Question Stuck in bootloader by attempt to install lineage os. How ****ed am I? - ASUS ZenFone 8

Hey, dear community,
First of all: I'm using Linux. The Version of Fastboot is 33.0.3p1-android-tools. The device I thought I'm experienced enough to install Lineage OS on is the Asus Zenfone 8. Yes, I asked google - for hours. And I think I am really ****ed now.
Cause the Smartphone (Asus Zenfone 8) was not cheap. And it does not boot anymore. I don't get in Recovery mode anymore. And I'm not able to connect via Fastboot anymore.
But let's start at the beginning.
I was pissed, cause my smartphone forced me to use google. Even if I skipped the Google-Part in the setup, it forced me to agree to send Google information. And I read it. They (quote: may) send Google **a lot** of data. Data I don't want to share - and I don't need to share IMHO! I didn't like to use such a intransparent Device anyway - but this convinced me to try this thing named LineageOS.
I thought about myself I am not a bloody beginner. I mean, I use Linux as my daily driver - for years. And my phone (Asus Zenfone 8) was in the list of supported devices - so I had to try it. I thought if I just install these tools, adb and fastboot, and do these things in the wiki carefully, step by step, what could happen?
And it worked. It worked to unlock device, to connect via adb, to connect via fastboot. It worked to flash the vendor_boot image, It worked to flash the recovery image. But then, just before I wanted to start with the "Installing LineageOS"-part, and therefore boot into recovery mode - it didn't work. I was stuck in the bootloader. I am. still.
There are the options "START", "Restart bootloader", "Recovery mode" and "Power off". No matter what I try to enter, the device restarts (at least it looks like) - It shows "Powered by android", and then the bootmenu again. And again. And again.
When fastboot was still connected, I tried to flash the images again. I even tried to boot directly into the recovery image using `fastboot boot image.img`. But it did not work. And then, the device even stopped showing up when I ran `fastboot devices` - it disconnected.
"Power off" is the only option, wich still appears to work (when not plugged in).
What should I do? Is it even still possible to do something? Please help me.
PS: It would be nice if you tell me, wether the tools or guides you recommend to me work on Linux, in a Windows VM or only Windows Bare Metal. I will do everything to bring my phone back, but it safes a lot of time, not to try using a tool in Windows VM if it only works bare metal anyway.

May be this thread could help you
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/full-recover-to-stock-if-things-went-really-bad.4337467/

Thanks, but my phone does not get into fastboot mode anymore, therefore I cannot connect to my phone via fastboot to flash new images.

Schaukelstuhl said:
Thanks, but my phone does not get into fastboot mode anymore, therefore I cannot connect to my phone via fastboot to flash new images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem. Only bootloader with no device showing with "fastboot devices".
Luckily I tried another cable. An Apple USB C cable behind a hub (screen) got fastboot working. Then I flashed android 13 beta.
And I am sure the other cable worked before with ADB and fastboot.
Try other cables and USB ports... Good luck!

Related

[Q] Bootloader Troubles

Last night I was on my nexus before I would go to bed. I opened the franco kernel app and then noticed that r6 was available for download. I downloaded and flashed it and was about to go to sleep when I noticed the notification light that my phone was charging. I thought it was neat then tried to get some sleep, but my promised sleep did not come quick. After a good chunk of time had passed, I thought that my lack of sleep was caused by the green light that was barely noticable. I searched and searched in the app to try and find an option to disable the LED, but could not. I then decided that the best way to get rid of the light, would be to flash the older r5 kernel so I wouldn't have to see the light anymore. I hit flash and my phone rebooted and then brought me to the bootloader. I attempted to reboot but I could not. I've tried using adb and nexus root toolkit to get my device to work again, but they can't seem to find it without the correct drivers. I installed Motorola device manager, nothing. I tried to follow the instructions in the toolkit to get the correct drivers installed but I can't continue with the need to enable debugging, which I cannot do from being stuck at the bootloader.
Under bootloader logs, I have the following messages:
Invalid boot image size!
failed to validate boot image
Fastboot Reason: Fall-through from normal boot mode
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
USB debugging is an android setting. It can only be used when android is running. If you had USB debugging on, it would make absolutely no difference in recovery or bootloader so don't let that step stop you.
From the logs, it sounds like your kernel download is corrupt or didn't flash properly. I had a similar message when I flashed a partially downloaded recovery image today.
Just fastboot flash a complete boot image
I tried that last night by launching adb and doing 'adb devices' but my device is unrecognized and I am unsure of how to go about fixing that.
thecupman said:
I tried that last night by launching adb and doing 'adb devices' but my device is unrecognized and I am unsure of how to go about fixing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried what exactly? Adb and fastboot are two different things. Adb works in android or recovery only. Fastboot works in boot loader only. Boot to boot loader and do "fastboot devices"
Ah that was my mistake. But the fastboot devices command just returns a new line for a new command to be entered in
thecupman said:
Ah that was my mistake. But the fastboot devices command just returns a new line for a new command to be entered in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That probably means there is a blank line between them - showing that no device is found. Unlike Adb it just gives a blank line instead of "no devices".
Probably means a driver issue or cable issue. Try different USB ports / cables if you can. Check to see if there are any yellow triangles in device manager too.
I'm new to this phone so I don't know where the drivers are if you need them. If I ever find them, I'll port my nexus 5 Adb and fastboot thread over here. Unfortunately i use Linux at home so I don't really have a driver issue.
Oh, so if I were to use Linux I wouldn't have to deal with missing drivers? I'm assuming that's the issue since no matter which port I use, 'Connect USB Data Cable' doesn't change
thecupman said:
Oh, so if I were to use Linux I wouldn't have to deal with missing drivers? I'm assuming that's the issue since no matter which port I use, 'Connect USB Data Cable' doesn't change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say for sure. In Linux you may need to add UDEV rules. I didn't though. My bootloader is just recognised.
Please do check your device manager though.
I'm sorry i can't help more right now. I'm going to bed.
Okay, thank you! I'll reply if I encounter any other errors!
The Google driver works for all Nexus devices (except the GNex): http://developer.android.com/sdk/win-usb.html

Stuck in Fastboot

Ok..so here's the situation. I was going to install a new ROM ( my son got a new phone a iphone ) but any ways. As I was in TWRP i did everything we all normally do but the phone died mid flashing GAPPS. when i went to pulg the phone to the charger and restart the phone i see that it started to boot up the it jumped straight to FASTBOOT and it's stuck. I can toggle through fastboot but that is it. when i go to restart it will show the boot animation but then goes to fast boot. it wont go to TWRP nothing. I've combed XDA and found the multi tool but don't think that is working or i might be using it wrong. the computer doesn't recognize the phone. im trying to get this phone back up and going and give to my daughter . any help is greatly appreciated. thank you in advacne.
Here's what I'm talking about just in case someone asks
Try installing a stock factory image from fastboot.
runekock said:
Try installing a stock factory image from fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How...I can't get my computer to recognize the phone... When I plug it in it doesn't read it...I should have the drivers already installed...adb push right.... I'll search for the command to see if it finds the phone
adb never works in fastboot mode. You'll have to use the fastboot command.
On the PC, try
fastboot devices
to see whether the phone is available. If not, check your drivers - I believe that fastboot uses a different USB driver.
With fastboot, you can't install zip-files, only image files. So download the stock factory image, not the OTA.
runekock said:
adb never works in fastboot mode. You'll have to use the fastboot command.
On the PC, try
fastboot devices
to see whether the phone is available. If not, check your drivers - I believe that fastboot uses a different USB driver.
With fastboot, you can't install zip-files, only image files. So download the stock factory image, not the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up I'll definitely be trying this and I'll give you an update soon

New to nokia, not android/adb/etc

So I just got my shiny new Nokia 8 and it seems to be updated to the latest version of Pie. Reading through all the root forums/threads, I'm noticing a couple issues with my phone that I'm not seeing mentioned:
-In Dev settings, OEM unlocking is off and grayed out, I can't toggle it.
-When I try to access download mode/bootloader (volume down/plug in cable from pc) my screen does a little flashy thing and then goes straight to the battery percentage.
-I can ADB devices just fine and see the phone, when I ADB reboot bootloader, the phone gets stuck on a screen showing "powered by android'', with "download mode" in the upper left corner, and any fastboot commands return absolutely nothing.
Any tips or suggestions?
Many thanks
jgro1976 said:
So I just got my shiny new Nokia 8 and it seems to be updated to the latest version of Pie. Reading through all the root forums/threads, I'm noticing a couple issues with my phone that I'm not seeing mentioned:
-In Dev settings, OEM unlocking is off and grayed out, I can't toggle it.
-When I try to access download mode/bootloader (volume down/plug in cable from pc) my screen does a little flashy thing and then goes straight to the battery percentage.
-I can ADB devices just fine and see the phone, when I ADB reboot bootloader, the phone gets stuck on a screen showing "powered by android'', with "download mode" in the upper left corner, and any fastboot commands return absolutely nothing.
Any tips or suggestions?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- you cant toggle it because you have not unlocked the bootloader. Sometimes even after you unlock it it will be greyed out, which isnt of importance. To unlock the bootloader downgrade to Oreo November update by sideloading the relevant ROM, then follow the the official HMD instructions.
- Make sure USB debugging is turned on under developer options.
- Are you attempting to boot into the OS or recovery here? Abd reboot is enough to boot into your system. To boot into recovery use adb reboot recovery. Or do it manually using the keys.
Ok, everything I've read so far says to make sure OEM unlock is enabled before you do anything else, so you've confused me now. And none of the guides talk about sideloading the ROM, so you've thrown a new twist with that as well.
USB debugging is enabled, and my computer sees the device via adb devices, but if I try adb reboot recovery, all I get is the little android icon with the red triangle over him, and if I try adb reboot bootloader, basically nothing happens. And I wasn't trying to boot into the OS or recovery, I'm not a noob but maybe this phone is just different enough from what I'm used to I guess.
So basically I'm stuck right now, can't boot into recovery, can't sideload a ROM, can't boot into the bootloader/download mode either.
MDV106 said:
- you cant toggle it because you have not unlocked the bootloader. Sometimes even after you unlock it it will be greyed out, which isnt of importance. To unlock the bootloader downgrade to Oreo November update by sideloading the relevant ROM, then follow the the official HMD instructions.
- Make sure USB debugging is turned on under developer options.
- Are you attempting to boot into the OS or recovery here? Abd reboot is enough to boot into your system. To boot into recovery use adb reboot recovery. Or do it manually using the keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, thank you, you got me thinking and I was able to get downgraded to the Oreo, got my code from Nokia and unlock.key, now the only thing I'm still having a hard time with is my computer won't detect my phone in fastboot mode. Works just fine in normal ADB commands, but no fastboot...
You'd think my drivers are all fine and that since ADB sees the device, but maybe not?
jgro1976 said:
Ok, everything I've read so far says to make sure OEM unlock is enabled before you do anything else, so you've confused me now. And none of the guides talk about sideloading the ROM, so you've thrown a new twist with that as well.
USB debugging is enabled, and my computer sees the device via adb devices, but if I try adb reboot recovery, all I get is the little android icon with the red triangle over him, and if I try adb reboot bootloader, basically nothing happens. And I wasn't trying to boot into the OS or recovery, I'm not a noob but maybe this phone is just different enough from what I'm used to I guess.
So basically I'm stuck right now, can't boot into recovery, can't sideload a ROM, can't boot into the bootloader/download mode either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader, unlocked! Now if I can get the rest of my home wireless **** to work this well/easily, thank you for getting me pointed in the right direction, all good here (I hope).
jgro1976 said:
Actually, thank you, you got me thinking and I was able to get downgraded to the Oreo, got my code from Nokia and unlock.key, now the only thing I'm still having a hard time with is my computer won't detect my phone in fastboot mode. Works just fine in normal ADB commands, but no fastboot...
You'd think my drivers are all fine and that since ADB sees the device, but maybe not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jgro1976 said:
Bootloader, unlocked! Now if I can get the rest of my home wireless **** to work this well/easily, thank you for getting me pointed in the right direction, all good here (I hope).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im guessing you finally realised they after getting the android icon with the red triangle u have to press volume up and hold it then tap the power key to enter the recovery. Good to know you managed to unlock the bootloader eventually.
A lot of people have been having issues with fastboot, especially on Windows machines . Try restarting the shell or use a different USB port on your computer?also maybe try a different driver version and see if it helps.

Fast Boot

I received my new sony 1 ii and have checked and the bootloader can be unlocked and the phone can be rooted. I thought I was away to the races but I'm mystified. I can't get the phone to boot into fast boot.
I appears I have the drivers in place and the phone is recognized by the computer but no luck with fast boot.
I have searched and can't seem to find out why this is. I suspect some kind of driver issue with win10 but when I connect to the computer with the phone off and hold the up-volume nothing happens. I have also tried to boot into recovery mode and that does not work as well. Any help would be appreciated.
blkair445 said:
I received my new sony 1 ii and have checked and the bootloader can be unlocked and the phone can be rooted. I thought I was away to the races but I'm mystified. I can't get the phone to boot into fast boot.
I appears I have the drivers in place and the phone is recognized by the computer but no luck with fast boot.
I have searched and can't seem to find out why this is. I suspect some kind of driver issue with win10 but when I connect to the computer with the phone off and hold the up-volume nothing happens. I have also tried to boot into recovery mode and that does not work as well. Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Sony devices you need to power off and hold volume up and plug in the USB cable. That should leave the blue LED to indicate fastboot mode. I'm not 100% sure since it's been a while since I've messed around with Sony devices
Thanks for the input. I have done that and am still unable to action ADB - It is a little confusing since the phone only shows the blue light and nothing else.
If I normally boot the phone it will register as an ADB device. I also find it strange that it will not boot into recovery. The android icon flashes but when you release it boots to safe mode. I assume it is a driver issue but it is not revealing its self to me . Cheers
blkair446 said:
Thanks for the input. I have done that and am still unable to action ADB - It is a little confusing since the phone only shows the blue light and nothing else.
If I normally boot the phone it will register as an ADB device. I also find it strange that it will not boot into recovery. The android icon flashes but when you release it boots to safe mode. I assume it is a driver issue but it is not revealing its self to me . Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The blue light is fastboot mode. There is no ui interface in fastboot for sony devices. Just a blue light and black screen.
R800x_user said:
On Sony devices you need to power off and hold volume up and plug in the USB cable. That should leave the blue LED to indicate fastboot mode. I'm not 100% sure since it's been a while since I've messed around with Sony devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same person but had to change user name -- more on the issue
I managed to unlock the boot loader and it seems that at every step for rooting I am running into curve balls. Windows was not working for me so I managed to unlock the bootloader with Linux and going on to the next step I had to go back to windows to find a current factory ROM.
The next issue: going back to the "how to" I am unable to located boot.xxxxx.sin in the factory ROM and the closest I could find is boot_x-Flash-ALL-2389.sin and that doesn't work.
In the boot directory all files are bootloader_X_44 and a combination of zip and sin files
Can anyone steer me through the muddy waters
The factory rom was downloaded through XperiaFirm application
blkair446 said:
Same person but had to change user name -- more on the issue
I managed to unlock the boot loader and it seems that at every step for rooting I am running into curve balls. Windows was not working for me so I managed to unlock the bootloader with Linux and going on to the next step I had to go back to windows to find a current factory ROM.
The next issue: going back to the "how to" I am unable to located boot.xxxxx.sin in the factory ROM and the closest I could find is boot_x-Flash-ALL-2389.sin and that doesn't work.
In the boot directory all files are bootloader_X_44 and a combination of zip and sin files
Can anyone steer me through the muddy waters
The factory rom was downloaded through XperiaFirm application
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I know how did you unlock the bootloader? Did you use xperia 1 as your device in https://developer.sony.com/develop/open-devices/get-started/unlock-bootloader/#unlock-code?
I have already installed usb drivers and have the platform tools. But everytime I boot my device to fastboot, whether using "adb reboot bootloader" or power button + volume up, screen only shows black (led is solid blue). I did left it for a couple of minutes, nothing happened.
jepher said:
May I know how did you unlock the bootloader? Did you use xperia 1 as your device in ?
I have already installed usb drivers and have the platform tools. But everytime I boot my device to fastboot, whether using "adb reboot bootloader" or power button + volume up, screen only shows black (led is solid blue). I did left it for a couple of minutes, nothing happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my bootloader after obtaining the unlock code from sony developers I used adb/fastboot commands in linux mint. Pretty straight forward but the next step for rooting is giving me issues. Just select xperia 1 and the imei number will identify your phone -- cheers
blkair446 said:
I unlocked my bootloader after obtaining the unlock code from sony developers I used adb/fastboot commands in linux mint. Pretty straight forward but the next step for rooting is giving me issues. Just select xperia 1 and the imei number will identify your phone -- cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I followed those. But may I know how long it took you to finish the unlocking?
Install ADB/SDK drivers
Download platform tools
Plug the device
Make sure adb can see my device
Use adb reboot bootloader command
Device booted to fastboot mode
Execute the command with the unlock code
...stucked here
If I miss something. Please do let me know
jepher said:
Yes I followed those. But may I know how long it took you to finish the unlocking?
Install ADB/SDK drivers
Download platform tools
Plug the device
Make sure adb can see my device
Use adb reboot bootloader command
Device booted to fastboot mode
Execute the command with the unlock code
...stucked here
If I miss something. Please do let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you are using windows and I must say I gave up trying to get win10 to work and I was stuck at the same place you are. I then switched to linux and it went a lot smoother and I didn't need all those tools as laid out in the description.
In linux you must use the phone to go into fastboot mode if you boot from computer it actually boots to a visible screen on the phone and I didn't have connection that would take the command line commands. Linux is very good because if you are missing something it will give you a link or a command line input when you execute the ADB or Fastboot command.
I have run a windows/linux dual boot desktop for a while now and I'm no expert but coming from the era of command line I can muddle through. Sorry if I can't give you more info on windows but win10 is such a pain and I find that with a lot of things linux works better. If I didn't need adobe acrobat I would not even bother with windows.
cheers
blkair446 said:
I assume you are using windows and I must say I gave up trying to get win10 to work and I was stuck at the same place you are. I then switched to linux and it went a lot smoother and I didn't need all those tools as laid out in the description.
In linux you must use the phone to go into fastboot mode if you boot from computer it actually boots to a visible screen on the phone and I didn't have connection that would take the command line commands. Linux is very good because if you are missing something it will give you a link or a command line input when you execute the ADB or Fastboot command.
I have run a windows/linux dual boot desktop for a while now and I'm no expert but coming from the era of command line I can muddle through. Sorry if I can't give you more info on windows but win10 is such a pain and I find that with a lot of things linux works better. If I didn't need adobe acrobat I would not even bother with windows.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am using w10. Will try linux later. I have searched everywhere and stucked at the same step. Thank you.
I have managed to unlock the bootloader and root the phone. But problem is. I can't write on the root folder.
More to this I think I might have located the boot file boot_X-flash-all-2396.sin but using magisk it returns no boot image found. I see the guide says use the canary built but that seems to have been shut down, so at an impasse here and am still reaching out for help - damn op phone were never this funky
I might as well put this one out there then -- Is there anyway to flash a op 8 pro in2025 to dual sim - it's the cause of this painful trip
I was reverting my phone to unroot and locked bootloader. And it is saying that "Your Device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and will not boot" loop.
I tried flashing it using the new flasher. But after flashing, it will do SONY boot loop. If I connect it to a charger it goes back to "Your Device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and will not boot" loop.
I can't use Sony Companion since it is saying that my battery is low, and I can't charge the phone since it will just continue looping.
Do you know/have any recovery.img?
Edt: Fixed my phone. Relocked the bootloader
jepher said:
I was reverting my phone to unroot and locked bootloader. And it is saying that "Your Device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and will not boot" loop.
I tried flashing it using the new flasher. But after flashing, it will do SONY boot loop. If I connect it to a charger it goes back to "Your Device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and will not boot" loop.
I can't use Sony Companion since it is saying that my battery is low, and I can't charge the phone since it will just continue looping.
Do you know/have any recovery.img?
Edt: Fixed my phone. Relocked the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance you could post the steps to relock successfully? I presume using the fastboot commands etc though did you then just re run the command to relock the bootloader? Many thanks
cd993 said:
Any chance you could post the steps to relock successfully? I presume using the fastboot commands etc though did you then just re run the command to relock the bootloader? Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Relock it using fastboot command.
I use ubuntu to do it. If you can run fastboot commands in windows10 lucky you.

Razer Phone 2 died to me :(

Hello, I have a Razer Phone 2, yesterday I uploaded a ROM on it, everything seems to have installed after whether the phone displayed a notification "Your device is corrupt. It can’t be trusted and may not work properly." then the notification disappeared and the phone will appear on the Razer powered android logo . after pressing vol - and the phone switch, the bootloader starts but I can not do anything in it, neither recovery mode nor wipe userdata, after clicking them, it returns to the razer logo and stands I looked and tried everything but I can't do anything about it, is this the end of the phone or is there any chance to get it back?
Thank you for your help and sorry for the spelling (translator)
lukkiii96 said:
Hello, I have a Razer Phone 2, yesterday I uploaded a ROM on it, everything seems to have installed after whether the phone displayed a notification "Your device is corrupt. It can’t be trusted and may not work properly." then the notification disappeared and the phone will appear on the Razer powered android logo . after pressing vol - and the phone switch, the bootloader starts but I can not do anything in it, neither recovery mode nor wipe userdata, after clicking them, it returns to the razer logo and stands I looked and tried everything but I can't do anything about it, is this the end of the phone or is there any chance to get it back?
Thank you for your help and sorry for the spelling (translator)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash stock following instructions on Razer Developer portal
jonchance_84 said:
Flash stock following instructions on Razer Developer portal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He follows the instruction and when entering the commands, <waiting for device> is shown . I have installed all the drivers
lukkiii96 said:
He follows the instruction and when entering the commands, <waiting for device> is shown . I have installed all the drivers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing drivers while phone is in fastboot mode too. Do checks while booted with adb devices and then boot into fastboot then run fastboot devices. If you get a device on each one, script should work. The pc sees a different device for each mode.
jonchance_84 said:
Installing drivers while phone is in fastboot mode too. Do checks while booted with adb devices and then boot into fastboot then run fastboot devices. If you get a device on each one, script should work. The pc sees a different device for each mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's a hard brick, no command works, I guess I'll give up, is there any Razer service in Europe that could repair it for a fee?
lukkiii96 said:
I think it's a hard brick, no command works, I guess I'll give up, is there any Razer service in Europe that could repair it for a fee?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be a Win10 2004 build issue. Some have had luck either using an older win7 machine or loading up a linux vm in win10. U can let it take control of usb ports. It all stems from usb drivers in windows.
Don't know about service in europe. Im in Texas.
jonchance_84 said:
Could be a Win10 2004 build issue. Some have had luck either using an older win7 machine or loading up a linux vm in win10. U can let it take control of usb ports. It all stems from usb drivers in windows.
Don't know about service in europe. Im in Texas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed your advice and used a computer with windows 7 everything flashed everywhere ok, only now when the phone turns on the message pops up "your device i corrupt. It can't be trusted and may not work properly" if something went wrong ?:crying:
Edit:It was enough to use the command fastboot flashing unlock_critical and everything works as it should, thanks a lot for your help, best regards

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