Database Users

I think I'm bricked?

I thought I'd clean up the OP for folks who got here with similar issues as me since it seems more common than we'd like.
Scenario:
Phone does not turn on without the charger or USB plugged in.
When plugged in, it boot loops at the Google logo (i.e. turns off at the logo, and reboots) and gives what is beginning to be referred to as the the 'red LED of death'--where the LED just blinks read.
The bootloader is accessible when plugged in. But trying to boot into recovery causes a loop. If you try to enter recovery, the phone has to turn off then boot back into recovery. But turning off means that when it turns on it will loop at the Google logo. So, booting into recovery is NOT an option.
Download mode is also accessible when plugged in.
Since the bootloader is accessible, it is possible to flash the factory image to the phone, however, doing so does not resolve the boot loop, nor does it allow the phone to turn on without being plugged in.
Fixes which have worked for some people
Instructions in this post worked for a couple people. NOTE: you have to be able to get into the bootloader for this to work.
One person who left it in download mode plugged into the PC (which was off) overnight, and somehow the problem was resolved. Thread here.
Here's a post in this thread from a user who was able to get it booting up again by leaving it on the charger for a bit.

You fool.

abnormalreply said:
In sum: I started using the Faux kernel with AOKP. OC'd to 1.6Ghz and started Antutu. Phone crashed and now it doesn't boot. When I plug in the charger, there's the battery icon with the lighting bolt which I think indicates that the battery is dead. But it's not dead, it was around 95% when I started Antutu. So, it's constantly turning on and off showing that battery icon while plugged in, but doesn't start up. Anything I can do about this?
Also, the computer only detects it briefly, before the phone turns off again, so ADB/fastboot/toolkit seems out of the question, because it doesn't stay detected long enough to do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tape the power button down so it goes into a power cycle. Leave it until the battery is totally dead. Then plug it into the wall outlet, let it fully charge. Then try turning it on.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Your computer only detects it briefly? perhaps it'll detect it if you boot into Bootloader mode (not sure if you were able to from reading the OP)
Press and hold volume down, volume up, and power until the device boots. If you successfully enter Bootloader mode you can find steps on how to return to stock here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312

overhauling said:
Your computer only detects it briefly? perhaps it'll detect it if you boot into Bootloader mode (not sure if you were able to from reading the OP)
Press and hold volume down, volume up, and power until the device boots. If you successfully enter Bootloader mode you can find steps on how to return to stock here: [/QUOTE]
Yeah, it would be nice if...en if I get into the bootloader for a second.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

abnormalreply said:
In sum: I started using the Faux kernel with AOKP. OC'd to 1.6Ghz and started Antutu. Phone crashed and now it doesn't boot. When I plug in the charger, there's the battery icon with the lighting bolt which I think indicates that the battery is dead. But it's not dead, it was around 95% when I started Antutu. So, it's constantly turning on and off showing that battery icon while plugged in, but doesn't start up. Anything I can do about this?
Also, the computer only detects it briefly, before the phone turns off again, so ADB/fastboot/toolkit seems out of the question, because it doesn't stay detected long enough to do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on the same boat. i already contacted CSR anh they will send me a new one. after flash new kernel and start antutu, the n4 crashed and completely dead.

I'm pretty sure the battery with the lightning bolt means its charging.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

ntt1409 said:
i am on the same boat. i already contacted CSR anh they will send me a new one. after flash new kernel and start antutu, the n4 crashed and completely dead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omg.. you don't need a replacement. Stop trying to load roms and kernals if you do not know how.
sent via xda premium with nexus 7

Ulver said:
I'm pretty sure the battery with the lightning bolt means its charging.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but it's already full charged. Even if I leave it on the charger for a while, it still doesn't start up

KonstantinKeller said:
Tape the power button down so it goes into a power cycle. Leave it until the battery is totally dead. Then plug it into the wall outlet, let it fully charge. Then try turning it on.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say try this to drain the battery. Then charge it and see what happens.

So how exactly did the phone brick? Just so everyone here knows what not to do. Is it the kernel that caused it since its still in experimental stages?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

abnormalreply said:
In sum: I started using the Faux kernel with AOKP. OC'd to 1.6Ghz and started Antutu. Phone crashed and now it doesn't boot. When I plug in the charger, there's the battery icon with the lighting bolt which I think indicates that the battery is dead. But it's not dead, it was around 95% when I started Antutu. So, it's constantly turning on and off showing that battery icon while plugged in, but doesn't start up. Anything I can do about this?
Also, the computer only detects it briefly, before the phone turns off again, so ADB/fastboot/toolkit seems out of the question, because it doesn't stay detected long enough to do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried reflashibg or using your nan droid back up from the recovery console?
Just because our won't not does not mean it is bricked.
It is really ticking me of that many people do not even have our phones and you are exchanging because of ignorance. Surely all these exchanges must impact stock. I know they keep extras but how many?
Stop messing with things you know nothing about until you at least learn..
sent via xda premium with nexus 7

abnormalreply said:
Yeah, it would be nice if I could get into the bootloader :/
But as I mentioned, it 'thinks' the battery is dead so it just keeps turning on and off even if I get into the bootloader for a second.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the point. It'll turn on and off until the battery is ACTUALLY dead. Then, charge it fully, and try to start it.

Dude this happened to me last night! Same ROM kernel combo! And fired up an tutu after ocing point is this should not be happening just made a thread and seen this here! Freaky! I'm telling u people beware something is up for sure been doing this a long time never seen this before

First if you have an unlocked bootloader, your replacement won't be free. As soon as Google gets it and realizes it's unlocked they will charge you full price for your replacement.
Second, Nexus devices are next to impossible to brick. There is probably a way to reset the device. I would try first unplug the device from your computer or charger and try holding the power button for a full 15-20 seconds. Then try booting into bootloader or recovery. If that doesn't work, try holding volume up and power for 15-20 seconds. If that doesn't work, try volume down and power for 15-20 seconds. And if that one doesn't work try holding all 3 down for 15-20 seconds. This sounds like a problem that would more than likely be fixed by removing the battery and rebooting. Since this doesn't have a removable battery there has to be a built in 'hard reset' that will power cycle the phone.
I am willing to bet there is a way to get this working. I guarantee if I had it here in front of me I could.
Also, like someone else has said before, if you are a not good at diagnosing problems, troubleshooting problems, fixing this kind of stuff on your own and adb/fastboot, it makes no sense to be using experimental software on your device. Especially if you plan on pushing its boundaries by overclocking and running benchmark software. If I were you, after you get this straightened out, wait a while until stuff is more ppolished and tested better.

So, by sheer luck, I was able to get into the bootloader and have it stay on. I was then able to use the toolkit (option 9) to flash the google factory stock image. This completed successfully, and I was also able to re-lock the bootloader, but I still have the same problem as I did before: battery charging icon and constant reboot. So, it's completely stock now and the issue is still there. Would it be reasonable to assume that the issue isn't software and I somehow got a hardware failure?

Yo hold power down then plug USB in then right after hold all three button .like after u plus in USB while holding power button then at same time hold volume buttons also this is how I got into download mode.....but.....phone was not detected and comp SD there was a driver failure. But yes dude phone was charged. And I had same exact combo as u I mean same exact. This is why it is freaky. Aokp was fine all day then when I flashed faux test kernel and fired up antutu I just had a flash then nothing. Not blaming anyone of course it was me who chose to flash after all this is custom software and I love these guys work just wish I knew what did it ....like what actually did it

Richieboy67 said:
Omg.. you don't need a replacement. Stop trying to load roms and kernals if you do not know how.
sent via xda premium with nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously... thousands of people waiting for the phone to become available, and people who deserve to have their phone bricked are getting 2nds for free.

abnormalreply said:
So, by sheer luck, I was able to get into the bootloader and have it stay on. I was then able to use the toolkit (option 9) to flash the google factory stock image. This completed successfully, and I was also able to re-lock the bootloader, but I still have the same problem as I did before: battery charging icon and constant reboot. So, it's completely stock now and the issue is still there. Would it be reasonable to assume that the issue isn't software and I somehow got a hardware failure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to do the same thing but it would vibrate then see Google for a sec then nothing and back to a blinking red light....dude this is crazy I can't. Believe this happened to another person the same exact way

dammit. And I was just going to try this combo. Guess that's gonna be a no go.
Last ditch effort is to unscrew the two t5 screws at the bottom and do a real battery pull. Probably wont work, but what do you have to lose?

[Q] Nexus 10 wont turn on.

I placed my nexus 10 on charging yesterday, and after a while (2-4 hours later) when i came back, i found the device to be turned off, I tried the power button in all the combination with volume buttons, but still no luck (even held the power button for 3mins) I searched online, and couldnt find any help on other forums. Some said to keep it on charging overnight and then try powering it up. But still no luck.
I dont get any notification when i connect it to charger, although when i press the power button while connected the screen lights up, and battery charging sign shows up.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

epicbearman said:
I placed my nexus 10 on charging yesterday, and after a while (2-4 hours later) when i came back, i found the device to be turned off, I tried the power button in all the combination with volume buttons, but still no luck (even held the power button for 3mins) I searched online, and couldnt find any help on other forums. Some said to keep it on charging overnight and then try powering it up. But still no luck.
I dont get any notification when i connect it to charger, although when i press the power button while connected the screen lights up, and battery charging sign shows up.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you cannot even get to the recovery?
You ether over charged it (very unlikely to happen) or you have a faulty N10.
Sent from my Nexus 4

andyabc said:
So you cannot even get to the recovery?
You ether over charged it (very unlikely to happen) or you have a faulty N10.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, can't even get to recovery. But i have been using the device for over two months now, nothing like this ever happened. What about the charging sign when i press the power button. It might be some kind of a sleep mode or something, no?

epicbearman said:
No, can't even get to recovery. But i have been using the device for over two months now, nothing like this ever happened. What about the charging sign when i press the power button. It might be some kind of a sleep mode or something, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be a bootloader corruption, software issue, hardware issue or some part of the hardware "thinks" that it is still on when it is not causing it to not switch on.
Have you noticed any issues before it just came off like extreme overheating?
Sent from my Nexus 4

andyabc said:
Could be a bootloader corruption, software issue, hardware issue or some part of the hardware "thinks" that it is still on when it is not causing it to not switch on.
Have you noticed any issues before it just came off like extreme overheating?
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yes the tablet was getting overheated after a long session of hd videos, or games, but that use to happen all the times.

I believe this is normally called a "Sleep of Death" or sometimes "screen off death". Hold power + vol up + vol down at the same time for 5 seconds and you should boot into fastboot. From there hit the power button to turn the tablet on. Then go about finding a better ROM/kernel combo that doesnt give you this problem.

EniGmA1987 said:
I believe this is normally called a "Sleep of Death" or sometimes "screen off death". Hold power + vol up + vol down at the same time for 5 seconds and you should boot into the bootloader. From there hit the power button to turn the tablet on. Then go about finding a better ROM/kernel combo that doesnt give you this problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like i said, its not working i tried using that combination, it wouldnt budge. Screen wont even turn on.

EniGmA1987 said:
I believe this is normally called a "Sleep of Death" or sometimes "screen off death". Hold power + vol up + vol down at the same time for 5 seconds and you should boot into the bootloader. From there hit the power button to turn the tablet on. Then go about finding a better ROM/kernel combo that doesnt give you this problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need to press power and volume down to enter the bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 4
---------- Post added at 11:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:34 PM ----------
epicbearman said:
Like i said, its not working i tried using that combination, it wouldnt budge. Screen wont even turn on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try press and holding the power button for around 10 seconds and then try powering it up again.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Are you using the charger/cable that came with your device?

Its working.
Weird how it was taking any input from the power button though. I kept the tablet on charging over night and i tried turning it on in the morning and it worked.
Thank you all.

epicbearman said:
Its working.
Weird how it was taking any input from the power button though. I kept the tablet on charging over night and i tried turning it on in the morning and it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my Nexus 10 for less than a week, and this morning I encountered this problem. I was working on setting up syncing through an app called FolderSync and SugarSync. Syncing of one of the folders seemed to go into a loop. The device locked up completely a couple times. I got the process running again and left it running while I went for a workout. When I came back no way could I get it turned on.
I had tried all the things suggested here before checking here for help. I'll try your "solution" of leaving the device on charge overnight. If I can't get it going tomorrow morning I'll return it to Staples, where I bought it.
I have an iPad and have never encountered anything even close to these problems. Bought the Nexus 10 specifically to run the Vim Touch app for Android. The only Vim app for the iPad is horribly crippled.
Sounds like this thread pretty much exhausted the possibilities by the time epicbearman discovered his "solution," but if by chance anyone has any further suggestions I would be grateful.
Thanks,
Eric Weir

I had the exact problem as the OP and none of my chargers worked. I then googled and found someone that said to try to charge via their PC USB instead of the wall charger. I left it plugged into the USB for a couple of hours and the charge went to 4% ( so it must have been very dead ) and all is well.

I charged it via the usb charger, and connected it to my pc overnight. Try doing that.

Take off the back and disconnect the battery and reconnect it
Sent from my Nexus 4 @1.67 GHz on Stock 4.2.2

IRX120 said:
Take off the back and disconnect the battery and reconnect it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. If I'd gotten this in time, I suspect it would've worked. But when I couldn't get it started after trying everything else and leaving it on charge overnight, I returned it to Staples.
Will order a Nexus 7 from Google. If I can get Vim Touch running successfully---my reason for wanting an Android tablet---and I find the screen to small for heavy writing---I want to get by with a soft keyboard---I'll order another 10 and give the 7 to my daughter.
Thanks again,
Eric Weir

Nexus 7 won't turn on

It seems there are already several threads about this seemingly common issue with this tablet, but I've tried the normal checks and still can't get any life out of my dad's nexus 7 whatsoever.
I've found several threads stating it's just a loose battery, but in this case it isn't. I've checked absolutely every single connection I can get to without removing the void if removed bits, and can't find anything suspect. However it still won't turn on, won't charge, etc. It's not a faulty charger or cable either, we've all got android in my immediate family and we can't get any life out of it with any lead or charger. It was simply working one day, it was turned off the way it always is once my dad had finished using it, and now it simply won't come back on again.
I also saw some people say to get it into bootloader mode by holding volume down and power straight after plugging it in, but that too does nothing whatsoever?
Does anyone know of anything else I can try, short of sending it back to Asus?

How long have you had it?
This sounds like something that should be addressed as a warranty situation, as anything else may be kludgy at best, and may fail again just after your warranty runs out.
I wouldn't really waste any more time.
JMnsHO.... :beer:

My dad has had it about half a year, maybe a little more. But he bought it from Comet, who no longer exist since they went under just after Christmas, so he can't return it to them now. Unless it'd just go straight to Asus instead.

I had exactly the same issue.......I fixed it by disconnecting the battery and reconnecting which by the sound of your post you have already tried.......you should be able to go straight to Asus for repair.......good luck....
Sent from my Evo 3D GSM using xda app-developers app

After probably 30 days it would need to go back to ASUS anyway.
As I'd said, I wouldn't waste more time fussing with it.
They'll take care of it and still preserve the balance of the warranty.
If you messed with it too much, you may find yourself with none at all, and on the hook for the cost of the repair.
Make the call.. :thumbup:

Well I've not done anything that shows I've been in there like I say, so any manufacturer warranty should still be intact. Same goes for the software too, not rooted, on the standard rom and kernel, etc.
I was just hoping I could fix it for my dad without having to send it off.

Not yet, but anything else would be more 'intrusive'.
How long have you been working on it?

Not long, only 10 minutes here or there to see if I could find something loose. I might check the voltage of it's battery to see if it's flat, and also check to see if any power is getting to the battery while charging. That'll help prove if the battery or it's control board is dead or not.

Just checked the battery over. It's a 3.7v battery according to the label, and my multimeter shows 3.7v, so the battery is fine with no loose connections. At the connector for the power button ribbon cable, I get the 1.8v that should trigger the tablet to power up when the power button is pressed, and the power button is good too, only showing continuity when pressed. Again, no loose connections. But the bloody thing still won't turn on.
Any more ideas?

When you say that you "tried all the normal checks", does that include all of the fixes listed in the sticky dedicated to this subject?

billykxda said:
When you say that you "tried all the normal checks", does that include all of the fixes listed in the sticky dedicated to this subject?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, your thread is about a faulty or loose battery. As I've said, it's not a loose connection and I've now tested the battery too. Unless you can think of something that I've missed?

StuartTheFish said:
Yes, unless you can think of something I've missed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sticky has all of the well-researched methods of addressing the collection of related issues (won't turn on/won't turn off/battery status). It is not only about a faulty or loose battery - there's much more.
Give it a read and let me know if there's a fix in there for you.

billykxda said:
That sticky has all of the well-researched methods of addressing the collection of related issues (won't turn on/won't turn off/battery status). It is not only about a faulty or loose battery - there's much more.
Give it a read and let me know if there's a fix in there for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read it all, and unfortunately there's nothing in it for me.

If your able to get to bootloader maybe try to power off then let it charge for awhile then boot, or hold the power button for a good min

It won't turn on at all, so it can't get into the bootloader. Tried already.

StuartTheFish said:
It won't turn on at all, so it can't get into the bootloader. Tried already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you tried almost everything in the box, but when you plug it in the wall and press and hold the power button do you see the screen light up but still black?
If yes ( hopefully ) then continue holding power button then press VOL down til arrow pointing with START appears. Cycle through with VOL down til you see power off and select.
After it shuts down unplug from wall and replug and let it sit for a long awhile
If this didn't help at all sorry......good luck....warranty?

RubbleTea said:
I know you tried almost everything in the box, but when you plug it in the wall and press and hold the power button do you see the screen light up but still black?
If yes ( hopefully ) then continue holding power button then press VOL down til arrow pointing with START appears. Cycle through with VOL down til you see power off and select.
After it shuts down unplug from wall and replug and let it sit for a long awhile
If this didn't help at all sorry......good luck....warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing happens whatsoever mate, even while plugged into the charger. Tried the original charger, my s4 charger, my old HTC chargers, from the pc via USB, etc. None of them make any difference.
Got a feeling it might be the motherboard, as it has power. Can't be the display since I've tried getting a logcat from it after holding the power button for a while to make sure it would have turned on. ADB just kept saying "waiting for device" as if it wasn't plugged in, confirming it isn't even turning on.

Can anyone think of anything I've missed?

StuartTheFish said:
Can anyone think of anything I've missed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can the pogo pins be used to charge? bit of a long shot and you`d need to buy/borrow a dock of some sort. Definitely sounds like a hardware failure issue.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Pogo pins?
It already seems to be charged though.

[Q] Can't Power On

I was using the Nexus Root Toolkit v1.7.9 to flash stock back onto the device when it hung. Went to a black screen and then refused to power on. To elaborate, it will not display a battery icon when on the charger, nor can I get the device to display anything on the screen with any button combination. No fastboot. No twrp. Nothing. The only sign of life I have gotten from it is when connecting a usb to my computer (Windows 8.1) and holding down the power button on the device, I can hear it "connect" to the computer. In device manager, it shows up as APX. It had previously been shown as a USB device that could not return an ID...or something to that effect.
Without being able to boot the device up, I am clueless as to what to do. I have tried charging it for an hour. I have tried all button combinations, along with holding them for various lengths of time. I am just out of ideas and can't seem to find anyone else experiencing this exact issue.
Is anybody with more experience able to point me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance.

This happened to me awhile ago. When I first started to read about this issue it was that the battery becomes lose causing this issue. Another is just letting it sit idle for so long and no matter what the battery level it would cause this as well. Sorry can't remember all the technical stuff on that one.
I eventually contacted asus and sent it back. About two weeks later I was sent a new one.
Sent from my SCH-I545

[Q] Help! Nexus7 won't turn on!

Totally new here. got my nexus 7(2012) since nov 2012. This morning, I was chatting with friends and my device suddenly froze for 10 mins. i couldnt wait long so i restarted it by holding the power button. now it won't open even if i did the power + volume keys, nothing appears. even when i plug it in the wall charger or on my pc and laptop. still no charging logo or any indication it was on and my laptop says installing new device but always ends up failing so i cant back up my files from my device. I'm not a techy person so i made absolute no effort to root my device. just chatting and some occasional gaming. Please help can't afford to buy a new device for a long while
*btw its a 32gb nexus 7(2012). not sure if this additional info is helpful or not.

Do you get any sort of screen when you try to turn it on ? I.E. do you see the Google logo for a few seconds? Or do you see nothing?
My guess is with a hardware failure or your battery has come loose. When my battery becomes unplugged, I will see the Google logo and then a bunch of funky colors and it will reboot constantly when plugged in. It dies if unplugged, and It also turns on the second it is plugged in.
So if you suspect the battery, there are videos on YouTube to walk you through popping the back off along with pushing the battery back in. I used black electrical tape to hold my battery in place better once I confirmed that was what my problem was.
Merrell
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

I would check to see if the battery connection came loose. Its an easy fix to try and was your tablet overly hot or any bulging?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Dark Jedi said:
I would check to see if the battery connection came loose. Its an easy fix to try and was your tablet overly hot or any bulging?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am so sorry for not replying. i know its too late now because i was asking this info on another thread. i i already tried removing and reinserting the battery on my device.
the nature of my device is that its all black screen. even when you charge it, theres no charging animation that shows or any backlight. its like its really off without anything plugged.
when i plugged it in the pc under device manager, it says apx mode. kinda depressed cuz i think the device is already dead cuz i cant even do the power button + vol down thingie :crying:.

Try pressing and holding in the power button for a long time, up to a minute.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app