Develop Bugs

Just bought a S3 from Craigslist -- May be bricked?

Hi,
I just bought a Pebble Blue S3 from craigslist without checking it out properly. (I know, shame on me). The phone is in physically mint condition, the water damage tab is not red and there are no signs of dropping.
The phone's screen does NOT turn on. When I hold the power button to have it load up normally, I can hear the T-mobile jingle and then a constant blue indicator would stay on the top left corner.
I have tried flashing it back to stock through download mode (Power, volume down, and home --> volume up mode) and it seems to make no difference to the screen's issue.
Flashing it back to stock might have made it worse because I can't even access the phone's internal memory through USB anymore.
Any help towards fixing my screen would be great!
Thanks.

So out of curiosity how much did you pay for a phone that you did not check to see if it turned on?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

I paid $250 for it, came with original box and accessories. I thought it was too good to be true, and it seems that way. At worse I can probably break even and sell it as-is.

Is the battery low?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

What does windows report it as in device manager?
If you can get to download mode it may not be hard bricked.
You could flash twrp recovery with idin, then boot recovery and try flashing something from thrre.
Also twrp has a builtin file manager so you can try to see if you can find sny problems that way. (Look for logfiles)
Are you sure its an SGH-T999?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

DocHoliday77 said:
What does windows report it as in device manager?
If you can get to download mode it may not be hard bricked.
You could flash twrp recovery with idin, then boot recovery and try flashing something from thrre.
Also twrp has a builtin file manager so you can try to see if you can find sny problems that way. (Look for logfiles)
Are you sure its an SGH-T999?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to access download mode by clicking around in the dark.
Positive it is a SGH-T999, before I flashed the stock PDA in ODIN, Windows Device manager would list that. How do I flash TWRP? Do I need the screen to do it?
Oh the battery is fully charged.

Xiaoazn said:
I was able to access download mode by clicking around in the dark.
Positive it is a SGH-T999, before I flashed the stock PDA in ODIN, Windows Device manager would list that. How do I flash TWRP? Do I need the screen to do it?
Oh the battery is fully charged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the thread for TWRP. But you get to download mode by starting with the device completely powered off, then pressing the volume down, home and power button at the same time until it powers on. I dont understand what you meant by "I was able to access download mode by clicking around in the dark"

Button mashing I guess?
And just fyi, to boot recovery from power off
Hold volume up, home and power. When you see blue text flash on top of the screen release.
Also, flashing recovery in Odin will trip the flash counter. Prob doesn't matter considering the situation, but just so you know.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

If you can get the phone in download mode, odin back to stock. Then boot into recovery using power +home + vol up and do a factory reset. This step is important. I borked my phone with a bad jb install and using odin on its own doesnt completely reset the phone. Using the factory reset fixed this in my situation
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Send it to Samsung and cross your fingers?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

By saying I'm able to access recovery mode, I got in by basically doing the sequence of buttons, without seeing any display on the screen. I know it is in download mode because it reads on ODIN.
No matter what I click or what mode it is in, the screen is still completely off. Sorry for the confusion.

Xiaoazn said:
By saying I'm able to access recovery mode, I got in by basically doing the sequence of buttons, without seeing any display on the screen. No matter what I click or what mode it is in, the screen is still completely off. Sorry for the confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's a different story lol. Seems like a hardware fault. If you feel comfortable, take it apart and check all connections. And use a very bright light to look for any cracks on the LCD (not the digitizer) but the underlying LCD.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

elesbb said:
Well that's a different story lol. Seems like a hardware fault. If you feel comfortable, take it apart and check all connections. And use a very bright light to look for any cracks on the LCD (not the digitizer) but the underlying LCD.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh, I guess it might come down to that. If anyone else have any more tips before I go a head and check the connections, please do tell!

Or you can see if Samsung can repair it under warranty
Sent from my SCH-I110 using xda premium

Is there no way you can contact the seller? Woulda been the first thing I did!
You may not resolve anything but you could at least try to find out what they did to break it in the first place...then have some fun and blow off some steam till they hang up on you!
Just a thought.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

DocHoliday77 said:
Is there no way you can contact the seller? Woulda been the first thing I did!
You may not resolve anything but you could at least try to find out what they did to break it in the first place...then have some fun and blow off some steam till they hang up on you!
Just a thought.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was the first thing I tried. Seller is dodging my calls / not replying to my texts -.-.. Shady guy.

Just contact samsung and send it for repair. Still uder warranty.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

mike102871 said:
Just contact samsung and send it for repair. Still uder warranty.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that with my s2. Warranty only applies to original buyer :\
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

elesbb said:
I tried that with my s2. Warranty only applies to original buyer :\
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had Samsung service my SGS1 that I bought off Kijiji while it was still within its one-year warranty. It doesn't just apply to the original owner, just call them and tell them it was a gift, they'll ask for the phone's IMEI, and then they'll be able to tell if it is still within its warranty period.

adslee said:
I've had Samsung service my SGS1 that I bought off Kijiji while it was still within its one-year warranty. It doesn't just apply to the original owner, just call them and tell them it was a gift, they'll ask for the phone's IMEI, and then they'll be able to tell if it is still within its warranty period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, I'll give it a shot!

[Q] is this part suppose to make a clicking sound?

i bought me the samsung galaxy note 2 about a month ago and recently i noticed when i press on the part on top next to the headphones port it makes a clicking sound as it something is not in place. i removed the back cover and pressed again it still clicks. i dont know for sure if it is a problem or not but it is really annoying me.
i cant return the phone for a new one because it passed the 14 days return policy in my country but it is still under warranty status.
im worried about one thing if i send it there that they might open the phone to fix it and i dont want an open phone
so can somebody an expert in these things can tell me if it is ok to leave it like this or should i get it fixed.

I just tested this out of mine and heard the clicking. I'm sure its not supposed to but the phone is creaky in general, guess it's just a trade off you have to accept when owning the best phone in the world.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Note_2 said:
I just tested this out of mine and heard the clicking. I'm sure its not supposed to but the phone is creaky in general, guess it's just a trade off you have to accept when owning the best phone in the world.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So much for Samsung build quality...?

Samsung's never really been known for great build quality.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

thanks
Note_2 said:
I just tested this out of mine and heard the clicking. I'm sure its not supposed to but the phone is creaky in general, guess it's just a trade off you have to accept when owning the best phone in the world.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for replying. some small stuff like this make me crazy i guess it is in some phone models. and yes it is the greatest phone

Hunt3r.j2 said:
So much for Samsung build quality...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stop crying about Samsung build quality
i had GS1 since 2 years and its still look like new one , i had GS2 since 1 years and 1 month and still look like new phone

actually, this is normal phenomenon in all or most of the note 2 and so i will call it the "Squeaking phenomena", i draw u a picture to show the right exact area to make this annoying clicking sound, enjoy
↖(^▽^)↗ Sent From Rego Galaxy Note!! ↖(^▽^)↗

The area I shown earlier post does. And I noticed the power button does make sound too if u put-slide ur finger on it and dont press it :/
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

eng.rego said:
actually, this is normal phenomenon in all or most of the note 2 and so i will call it the "Squeaking phenomena", i draw u a picture to show the right exact area to make this annoying clicking sound, enjoy
↖(^▽^)↗ Sent From Rego Galaxy Note!! ↖(^▽^)↗
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is talking about the upper bezel.
That click is because of the double tap the bezel to return to the top of a list (in contacts or messages etc).. It's a setting from motion settings.

TMaLuST said:
He is talking about the upper bezel.
That click is because of the double tap the bezel to return to the top of a list (in contacts or messages etc).. It's a setting from motion settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't get any sound clicking that area..
↖(^▽^)↗ Sent From Rego Galaxy Note!! ↖(^▽^)↗

What is that option and where do I find it
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Found it yes.
But what about the power/lock button it makes sound when I slide my finget on it. And it seems to be a little bit out than usual.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

yahyoh said:
stop crying about Samsung build quality
i had GS1 since 2 years and its still look like new one , i had GS2 since 1 years and 1 month and still look like new phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought Samsung made devices that were durable and extremely solid, even if they felt very cheap.

No one has the power button sqweak sound?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Mine does it too, I can live with it.

mezo91 said:
No one has the power button sqweak sound?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do. And I also has the clicking thingy on the upper part of the phone I think this is all normal.

Thanks for ur replies I appreciate it
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Both my note 2 phones from hantec had this issue. Two of my friends with the at&t version do not.
My handtec phones also had the gap issue between the frame. My friends phones do not.
I dont buy phones from hantec anymore. The replacement for my note 2 was sent with open box. They told my to piss off when I complained.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Als got the clicking issue on the top of the bezel. My gap between screen and bezel is there as well. I have to live with it because my phone was bought second handedly.
Verstuurd van mijn GT-N7100 met Tapatalk

unreal1992 said:
I do. And I also has the clicking thingy on the upper part of the phone I think this is all normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must have a lemon then, because my phone (AT&T Note II) doesn't have any squeeks, rattle, chinks or bumps.

I think CM 10.1 killed my GS-III

Since December I've been running CM10 on my GS-III with little to no issues. I flash CM 10.1 mid January and even though it was an unstable nightly it was very stable.
Flashing the nightlies as they became available with no issues at all.
Then today my phone starts slowing down and froze up.
Keep in mind that I hadn't flashed a nightly in like a day or 2 do I had been using the past nightly as a daily driver.
When my phone decided to freeze I rebooted it and it booted just fine.
About 2 minutes in the screen goes black. Holding the power button it's unresponsive.
Now my phone is completely unresponsive to all button presses. I've tried the 3 button combos for recovery and download mode with no luck. I've even held the buttons for a full minute but nothing is working.
Is my phone dead or is there a possibility of resurrecting it?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

Are you positive the battery hasn't died. That would be the first thing I would check. Even if it showed it was charging doesn't mean the battery is good. I'm not trying to be insulting either by asking this. I'm a equipment tech at a large semiconductor company and you wouldn't believe the number of times the fix was as simple as turning a breaker back on when another tech wanted to replace something major. #1 rule of troubleshooting: Is there power. #2 rule: Double check rule #1. Sounds silly, but it is the easiest thing to overlook. Good luck and I hope it's as simple as a battery.
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium

tmjohnsonfse said:
Are you positive the battery hasn't died. That would be the first thing I would check. Even if it showed it was charging doesn't mean the battery is good. I'm not trying to be insulting either by asking this. I'm a equipment tech at a large semiconductor company and you wouldn't believe the number of times the fix was as simple as turning a breaker back on when another tech wanted to replace something major. #1 rule of troubleshooting: Is there power. #2 rule: Double check rule #1. Sounds silly, but it is the easiest thing to overlook. Good luck and I hope it's as simple as a battery.
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you're not insulting by asking that. I use to record music and when something wasn't wasn't working that's the first thing we asked and re asked.
Unfortunately I do believe I checked that out. When I plug in a charger it doesn't even show me a battery charging logo.
I have noticed that when I pull out the battery and connect the charger the led turns red.
I'll see if i can't swap batteries with one of my friends and see if that helps.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

Can adb on your pc detect your phone by any chance ? I do not want to scare you but hopefully your not having a motherboard failure or a sudden death :/
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

shahkam said:
Can adb on your pc detect your phone by any chance ? I do not want to scare you but hopefully your not having a motherboard failure or a sudden death :/
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm checking that right now
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

Well unfortunately there's no response from adb or phone.
However the computer does make a usb device connected sound.
Not sure if that's just a standard sound from the computer or if the phone is triggering it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

Did you do the three button combos for the T-Mobile version? They are different from the other s3s. Zedomax's root video shows them, well
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Android_Monsters said:
Did you do the three button combos for the T-Mobile version? They are different from the other s3s. Zedomax's root video shows them, well
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
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Android_Monsters said:
Did you do the three button combos for the T-Mobile version? They are different from the other s3s. Zedomax's root video shows them, well
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shahkam said:
This.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried the 3 button combos for T-Mobiles variant of the GS-III with no luck either.... I even tried making a jig and didn't have much luck....
Next step is to buy a jig and see if that works
Thankfully I got a replacement GS-III from insurance. So I'm content... Also since I get to keep the other GS-III as well it feels even nicer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

ironlood said:
I have tried the 3 button combos for T-Mobiles variant of the GS-III with no luck either.... I even tried making a jig and didn't have much luck....
Next step is to buy a jig and see if that works
Thankfully I got a replacement GS-III from insurance. So I'm content... Also since I get to keep the other GS-III as well it feels even nicer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A usb jig should do it most of the time it do work and if it doesn't oh well you could sell it out for parts i guess ?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

You would probably make most of your back if you sold it for spare parts and may only have to pay $50 for a replacement. Good luck!
-------------------------------------
ROM: All-star ROM v7
Kernel: Lighting
Radio: LB7 blaze
-------------------------------------
I'm trying to make an app, message if you are willing to help!
-------------------------------------

I'm not sure I understand how a jig is going to help him when the phone won't turn on.
I would try another battery first. You said you were going to try this but I don't see where you confirmed that it wasn't the issue.

Hmm you could have ran into that now infamous mb crash and burn error although I'm not sure how since you were running aosp. Anyone else want to chime in?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

If the battery truly died plugging it in won't be any help
Try another battery, I'm betting that's the issue. T-Mobile will have one or two on hand in store so you can try

Hopefully I will be able to get my hands on a spare battery to test this with as soon as I'm off work.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah first of lets make sure its not the battery and the jig forces the phone to boot into download mode if im not mistaken.. It is intended for users having similar issues / unresponsive devices...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

shahkam said:
Yeah first of lets make sure its not the battery and the jig forces the phone to boot into download mode if im not mistaken.. It is intended for users having similar issues / unresponsive devices...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well unfortunately the spare battery i used on my phone was no good in getting the phone to respond.
Now my next step is to attempt to hope that the jig will do something for my phone.
If not i guess that i will have a nice paper weight of luxury lol
Either that or i can sell it to someone.
So far those are the only options that i think i have at the moment.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Flash STOCK or different ROM (Don't forget kernel too) think the issue is with the Cyanogenmod, mine did something similar, when screen went dark it took literally 5-10 Power button presses to wake the phone up, sometimes it wouldn't respond, other soft keys only would light up, Make backup, Wipe, install, check everything, that what I would do

Shayd93 said:
Flash STOCK or different ROM (Don't forget kernel too) think the issue is with the Cyanogenmod, mine did something similar, when screen went dark it took literally 5-10 Power button presses to wake the phone up, sometimes it wouldn't respond, other soft keys only would light up, Make backup, Wipe, install, check everything, that what I would do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He cannot flash anything his phone doesn't answer to anything i don't see how he could do that..
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

The phone is dead. My friend's gs3 died suddenly one day while I just happen to be using it. I plugged in an otg plug and few minutes later the screen just went black. I was sure it was dead when I plug in a charger and there was no sign of life from the phone.
I don't know if you have to pay a deductible but Samsung is supposedly replacing galaxy s3 for free because there is a known defect which cause the motherboard to go bad. My friend's was a Verizon model and they just replaced it free.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] phone after note2

I am atierd of proximity sensor issue.i cant get rid of it.i dont know about you guys how you living with it.but I want to upgarede my device.which one.

Not sure what sensor trouble your having but other than note 3 think I would have htc one or s4
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

I think that i have the same problem but I noticed its caused by viber..so basically Exit from viber (by pressing exit button not exiting through home button or back key) than restart your device and its Boom its gone (not forever but for a long time..lol) mine happens once a week so I'm happy with that
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dazza7111 said:
Not sure what sensor trouble your having but other than note 3 think I would have htc one or s4
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I cakk screen goes off as normal but it never turned on even I take phone away fronm my ears.i cant do anything untill opposite party end the call then and then screen goes live.

So, you want other people to tell you what phone to buy?
Nokia 5800.
There you go. Good luck.

apallohadas said:
So, you want other people to tell you what phone to buy?
Nokia 5800.
There you go. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gtf off.i am not asking you idiot. If you dont know then go away an make some coffee in kitchen.

saurabh88 said:
Gtf off.i am not asking you idiot. If you dont know then go away an make some coffee in kitchen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That response was so ridiculous I can't even be offended

apallohadas said:
That response was so ridiculous I can't even be offended
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I think you have completed the work given to you.syou. serve me one coffe please so I can think again of your advice:fingers-crossed:

saurabh88 said:
Then I think you have completed the work given to you.syou. serve me one coffe please so I can think again of your advice:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's like having an adorable illiterate pet

Either you have a hardware issue, in which case claim warranty. Or just do a clean wipe and restart. Are you rooted?
Because that's a silly reason to switch phones. I totally get if you need to upgrade to some other phone - but if this is your sole reason, explore other options before you do.

This failure of screen to come back after a call has been reported by others. I doubt it's hardware.
from tapatalk (Galaxy Note 2)

Are you on stock ROM?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

fratermus said:
This failure of screen to come back after a call has been reported by others. I doubt it's hardware.
from tapatalk (Galaxy Note 2)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's software, it's defo fixable. I haven't faced this issue on any ROM/Kernel combo I've tried thus far.
Okay scratch that, I did face it once on X Note IIRC. Did a full wipe and everything works well to date.

Seem like screen death???

Hi
While I'm using my phone, the screen start to freeze at first. Not responding to touch at all. After a few seconds, multiple horizontal parallel black lines start to appear. At first, the lines were thin, then they become thicker and thicker and merge with each other and the whole screen turn into black.. The whole thing took about 15 seconds..
I've seen this twice and worried something would happen? Kernel problem or motherboard problem? Can anyone help?
Phone details : GT-N7100, rooted, Phoenix rom v15.7, devil kernel, only xposed framework installed, philZ recovery, phone age 11 months, not insane chip ( SDS syndrome)
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

For more info, I undervolt my cpu.. Is that main reason?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

yeminswe said:
Hi
While I'm using my phone, the screen start to freeze at first. Not responding to touch at all. After a few seconds, multiple horizontal parallel black lines start to appear. At first, the lines were thin, then they become thicker and thicker and merge with each other and the whole screen turn into black.. The whole thing took about 15 seconds..
I've seen this twice and worried something would happen? Kernel problem or motherboard problem? Can anyone help?
Phone details : GT-N7100, rooted, Phoenix rom v15.7, devil kernel, only xposed framework installed, philZ recovery, phone age 11 months, not insane chip ( SDS syndrome)
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U sure it's not SDS? Screenshot what u see in the eMMC checker app.
Smack that thanks button If I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. Quote my post for replies ASAP.

Irwenzhao said:
U sure it's not SDS? Screenshot what u see in the eMMC checker app.
Smack that thanks button If I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. Quote my post for replies ASAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FwRev : oxf7
Insane chip is oxf1, isn't it?
Here is my screen shot
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yeminswe said:
FwRev : oxf7
Insane chip is oxf1, isn't it?
Here is my screen shot
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep it's sane. Hmm...
Smack that thanks button If I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. Quote my post for replies ASAP.
---------- Post added at 07:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:53 PM ----------
yeminswe said:
Hi
While I'm using my phone, the screen start to freeze at first. Not responding to touch at all. After a few seconds, multiple horizontal parallel black lines start to appear. At first, the lines were thin, then they become thicker and thicker and merge with each other and the whole screen turn into black.. The whole thing took about 15 seconds..
I've seen this twice and worried something would happen? Kernel problem or motherboard problem? Can anyone help?
Phone details : GT-N7100, rooted, Phoenix rom v15.7, devil kernel, only xposed framework installed, philZ recovery, phone age 11 months, not insane chip ( SDS syndrome)
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try reflashing your ROM/Kernel. If that doesn't work, you'll have to go to the Samsung Service Centre to check it out. (I've seen other threads similar to yours and most causes are SDS)
Smack that thanks button If I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. Quote my post for replies ASAP.