know that diagnosis is over and that bill would be almost 300e...
They wanted to replace entire board because android was on the phone. When I asked them why they need to replace board since I only wanted to have a replaced flat cable, they told me that it is htc's policy to return the phone in factory condition. So they tried to force a procedure totally unnecessary and not requested by me wich would cost me almost twice the value of a used HD2. I just payed them 10 euros for diagnostics and left giving them a finger in my head.
If HTC actually tried to pull that stunt on anyone and got challenged in court, they'd lose and fairly quickly too.
All it takes is for one person to take them to court and they'll hopefully learn their lesson.
Their take on illegal software also has me interested.
"No Head Office have told us to say illegal as if any stock ROM is tampered with it's not supported by us."
However, CM9 is not a stock rom per say and therefore cannot be tampered with, correct me if im wrong there. So can we get away with flashing that?
Sounds all very vague to me there and in the UK they wouldnt be able to get away with those answers. Unless they can prove we damaged the phone, they have to repair it. If they want to geta round that then they need to clearly state that it "will" void the warranty.
The more I talk to the HTC online live support and read the conversations others are having with their advisors, the less I feel comfortable owning a HTC handset. They provide the HTC Dev tools to unlock the bootloader with ease whilst giving the impression through their FAQ and warning messages that it 'might' void your warranty. This makes people more comfortable and so they go ahead and do so. Then they completely shaft you when they sell you a faulty handset.
I liked the idea of the one x, I moved from a SG2 because I was excited at its power. I have the flickering issue like others on this forum, I can get passed that for now as it is software related I am sure but the way HTC are treating their customers trying to wash their hands of problems/turn a blind eye should there be any issues with the phone grinds my gears.
It is highly unfair to those people who won't go that extra mile to take legal action/threats of small claims court etc... or are clued up on their rights - they will get buggered by HTC. The SG3 is announced tomorrow and I feel from my many years using their handsets that it will be a far superior phone and will receive better customer service/attention from Samsung as I have before. I intend on switching as soon as the SG3 is released after my experience of HTC in the month I've been a customer.
I hope Samsung run HTC into the ground, taking their 'flagship' phone with them.
It is quite ambiguous, about warranty on hardware related.
I want to know:
* If an hardware issue is caused by a custom software (like kernel which overclock CPU) with an UNLOCKED bootloader, DOES the phone void the warranty ? I bet that YES.
* If an hardware issue is NOT caused by a custom software with a LOCKED bootloader, DOES the phone void the warranty ? I bet that NO.
Then the last case below can be controversial:
* If an hardware issue is NOT caused by a custom software with an UNLOCKED bootloader, DOES the phone void the warranty ? I don't really know.
What do you think about that ?
HTC are right to void any warranty concerning unlocked bootloaders, what company in their right mind wouldn't?
HTC whore said:
HTC are right to void any warranty concerning unlocked bootloaders, what company in their right mind wouldn't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One that doesn't want to contravene consumer law perhaps.
HTC whore said:
HTC are right to void any warranty concerning unlocked bootloaders, what company in their right mind wouldn't?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every PC manufacturer for example if i buy an OEM PC and install for ex. Linux on it i still have waranty
abc27 said:
One that doesn't want to contravene consumer law perhaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would you qualify overclocking? I think it's like using your phone to make underwater pictures - you have a camera, but you use it beyond its operational conditions. And when you hand them a phone that's dry but having signs of having been submerged, should they void the warranty?
Any of us should know that unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. This was part of the deal when HTC made unlocking official.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
tkolev said:
How would you qualify overclocking? I think it's like using your phone to make underwater pictures - you have a camera, but you use it beyond its operational conditions. And when you hand them a phone that's dry but having signs of having been submerged, should they void the warranty?
Any of us should know that unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. This was part of the deal when HTC made unlocking official.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is the "may void"
JeckyllHavok said:
The problem is the "may void"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What problem is that?!? It's the same statement as "If you fall off a 10 floor building you may die". Hoping that you might get lucky and be the one in a million that doesn't die, doesn't exactly put you on the brighter half of the mankind
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Hey guys, do you think there will ever be a way of unlocking one x's bootloader without having to tell HTC you intend to do it? I presume that when you do so HTC automatically putts your device on a "rebel list" and if you ever need some official repair, they're gonna charge you extra. And I don't like that idea at all. Do you?
HTC have allowed people to unlock their phones but by doing so you essentially loose your warranty. By making you use their website to unlock, they know which phones have been unlocked and if your phone is returned for a software fault they can deny you a warranty claim.
At least they let you unlock in the first place! The choice is yours.
I do think that a work around will be found in time..
nimrod77 said:
HTC have allowed people to unlock their phones but by doing so you essentially loose your warranty. By making you use their website to unlock, they know which phones have been unlocked and if your phone is returned for a software fault they can deny you a warranty claim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's exactly what they did and I don't like it a smallest bit! I really miss the times of good old HSPL on my HD2. When something broke it took literally 5 minutes to put the phone back to stock and no one would be able to tell it ever was otherwise... I wonder what are the DFT guys doing these days!
Not correct so far you stay on original ROM but you can mabe get problem if you send phone for warranty claim with custom installed.
Lock bootloader and original ROM before you send it if needed
So you're saying that after I receive the unlock code from HTC they won't put my device into some badass database which later on they might use to disprove my (for example hardware fault) warranty claim?
If we try to unlock bootloader and gain s-off, will it void warranty?
Can we get s-on back and lock bootloader before sending the device for warranty or selling the phone?
s-off does in fact void your warranty but, I would love to know if turning s back on and re locking the bootloader is possible.
Absolutely lol...
But at the same time you can relock and remove all evidence of S-Off and unlock with it as well.
The only way to keep the warranty is to gain S-Off WITHOUT having to unlock the bootloader first. Once S-Off is gained you can lock and relock with no issues. I believe the T-Mobile M7 had this option on 1.42 builds. Not sure about the M8 yet
Keep in mind the moment you request an unlock key from HTCDev your warranty is void regardless of if you use the code or not. Now I use Void because it is a generalization used in warranty's and insurance but typically if your speaker blows out or your screen dies and you are unlocked they won't void that part of your warranty seeing that your modifications did not directly impact the failing part.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
altimax98 said:
Absolutely lol...
But at the same time you can relock and remove all evidence of S-Off and unlock with it as well.
The only way to keep the warranty is to gain S-Off WITHOUT having to unlock the bootloader first. Once S-Off is gained you can lock and relock with no issues. I believe the T-Mobile M7 had this option on 1.42 builds. Not sure about the M8 yet
Keep in mind the moment you request an unlock key from HTCDev your warranty is void regardless of if you use the code or not. Now I use Void because it is a generalization used in warranty's and insurance but typically if your speaker blows out or your screen dies and you are unlocked they won't void that part of your warranty seeing that your modifications did not directly impact the failing part.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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how would you go along and do this?
I don't see how S-OFF would void your warranty as some units were legitimately shipped S-OFF, just make sure the bootloader is locked
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
I've returned the HTC One M7 a good few times for issues while S-off and with a custom ROM on and they were repaired and returned without issue , but I would recommend returning the phone to stock before sending it off if you can.
It'll come down to HTC as to whether something you have done will void your warranty or not when they receive your phone I guess.
s-off does in fact void your warranty but, I would love to know if turning s back on and re locking the bootloader is possible.
If I only want to root and flash custom roms then S-off is not necessary right?
What are benefits of S-Off?
most people will need to unlock thier device via HTC dev prior to s off which will leave a record unique to thier phone which means that waranty will be void so even if all trace of s off and unlocked bootloader is removed, HTC will still be able to cross reference and say no.
Some will be lucky enough to use the method for s off which avoids the need for HTC dev unlock so these people will be able to s off and keep thier warranty providing they retuirn to stock
So is there a way to get S-on?
exocetdj said:
most people will need to unlock thier device via HTC dev prior to s off which will leave a record unique to thier phone which means that waranty will be void so even if all trace of s off and unlocked bootloader is removed, HTC will still be able to cross reference and say no.
Some will be lucky enough to use the method for s off which avoids the need for HTC dev unlock so these people will be able to s off and keep thier warranty providing they retuirn to stock
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Not necessarily. Just because you've requested the token, who's to say you've used it? If the phone is 100% stock, locked and S-ON HTC can't prove anything - unless the unlock process itself sends something to HTC to say it's been unlocked, in which case they'll know
EddyOS said:
Not necessarily. Just because you've requested the token, who's to say you've used it? If the phone is 100% stock, locked and S-ON HTC can't prove anything - unless the unlock process itself sends something to HTC to say it's been unlocked, in which case they'll know
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Ok, thanks for the info!!! :good:
At least in the US, making a modification to a device does not immediately void a warranty no matter what the manufacturer says. This is most times encountered by car enthusiasts who might replace a part on their engine. Subsequently the engine has a problem and gets taken to a dealer for warranty repair. The dealer cannot unilaterally void the warranty because of a different part or other modification. They must prove that the part or modification directly contributed to the failure and then only that part of the warranty is void, not the entire car's warranty. Phones and other devices would be no different. For more info google the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act
Even with this, it would be rare for someone with a genuine warranty issue to have a problem getting it repaired or replaced regardless of the security status of the device.
l7777 said:
At least in the US, making a modification to a device does not immediately void a warranty no matter what the manufacturer says. This is most times encountered by car enthusiasts who might replace a part on their engine. Subsequently the engine has a problem and gets taken to a dealer for warranty repair. The dealer cannot unilaterally void the warranty because of a different part or other modification. They must prove that the part or modification directly contributed to the failure and then only that part of the warranty is void, not the entire car's warranty. Phones and other devices would be no different. For more info google the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act
Even with this, it would be rare for someone with a genuine warranty issue to have a problem getting it repaired or replaced regardless of the security status of the device.
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I'm not a lawyer, but I think that flashing the phone basically can be used to invalidate the warranty in many circumstances. When we flash a phone, we are changing the basic code that is being used to drive the device. That is a bit different that using an after market part in a car. I know that flashing a diesel pickup cpu chip, for example, voids the warranty on the engine. I can't imagine that a phone (which is basically all about the software code) does not have the same effect.
It is a different question as to if the vendor (TMO in my case, HTC for direct orders), would refuse to pay for warranty repairs. I think they would be more likely to pay for a failed screen or other hardware part, but less likely for a burned out motherboard. HTC has been very understanding in this regard, despite the warning when getting an unlock code.
I have flashed my phones before (not since the Amaze - the M7 and M8 are great stock IMHO), but I did so with the understanding that a warranty claim might be rejected.
Rageypeep said:
I don't see how S-OFF would void your warranty as some units were legitimately shipped S-OFF, just make sure the bootloader is locked
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
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S off is not the same as an unlocked bootloader, my Dev Edition was bootloader unlocked out of the box with s on.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I was talking to a guy in an electrostore yesterday about rooting phones and warranty.
He said the representative from Samsung Benelux (Belgium etc) said they will still fix phones that are rooted. They all know people do this.
But they will return them to stock when they send it back. Samsung decided this last week.
He didn't know about other company's but he thought they'll do the same.
The HTC Texas repair center refused to repair my M7 with S-Off. Wanted to charge me $180 to fix the purple camera. After arguing and elevating nothing happened, they sent it back, I re-locked/went completely back to stock and tried again. They sent it back no problem.
stevedebi said:
I'm not a lawyer, but I think that flashing the phone basically can be used to invalidate the warranty in many circumstances. When we flash a phone, we are changing the basic code that is being used to drive the device. That is a bit different that using an after market part in a car. I know that flashing a diesel pickup cpu chip, for example, voids the warranty on the engine. I can't imagine that a phone (which is basically all about the software code) does not have the same effect.
It is a different question as to if the vendor (TMO in my case, HTC for direct orders), would refuse to pay for warranty repairs. I think they would be more likely to pay for a failed screen or other hardware part, but less likely for a burned out motherboard. HTC has been very understanding in this regard, despite the warning when getting an unlock code.
I have flashed my phones before (not since the Amaze - the M7 and M8 are great stock IMHO), but I did so with the understanding that a warranty claim might be rejected.
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I think you're on the right track. Auto manufacturers can't void the warranty simply because of a modification, they have to prove that the modification caused the failure. For example, if someone changed the engine tuning to allow a 10,000 RPM redline and destroyed the engine the manufacturer would easily be able to say that the modified software caused the failure. Similarly a phone manufacturer could void the warranty on the cpu/mb/battery/etc... if they can prove that the different software caused the problem. They couldn't void the warranty on the camera, usb port, digitizer, headphone jack, speaker, etc... because you decided to go S-Off, root, and run custom software as the software couldn't have damaged those components. As with all things legal though, it would likely cost less to jump through hoops or just buy a new device than to get them to accept your warranty claim if they choose to be difficult about a claim.
yes there are many ways to S-off.
People think that unlocking phone in unauthorized way (S-Off) will be better for warranty rather than using htcdev, how is that?
altimax98 said:
Keep in mind the moment you request an unlock key from HTCDev your warranty is void regardless of if you use the code or not.
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Impossible, only if You unlock your bootloader then warranty may be void.
I'm going to be sending my phone through the HTC Advantage Program here in the next couple of days. I had a washed out pixel that was bothering me. It was within a year so it should be covered under warranty. I have returned my phone completely to stock including S-On, removed root, relocked bootloader, and installed stock image. Those of us that have been through this procedure, will HTC make a fuss about my phone having RELOCKED in the bootloader screen. I'm really not sure if it is even possible to change this to Locked. I have looked through some websites but they are all based on the Kit Kat software. There are no tutorials for us on Lollipop. Also, in order to change it, I would have to be rooted with S-Off and an unlocked bootloader. As soon as I would relock my bootloader, it would just change it to Relocked again. Somebody please let me know if I will basically be screwed out of my deposit.
I have read some articles and websites about how HTC cannot void you warranty for unlocking and rooting. However, I am completely at their mercy because they have my credit card on file. It would not even be worth it financially to fight their decision through legal processes.
HTC Advantage is an "additional" warranty feature for a cracked screen caused by the user, and good for 6 months. Your issues sounds more like a manufacturing defect that would be normally covered under the "regular" 1-year warranty.
You can return to LOCKED with s-off; and you can also return to s-on. However, since you've already unlocked the bootloader via HTCDev.com, HTC already has a record of you unlocking the bootloader.
I've heard various arguments that getting the unlock bin code doesn't necessarily mean you actually unlocked the bootloader. Maybe that's true, but IMHO its a rather contrived argument. Others may argue this point, and possibly rightfully so; but that is just the way I see it. And as you pretty much already stated, HTC holds all the cards, so its really up to them whether they want to honor your warranty or not. And trying to force them otherwise would be a serious uphill battle and probably fruitless.
I really have no other choice. I'm just going to have to send it in and see what they have to say. I could always cancel my credit card before they get the phone. That way they don't have anything on file.
So how did things turn out for you and the return to HTC?