[Q] Returning a Once-Rooted Phone? - Galaxy S III Q&A, (US Carriers)

I need to return my s3 to the vendor (Letstalk.com) because it constantly locks up.
They have a 14-day return policy and a 30 day exchange policy.
I've rooted my phone and thus have increased the binary counter. I plan on unrooting it/wiping it before I send it back.
Are companies that take returns checking for the binary counter increase?

I've never had a problem with any of the phones I've returned or exchanged.
You should be fine.
Just bring it back to stock.
Powered by the SGSIII

ThC23 said:
I've never had a problem with any of the phones I've returned or exchanged.
You should be fine.
Just bring it back to stock.
Powered by the SGSIII
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Click to collapse
I'll give it a shot and see what happens. If they don't take it back, I'll try Sammy. If Sammy doesn't take it back, Sprint will (TEP repair. no deductable).

Related

S II went belly up

Galaxy S II won't boot. Recycles through dripping boot screen constantly. Stock battery on or off charger. Won't respond to anything but a battery pull. Removed micro SD and SIM...same result.
Seems as though I could sense something was amiss prior to failure: portrait SWYPE keyboard was flakey, GPS once required a reboot to function, some lag showing up, battery usage rising, etc..
I will see if the local AT&T store will exchange this afternoon (trying to short-circuit the overnight exchange).
Anyone else experience this?
did you root it at all? Try to get into recovery and factory reset the device. Or if you feel up to it, just "return it to sock form" even if you didnt modify it. That will reload any files that might have gotten corrupt.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1286432
nyydynasty said:
did you root it at all? Try to get into recovery and factory reset the device. Or if you feel up to it, just "return it to sock form" even if you didnt modify it. That will reload any files that might have gotten corrupt.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1286432
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. No root. Completely stock. I do have the USB jig, but I thought that it just put it into download model, not recovery.
I will probably exchange it because it has a cosmetic ding on a corner where I dropped it.
Thanks for the comments.
mmarquis said:
Nope. No root. Completely stock. I do have the USB jig, but I thought that it just put it into download model, not recovery.
I will probably exchange it because it has a cosmetic ding on a corner where I dropped it.
Thanks for the comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this all happen after you dropped it? I'm curious if the phone is susceptible to malfunctioning after a drop. If so, I'm going to run out and find any sort of case. I saw the video of a GS2 and an iPhone being dropped, so I figured the phone would be fine without a case.
If you're witin 30-day period, you should go to the store where you purchased to exchange for a new phone. Warranty exchange will only send you a refurbished phone (probably one of those from ppl who returned for Skyrockets).
mmarquis said:
Nope. No root. Completely stock. I do have the USB jig, but I thought that it just put it into download model, not recovery.
I will probably exchange it because it has a cosmetic ding on a corner where I dropped it.
Thanks for the comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it start having issues after you stuck the jig into it? I had a non-recoverable boot loop after I used a jig (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18845154&postcount=55).
foxbat121 said:
If you're witin 30-day period, you should go to the store where you purchased to exchange for a new phone. Warranty exchange will only send you a refurbished phone (probably one of those from ppl who returned for Skyrockets).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refurbished phones aren't bad. But, I would think you would get a new one. It will take time to process and refurbish the returned ones. Refurbished electronics always have a lower failure rate. They have to pass all the factory QC twice, and I have never seem a phone with a physical blemish make it out the door as a refurbished device. Plus I think there will be an influx of skyrockets for people upgrading to the i777 while in their 30 days. (vs other way around)
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
quarlow said:
Refurbished phones aren't bad. But, I would think you would get a new one. It will take time to process and refurbish the returned ones. Refurbished electronics always have a lower failure rate. They have to pass all the factory QC twice, and I have never seem a phone with a physical blemish make it out the door as a refurbished device. Plus I think there will be an influx of skyrockets for people upgrading to the i777 while in their 30 days. (vs other way around)
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
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Click to collapse
BS, I have a refurbished Samsung BlackJack2. It came with something rattle inside. When I requested a warranty exchange for my BlackJack1, it came with a really worn out shape cosmetically. It's a crap shot. Sometimes you get good ones and sometimes you get bad ones.
Just like the new phones OP had. If Samsung can't properly QA new phones, what makes you think it will do a better job QA the refurbished ones.
The original GS2 has been out for over a month. They will have plenty of refurbs for your warranty exchange.
SoCaliTrojan said:
Did this all happen after you dropped it? I'm curious if the phone is susceptible to malfunctioning after a drop. If so, I'm going to run out and find any sort of case. I saw the video of a GS2 and an iPhone being dropped, so I figured the phone would be fine without a case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't happen immediately after I dropped. More like 10 days. Don't think the drop had anything to do with it.
foxbat121 said:
If you're witin 30-day period, you should go to the store where you purchased to exchange for a new phone. Warranty exchange will only send you a refurbished phone (probably one of those from ppl who returned for Skyrockets).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was outside of the 30 day period but AT&T exchanged it for a new S II at lunch today.
Dranakin said:
Did it start having issues after you stuck the jig into it? I had a non-recoverable boot loop after I used a jig (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18845154&postcount=55).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never ended up trying the jig. Just exchanged it for a new one.

AT&T warranty service

Has anyone experienced AT&T warranty service? Due to a problem with the camera, they said they would ship a refurbished device. Has anyone experienced a refurbished device? I'm wondering if it would be better to send it to Samsung so they repair it?
the at&t warranty service is pretty good, the phone is pretty much brand new and in perfect working condition most of the time. I personally prefer the warranty service over a repair from samsung
I'll have to find out how long I have before they expect my device to ship back to them. I'd like to run it through the paces first for a week or so..
I've not had to have my SGSII replaced, but I did have to replace the Captivate due to random shutdowns. The replacement refurbished phone is still going strong and has never had a problem. It looked like brand new when it came. It's the wife's now, since last October.
Well, I've had to replace mine twice. First one had an issue with the USB port, they sent me what appeared to be a "new" device; that is, it had a full sticker under the battery, and all the warning plastics were on it, but it came in an envelope. I warranty'd that one because the headphone jack died after a week.
The second one is a normal refurb unit. Have not had any issues with the second refurb, and that was almost two months ago.
Had to replace 2 infuses, tho one was insurance, and one GSII. Warranty's were due to the stupid USB port issue, wonder if they fixed that in newer phones?
I never had a refurbished phone sent to me. all 3 were brand new devices. GSII was done fairly soon after it was released. but on the infuse Im not sure why i didnt get a refurb.
Mine is a refurbished i777, got it back In last December and two weeks in found out that the flash didn't work. Called Samsung, and they gave me free round trip shipping and free repair because of warranty. Restored to stock and sent it in, got it back in two weeks.
Also, I called att first but they told me to call Samsung. And according to Att, I only had three months of warranty, but then Samsung said that I have one year. Don't know if that means I have two warranties or either att or Samsung was wrong.
I have three things refurbished, a Canon camera and printer, then this phone. So far only the phone has ever had a problem, but it was easy to get it fixed, so no big deal. I personally like to buy refurbished things, but I will only buy the ones with warranties.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Any reason you didn't use ATT's warranty service instead of Samsung, to avoid the 2 weeks without the device?
fldude99 said:
Any reason you didn't use ATT's warranty service instead of Samsung, to avoid the 2 weeks without the device?
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Click to collapse
I called ATT first too see what options I would have, they offered to replace my refurbished i777 with skyrocket but I have to pay the difference. I didn't take that of course, then I think it was ATT suggested me to call Samsung, I might have gotten the idea my own, don't remember much about this part. then sent the phone to Texas and tracked the update on my phone everyday nervously cus my phone was root then restored to stock, afraid that Samsug might find out. But I guess they didn't. got my i777 back in 2 weeks. Since then flash and reflash like an addict, and nothing is wrong with this phone so far.
I recently had to get my device repaired or replaced. Samsung Communication was clear and the turn-around was fairly quick. I prefer Samsung repair over getting an AT&T refurbished device; I've had bad experiences in the past with refurbished quality. It was a while ago, so other's opinions about refurbished service may be more accurate. I'll always prefer Samsung over AT&T though.
Funny this thread came up. The power button went out on my phone. Would not work at all. Made it quite difficult to do all the nonsense at&t wanted me to do to "troubleshoot" a hardware problem. Anyways after 3 calls to them in a matter of 12 hours they finally shipped my second replacement that I've had of the S2. What pissed me off is I am currently without a phone and they said it would be 6 days before they got it to be or for 14.95 they would ship it next day. If anything they should be paying me for the fact that I cant use their service but it is what it is. /rant. Can't wait till my phone comes in so I can get some jelly bean going on though.
MWilkenson said:
Funny this thread came up. The power button went out on my phone. Would not work at all. Made it quite difficult to do all the nonsense at&t wanted me to do to "troubleshoot" a hardware problem. Anyways after 3 calls to them in a matter of 12 hours they finally shipped my second replacement that I've had of the S2. What pissed me off is I am currently without a phone and they said it would be 6 days before they got it to be or for 14.95 they would ship it next day. If anything they should be paying me for the fact that I cant use their service but it is what it is. /rant. Can't wait till my phone comes in so I can get some jelly bean going on though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny because my power button just died too... Except I was able to turn on my phone but that was about it. I couldn't get it to wake up or go to sleep unless I plugged in the phone. I'm debating whether to send it to Samsung or go to the AT&T but if it looks like AT&T is just going to replace it with the Skyrocket, I may just send it in to Samsung. Though 2 weeks without a phone will be crazy =P.
Bruce0750 said:
Mine is a refurbished i777, got it back In last December and two weeks in found out that the flash didn't work. Called Samsung, and they gave me free round trip shipping and free repair because of warranty. Restored to stock and sent it in, got it back in two weeks.
Also, I called att first but they told me to call Samsung. And according to Att, I only had three months of warranty, but then Samsung said that I have one year. Don't know if that means I have two warranties or either att or Samsung was wrong.
I have three things refurbished, a Canon camera and printer, then this phone. So far only the phone has ever had a problem, but it was easy to get it fixed, so no big deal. I personally like to buy refurbished things, but I will only buy the ones with warranties.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simba501 said:
I recently had to get my device repaired or replaced. Samsung Communication was clear and the turn-around was fairly quick. I prefer Samsung repair over getting an AT&T refurbished device; I've had bad experiences in the past with refurbished quality. It was a while ago, so other's opinions about refurbished service may be more accurate. I'll always prefer Samsung over AT&T though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I spoke to ATT'S warranty people, they mentioned that the refurbished devices are done by the manufacturer. Not sure if that's a bunch of hooey, but I'll give it a shot rather than sending it off to Sammy
To those about to deal with ATT: I spoke to them today and the rep gave me some "good news" that they're out of the S2 but can send me the skyrocket. I said forget it, I'll send it to Samsung. So the rep says hold on, I put it on speaker for a few minutes, and she comes back to tell me she "found" a supposedly new S2 at another warehouse they can ship to me. So refusing the skyrocket is what needs to be done. So now with 14 days to return the device, it gives time to put the replacement through the paces
I just called about the camera not focusing and making that buzz sound. They said the i777 was backordered and would be replaced with a skyrocket. I said no, and asked if I could early upgrade or get anything else. They said no. I asked if a service center might have one, they said they can't verify the stock, but I could try. I really pushed for anything other than the skyrocket, politely, and they said no. It would be free, but my only option. I guess if the service center doesn't have one I'll call back and try again. I really want an S III, in red, but I could live until may when I qualify for upgrade with a One X.
Sent from my Galaxy S II
quarlow said:
I just called about the camera not focusing and making that buzz sound. They said the i777 was backordered and would be replaced with a skyrocket. I said no, and asked if I could early upgrade or get anything else. They said no. I asked if a service center might have one, they said they can't verify the stock, but I could try. I really pushed for anything other than the skyrocket, politely, and they said no. It would be free, but my only option. I guess if the service center doesn't have one I'll call back and try again. I really want an S III, in red, but I could live until may when I qualify for upgrade with a One X.
Sent from my Galaxy S II
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Click to collapse
I guess I was lucky. My replacement S2 is supposed to arrive tomorrow. But if they had stonewalled me like that I was prepared to send it to Samsung. Why not go wit that? Btw they also offered to allow me out of the contract early with an S3,but at $299...a little too much imo
MWilkenson said:
Funny this thread came up. The power button went out on my phone. Would not work at all. Made it quite difficult to do all the nonsense at&t wanted me to do to "troubleshoot" a hardware problem. Anyways after 3 calls to them in a matter of 12 hours they finally shipped my second replacement that I've had of the S2. What pissed me off is I am currently without a phone and they said it would be 6 days before they got it to be or for 14.95 they would ship it next day. If anything they should be paying me for the fact that I cant use their service but it is what it is. /rant. Can't wait till my phone comes in so I can get some jelly bean going on though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I warranty replaced mine because of a wonky power button, too. it is challenging to get back to stock without a power button.
wbcollins said:
I warranty replaced mine because of a wonky power button, too. it is challenging to get back to stock without a power button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it wasn't easy at all! But I figured it out. Now they are sending me an s3!! After messing up my order and canceling without my notification
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
My power button stopped working and after finally getting back to stock with difficulty, I took it in to AT&T's Device Warranty Service Center (they have a few of those in most states) and they replaced it on the spot with a refurbished unit. This was yesterday so only time will tell if the refurbished one will hold up.
hamguy said:
My power button stopped working and after finally getting back to stock with difficulty, I took it in to AT&T's Device Warranty Service Center (they have a few of those in most states) and they replaced it on the spot with a refurbished unit. This was yesterday so only time will tell if the refurbished one will hold up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard that the refurbs are sometimes more reliable than ones out of the box because they have replaced parts that they know people have had regular problems with (i.e. usb port, power button). I bought mine brand new last December with no problems, so I hope I didn't just jinx myself for saying that.

warranty exchange?

Hi all,
My Rezound has a problem with the microphone where no one can hear me unless I use my bluetooth. Ive dealt with it a while but now it's just frustrating to have to yell at my phone.
I want to call verizon and get a warranty exchange...either for a rezound or a different phone, but my phone is rooted. It is NOT SOFF, and has Nils Business Sense on it.
When I called verizon they said I needed to be off the phone so they could do some "damage checks" to the phone. I assume that means they'll check to see what rom/firmware it is running.
I'm trying to figure out the best way to successfully warranty exchange...I've read on here of several people returning SEVERAL rooted rezounds with issues...I'm just trying to figure out what the secret is before I return mine.
Thanks for any help you can give!
Tell them it died? Airplane mode? They won't check it once you send it in. There is another recent thread about this here somewhere...
You can send it back without problems. Once I sent back a rooted CM9 GNex and I never got billed
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I've been told by several VZ employees I know that they dont care if its rooted or not as long as it can be flashed back to stock. They check it for physical/water damage, plug it in and flash most current software. Refurb and send it out. Done deal.
06stang said:
I've been told by several VZ employees I know that they dont care if its rooted or not as long as it can be flashed back to stock. They check it for physical/water damage, plug it in and flash most current software. Refurb and send it out. Done deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, this is what they do with them.
just ruu to the global release and send it back. im on my third now.
Do they mind if the phone has minor scratches on the housing (all just superficial), or is that considered physical damage?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
destro158 said:
Do they mind if the phone has minor scratches on the housing (all just superficial), or is that considered physical damage?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as long as its "normal ware" then its ok. if the glass is destroyed or its missing a bunch of paint then they wont take it.
06stang said:
I've been told by several VZ employees I know that they dont care if its rooted or not as long as it can be flashed back to stock. They check it for physical/water damage, plug it in and flash most current software. Refurb and send it out. Done deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep that's what they do, they just usually forget the refurbishing part...
Thank you all for your feedback!

Samsung Repair Service Top Notch

So my S2 died Sunday 14th, would not turn on no matter what i did wouldnt charge just died. Its rooted every since i got it and never had any issues. So i know rooting it void my warranty but i called samsung UK booked the repair they send the a free post bag send it back on 18th and have my S2 back on the 24th repair and updated with no questions about why it was rooted they just fixed it no questions asked.
I have to commend them for this, and for the service they provide i will stick to samsung for all my future phones due to this great service.
GREAT Job SAMSUNG!!!!! :good::good:
As long as the rooting process/flashing had nothing to do with the phone dying, you should always get the phone repaired or replaced for free
No.They will chuck it back at you if they discover its
Not running stock rom
Water damaged
Your lucky they couldnt boot it up.If they could youd have been hit with a bill for about £180,or got it back unfixed.
theunderling said:
No.They will chuck it back at you if they discover its
Not running stock rom
Water damaged
Your lucky they couldnt boot it up.If they could youd have been hit with a bill for about £180,or got it back unfixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my country we have insane customer rights, if the rooting / flashing has nothing to do with the error on the phone, then they will fix it / replace it.
If the person you are delivering the phone to, doesn't mention that it will cost money, it won't cost anything.
We have additional 5 years of "warranty".

[Q] Sprint warranty do i need to be on stock?

So i dropped my phone in my drive way ( silly me ) and cracked the corner of the shell by the power button and the corner where is says "Sprint" has a little lip that you can feel and see. Not to big of a deal but for future refrences Do i need to go back to 100% stock (or as close as i can get) for the warranty to still be vaild? i am rooted and s-off. I pay for the sprint replace and repair thing. I have heard a lot of diffrent things about this topic. I have heard in the past that you could not be rooted at all or warranty was automaticaly void, but i heard very recently that Sprint warranty will still be good but they will warn you the dangers of rooting or something like that. Is this true?
Every time ive taken my evo 3d in to sprint i have went back to stock with s-off that's because i was on aosp roms.
Now if you're already on a sense 3.6 rom i don't think you need to unless it has UI changes such as color and sprint employees decide to be assholes.
Play it safe, back up your rom return to stock and take it in.
It's always advised to go back to stock. You never know if you are going to get an employee/manager who will be picky about it.
However, you said you dropped it. FYI, that is not covered under the warranty. That actually completely voided your warranty right there. So, if you have any other issues with it from now on, you will have to go through Asurion (insurance) and pay the 100 dollar deductible to get it fixed.
i just finished changing rom and im on stock now so i shuold be good there...thank you guys for the replys and help... Last time i dropped my phone and shatered the screen completly and the techs replaced my screen and fixed something on the inside with no problems and i told the guy i dropped it so maybe the tech at my store is just nice (that was before i had rooted and s-off)
Which is the best stock Rom to use in order to return the phone for service?
PMGRANDS said:
Which is the best stock Rom to use in order to return the phone for service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the best stock rom would of course be the stock rom from your carrier.
If you are paying the monthly fee for the insurance, they will repair\replace the phone with a deductible (physical damage). No amount of rooting or flashing would cause physical damage so you would be good to go.
However, to avoid the lecture they are required to give customers who root their devices you would need to restore it factory. When I took my phone in for replacement (digitizer failed on it) I restored it to factory and received a replacement the next day without having to pay anything. This was because it was a defect in the device and not damaged. But you never know if the tech looking at it would be a jerk or not so I say put it back to factory before taking it in.
Is Asurion still giving out Evo 3Ds as replacements? Mine is starting to die out and I am thinking about upgrading to The One Max in the future, but I do not want to wait that long with my failing Evo. I also do not want to get a refashioned Evo as I have been hearing they usually come dead on arrival.

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