Impossible Samsung Galaxy S3- Desperately need help. - T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII

A few days ago, my samsung started to act funny. I tried to send texts, but my phone just kept saying that it was sending the texts and hours later it would tell me that it failed to send the text. I thought it was weird, but I left it alone. Then, my phone no longer let me download any apps, every time I would try to download an app it would just stay loading without actually making any progress. Finally, I got sick of it so I tried to factory reset my phone. Only now, I can't get past the T-mobile splash screen. I bought this phone off ebay about 10 months ago and when I tried to update it, I was informed that the device was modified even though it was running stock firmware (no sd card at the time). Can someone please tell me how to fix my phone? I don't exactly have the funds to get a new one.

Try re-flashing a stock ROM from sammobile.com. Just make sure that the ROM you flash is not older than the ROM currently on the phone.
If you are unsure about the ROM on your phone and there is no warranty left, you could flash a custom recovery and custom ROM too.

I agree with audit13 that you should flash the stock firmware. It's the only way to reliably troubleshoot problems such as this.
I'm assuming it's a T999 or variant. If so rather than go to sammobile.com, you can find all firmware in my thread stickied in the development section and linked in my sig. (Much Faster download and you don't have to register on another site)
As warned above, just do not flash any older firmware (if your already on 4.3) than what is on the device. Only the same or newer.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

Related

Can't get Note to boot.

Hey all. Fist off, sorry about the new account and posting here in the Q&A and not development, but let me explain. I have been a member of XDA for a few years- my main account(and only account until being forced to create this one) is andr0id23. However, I am unable to login to that account. I keep getting an incorrect password error message and am constantly locked out of my account. I have emailed the people who can help with this issue, but still not having any luck. They did reset my password(even though I knew my password), but that still doesn't work. I try it once but it says i have used up all my attempts and locks me out for what is supposed to be 15 minutes, but seems to be forever instead. But I digress, just wanted to explain why I am posting from a brand new account and in this section(new accounts are not allowed to post in development). Now on to my issues I am hoping someone can help with. I typed it up in notepad last night while waiting for my account to be accessible and am just going to copy and paste it:
Hi all, I was hoping to get some help on my Galaxy Note 8.0. It is model number GT-N5110. It was given to me by a friend, who likes
to try rooting his devices, but has no experience and is actually quite computer illiterate. When I received it it wouldn't boot up,
but only go do a screen that says something like "Downloading. Please do not power off". I have no idea what is on there as far as firmware
or custom ROMs.
I am pretty comfortable with Android development as far as flashing custom ROMs, rooting, unlocking bootloaders, etc, but haven't been active for
some time now. I have owned a Droid, Droid 2, HTC Incredible, Droid X, HTC Thunderbolt, and Motorola Xoom and have rooted,
unlocked, and/or installed custom ROMs on all of them, ass well as doing so on several devices that aren't mine. I have used "one click" type methods
as well as more hands-on adb methods. I just mention so to show that while I am far from an expert, I do have some experience.
But I am stuck on this tablet. I can boot into Download Mode and was able to flash CWM Recovery via Odin. In CWM I tried
wiping data, cache and Dalvik cache, but when I go to reboot I get a message saying the device is not rooted and would I like to root. It doesn't seem to do any
good. I did try rooting thru odin, and it said it was successful. I have also flashed the stock firmware thru odin, but am still not able to boot. The
closest I get is a boot loop. Also, Kies does not recognize my device.
So, I can boot into download mode and CWM Recovery(though I don't know if I am actually rooted
and it will be of any use), and Odin does recognize the device. I have tried flashing stock firmware to no avail. If anyone
has any suggestions, I would be greatly appreciative and definitely willing to try. I can give you any additional info you
request. I was thinking of flashing a custom ROM, but not sure as I don't know what the tablet is currently running. If anyone
has anything to try as far as flashing a ROM or firmware, a d/l link would be greatly appreciated if at all possible.
I have been having the worst luck with samfirmware or sammobile(two sites that are named something like that). I have spent
literally hours waiting for the downloads, and the 2 times i did get lucky, the files were messed up. Again, I would be
extremely greatful for any and all help.
Nashtar said:
Hey all. Fist off, sorry about the new account and posting here in the Q&A and not development, but let me explain. I have been a member of XDA for a few years- my main account(and only account until being forced to create this one) is andr0id23. However, I am unable to login to that account. I keep getting an incorrect password error message and am constantly locked out of my account. I have emailed the people who can help with this issue, but still not having any luck. They did reset my password(even though I knew my password), but that still doesn't work. I try it once but it says i have used up all my attempts and locks me out for what is supposed to be 15 minutes, but seems to be forever instead. But I digress, just wanted to explain why I am posting from a brand new account and in this section(new accounts are not allowed to post in development). Now on to my issues I am hoping someone can help with. I typed it up in notepad last night while waiting for my account to be accessible and am just going to copy and paste it:
Hi all, I was hoping to get some help on my Galaxy Note 8.0. It is model number GT-N5110. It was given to me by a friend, who likes
to try rooting his devices, but has no experience and is actually quite computer illiterate. When I received it it wouldn't boot up,
but only go do a screen that says something like "Downloading. Please do not power off". I have no idea what is on there as far as firmware
or custom ROMs.
I am pretty comfortable with Android development as far as flashing custom ROMs, rooting, unlocking bootloaders, etc, but haven't been active for
some time now. I have owned a Droid, Droid 2, HTC Incredible, Droid X, HTC Thunderbolt, and Motorola Xoom and have rooted,
unlocked, and/or installed custom ROMs on all of them, ass well as doing so on several devices that aren't mine. I have used "one click" type methods
as well as more hands-on adb methods. I just mention so to show that while I am far from an expert, I do have some experience.
But I am stuck on this tablet. I can boot into Download Mode and was able to flash CWM Recovery via Odin. In CWM I tried
wiping data, cache and Dalvik cache, but when I go to reboot I get a message saying the device is not rooted and would I like to root. It doesn't seem to do any
good. I did try rooting thru odin, and it said it was successful. I have also flashed the stock firmware thru odin, but am still not able to boot. The
closest I get is a boot loop. Also, Kies does not recognize my device.
So, I can boot into download mode and CWM Recovery(though I don't know if I am actually rooted
and it will be of any use), and Odin does recognize the device. I have tried flashing stock firmware to no avail. If anyone
has any suggestions, I would be greatly appreciative and definitely willing to try. I can give you any additional info you
request. I was thinking of flashing a custom ROM, but not sure as I don't know what the tablet is currently running. If anyone
has anything to try as far as flashing a ROM or firmware, a d/l link would be greatly appreciated if at all possible.
I have been having the worst luck with samfirmware or sammobile(two sites that are named something like that). I have spent
literally hours waiting for the downloads, and the 2 times i did get lucky, the files were messed up. Again, I would be
extremely greatful for any and all help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would download stock ROM and flash with Odin 3.07. There are a number of threads that explain the process. Here is one... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728370&page=3
GT-N5110 & GT-N5120 - 64GB 633x on board, Status Official on SafeRooted OEM ROMs with Wanam Xposed and RootCloak. The only way to fly 8+ hours!
This badboy don't play with Play & Triangle away!
gooberdude said:
I would download stock ROM and flash with Odin 3.07. There are a number of threads that explain the process. Here is one... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728370&page=3
GT-N5110 & GT-N5120 - 64GB 633x on board, Status Official on SafeRooted OEM ROMs with Wanam Xposed and RootCloak. The only way to fly 8+ hours!
This badboy don't play with Play & Triangle away!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was never able to grab any downloads from SamMobile or SamsungUpdates. It just loads forever until it times out. I did, however, grab a stock firmware download from another thread. I flashed it with Odin 3.07 but it did nothing for me. I am attempting to download the files from the 2 sites again now. Hopefully I'll have better luck. Thanks
Idiot
Ok so I am a complete tool. I was able to get it going. I knew what to do, and was doing it, but was doing it wrong. The thread you linked made it dawn on me. I was able to flash the stock firmware through odin 3.7. Sorry if I wasted your time and I thank you wholeheartedly. Now time to root and have some fun :good:

Please help... i think bricked??

So i have to give a little history here. A while ago i put CM on a buddies phone, he didnt care for it, and we put it back to stock and i think we just left it rooted (this was months ago, so im not completely sure) anyways hes been doing OTA no problem, and the other night i guess he did the new one from ATT. i think this is 4.4.2, from doing tons of research it looks like his Knox got tripped, no big deal he just wants the phone to work.
As of now it boots up to the ATT logo and the globe freezes and thats it.
I was able to install TWRP, and then reinstall CWM (through Odin) thinking that might help. I've tried to flash i think 4.3 JB stock on there and then i get the "Auth Failed" line at the end.... i've tried factory resets, and attempted to update from his sd card but the files zip files are not being recognized...
in case its not obvious, ATT, Galaxy s3
Any ideas???
petersami said:
So i have to give a little history here. A while ago i put CM on a buddies phone, he didnt care for it, and we put it back to stock and i think we just left it rooted (this was months ago, so im not completely sure) anyways hes been doing OTA no problem, and the other night i guess he did the new one from ATT. i think this is 4.4.2, from doing tons of research it looks like his Knox got tripped, no big deal he just wants the phone to work.
As of now it boots up to the ATT logo and the globe freezes and thats it.
I was able to install TWRP, and then reinstall CWM (through Odin) thinking that might help. I've tried to flash i think 4.3 JB stock on there and then i get the "Auth Failed" line at the end.... i've tried factory resets, and attempted to update from his sd card but the files zip files are not being recognized...
in case its not obvious, ATT, Galaxy s3
Any ideas???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try to flash a NE4 ROM on it through TWRP or CWM. If that doesn't work, try to flash NE4 with Odin.
Have you tried a factory reset?
crazymonkey05 said:
Have you tried a factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya tried everything, tried flashing through odin... absolutely nothing. i think guess my buddy has done the 4.3 updates for a while, and the latest bricked his phone... i guess we may have left it rooted, im not entirely sure. but he went and got an s5. i feel bad since i originally rooted it. but he's been doing updates without taking any time to research if he was causing any problems.
My current concern is my s3 was rooted as well and was thinking of going back to a stock rom and bootloader, but im worried if i update to 4.3 if that will cause a brick.... anyone know??
Have you tried the 4.3 firmware? Enewman17 has it in a thread in the development section I think.

Note 2 Last Resort recovery

Hi xda!
I've been reading lots of posts from the shadows and this is my first reach out for help. I am fully aware that I most likely bricked my phone due to carelessness. The short version of the story is that after 1.5 years of having a happily rooted note 2 with 4.1.? firmware, I decided to upgrade to 4.4. When I finished the upgrades (after one or two failed upgrades), I blindly tried to flash route66 to root (I know... I was exhausted from travelling). Well, this gave me the "verizon hates what you did and you need to bring it to the store.." message. I thought, f-u verizon, I can recover from this. To the internet!!!
galaxyNote2root.com was my primary source of information and I downloaded the stock firmware as instructed. I had been using Odin3 1.85 before transforming this great device into an $800 paperweight. When I tried to flash the stock firmware, it would hang or fail right at the beginning. I decided to download Odin 3.07 and try from there. When I flashed, it made it most of the way (99%ish) and would fail at the end.
Back to the forums. I found androidcentral and xda-developers. I dug through so many similar stories to mine and found many of the same instructions which weren't working for me. One new suggestion I tried, which was deemed a last-resort solution by some was to flash the stock partition. This was successful when I flashed it, but I still got continued failures on the stock rom.
I have taken the phone to a "tech" booth at the mall... waste of time. Before I give up and sell a bricked note 2 for scrap, does anyone have any suggestions or know any wizards I can bring this to?
The files I've tried to flash (downloaded multiple times from multiple sources to ensure a good download) are below:
Note2-CWM-6.0.4.3-SCH-i605.tar
Samsung-Driver.exe
sch-i605-16gb.pit
I605VRAMC3_I605VZWAMC3_VZW
Odin3v185
Odin307
root66_VZW_stock_system.tar
I605VRAMC3_I605VZWAMC3_VZW.zip
Thanks for reading!
Edit: found a thread to go through that I hadn't seen before. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2296441&page=2
Can't flash anything now. Tried to flash the bootloader in Odin. When I get home, I can post the bootloader file I tried to flash. I can still get to download mode, but flashing in Odin won't even kick off the progress bar (I left it running for hours).
Now seeking out a wizard.

[Q] Bricked my phone... Need Help.

Like I'm sure this topic hasn't come up before, but I've searched for hours and I'm probably just making things worse. I also just accidentally deleted this post halfway through. It's too late and I'm too tired and I have no working phone.
Bought an SGH-I747 on E-Bay. Got a Straight Talk SIM card kit, activated it, so far so good.
Rooted it with CF-Auto-Root. Worked pretty well, took a lot of reboots, upgraded the SU from the Play Store and it got rid of Knox. So far so good. Got everything all set up the way I like it. Happy.
It was running 4.4.2. I'm assuming it was the release prior to the November 12th OTA release, but I can't say for sure.
Phone downloaded and installed an upgrade automatically. Now, it won't boot. I get the SAMSUNG logo, then the Samsung Galaxy S III logo then nothing.
I retried the CF-Auto-Root, no change.
I booted into recovery (volume up, home and power on), did factory reset, no change.
Started looking around for a way to return it to stock. Found an upgrade43.zip file somewhere (I'm sorry I can't find where I got that now). Put it on the sdcard card and tried installing it with the recovery and it fails part way through.
At this point, I think I probably need to completely overwrite everything with something stock. I just don't know how to do that. I see posts on such subjects but they all have warnings that make me think I'm going to totally brick the phone, so I'm hoping someone can point me the right way. I'm not all that Android savvy, as you can tell.
Help.
Since your phone was running 4.4.2, do not attempt to flash any ROMs using that attempt to downgrade your bootloader to anything prior to 4.4.2.
Try this to get your phone up and running:
download the latest CM11 for the d2lte and save it to an external SD card: https://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=d2lte
dowload the latest tar.md5 version of Philz Touch for the d2lte from here: https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/d2lte/
boot phone in download mode, open Odin 3.07, do not check anything except f.reset.time, flash Philz via PDA box, remove USB cable when you see the word Reset appear in the status window, remove battery, replace battery, boot into recovery, format system, Dalvik, data, and cache, flash cm11, and reboot.
Thank you for your reply. There are a few things in there I don't quite understand, but I think I can figure it out.
I was going to attempt this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2658486
In fact, I did attempt it with TWRP last night after I posted here and new I still wasn't going to sleep. I kept getting an error about a bad ZIP file.
Is that stock restore a bad idea?
Do not attempt to flash an older bootloader. The mjb bootloader is from 4.3 and attempting to flash it could hard brick your phone.
I suggest doing what I suggested so you can confirm the bootloader and modem installed on your phone.
OK. Thanks. Probably a good thing I couldn't get it to work then.
Thank you so much. I have a working phone again. Now I just have to get it all set back up the way I like it.
I have to say, and it's probably words straight from the devils mouth, that I kind of wish I could have restored the Samsung stock software. It's just what I'm used to. But I will take what I can get.
A few questions. I like having root. But root is what got me in trouble in the first place. Is this going to be rooted now, or will I have to do that or am I better off just leaving it alone.
Second, I'm probably going to have questions since this is so different than what I'm used to (like I already can't find the Play store). Where is the best place to ask?
If you want root, one of the easiest ways to get it is to flash supersu from your custom recovery. Most ROMs are pre-rooted.
Many custom ROMs do not include Gapps. Just download and install the Gapps version for your ROM.
If you like the TW look, flash a TW-based ROM. Check out the development threads for different ROMs.
here is a thread for Q's that has some pretty good/friendly helpers on it if you need.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257421
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
How to save in to external SD card
How do you save the file into the external SD card? I am having the same brick issue with my GS3.
To save a file to an external SD card, just put the card into a card reader and save the ROM to the SD card.

T-Mo Note 3 Stock Firmware Issue

I decided to un-root and push the Lollipop update today, but it took all day thanks to alot of issues. I figured I would start this thread to help others along with upgrading from KitKat.
So alot of the tutorials you will come across for un-rooting and flashing back to stock using ODIN, so your phone will update, then rooting Lollipop so you can push custom ROMS are INCORRECT. After updating to Lollipop, alot of tutorials said to re-flash the stock Lollipop firmware, then immediately flash CF-Auto-Root and then TWRP Recovery. This is WRONG, for two reasons. Firstly, the .tar file used for flashing Lollipop STOCK is the INCORRECT file. I visited FIVE tutorials and every time I would get Force Closes or get stuck in bootloop, this is because if you watch carefully your phone will name itself NOTE 4 instead of 3 by default after flashing firmware from the links. I didnt catch on to what was going on for over 5 hours as I tried again and again with different methods and then following instructions Step-by-Step all unsuccessfully until it hit me. ALL OF THE LINKS ARE POINTING TO THE WRONG FIRMWARE, instead of flashing Note 3 Firmware, you flash Note 4 Stock Lollipop Firmware, which as you can imagine, causes SERIOUS issues with your phones system.
To fix this problem, find the KitKat NF9 4.4.2 Firmware and flash that, then allow your device to update ITSELF to Lollipop VIA official T-Mobile OTA. This is what worked for me. After updating, then I simply use CF-Auto-Root and then TWRP flashes in NORMAL FASHION, allowing restarts IN BETWEEN FLASHES, clearing cache/dalvik after each install, and allowing 10 mins of settle time after every boot. Then I installed a Custom ROM and Mods, and now it all works perfectly.
Let me know if this helps or if you have experienced similar issues.
What are the links to all these incorrect firmwares?
Posting the links would be more informative than suspicions.
Pp.
wallacengineering said:
I decided to un-root and push the Lollipop update today, but it took all day thanks to alot of issues. I figured I would start this thread to help others along with upgrading from KitKat.
So alot of the tutorials you will come across for un-rooting and flashing back to stock using ODIN, so your phone will update, then rooting Lollipop so you can push custom ROMS are INCORRECT. After updating to Lollipop, alot of tutorials said to re-flash the stock Lollipop firmware, then immediately flash CF-Auto-Root and then TWRP Recovery. This is WRONG, for two reasons. Firstly, the .tar file used for flashing Lollipop STOCK is the INCORRECT file. I visited FIVE tutorials and every time I would get Force Closes or get stuck in bootloop, this is because if you watch carefully your phone will name itself NOTE 4 instead of 3 by default after flashing firmware from the links. I didnt catch on to what was going on for over 5 hours as I tried again and again with different methods and then following instructions Step-by-Step all unsuccessfully until it hit me. ALL OF THE LINKS ARE POINTING TO THE WRONG FIRMWARE, instead of flashing Note 3 Firmware, you flash Note 4 Stock Lollipop Firmware, which as you can imagine, causes SERIOUS issues with your phones system.
To fix this problem, find the KitKat NF9 4.4.2 Firmware and flash that, then allow your device to update ITSELF to Lollipop VIA official T-Mobile OTA. This is what worked for me. After updating, then I simply use CF-Auto-Root and then TWRP flashes in NORMAL FASHION, allowing restarts IN BETWEEN FLASHES, clearing cache/dalvik after each install, and allowing 10 mins of settle time after every boot. Then I installed a Custom ROM and Mods, and now it all works perfectly.
Let me know if this helps or if you have experienced similar issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, could you post the links that you say have the issues?
AxAtAx said:
Yes, could you post the links that you say have the issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing guys, A good example would be this guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672393
Really great guide, makes everything nice and easy, until you get past flashing the Lollipop Stock firmware VIA THIS LINK: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N900T/ in one of the very first seps.
If you download the N900TUVUFOB6 (Lollipop) Firmware and flash it, you will get alot of random force closes once the ROM boots and settles. If you pay attention after flashing, you will note the device name defaults to Note 4, and there's your clue.
I still cant believe Ive been working on this phone for the past 13 hours trying to get everything working properly. Happily I have found a ROM I like that is INSANELY FAST AND STABLE and I've installed all the Mods that I want. All I need to do at this point is re-download all my apps and set all the settings.
wallacengineering said:
Sure thing guys, A good example would be this guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672393
Really great guide, makes everything nice and easy, until you get past flashing the Lollipop Stock firmware VIA THIS LINK: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N900T/ in one of the very first seps.
If you download the N900TUVUFOB6 (Lollipop) Firmware and flash it, you will get alot of random force closes once the ROM boots and settles. If you pay attention after flashing, you will note the device name defaults to Note 4, and there's your clue.
I still cant believe Ive been working on this phone for the past 13 hours trying to get everything working properly. Happily I have found a ROM I like that is INSANELY FAST AND STABLE and I've installed all the Mods that I want. All I need to do at this point is re-download all my apps and set all the settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just put that stock rom on my wifes phone a few days ago, and it defaulted to Note 3 on hers. well, never mind, as you have seem to have got it rolling now.:good::good:
I must be taken crazy pills.
Pp. :what:
Can i ever unbrick my note 3
Frustrated at the moment. I've been trying to unbrick my note 3 for 2 days without any luck. I switched it off after after a week of rooting it and bang it wouldn't go past the samsung logo, it restarts itself automatically without going past the samsung logo. I've downloaded countless version of kitkat stock firmware from different sources for my sm-N900T, flashed with odin more than 10 times, followed every instruction about unbricking.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
boofydon said:
Frustrated at the moment. I've been trying to unbrick my note 3 for 2 days without any luck. I switched it off after after a week of rooting it and bang it wouldn't go past the samsung logo, it restarts itself automatically without going past the samsung logo. I've downloaded countless version of kitkat stock firmware from different sources for my sm-N900T, flashed with odin more than 10 times, followed every instruction about unbricking.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have stock recovery installed and can you get to it? You might want to try wiping cache and doing a factory reset. If that doesn't fix it then maybe try downloading a stock firmware from Sammobile and flashing it with Odin. You might have have an incompatible app that was installed with a previous rom and a wipe of the Data partition might be needed. You will lose all of your data and apps though.
Next step I'd do if none of that worked would be flashing twrp and wiping data, cache and dalvik and hope...
Good luck.
Ravoz88 said:
Do you have stock recovery installed and can you get to it? You might want to try wiping cache and doing a factory reset. If that doesn't fix it then maybe try downloading a stock firmware from Sammobile and flashing it with Odin. You might have have an incompatible app that was installed with a previous rom and a wipe of the Data partition might be needed. You will lose all of your data and apps though.
Next step I'd do if none of that worked would be flashing twrp and wiping data, cache and dalvik and hope...
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your time. I flashed it with a new stock from sammobile but it's still in a boot loop state even though odin always show pass. And when I flashed it with twrp my note 3 was unable to enter recovery mode.

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