Develop Bugs

[REF] If odin gives error - unbricking

Guide
Yesterday I first successfully flashed G5 firmware + root. Later I unsuccessfully tried to make the lag fix for memory card. After that I recovered back up using Back UP Pro and restarted. Got a bunch of FC, so decided to reflash.
During the flash on first step odin crashed (just a nondescript message with attention sign and path to Odin) + second error right after first one, only with some strange symbals-hieroglyphs after the path to odin).
Edit - pics:
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and
After that nothing is happening in odin and everything is grayed out. Error can be different (that was just my error), but the point is that phone is bricked (does not turn on). Causes can vary from you disconecting device during flash, computer crashing, ODIN crashing (my case), alien abductions and other very possible reasons =)
After that I always got the same problem - either stuck on reading file (or what is the first step analyses, etc) or crashes (mostly now).
Phone is bricked - I can either go to download screen, or some screen with phone and computer icons connected by dotted line with attention icon - screenshot, thanks to m3keni.
I looked at "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" (thanks goes to blackerwater) advice and several recovery advices (up + menu + power; down + power; laptop does not recognize apd device).
Win 7 x64.
Solution

try odin on a different computer phone should be ok once you flash.. i flash multiple times on one then suddenly wouldnt flash anymore.. just hung.. re-did it on a laptop and it worked fine.

dupel said:
Yesterday I first successfully flashed G5 firmware + root. Later I unsuccessfully tried to make the lag fix for memory card. After that I recovered back up using Back UP Pro and restarted.
Got a bunch of FC, so decided to reflash.
During the flash on first step odin crashed (just a nondescript message with attention sign and path to Odin) + second error right after first one, only with some strange symbals-hieroglyphs after the path to odin).
After that I always got the same problem - either stuck on reading file (or what is the first step analyses, etc) or crashes (mostly now).
Phone is bricked - I can either go to download screen, or some screen with phone and computer icons connected by dotted line with attention icon.
I looked at "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" advice and several recovery advices (up, menu, power; down, power; laptop does not recognize apd device), however, haven't found anything good. Including restarting (device, laptop), using different usb slots (eventually run out of), etc.
What are the other options for recovery? And any possible advice on such an error? Like how to do a complete wipe, hardreset, recovery, better flashing advice?
My first time bricking Android (god knows how much times I did it to my symbian )
Win 7 x64. Will add screenshots (if forums will allow me) tomorrow afternoon, now I need some sleep and have to wake up early.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something like this???
If so, try to remove the battery.. leave it out for about 30 - 60 seconds.. patience is the key..
Try to restart your computer and then upon restart.. load odin.. load pit.. code.. modem.. csc..
Now on your phone.. press the volume down + home key then power ON the phone.
Connect your device to your computer.. ding ding..
As per the odin application choose, enabale re-partition..
Then press START.
**cross your fingers and hope for the best.
**i encountered that screen when my lappy suddenly died.. unplugged the wrong power cord (my lappy's battery is MIA at the moment).
Wish you all the best and hope this works.

m3keni said:
something like this???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, thats the screen. Today quickly in the morning managed to start up odin, but it got stuck on "set pit file, do not turn off" step. Stuck there for some 5 min already.

dupel said:
Yup, thats the screen. Today quickly in the morning managed to start up odin, but it got stuck on "set pit file, not dot retn off" step. Stuck there for some 5 min already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..since it's been 5 minutes already.. disconnect your phone and then remove the battery for about a minute or 2.
..prepare the following..
s1_odin_20100512.pit *from http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=359929&d=1279109916
PDA: CODE_I9000XWJG5.tar *from JG5 firmware
PHONE: MODEM_I9000XXJG1.tar *from JG5 firmware
CSC: CSC_I9000OXXJG4.tar *from JG5 firmware
..Access the download mode of your phone.. vol down + home ++ ON..
..Open ODIN3 and then set the directories for the files listed above..
..Connect your phone to the PC and wait for about a minute or 2..
..On ODIN3.. ID:Com should show something.. yellow bar with com port ranging from 1 to 10..
..tick Re-Partition and when you are ready click START.
[that is the exact steps I followed]

m3keni said:
..since it's been 5 minutes already.. disconnect your phone and then remove the battery for about a minute or 2.
..prepare the following..
s1_odin_20100512.pit *from http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=359929&d=1279109916
PDA: CODE_I9000XWJG5.tar *from JG5 firmware
PHONE: MODEM_I9000XXJG1.tar *from JG5 firmware
CSC: CSC_I9000OXXJG4.tar *from JG5 firmware
..Access the download mode of your phone.. vol down + home ++ ON..
..Open ODIN3 and then set the directories for the files listed above..
..Connect your phone to the PC and wait for about a minute or 2..
..On ODIN3.. ID:Com should show something.. yellow bar with com port ranging from 1 to 10..
..tick Re-Partition and when you are ready click START.
[that is the exact steps I followed]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats exactly what I have been doing (and tried flashing pit 513 + JG1, as it was my previous firmware), but once again am stuck at crashes in odin.
Will try, if everything fails today, to flash it from friends computer in the evening.

Have you tried downloading a fresh copy of odin? Odin should not need any compatibility modes so you should start looking for what you changed on your PC between the last working and the non-working flash. But rest (relatively) easy: The state your phone is in, is quite easily recovered (given you have a working PC)

Just reflashed my phone successfully. In case anyone has the same error in future what I did is:
1) Run ODIN with admin rights and in comparability mode.
2) Restart. I did about gazilion restarts, both windows and phone.
3) Every flash - restart of phone (remove battery), without SD card or SIM card, restart of Windows (7 x64) - during the boot process press F8 and Select "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement". (thanks to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723041 ).
Every restart - new USB port, not sure if it did affect anything.
4) While I have seen recommendations to close Kies and any other software that could use COM ports (I have OVI Suite and Nokia PC Suite installed for my old Nokia 5800) on last sucesful flash-reboot I left everything running.
5) Try re-downloading ODIN again, in case it is corrupted. Or re-downloading the firmware.
6) Very possible solution for my original problem (screenshots) - starting ODIN as soon as windows starts and to flash as soon as you can after windows start. Seems to fix my original issue.
7) Interesting solution by eizyark
The most sucessful combination proved to be:
a) Restart the PC using the Disable Driver Signature Enforcement.
b1) Optionally (if you already have bricked device) try leaving Kies on (tray icon).
b2) Run ODIN and select files you wish to flash (I used pit 512 and JG5 files - all 3, code-pda, modem-phone and csc).
b3) Usually it is recommended to select "Re-Partition" (in some cases might actually help you unbrick - experiment) - I did not.
c) Switch on the phone (insert the battery) and boot into download mode (Volume down + Menu + power)
d) Connect the cables (cable was disconnected from both the device and laptop). At this stage Odin should see your device, as described by flash tutorials (yellow + COM).
e) Flash.

Darkstriker said:
Have you tried downloading a fresh copy of odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I did. Don't think it was actually a problem with ODIN as its just an executable file. Old-new file sizes were the same and it made no difference trying to flash.
All I can say - Im guite a geek, have been playing around with computers for more than decade and I still dont understand them. I really have no idea what was so different this time, but I actually did flash my phone again.
What is even funnier - just tried to flash the modified kernel for ext4 partition on sd card - same error (phone though reboots without any problems).

I think I found another way as well on how to save your phone. I had a similar problem. what I did was, when odin has detected the phone, press start without adding anything. after a few seconds the phone will boot up normally. well it worked for me, maybe this might help others as well.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Maybe we should pin this or any other topic for people to post if they have bricked their device?

I'm sorry to say this and I in no way mean to offend you:
This "Solution" is a seemingly random collection of steps, any of which may have originally been the real solution. However, many of the steps are likely superfluous and before this can become a guide/reference, you would definitely need to narrow this down to steps that need to be taken in specific situations.

m3keni said:
something like this???
If so, try to remove the battery.. leave it out for about 30 - 60 seconds.. patience is the key..
Try to restart your computer and then upon restart.. load odin.. load pit.. code.. modem.. csc..
Now on your phone.. press the volume down + home key then power ON the phone.
Connect your device to your computer.. ding ding..
As per the odin application choose, enabale re-partition..
Then press START.
**cross your fingers and hope for the best.
**i encountered that screen when my lappy suddenly died.. unplugged the wrong power cord (my lappy's battery is MIA at the moment).
Wish you all the best and hope this works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have this screen then just disconnect the USB lead, press and hold, power, vol. down and home until the 'Downloading' screen appears, start ODIN and then reconnect the USB and reflash.

Darkstriker said:
I'm sorry to say this and I in no way mean to offend you:
This "Solution" is a seemingly random collection of steps, any of which may have originally been the real solution. However, many of the steps are likely superfluous and before this can become a guide/reference, you would definitely need to narrow this down to steps that need to be taken in specific situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know =) It was just a solution for my original problem. Thats why I said that this, or any other topic. Its just now we had close to 10 topics, not to mention posts in faq or original topics about each firmware asking pretty much the same questions and describing the almost the same problem.
Introduce a bit of order to anarchy, so to say

dupel said:
I know =) It was just a solution for my original problem. Thats why I said that this, or any other topic. Its just now we had close to 10 topics, not to mention posts in faq or original topics about each firmware asking pretty much the same questions and describing the almost the same problem.
Introduce a bit of order to anarchy, so to say
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that (unlike your issue) 95% of those could be resolved simply by reading the FAQ properly.

ODIN
1st post
My phone was stuck in this infinite loop where try as I might I couldn't get it to re-flash I tried different computers and all and the only thing that worked was getting odin to flash without a rom.
it got my phone out of the loop
Helped heaps

m3keni said:
If so, try to remove the battery.. leave it out for about 30 - 60 seconds.. patience is the key..
Try to restart your computer and then upon restart.. load odin.. load pit.. code.. modem.. csc..
Now on your phone.. press the volume down + home key then power ON the phone.
Connect your device to your computer.. ding ding..
As per the odin application choose, enabale re-partition..
Then press START.
**cross your fingers and hope for the best.
**i encountered that screen when my lappy suddenly died.. unplugged the wrong power cord (my lappy's battery is MIA at the moment).
Wish you all the best and hope this works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I press the Volume Down + Home Key and then Power I get the Phone!PC screen instead of the download screen.

was bored at work and just kept pressing the Download mode combo over and over and it went to download mode from the dreaded cell!pc screen. got the stock rom to flash finally and all appears to be well.

Hi,
Sorry to interrupt but I've managed to brick mine completely...I was trying to update to Froyo without getting any far (not applied any firmware as yet) but I thought I could try the three button fix first so I downloaded the .zip file and stored in root directory of phone.
Before I could apply the fix...i was messing around and the three button worked without applying the fix. However, in recovery mode, first i deleted the data and did a factory reset followed by .zip update (three button fix file...what was i thinking!) which screwed up the phone useless.
It does not power up at all even after removing battery etc...the pc will not recognise it either!
Anything i can do without sending back to samsung/vodafone (the phone was rooted!)
Thanks in advance..ash

Trhow it in the water if you have insurance and hope they give you a new one
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Updating AT&T OTA issues; need help sideloading

Hey all, I recently purchased my Moto Z2 Force att branded phone from motorola.com (when it was on sale for $300); love it so far...but. it's currently on 7.1.1...and refuses to update. I've talked to att customer service for over an hour, and they swear they've done everything they can do from the network side; that it must be a phone issue (...I don't buy it). Moto says they aren't in charge of updates, must be an update issue. Thanks guys.
So I want to get to Oreo, *without* invalidating my warranty.
I downloaded the Lenovo MOTO Smart Assistant (pointed out in other threads), and it recognized that I was out of date. The Flash section of the LMSA seemed to download the latest image, rebooted my phone...and stopped. Showed 51% done, and didn't move once left for hours. The phone is showing the fastboot screen (as if you had held the volume buttons and the power button), but doesn't seem to be going any further.
What the crud.
So I have an "official" image downloaded with the tool, ADB tools installed, and while I haven't rooted and reflashed this phone, I've done it in the past to others. Is there any way to use the image I DL'd with ADB or something else, without invalidating my warranty? (Pics show what was downloaded by the LMSA tool).
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If you have an official firmware for your variant (ATT), you can use a convertor to convert the flashfile.xml to a .bat file and flash your firmware from command prompt. The "how to return to stock" thread will help you, but keep in mind that it is tested on TMO and SPIRNT, ATT isn't much different, but flashall.bat in the flashall util zip might not be sufficient for ATT. That's what the convertor is for, you can make your own flashall with your own xml from the firmware you have. Use the return to stock thread as a guide, and it has links for ATT official firmwares provided from the Moto Firmware Team.

This is exactly what I needed; not necessarily a hand-holding or step by step, but a path forward to investigate. Thanks!

So I also bought the ATT Z2 Force and LOVE IT. I got all the mods too Similarly, I can't get the OTA updates to work, and the lenovo tool hangs at 51%.
Just to be certain, does the method below work on locked bootloaders without root? Thanks so much!!!
41rw4lk said:
If you have an official firmware for your variant (ATT), you can use a convertor to convert the flashfile.xml to a .bat file and flash your firmware from command prompt. The "how to return to stock" thread will help you, but keep in mind that it is tested on TMO and SPIRNT, ATT isn't much different, but flashall.bat in the flashall util zip might not be sufficient for ATT. That's what the convertor is for, you can make your own flashall with your own xml from the firmware you have. Use the return to stock thread as a guide, and it has links for ATT official firmwares provided from the Moto Firmware Team.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

westec2 said:
So I also bought the ATT Z2 Force and LOVE IT. I got all the mods too Similarly, I can't get the OTA updates to work, and the lenovo tool hangs at 51%.
Just to be certain, does the method below work on locked bootloaders without root? Thanks so much!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a locked bootloader you can flash an official firmware that is the same revision or newer. So in short, yes.

Hello! I ended up using the smart tool; it hangs at 51 pct because it doesn't have the right drivers loaded for your device in bootloader mode; it's not recognizing your phone once it reboots back over into bootloader mode. I ended up installing the right drivers and using that tool; it was the easiest way without root to get updated. Once I had the right drivers installed and it recognized bootloader mode, LMSA was really easy to use.

despree said:
it hangs at 51 pct because it doesn't have the right drivers loaded for your device in bootloader mode; it's not recognizing your phone once it reboots back over into bootloader mode. I ended up installing the right drivers and using that tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the "right drivers" and how did you install them? Does the PC download them automatically when you attach the phone or did you need to find them and manually install them?

Hey, had to get home to do some digging. I tried different drivers from a few different places, but I'm pretty sure the ones that worked for me are "15 Second ADB Installer", forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979 . Install those guys, then start the update process. Before the update process, under Device Manager, your phone should show up as "Universal Serial Bus devices -> Moto Z (2)" (or similar). This is correct when your phone is normally operating and connected to the PC with USB debugging.
Then, during the update process, it will put your phone in bootloader mode (with the android dude on his back, chest open). This is where the problem is. Whatever device it loads your phone as (I forget now), is wrong. Under device manager it should be "SAMSUNG Android Phone-> Android Bootloader Interface". So whatever device it loads as, update the drivers; and, with the new drivers you installed above, select that one (Samsung Android Phone/Android Bootloader Interface). I'm not sure at this point; you may need to restart the update process, or it may detect the new device and go from there. But either way, once it gets your phone back to that bootloader mode (android dude on his back), scroll over to "Bootloader Logs", and you should actually see some entries happening. If you do, DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE UNTIL IT'S DONE. Or you'll be restoring your phone and blowing everything away. Personal experience.
After that, you should be good and able to update!
Worth noting: I was hoping once I did this, the OTA update process would fix itself. While testing this out for you and writing this up, LMSA said I had an update...and my OTA "check for updates" feature said I did not. So I think long term, this is now how we update our phones. Hopefully that means we'll get 9 sooner, as a silver lining...
Feel free to reply if this doesn't make sense or something isn't clear, and I'll try to clarify further.

New to updating here
despree said:
Hey, had to get home to do some digging. I tried different drivers from a few different places, but I'm pretty sure the ones that worked for me are "15 Second ADB Installer", forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979 . Install those guys, then start the update process. Before the update process, under Device Manager, your phone should show up as "Universal Serial Bus devices -> Moto Z (2)" (or similar). This is correct when your phone is normally operating and connected to the PC with USB debugging.
Then, during the update process, it will put your phone in bootloader mode (with the android dude on his back, chest open). This is where the problem is. Whatever device it loads your phone as (I forget now), is wrong. Under device manager it should be "SAMSUNG Android Phone-> Android Bootloader Interface". So whatever device it loads as, update the drivers; and, with the new drivers you installed above, select that one (Samsung Android Phone/Android Bootloader Interface). I'm not sure at this point; you may need to restart the update process, or it may detect the new device and go from there. But either way, once it gets your phone back to that bootloader mode (android dude on his back), scroll over to "Bootloader Logs", and you should actually see some entries happening. If you do, DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE UNTIL IT'S DONE. Or you'll be restoring your phone and blowing everything away. Personal experience.
After that, you should be good and able to update!
Worth noting: I was hoping once I did this, the OTA update process would fix itself. While testing this out for you and writing this up, LMSA said I had an update...and my OTA "check for updates" feature said I did not. So I think long term, this is now how we update our phones. Hopefully that means we'll get 9 sooner, as a silver lining...
Feel free to reply if this doesn't make sense or something isn't clear, and I'll try to clarify further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty new to updating andriod devices, is there a toturial that might have some type of step by step out there that you might know about? thanks a lot

omiCar said:
I am pretty new to updating andriod devices, is there a toturial that might have some type of step by step out there that you might know about? thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey omiCar, I do not; not for this. Just did a lot of tinkering. I'll add some more info below to my previous post; this assumes you know how to change device drivers for a device on a windows machine. If not, Google should be able to fill you in on that process!
This is an atypical upgrade method; on the flip side, it's also a lot less "technical" than most upgrade processes. On a windows machine, first install the other drivers I mention above. Then power off your phone, then press and hold the power and volume down buttons until it turns on; this will turn on your phone in bootloader mode. Connect it to your PC, and verify under Device Manager it comes up as "SAMSUNG Android Phone"; if it's anything different, change the driver so that it's that. Now, when the update process reboots your phone for you and puts it in bootloader mode, it will be able to find your phone.
Download the Lenovo mobile smart assistant tool (LMSA, above), and in there is an "update" function; that's the one I refer to above. Reboot your phone so it starts normally, and launch the "Mobile Assistant" app on your Moto Z2; connect your phone to your PC, and make sure the Mobile Assistant can see your phone. Navigate to the update process, and start that. It will take a really long time to download the 1GB+ image with almost no change on screen, so be ready to wait; then it will reboot your phone, and you'll see that android on it's back again screen. It will take another long time to update your phone (30-60 min?). I think it may self reboot a few times during that process? It will then "optimize" the apps, and then you'll be back to your lock screen, ready to go.

despree said:
Hey omiCar, I do not; not for this. Just did a lot of tinkering. I'll add some more info below to my previous post; this assumes you know how to change device drivers for a device on a windows machine. If not, Google should be able to fill you in on that process!
This is an atypical upgrade method; on the flip side, it's also a lot less "technical" than most upgrade processes. On a windows machine, first install the other drivers I mention above. Then power off your phone, then press and hold the power and volume down buttons until it turns on; this will turn on your phone in bootloader mode. Connect it to your PC, and verify under Device Manager it comes up as "SAMSUNG Android Phone"; if it's anything different, change the driver so that it's that. Now, when the update process reboots your phone for you and puts it in bootloader mode, it will be able to find your phone.
Download the Lenovo mobile smart assistant tool (LMSA, above), and in there is an "update" function; that's the one I refer to above. Reboot your phone so it starts normally, and launch the "Mobile Assistant" app on your Moto Z2; connect your phone to your PC, and make sure the Mobile Assistant can see your phone. Navigate to the update process, and start that. It will take a really long time to download the 1GB+ image with almost no change on screen, so be ready to wait; then it will reboot your phone, and you'll see that android on it's back again screen. It will take another long time to update your phone (30-60 min?). I think it may self reboot a few times during that process? It will then "optimize" the apps, and then you'll be back to your lock screen, ready to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thank you for your quick response, I will be attempting to do this tonight or tomorrow, I will circle back with an update, again thank you !

Backup phone first with LMSA
That's what I had to do so it would stop hanging at 51%. Use LMSA backup feature first then upgrade

I just got one of these phones and it came with 7.1.1. And says no updates. If I connect it in Download mode it shows under "Android Device" -> "Motorola ADB Interface". You're telling me that's not correct and it should be Samsung? That's strange. I'll check this out.

Quick question and I'm sorry it doesn't relate to your guys update issues but I've been looking desperately for a copy of the Z2 Force-Nougat SystemUI apk, and I can't find anyone who can upload it because they've all already upgraded to Oreo... So if possible, could 1 of you guys who are still on Nougat upload a copy of your SystemUI apk ?? It would be so GREATLY APPRECIATED, I've been searching forever...

bdizzle1686 said:
Quick question and I'm sorry it doesn't relate to your guys update issues but I've been looking desperately for a copy of the Z2 Force-Nougat SystemUI apk, and I can't find anyone who can upload it because they've all already upgraded to Oreo... So if possible, could 1 of you guys who are still on Nougat upload a copy of your SystemUI apk ?? It would be so GREATLY APPRECIATED, I've been searching forever...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take any flashing all, use a tool to merge the sparsed system images and mount the system img and pull it that way if you really need it

wrenhal said:
I just got one of these phones and it came with 7.1.1. And says no updates. If I connect it in Download mode it shows under "Android Device" -> "Motorola ADB Interface". You're telling me that's not correct and it should be Samsung? That's strange. I'll check this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answered my own question. The flash worked fine. I switched over to the log at 51% and watched it copying files and eventually it finished up and the phone rebooted to Oreo. All in all, if say it took only fifteen to twenty minutes.
Sent from my KIW-L24 using Tapatalk

despree said:
Hey all, I recently purchased my Moto Z2 Force att branded phone from motorola.com (when it was on sale for $300); love it so far...but. it's currently on 7.1.1...and refuses to update. I've talked to att customer service for over an hour, and they swear they've done everything they can do from the network side; that it must be a phone issue (...I don't buy it). Moto says they aren't in charge of updates, must be an update issue. Thanks guys.
So I want to get to Oreo, *without* invalidating my warranty.
I downloaded the Lenovo MOTO Smart Assistant (pointed out in other threads), and it recognized that I was out of date. The Flash section of the LMSA seemed to download the latest image, rebooted my phone...and stopped. Showed 51% done, and didn't move once left for hours. The phone is showing the fastboot screen (as if you had held the volume buttons and the power button), but doesn't seem to be going any further.
What the crud.
So I have an "official" image downloaded with the tool, ADB tools installed, and while I haven't rooted and reflashed this phone, I've done it in the past to others. Is there any way to use the image I DL'd with ADB or something else, without invalidating my warranty? (Pics show what was downloaded by the LMSA tool).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/help/how-to-manually-update-att-motorola-z2-t3879143

Android tablet, how to disable kiosk mode or install new firmware

I am new to the android programming world. I own an iQR70 device from MLS that is using -if I read well- the kiosk mode for its own application called MAIC (something like Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant).
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}
The real pain with this device is that the application is buggy does not get any updates and overall does not work properly.
So, my questions are, a) is there any way to disable the kiosk mode and work with it as a normal tablet? or desperately b) Can I install a compatible firmware? I don't care for the data inside.

You can check for update. Look for android version of tablet. You can check their site for any upgrade of software.
You can flash other firmware. Find compatible firmware as per your model.
You can disable apps same as you do on android mobile.

My tablet currently Is dead boot and I am trying to find the test points. Anyway, I have no access to the android os to disable apps. The virtual assistant is the only app I can use, all others are forbidden.

Hi sdancer,
I got the same device and it's stuck in bootloop as well, after I experimented a bit too much. Stock recovery ist not working (when I select it in the boot menu it just reboots again), I can only get into Fastboot mode, but the PC won't recognize the device at all, because I guess I don't have the necessary drivers, USB connection never worked.
Did you manage to get it back on? And does your PC recognize your device?

zeetotheuno said:
Hi sdancer,
I got the same device and it's stuck in bootloop as well, after I experimented a bit too much. Stock recovery ist not working (when I select it in the boot menu it just reboots again), I can only get into Fastboot mode, but the PC won't recognize the device at all, because I guess I don't have the necessary drivers, USB connection never worked.
Did you manage to get it back on? And does your PC recognize your device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send commands under fastboot from your pc; if the drivers are the problem then try to fix them. In my case I deleted the Preload partition so I can not even power up the device. The only solution in my case, is the hardware reset using kolo connection pin shorted with ground and immediately flash from a stock Rom or a previously saved backup. I didn't find time to try it yet.

sdancer said:
Can you send commands under fastboot from your pc; if the drivers are the problem then try to fix them. In my case I deleted the Preload partition so I can not even power up the device. The only solution in my case, is the hardware reset using kolo connection pin shorted with ground and immediately flash from a stock Rom or a previously saved backup. I didn't find time to try it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I can't send any commands, unfortunately. I can't finx the drivers either, because I never had them. The MTK drivers I installed did never work. I could never connect it to the PC before, because it was never recognized. Did your PC recognize device at all? Or does it recognize the other one you have, which is working?
I opened MAIC and tried to find the test spot, but there is really NOTHING written on the spots (No GND, no Kcolo, just nothing at all). I tried connecting some of the spots, but it didn't work.
If you try it and find out, would you be so kind to share?
By the way, I was able to get into the developer options by chance. When you press the small sun (swipe down on the main screen, and tap on the small sun on the right side, where you set the display brightness, several times)
Usually a prompt will pop up and ask for a password (which I couldn't find anywhere, not even their support would tell me)
But I was lucky once and got into these settings when there was some kind of bug in one of the previous versions. But I couldn't flash anything onto it, because as I said, my computer wouldn't recognize the device.

zeetotheuno said:
No, I can't send any commands, unfortunately. I can't finx the drivers either, because I never had them. The MTK drivers I installed did never work. I could never connect it to the PC before, because it was never recognized. Did your PC recognize device at all? Or does it recognize the other one you have, which is working?
I opened MAIC and tried to find the test spot, but there is really NOTHING written on the spots (No GND, no Kcolo, just nothing at all). I tried connecting some of the spots, but it didn't work.
If you try it and find out, would you be so kind to share?
By the way, I was able to get into the developer options by chance. When you press the small sun (swipe down on the main screen, and tap on the small sun on the right side, where you set the display brightness, several times)
Usually a prompt will pop up and ask for a password (which I couldn't find anywhere, not even their support would tell me)
But I was lucky once and got into these settings when there was some kind of bug in one of the previous versions. But I couldn't flash anything onto it, because as I said, my computer wouldn't recognize the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, the developer mode is very essential to use the adb (Android debug bridge) and finally disable the kiosk mode. Can you explain how to enable it, because I am not sure if understand well.
My device is dead boot, does not power up currently, but I have another one that works. Before that, yes it connected with my windows, that's how I flashed it and finally bricked it. I have the drivers and they works just fine. In you case you don't have dead boot device, cos you can power it on and use fast boot.
So you don't need hardware reset. Just fix the drivers, if you need them, I can send them to you.
PCB does not have any indication of kolo pin joint. I didn't find anything either, but I am gonna use the mediatek pinout diagram I found, and proceed with test & trial method.

sdancer said:
Hi, the developer mode is very essential to use the adb (Android debug bridge) and finally disable the kiosk mode. Can you explain how to enable it, because I am not sure if understand well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, basically just try this, (for the one that still works):
- You just let it boot normally until you see the MAIC woman on the main screen.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen, so you can get to this menu, you know, where you can access "Home", "Music", "Video Call" etc.
- You will see the brightness adjustment bar with a big sun and a small sun. Tap the sun on the right side of the bar about 9 times
- Now you'll see a message pop up, which asks you for a password
And this is where I got stuck for a long time. And usually you can't get past this point I guess.
But one day, when they updated the software to V 4.01 I just could access the developer options and enable ADB and stuff. I have no idea how that worked, it must have been a bug within the version. After another update of the MAIC software (V 4.02), I couldn't access it anymore either.
Maybe you're lucky and you'll be able to get into it too, if you didn't install the latest update yet.
What I did was, I installed a launcher (I was able to use the devices browser and access the apk) and then I could switch between Kiosk mode and the "normal" android display. If you could manage to install any launcher (I used Evie Launcher and it worked great) you can use it like a tablet (it's slow as hell, though).
sdancer said:
My device is dead boot, does not power up currently, but I have another one that works. Before that, yes it connected with my windows, that's how I flashed it and finally bricked it. I have the drivers and they works just fine. In you case you don't have dead boot device, cos you can power it on and use fast boot.
So you don't need hardware reset. Just fix the drivers, if you need them, I can send them to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be soooo great, if you could share the drivers! It would help me a lot. Because like you, I would try flashing a stock ROM, too, and maybe we'll find a way to enable ADB with a modified ROM.
sdancer said:
PCB does not have any indication of kolo pin joint. I didn't find anything either, but I am gonna use the mediatek pinout diagram I found, and proceed with test & trial method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, let me know, if you find something! I gave up already, because I really didn't find the right spots. On the small PCB on the left, if you unscrew it and turn it around, there are several more gold points, btw. Maybe you'll find something there. And on the small board (where the Buttons for Power, Volume + and Volume - are located) there are some golden points too.

zeetotheuno said:
Well, basically just try this, (for the one that still works):
- You just let it boot normally until you see the MAIC woman on the main screen.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen, so you can get to this menu, you know, where you can access "Home", "Music", "Video Call" etc.
- You will see the brightness adjustment bar with a big sun and a small sun. Tap the sun on the right side of the bar about 9 times
- Now you'll see a message pop up, which asks you for a password
And this is where I got stuck for a long time. And usually you can't get past this point I guess.
But one day, when they updated the software to V 4.01 I just could access the developer options and enable ADB and stuff. I have no idea how that worked, it must have been a bug within the version. After another update of the MAIC software (V 4.02), I couldn't access it anymore either.
Maybe you're lucky and you'll be able to get into it too, if you didn't install the latest update yet.
What I did was, I installed a launcher (I was able to use the devices browser and access the apk) and then I could switch between Kiosk mode and the "normal" android display. If you could manage to install any launcher (I used Evie Launcher and it worked great) you can use it like a tablet (it's slow as hell, though).
That would be soooo great, if you could share the drivers! It would help me a lot. Because like you, I would try flashing a stock ROM, too, and maybe we'll find a way to enable ADB with a modified ROM.
Well, let me know, if you find something! I gave up already, because I really didn't find the right spots. On the small PCB on the left, if you unscrew it and turn it around, there are several more gold points, btw. Maybe you'll find something there. And on the small board (where the Buttons for Power, Volume + and Volume - are located) there are some golden points too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem at all, I will attach them (drivers) on Monday when I return back to my office. I will attach you also screenshots from my device manager to know how windows recognize them.
This is all you need in your case, don't bother with the hardware reset.

sdancer said:
No problem at all, I will attach them (drivers) on Monday when I return back to my office. I will attach you also screenshots from my device manager to know how windows recognize them.
This is all you need in your case, don't bother with the hardware reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome! Thank you in advance.
Yeah, I guess the hardware reset really takes some time and a lot of trial and error.
But if you manage to do it, let me know, I'm just curious in general, if that's possible with this device.

To Flash your device,
1) Install the drivers
2) Press Download from SP Flash Tool
2) Connect USB
3) Connect the power outlet from your device (in this case) or connect the battery
****WARNING: DONT FORMAT THE PRELOAD or you will get a DEAD BOOT device, use ONLY DOWNLOAD and not download+format
AutoInstall
=================
MediaTek_Preloader_USB_VCOM_drivers.exe
File on MEGA
mega.nz
Manual Install
=================
MediaTek_Preloader_USB_VCOM_Drivers_Setup_Signed.zip
File on MEGA
mega.nz
MediaTek_Preloader_USB_VCOM_Drivers.zip
File on MEGA
mega.nz

Hey @sdancer, thank you for the drivers. But I must do something wrong, because it's still not detected. It's not showing in my device manager and nothing happens in SP Flashtool.
I tried the automatic install and the manual install, but still nothing :/
Could you maybe explain how exactly you installed them? Maybe I'm making a mistake there.

1) Check the USB cable and make sure it works fine for data transfers (some cables are only for charging and does not contain the data wires inside)
2) Download the drivers https://mega.nz/file/ePITwCbA#DvF-SAOA8_nI0vFReV_fR1JuDJa_1us_SDnQKUstoZ4
3) Follow the instructions I recorded for you at

sdancer said:
1) Check the USB cable and make sure it works fine for data transfers (some cables are only for charging and does not contain the data wires inside)
2) Download the drivers https://mega.nz/file/ePITwCbA#DvF-SAOA8_nI0vFReV_fR1JuDJa_1us_SDnQKUstoZ4
3) Follow the instructions I recorded for you at
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi again, sorry it took a while to reply. So, I tried, and it does find the device now, but only as "Unknown device" and not as "Android Device". I tried several drivers but it won't connect, when I try SP Flashtool.
Really tough thing, this MAIC, haha.

zeetotheuno said:
Hi again, sorry it took a while to reply. So, I tried, and it does find the device now, but only as "Unknown device" and not as "Android Device". I tried several drivers but it won't connect, when I try SP Flashtool.
Really tough thing, this MAIC, haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I suppose that this is a driver's problem, you should try to fix it someway.

Hello good people! I did a factory reset because this device was not working good and it was really buggy, I did this before when i had problem with the device, but now I'm stuck at location selection and can't pass it! Please take a look at my pictures, to clear the situation.
I'm seeking for help for months now, so, if anyone can help me, I will be really grateful
Thank you, Marko

Marko121212 said:
Hello good people! I did a factory reset because this device was not working good and it was really buggy, I did this before when i had problem with the device, but now I'm stuck at location selection and can't pass it! Please take a look at my pictures, to clear the situation.
I'm seeking for help for months now, so, if anyone can help me, I will be really grateful
Thank you, Marko
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any idea, Any fix?

paulos2951 said:
Any idea, Any fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea bro :/ Hoping that someone will help me

Marko121212 said:
Hello good people! I did a factory reset because this device was not working good and it was really buggy, I did this before when i had problem with the device, but now I'm stuck at location selection and can't pass it! Please take a look at my pictures, to clear the situation.
I'm seeking for help for months now, so, if anyone can help me, I will be really grateful
Thank you, Marko
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with you
If you find a solution please send me a message !

Jim-Kyritsis said:
I have the same problem with you
If you find a solution please send me a message !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi friend! Are you Greek? Is there a way to contact MLS in Greece?

Zenwatch (WI500Q) firmware needed...

Hey all.
It seems like this section of the forum hasn't seen any visitors for some time, not surprising given the age of the original Zenwatch. However, I am posting this on the slim chance that someone with one of these watches might see it and help a brother out.
My Zenwatch was bricked years ago following a corrupted OTA update, and hasn't seen the light of day since. Recently though I found the watch, charged it up, and gave it another go. The stock firmware was still crashing constantly leaving the watch unusable, but I managed to install the Asteroid OS on the watch and now it works, albeit in a very limited fashion compared to the official software.
Now that I know that the watch itself is OK, and it just needs the stock firmware to be installed, I turn to you. Asus were unable to help me, as they no longer have access to the original firmware (or more likely, they're unwilling to share them with an end user), I am hoping that someone on this forum still possesses one of these watches and can create and share a backup of the OS, as it now appears that this is pretty much my last chance of getting my watch working properly again.
So, any retro watch owners left in this corner of the t'interweb?

Hi! I have this watch with stock firmware. Tell how to do the backup or send manual and I'll do it.

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helloworld1337 you might be about to make a lot of people very happy!
I'm not sure how to extract the firmware from the watch, I'll have to do a little research in to that, but I don't think it's a particularly complicated procedure. Give me a little time and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Thanks again!

OK, I think I understand how to do this now, but as with any image copying / rooting process, only proceed if you are happy to do so, there is always the slim chance that rooting a watch can have undesired effects, but mine rooted without any issues. So, here we go...
Files that you will need...
KingRoot - https://kingroot-pc.en.uptodown.com/windows/download
ADB & Fastboot - https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools
ADB Explorer - Can be found in the Microsoft Store. It only gets a 1* rating but we only need it to look for files and delete created images once we're done with them.
Next, connect your watch to your PC via the charging dock and a suitable USB cable. Now comes the technical stuff which I hope I have understood correctly...
1) Enable developer mode on your Zen watch. You do this by going to settings/about and tapping on the version number 7 times. This should enable the developer options, one of which should be to enable USB debugging (I can't tell exactly where this option is as my watch is running Asteroid OS, but it should be in there somewhere).
2) Extract the ADB tools to a known folder. Open a command prompt in that folder. Type the command "Fastboot oem unlock". This should unlock the bootloader on your watch.
3) Install and run KingRoot, this will root your watch granting you access to all the files on it. Again, this step is done at your own risk, I did it with mine and it worked perfectly, but it would be remiss of me to not give a warning at least. It takes a little while to complete so be patient.
4) Open ADB Explorer and hopefully your watch will be listed in the left-hand panel in the devices list. If it is, click on it and then click the browse button, this should display all of the accessible directories. In my case I see "Internal storage" and "Root", open "Root".
5) At this point we are looking for a folder that contains all of the partitions listed by name. On my watch it is in /dev/disk/by-partlabel, but again, I'm running Asteroid OS. Another possibility is /dev/block/platform/dw_mmc/by-name, but have a browse around the dev folder and subfolders, somewhere in there should be folder with lots of files, some named "boot" "recovery" and "system". Make a note of the path to these files.
6) In the command prompt type "ADB shell", the cursor should change to a # symbol (the first time you do this, type "mkdir images", this will create an images folder on your watch that'll just make things a little easier to navigate in the next steps, you only have to run this command once).
7) Type "dd if=/dev/disk/by-partlabel/boot of=/images/boot.img" but change the "/dev/disk/by-partlabel/boot" to match the path that you found on your watch earlier. If successful this will create a "boot.img" file in the /images/ directory. This can take a while depending on the size of the partition, just give it some time and it will eventually go back to the # prompt (boot and recovery are about 16mb, system is about 500mb so takes longer).
8) Type "Exit" which should return you to a normal command prompt. Now type "ADB pull /images/boot.img", this will copy the boot.img file to your PC (into the same folder as the ADB command file).
9) Use the ADB Explorer program to go to the /images/ folder on your watch and delete the boot.img file, it'll just free up space for more images.
10) Repeat steps 6-9 for the "recovery" and "system" partitions, naming the created image files recovery.img and system.img respectively. Don't forget to delete them off your watch after you have copied them to your PC as the system one takes up quite a bit of space.
11) Take the three image files (boot.img, recovery.img and system.img) and upload them to a sharing site of your choice, then let me know the links to them.
I have tested the above steps with my Zenwatch and have successfully extracted and then re-flashed the images. With luck, and the images you produce, this will allow me to re-flash my watch back to factory standard, then I'll see if there's somewhere where I can host them permanently for anyone else that may need them, as I suspect that I am not the only one looking for them.
Fingers crossed!

Hi!
I got problems with ROOTing.
Tried Kingroot, kingoroot - failed at exploiting. Also looked for TWRP, but all links dead.
ED: Failed means that process went to the end without results.

Yeah I've not been able to find TWRP anywhere either. It's gone midnight now and I'm turning in but I'll see what I can find tomorrow. Bear with me, we're almost there.

Just to check, have you done these steps?
On your watch, head to Menu->Settings->About and tap on Build number for 7-8 times until it says you are a developer. When it does, the developer menu should be unlocked on your watch.
Head to Menu->Settings->Developer options and enable ADB debugging. Without this, your computer will not be able to communicate with your watch.

Yeah sure. I also went to the fastboot mode by swiping from right top corner to left bottom at boot, or sth like that and enabled bootloader by oem unlock. Kingroot has problem with rooting because device is unsupported. It tries many root strategies but all of them are unsuccessfull. It's Marshmallow 6.0.1 - m1d65s build.

We could try Kingo Root, an ironically close name to the other app, but beggars can't be choosers at the moment.
Kingo Root, the king root android app for free.
Kingo Root is #1 one click root solution so easy to use. Take your android phone by your control! You will love this feeling - the freedom.
www.kingoapp.com
I tried it on my watch and phone but they're already rooted so the process didn't succeed (obviously), but it could be worth a try.

As I mentioned before I tried both with no success.

Listen, I don't really care about this watch, its laying on my shelf and getting dust.
PM me address and I'll try to ship it to You somehow.
Obvously it's weared and has burnt pixels but stilll working and may be the donor - maybe somehow You'll manage to download the software and share with others.

As I mentioned before I tried both with no success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that's my bad, I misread your reply, I didn't realise that you had already tried that one.
Listen, I don't really care about this watch, its laying on my shelf and getting dust.
PM me address and I'll try to ship it to You somehow.
Obvously it's weared and has burnt pixels but stilll working and may be the donor - maybe somehow You'll manage to download the software and share with others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn man, that is exceedingly generous of you! If you're sure that you're happy to do that then I am more than willing to cover the cost of postage. I'll PM you my details and we can get something arranged, you are an absolute legend sir.

Package sent. Shipping cost was like few screws so donate for any charity when you got it and we're good.

helloworld1337 said:
Package sent. Shipping cost was like few screws so donate for any charity when you got it and we're good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I absolutely will do that, and thank you again, in these days of doom and gloom you have absolutely rekindled my faith in humanity .

For anyone following this thread, the stock firmware files are now available HERE.

Howdy! Nice to see you done the work
BR

helloworld1337 said:
Howdy! Nice to see you done the work
BR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi BR.
Yup, I eventually managed to work out a somewhat unconventional way to access the storage on the watch, something which I would not have been able to do without your generous donation. I also apologise for not letting you know that it arrived safely, that was an oversight on my part I think caused in part by the dejection that set in from repeatedly failing to root the damn thing .
However, between us we have succeeded in creating the firmware files, and are now able to offer them up to anyone that needs them. I'd call that a job well done .

Question Android Beta to Factory Reset mucked up, plus a bunch of troubleshooting I've already tried

Okay. The android beta program was messing with an app I use regularly so I backed up my phone on google 1 and all that fun stuff then did the opt out and just ran stuff like it was supposed to. Then, it got stuck in fastboot mode and said that the installation failed. If this wasn't already obvious I'm not good at talking tech but I am decent at troubleshooting things, so I tried. Today I learned what fastboot and adb are, what sideloading is, stuff like lineageos and twrp if. If that's what that one was called, today is a blur. Okay let me be more specific.
It seems like what I need to do is sideload the right OTA image, but I can't find the one I need. The last two I tried, one being the very wrong one and one being (copied from official source):
12.1.0 (SQ3A.220705.003, Jul 2022)Linke66e2df393d5a0f885f62d2de086dcd80cdcf8eb28d567f4582ff67756876170
But this one also wasn't new enough? It says: error: recovery: update package is older than the current build, expected a build newer than the timestamp 1657306786 but package has timestamp 1654117437 and downgrade not allowed.
I've tried the flashing tool (my phone shows up but has a connection issue I couldn't fix), the google rescue mode tool (my phone connected but the browser tool just looped til the phone timed out), I've tried sideloading the twrp apk and such which didn't work due to "error: closed" which I also couldn't fix, but I'm pretty sure all these problems are caused by not having developer options and debugging and those things turned...whichever way they need to be.
If this is important, I'm in Canada, using Telus, the phone is still fairly new and was working perfectly I just had to opt in and then out of the android beta. Kicking myself for that now. If I need to be more specific I'll try but for now, can I unbrick my phone without taking it somewhere to be unbricked for me? I also don't have an SD card to use to do it that way. Thank you.

Try This link for help.

lilyhollow said:
Okay. The android beta program was messing with an app I use regularly so I backed up my phone on google 1 and all that fun stuff then did the opt out and just ran stuff like it was supposed to. Then, it got stuck in fastboot mode and said that the installation failed. If this wasn't already obvious I'm not good at talking tech but I am decent at troubleshooting things, so I tried. Today I learned what fastboot and adb are, what sideloading is, stuff like lineageos and twrp if. If that's what that one was called, today is a blur. Okay let me be more specific.
It seems like what I need to do is sideload the right OTA image, but I can't find the one I need. The last two I tried, one being the very wrong one and one being (copied from official source):
12.1.0 (SQ3A.220705.003, Jul 2022)Linke66e2df393d5a0f885f62d2de086dcd80cdcf8eb28d567f4582ff67756876170
But this one also wasn't new enough? It says: error: recovery: update package is older than the current build, expected a build newer than the timestamp 1657306786 but package has timestamp 1654117437 and downgrade not allowed.
I've tried the flashing tool (my phone shows up but has a connection issue I couldn't fix), the google rescue mode tool (my phone connected but the browser tool just looped til the phone timed out), I've tried sideloading the twrp apk and such which didn't work due to "error: closed" which I also couldn't fix, but I'm pretty sure all these problems are caused by not having developer options and debugging and those things turned...whichever way they need to be.
If this is important, I'm in Canada, using Telus, the phone is still fairly new and was working perfectly I just had to opt in and then out of the android beta. Kicking myself for that now. If I need to be more specific I'll try but for now, can I unbrick my phone without taking it somewhere to be unbricked for me? I also don't have an SD card to use to do it that way. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what was the error you got in Android Flash Tool?

jcp2 said:
what was the error you got in Android Flash Tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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I checked with all the troubleshooting tips for connection issues but nothing changed the status. Sometimes it would say already in use when I had the cmd open but then I use kill-server to free it up and it changes to this.

Is your bootloader unlocked? If it isn't (and if Telus is like the US phone carriers), then I don't think you would be able to revert back to Android 12. You will have to wait for Android 13 to officially launch and you can then manually flash the full image (as it seems that you cannot sideload the OTA). And you would have to manually flash the latest full Android 13 beta build for the time being.
Regardless, right now you should try looking into "platform-tools" here on XDA. Then, see if you can use adb to view your phone over USB connection with the stock Google USB cable that came with the phone (most random aftermarket cables work fine, however, a few do not seem to work). You would need USB Debugging enabled to do this, however, the phone may still respond since you had it fall into fastboot mode before (and you would essentially be using adb to put your phone into fastboot mode).
Leave a reply if you can put your phone into fastboot mode/if you can use adb. We can go further from there with what I know about this stuff.

NippleSauce said:
Is your bootloader unlocked? If it isn't (and if Telus is like the US phone carriers), then I don't think you would be able to revert back to Android 12. You will have to wait for Android 13 to officially launch and you can then manually flash the full image (as it seems that you cannot sideload the OTA). And you would have to manually flash the latest full Android 13 beta build for the time being.
Regardless, right now you should try looking into "platform-tools" here on XDA. Then, see if you can use adb to view your phone over USB connection with the stock Google USB cable that came with the phone (most random aftermarket cables work fine, however, a few do not seem to work). You would need USB Debugging enabled to do this, however, the phone may still respond since you had it fall into fastboot mode before (and you would essentially be using adb to put your phone into fastboot mode).
Leave a reply if you can put your phone into fastboot mode/if you can use adb. We can go further from there with what I know about this stuff.
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Bootloader is locked. It's permanently stuck in fastboot mode, except when I switch to recovery or rescue, and then if I reboot the phone it goes into fastboot. When I use adb and use "adb devices" my device shows up as [devicenumber] sideload. Other adb commands won't work due to "error: closed" which I assumed was because debugging was off. Only thing I got to work so far was sideloading OTA, and you see how that went. But I do have platform-tools and adb and fastboot set up. So that's something. My USB cord is aftermarket but does seem to work.

are you using These drivers? for windows. which version of windows are you running? I think @NippleSauce is correct in that if you don't have usb debugging enabled (you don't) you'll have to wait for A13 final. Or, if you're in your 30 day return window.....take it back to Telus.

Sorry, I've been eating and lifting weights at almost the same time LOL. I also just got the Pixel Buds Pro in the mail (a day before the official release) and they are freaking amazing.
Anyway, since the phone keeps going into fastboot, perhaps we can move forward. What does the screen say on it when in fastboot? There are two different fastboot menus: regular "fastboot" and "fastboot d".
Feel free to post a screenshot if you have something to take a picture of the display with. We'll move forward from there once I'm done lifting =).

NippleSauce said:
Sorry, I've been eating and lifting weights at almost the same time LOL. I also just got the Pixel Buds Pro in the mail (a day before the official release) and they are freaking amazing.
Anyway, since the phone keeps going into fastboot, perhaps we can move forward. What does the screen say on it when in fastboot? There are two different fastboot menus: regular "fastboot" and "fastboot d".
Feel free to post a screenshot if you have something to take a picture of the display with. We'll move forward from there once I'm done lifting =).
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how are those compared to the pixel buds a?

DespairFactor said:
how are those compared to the pixel buds a?
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Holy shirtless cow with nine udders good. I'm really liking them. The 11mm drivers really amp up the quality and separation in the sound. I think they're quite close in sound quality to my Sennheiser True Wireless 3's - so I think the price makes it a good deal on today's market. But the thing that makes them such a good deal is that the transparency mode is awesome and is clear and audible to the point where you can't even tell via the audio that you're wearing earbuds. And on top of that, the noise cancellation is some scientific voodoo with its strength for specific sounds. Some light (and semi-enjoyable) sounds pass right through; like me typing on my keyboard or clicking my computer mouse. But other sounds that are generally more noticeable such as people speaking or audio from cellphones is completely gone. It's pretty weird but is very good!
And to top it off, I am also pretty poor in hearing after an sTBI a few years ago. Audio was important to me before the incident, and therefore has become more important to me now. But since my left ear hears sound in a way that makes the sound that goes to my brain sound like people speaking in Charlie Brown, I guess take my opinions with a grain of salt lol.

lilyhollow said:
Okay. The android beta program was messing with an app I use regularly so I backed up my phone on google 1 and all that fun stuff then did the opt out and just ran stuff like it was supposed to. Then, it got stuck in fastboot mode and said that the installation failed. If this wasn't already obvious I'm not good at talking tech but I am decent at troubleshooting things, so I tried. Today I learned what fastboot and adb are, what sideloading is, stuff like lineageos and twrp if. If that's what that one was called, today is a blur. Okay let me be more specific.
It seems like what I need to do is sideload the right OTA image, but I can't find the one I need. The last two I tried, one being the very wrong one and one being (copied from official source):
12.1.0 (SQ3A.220705.003, Jul 2022)Linke66e2df393d5a0f885f62d2de086dcd80cdcf8eb28d567f4582ff67756876170
But this one also wasn't new enough? It says: error: recovery: update package is older than the current build, expected a build newer than the timestamp 1657306786 but package has timestamp 1654117437 and downgrade not allowed.
I've tried the flashing tool (my phone shows up but has a connection issue I couldn't fix), the google rescue mode tool (my phone connected but the browser tool just looped til the phone timed out), I've tried sideloading the twrp apk and such which didn't work due to "error: closed" which I also couldn't fix, but I'm pretty sure all these problems are caused by not having developer options and debugging and those things turned...whichever way they need to be.
If this is important, I'm in Canada, using Telus, the phone is still fairly new and was working perfectly I just had to opt in and then out of the android beta. Kicking myself for that now. If I need to be more specific I'll try but for now, can I unbrick my phone without taking it somewhere to be unbricked for me? I also don't have an SD card to use to do it that way. Thank you.
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I opted out of the A13 beta and ran into the sane issue as my bootloader is locked. I was able to get back to A12.
I Googled it and found that you need to use the volume buttons to scroll to recovery and select by pressing the power button. You will then see a screen that says no command, hold the power button and tap volume up and you will be in recovery mode. Scroll down and select install from ADB. You will need to place the most recent A13 OTA zip in platform tools which is what I use for all of my ADB stuff or whatever you use for ADB installation. DO NOT CHANGE THE FILE NAME. Once you have selected install from ADB on your device, type adb install (file name.zip), if you don't include.zip behind the file name, it will error out.
Once you hit enter, your device will say verifying file and you will see the percentage on the pc screen in adb. Once it completes the installation, reboot your device and skip through the setup. Once you skio through setup and get to the home screen, go into settings and go to where you check for updates, it should say update available,if not do a manual check. Once you are prompted about an update, select to download and install. It will install A12 with all the warnings about it wiping your device. Once this install completes and you restart, you will be back on A12.

Thank you everyone! Someone helped me out over telegram after I posted this and we worked through it, realized part of the problem was my cord, and then mostly fixed it the way truckerdewd said, except once android 13 was loaded, I used the Android Flash tool to set it back to 12 and it worked. I'm typing this from a working phone and very happy about it. <3
On a side note how are those fancy new ear buds comfort wise? I have a lot of trouble with pain from ear buds and only use really comfy over ear headphones that I like but I'm desperate for ear buds I don't hate.

lilyhollow said:
Thank you everyone! Someone helped me out over telegram after I posted this and we worked through it, realized part of the problem was my cord, and then mostly fixed it the way truckerdewd said, except once android 13 was loaded, I used the Android Flash tool to set it back to 12 and it worked. I'm typing this from a working phone and very happy about it. <3
On a side note how are those fancy new ear buds comfort wise? I have a lot of trouble with pain from ear buds and only use really comfy over ear headphones that I like but I'm desperate for ear buds I don't hate.
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I got these Razer Chroma Earbads and they are super comfy and sound great. I got the ones that light up.
https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Hammerhead-Wireless-Bluetooth-Earbuds/dp/B099LZ2BGB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=V3S5O8UC9983&keywords=razer+chroma+earbuds&qid=1658996631&sprefix=Razer+chroma+ear%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-3

NippleSauce said:
Holy shirtless cow with nine udders good. I'm really liking them. The 11mm drivers really amp up the quality and separation in the sound. I think they're quite close in sound quality to my Sennheiser True Wireless 3's - so I think the price makes it a good deal on today's market. But the thing that makes them such a good deal is that the transparency mode is awesome and is clear and audible to the point where you can't even tell via the audio that you're wearing earbuds. And on top of that, the noise cancellation is some scientific voodoo with its strength for specific sounds. Some light (and semi-enjoyable) sounds pass right through; like me typing on my keyboard or clicking my computer mouse. But other sounds that are generally more noticeable such as people speaking or audio from cellphones is completely gone. It's pretty weird but is very good!
And to top it off, I am also pretty poor in hearing after an sTBI a few years ago. Audio was important to me before the incident, and therefore has become more important to me now. But since my left ear hears sound in a way that makes the sound that goes to my brain sound like people speaking in Charlie Brown, I guess take my opinions with a grain of salt lol.
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Click to collapse
I got my pair coming via amazon today