Develop Bugs

[Q] Warranty Replacement of Brick Due to Rooting etc.

I bricked my T989 by trying to flash a ROM for the I9100 (I somehow failed to notice that the ROM was not for T989). After unsuccessfully trying to revive it I requested a warranty replacement from TMO. Does anyone have any perspective on the likelihood that TMO will hit me with a big fee if/when Samsung notices that the phone was previously rooted? Does Samsung look for that or do they just reimage the device without poking around?

I replaced a rooted g1 with no problem. They do hit you with a $130 deductible though.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

The customer service rep I spoke to today said that there would be a $100+ fee if the phone has cosmetic issues (which mine does not) so hopefully I won't get hit with the deductible.

darock159 said:
I replaced a rooted g1 with no problem. They do hit you with a $130 deductible though.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confusing warranty with insurance. The deductible only applies to insurance, for which there is no concern regarding rooting damage. Insurance will cover any damage or loss. Warranty is specifically for when the manufacturer has issued a faulty device. In the OP's case, negligent damage should not be covered by warranty, since the manufacturer is not at fault, however they will most likely not even look twice at the device and just replace it. I have seen countless folks brick their phones and just play dumb for a replacement. This, in part, is why they now charge a $20 warranty exchange fee.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

I just replaced a sensation on warrenty and was charged only 5 bucks.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

im either replacing my s2 or getting it repaired for free. i called in and said it didnt read any sim cards when i got it. and they sent me the shipping info right away

Exodian said:
I just replaced a sensation on warrenty and was charged only 5 bucks.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they drop it to $5 if you have the full insurance on it too because it includes an extended, enhanced warranty.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

Quick question, if I root my phone & then return it to stock in order to get a warranty exchange will they some how be able to tell that my phone was rooted before??
That's the only thing keeping me from rooting my phone right now.

Just unroot and youll be fine
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

TomSilverSpring said:
I bricked my T989 by trying to flash a ROM for the I9100 (I somehow failed to notice that the ROM was not for T989). After unsuccessfully trying to revive it I requested a warranty replacement from TMO. Does anyone have any perspective on the likelihood that TMO will hit me with a big fee if/when Samsung notices that the phone was previously rooted? Does Samsung look for that or do they just reimage the device without poking around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are u at least able to turn on the phone? turn on meaning the phone comes on instead of full boot. if so,u are soft bricked and can fix thru Odin. I wouldn't waste my warranty exchange on a soft brick as its 100% fixable. the refurb unit u may receive will only hhave a 90 day warranty vs the 1yr that comes with ur origina purchase.
Canesfan said:
Quick question, if I root my phone & then return it to stock in order to get a warranty exchange will they some how be able to tell that my phone was rooted before??
That's the only thing keeping me from rooting my phone right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they should'nt be able to tell if you use Odin and the stock .tar file
using the half ass'd "return to stock zip rom" does not flash the stock kernal. so syngery(or whatever kernal) boot screen is still visible.

They don't check.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Thanks for the answer guys!! And Merry Christmas to you all.

joser24 said:
They don't check.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolutely WRONG. They just do a surface check of the phone. if anything seem's off like a leftover kernal splash or theme, they will not honor the warranty.

I do this **** errday everyday. I'm Damn for sure. =D
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Works 100% of the Time...
Call The rep and say this..
I dont know whats wrong with my phone it just stopped turning on.
Ive Changed the battery because a friend of mine has the same phone and I also changed the storage card because I have had several of them.. Im not too sure how to handle this situation because I know ive never dropped it in water or anything, I dont think I have ever even dropped it, I keep it in a case.
They will say,
Welp looks like you have tried everything can you take out the battery what color is the water damage indicator?
You tell them white (Given that it is indeed white)
They will say okay well we can send you a new phone, (or the next best whatever your case may be) and you give them your IMEI number, and read you the script which I almost have memorized and then they charge you 5 bucks for next day delivery to your next bill, and when your phone comes brick your old handset and send it back!
Thats it!

gabriel713281 said:
Works 100% of the Time...
Call The rep and say this..
I dont know whats wrong with my phone it just stopped turning on.
Ive Changed the battery because a friend of mine has the same phone and I also changed the storage card because I have had several of them.. Im not too sure how to handle this situation because I know ive never dropped it in water or anything, I dont think I have ever even dropped it, I keep it in a case.
They will say,
Welp looks like you have tried everything can you take out the battery what color is the water damage indicator?
You tell them white (Given that it is indeed white)
They will say okay well we can send you a new phone, (or the next best whatever your case may be) and you give them your IMEI number, and read you the script which I almost have memorized and then they charge you 5 bucks for next day delivery to your next bill, and when your phone comes brick your old handset and send it back!
Thats it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken this is called fraud?

Care to elaborate on the "$20 Warranty Exchange Fee"? This is something I haven't heard of before...I just remember having to pay for shipping

txlonghorn321 said:
Care to elaborate on the "$20 Warranty Exchange Fee"? This is something I haven't heard of before...I just remember having to pay for shipping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know much as to the why's and what not's, all I know is they charge it unless you have full insurance in which case they only charge $5. Most likely to offset the cost of people abusing the system by ruining their own devices and then getting a replacement.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

TJBunch1228 said:
Don't know much as to the why's and what not's, all I know is they charge it unless you have full insurance in which case they only charge $5. Most likely to offset the cost of people abusing the system by ruining their own devices and then getting a replacement.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, A rep from t-mobile told me that it does offset costs of replacements (refurbishing them) and 2 day/overnight shipping cost.

Are there any threads on going back to stock with the.2.3.6 ota?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

Broken Nexus?

Two questions
Just dropped my GNex and the battery fell out. Put it back in and turned it on. Everything works.... except the screen. I can hear when I get a text but that's about it. Suggestions?
Secondly, nothing software about this phone is remotely stock. Unlocked bootloader, CM10 etc. If I can't fix the screen will Verizon still replace it? (I have insurance)
Thanks

t3chi3 said:
Two questions
Just dropped my GNex and the battery fell out. Put it back in and turned it on. Everything works.... except the screen. I can hear when I get a text but that's about it. Suggestions?
Secondly, nothing software about this phone is remotely stock. Unlocked bootloader, CM10 etc. If I can't fix the screen will Verizon still replace it? (I have insurance)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you don't need the screen to flash the stock images.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Maby the screen connector got knocked out of its socket in the crash. IF you're handy you could try to find a dissasembly guide and reconnect it, on your own responsability of course. If there is no external damage and you are completely stock i would turn it in for warrenty.
Edit, oops.. Just read the last part about it beeing flashed and modded
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Use the hardware keys ( volume rocker and power button) to restore back to stock and claim warranty
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I hate to say this, but if you want your data, the toolkit have a nandroid function, allows you to make and save a nandroid to your PC, then you can flash stock and lock bootloader using fastboot..

Well I went to Verizon and in order to get a new phone I would have to drop umlimited data... not going to happen. My contract is up soooo bye bye Verizon, hello Sprint.

If you buy a unsubsidized phone (pay full price) you will not lose unlimited data.

WiredPirate said:
If you buy a unsubsidized phone (pay full price) you will not lose unlimited data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware. But I'm not willing to pay full price and the EVO 4G looks promising.

Have you tried "Android screencast", a plug in for Android sdk. We used this on the double rainbow gingerbread for the sgs vibrant.
Screencast let's you see what"should"be on your phone, but on your PC. You can even use your mouse for navigation.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Galaxy s3 power button

Wtf..my button just started to do the see saw and loose thing. Did anyone find a solution other than getting a new phone?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

danielddube said:
Wtf..my button just started to do the see saw and loose thing. Did anyone find a solution other than getting a new phone?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A solution to what exactly? This is the first i've ever read of an S3 power button issue. What is the "see saw and loose thing" exactly? Any pictures?

I have the same problem, from my understanding Sprint considers it a "cosmetic" issue and will not replace/fix for free. Your options are to send to Samsung for warranty repair or place a Sprint TEP claim which will cost and you will receive a refurbished phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32735571
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

ClutchR1 said:
I have the same problem, from my understanding Sprint considers it a "cosmetic" issue and will not replace/fix for free. Your options are to send to Samsung for warranty repair or place a Sprint TEP claim which will cost and you will receive a refurbished phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32735571
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that stinks

Definitely a factory defect. Have both ET and S3. No issues with the power button.

Just buy the button online. It snaps in.
Also, they get loose when you take off a case that you have to stretch to wrap on to the phone if you arent careful. It can catch the edge of the button as you pull the case off.
Just pull the case away from the volume and power buttons as you pull the case off.

DAvid_B said:
Just buy the button online. It snaps in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to pull up an old thread but I have searched and searched and can't find any answers but ....
Did anyone find out if this fixed it? My phone just started the same thing yesterday and now will not lock or unlock the screen or go to the power menu !

This problem is called "sudden death syndrome" its a huuuuuuge factory defect you actually have to solder on a new one or you're screwed
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

I have the Best Buy Protection Plan. One of the reasons I have it is because of stuff like this. I had the Sprint TEP, till they changed it. My buddy had this happen to his SGS3. The Power Button left the party. Because of an error on his part he had both Sprint TEP, and the BBPP ( Best Buy Protection Plan ) . He went to Sprint, and they said they he had to contact Samsung. He went to BB the same day. They sent the Device out for repair, and gave him a loaner. Next day they notified him he would be getting another device in the mail. He received it two days later. Returned the loaner, and all good.

I Just bricked My Galaxy s iii

I cant even get it to start in bootloader

grunted said:
I cant even get it to start in bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you asking for help? Or just announcing?
Sent From My Rooted, S-OFF'd Blackberry Curve using the iOS XDA Application for Android.

help
Whiplashh said:
Are you asking for help? Or just announcing?
Sent From My Rooted, S-OFF'd Blackberry Curve using the iOS XDA Application for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Help please

I hit the power button nothing happens not even boot loop please help

grunted said:
I hit the power button nothing happens not even boot loop please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give us the story of what you were doing before or when it crapped.

epic4GEE said:
Give us the story of what you were doing before or when it crapped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to flash cwm touch

grunted said:
I tried to flash cwm touch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hold volume down and power and home
Does it do anything? If so, get Odin and flash a stock tar for jellybean.
******WARNING: THIS WILL WIPE EVERYTHING ON PHONE (not external sdcard, the PHONE).*******
Sent From My Rooted, S-OFF'd Blackberry Curve using the iOS XDA Application for Android.

Whats the name of the cwm file you flashed and how you flashed it
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

evo4gnoob said:
Whats the name of the cwm file you flashed and how you flashed it
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ^
Also, if you did it through the app, I've heard a lot of reports lately of people bootlooping after updating their recovery.
So if you can get it recognized in ODIN, flash a recovery through that and then see if you can get into it

I think i did the same. i was installing liquidsmooth for the S3 and went to reboot it and bam! bricked. i realized i did not do a wipe i just did an install on top of the rom. I have since then tried all button combos but no luck. I have installed odin and seems like when i plug in the phone to the computer and hold VOL UP+home+power my PC recognizes it but i dont think odin does. So I plan on going and buying one off craigslist and activating it in the morning if i cant do anything by then.

CNexus said:
This ^
Also, if you did it through the app, I've heard a lot of reports lately of people bootlooping after updating their recovery.
So if you can get it recognized in ODIN, flash a recovery through that and then see if you can get into it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is dead can't get it in to Odin or recovery nothing happens

grunted said:
My phone is dead can't get it in to Odin or recovery nothing happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then it sounds to me like you have yourself a fancy paperweight. Where did you find the ROM you were flashing when it occurred?

tkepk181 said:
Then it sounds to me like you have yourself a fancy paperweight. Where did you find the ROM you were flashing when it occurred?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was trying to flash cwm touch

I sent my phne to mobiletechvideo and got it fixed to stock. Cheaper than buying a new phone
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

They fix a hard brick
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

FYI if you had a hard brick call Samsung and tell them it just stopped working and they will send you a box pre paid to send your phone in and a refurbished phone for your replacement. I end up getting a new phone as a replacement as I bricked mine a few weeks after the phone can out. I did this three times and the last time got a refurbished one. You don't pay nothing and the phone come in about a week the only thing that stuck is you have to setup your phone all over again. There really nice on the phone and didn't ask me about flashing or rooting my phone they just tried to have me trouble shoot the phone which I couldn't. Oh one thing our phone I's covered for one year manufacture warranty that has nothing to do with the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium App

bonebeatz1234 said:
FYI if you had a hard brick call Samsung and tell them it just stopped working and they will send you a box pre paid to send your phone in and a refurbished phone for your replacement. I end up getting a new phone as a replacement as I bricked mine a few weeks after the phone can out. I did this three times and the last time got a refurbished one. You don't pay nothing and the phone come in about a week the only thing that stuck is you have to setup your phone all over again. There really nice on the phone and didn't ask me about flashing or rooting my phone they just tried to have me trouble shoot the phone which I couldn't. Oh one thing our phone I's covered for one year manufacture warranty that has nothing to do with the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't be doing this when you hard brick your phone, that's for actual phone defects and your dumb mistake doesn't fall into that category... :banghead:
SPRINT GS3 FAQ

bonebeatz1234 said:
FYI if you had a hard brick call Samsung and tell them it just stopped working and they will send you a box pre paid to send your phone in and a refurbished phone for your replacement. I end up getting a new phone as a replacement as I bricked mine a few weeks after the phone can out. I did this three times and the last time got a refurbished one. You don't pay nothing and the phone come in about a week the only thing that stuck is you have to setup your phone all over again. There really nice on the phone and didn't ask me about flashing or rooting my phone they just tried to have me trouble shoot the phone which I couldn't. Oh one thing our phone I's covered for one year manufacture warranty that has nothing to do with the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You hard bricked three times!!!! Don't experiment use stuff you know will work!!!
Sent from my blue galaxy

bonebeatz1234 said:
FYI if you had a hard brick call Samsung and tell them it just stopped working and they will send you a box pre paid to send your phone in and a refurbished phone for your replacement. I end up getting a new phone as a replacement as I bricked mine a few weeks after the phone can out. I did this three times and the last time got a refurbished one. You don't pay nothing and the phone come in about a week the only thing that stuck is you have to setup your phone all over again. There really nice on the phone and didn't ask me about flashing or rooting my phone they just tried to have me trouble shoot the phone which I couldn't. Oh one thing our phone I's covered for one year manufacture warranty that has nothing to do with the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is called fraud. It's not a manufacturer defect that you screwed up. It's a you defect :thumbdown: people like you are the reason prices keep going up instead of going down.
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!

bonebeatz1234 said:
FYI if you had a hard brick call Samsung and tell them it just stopped working and they will send you a box pre paid to send your phone in and a refurbished phone for your replacement. I end up getting a new phone as a replacement as I bricked mine a few weeks after the phone can out. I did this three times and the last time got a refurbished one. You don't pay nothing and the phone come in about a week the only thing that stuck is you have to setup your phone all over again. There really nice on the phone and didn't ask me about flashing or rooting my phone they just tried to have me trouble shoot the phone which I couldn't. Oh one thing our phone I's covered for one year manufacture warranty that has nothing to do with the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do not encourage other members to commit fraud.
Fraud: A false representation of a matter of fact—whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should have been disclosed—that deceives and is intended to deceive another so that the individual will act upon it to her or his legal injury.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether or not they do replace it is irrelevant. When you decided to root your phone, you voided any and all claims on your warranty (which covers manufacturers defects only). If all of the people who hard-brick their phones claim it on the sprint warranty, you'll see a drastic increase in one (or all) of the following:
Phone Costs
Plan pricing
TEP Costs
"Premium Data" charges
By "claiming ignorance," you are willfully misrepresenting your situation to Sprint, with the intent to deceive Sprint so that they may pay for your mistake. This, by definition, is fraud. Now, you probably won't be sitting in front of a Grand Jury because of one (or three) replaced phones, but it honestly speaks volumes to your moral character if you see no problem with this.
What you're doing is passing the buck on your mistake off to Sprint. Sprint, in turn, will pass that cost onto us. Please don't recommend this course of action again.

[Q] Broken Power Button, Jig doesn't work

I have a sprint epic touch (GS2) that had jellybean the newest update from Samsung for the device.
The power button was going out on it and I tried fixing and breaking it off... To small for me to solder back on.
So I ordered a JIG from amazon, works GREAT on my tmobile vibrant and my sprint galaxy s 4, but won't work on my S2.
It's charged to almost full battery, Any ideas to get it to turn on so I can root it? I searched the forum and saw if I rooted it back to older version the jig would work... But the only reason I have a JIG is to power it on, but it didnt work, so other then replacing the power button any ideas? Thanks

Unfortunately with the new bootloader the jig will not boot you up to recovery without pushing the power button. You can Google mobile tech videos. They have a power button repair service. I am also able to replace power buttons as well. It is fixable as long as you didn't break any pads or completely ruin the traces to the pads.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

graydiggy said:
Unfortunately with the new bootloader the jig will not boot you up to recovery without pushing the power button. You can Google mobile tech videos. They have a power button repair service. I am also able to replace power buttons as well. It is fixable as long as you didn't break any pads or completely ruin the traces to the pads.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I know I can send it in to them, just wasn't wanting to spend the money, it has a broken screen, and they dont fix that Eh (I'm sure I can do that myself)
Why is it only on the G2 that the boat loader was changed? My G4 the usb jig works.

I think they might. Not sure. It is really easy to replace the screen. I am not entirely sure... Ever since the official JB release, a jig will not force the phone to power on. I have an idea that it has something to do with preventing people from rooting. I downgraded my bootloader though, so I have no issues.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

I thought a straight up battery pull/replace turned the phone on with the new Boot loader. Have you given that a try?
Edit: also, the app nomoarpowah from chainfire keeps the phone in a shutdown state with a scheduled or a "reboot now" button on screen, so that may help with not having a power button. Needs root, but who doesn't have that?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

noobtoob said:
I thought a straight up battery pull/replace turned the phone on with the new Boot loader. Have you given that a try?
Edit: also, the app nomoarpowah from chainfire keeps the phone in a shutdown state with a scheduled or a "reboot now" button on screen, so that may help with not having a power button. Needs root, but who doesn't have that?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually never tried that and it should work...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

noobtoob said:
I thought a straight up battery pull/replace turned the phone on with the new Boot loader. Have you given that a try?
Edit: also, the app nomoarpowah from chainfire keeps the phone in a shutdown state with a scheduled or a "reboot now" button on screen, so that may help with not having a power button. Needs root, but who doesn't have that?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Straight Up battery pull doesn't work, I tried that before. Going have to replace the power button, no way around it Eh

Thy Gamer said:
The Straight Up battery pull doesn't work, I tried that before. Going have to replace the power button, no way around it Eh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like it... Sorry for your luck.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Thy Gamer said:
The power button was going out on it and I tried fixing and breaking it off...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have insurance coverage and are out of warranty, you can replace the switch yourself. Several eBay sellers offer replacement power switches for the Epic Touch for about ten bucks.
Or, if you don't have mad soldering skills, you can ship it out to get fixed. A few sellers offer mail-in repair service:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sprint-Epic-4G-Touch-FIX-POWER-SWITCH-Samsung-Button-SERVICE-/151047295293
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Button-Repair-Samsung-Galaxy-S-Galaxy-S-II-Galaxy-NOTE-MORE-/320910836052
Replacing the switch is probably much like replacing a USB port. This shows how to replace your microUSB port without a fancy de-soldering station or hot air pencil. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao5T9_XcCrU