Database Users

[HOWTO] [REF] Get Download Mode without 3-button combo using homemade JIG

This guide is for the situation where your phone is not booting and the three-button combo for getting into download mode is not working for some reason, and you have tried all the other solutions in the FAQ. It won't help you if you can already get into download mode but something else is going wrong with the flashing process, for example you can't get Odin to communicate with the phone.
If the phone's bootloader is still intact, that is you see at least the white Galaxy S/Samsung/AT&T logo or the "PC ! Phone" logo on the screen, you should be able to force it into download mode by connecting a homemade jig that simulates the Samsung "Anyway" field test jig. You can buy these jigs online, or make them using a micro USB plug and a resistor.
If your phone screen is always black, that is it does not display the white Galaxy S/Samsung/AT&T logo when you switch it on, then sorry, this jig will not help you.
If this helps you recover your bricked phone, please donate to the CyanogenMod developers: go to this thread and click the link under "SUPPORT US". Thanks.
If you don't want to buy a pre-made jig, you can build one yourself from a few parts. You will need:
1. a micro USB plug that you can solder onto. If you are not confident with soldering or you just want a tidy solution, buy this micro USB breakout board from Sparkfun.
Otherwise, get a cheap micro USB cable and cut the sleeving off the plug with a sharp knife. You cannot just wire onto the cable because this jig uses a normally-unused pin (pin 4) of the micro USB plug which will not be connected to the cable.
2. a 301k resistor. You can buy one from Digikey, or make one up by joining several resistors together in series, for example 3x100k and 1x1k. The resistor value does need to be fairly accurate (I would guess within 1% of 301k) to trigger download mode. 300K seems to work for everyone so far.
Procedure:
1. Solder the resistor across pins 4 and 5 of the micro USB plug. Do not do this with the plug plugged in to the phone as the heat could damage the phone's USB socket. The pins are shown in this diagram ("Micro-B"). On the Sparkfun micro USB breakout board they are labelled "ID" (pin 4) and "GND" (pin 5). When the plug is plugged in to the phone they will be the pins closest to the headphone socket.
2. Make sure the phone is fully switched off by pulling the battery, waiting 5 minutes, then replacing the battery. Do not switch the phone on.
3. Connect the rigged USB plug to the phone. Try not to touch the pins on the back of the plug or the resistor(s) as you are plugging it in, as your skin resistance could affect the resistor value seen by the phone. You do not need to press the power button. After a few seconds the phone should go into download mode.
4. Disconnect the rigged USB plug and connect a regular USB cable from your PC to the phone, then you should be able to flash using Odin.
For more information on how this works see this thread and this thread.

I knew you guys would figure it out - well done. I will build one before I attempt rooting and flashing
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

If this works then thats amazing, I will have to make one!

Well we only have one confirmation so far. If it does work for you please let us know what state your phone was in prior to using it as I'm interested to see what problems it can repair.

TheBeano said:
Well we only have one confirmation so far. If it does work for you please let us know what state your phone was in prior to using it as I'm interested to see what problems it can repair.
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Click to collapse
I would try but my phone is with samsung and I'm not all too handy with a soldering iron =)

Hi, anyone have pictures of the cable with the resistor soldered? I am just unsure where to solder it, is it on the micro usb cable side or the standard usb (on which end of the cable?) and which part of the cable do you need to cut open? (i heard there is a pin/wire that usually isn't used?)
Also, if i decided to go with the breakout board, i would only have to get the board+301k resistor plugged in the 4 and 5 pin and plug it in the galaxy and would boot in download mode?
Thank you very much!

Thank You!
TheBeano said:
you should be able to flash using Odin
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Click to collapse
Oh, man, You are cooool It works like a charm for Me. Thank You!

This is awesome!
added to the wiki

sackofnoise said:
I am just unsure where to solder it, is it on the micro usb cable side or the standard usb (on which end of the cable?) and which part of the cable do you need to cut open? (i heard there is a pin/wire that usually isn't used?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the micro USB plug has 5 pins (regular USB plug has 4) so it has to be the micro USB plug. You have to cut the sleeving (insulation) right off the plug. You can disconnect the cable from the plug or leave it attached, but don't plug the other end (the regular USB end) into anything.
sackofnoise said:
Also, if i decided to go with the breakout board, i would only have to get the board+301k resistor plugged in the 4 and 5 pin and plug it in the galaxy and would boot in download mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's all there is to it.

Tried it, worked once. now phone not doing anything. no lights or boot screen......

MarkyG82 said:
Tried it, worked once. now phone not doing anything. no lights or boot screen......
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Click to collapse
Were you able to flash it after it went into download mode? Did you try pulling the battery for a while?

Thanks for your reply. I got it working by your suggestion. Seen many others saying leave the battery out for a while and also seen peeps saying do the 3buttonbootwhile inserting the battery.
As my home made jig was soldered with the pins out of the plug I wiggled it/them about in the socket to ensure a connection was made, then I inserted the battery.
Panic over. Flashed JP1 with 512. not been on for long so cant confirm all is working but looks promising.
I am putting this gadget in a !!!!!!S.A.F.E!!!!!! place.
Also will be available for borrowing in the S/SE UK if anyone is interested.
Im gonna leave playing firmware for while as my heart cant take much more at the mo
Many thanks to OP and others for various tips.
The short answer is yes

MarkyG82 said:
Thanks for your reply. I got it working by your suggestion. Seen many others saying leave the battery out for a while and also seen peeps saying do the 3buttonbootwhile inserting the battery.
As my home made jig was soldered with the pins out of the plug I wiggled it/them about in the socket to ensure a connection was made, then I inserted the battery.
Panic over. Flashed JP1 with 512. not been on for long so cant confirm all is working but looks promising.
I am putting this gadget in a !!!!!!S.A.F.E!!!!!! place.
Also will be available for borrowing in the S/SE UK if anyone is interested.
Im gonna leave playing firmware for while as my heart cant take much more at the mo
Many thanks to OP and others for various tips.
The short answer is yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you take a pictures of the micro usb soldered and about the procedure or a short video to youtube

haha
d47 said:
If this works then thats amazing, I will have to make one!
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Click to collapse
and if u make one ill have to come see you soo i can get mine done since your only in bris haha

celtichazard said:
Can you take a pictures of the micro usb soldered and about the procedure or a short video to youtube
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Click to collapse
1+ yess please so we know what we are doing thnx

natao2nv said:
and if u make one ill have to come see you soo i can get mine done since your only in bris haha
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Click to collapse
haha gladly, I've ordered all the parts (i had to get a soldering iron and the whole kit lol).

d47 said:
haha gladly, I've ordered all the parts (i had to get a soldering iron and the whole kit lol).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha i have a soldering iron how hrd do ya rekon it will be to make this thing do u rekon it wil boot a non 3 button download on black screen of death ph-!-pc into download mode soo i can get a stick rom back on it i realy miss my galaxy this xperia x10 cost me more but nothing the same haha
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

celtichazard said:
Can you take a pictures of the micro usb soldered and about the procedure or a short video to youtube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill see what i can do when i get home. The hardest bit was to make sure the soldered tops of the pins dont touch. Had to redo them a few times. Resistors got hot too but as it worked im confident i didnt bust them.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

G
MarkyG82 said:
Ill see what i can do when i get home. The hardest bit was to make sure the soldered tops of the pins dont touch. Had to redo them a few times. Resistors got hot too but as it worked im confident i didnt bust them.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking forward to see this
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

Thanks everyone who helped solve this problem. I have a i9000 and flashed it with the captivate rom. I could not charge the phone so I tried to reflash with original software, I used the 803 pit file. It stopped and i waited for about 10 minutes and disconnected the phone and I got the screen of death.
I did this last week and was going to take it to Samsung after the Froyo upgrade came live and I was going to say that it happened when I tried to upgrade.
Guess what I made this USB factory jig and I was so happy that it went into download mode. This made me so happy many thanks and i will wait until the official upgrade comes.
I used a old nokia USB connector stripped the plastic off and bought a 300k resistor from Jaycar for 45 cents and this must be the best 45 cents I have ever spent.
harry

[Q] Fastboot OEM unlock without USB cable?

I had a problem with my Nexus One's usb port, the pins got bent, and so I sent it into HTC for repair. Well they told me it would cost $250, and that it wouldn't be covered because they suspected user damage. (I never dropped it, my cables just stopped working and I noticed the pins were bent, so I don't think it's anything I did wrong).
Anyways, so I decided not to repair the phone, and I would just hook up a wireless charging system from the Palm Pre and transfer all my data using wifi.
Well, when I got my phone back, HTC was nice enough to relock the bootloader for me, so now I can't install cyanogen, and I can't unlock the bootloader because I can't get a USB cable to work.
Is there anyway to unlock the bootloader without a USB cable? Any help would be appreciated.

I would try adb wireless (on the market) or SSH into the phone
Edit: which, these only make sense (and I doubt either work) if you still have root, which is probably not the case

Yea you can connect ADB over WiFi - but you need the cable (or root privelges) to switch to wifi mode. You can try of them one-click root apps, then get the adb wifi widget.

I ended up getting a USB cable to work if I held it at the right angle, so I got the fastboot unlock, couldn't send a recovery firmware, but I was able to use ADB to send the files over and do a manual root, and then put a recovery on the phone. So I have resolved my problem. Next time I would be sure to not do any updates if they ship the phone with 2.2 on it.

I believe that they use a standard microUSB receptacle, which can be removed and a new one can be soldered, for a fraction of the repair price. Moreover, with tiny screwdrivers you might be able to actually correct the misaligned connector pieces.

Jack_R1 said:
I believe that they use a standard microUSB receptacle, which can be removed and a new one can be soldered, for a fraction of the repair price. Moreover, with tiny screwdrivers you might be able to actually correct the misaligned connector pieces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is that the leads that actually make the contact have probably popped off of the ceramic part that they are normally glued to.
This will make it very hard to actually use the cable without bending the contact leads backwards into the case.
That happened to me once with an older phone.

USB contact weakness?

My Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is 2 years old. The last few months, I have had problems charging the phone and connecting it to the computer.
In order to charge, I have to "wiggle" the cable into the right position. When I try connecting to the computer via cable, the phone appears to disconnect again within few seconds, and then reconnect - I am returned to the screen that shows the green android figure and that asks if I want to connect to the computer.
I have tried with a new USB cable. Charging gets easier (not so much "wiggling" required), but the problem with connecting to the computer is the same.
Does anyone know what the problem might be? Is this a hardware weakness, so that Sony should repair it? Or should I just buy a new phone?

Hardware Weakness

Should probably rephrase... Is this a KNOWN hardware weakness with this type of phone, so that it should be covered by the reclamation rights?
If not, the store will probably claim that this is my fault, or a device only expected to last 2 years, so that I have to buy a new phone.

Had a similar problem, solution?? Well is easy, if look (in your phone) into thd little microusb hole, youll find a little object like a sheet. Just move it. Up or down with a little screwdriver. Try the usb if not working move it upside down. JUST DO IT WITH CAUTION THAT PIECE IS TOO WEAK AND IS DANGEROUS. IT WORKED FOR ME BUT I CANNOT WARRANTY ITLL WORK FOR YOU
Sent from my X10i using xda app-developers app

I've got the same problem.. but there is no sw solution (of course..), so you have to fix it manualy.. I wanted to do it myself, but there are too small micro ****s, so I left that... I'll try it later..

I just had the same problem as yours and I asked for a technician to solder a new USB port for me. And he did it, I no longer have this problem. It is a very annoying problem, sometimes when you're transferring datas, the USB would disconnect with a just a slight bump.

I've got this problem on my x10 also, but beware - it may be something as simple as the USB cable is worn out. I thought my problem was with the phone, until I used a car charger with it and it charged perfectly - no wiggling of the cable required.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app

Thanks for all the replies.
Unfortunately, it is easier to buy a new phone than to go through the 3-weeks process of having a service center determine if the problem can be solved and if it will cost me.
Fortunately, I'm able to use another phone to copy the data from my memory card onto my computer, before I switch to a new phone
To the last poster: As written, I tried with a new cable, without much luck.

MK808B random reboots

Hi all,
I recently purchased an MK808B. Ive had a few issues with reboots.
If I try to add a bookmark to the default internet browser the device reboots. This wasnt a major issue so I downloaded Google Chrome. The device has now rebooted multiple times when trying to open some apps. Most notably when trying to open Facebook.
The WIFI signal is poor, my router is within 3 feet of the TV and I get a strong signal on other Android devices. Is there something I can do to improve the signal strength?
The device isn’t rooted. I have read on Geekbuying's blog how to do it and it seems straight forward enough but is there a better way to root? Can someone recommend a custom ROM. I have read about a couple of roms on this forum and ona couple of others. Should I flash the stock rom from geekbuyings blog? Does anyone know about Finless rom?
Also is there a default way to power off the device?

The reboot issue sounds like a power supply problem. If your PSU is too weak your device will reboot randomly when using.

Yea this is common using the stock power adapter. Those Chinese adapters aren't known for being accurate or stable.
Try powering from a PC USB or a spare name brand charger with a 1A+ output. Fixed mine.
There are lots of wifi antenna mods. Basically they did a horrible job soldering. They shorted the ground with the positive on many of them. These are dual antenna. One of mine was shorted. I fixed it by just pulling off the ground completely. I eventually removed all built in antennas and added one from an old router. Full signal now, but no where near pocketable anymore. Haha.
Most people drill a hole in the case and make a cable come out and back in... like a mushroom shape.
My favorite firmware is the Minix Hybrid by lewry. Newer ones come rooted and have a custom kernel too. Very fast and stable. Use the 720 versions. The 1080 makes things too small. You don't need to be rooted to flash roms. You flash the chips using a program.
To flash... CHECK CABLE. Mine will charge but doesn't pass data. Took me a while to figure that out.
Disconnect all USB. Hold down the little hidden button with a paper clip THEN connect the OTG port to the PC (this will also supply power). Holding the paperclip in WHILE plugging in the OTG cable is a challenge. You'll hear the PC ding immediately and ready to flash.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

S7 Edge will not fastcharge or be recognized on PC?

Hey all!
I have been having a huge issue with my SM-G935A for a few weeks now, and I would really love you guys' help finally resolving this!
There are 2 main issues:
When plugged into my PC via (any) micro USB cable, Windows displays "The last USB Device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."
And when I am charging the device via (any) micro USB cable, it does NOT fast charge. HOWEVER, if that same adapter and cable are connected to my QC2 Wireless Charger, it DOES fast charge.
The troubleshooting steps I have taken already:
Made sure the charging port was clear of any dust or debris.
Inspected for any sign of damage to port. None found.
Reboot into Safe Mode.
Used rubbing alchohol and a tiny brush to clean port. Dried in front of fan for a day and rebooted.
Tried multiple combinations of chargers/cords. It should also be noted that I only have 1 PC to test device with, but drivers were uninstalled/reinstalled via google, and then again with smartswitch. My older Galaxy S6 is recognized with no porblems.
From recovery, wiped cache
The only thing left that I can think to do software related is a FDR -_- , and I have already purchased a replacement USB port for it if it is needed.
Here is an album showing charge testing and condition of port.
Anyone have any other troubleshooting steps before I have to FDR/Replace USB port?
Thanks!!!

Your micro-usb port has failed. most likely one or both of the data pins have broken.
Mine did the same thing after about a year of ownership. unfortunately you can't really replace the part either (I tried) without replacing the screen because the capacitive buttons are attached to the same board that the micro-usb port is on.
Just charge via wireless charging and hope you don't ever need to use ODIN... maybe it's time to upgrade to a new phone.

Sean89us said:
Your micro-usb port has failed. most likely one or both of the data pins have broken.
Mine did the same thing after about a year of ownership. unfortunately you can't really replace the part either (I tried) without replacing the screen because the capacitive buttons are attached to the same board that the micro-usb port is on.
Just charge via wireless charging and hope you don't ever need to use ODIN... maybe it's time to upgrade to a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was afraid of! But I was really hoping to be able to hold off on upgrading until 5g.
I forgot to mention, I have dropped it in the pool before too... Do you think over time this might have caused corrosion?
And is there any way to actually check the pins for damage?

metalXcore said:
That's what I was afraid of! But I was really hoping to be able to hold off on upgrading until 5g.
I forgot to mention, I have dropped it in the pool before too... Do you think over time this might have caused corrosion?
And is there any way to actually check the pins for damage?
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Click to collapse
I can't imagine being dropped in the pool would cause this, just poor craftsmanship from samsung. I don't think you'd actually be able to see any damage on the pins. Like I said your phone is still perfectly usable, you just can't really use the USB port anymore. Just buy a couple extra wireless chargers to keep around and transfer anything you need to your phone wirelessly.

I was actually only concerned about being able to specifically flash with Odin >.<

Sean89us said:
Your micro-usb port has failed. most likely one or both of the data pins have broken.
Mine did the same thing after about a year of ownership. unfortunately you can't really replace the part either (I tried) without replacing the screen because the capacitive buttons are attached to the same board that the micro-usb port is on.
Just charge via wireless charging and hope you don't ever need to use ODIN... maybe it's time to upgrade to a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats exactly what I was mostly needing the port working for again >.< Lol

Update: Full factory data reset did not fix issue.

metalXcore said:
Thats exactly what I was mostly needing the port working for again >.< Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ODIN really should be a last resort. If your phone still boots, there is no reason you couldn't just apply OTA patches to it for the rest of it's life. ODIN is really only necessary if you need to fix a corrupted firmware issue (which shouldn't happen ever if you're not rooted) or if you want to flash firmware for a different variant, which is sometimes handy but never completely necessary.
Factory resets can be done from within android or from the recovery menu, and OS Upgrade ZIPs can be sideloaded on the SD Card then flashed through the recovery menu. What do you need ODIN for? Honestly i think most people overuse it, it's risky flashing a phone like that. If it gets interrupted you could hard brick your phone.
---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 AM ----------
Also, do yourself a favor and don't try to repair the USB port. I fix phones all the time so I figured I could do it, ended up completely destroying my LCD in the process and had to purchase an entire new mid-frame assembly with LCD and charging board already installed to the tune of $225, and that was still a used part.
Let me ask you this, do you have AT&T as your carrier? And are you on a modern unlimited plan (AKA not "grandfathered"), with a paid-off device (not making payments)? If so, just call 611 and ask for the Loyalty department. They are known to provide very good deals, especially if you hint that you may switch carriers. Most people can pick up a Samsung S9 for $325 or S9+ for $425. They will make you sign a 2-year commitment but your plan's price won't change at all if you have an unlimited plan.

Sean89us said:
ODIN really should be a last resort. If your phone still boots, there is no reason you couldn't just apply OTA patches to it for the rest of it's life. ODIN is really only necessary if you need to fix a corrupted firmware issue (which shouldn't happen ever if you're not rooted) or if you want to flash firmware for a different variant, which is sometimes handy but never completely necessary.
Factory resets can be done from within android or from the recovery menu, and OS Upgrade ZIPs can be sideloaded on the SD Card then flashed through the recovery menu. What do you need ODIN for? Honestly i think most people overuse it, it's risky flashing a phone like that. If it gets interrupted you could hard brick your phone.
---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 AM ----------
Also, do yourself a favor and don't try to repair the USB port. I fix phones all the time so I figured I could do it, ended up completely destroying my LCD in the process and had to purchase an entire new mid-frame assembly with LCD and charging board already installed to the tune of $225, and that was still a used part.
Let me ask you this, do you have AT&T as your carrier? And are you on a modern unlimited plan (AKA not "grandfathered"), with a paid-off device (not making payments)? If so, just call 611 and ask for the Loyalty department. They are known to provide very good deals, especially if you hint that you may switch carriers. Most people can pick up a Samsung S9 for $325 or S9+ for $425. They will make you sign a 2-year commitment but your plan's price won't change at all if you have an unlimited plan.
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Click to collapse
I am, and that could be a very good idea- thanks!