Samsung Galaxy S3 is not turning on. - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello experts,
I have Samsung Galaxy S3, I was using messenger then it hanged up and then I restarted my mobile by pressing and holding the power switch. Then Galaxy S3 logo appeared after restart and again hanged up. Then I again restarted the phone, again at the same point it hanged up i.e. at the logo of Galaxy S3. Then I pulled out battery and reinsert it but after this it never started again not even blinked once. I have also checked on another battery.
I went to the mobile repairing shop then he said CMC chip is dead so its circuit will be replaced. Then I went another shop, he said I will flash the device but I don't guarantee about the data (stored in phone storage). I said him that it is not turning on then how will you flash it. He said I will do it yet.
Now, tell me experts that what should I do to get my phone data back? What should I do that it just turned on for some minutes so that I could take my data to SD card. My data is much important. Also tell me how did the shopkeeper say that he will flash the phone even it is not turning on anyhow.
Thank you.

Shayaan_Mustafa said:
Hello experts, I have Samsung Galaxy S3, I was using messenger then it hanged up and then I restarted my mobile by pressing and holding the power switch...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is to post this question within the following thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690307
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT VIA PM UNLESS ASKED/REQUESTED BY MYSELF.
PLEASE KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE

Shayaan_Mustafa said:
Hello experts,
I have Samsung Galaxy S3, I was using messenger then it hanged up and then I restarted my mobile by pressing and holding the power switch. Then Galaxy S3 logo appeared after restart and again hanged up. Then I again restarted the phone, again at the same point it hanged up i.e. at the logo of Galaxy S3. Then I pulled out battery and reinsert it but after this it never started again not even blinked once. I have also checked on another battery.
I went to the mobile repairing shop then he said CMC chip is dead so its circuit will be replaced. Then I went another shop, he said I will flash the device but I don't guarantee about the data (stored in phone storage). I said him that it is not turning on then how will you flash it. He said I will do it yet.
Now, tell me experts that what should I do to get my phone data back? What should I do that it just turned on for some minutes so that I could take my data to SD card. My data is much important. Also tell me how did the shopkeeper say that he will flash the phone even it is not turning on anyhow.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's super important, you would've backed it up, right? Everyone I know backups their important data at least 2 times
The other shopkeeper could use a jtag to force the device into download mode (helped me to unbrick a hard bricked s4).
My 2 seconds of Googling brought me to this link.
That's what I'd assume they'd do (that's what I'd do if I was them).
As for the first one, they might be correct, or not. My strongest recommendation is to try the jtag method and if that doesn't work, I will be really surprised if they actually replace the CMC. Usually what they do is just replace the motherboard which you can do at home (there are plenty of motherboards on ebay) however, it's cheaper but your data chips would need to be transfered over to the new motherboard, which is just better to go with the CMC replacement (if they don't replace your mobo, your data is fine, if they do, it's gone with the mobo).
As for the second option regarding your data, unfortunately it's correct. However, it they get into download mode, they can flash a recovery (different partition, meaning your /data partition is safe) like twrp which they can use to make a nandroid backup and then after extracting the backup, flash new rom. Then you can restore the different apps/settings from the twrp backup file (there are plenty of tutorials on the net).
Good luck! If I helped, hit the "thanks" button

Ibuprophen said:
Your best bet is to post this question within the following thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690307
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT VIA PM UNLESS ASKED/REQUESTED BY MYSELF.
PLEASE KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I am afraid, if I post my issue under that running thread then how would I get answer because that thread has already more than 200 pages. And if you are asking me to read the issue, obviously you are also a busiest person having life issues and others, you can't also read that thread and want to resolve the issue ASAP. Pardon me if I get wrong as my English is not much good.

Hi, ramiabouzahra
Thanks for your reply. Here is what I understand from your reply, I give answer below step by step.
If it's super important, you would've backed it up, right? Everyone I know backups their important data at least 2 times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I didn't because I was thinking that mobile is working fine, I will backup after a week or two but before I do this, my mobile gone dead
The other shopkeeper could use a jtag to force the device into download mode (helped me to unbrick a hard bricked s4).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I understand from this, the shopkeeper who is asking me to bring life to the phone, would use jtag? What is jtag and how can I do it at home and what thing like cables, etc do I need for this. Further what I understand, is that by using jtag, the device is forced to go into download mode. Right?
My 2 seconds of Googling brought me to this link.
That's what I'd assume they'd do (that's what I'd do if I was them).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I understand from the given link, it is a method of flashing the device. Right? By the way, do you think that the mobile which is not turning on anyhow even by trying all methods, it will turn on by flashing the device? But again, as I read the thread that data can be gone. Again, no safety for data.
As for the first one, they might be correct, or not. My strongest recommendation is to try the jtag method and if that doesn't work, I will be really surprised if they actually replace the CMC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You recommend me to use jtag method? OK. And what is CMC? What does it stand for? How they replace it? Any tutorial?
Usually what they do is just replace the motherboard which you can do at home (there are plenty of motherboards on ebay) however, it's cheaper but your data chips would need to be transfered over to the new motherboard, which is just better to go with the CMC replacement (if they don't replace your mobo, your data is fine, if they do, it's gone with the mobo).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I can do this at home as I am aware of little bit electronics. Can you tell me which is suited for my Galaxy S3 on EBAY? Can you give the link so that I could buy? And I hope, I would able to transfer chips on the new mobo, just locate the chip for me which is to be transferred. And further I don't understand what do you mean by the line "which is just better to go with the CMC replacement (if they don't replace your mobo, your data is fine, if they do, it's gone with the mobo"
As for the second option regarding your data, unfortunately it's correct. However, it they get into download mode, they can flash a recovery (different partition, meaning your /data partition is safe) like twrp which they can use to make a nandroid backup and then after extracting the backup, flash new rom. Then you can restore the different apps/settings from the twrp backup file (there are plenty of tutorials on the net).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here the second option you mean, flashing the rom? you said in the bracket the "data partition is safe" means in this method, I can safe my data? OK, I read about twrp as per my understanding, it can get my data back? Right?
Thank you for answering me, I am a dumb. Thanks for tolerating me.

Shayaan_Mustafa said:
Hi, ramiabouzahra
Thanks for your reply. Here is what I understand from your reply, I give answer below step by step.
Unfortunately, I didn't because I was thinking that mobile is working fine, I will backup after a week or two but before I do this, my mobile gone dead
What I understand from this, the shopkeeper who is asking me to bring life to the phone, would use jtag? What is jtag and how can I do it at home and what thing like cables, etc do I need for this. Further what I understand, is that by using jtag, the device is forced to go into download mode. Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What jtag is etc can be checked out in the link below. What cables you need depend on specifically your device (it might be s3, but there are different variants of the s3).
And yes, normally that would mean that it would be forced into download mode
What I understand from the given link, it is a method of flashing the device. Right? By the way, do you think that the mobile which is not turning on anyhow even by trying all methods, it will turn on by flashing the device? But again, as I read the thread that data can be gone. Again, no safety for data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the jtag, you can check out this great forum question and answer Keep in mind that jtag doesn't always need a controller, in my case (s4 not s3), I had to create a micro usb connector with a resistor on one of the ends and plug it into the device for it to work again
You recommend me to use jtag method? OK. And what is CMC? What does it stand for? How they replace it? Any tutorial?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really know what CMC is, maybe the guy meant SMC? SMC is a common abbreviation used in circuit board repair and stands for System Management Controller so in one word or another, a chip (correct me if I am wrong, I am not super educated in the circuit board area).
I do recommend you use the jtag method since if it doesn't work, at least you can rest a sure you've tried multiple ways to revive it and not sit and wonder after the board repair is complete if there was a more efficient way to solve the issue.
Yeah, I can do this at home as I am aware of little bit electronics. Can you tell me which is suited for my Galaxy S3 on EBAY? Can you give the link so that I could buy? And I hope, I would able to transfer chips on the new mobo, just locate the chip for me which is to be transferred. And further I don't understand what do you mean by the line "which is just better to go with the CMC replacement (if they don't replace your mobo, your data is fine, if they do, it's gone with the mobo"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you can do it at home? It isn't normal solder, it's more of a ballpoint solder requiring to heat up the board to let the solder flow and then extract the nand chips. I cannot give you link since I don't know specifically what phone you have (you stated s3, but there are plenty of s3 variants such as the s3 lte etc all with different internals).
What I meant by that line is that since the data chips are on the motherboard, replacing the motherboard means losing your data. If they don't replace your motherboard (mobo), your data is intact/fine .
Here the second option you mean, flashing the rom? you said in the bracket the "data partition is safe" means in this method, I can safe my data? OK, I read about twrp as per my understanding, it can get my data back? Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, with twrp you can create a backup and extract from that backup apps and whatnot. So technically, your data is safe (you will wipe the phone, but you'll have a backup ). If it's photos that are the issue, you can hope that your sync was on and that you had Google Photos set up (automatically backs up your gallery).
Thank you for answering me, I am a dumb. Thanks for tolerating me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, we all gotta start somewhere amirite.
Good luck!

Related

[Q] Samsung Galaxy S2 bricked?

Hey,
I've recently bought Galaxy S2.
It had problems with Android 2.3.3 and batter drain so I decided to upgrade to 2.3.4. I followed the instructions and I had to re-partition. Rebooted my phone into download mode, set re-partition option, PDA and clicked start (as said in the guide). It started doing stuff but after ~40-50 minutes there was no progress - it was stuck at "SET PARTITION". After an hour and 20 minutes still nothing and the phone started heating. So I unplugged the USB and removed the battery. Left it to heat down and tried to start recovery/download mode. It couldn't even start. As if it's really dead
How could you know for sure if a phone is bricked? What should I do know?
Is there anything I can try to see if I can bring it back to life or I should go to my provider and ask him to fix it?
I would be really grateful for any suggestions
Thanks in advance,
tftd
You have a bricked phone, you will need to buy another one.
I don't know which instructions you have been following, but it is not the ones here.
Over here, we tell people not to click 2 things. CLEAR EFS, and REPARTITION.
Clear EFS, kills the IMEI, and REPARTITION kills the phone.
Since the bootloader sits in the partition, you don't have bootloader, so no download mode either.
Yup, as the poster before me mentioned; your phone is totally hardbricked. Only way to fix it is through a jtag (requires some advanced hardware) or to send it to samsung on warrantee. Thats why they say not to play with pit files/partitions in the guides.
There is someone on youtube that can fix your device since he has the necessary tools, go to youtube and search for sgs2 jtag, you should find his video where he demonstrates the process, or you can do what the other posters said.
I'm on my phone using the xda application so I can't post the link for you.
Sent from my GT-I9100
Well from what i have read, bricking is really hard even if u check repartition.
Anyway iam a noob,but just search youtube and forums iam sure u will find something.
LiFE1688 said:
You have a bricked phone, you will need to buy another one.
I don't know which instructions you have been following, but it is not the ones here.
Over here, we tell people not to click 2 things. CLEAR EFS, and REPARTITION.
Clear EFS, kills the IMEI, and REPARTITION kills the phone.
Since the bootloader sits in the partition, you don't have bootloader, so no download mode either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's something I shall remember for the rest of my Android Phone life.
I sent my phone to customer service and hope they can fix it.
@achillies400 that dude is trained in small electronics (youtube/com /watch?v=zN7le4GmxZs) I saw what he does but I'm from Bulgaria and I'm not quite sure if the phone would get to USA and back to Bulgaria in one piece ...
For all the people coming after me:
DUDES! DON'T EVER RE-PARTITION! NEVER EVER!!!!!!
Thank you all for giving suggestions and helping me! Pretty much appreciated!
tftd said:
Hey,
I've recently bought Galaxy S2.
It had problems with Android 2.3.3 and batter drain so I decided to upgrade to 2.3.4. I followed the instructions and I had to re-partition. Rebooted my phone into download mode, set re-partition option, PDA and clicked start (as said in the guide). It started doing stuff but after ~40-50 minutes there was no progress - it was stuck at "SET PARTITION". After an hour and 20 minutes still nothing and the phone started heating. So I unplugged the USB and removed the battery. Left it to heat down and tried to start recovery/download mode. It couldn't even start. As if it's really dead
How could you know for sure if a phone is bricked? What should I do know?
Is there anything I can try to see if I can bring it back to life or I should go to my provider and ask him to fix it?
I would be really grateful for any suggestions
Thanks in advance,
tftd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MobileTechVideos have a jtag maybe they can repair.
Otherwise sent your device to an Samsung ServiceCenter!
looks like your simplest solution is the Jtag.
Is the samsung service centre offering a free repair? or are there any costs involved?
netchip said:
MobileTechVideos have a jtag maybe they can repair.
Otherwise sent your device to an Samsung ServiceCenter!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. Still that's not an option for the moment - I live in Bulgaria .. :/
dullah said:
looks like your simplest solution is the Jtag.
Is the samsung service centre offering a free repair? or are there any costs involved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weelll... I hope it's free... though I'm prepared for a bill..
I didn't tell them I was flashing the rom... I told them it was heating up and suddenly it stopped working. Hope that's convenient enough
Check this link out.Its a list of places where you can get your phone jtaged incase it happens again.Near the bottom there is a contact for your country.
http://www.jtagbox.com/riff-jtag-bo...-bricked-phone-riff-box-owners-list/#comments
okay, I hope it all works out
my phone has a busted up screen guys, claiming on house insurance, if i was to Clear EFS, kills the IMEI, and REPARTITION kills the phone. that would make it unbootable right??
I wouldnt give up jet
I ended up in quite a simular situation, i failed during flashing another pir, witch resulted in a non bootable phone with none ability to charge the battery. I tried to charge the battery elsewhere and was actually able to detect the phone in odin(none visual respons on the phone but stil). there should be a hope of reflashing it from here. could anyone explain why the screen goes blank even if its in downloadmode? is it related to imei/rom?
I would try this before sending in the phone. I talked to some guys in a norwegian servicecetre. If they are not able to connect it via usb to a pc and flash it they probably just change the motherboard!(EXPENCIVE) JTAG didnt seem to be the sollution of choice. changing the motherboard was rarely the sollution,but apperantly one customrom ****ed up both bootloaders(rom and imei) witch made them helpless reflashing it.
I bricked my phone because repartition was checked
I bricked my phone because I checked repartition. DO NOT CHECK BOX NEVER EVER EVER.
I sent back to t mobile and just said it would not turn on or charge and they repaired it free.
Since I have had my phone repaired I have flashed lots of custom roms with no major problems. Difference I have never once since clicked repartition and I made a backup of my EFS folder using Galaxy s unlock from android market also unlocked my s2 no probs
If you can detect it in Odin. Usually it is always able to be fixed.
But you may have to use someone else's full backup dump. But they may not want to give you their efs information of their phone.
Look online for galaxy s3 boot-loader etc.
This is for future people that need help

S2 re-partition with odin FAILED, phone not powering up

Hey guys,
The problem started last night, i had no sound coming from my speaker. After some checking i found that for some reason the phone was thinking that my headphones are always connected, even if they were in the other room. I tried reflashing it, and i couldn't boot up anymore. Tried flashing new kernel, nothing. Tried flashing stock firmware, nothing. The phone won't accept any firmwares. So i tried to REPARTITION with odin. And i think i got the wrong tutorial
My phone is a gt-i9100, and i repartition it with omap4_all_20110627_emmc.pit
In odin was like this:
pit file selected
auto reboot selected
re-partition selected
f.reset time selected
And start.....all done, green light but the phone won't power on, won't enter recovery/download.
Now what?
Posting questions in the general forum = bad
Flashing an I9100G .pit on an I9100 = worse
JTAG.
JTAG won't help you, because it is not bootloader corruption. Motherboard replacement will fix it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
another one bites the dust
try JTAG anyway,cant hurt.
Oh your wording... too funny...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
firmware?
xSurgery said:
Hey guys,
The problem started last night, i had no sound coming from my speaker. After some checking i found that for some reason the phone was thinking that my headphones are always connected, even if they were in the other room. I tried reflashing it, and i couldn't boot up anymore. Tried flashing new kernel, nothing. Tried flashing stock firmware, nothing. The phone won't accept any firmwares. So i tried to REPARTITION with odin. And i think i got the wrong tutorial
My phone is a gt-i9100, and i repartition it with omap4_all_20110627_emmc.pit
In odin was like this:
pit file selected
auto reboot selected
re-partition selected
f.reset time selected
And start.....all done, green light but the phone won't power on, won't enter recovery/download.
Now what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you put a firmware in the PDA section? if not go here to get one - sammobile.com/firmware
last_pawn said:
Did you put a firmware in the PDA section? if not go here to get one - sammobile.com/firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, this thread was last posted in back in October before your post.
That, and it was already established he used a pit file not meant for his device, which is what went wrong.
try force download mode, you need some one to help u
pull out the battery press the home+power+vol down
let the other person put the battery back
eraser0 said:
try force download mode, you need some one to help u
pull out the battery press the home+power+vol down
let the other person put the battery back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I give up.
ctomgee said:
I give up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol
Sent from the little guy
Bunch of boneheads (last_pawn & eraser0 I'm glaring @ you in particular).
ctomgee said:
I give up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They probably are trying to help an iS**t guy now LMFAO
Envoyé depuis mon GT-I9100 avec Tapatalk
Hi all,
so is there any progress on this issue?
I did not want to open a new thread because this thread explains exactly my situation and I am posting here because this thread did not help me.
I have since yesterday the same problem. I unfortunately also repartitioned my Samsung Galaxy S II i9100 with "omap4_all_20110627_emmc.pit" which actually is the wrong one.
(I know it is "stupid" but please do not explicitly state it in your replies, I am already aware of it.)
Is there a possibility fix this issue by repartitioning with the correct one?
Current Situation:
- My phone is not booting up
- not going into the download mode
- not going into the recovery mode
- if I plug into the PC with a USB cord, PC and Odin is not recognizing it
- if I try to charge it, I see no icon at all
- in short: it is dead
Solution I have found so far:
1- replace the motherboard
2- buy a usb jig
3- throw it away
So my question is about second (possible?) solution: if I buy a usb jib will I be able to use Odin to repartition with the right pit file? Did someone have experience or try this method?
I thank you all in advance for your replies.
Ibo
The jig more than likely won't work, but you may as well try one given they cost 1/3rd of sod all.
Option 1 tends to be the only way to fix the phone. And obviously option 3 is always possible (People who use the 'I'm going to smash it/throw it away/etc' line here tend to get ignored for the childish fools they are. We don't care what you do with your phone).
Edit -Yes, using a wrong PIT is the height of stupidity. Despite thousands upon thousands of warnings here/elsewhere not to touch PIT's unless you have a very specific reason for using one (0.000000001% of cases, you were not one of those people), people still do it.
MistahBungle said:
The jig more than likely won't work, but you may as well try one given they cost 1/3rd of sod all.
Option 1 tends to be the only way to fix the phone. And obviously option 3 is always possible (People who use the 'I'm going to smash it/throw it away/etc' line here tend to get ignored for the childish fools they are. We don't care what you do with your phone).
Edit -Yes, using a wrong PIT is the height of stupidity. Despite thousands upon thousands of warnings here/elsewhere not to touch PIT's unless you have a very specific reason for using one (0.000000001% of cases, you were not one of those people), people still do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. I thank you just for the part where you have written "Option 1 tends to be the only way to fix the phone.". This was enough for me to hear considering your experience in this forum. For the rest:
1: What would you do if your phone is not booting up and shows the Samsung logo even you wait 1 hour? Assuming that you already used options in recovery mode and also used Odin to update PDA several times?
2: Then you found a tutorial which says this is for Samsung Galaxy S II no further specifics given other than I9100.
3: Different people have different sense of humor so I do not blame them when I see in many forums where they write throw it away. I think it does not make sense to overreact to such suggestions. For example I just laughed when I read something like this.
Best,
Ibo
1) If I'd tried everything (and I mean everything, over and over and over), I'd assume the NAND is stuffed, bite the bullet & have the motherboard replaced one way or another. I'd either find a 2nd hand one & have a local mobile repair shop/not an authorised Samsung repairer replace it for me, or if I couldn't find one I'd pay an authorised Samsung repair to put a new one in. Or I'd get a new phone.
2) Before I got my phone I did a lot of research/reading/learning. For over a month. When I got my phone, I did even more research/reading/learning. I didn't jump blindly in messing with my phone without knowing what I was doing. If I saw some dodgy tutorial that told me to use a PIT when everything else I'd read said not to touch except for a very specific situation, I wouldn't touch a PIT unless I was in that very specific situation. Knowledge is power & stops you doing silly/desperate things. It's like putting your hand on the stove when you've already learned you'll get burnt if you do.
3) I'm glad you found what I said amusing. That probably speaks to why you broke your phone in the first place. I was deadly serious. From where I sit, a $700+ piece of electronics is too important to me not to take its continued proper functioning very very seriously. I realise some people get a new phone every 6 mths or whatever or don't care. To me, that's wasteful.
Edit - If you're able to have it assessed cheaply/for free, it might (again, less likely than more) even be JTAG'able, but I wouldn't be spending a lot of money up front having it looked at given it's likely not to be.
MistahBungle said:
1) If I'd tried everything (and I mean everything, over and over and over), I'd assume the NAND is stuffed, bite the bullet & have the motherboard replaced one way or another. I'd either find a 2nd hand one & have a local mobile repair shop/not an authorised Samsung repairer replace it for me, or if I couldn't find one I'd pay an authorised Samsung repair to put a new one in. Or I'd get a new phone.
2) Before I got my phone I did a lot of research/reading/learning. For over a month. When I got my phone, I did even more research/reading/learning. I didn't jump blindly in messing with my phone without knowing what I was doing. If I saw some dodgy tutorial that told me to use a PIT when everything else I'd read said not to touch except for a very specific situation, I wouldn't touch a PIT unless I was in that very specific situation. Knowledge is power & stops you doing silly/desperate things. It's like putting your hand on the stove when you've already learned you'll get burnt if you do.
3) I'm glad you found what I said amusing. That probably speaks to why you broke your phone in the first place. I was deadly serious. From where I sit, a $700+ piece of electronics is too important to me not to take its continued proper functioning very very seriously. I realise some people get a new phone every 6 mths or whatever or don't care. To me, that's wasteful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It is nice to hear that in any case the motherboard should have been / be repaired. You are right that was an expensive try but even if didn't I had to let the motherboard repaired. It was written the same thing as you said: the motherboard should be repaired so why not try this option: yes awful but if you have no other option and you tried really everything, you just give it a try.
2. I have been using this Samsung Galaxy SII since a couple months after it is first launched (mid 2011) and did not have any problem so far, so I did not have any interest or reasons to learn about flashing or any advanced methods.
3. Sorry there is a misunderstanding there. I found amusing not you have written but when I saw on an android forum where they written whether let the motherboard repaired or throw away/sell parts and buy a new phone instead. This "piece of electronics" is too expensive not only for you, I think for many people including me. That is why I posted here before giving 125€ to an authorised Samsung repairer.
Best,
Ibo
---------- Post added at 03:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------
MistahBungle said:
Edit - If you're able to have it assessed cheaply/for free, it might (again, less likely than more) even be JTAG'able, but I wouldn't be spending a lot of money up front having it looked at given it's likely not to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip. :good: I am now searching for it.

[Q] S2 with broken/not working screen - how to tell if the rest still works?

Hi
I recently bought a broken Galaxy S2 with a non-working display/screen off a swiss auction portal (smiliar to eBay) for very little money.
The seller stated that the display broke after he dropped it, the rest of the phone should be fine. Effectively, only the LCD is broken, the glass is intact, but the screen doesn't show anything when I try to turn on the phone.
The first few times I tried to turn on the phone, nothing happened, no boot sound or touch buttons glowing. After trying several combinations of pressing buttons (hard reset, soft reset, download mode, recovery etc.) I heard the boot sound and saw the buttons glowing, but only once and I dont know how I exactly managed it to start. But, nevertheless, I can't really see what the phone is doing, if it is booting, if its in download mode, etc.
Does anyone have an idea, what I can/should do to make sure, the phone itself is working and its only the display which is broken? I just don't want to spend over $100 for a new display, if im not sure if the rest works...any suggestions?
Thanks very much for your help guys!
Greetings from Switzerland!
nkb88
How can anyone answer if the phone is going to be worth the cost of a new screen.It could be water damaged or blacklisted,or faulty.
Did you not foresee these things.What did you expect to happen.You must have trusted the seller,but all of a sudden you have doubts.Why didnt the seller replace the screen.
You probably think youve scored,when in fact it could work out more expensive than buying a working phone.
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------
theunderling said:
How can anyone answer if the phone is going to be worth the cost of a new screen.It could be water damaged or blacklisted,or faulty.
Did you not foresee these things.What did you expect to happen.You must have trusted the seller,but all of a sudden you have doubts.Why didnt the seller replace the screen.
You probably think youve scored,when in fact it could work out more expensive than buying a working phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, the mentioned auction platform is very small and not quite comparable to eBay, maybe it was my fault to make the comparison to eBay. Its much smaller, only people from Switzerland and people much trustworthier than on eBay. I talked to the seller even before I commited my bid on the phone, and he told me he already bought another one and the place, where he first wanted to repair it, told him, it would be more than $200, which wasnt an option for him...
The phone was very cheap, only about $25 - due to the fact that the sellar put it in a wrong category (mobile accessoires but not mobile devices itself) so almost nobody beside me bidded for the auction. There are several other Galaxy S2s with broken displays for sale, which sell at least for $50-70, rather between $100-150.
So to put it straight: I just bid for the phone because its cheap and, if the display is replaced and the phone is fully working again, the potential selling price is much higher than what I payed for the phone and the display together.
Now, I was just wondering, if there is a possibility to tell, if the phone boots normally and to be sure that the display is the only faulty part...
If you know what network it's on, and you can find a way to get it switched on, you can put a compatible sim card into it and call it....if the phone rings (provided the volume is set right) you can assume it's good.........
That is.....assuming there's charge in the battery.......
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
Ok I see now.
All you need to do then is to relist the phone on that auction site you said....in the proper area/listing....and you could make a profit without risk.
You could put it in dl mode and see if it is ready to take a flash.Or see if someone could hook up a screen to test,or see if you can borrow one/get sale or return.
And people on here help with tech problems,not get rich quick schemes......LOL
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------
theunderling said:
Ok I see now.
All you need to do then is to relist the phone on that auction site you said....in the proper area/listing....and you could make a profit without risk.
You could put it in dl mode and see if it is ready to take a flash.Or see if someone could hook up a screen to test,or see if you can borrow one/get sale or return.
And people on here help with tech problems,not get rich quick schemes......LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I could have bought the phone and relisted it in the proper category, you are right on that BUT I acually don't have any interest in making money with this phone, if it is fully working again, I probably will give it to my GF cause her crappy iFone will probalby be moving to the bin soon... You really probably missunderstood me in this case...
But thanks for you help! I'll see this evening if I can put it in download mode...
keithross39 said:
If you know what network it's on, and you can find a way to get it switched on, you can put a compatible sim card into it and call it....if the phone rings (provided the volume is set right) you can assume it's good.........
That is.....assuming there's charge in the battery.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats also a good idea BUT afaik you need to enter a PIN code before the phone actually connects to the carrier/provider, isn't that correct?
Not necessarily......unless the phone has been set up that way post purchase.....as I said, you need to know what carrier the phone was with before, and simply go and get a sim card (pay as you go) for that carrier and put it in the phone....job done.
It's not necessary to enter a pin code here in the UK.....I don't know how the mobile operators operare with respect to that in Switzerland though......
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
How about if you cant "borrow' a screen,just buy one off eBay from a seller that takes it back with a small restocking fee.
Then hook it up(without fixing it permanently) and see if any problems me/keith mentioned.
Look near the end of this video in this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25438587
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------
Okay, i managed to connect the phone to my computer and it shows up in KIES! *yay*
Unfortunately, KIES shows: "The connected device is locked..."
But, as far as this looks like, the phone is working! Am I right on this?
I dont know much about kies as I dont use it.Maybe its not an unbranded phone and youve put in a different sim its not used to.
Unless someone has a better idea,I think buying the screen under the conditions I said earlier is the way to go.It may only lose you £15 at the worst.
Check the online imei checket first though to see if it throws amything up.
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------
theunderling said:
I dont know much about kies as I dont use it.Maybe its not an unbranded phone and youve put in a different sim its not used to.
Unless someone has a better idea,I think buying the screen under the conditions I said earlier is the way to go.It may only lose you £15 at the worst.
Check the online imei checket first though to see if it throws amything up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't put in a SIM at all, as it is not neccesary to be able to use the phone.
I will buy a screen anyway, if I can't use it myself, I will give it to a frend who has also got a smashed S2.
Another question: Is it possible to hard reset the phone, without a working screen? Afaik you have to boot into recovery and select the reset from a menu, which is not really possible without having a working display... Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Someone has just posted this utility.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43448133
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------
theunderling said:
Someone has just posted this utility.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43448133
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but with the phone being locked, i cannot do anything, also not install any apps...
How can I reset the phone without the screen? Or can someone tell me which buttons to press in recovery menu to do a wipe/reset?
Thanks!
That in itself could cause you issues. You have to get the number of and order of presses exactly right otherwise you could end up formatting the system partition (os)
Aaaaand.....you don't know whether you're running 4.0.4 in which case, doing a wipe *may* permanently kill your phone (search emmc brickbug for the why/how)......
Realistically the only option is to obtain a screen......have you thought of taking the phone to an unofficial repairer, explaining the situation and asking for the temporary instore use of a screen? (You could even offer to pay a small fee.....just as a sweetener)
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
nkb88 said:
Thanks, but with the phone being locked, i cannot do anything, also not install any apps...
How can I reset the phone without the screen? Or can someone tell me which buttons to press in recovery menu to do a wipe/reset?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That mymobiler didnt look like an app to me.The other thing that was mentioned was an app that needed root.
-------------------------------------------
maybe your an iphone expert
------------------------------------------
keithross39 said:
That in itself could cause you issues. You have to get the number of and order of presses exactly right otherwise you could end up formatting the system partition (os)
Aaaaand.....you don't know whether you're running 4.0.4 in which case, doing a wipe *may* permanently kill your phone (search emmc brickbug for the why/how)......
Realistically the only option is to obtain a screen......have you thought of taking the phone to an unofficial repairer, explaining the situation and asking for the temporary instore use of a screen? (You could even offer to pay a small fee.....just as a sweetener)
Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right - thats really too risky. As I said, i'm going to order a screen now and we'll see how things work out! Thanks for your help! I'll keep this thread updated with my progess.
Cheers! :good:
nkb88 said:
You are right - thats really too risky. As I said, i'm going to order a screen now and we'll see how things work out! Thanks for your help! I'll keep this thread updated with my progess.
Cheers! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a new screen and everything is working smoothly!
Thanks for your support! :good:
PS: Any recommendable, FAST rom without too much bloatware?
Cheerio!
Lol....not gonna recommend a specific ROM as that's against XDAs rules......but if you want the stability of stock without the bloat, try one of the hybrid ROMs. Look for "samsung based" in the ROM sticky thread.....or do what I've done. ....stay with your stock firmware, but root it and debloat it.......
My Wife says I'm a phone geek.....
I'd have to agree.....

Can I recover my data from a short circuited motherboard?

Dear, my galaxy s2 is dead, please, help me, I need recover it, mainly because my unsaved data. It began discharging even connected to the charger, some days after it reboot while charging and has blocked in the samsung logo. I have removed the battery and put it again, it blocked in the samsung logo (I not pushed the power button)... I have removed the battery again and DEAD, no more, nothing...
There is any way of I get my data (pictures, phone contacts, phone calendar, etc.) from motherboard?
Details about the short circuit, with pictures, can be seen in the topic "Insoluble short circuit samsung galaxy s2" at GSM-Forum..
I don't know what I can do. :crying:
Please, help me!
If your device is totally dead (no download mode/recovery), I think the easiest (but not cheapest) way is to buy another S2 (of the same variant), replace its mainboard with yours and pray that the mainboard isn't the broken part itself (but I think it is). I often changed parts of my S2 and I can say it is very easy to open and change mainboard.
But i hope that there will be some other suggestions from more experienced users...
BenjyTec said:
If your device is totally dead (no download mode/recovery), I think the easiest (but not cheapest) way is to buy another S2 (of the same variant), replace its mainboard with yours and pray that the mainboard isn't the broken part itself (but I think it is). I often changed parts of my S2 and I can say it is very easy to open and change mainboard.
But i hope that there will be some other suggestions from more experienced users...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The motherboard is short circuited, unfortunately I can't post pictures (pictures can be seen in the topic "Insoluble short circuit samsung galaxy s2" at GSM-Forum). I would be happy if buy another motherboard solve my main goal that is recovery my data, but I think that not would solve, I think that the data is on the motherboard, thus just change the motherboard not help me to recovery my data. :crying::crying::crying:
Blair Miller said:
For your situation, you can only send your device to lab and ask professionals to do the work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? :crying:
But, is it possible recovery the data? How? Maybe jtag?
Blair Miller said:
Well, maybe you can try some recovery app first. I know a good one called Jihosoft Android Phone Recovery. But there is no guarantee. when your data is lost, the sector used to save data is marked as available. You can not see the data. But the data is still there until new data overwritten the old one.
If the app doesn't work. I am afraid you have to send it to professional lab. And it will be expensive. Anyway, good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no... My phone is dead, it not working, the motherboard is short circuited.
Blair Miller said:
In that way, you'd better find some lab for help as I've mentioned before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a problem, I don't find labs easily where I live. That is why, I would like information about how I try do. :crying::crying:
Blair Miller said:
You could find some at the internet, and send your phone to them for evaluation, if it still can be recovered, you are lucky. If not, they will return the device to you and won't charge any fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you indicate one for me?

I cant re-boot into recovery after changing motherboard and then an update.

Hello all,
My first post here and I cant really think of a better place where I might get help beyond the endless trawling through the internets. I have already done. My hair is going even more grey!
I have a problem that I just cant work out.. I have already spent far too many hours trying to find ways to fix. So its best I ask here and maybe someone will know how to fix it.
I have a Note 2. Owned it since new and its been fantastic, does everything I need out of a phone and I want to keep it working. I have no interest in buying a new phone ( nor that I can afford it! )
About 6 weeks ago it died after I had let the battery run flat over night. It just would not turn on. I tried all the internet fixes and nothing worked. Sudden death syndrome I think its called. Fairly common with these I have learned.
I bought a new motherboard from China on Aliexpress. Good feedback from seller. $35. It arrived two weeks ago. I swapped the motherboards and the new one worked. I had to change the phone over to English and re-load my favourite apps, exciting.. just like getting a new phone again
It worked well enough and I was happy. I noted that in the about section, plus in the apps draw, SUPERSU. I looked this up and figured that maybe the main chip had been rooted. Possibly that the motherboard was atually a fixed secondhand one, possibly they use another chipset that needs rooting to work? I don't know but it worked so I left it.
One thing that did annoy me was that when I connected my phone via USB to the laptop (a Samsung) the photo thumbnails would not show up like they used to. I looked this up and it was common. I suggested fix was to look for phone updates on Kies.
Then about 4 days ago I decided to install Samsung Kies onto my computer and update the phone. It said there were updates to install and I clicked go.
I went through the process and it all looked good until when the update process said it had finished. Then the phone just started to flash the Samsung symbol on and off, spaced every two seconds. Bugger!
So I tried a recovery mode on kies, that did not work. I tried booting into recovery (all three keys, volume up) and it does nothing at all. Samsung just keeps flashing on and off. I have tried everything!
However- it will boot into download mode so I have tried reloading the correct Samsung firmware back on with Odin three, several times! Everytime when it re-boots it just flashes. Cant get into recovery.
This is now where I am at. I want to know how to get into recovery via my PC. Maybe through some program. But I don't know how. I'll happily load on a new ROM but not sure which and most seem to need me to be able to change some settings within the phone first...which I cant obviously do. I have looked into Omegadroid and Lineage which both appeal. But there seems to be no way I can load them on from where I am at with this phone.
I am hoping that there some sort of program I can use to 'hard re-set' or wipe the phone completely start again?
Any help and suggestions very welcome. I am not at all adept at programming so keep it all in laymans terms (I have already learned so much in the last few days that my brain might well explode!)
Thank you in advance,
Alex
yoeddynz said:
I bought a new motherboard from China on Aliexpress. Good feedback from seller. $35. It arrived two weeks ago. I swapped the motherboards and the new one worked. I had to change the phone over to English and re-load my favourite apps, exciting.. just like getting a new phone again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Alex, Welcome to XDA-Developers!
It sounds like your Note needs a full wipe indeed. But first, I wouldn't have used AliExpress if I were you! These Chinese shops cannot be trusted when it comes to spare parts.
It worked well enough and I was happy. I noted that in the about section, plus in the apps draw, SUPERSU. I looked this up and figured that maybe the main chip had been rooted. Possibly that the motherboard was atually a fixed secondhand one, possibly they use another chipset that needs rooting to work? I don't know but it worked so I left it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very possible that the mother was a second hand one. So, so it might have been rooted by the last owner.
However- it will boot into download mode so I have tried reloading the correct Samsung firmware back on with Odin three, several times! Everytime when it re-boots it just flashes. Cant get into recovery.
I am hoping that there some sort of program I can use to 'hard re-set' or wipe the phone completely start again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, this is what Odin software really does. If it fails, I'm afraid you'll have to take it to a repair shop again. Or maybe you can try another firmware. If you can remember the build number that was in "About" section before you flash it with Odin, then we could figure out what you were using in the first place. Perhaps by installing the firmware of that build number, you'll get it to boot.
And oh! The correct recovery mode combination is "HOME + Volume Up + Power Button". You mentioned "All three buttons + Volume Up" (4 buttons ?!), I assume then that you meant "HOME + Volume Down + Power + Volume UP"
Hey thanks for the reply- sorry for the late reply back..
When I plugged it into Kies I had no intention to do anything other than a usual Samsung update so I didnt look up the build number or any other info beforehand.
Well..that is one leasson learned!
Yeah- it was a typo when I said what keys I pressed. In order to try and get into the recovery mode I did indeed press 'home, power and volume up'. But nothing ever happens... the Samsung symbol just keeps on flashing away...mocking me
Is there any other program out there that I could try? I downloaded a program called Z3X Samsung tool. Used for flashing I believe? It installed fine but when activated, with the phone connected in download mode all I got was a prompt saying 'Cant find chip'
yoeddynz said:
Hey thanks for the reply- sorry for the late reply back..
When I plugged it into Kies I had no intention to do anything other than a usual Samsung update so I didnt look up the build number or any other info beforehand.
Well..that is one leasson learned!
Yeah- it was a typo when I said what keys I pressed. In order to try and get into the recovery mode I did indeed press 'home, power and volume up'. But nothing ever happens... the Samsung symbol just keeps on flashing away...mocking me
Is there any other program out there that I could try? I downloaded a program called Z3X Samsung tool. Used for flashing I believe? It installed fine but when activated, with the phone connected in download mode all I got was a prompt saying 'Cant find chip'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I don't think there is any other tool you can use besides ODIN. The Z3X Software appears to require a flashing hardware (the box). In order to be able to flash your device using this tool, you'll need that box first. So, your best shot right now is to take the phone to a repair center. They often have device flashing hardwares (like the Z3X box) which provide convenient results but ultimately costs few bucks (compared to ODIN which is free if it works for you).
One last explanation to what your device is experiencing is that the motherboard is somewhat not working again. I really don't like this one either, but you can't ignore it. If you had bought it from a local shop or repair center, perhaps they could have assisted you in the current situation or maybe they could have even replaced it with another one.
I hope you'll find a way to revive your Note 2. There isn't much I can suggest anymore right now, as I have moved away from Samsung since 2014 (I owned the Note 2 aswell! Great device at that time).
Nonta72 said:
I hope you'll find a way to revive your Note 2. There isn't much I can suggest anymore right now, as I have moved away from Samsung since 2014 (I owned the Note 2 aswell! Great device at that time).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thanks. I'll try the repair centre in the city next time I visit the big smoke. The phone certainly worked well for me but if its indeed dead, again, all is not lost because things have moved on and its bloody amazing what phones one can get now for half what I paid when I bought the Note 2.
If I get it fixed I'll certainly post up a reply with details just to help add to the info on this thread that might help other Note 2/Samsung owners in a similar way.
yoeddynz said:
Yeah thanks. I'll try the repair centre in the city next time I visit the big smoke. The phone certainly worked well for me but if its indeed dead, again, all is not lost because things have moved on and its bloody amazing what phones one can get now for half what I paid when I bought the Note 2.
If I get it fixed I'll certainly post up a reply with details just to help add to the info on this thread that might help other Note 2/Samsung owners in a similar way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly!
That's the whole spirit of XDA.
Thank you for understanding and good luck. :fingers-crossed:
Ok people of XDA. Here's and update. So I had no luck getting my Note 2 working again. I then bought a brand new Note 4 to see me through and that turned out to be a load of grief too....(Note 4 not liking the Marshmallow update and constantly freezing or rebooting, often every few minutes) oh my. When will the hurting stop?.... but that's another story kids
Anyway- while the Note 4 was out of action I decided I'd better sort the Note 2 out. I ordered another mother board from Aliexpress but before ordering I went through the available board listings, sent the same question off to each seller asking about any potential issues similar to what I have experienced with my current board and waited for replies. The seller that answered with the best reply that gave me some confidence got the sale. Another $35 NZD and this time it actually arrived after about 8 days from ordering.
I fitted the new board and as soon as the phone turned on, changed the language to English and promptly turned auto updates off- just in case.
Its been running perfectly ever since with no problems at all. After the fiasco I have now been having with my Note 4 (which has now been replaced thank fark) using the old Note 2 feels somewhat like jumping from a modern car with all the bells and whistles but too much to go wrong, into a nice old classic that is simplicity itself.
So now I'm off to look for answers on why the hell my Note 4 constantly wants me to download another update just after I have installed the last one.............
Alex

Categories

Resources