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Dear All,
I hope somebody can help me with hard bricked TF701T.
My sad story: I was very happy when bought brand new TF701. It came with US 4.22 android and with non working RCK, so I was not able to make a proper backup. Device has the following problems before my first upgrdae to 4.3:
1. Periodically, screen slightly blinking (5-10 percent of normal to little more dark and back, for one-two second).
2. Several times my tab was restarting by itself, especially when I was using file manager (ES explorer)
3. Also, when lot of people was able to make an upgrade using asus menu, my tab always replied me that SW is new and upgrade is not needed.
That's why I downloaded the official "US_epaduser_10_26_1_18_UpdateLauncher.zip" from asus site, putted it into the root / and after restart, system message came - new version is available. So I did it, upgrade to 4.3 was successful.
After that, screen stop to blink. But problem with non working RCK still present. So my next step was installation of CWM, using fastboot ADB. Everything was fine, but my first test backup has been not completely fine - after system & files, md5 checksum was generating for more than one hour, and backup was not completely performed (I've interrupted the process after one hour "md5")
My last successful step was rooting of my poor tab..
Finally, I obtained the 4.3 with root access, working CWM and no more 3 of listed above problems. The only md5 issue was pending.
Than I have performed my FATAL error.. I start playing with nvram - thanks to easy flasher tool (but it is my fault, no question)
As result, I have TOTALLY DEAD TF701. Boot loop with ASUS logo, fastboot (- & power) is not available anymore;
The only thing I have it is APX availability, but according to my internet research there is no chance to unbrick tf701t for now. At list NvFlash is not recognized my device. Latest version of NvFlash tool answering me:
*************************************************************
C:\nvflash-tools-win32>wheelie --blob blob.bin
Wheelie 0.1 - Preflight for nvflash.
Copyright (c) 2011-2012 androidroot.mobi
========================================
Waiting for device in APX mode...
[=] Chip UID: 0x2000000016ff0440
[-] Failed to read RCMVERS from blob file.
*************************************************************
(If smb knows what must be in the RCMVERS file - digital signature, CPU info or what? pls reply me)
Please, if somebody has same problem and there is any chance to unbrick my tab, reply me!!!
Btw, I have tried to call asus support, the only help I obtain was a negative experience.
stream1313 said:
Dear All,
I hope somebody can help me with hard bricked TF701T.
My sad story: I was very happy when bought brand new TF701. It came with US 4.22 android and with non working RCK, so I was not able to make a proper backup. Device has the following problems before my first upgrdae to 4.3:
1. Periodically, screen slightly blinking (5-10 percent of normal to little more dark and back, for one-two second).
2. Several times my tab was restarting by itself, especially when I was using file manager (ES explorer)
3. Also, when lot of people was able to make an upgrade using asus menu, my tab always replied me that SW is new and upgrade is not needed.
That's why I downloaded the official "US_epaduser_10_26_1_18_UpdateLauncher.zip" from asus site, putted it into the root / and after restart, system message came - new version is available. So I did it, upgrade to 4.3 was successful.
After that, screen stop to blink. But problem with non working RCK still present. So my next step was installation of CWM, using fastboot ADB. Everything was fine, but my first test backup has been not completely fine - after system & files, md5 checksum was generating for more than one hour, and backup was not completely performed (I've interrupted the process after one hour "md5")
My last successful step was rooting of my poor tab..
Finally, I obtained the 4.3 with root access, working CWM and no more 3 of listed above problems. The only md5 issue was pending.
Than I have performed my FATAL error.. I start playing with nvram - thanks to easy flasher tool (but it is my fault, no question)
As result, I have TOTALLY DEAD TF701. Boot loop with ASUS logo, fastboot (- & power) is not available anymore;
The only thing I have it is APX availability, but according to my internet research there is no chance to unbrick tf701t for now. At list NvFlash is not recognized my device. Latest version of NvFlash tool answering me:
*************************************************************
C:\nvflash-tools-win32>wheelie --blob blob.bin
Wheelie 0.1 - Preflight for nvflash.
Copyright (c) 2011-2012 androidroot.mobi
========================================
Waiting for device in APX mode...
[=] Chip UID: 0x2000000016ff0440
[-] Failed to read RCMVERS from blob file.
*************************************************************
(If smb knows what must be in the RCMVERS file - digital signature, CPU info or what? pls reply me)
Please, if somebody has same problem and there is any chance to unbrick my tab, reply me!!!
Btw, I have tried to call asus support, the only help I obtain was a negative experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I am aware the nvflash tools are not yet released for the TF701T, so who knows what bootloader you have now flashed. Unless some miracle happens you look hard bricked
I'm guessing you didn't notice the devices nvflash supports which is an unfortunate and costly mistake.
sbdags said:
As far as I am aware the nvflash tools are not yet released for the TF701T, so who knows what bootloader you have now flashed. Unless some miracle happens you look hard bricked
I'm guessing you didn't notice the devices nvflash supports which is an unfortunate and costly mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for reply. Definitely it's my fault for 100%, because I've not checked the nvflash possibility, before I start playing with blob Really stupid story, especially I have already performed all the needed things as rooting, update, CWM.
The main reason I'm posting here is to check, does anybody who has a deep knowledge of such devices design, already experienced with TF701T recovery?
I hope at list single person in the world (not counting asus engineers, as far as their company politic became similar to microsoft or oracle) knows the backdoor way to this tab recovery..?
Help needed
stream1313 said:
Thank you for reply. Definitely it's my fault for 100%, because I've not checked the nvflash possibility, before I start playing with blob Really stupid story, especially I have already performed all the needed things as rooting, update, CWM.
The main reason I'm posting here is to check, does anybody who has a deep knowledge of such devices design, already experienced with TF701T recovery?
I hope at list single person in the world (not counting asus engineers, as far as their company politic became similar to microsoft or oracle) knows the backdoor way to this tab recovery..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey people... Nobody can help me?
Asus help us
Hello ASUS !!!
You have to HELP us, in order to keep your consumer with you. Other vice people will start to think that your ASUS brand is not a trustful brand anymore. Using such tricks as providing consumer with possibility to open a "Pandora's box" with bootloader unlock, and after you pushing consumer to pay about 300 $ for "motherboard replacing".
Following such kind of policy you will collect some money but definitely you will loose much more.
Sincerely,
Stream1313
PS: I was started to use the "unlock" etc not because I do not have other business t do but because of the serious problem in your DEFAULT STOCK software.
To: Moderator - please do not delete this post, hopefully some ASUS people will read it.
This is not asus' fault at all. When you unlock your bootloader you void your warranty, as with all devices not just asus transformers. When you modify your device, and tamper with it, its no longer what asus sold it to you as. If you used easy flasher which is for the tf101 and not 701, there is no one to blame for this mistake but yourself. Especially when you flash a bootloader for a different device. Unless you have a JTAG theres not much to do. Even then who knows. Im not bashing you here, just so you know. Good luck with your device, although im afraid its a pretty expensive paperweight by now.
Sent from my GS3 on PAC 4.4 using Tapatalk 4
lol
ebildude123 said:
This is not asus' fault at all. When you unlock your bootloader you void your warranty, as with all devices not just asus transformers. When you modify your device, and tamper with it, its no longer what asus sold it to you as. If you used easy flasher which is for the tf101 and not 701, there is no one to blame for this mistake but yourself. Especially when you flash a bootloader for a different device. Unless you have a JTAG theres not much to do. Even then who knows. Im not bashing you here, just so you know. Good luck with your device, although im afraid its a pretty expensive paperweight by now.
Sent from my GS3 on PAC 4.4 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear ebildude123,
Seems you have some relationships with ASUS, is it? See, I'm not trying to say that it's not a my fault. If you read my post carefully, it is clearly described that I'm confirming - it is 100% my fault. but I want to say about other things:
At first, I started because of the following ASUS DEFAULT PROBLEM's: suddenly screen was blinking, w/o any reason; tab was restarting by itself, at list once per 2-3 days; Default backup was not working, battery life time was low etc.
My main message is: ASUS distributed the unlock SW on site, together with USER LEVEL SW. It is incorrect, IMHO. They should distribute it within advanced users and developers, using some more safe mechanism. As minimum they have to sign this download as potentially DANGEROUS for unexperienced user.
But currently it is open to everybody so it is like a Pandora's box, which is asking - "open me" and as result many of people getting hard bricked tabs. Then, ASUS forcing them to pay 300$ or whatever. Actually, I do not crying too much for my bricked device (I have my laptop and desktop with me, as well as my linux server) Also I know that I just need to wait a little more for compatible nvflash.. ...but I do not think that I will purchase another ASUS device in the future..
IMHO - if you DISTRIBUTING on your site the bootloader unlock tool, you have to provide nvflash or any other way to restore the tab / phone, but not pushing stupid idea about "mainboard replacement" for almost device price itself. So you have your opinion - and it is mine. Ok? Good luck
stream1313 said:
Dear ebildude123,
Seems you have some relationships with ASUS, is it? See, I'm not trying to say that it's not a my fault. If you read my post carefully, it is clearly described that I'm confirming - it is 100% my fault. but I want to say about other things:
At first, I started because of the following ASUS DEFAULT PROBLEM's: suddenly screen was blinking, w/o any reason; tab was restarting by itself, at list once per 2-3 days; Default backup was not working, battery life time was low etc.
My main message is: ASUS distributed the unlock SW on site, together with USER LEVEL SW. It is incorrect, IMHO. They should distribute it within advanced users and developers, using some more safe mechanism. As minimum they have to sign this download as potentially DANGEROUS for unexperienced user.
But currently it is open to everybody so it is like a Pandora's box, which is asking - "open me" and as result many of people getting hard bricked tabs. Then, ASUS forcing them to pay 300$ or whatever. Actually, I do not crying too much for my bricked device (I have my laptop and desktop with me, as well as my linux server) Also I know that I just need to wait a little more for compatible nvflash.. ...but I do not think that I will purchase another ASUS device in the future..
IMHO - if you DISTRIBUTING on your site the bootloader unlock tool, you have to provide nvflash or any other way to restore the tab / phone, but not pushing stupid idea about "mainboard replacement" for almost device price itself. So you have your opinion - and it is mine. Ok? Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha no relationship with Asus. I guarantee it. While I agree unlock tool shouldn't be thrown around, that's not what bricks your device, it's what you flash that does. Personally I think they should use fastboot unlock instead but meh. Yes of course everyone has their own opinions. I respect yours and hope you respect mine as well. Good luck with nvflash but I have doubts your current blob would work even if they made a tool compatible with tf701 tegra4.
Sent from my GS3 on PAC 4.4 using Tapatalk 4
lol, hope your post do not really had any Asus roots)
now I need advice, if possible..
what do you think about Linux installation, which is described in network, according to them even bricked tf701 is recoverable?
Pls, if somebody already experienced, reply me!
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda app-developers app
stream1313 said:
lol, hope your post do not really has any Asus roots)
now I need advice, if possible..
what do you think about Linux installation, which is described in network, according to them even bricked tf701 is recoverable?
Please, if somebody already experienced, reply me...
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anybody here?
stream1313 said:
anybody here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
APX mode with no nvflash blobs = hard bricked device. Your device needs specific blobs encrypted with the key. You can't even boot to working bootloader.
Even Asus don't **** around with them they just replace the mother board.
Suggest you do the same, it's THE ONLY WAY you are going to get your device back. Linux will not help you here.
sbdags said:
APX mode with no nvflash blobs = hard bricked device. Your device needs specific blobs encrypted with the key. You can't even boot to working bootloader.
Even Asus don't **** around with them they just replace the mother board.
Suggest you do the same, it's THE ONLY WAY you are going to get your device back. Linux will not help you here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi sbdags,
Thanks for your message, currently I just trying to keep my brick charged, to prevent battery dead.. Will wait till smb from ASUS or from outside will broke the bloody encrypted bootloader, because I do not have possibility to replace he main board ((
Well, three years later and my TF701 bricked itself over night. Only thing I see is APX in the windows device manager. I managed to get a driver for that but am now stuck with the next steps, if there are any at all.
Kashban said:
Well, three years later and my TF701 bricked itself over night. Only thing I see is APX in the windows device manager. I managed to get a driver for that but am now stuck with the next steps, if there are any at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep!
maybe i got a solution, but untested for mass unbrick)
i'm already unbrick few devices.
need someone with bricked device and tech skills to test for public use.
mr.bin said:
yep!
maybe i got a solution, but untested for mass unbrick)
i'm already unbrick few devices.
need someone with bricked device and tech skills to test for public use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for being late.
That would be great and yes, I do have the tech skills. What do you want me to test?
Kashban said:
That would be great and yes, I do have the tech skills. What do you want me to test?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent PM with instuctions.
Please keep inform about results.
mr.bin said:
yep!
maybe i got a solution, but untested for mass unbrick)
i'm already unbrick few devices.
need someone with bricked device and tech skills to test for public use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have recently experienced a hard brick on an asus tf700t running KatKiss-7.1_TF700T_026
APX mode & only a TWRP backup
I would also like to try your method to unbrick
Thanks in advance
perpetualxda said:
I also have recently experienced a hard brick on an asus tf700t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my solution works only for tf701t not tf700t
mr.bin said:
my solution works only for tf701t not tf700t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a bricked tf701t and good tech skills if you need additional testers. I'm looking forward to the progress of your solution.
jeneral69 said:
I have a bricked tf701t and good tech skills if you need additional testers. I'm looking forward to the progress of your solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent PM with instuctions.
Please keep inform about results.
If your tab "soft" bricked, then that must help...
I had kept my bootloader unlocked for flashing new ROMs but unfortunately i lost it on train and now i can understand that the theif can easily flash a new rom and so i can never retrive my device as far as i understood that i have to keep my bootloader locked but this means that i have to unlock and relock my bootloader each time i want to flash a new rom so this is very problematic for losing internal data too every time.
Also i don't have a job else i would have brought a new OP3T. I hope that in future OP can introduce some hardwire based tracking for lost devices , what do you people suggest?
samwidd said:
I had kept my bootloader unlocked for flashing new ROMs but unfortunately i lost it on train and now i can understand that the theif can easily flash a new rom and so i can never retrive my device as far as i understood that i have to keep my bootloader locked but this means that i have to unlock and relock my bootloader each time i want to flash a new rom so this is very problematic for losing internal data too every time.
Also i don't have a job else i would have brought a new OP3T. I hope that in future OP can introduce some hardwire based tracking for lost devices , what do you people suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest that if the thief is able to flash a new ROM, he will be perfectly able to open the bootloader. So I recommend that you do not worry about having the bootloader open.
As for the tracking system, I think Google has already developed certain functions aimed at this use. When I have time I will investigate about this topic and update this post.
Please, be awere.
idcampo95 said:
I suggest that if the thief is able to flash a new ROM, he will be perfectly able to open the bootloader. So I recommend that you do not worry about having the bootloader open.
As for the tracking system, I think Google has already developed certain functions aimed at this use. When I have time I will investigate about this topic and update this post.
Please, be awere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Google device manager. Thats the tracking tool you searching for. ?
not a big deal to reset FRP. Samsung and LG FRP takes only few minutes to be removed with z3x box. i think even stock rom have some bugs to bypass FRP. Best way is not to loose your phone.
It won't help you now, but take a screenshot of your imei, then back it up to your photos. If your phone is lost or stolen report it and depending on what country you live in, it will be black listed. Then it won't work on any carrier, no matter which rom is flashed.
Bjarne73 said:
Try Google device manager. Thats the tracking tool you searching for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I had kept my bootloader unlocked I believe that can easily flash a new rom so Android device manager won't be useful at all
Jowhee said:
It won't help you now, but take a screenshot of your imei, then back it up to your photos. If your phone is lost or stolen report it and depending on what country you live in, it will be black listed. Then it won't work on any carrier, no matter which rom is flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I know that I have already submitted FIR in police with the IMEI number but I believe these days they remove all the parts and sell the parts differently so very less chance in recovery
acmerw said:
not a big deal to reset FRP. Samsung and LG FRP takes only few minutes to be removed with z3x box. i think even stock rom have some bugs to bypass FRP. Best way is not to loose your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I know but if there is very strong FRP in apple iPhone devices i hope it comes to Android too
Hey,
So i used the SRK tool to try and root my VIE-L09C40 (P9 Plus)
Something seemed to happended during the rooting procedure and when i entered e-recovery it said it had to Download a new version, but couldnt connect to internet via wifi.
Any ways it seemed to work after a while but now i have no keyboard at all, so i cant literally start my phone.
it starts, boots the EMUI 5.0 logo and goes through the information a terms, i click the ok button and thats fine.
Next it tells me to sign in to my wifi, i select my wifi and when i go to type the password all i have is google voice as a keyboard, ive searched and searched but cannot find a way around it, also the frp has tripped on phone so i cannot log in to my google account without a keyboard.
How can i get around this?
do i have to flash parts of firmware?
any help would be great, i sent it away to hauwei and they say warranty void due to software!, can only assume something wrong was flashed?
Waiting for phone to be returned now, please help
I had the exact same issue last night as well. No keyboard and only an option to enter details with voice.
Ended up with an essentially bricked phone. Couldn't find any info on the problem online, so I have to improvise.
I'm starting from scratch after formatting etc. using stock oeminfo, recovery and rolling back to Marshmallow. (fingers crossed ADB will let me, because it was giving me errors before)
Will let you know if I'm successful and the steps I took.
=====================
tolerant said:
Hey,
So i used the SRK tool to try and root my VIE-L09C40 (P9 Plus)
Something seemed to happended during the rooting procedure and when i entered e-recovery it said it had to Download a new version, but couldnt connect to internet via wifi.
Any ways it seemed to work after a while but now i have no keyboard at all, so i cant literally start my phone.
it starts, boots the EMUI 5.0 logo and goes through the information a terms, i click the ok button and thats fine.
Next it tells me to sign in to my wifi, i select my wifi and when i go to type the password all i have is google voice as a keyboard, ive searched and searched but cannot find a way around it, also the frp has tripped on phone so i cannot log in to my google account without a keyboard.
How can i get around this?
do i have to flash parts of firmware?
any help would be great, i sent it away to hauwei and they say warranty void due to software!, can only assume something wrong was flashed?
Waiting for phone to be returned now, please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dmccort said:
I had the exact same issue last night as well. No keyboard and only an option to enter details with voice.
Ended up with an essentially bricked phone. Couldn't find any info on the problem online, so I have to improvise.
I'm starting from scratch after formatting etc. using stock oeminfo, recovery and rolling back to Marshmallow. (fingers crossed ADB will let me, because it was giving me errors before)
Will let you know if I'm successful and the steps I took.
=====================
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck, i did read that it might be possible to install the base firmware back to it and then update again.
Im sure we are not the only people this has happened to and if you succesfully do this, maybe consider making a full step by step guide so to help others.
Fingers crossed
:good:
Will do my best.. So far it's been a major. I've managed to flash a working stock ROM and boot up. But there are a few things to smooth out. Such as, I have no IMEI number now and the build is C900, also the bootloader is modified.
To get it to boot I had to use DC- Phoenix to flash a factory firmware(Chinese) which I had to pay for. Then I flashed a stock vie-l09c432b181 ROM over the top.
To repair the IMEI I'll have to use HCU, which I'll have to pay for as well. But that's ok. If I can get my original IMEI back, I can use the original unlock code I got earlier this year, otherwise I'll have to get a new one based on a new IMEI.
I can repair the bootloader and region code using twrp etc. so that's not a problem.
I'm actually using the phone to write his reply, so I can at least use it.
Once I have it all 100% working I'll try to put together a full step by step.
Cheers.
Well, I have a working phone. But, it'snot stable. Having trouble with mobile connection, sms, mms, 4g etc not staying connected. So wont be doing any write-ups just yet.
Not until it's stable.
I'm wanting to return it to complete stock now. And that requires trying to find an oeminfo file for C706 (New Zealand).
Will add more as I get there. Sorry.
I had the same problems. All I did is updated the phone with the firmware you want via Twrp . Be warned that it will replace the recovery back to stock. Also clear the cache and etc.
I had a similar issue with SRK tool, bootlooping, won't flash new firmwares, lost all the stock apps and diagnostic tools.
I'm now stuck on a TEST-KEYS build with no NFC or Bluetooth.
My solution was to throw the piece of junk in a drawer, forget about it and I went and bought a Pixel XL instead - a phone that is properly supported and gets updates quickly.
After much messing and a headache I finally got to c432b370
And everything back to normal
tolerant said:
After much messing and a headache I finally got to c432b370
And everything back to normal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you succeed?
I am stuck on TEST-KEYS but I am not able to flash other roms on it. When I go to recovery, the update process stops after a while
Sent from my VIE-L09 using Tapatalk
I recently had to replace the motherboard on my Nexus 6. I could only find refurbished ones, and bought one on AliExpress, with item description clearly specifying as unlock. I installed it, and it appears it is actually locked status 2. Looks like demo version used in T-Mobile retail network. Some settings inaccessible u such as developer mode or Apps. Trying to get refund but both AliExpress and the vendor are in denial mode.
I have 7.0, NBD92G installed. Very hard to unlock as I cannot access developer mode to allow usb debug. Pressing build nr several times won't help. I get message "you're already a developer" but actually usb debug does not work.
Anybody can help?
Go download factory image from Google and flash it manually by using the command prompt.
@ShernDog: He can't as his bootloader is locked. He can however download an OTA and sideload it.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@ShernDog: He can't as his bootloader is locked. He can however download an OTA and sideload it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. You are right, bootloader is locked too. Would there be any instructions somewhere on your proposed solution (sorry I am rather inexperienced user).
FYBRU said:
Thanks. You are right, bootloader is locked too. Would there be any instructions somewhere on your proposed solution (sorry I am rather inexperienced user).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I figured out how to do this but the other question is whether I won't be stuck afterwards being requested to enter the only registered user's login which I do not have (I cannot register a second user, as this setting screen is locked too). Do I need to sideload the OTA corresponding to current version / build or can I sideload an older one?
Download the oldest OTA available, as long as it is a full system OTA (easily detectable by size). You're going to have to bypass Factory Reset Protection to be able to resolve this, and the older the OTA, the better.
If this doesn't work, you're going to have to fight with the place you got the motherboard from, and file a chargeback with your credit card company if need be.
Ultimately I can go for the refund, but there is no place where I can find 64 GB MBs outside China, which means I'll have to wait again for something like 3 weeks with poor backup device, and with no certainty I don't receive again a locked MB.
I tried with 6.0 OTAs (page with instructions I followed: https://developers.google.com/android/ota#shamu) and even with just older versions of 7.0, I got every time abortion after about 45% installation, with the msg that I cannot update with older versions.
I am a bit confused now, I just tried to install same build as what I had installed (https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/shamu-ota-nbd92g-2b65257b.zip), it worked but it looks like absolutely nothing has changed on my phone. I thought it would have erased pretty much everything. Am I missing something?
OTA updates don't wipe system. That's why nothing changed.
Ultimately, I think you're going to have to go for the refund and take the risk that the next motherboard you get is going to be locked. Unless the version of Android you're on can have its FRP bypassed - and I don't think it can - you're stuck.
Thanks, bad news. Would it be worth trying wipe data / factory reset accessible from the recovery mode + power/volume up menu ?
You can try it, but it won't help. Doing a factory reset will cause Factory Reset Protection to kick in, meaning you'd need to know the original owner's account information.
Surprisingly it worked. I could log in with the google account I used before the reset. Everything works, but indeed I was expecting some more difficulties
@FYBRU: This is one of those times where I'm pleased to be wrong. LOL.
Glad you got it resolved.
!!! This is a HIGH RISK method of performing any form of modification, if you are on a T-Mobile ne2217 !!!
There are unidentified files that your device might have conflict with, and cause a bootloop!
Proceed at your own risk! You have been warned!
OK, first lemme explain. The NE2217 (10 pro) itself does not have any special restrictions on it, unlike the CPH 2419 (10T) which is an exclusive T-Mobile variant. My guide on region swapping the CPH2419 (10T, link below) is still valid for the NE2217 (US- NA) . But there are conditions required or you will enter an infinite bootloop which becomes un-recoverable, without an edl flash. I do not have the specifics as to exactly which partitions cause this, but basically the bottom line is, IF YOU HAVE NOT UNLOCKED YOUR BOOTLOADER, EVEN IF YOU ARE SIM UNLOCKED, do not attempt to region swap.
There are a couple of partitions that are specially locked, that ONLY become write capable using the fastboot command, "Unlock Critical". Without a Bootloader unlock, the Oxygen Updater/Local Update programs, CANNOT make the needed changes to the Kernel, as well as these other important partitions, which have instructions that implicitly block changing to other regions. I cannot confirm if this exists in other countries with carrier locks, but i do know for a fact that T-Mobile has this enforced on all of the 10 Pro (ne2217) purchased through them.
As mentioned in previous threads that ive replied in, I suspected that the apps Oxygen Updater and Local Update, do not have the permissions capable to make direct changes to the boot.img, or recovery.img directly, primarily because those partitons cannot be altered while the system is currently running. These images can only be altered through Fastboot, or EDL thus the need for an MSM Tool if you cannot unlock your bootloader via conventional methods. So what happens is upon "Pre-boot" those special instructions i spoke of, take authority and put the carrier specific files, into an untouchable state that are locked behind the USERDATA partition, so these applications just copy the updated files to the inactive partition and performs the changes during the next boot, and even a hard wipe factory reset does not have the authority to erase the carrier instructions. The only way they are removed is by Unlocking your Bootloader! When you do that, the Qualcomm Processor has an embedded command, which is required to ERASE the entire Userdata partition, to protect the encrypted files protected by the bootloader lock! You can read about that by googling "Qualcomm Bootloader Unlocking".
Hope that makes sense to the majority of you. So again, the ONLY requirement for you to be able to go from 'ne2217', to any other fw is YOUR BOOTLOADER MUST BE UNLOCKED!
Failure to follow that one requirement will indeed force your device into an unusable, infinite bootloop, which can be resolved only by an EDL flash, which as of right now we do not have the tools that can perform this on CONSUMER level. You will have to RMA, your device, or go thru third party channels, which in itself is very risky, and puts you at risk of viruses/malware/wormholes/zombie-apocalypse because you must give someone full access to your computer remotely, and pray that the person only does what you requested. (NOT IDEAL).
Now if you're on a T-Mobile locked device, you are NOT hopeless... as I am on a T-Mobile locked device, and i am now bootloader unlocked as well! These two conditions are independent of each other, but trust me when i tell you that YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO THRU WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED, IN ORDER TO REACH THIS GOAL!
In so I will not publicly disclose how i was able to enter the real Fastboot Mode, so that i could pull the unlock code needed to request the unlock token from T-mobile.
(If you are so inclined to do this that you are willing to forgo ALL precautions and risk the possibility of bricking your device, or you have already landed yourself in an unrecoverable bootloop state, and are willing to try ANYTHING, you can join Bootloopers Anonymous, by clickiing it, and drop a message. This is a brand new telegram channel, and i will try to watch it for your requests. And again i strongly advise that you DO NOT embark on MY adventure, but if Unlocked Bootloader by Any Means Necessary is your ultimate goal, and nothing less is acceptable, i will try to help you achieve it... *** YOUR DEVICE WILL ENTER A COMPLETELY UNUSABLE STATE FOR A MINIMUM OF 7 DAYS!! *** but bear in mind that EVEN IF you have to use my method, you will be still subject to the 7-day waiting period outlined by OnePlus company policy. No one can overcome that, as the unlock token comes thru a separate division of Oppo/Oneplus that only generates the token through an automated request which is pushed after the expiration of 7 full days (1-week) has passed. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!)
The 10-Pro doesn't require the "In-Depth Testing" app to get your BL unlocked. That said, it also does not mean that OPPO has not designed one for this device because indeed they have. That application is individually encoded with device specifications so that only devices and regions EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED by Oppo, can submit a request to unlock. DO NOT TRY sideloading any "In Depth Testing" apk floating around on the internet, as these can be altered to contain malware or worse, and then if your device becomes corrupted by it, Oppo can deny you an RMA on your device, thus charging you for the repair as there are warnings that you must acknowledge to even run the app, and attempting to circumvent the safeguards that this app already has in place is considered a violation of ToS.
If OPPO adds your device/region to the list of allowed devices, you will be able to download this application through OFFICIAL channels, and it will be made known to the public.
Once you are completely knowledgeable that your BL has indeed been fully unlocked, you can proceed to follow the instructions in the link to my guide below. The guide is for the CPH2419 (10T), but the instructions are completely compatible with the 10 Pro entire series, assuming your BL is unlocked. On the 10T this is not a requirement, and i honestly do not understand why this enforcement was put into our 10 Pro model, released almost a year earlier. Probably just an oversight by T-Mobile which might be corrected in future builds.
How to use Oxygen Updater + Local Update apks to switch regions.
EDIT: Local Update downgrade it currently installing
No Go, The update installed and downgraded but it just loads to the welcome screen and crashes and boot loops
supercobaltss said:
EDIT: Local Update downgrade it currently installing
No Go, The update installed and downgraded but it just loads to the welcome screen and crashes and boot loops
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again, what most ppl are failing to do is follow my guide exactly as i defined. The VERY 1st thing you MUST DO... prior to unlocking the Bootloader... Prior to even downloading ANY rollback packages is, you MUST go and Download ANY of the Android 13 beta updates that are available in Oxygen updater. Turn on advanced mode, and select the whichever model you prefer... Its actually best to choose the region you plan on swapping to, for easier transition with the rollback package. IMHO i would always pick the EU model whenever attempting this, simply because that one usually has more bands available. But the main idea behind this is to make the phone, first BREAK the connection it has with T-Mobile's custom kernel, and modem... which is done just by upgrading to an Android 13 beta, as T-Mobile does not EVER release any beta builds, so by doing an actual OS upgrade, your phone must load the OS kernel, and several other partitions/files which i am sure that T-Mobile has branded in the 2217. Upgrading to a newer OS will without a doubt overwrite the carrier locked files, because the Upgrade comes from a higher authority in the chain of trust. Until TMO releases an update, then this is a requirement so that the rollback package of that region can safely downgrade the files, in their correct partitions. If you download a beta 13 thru oxygen updater, you can local update flash it, without problem. I did it myself to several demo devices at Tmobile stores here in Texas to test the technique, after i bricked mine by using a rollback package first!
Remember the 2217 is a T-Mobile EXCLUSIVE! No other carrier may sell this same model... but ALL of the internals are the exact same, and as im sure we are all well aware of, T-Mobile doesnt have the fastest adaptations when it comes to OS updates.
But there are several key identifiers which point to a custom made BL, Kernel, and Modem: 1. The build for all T-Mobile versions is on a revision that no other model has released... This alone could cause BL because if you flash a build that is older than the one you have currently, several files have anti-downgrade measures built into them. This is why we need the signed rollback packages to downgrade. But even if OPPO signed a rollback, unless they released one with T-Mobiles file specs, then anything you flash can create a conflict with an existing file... BL! But i know of about 13 ppl who have attempted my method, plus i just did another one myself last night for someone who contacted me and offered to compensate me royally if i would meet them since we were local logistically. 2. AFAIK, when installing a different rom to a device, you cannot downgrade the modem version. I know this is apparent with Samsung... as if you try to flash a rom with a lower modem version, it usually bricks, and you have to use odin to flash the newer modem back, in order to boot. Again this is taken care of by installing the NEWEST beta for Android 13, unless you had my situation which is, my phone CAME WITH updated security, and build already installed for October 2022. I havent heard of anyone who has said they even have the option to update theirs past August. So new purchases have to be careful. T-mobile sold mine with a blocked Fastboot, that doesnt respond to the button combo. Which clearly identifies they modified the recovery partition. 3. E-fuses have become a staple in Android devices for the past 5+ years.
Sure we have not heard of anything being in the T-mobile fw... but also who here can say that they have a FULL BUILD of the Tmo fw to examine? No one.... there is a generic 2217 build floating around that claims to be official, yet it is the ONLY build that does not have an OTA formatted file structure. All the 10 Pro OTA have been in payload.bin format, yet this happens to come only as a decrypted OFP, or a compressed OFP. *** OPPO is not directly supporting the 10 Pro 2217 or 10 T 2419 ! As these are proprietary T-Mobile builds. This is why you cannot find either of those models fw in the Oppo repository. So if OPPO doesnt release builds for TMO, then how exactly did an "Official 'OFP' for 2217" get released? *** OFP is an Official OPPO format for all the OPPO model phones. 10 Pro is still branded Oneplus, thus just about any OFP file you find in the wild, is almost 100% guaranteed NOT to be an official released build for our phones. Every package for this and the 10T that they have OFFICIALLY released, has been in Payload.bin format, because they havent released any full images yet! So in theory, who's to say that TMO didnt place an efuse into their specific model? Its only code, and if set, then it could have been burned during the initial release, or a later update, like AMAZON did with updates to the Firestick/FireTV devices, which would ONLY allow newer updates to certain files in THEIR build. That would totally explain a bootloop, because the rollback packages all push you back to 11_A.013 .... that build is from Feb-March 2022. Rolling back would almost guarantee that some files are overwritten with older components, which would cause a brick by e-fuse standards. We had to be lucky enough to catch it early in the FIrestick forum, to stop ppl from installing the update. Everyone who did, had their ability to unlock/load custom fw to their devices blocked, and there is still today no way to circumvent it. Sure new methods to mod became available, but only minimal changes, cuz the e-fuse blocked downgrading to exploitable builds. Since TMO has gone this far to stop us from modifying this phone, you can bet solidly on the fact that they have several safeguards in place to protect their investment.
Now im not trying to discourage anyone or discredit anything anyone has said or experienced regarding this phone, but look at the NUMEROUS unanswered replies to handfuls of problems that only happen to 1 or 2 ppl... they all have the same final result, but its astounding how many different scenarios ppl have found, that no one else has experienced, yet it leads to another bricked device. If this problem was rampant among a significant number of users, and it was triggered by the exact same scenario, then TMO would have to address it with an update... But all we know for sure is that there is some file(s) that is not compatible with any other model except the 2217. Til we have an EXACT culprit identified, all we can do is speculate, which is why I am going to re-label this as HIGH RISK in the OP. It has about a 40-50% chance of causing a bootloop, and about a 10% chance to leave your device unresponsive! There have been several released guides for other devices that have close to the same success rate / risk factor. All i can do is share what I have done, and what i know from personal exp.
Im sorry if anyone lands themselves on the wrong side of that equation, but it is a risk that only you can decide if its worth taking. For me, that answer is and always will be YES because i will not own a device that i do not OWN! For others this may be a touch more out of their league, and if thats true they should steer clear, until I or another user can get hold of an official TMO OTA, to examine the diff files in each.
****** Now all of that being said.... if ANYONE wishes to contribute to finding a solution to this dumpster fire, I am not asking for donations.... What i am asking, is for SOMEONE who might have a T-Mobile 10Pro on the release build, or any build PRIOR to 11_A.13 and is looking to help, we NEED an exact copy of an OTA update that might be sitting in your notifications. All updates download to the /sdcard/ partition of your phone in a folder that is accessible without root permissions. If you accept the download for the update, and DONT begin the install immediately, you can locate and pull that OTA to your computer, then delete the file from your phone, and it will cancel the update on reboot. No loss to you, but EXTREMELY HELPFUL to us, because we will have something from TMO to work with, which may give us a clue as to what we need to remove from the updater script ! *******
and FYI the signatures used to sign some of the OTA we already have, are already deciphered and as such can be used to create new signatures after making some changes to the respective regions package. But to make having these be of any value, we need to know what to take out or change in the manifest, that will prevent alterations of the files causing bootloops. If anyone can help with an upload of a TMO-OTA please share publicly or dm myself or one of the other devs who have expressed interest in this issue.
Thanks
I can probably pull the update from my wifes phone. She never updates anything. I did get my 10 pro to boot to android 13 but everything just says its disabled. This is only the 3rd phone ive done this with so ill warranty another one if i have to lol.
supercobaltss said:
EDIT: Local Update downgrade it currently installing
No Go, The update installed and downgraded but it just loads to the welcome screen and crashes and boot loops
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, this happened to me as well. Setup wizard crashes before I even get very far in it, and I've wiped multiple times trying to complete it somehow.
GuyInDogSuit said:
Yup, this happened to me as well. Setup wizard crashes before I even get very far in it, and I've wiped multiple times trying to complete it somehow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive tried to convert multiple different ways. Upgrading to 13 basically screws you with the disabled apps BS, Downgrading just crashes the device. Either way its broken. I've went through 3 devices now messing around.
So I guess it's time to replace it, then? Crap.
GuyInDogSuit said:
So I guess it's time to replace it, then? Crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start a RMA on OnePlus website, don't go through T-Mobile. They will have you send in phone and then either reflash your phone and send it back or just send you a new phone which is what they did when I had to do it. All that bs about voiding warranty when unlocking bootloader is just that, bs. They fix or replace without any issues but you have to go through OnePlus.
FML.
I've gotten it working for the most part, but what's most concerning is that there's no IMEI. And it doesn't charge or even acknowledge the cable. Fantastic.
jeffsga88 said:
Start a RMA on OnePlus website, don't go through T-Mobile. They will have you send in phone and then either reflash your phone and send it back or just send you a new phone which is what they did when I had to do it. All that bs about voiding warranty when unlocking bootloader is just that, bs. They fix or replace without any issues but you have to go through OnePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't even request an RMA as I don't have an IMEI to provide. It's blank in the phone. I think I'm screwed. Or try T-Mobile. Dunno. This sucks.
GuyInDogSuit said:
I can't even request an RMA as I don't have an IMEI to provide. It's blank in the phone. I think I'm screwed. Or try T-Mobile. Dunno. This sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version has your IMEI sketched into the back cover of your phone. You should be able to use that.
jeffsga88 said:
The T-Mobile version has your IMEI sketched into the back cover of your phone. You should be able to use that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. Uh.... completely forgotten about that.
I just updated to Android 13 on the TMO NE2217, device not unlocked, still financed. And now have the option to unlock the BL.
beatbreakee said:
All updates download to the /sdcard/ partition of your phone in a folder that is accessible without root permissions. If you accept the download for the update, and DONT begin the install immediately, you can locate and pull that OTA to your computer, then delete the file from your phone, and it will cancel the update on reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this still useful, with the NE2217_11_C.26 update? And either way, how can I delete it? I couldn't find anything big in /sdcard. Thanks!
deleted
psm321 said:
Is this still useful, with the NE2217_11_C.26 update? And either way, how can I delete it? I couldn't find anything big in /sdcard. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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THIS Please my phone ignored my saying no and next reboot the damn thing will go off on me ... so frustrating that even when you set the darn thing to OFF on auto update and such it STILL does this BS...
Damn TMobile and their special lock junk UGH ...
anyway ... please can one direct with a screen shot and file manager they used to find this file so I can delete the thing? ... I have tried to find it and struck out ... but having got the notification today and the Oxygen app is showing 'REBOOT' instead of 'resume' when I ignored the update previously has me thinking if I reboot I will see android 13 pop up and in this case means I will lose my whoop as something with it breaks pairing my wearable ... whoop has offered no timetable for a fix