Database Users

"Inside" information about HTC's repair procedure

Hey guys,
I recently sent in my N1 for repair because it was randomly rebooting. It's definitely a hardware issue as it occurred on many versions of Froyo, 2.1 and CM. I was under the impression that it was a written rule that rooted = not in warranty. I was already set on the fact that I would likely be paying $200 for a new motherboard.
Spoke to an HTC rep today to see what the status of my repair was and as it turns out she dealt with escalation, aka she was one of the "higher ups".
She informed me that rooted = not in warranty is NOT true. They have 4 checks for their warranty:
1) Physical damage
2) Water damage
3) Tampering with the warranty sealed parts of the phone
4) Testing the phone's integrity with a software "test"
In short, even if your phone is rooted, if it passes test #4, and the problem remains, it is deemed a hardware issue and your phone will be repaired free of charge.
I may be wrong, but this is what the rep told me today. If anyone has any confirmation negating this information, feel free to share.
All I know is that I'm extremely happy about the prospect of saving the $230 or so it would've cost me!

Does this also include unlocked bootloaders?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

cmcm said:
Does this also include unlocked bootloaders?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to set myself up here, but I'm 99.9999999999% sure that you can only root by unlocking the bootloader (aside from the tricks that have recently become available for us).
So, yes, I was referring to unlocked bootloaders as well. In HTC's sense (no pun intended) I'm sure that by root they imply unlocked bootloader.

Not sure about item 4
4) Testing the phone's integrity with a software "test"
I sent mine in and they wanted to hit me with a new motherboard. They were insisting that I had a third party ROM installed and when I asked for evidence, they sent me a picture of my unlocked boot loader.
Prior to sending it in, i had re-flashed back both my recovery and ROM to stock. Was even able to receive the OTA update.
If they did such a software "test", they should have shown that evidence to me instead of a photo of my unlocked boot loader.

bullyfrog said:
Not sure about item 4
4) Testing the phone's integrity with a software "test"
I sent mine in and they wanted to hit me with a new motherboard. They were insisting that I had a third party ROM installed and when I asked for evidence, they sent me a picture of my unlocked boot loader.
Prior to sending it in, i had re-flashed back both my recovery and ROM to stock. Was even able to receive the OTA update.
If they did such a software "test", they should have shown that evidence to me instead of a photo of my unlocked boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear that. Like I said, this is all from the rep's mouth. I have no idea if she's being truthful, but that's exactly what she said.

Yep i hear you. Anyway you were very fortunate they repaired it FOC for you

Well we're talking about different countries' HTC service centers here. Could be different sets of SOPs.
So users in one country may face fantastic service while users in another are screwed by the service there.

Coming up on 1 year -- time to unlock the bootloader!

For those of us who ordered the Nexus One on the day it was released (January 5, 2010), we're coming up on one year, which is the period of the original warranty (see http://static.googleusercontent.com...e.com/en/us/googlephone/nexusone-warranty.pdf).
So, if you haven't unlocked your bootloader yet because you didn't want to void the warranty, you may as well do it on January 5th, because your warranty expires then anyway

LOL @ waiting a year to unlock your phone that is specifically distinguished by being unlocked.

Hey, my phone's bootloader is still unlocked you know.

HTC replaced my N1 under warranty, even though I unlocked the bootloader the day I got it. Why wait 1 year to unlock the phone's true potential?

inneyeseakay said:
HTC replaced my N1 under warranty, even though I unlocked the bootloader the day I got it. Why wait 1 year to unlock the phone's true potential?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader is locked and I have access to the full potential of my phone...just 10 minutes longer; the time needed to input the adb commands
I'm not willing to unlock my bootloader since my warranty is for a year (bought mine in september this year) and it's covered by my carrier, not by HTC...they will totally refuse any phone that has been unlocked, but won't care if it has been rooted or so (they are too noob to notice anyways )

Time sure does fly when your having fun on XDA. Still able to do everything I need with it locked

I bought mine in May and originally unlocked the bootloader... I highly recommend NOT doing so.
For one, its pointless. You can root and install custom bootloaders/kernels/roms without unlocking the bootloader
Second, you can't go back.
Third, you'll have a huge ugly unlock icon on every boot-up.
Fourth, you can't go back.
Fifth, you'll have a huge ugly unlock icon on every boot-up.
Nuff said.
I did a warranty swap for mine and luckily got a replacement that I am keeping locked (bad headset jack btw).

There is no reason to go back, and the unlock icon looks fine. What a bunch if stupid ass excuses that make zero sense.

Actually I'm not keen on the padlock, and do get tempted to lock mine back up every so often. Functionality wins though.

Mine was shipped January 7th, so the end of my primary warranty is imminent too. And I got two warranty swaps out of it, too.
It turns out I have an extra year of coverage though - yay MBNA Platinum Plus card! But I will have to figure out what is the routine for making use of this coverage. I suspect that device swaps will be out of the question; I'd probably have to send it in for repair and then submit the bill to the insurer.
Another potential snag - I think that in the fine print, to invoke my extended warranty it has to be something that would have been covered under the original warranty. So if I were to unlock the bootloader, and the insurer were to ask HTC, they might get an answer that the original warranty didn't cover my situation.

Mine was unlocked on launch day the moment I got it
The unlock icon is far from ugly, it's a nerd badge of honor.

player911 said:
Third, you'll have a huge ugly unlock icon on every boot-up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wear it with pride!

Never unlocked it, and I never will. No reason for that.

YoMarK said:
Never unlocked it, and I never will. No reason for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing unreleased versions of Android was a huge plus for me!

mortzz said:
Mine was unlocked on launch day the moment I got it
The unlock icon is far from ugly, it's a nerd badge of honor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to that guy!

mortzz said:
Flashing unreleased versions of Android was a huge plus for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, if your bootloader isnt Unlocked, cant you flash unreleased versions of android, ie upcoming gingerbread?
If i unlocked mine now, would i have to wipe and reflash my current Rom?

I unlocked mine few days after buying mine in February. I just sent mine in a few weeks ago for dust under screen and got a replacement.
They won't reject the phones because they are unlocked. They will however, I believe; reject them if they are still rooted after you send them off to HTC repair center.
I do agree with not unlocking the phone since we have the one click root method.

Can anyone give me 5 reasons why unlocking the bootloader should be done? I rooted my phone and can do pretty much everything I think that is needed.
I'm interested to know what else is being missed out on (I'm not being sarcastic, I'm honestly interested!)

The most valid reason: safer flashing of the radio.

Sistum Id said:
They won't reject the phones because they are unlocked. They will however, I believe; reject them if they are still rooted after you send them off to HTC repair center.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I sent mine to HTC Repair Center with CM6.1 on it. They sent me a fresh replacement, no additional charges for unlocked bootloader/3rd party ROM/misc scratches/etc...

screen / keyboard problem

I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?

It does indeed look like a hardware issue (With your digitizer). Anyhow, just try reinstalling a ROM with a full wipe (Probably a stock ROM) to confirm it.
When giving in your phone, just install a RUU and then give it. They won't be able to make out if it was rooted or not, and, when giving it, specifically say to them to not touch the software else you will be get an official 2.2.1 updated phone.

Thanks for your response. Yes it definitely is a hardware problem, the un-clickable items can be clicked no problem in landscape mode. Basically the first inch down from top to bottom is dead. I already tried previous ROMS and they all exhibit the same behavior.
By RUU you mean return it to original stock ROM ? Presumably I'll have to unroot it also ?
What are HTC like to deal with when it comes to warranty ?? I got my device from T-Mobile free in the UK with 18 month contract tie in -- but currently reside in Thailand. Are HTC likely to ask me to send my device back to T mobile in the UK or just repair it at a local HTC repair centre here? If the former I'm going to be without the device for 3 weeks or so -- worse still they may send me brand new unit which is neutered and non-rootable (yet).

Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck

droidafx said:
I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first flash an eclair RUU of ur region. in 99% cases it will be successfully unrooted. even it shows errors, u can use the PC49IMG.ZIP process to unroot.
remember while unrooting with both the above processes, the HBOOT should not be downgraded.
if u make some version changing processes and try to downgrade HBOOT, then ur phone will have issues like touch screen problem, and etc. here the hboot may get downgraded with phone errors.
and if u dont make any version changing processes and try to downgrade the HBOOT, it just shows an error like it cannot be downgraded, without showing any phone issues.
so, do it correctly and u will finally get an unrooted device. now it will have warranty. if the problem persists, give it to a service center.
i expect the problem solves after unrooting.

Thank you for all the helpful responses. It is a hardware problem for sure, the phone is now useless, the keyboard has a mind of its own and the top inch of the screen is dead. I'm now back using my Nokia.
Just to give an update on the service provided by "HTC Global Warranty".... ermm... it appears not to exist.
The support guy on the web ticket did his damnedest to get rid of the call anyway he could or make it someone else's responsibility after I'd went through the various resetting methods he suggested. He acknowledged it sounds like a hardware problem. He then suggested I send back to the UK (I'm in Bangkok) where the fix times is 10 days -- so with shipping time I'd be looking at a one month minimum. Or try another support number to help fix it or send it back to T mobile to see what they can do.
I asked about using a local repair centre -- no you can't because you bought from T mobile. I told him 99% of phones sold in the UK are provided by networks and that T mobile didn't manufacturer the device and purporting to have a "Global Warranty Service" given what he was offering is disingenuous or possibly illegal under trades and descriptions act . I requested to make a formal complaint and speak to a supervisor. I heard back as below -- hopefully they can make good on below promise.
-------------------------------------------
I would first like to say how I am sorry for the service which you have received from HTC, and thank you for bringing this to our attention. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the service we provide and it is a disappointment to hear that in this instance we have failed you. I would like the opportunity to resolve your issue and hope that this does not deter your from using us in the future.
I understand that you are currently experiencing difficulties with global warranty process to repair your mobile device and you requested a call back from a manager.
I believe that the reason for this is because you have an exclusive product from T-mobile UK network and you live outside of Europe.
In order to rectify this I would like you to request the following:
Can I please ask for a telephone number and a time of which would be possible to call you during the day, that best suites you. Bare in mind of the time zone difference as we only work from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (London time).
I will then pass this information onto the Care Team Manager for them to contact you back.
I hope that this information meets with your requirements. I will wait for your next communication.

3xeno said:
Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never came with Froyo -- it had 2.1 initially. I don't suppose it will matter if I put 2.2 on it now as long as it is an official ROM (I could well have done an over the air update).
After I rooted the device initially I backed up the 2.1 ROM first -- reverting back to this had no effect on the problem so I don't suppose un-rooting it is going to achieve anything as either ROM in little over four months never exhibited this behavior until now. But obviously an official ROM is necessary prior to it going in for repair (whatever form that takes).

I cannot load a stock ROM -- I chose the TMO UK one from suggested link and get below errors:
Prior to error it says I have version:
2.34.75.1
and proposes to replace with below but fails.
1.14.110.1
-----------
Error [140]: BOOTLOADER VERSION ERROR
The ROM Update Utility cannot update your Android phone.
Please get the correct ROM Update Utility and try again.
Any ideas ?

Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html

3xeno said:
Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks 3xeno -- I'll give it a go.
Also if I managed to downgrade back to stock -- will the phone be locked back to T mobile network ? I use a local SIM where I am. I don't suppose it would be too much trouble unlocking it again.
This is so much aggravation -- I'm tempted to just go in and pay an HTC repair store to repair / replace the busted component seeing as HTC global warranty appears to be non existent.
If the "care manager" calls me back and repeats the canned responses already provided by their support desk about my device being a "special T mobile product" and I must send to the UK for repair I intend to cause an enormous stink and warn others that HTC provide "ZERO GLOBAL WARRANTY" (and looking in Google I won't be the first). There is nothing special about the phone form T mobile (or any other network provided phone other than branding) I paid for the phone in full by way of commitment to a 2 year contract and T mobile paid HTC in full for the unit -- that has failed in a little over four months.

It shouldn't. Was the phone locked initially when you got it? If so, how did you get it unlocked?
Also, I tend to agree with you on getting it repaired locally. It seems to be too much of a hassle to get the phone halfway across the globe to replace one component.

It was locked yeah, but I paid for an unlock code online -- maybe it will still work if needed.
I followed your instructions thanks from previous URL, I've got rom.zip and copied to sd card and assumed I'd be able to install the normal way like other ROMS through clockwork but it doesn't work -- toggling unsigned doesn't help either.
Any ideas ?

More reading up. This is one topic which I dont have indepth knowledge about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=766927
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=575448
This should be applicable for the Wildfire as well. The only difference should be that the file should be renamed to pc49diag.zip instead of the code for the Hero as stated in that thread.
Be very careful in this process though. I would rather wait for advice from some senior member here confirm this before you attempt it.

Thanks again. I may as well go ahead and try; I've got nothing to lose -- it is unusable with the top part of the screen not working. If I don't get it back to stock I have no warranty. The choices are a brick or a brick ;-)
I'll probably wait until tomorrow -- there are some phone repair shops around here and I'm told the shop I need to go to carries spare HTC parts. The Thai's are pretty much hands on and if they can diagnose and have the parts they will fix -- that includes the HTC repair centre (as long as I'm paying).
Quite possible I'll be buying a new device tomorrow from HTC directly. But before I do so I'm going to call HTC head office in Taiwan and get it on the record what exactly a "Global Warranty" means in HTC speak. I want to hear it from somebody other than a script reading support monkey in the UK or some retail chap where I am who will speak very limited English. The garbage excuse about "special network phone" should hold no water then if it fails within the warranty period. But I want a name and phone number and confirmation email before I shell out 4 or 500 quid on another potential paper weight.
Over the years I've had global warranty claims no problem from HP & IBM (now Lenovo) the last time being when an SSD drive failed in a laptop bought through a reseller in the UK -- no problem they sent and engineer to my house in Phuket who fitted a new drive within 72 hours of logging the call. It's getting to the point where these devices are more than just phones. They are as capable (almost) as a laptop and in the same price bracket as low to mid range laptops; therefore they should IMO carry the same level of after sales customer support.
I'd be very interested to know of other peoples warranty experiences with HTC. Maybe I'm an imbecile for even considering buying another one. Very frustrating; its been working like a dream right up until a few days ago and has been the best smartphone I've owned by a long way -- but if after sales service has all kinds of conditions attached to it; then buying another one is out of the question.

They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.

The thing is though just about all phones in the UK are provided by the networks and the subsidy for the most part is essentially bogus. Eg. you couldn't go and get an Iphone 4 for free because you took out a 15 quid month contract -- that would be a subsidized phone. They are 2 years minimum contract and start at £40 per month to get one for free. You have more than paid for the phone -- hardware vendor is paid in full and no doubt the network make a margin on the handset too.
A one month old article: (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-iphone lists the single cheapest monthly contract to get an Iphone 4 from tesco is £25 for a 12 month contract........ as long as you stump up £342. So the math is £40 for two years and the phone is free (give or take a few quid) That is not a subsidy by any definition of the word. Also think of the economies of scale the networks use to leverage better pricing -- 02, Vodafone, T-mobile etc aren't paying no 600 quid a unit like joe shmo has to for an Iphone 4. Corporate buying might when talking 10's / 100's of thousands of units can demand and most of the time get 40 to 50% off the RRP price. Networks & hardware vendors are doing very well whilst spinning this bulls**t line about subsidized phones -- off the back of which enables the likes of HTC to provide no global warranty. If HP, Lenovo, Nokia and many others can use local repair resources so can HTC -- but you know good customer service costs money and if the small print allows them to get away with they're happy to do so.

I did the rename (PC49IMG.ZIP) and placed ROM on root of empty SD card. HBOOT saw it and attempted to instal but it failed with below:
Main Version is older!
Update Fail!
Press <POWER> to reboot.

3xeno said:
They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC "Global" Warranty:
DOES NOT EXIST !!!
I'll start a new thread about this also. I heard it from three authorised HTC resellers, and an official HTC store & HTC service centre in Bangkok MBK; all of which I visited today. The country you buy the phone in is the place which honors the warranty.
So in the UK they use the lie -- you bought from a network and not a stock handset direct from HTC; therefore it can only be repaired in the UK.
Then lie number two -- if you buy from us directly you get global warranty and can use local repair in the country you're in; absolute nonsense. If it was true I'd be playing with a brand new desire right now -- instead I have my 4 month old Wildfire to use as a beer mat whilst using my Nokia -- f***ing cheers HTC.

Still not able to get fresh stock T-mob ROM applied. So far I've tried:
1. Applying the stock T-mob ROM via cable and exe. program
2. Applying stock T-mob ROM renamed to PC49IMG.zip
3. Also tried applying an Asia stock HTC ROM via .exe program and cable (above method cannot be used -- this ROM extracts everything to numerous cabinet files and there is no ROM.zip)
All of the above result in errors relating to what's there being newer and failure to apply ROM.
I had a back up of the T-mob eclair ROM it came with which I took before applying custom Froyo ROM; so I reverted back to that and then tried the stock one again to make it vanilla and unrooted (in the hope it may correct faulty top part of screen) it but that didn't work and again complaines about what was there being newer.
It seems once you've gone forward there's no going back -- but that isn't consistent (I can recover using my back-ups back and forth between leaf Froyo ROM and Eclair ROM via nandroid restore.
I also put on a gingerbread Cyanogen mod to see if it would fix screen problem -- it didn't, so now back to T-Mob Eclair. I suppose I can go about unrooting now on the eclair ROM for the purposes of returning handset for warranty -- but I really wanted a flat vanilla stock ROM to see if cures screen problem, (I'm pretty sure it wont and it is a hardware problem).
Anybody got an idea of what else to try ?
thanks

For all owners of the T-Mobile 32GB MotoMaker phones

If I understand correctly we will void our warranty if we root our 32GB Moto X. The owners of the developers model is excempt to this rule. I believe from everything I have read that the software and hardware with these phones are identical. My question is how do you feel about not having the ability to root without losing warranty. I can see reasons both ways good and bad but color difference and a logo that says Developers Eddition should not change things for identical phones in my oppinion.
Interested in seeing what others think and maybe someone has asked Motorola about this?

If you root as long as you return to stock you're not voided for warranty service, it's unloving your boatloader that your talking about, if you unlock that then yes for sure it voids your warranty.
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app

charlie-n said:
If you root as long as you return to stock you're not voided for warranty service, it's unloving your boatloader that your talking about, if you unlock that then yes for sure it voids your warranty.
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, I thought rooting was the problem. I guess I have always unlocked the bootloader and rooted my previous android devices in the same step and just didn't realize the differnce. So the people with developers phones can unlock their bootloaders but I can't. Do you know why Motorola would cover one and not the other?

Derbyman32 said:
Do you know why Motorola would cover one and not the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motorola needs reason why DE more expensive:laugh:
Sorry for asking here, but do you know how to remove unlocked bootloader warning during start up (just have got e-mail with bootloader unlock code for DE, but worry about reselling it in future)

Vivjen said:
Motorola needs reason why DE more expensive:laugh:
Sorry for asking here, but do you know how to remove unlocked bootloader warning during start up (just have got e-mail with bootloader unlock code for DE, but worry about reselling it in future)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply flash a replacement logo.bin file from the themes section.

Screw Motorola. I am going to unlock mine. When is the last time you had to do a warranty claim on a phone? I wonder if unlocking also cancels the $85 protection plan for those who bought it?
-- Sent from my Moto X on Tapatalk Pro

Cubfan99 said:
Screw Motorola. I am going to unlock mine. When is the last time you had to do a warranty claim on a phone? I wonder if unlocking also cancels the $85 protection plan for those who bought it?
-- Sent from my Moto X on Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

At this point I don't have a need to unlock and root. That said I will probably do it anyway. More than likely after the year warranty is up. For now I'm fine with it.
Sent from my Moto X via Tapatalk

If you have a hardware defect, not always root would mean your warranty 100% voided. I don't know about Motorola, but I had my HTC replaced without any issues before

I always test out the phone for a good week or so before unlocking. Just in case there are any problems.
But, as the previous poster said, unlocking shouldn't prevent them from fixing obvious hardware issues like broken speakers or something else that's a hardware failure.

Read their terms, if you unlock bootloader your warranty is void period. They warn you when you ask for the unlock code, the only exception is DE devices. You have to agree to their terms to get the code. I unlocked mine but it's a DE, I exchanged my custom T Mobile X for the DE during the first Cyber Monday deal.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Derbyman32 said:
Thanks for that, I thought rooting was the problem. I guess I have always unlocked the bootloader and rooted my previous android devices in the same step and just didn't realize the difference. So the people with developers phones can unlock their bootloaders but I can't. Do you know why Motorola would cover one and not the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think about it this way:
Unlocking your bootloader means you can do all sorts of stuff with ur phone's firmware making it very easy to change the way it works and/or brick it and many people do.
Now if unlocking ur bootloader doesn't void ur warranty, then u would have the right to get support and/or get ur phone repaired under warranty in case u mess it up and/or get it bricked. Now put urself in Motorola's shoes, would you be willing to provide support for your customers because they decided to mess up their phone? No. Warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not defects caused by the user such as physically damaging the phone or unlocking the bootloader and messing with the phone's firmware. Unlocking your phone's bootloader will make it very easy to mess up ur phone making the number of people who would have a messed up phone high and Motorola would need more resources to be able to manage and provide support for such a high number of people.
Now in order to keep customers happy, they allowed Dev Edition owners to unlock their bootloader and keep their warranty as a compromise solution. Why? First of all, the Dev Edition is more expensive, which means the number of people that are going to buy it is going to be less. A lower number of people is easier to manage when having to repair or replace phones damaged because of an unlocked bootloader. Moreover, people who are likely to buy a Dev Edition phone would be experienced devs who are less likely to damage their phone because of an unlocked bootloader or who would know how to fix it if they damage it without having to bother Motorola customer support. Again, this narrows down the number to even less.
I hope this explains it, it's all about limiting the number of people who can claim a warranty because of unlocked bootloader to a manageable number.

mschumacher69 said:
First of all, the Dev Edition is more expensive,
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The 32GB Developer Edition phone is the exact same price as Moto Maker T-Mobile off contract 32GB, both are $549.99. It is ridiculous that Motorola threaten to void the warranty because the phone is a different color. The T-Mobile edition "off contract" phone has nothing to do with T-Mobile other than being able to get 1700 AWS. T-Mobile does not have anything to do with the sale of the phone and their website makes no mention of the Moto X anywhere.

sunnycheeba said:
The 32GB Developer Edition phone is the exact same price as Moto Maker T-Mobile off contract 32GB, both are $549.99. It is ridiculous that Motorola threaten to void the warranty because the phone is a different color. The T-Mobile edition "off contract" phone has nothing to do with T-Mobile other than being able to get 1700 AWS. T-Mobile does not have anything to do with the sale of the phone and their website makes no mention of the Moto X anywhere.
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Click to collapse
Again, it's all down to reducing the number of people that can unlock without voiding the warranty making it easier for them to manage it. It has nothing to do with the phone model or the color of its cover.
Even if they are the exact same phone with the exact same price and the only difference being the color of the cover, lacking color options makes it inconvenient for some people. This means that less people will buy it reducing the number of people who claim a warranty because of a problem related to unlocking the bootloader to a manageable one.

mschumacher69 said:
... It has nothing to do with ... the color of its cover.
...the only difference being the color of the cover, lacking color options makes it inconvenient for some people.
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Seems like it's all about the color to me.

Thank you guys for all the feedback. I see the points for and against the idea. If I could pick I would rather have them do it like most Samsungs I have had. I was able to root and unlock, use the phone and then restore to original without Samsung ever interfering. I know that if my phone crashed while the bottloader was unlocked then it was on me but I always felt I could recover from most anything thrown at me with the help of xda and google search engines. The way Motorola wants to do it is just void your warranty for unlocking bootloader period. I would be willing to unlock and root if I could do it without Motorola's help and would take the chance that if I bricked it then that was on me.
Either way I love my Moto X and really do not feel the need to root like I did with Samsung and all the junk they install on the phones. Everything that came on the Moto X is fine with me but I did buy a no contract unsubsidized off contract phone so I feel that should give me some room to use my equipment the way I wish but still have a degree of protection from failed hardware that has nothing to do with rooting, should that ocur.

Derbyman32 said:
Thank you guys for all the feedback. I see the points for and against the idea. If I could pick I would rather have them do it like most Samsungs I have had. I was able to root and unlock, use the phone and then restore to original without Samsung ever interfering. I know that if my phone crashed while the bottloader was unlocked then it was on me but I always felt I could recover from most anything thrown at me with the help of xda and google search engines. The way Motorola wants to do it is just void your warranty for unlocking bootloader period. I would be willing to unlock and root if I could do it without Motorola's help and would take the chance that if I bricked it then that was on me.
Either way I love my Moto X and really do not feel the need to root like I did with Samsung and all the junk they install on the phones. Everything that came on the Moto X is fine with me but I did buy a no contract unsubsidized off contract phone so I feel that should give me some room to use my equipment the way I wish but still have a degree of protection from failed hardware that has nothing to do with rooting, should that ocur.
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Does Samsung allow unlocking their bootloaders officially?

I would really like to find someone who has successfully done a warranty claim on an unlocked motomaker XT1053. I returned mine after it was unlocked but that was a return, not a warranty claim. I'm on moto x no3 right now for various reasons. First I returned because it was the only way they would honor the price change since I ordered a few hours before the announcement of the cyber deals on that same day. They couldn't cancel building the phone after only a couple hours. They made it right with a coupon and allowed me to return it. I'm regretting saving that money because now its all headache. I got the same color, etc phone after for the cyber monday price... and it came with corrupt flash or something else hardware related. Phone would not successfully boot, even after flashing stock firmware. They did an advanced replacement and now I'm on device no. 3. Thought the phone was perfect, but they put a big nick right by the silver keys of the phone. They really are sloppy when they make these things. I called them and they put a note on my account that I could get a replacement at anytime... indefinitely because of that, but I'm sure it will be voided if I were to unlock the phone. I'm trying to just live with the blemish, but I'm OCD with my devices. Even exchanging to save money, I probably have spent at least $100 on cases and screen protectors.
Is there anyone out there that has successfully done a NON SOFTWARE related warranty claim on an unlocked non-dev (T-Mobile) Moto X?

Rhiannon224 said:
It does.
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I'm definitely going to re-read these terms. Insurance, in which I pay a deductible to replace the device, is not the same as a free replacement due to a factory defect. And if unlocking the bootloader negates my paid insurance... well that's a pretty dirty business practice. It also doesn't seem very enforceable, as I could just drop my phone from a very high distance and successfully file a claim... Let us double check the fine print.
sunnycheeba said:
Seems like it's all about the color to me.
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That's racist!

I noticed that Motorola updated the language regarding the T-Mobile - no contract Moto X on the Moto Maker site yesterday. What just used to show the T-Mobile logo and "No Contract" when selecting a T-Mobile Moto X, now reads: "GSM Unlocked" in Large font with the T-Mobile logo reduced to a smaller type face. It also says: "Comes with T-Mobile SIM. Use with AT&T and T-Mobile 4G LTE, and Global HSPA"
In the updated Moto X FAQs, T-Mobile is not mentioned as a carrier, the phone is now simply referred to as the "GSM Unlocked" model.
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/97692/action/auth
I hope this more un-carrier distinction will have Motorola reconsidering making the XT1053 'GSM Unlocked' model (formally known as the 'T-Mobile - No Contract' model) have the same warranty as the XT1053 Developer Edition, since there is no carrier involvement in either.
Also relating to 'no contract' Motorola phones was a comment made by Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside in his interview with MKBHD last week. When talking about the Cyber Monday sale, Dennis said: "...we learned alot. There's clearly demand for devices that are not tied to a contract, at prices that are reasonable, and I think were gonna listen hard to that, to what the consumer told us on Monday and on Wednesday....". Dennis later goes onto to mention that AT&T was just releasing new wireless plans which include "Bring Your Own Phone" discounts; this is probably the reason for the more generic "GSM Unlocked" moniker been given to the XT1053, since Motorola plan to now market this model to AT&T BYOP customers as well as T-Mobile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpqBNn_BfKE&feature=player_detailpage&list=UUBJycsmduvYEL83R_U4JriQ#t=133

[Q] N900W8 software problems

i had a thread in generals, but figured it was the wrong place so i moved the post to here. c/p from OP
Hi all, I'm new to XDA so hopefully someone can help me. I purchased a brand new unlocked note 3 N9000W8 in canada from a cellphone store on Monday Morning. The phone was great and worked without a hitch and had android 4.3 on it.
Later on during the day, there were numerous news headlines regarding a 4.4.2 was officially released. So i decided to do the software update. With failed attempts with the message "Your device have been modified, Software updates are not available"
I checked my Settings > about device > status > device status and it states custom or modified. I am unsure how this is possible thinking it was a brand new phone. After some in depth reading i powered off the phone and check the android download mode (power, home button vol down key combo).
It states device status: custom, firmware: custom, knox 0x1 (which meant my warranty was gone essentially). I proceeded to call the shop i purchased the phone at, and the manager said they buy the phones from the distributor which unlocks them before it gets in their hands. so it must have been rooted prior to me receiving the phone.
Long story short...i know its been quite the reading already my appologies. I used samsung KIES to backup the phone and it updated it back to the stock firmware 4.4.2. I was prepared to loose the root as i dont need it. More concerned about the warranty. With the device and firmware status back to original i can now do OTA updates, however
Problem i have now is after the factory firmware upgrade to stock, my sim no longer works on the network. Seems as if the device has a sim lock, but it never asked for one. A local cellphone shop in st.catharines said there might be an issue with the baseband after the official update.
before the update, i tried all the suggestions such as unmounting the sd card, wiping cache, using supersu to unroot.
Can anyone chime in on what the problem may be? I go to school here, so if all else fails i will have to go back to toronto where i purchased it, and have them figure it out. just a hassle for me to get there without a car.

Seems that the phone was software unlocked while it was rooted. Un rooting the device will simply lock the phone back up. Have you tried entering your carriers APN settings under mobile network?
You have a couple of options, you can root your phone again and software unlock your phone using "CF Region Lock Away" (I've heard that it worked on 4.3 (N900W8) not sure if it'll work with 4.4.2.
2nd option is to get a hardware unlock code from a retailer who unlocks phones.
If I were in your position, I'd try and return the USED phone back to the person you bought it from as it was clearly tampered with. You bought a phone which has KNOX 0x1 which VOIDS your warranty. You were under the assumption that the phone you bought was brand new in the box, FALSE ADVERTISING.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk

tedmonddo said:
i had a thread in generals, but figured it was the wrong place so i moved the post to here. c/p from OP
Hi all, I'm new to XDA so hopefully someone can help me. I purchased a brand new unlocked note 3 N9000W8 in canada from a cellphone store on Monday Morning. The phone was great and worked without a hitch and had android 4.3 on it.
Later on during the day, there were numerous news headlines regarding a 4.4.2 was officially released. So i decided to do the software update. With failed attempts with the message "Your device have been modified, Software updates are not available"
I checked my Settings > about device > status > device status and it states custom or modified. I am unsure how this is possible thinking it was a brand new phone. After some in depth reading i powered off the phone and check the android download mode (power, home button vol down key combo).
It states device status: custom, firmware: custom, knox 0x1 (which meant my warranty was gone essentially). I proceeded to call the shop i purchased the phone at, and the manager said they buy the phones from the distributor which unlocks them before it gets in their hands. so it must have been rooted prior to me receiving the phone.
Long story short...i know its been quite the reading already my appologies. I used samsung KIES to backup the phone and it updated it back to the stock firmware 4.4.2. I was prepared to loose the root as i dont need it. More concerned about the warranty. With the device and firmware status back to original i can now do OTA updates, however
Problem i have now is after the factory firmware upgrade to stock, my sim no longer works on the network. Seems as if the device has a sim lock, but it never asked for one. A local cellphone shop in st.catharines said there might be an issue with the baseband after the official update.
before the update, i tried all the suggestions such as unmounting the sd card, wiping cache, using supersu to unroot.
Can anyone chime in on what the problem may be? I go to school here, so if all else fails i will have to go back to toronto where i purchased it, and have them figure it out. just a hassle for me to get there without a car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro.....
Meet me at the store you bought this from in T.O, I will get you a refund in 5 minutes.
Not even slightly kidding.
You were RIPPED OFF bud!! Do not allow that to go down. Tell them to switch it for another one, until you get one that has a warranty.
Seriously, my offer stands. If you want to meet down there sometime this week I would be glad to do so, I live about an hour outside the GTA but I don't give a ****. If there is anything I can do to help you in this situation I'll do it.

I have tried registering it on the fido network without any luck. Even the local cellphone shop was tinkering with it for 30minutes trying to help me out. They weren't able to do anything either. From my understanding, a software unlock only works for europe phones (based on what i have read) even the local guys said its usually just a pin unlock.
Update: The retailer that i bought it from said he ordered me a new white note 3 unlocked as well to replace my problematic one. When i go again i have to make sure its not rooted. IS there such thing as a Factory unlocked/unbranded samsung note 3 from samsung themselves?
djnoicatse said:
Seems that the phone was software unlocked while it was rooted. Un rooting the device will simply lock the phone back up. Have you tried entering your carriers APN settings under mobile network?
You have a couple of options, you can root your phone again and software unlock your phone using "CF Region Lock Away" (I've heard that it worked on 4.3 (N900W8) not sure if it'll work with 4.4.2.
2nd option is to get a hardware unlock code from a retailer who unlocks phones.
If I were in your position, I'd try and return the USED phone back to the person you bought it from as it was clearly tampered with. You bought a phone which has KNOX 0x1 which VOIDS your warranty. You were under the assumption that the phone you bought was brand new in the box, FALSE ADVERTISING.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

The manager is more than willing to help me by getting me a new device. As mentioned in the previous post, i do hope that this one is unmodified/unrooted out of the box. Anything to look out for besides the software download information screen?
May i ask where you got your device? maybe i can go there and get mine. I might take you up on that offer, and I can swing by to get you. I live on the border of milton/oakville so you're not that far out.Go to school in st.catharines. It seems you're much more knowledgeable about this that i was at first.
appreciate the help
nexxusty said:
Bro.....
Meet me at the store you bought this from in T.O, I will get you a refund in 5 minutes.
Not even slightly kidding.
You were RIPPED OFF bud!! Do not allow that to go down. Tell them to switch it for another one, until you get one that has a warranty.
Seriously, my offer stands. If you want to meet down there sometime this week I would be glad to do so, I live about an hour outside the GTA but I don't give a ****. If there is anything I can do to help you in this situation I'll do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

tedmonddo said:
The manager is more than willing to help me by getting me a new device. As mentioned in the previous post, i do hope that this one is unmodified/unrooted out of the box. Anything to look out for besides the software download information screen?
May i ask where you got your device? maybe i can go there and get mine. I might take you up on that offer, and I can swing by to get you. I live on the border of milton/oakville so you're not that far out.Go to school in st.catharines. It seems you're much more knowledgeable about this that i was at first.
appreciate the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I traded a Red Nexus 5 I had at the time for a Black Unlocked Note 3 +$200 cash on Kijiji. Came with a Spigen Slim Armor too.
There are tons of decent deals on Kijiji, you NEED to know how to spot fakes, check IMEI's, look for defects, etc.
I can help you find something if you'd like, just say the word. I will still help you deal with the other guy as well. I'll bring an SD card with .apk's on it like CPU-Z to make sure it's legit. The IMEI we just type in protectyourdata.ca on my phone or tethered laptop to make sure it isn't blacklisted. Checking for unlock is easy too, as long as we have multiple sims from different companies (I have 2, we might have 3 with yours).
I'll make sure you walk out of there with a fully legitimate Note 3. 100%.
If I can help a fellow XDA'er, a Canadian to boot, I will do it in a heartbeat.
Sometimes I come off like a **** (especially to n00bs, I am really mean now and then...) but I am always willing to help.

I watched a few videos on how to spot fake devices and this one was legit for sure. I plan to go saturday to get this sorted out once and for all. The problem is i require the knox to be 0x0 as my part time job requires me to have a phone that is enterprise capable, for the byod. In the event he only has rooted unlocked phones, i will get my money back because i need a legit clean phone.
as mentioned i really appreciate the help, Can you send me a PM with your phone number? If you have a few hours to spare on saturday im more than willing to swing by and get you, in hopes to figure out my phone problem.
nexxusty said:
I traded a Red Nexus 5 I had at the time for a Black Unlocked Note 3 +$200 cash on Kijiji. Came with a Spigen Slim Armor too.
There are tons of decent deals on Kijiji, you NEED to know how to spot fakes, check IMEI's, look for defects, etc.
I can help you find something if you'd like, just say the word. I will still help you deal with the other guy as well. I'll bring an SD card with .apk's on it like CPU-Z to make sure it's legit. The IMEI we just type in protectyourdata.ca on my phone or tethered laptop to make sure it isn't blacklisted. Checking for unlock is easy too, as long as we have multiple sims from different companies (I have 2, we might have 3 with yours).
I'll make sure you walk out of there with a fully legitimate Note 3. 100%.
If I can help a fellow XDA'er, a Canadian to boot, I will do it in a heartbeat.
Sometimes I come off like a **** (especially to n00bs, I am really mean now and then...) but I am always willing to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

tedmonddo said:
I watched a few videos on how to spot fake devices and this one was legit for sure. I plan to go saturday to get this sorted out once and for all. The problem is i require the knox to be 0x0 as my part time job requires me to have a phone that is enterprise capable, for the byod. In the event he only has rooted unlocked phones, i will get my money back because i need a legit clean phone.
as mentioned i really appreciate the help, Can you send me a PM with your phone number? If you have a few hours to spare on saturday im more than willing to swing by and get you, in hopes to figure out my phone problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand. Knox containers, etc. hehe.
Will PM you my number. Just to let you know though, I'm NOT a small guy. I hope you don't have a Smart Car or something... lol.
6'4, 330 lbs here.
Talk soon.

no smart car here. will wait for pm
nexxusty said:
I totally understand. Knox containers, etc. hehe.
Will PM you my number. Just to let you know though, I'm NOT a small guy. I hope you don't have a Smart Car or something... lol.
6'4, 330 lbs here.
Talk soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse