[Q] Unbrickable? - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello!
I just had the LG Optimus 2X. The phone is close to unbrickable because of NVFlash. Now i have the Galaxy S3.
Is ODIN roughly the same as NVFlash? Making our S3 unbrickable? I miss the flashing roms etc. like i did with the O2X. But i want to be absolutely sure.

Yeah if you get a brick just go into download mode by holding volume down, home and power together and flash what you want with Odin.

If your phone has a corrupt bootloader you can use a jig (usb-plug) to revive and put it into download mode, so yea it's pretty safe.
Of course if you wanted you might be able to hardbrick it anyway, someone might come up with a hardware-based solution such as S2's unbrickable mod.

So even a hardbrick is possible to unbrick. USB Jig from ebay and im all set to go? Sounds good! Thanks guys!

Balano said:
So even a hardbrick is possible to unbrick. USB Jig from ebay and im all set to go? Sounds good! Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no no
Don't get terminology confused.
A hard brick is unrecoverable by the user!
Only a Jtag service or Samsung service centre can revive the device. Normally the NAND r/w function is corrupted and the phone cannot power on, into download mode or recovery.
A soft brick is where the device is stuck in kernel panic mode, boot loop, or boot screen etc. This is recoverable by the user by entering download mode or recovery to flash firmware.
The USB jig (may) force the device onto download mode where other methods fail.
Still got 2 from my SGS2 days
Sent from my GT-I9300T using xda premium

Related

[Q] Vodafone 858 bricked after rooting with Z4root?

Hiya,
I "permanant" rooted my vodafone 858 with z4 root.. and when it turned itself to reboot, it got stuck on the vodafone logo..! The phone won't load, and the vodafone logo repeditely comes up....
Does this mean that my phonen is bricked and I should chuck it away?? Is there anyway to fix it? Please help!!!
Its not bricked, its stuck in the bootloop. Bricked means doesn't turn on, doesn't vibrate, doesn't respond at all. Don't throw it away, try booting into recovery, possible holding volume down while turning the phone on. If you can load into recovery you might be able to flash a recovery rom. But since I do not own that phone, I do not know.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Hmm... I don't seem to able to boot into recovery.... I have tried turning the phone on while holding the power up/down but it doesn't seem to do the trick... is there any way to get into the system?
Use a jig to get into download mode. I have use that method with 100% success.
Once you get into download mode you can use odin to get back to stuck.
Here is the jig link if you needed:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=889128
good luck.
Oh... is there any other method other than jig?? It looks really complicated.!!!!!
well you might think it is complicated but that is the easiest solution besides trying key combinations to enter into download mode.
I build a jig yesterday to help one of my friend that got his phone soft bricked and I can tell you is not that hard. It's just 3 100k ohms resistors that you shape into a tear drop and then touch the two connectors on the micro usb closes to the phone jack... It can't get any simpler than that.
I now it might sound crazy but that is the easiest way I know.
good luck.
Sorry to resurect an old thread but i had the same problem and found this thread... I fixed this with a muuuuuuuch simpler solution... While the phone is looping the animation just user SUPER1CLICK to unroot the phone... the phone will crash when this is finished and leave u with a black screen... remove battery, wait a few secs and replace and it will boot just fine

[Q] Vibrant dead after fail update

Hi to everyone! Is my first thread here. I have a Samsung Vibrant SGH-T959 and try to update using Odin3 v1.85. Everything go well but at end apear Fail in Odin and the phone turn off. I think the phone go to restart but never turn on again and I can't turn on now. I press power botton and no response. I try to put it in download mode or recovery mode and I can't. What is next? I order a JIG, but a friend told me that no correct my problem.
Keep trying to get in recovery. Gb uses different keys if that was what you were updating too.
Worse case scenario was it stopped at flashing boot partition and hard bricked. Only fix is a jtag resurrection.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk 2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1628482

Can't enter download mode

Hey guys,
I tried upgrade to ICS via Kies and the upgrade failed and the phone stopped rebooting. So, I tried to do a recovery via Odin but instead of clicking the PDA button and flashing, I click the Bootloader button and flahed. Now I can't enter the download mode and the phone just keeps rebooting. Is there anything I can do to get into the download mode?
Thanks
Might be a chance that a jig could work. If not, JTAG or Samsung service center.
Thanks
I guess it's time to upgrade to the SIII then....
messing wiv the bootloaders is dangerous i think ,phone needs service center now...
If you’ve hard bricked your Galaxy S2 (and can’t get into download mode) or you want to reset the ODIN download counter (so no one will no you’ve rooted your Galaxy S2), or you just simply
want to remove the i9100 splash screen, you can make a USB jig to solve all your problems.
crazy_android said:
If you’ve hard bricked your Galaxy S2 (and can’t get into download mode) or you want to reset the ODIN download counter (so no one will no you’ve rooted your Galaxy S2), or you just simply
want to remove the i9100 splash screen, you can make a USB jig to solve all your problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, a usb jig won't recover a hard bricked device. His device does boot up so it's not a hard brick and there may be a chance.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
The device sounds fine, just seems like you're not getting the button combo done quick enough or correctly. Pull the battery first, if it boots into a loop instantly, hold the combo while inserting battery.
using a jig will be a good idea
I should mention that it only starts booting up but never actually goes past the boot up screen. The blue bar stops almost at the end and doesn't go any further.
So, I got a usbjig today and was able to enter the download mode but all attempts to flash through Odin have failed...
Any suggestions?
Without seeing the log from Odin (you could always upload a screenshot; but it probably won't make a lot of difference), hard to say definitively. But being a betting man I'd wager the NAND is completely stuffed therefore service centre job.

S2 GT-I9100G dead, completely dead!

Hello folks,
I've a friend who's not a Technical person, however, he tried what he shouldn't have and now he has a totally dead S2.
The problems:
1. Phone doesn't switch on, nor does it goes to download or recovery mode - I tried it all.
2. When I connect a charger or usb - It does start showing the battery icon and while connected to the cable, if I turn it on it stays at the Samsung logo forever.
3. Since I don't know how to even get it to download mode, I'm unable to go any further.
What he did:
1. Trying to upgrade to JB, I think he messed up with the kernel by uploading one which may not be compatible as I've heard S2 has different variants. (He loaded Siyah 4.2)
2. Before doing this, he had connected to ODIN and was trying to load the official JB file but it always got stuck on one of the steps and that's when his phone got a bit sick - it would show "Please connect to KIES and try a recovery" kind of message. And this led him to do Step 1, which he shouldn't have.
I read a lot of posts, tried a lot of things but the phone never goes to download mode. And I've no clue how to try anything else?
So experts, I need your help here and I want to know if this phone will start at all? Can we somehow get it to work? If not at home, can the people at Samsung flash it or something?
Please help. Lots of thanks already!
vishalbn said:
Hello folks,
I've a friend who's not a Technical person, however, he tried what he shouldn't have and now he has a totally dead S2.
The problems:
1. Phone doesn't switch on, nor does it goes to download or recovery mode - I tried it all.
2. When I connect a charger or usb - It does start showing the battery icon and while connected to the cable, if I turn it on it stays at the Samsung logo forever.
3. Since I don't know how to even get it to download mode, I'm unable to go any further.
What he did:
1. Trying to upgrade to JB, I think he messed up with the kernel by uploading one which may not be compatible as I've heard S2 has different variants. (He loaded Siyah 4.2)
2. Before doing this, he had connected to ODIN and was trying to load the official JB file but it always got stuck on one of the steps and that's when his phone got a bit sick - it would show "Please connect to KIES and try a recovery" kind of message. And this led him to do Step 1, which he shouldn't have.
I read a lot of posts, tried a lot of things but the phone never goes to download mode. And I've no clue how to try anything else?
So experts, I need your help here and I want to know if this phone will start at all? Can we somehow get it to work? If not at home, can the people at Samsung flash it or something?
Please help. Lots of thanks already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a USB JIG to enter DL mode
Do you get an exclamation mark next to a pc?
Sent from the little guy
try this
vishalbn said:
Hello folks,
I've a friend who's not a Technical person, however, he tried what he shouldn't have and now he has a totally dead S2.
The problems:
1. Phone doesn't switch on, nor does it goes to download or recovery mode - I tried it all.
2. When I connect a charger or usb - It does start showing the battery icon and while connected to the cable, if I turn it on it stays at the Samsung logo forever.
3. Since I don't know how to even get it to download mode, I'm unable to go any further.
What he did:
1. Trying to upgrade to JB, I think he messed up with the kernel by uploading one which may not be compatible as I've heard S2 has different variants. (He loaded Siyah 4.2)
2. Before doing this, he had connected to ODIN and was trying to load the official JB file but it always got stuck on one of the steps and that's when his phone got a bit sick - it would show "Please connect to KIES and try a recovery" kind of message. And this led him to do Step 1, which he shouldn't have.
I read a lot of posts, tried a lot of things but the phone never goes to download mode. And I've no clue how to try anything else?
So experts, I need your help here and I want to know if this phone will start at all? Can we somehow get it to work? If not at home, can the people at Samsung flash it or something?
Please help. Lots of thanks already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this method
if u have any mini usb cable cut it and peel of the skin and short the the 4th and 5th pin with 300k resistor or 100k*3 resistor and connect to mobile u will directly goto the download mode remove this pin and connect pc in odin mode and flash first with ics rom and if it is success and then try jelly bean try good luck
I have the same problem.
Today i tried fixing a bricked galaxy s2(yellow triangle with exclamation mark on boot) by reinstalling the stock firmware with odin and a pit file.
During the install i got stuck at NAND write start.So i took the battery out to get out of download mode and put it back in.When i tried going to download mode,it wouldn't start,charge,boot,anything!it's like it's completly dead.
Is there any other way to go to download mode without using a JIG?
NikoGR said:
I have the same problem.
Today i tried fixing a bricked galaxy s2(yellow triangle with exclamation mark on boot) by reinstalling the stock firmware with odin and a pit file.
During the install i got stuck at NAND write start.So i took the battery out to get out of download mode and put it back in.When i tried going to download mode,it wouldn't start,charge,boot,anything!it's like it's completly dead.
Is there any other way to go to download mode without using a JIG?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say this mate......you shoulda read some threads.....
If you had, you'd have realised.....
1) you start messing with pit files as a LAST resort
2) you NEVER pull a battery during an odin flash
3) when you saw the failure of 'nand write start' there was still the possibility to recover your phone....right up to the point when you pulled the battery.......
So now you have no recovery mode, no download mode and no on screen indication when you plug the charger in.....
Don't bother with the jig.....it's a long shot under the best of circumstances.....
There Is one thing you could try.....
Take the battery out. Press the vol down, power and home keys simultaneously......and WHILE holding the keys.....reinsert the battery....you will probably need help to do it.
It *might* kickstart the phone into download mode.....or.......it might not.
If it fails.....then Samsung warranty repair is realistically your only option.....Don't mention XDA or rooting or custom roms or odin or anything like that. Play dumb....say you were updating with kies, the phone switched off and wouldn't turn on again.......
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
GamingDj said:
Try a USB JIG to enter DL mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much!! I wasn't able to get a usb jig but managed to get it online with a quick delivery. It was my first time using a usb jig but it's too simple. I've a working phone with JB in it.
Thanks again!
keithross39 said:
Sorry to say this mate......you shoulda read some threads.....
If you had, you'd have realised.....
1) you start messing with pit files as a LAST resort
2) you NEVER pull a battery during an odin flash
3) when you saw the failure of 'nand write start' there was still the possibility to recover your phone....right up to the point when you pulled the battery.......
So now you have no recovery mode, no download mode and no on screen indication when you plug the charger in.....
Don't bother with the jig.....it's a long shot under the best of circumstances.....
There Is one thing you could try.....
Take the battery out. Press the vol down, power and home keys simultaneously......and WHILE holding the keys.....reinsert the battery....you will probably need help to do it.
It *might* kickstart the phone into download mode.....or.......it might not.
If it fails.....then Samsung warranty repair is realistically your only option.....Don't mention XDA or rooting or custom roms or odin or anything like that. Play dumb....say you were updating with kies, the phone switched off and wouldn't turn on again.......
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you answer!Will a JTAG work?If i can find one?The phone is off the warranty.
The way I see it is that at the moment, you own a paperweight.....so best to *try* the cheaper options first....jtagging being the cheapest......
If that doesn't sort it....you have 2 options.....
1) replace the mainboard
2) buy an entirely new phone.....
Basically whichever option you choose from now on will have *some* financial cost........
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
A 3rd option is to buy a 2nd hand phone with maybe a cracked screen,and use the board from that.
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------

[Q] Cold dead hard brick S5830i - what is the last resort?

The story:
Got a phone with some software problems when calling from a spouse. Tried to update the ROM and it bricked.
Status:
endless loop of bootscreen
could enter recovery mode and boot CWR
can not enter download mode
unable to boot system
Tried endless guides and instructions with stock ROM's and firmwares. Some of them installed some didnt - none worked. Still in endless loop.
Gave up yesterday and went to bed to keep trying today.
Now its totally bricked.
- no recovery mode
- no download mode
- no boot screen
- cant connect to PC via USB (Odin wont recoqnize)
The only sign of life - whatever I do it has black screen with backlight on but nothing else.
What can I do? They say that a broken phone is only with hardware problems but could I have f**** up the software so much that its the same?
elisterr said:
The story:
Got a phone with some software problems when calling from a spouse. Tried to update the ROM and it bricked.
Status:
endless loop of bootscreen
could enter recovery mode and boot CWR
can not enter download mode
unable to boot system
Tried endless guides and instructions with stock ROM's and firmwares. Some of them installed some didnt - none worked. Still in endless loop.
Gave up yesterday and went to bed to keep trying today.
Now its totally bricked.
- no recovery mode
- no download mode
- no boot screen
- cant connect to PC via USB (Odin wont recoqnize)
The only sign of life - whatever I do it has black screen with backlight on but nothing else.
What can I do? They say that a broken phone is only with hardware problems but could I have f**** up the software so much that its the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this guide by @SuperMini to force open Download Mode from odin. Here is the link,
How to unbrick Samsung Galaxy Ace
Make sure to use the key combination of Download Mode for your device as the one mentioned in the guide is for Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830. If that doesn't work, then you can try the USB Jig (not always guaranteed to work). If USB Jig did work, then it will force open the Download Mode so you can flash stock rom back using odin. If USB Jig doesn't work either, then your last option is to consult the Service Center. Do post the result. Hope I Helped
elisterr said:
The only sign of life - whatever I do it has black screen with backlight on but nothing else.
What can I do? They say that a broken phone is only with hardware problems but could I have f**** up the software so much that its the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. make sure you have installed drivers on your computer
2. remove battery > connect phone to computer > press volume buttons and lock key
3. if you get a black screen just press the volume up button.
odin will recognize the device
if this does not work then try multi-formatter
using it, format rfs partition and then install some custom rom.
link to multi-formatter thread : click here
mahithm said:
You can try this guide by @SuperMini to force open Download Mode from odin. Here is the link,
How to unbrick Samsung Galaxy Ace
Make sure to use the key combination of Download Mode for your device as the one mentioned in the guide is for Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830. If that doesn't work, then you can try the USB Jig (not always guaranteed to work). If USB Jig did work, then it will force open the Download Mode so you can flash stock rom back using odin. If USB Jig doesn't work either, then your last option is to consult the Service Center. Do post the result. Hope I Helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well. Bought one from ebay. It finally arrived. Hoping for a miracle.
I connected it and.... Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
elisterr said:
Well. Bought one from ebay. It finally arrived. Hoping for a miracle.
I connected it and.... Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to service center and tell them to flash mobile
Sent from my GT-S5830i using Tapatalk 2
elisterr said:
Well. Bought one from ebay. It finally arrived. Hoping for a miracle.
I connected it and.... Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry to hear that. Now as the last resort, you can consult the Service Centre.

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