[Q] New Phone, Device Status: Custom - Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 III N900 32gb Black Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone from Amazon. The store was SHOPEBEST. (cant post links yet)
Got it, had the IMEI tag removed from the box for some reason dunno why.
Everything looks brand spanking new, got a new sim from AT&T, setup install some apps then I try to run update got the device is modified message. Wiped cache partition, restarted numerous times, never had an SD card in but i did try to put an old one in and remove it etc.
Still shows up as CUSTOM.
In odin download mode it shows:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SM-N900
CURRENT BINARY: Custom
SYSTEM STATUS: Custom
WARRANTY BIT: 1
I'm new to android so i have very little knowledge about android systems, rooting or roms or anything only the stuff i learned from hours of reading.
My question is if this phone is new WHY is it showing custom and the warranty showing 1 meaning void right out of the box? Is there anyway i can go back to stock and get the warranty back to 0?
Thanks for your time and help.

I would hazard an opinion the phone is not brand new or wasn't factory unlocked? I thought I saw something about some shop opening brand new phones, unlocking them and selling as factory unlocked. I guess they tripped flag unlocking it? Strange there was no IMEI on the box, maybe the phone IMEI and box didn't match?

pete4k said:
I would hazard an opinion the phone is not brand new or wasn't factory unlocked? I thought I saw something about some shop opening brand new phones, unlocking them and selling as factory unlocked. I guess they tripped flag unlocking it? Strange there was no IMEI on the box, maybe the phone IMEI and box didn't match?
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Click to collapse
I didn't even notice at first but the sticker is /was removed from the box. Had the caution sealed package sticker on it though. I contacted them already. There's no way this phone is brand new with the odin mode showing that.

I would return it, just for warranty sake. Also I don't think you can do OTA updates if it's custom. And if it's rooted already, it could have virus or some other stuff on it as well.

Sorry to hear that you got scammed. Though there is no way to reset the warrannty bit counter back to Ero. But you may check if you had a Super SU app in your app drawee. If it there that means your phone is rooted. So yoi can try Triangle away app it might help im not sure if it works then reflash a stock rom and do a fulk factory reset and wipe the cash partition.
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Mirage20uk said:
So yoi can try Triangle away app it might help im not sure if it works then reflash a stock rom and do a fulk factory reset and wipe the cash partition.
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Click to collapse
Don't bother with Triangle-Away. It won't reset Knox back to 0x0.

Knox seems tripped.
You def need to return this.

If it's this obvious that it wasn't unlocked by the manufacturer but instead has been modified by the reseller you might also want to shoot Amazon an email at the reports form hereabouts: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/reports/contact-us
Sometimes it helps to be specific... I find that just returning the item solves my own problem but then leaves the seller free to cause problems for others. And Amazon has from my own experience been really awesome and helpful with this stuff. I reported a seller who sold me a red-screened Kindle Fire 2 and I actually got to speak to a human being. In general I find they have some of the best support imaginable.

pete4k said:
I would return it, just for warranty sake. Also I don't think you can do OTA updates if it's custom. And if it's rooted already, it could have virus or some other stuff on it as well.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I'm returning it first thing Monday. I find it funny how the seller didn't want any problems. They told me to just return the phone for a full refund even though i used it for 3 days. They charge a restock fee for returns but i told them im not paying any restocking fee and they still said return it. They know what they did.
Mirage20uk said:
Sorry to hear that you got scammed. Though there is no way to reset the warrannty bit counter back to Ero. But you may check if you had a Super SU app in your app drawee. If it there that means your phone is rooted. So yoi can try Triangle away app it might help im not sure if it works then reflash a stock rom and do a fulk factory reset and wipe the cash partition.
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i was wondering what that was its called SuperSU has a yellow shield with a # sign on it. Is that not supposed to be included with android?
oddbehreif said:
Don't bother with Triangle-Away. It won't reset Knox back to 0x0.
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Click to collapse
Skander1998 said:
Knox seems tripped.
You def need to return this.
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Click to collapse
Yeah its going back either way. Even if i could revert it back to stock/valid warranty its still being returned because i paid for a NEW phone and someone else used it already. I don't know what they did to it or did with it. Being shady doesn't earn my business or trust.
BewareAlbatross said:
If it's this obvious that it wasn't unlocked by the manufacturer but instead has been modified by the reseller you might also want to shoot Amazon an email at the reports form hereabouts:
Sometimes it helps to be specific... I find that just returning the item solves my own problem but then leaves the seller free to cause problems for others. And Amazon has from my own experience been really awesome and helpful with this stuff. I reported a seller who sold me a red-screened Kindle Fire 2 and I actually got to speak to a human being. In general I find they have some of the best support imaginable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh you bet I'm telling amazon. These guys wasted a lot of my time with this now. I now have to wipe it, return it, go back to ATT get another sim and put my old phone back on my plan and buy another phone. So it is my duty to to warn amazon about this shady seller so other people don't fall victim to what happened to me.
Bright side to all this. I think the note is way 2 big for me so I'm thinking about trying out the nexus 5, cheaper smaller and everyone says its awesome. So thanks to this shady seller i got to test it out for a few days.

Juansito said:
Bright side to all this. I think the note is way 2 big for me so I'm thinking about trying out the nexus 5, cheaper smaller and everyone says its awesome. So thanks to this shady seller i got to test it out for a few days.
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Click to collapse
You'll find this amusing but I still prefer my old Galaxy Nexus over the Nexus 5. It may not have ran 4.4.2 perfectly but man... User-replaceable battery, amazing kernel mods, none of the weird bugs I encountered with the Nexus 5, rock solid GPS, and it took SD Cards.
I liked the Nexus 4 just fine, but man the 5 really burnt me on the Nexus line. I had a lot of problems with it. So did my coworker with his. Ended up returning both.

BewareAlbatross said:
You'll find this amusing but I still prefer my old Galaxy Nexus over the Nexus 5. It may not have ran 4.4.2 perfectly but man... User-replaceable battery, amazing kernel mods, none of the weird bugs I encountered with the Nexus 5, rock solid GPS, and it took SD Cards.
I liked the Nexus 4 just fine, but man the 5 really burnt me on the Nexus line. I had a lot of problems with it. So did my coworker with his. Ended up returning both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new to android what phone do you suggest? I want a new phone latest model. I picked the note 3 because of the screen. Although it is nice and i love using it when im at home or laying down its just not functional for me as a phone everyday.

Juansito said:
I'm new to android what phone do you suggest? I want a new phone latest model. I picked the note 3 because of the screen. Although it is nice and i love using it when im at home or laying down its just not functional for me as a phone everyday.
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Click to collapse
the sold you a repaired phone..... seems like the LCD broke and they bought a LCD from ebay and swap the board.......
the FULL LCD from ebay does not include IMEI sticker....... and some times its difficult to remove the original sticker....
I know this because I Note 3 fell and the screen broke... I bought a Black complete Note 3 without the logic board and I was good again...
My Phone was originally white....... I was able to transfer the IMEI sticker though....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-N90...e_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item4d162a5a50
it would have been better if the the knox was not tripped.... it depend how much you paid if its over 500 return it....

BewareAlbatross said:
You'll find this amusing but I still prefer my old Galaxy Nexus over the Nexus 5. It may not have ran 4.4.2 perfectly but man... User-replaceable battery, amazing kernel mods, none of the weird bugs I encountered with the Nexus 5, rock solid GPS, and it took SD Cards.
I liked the Nexus 4 just fine, but man the 5 really burnt me on the Nexus line. I had a lot of problems with it. So did my coworker with his. Ended up returning both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
antiguangenius said:
the sold you a repaired phone..... seems like the LCD broke and they bought a LCD from ebay and swap the board.......
the FULL LCD from ebay does not include IMEI sticker....... and some times its difficult to remove the original sticker....
I know this because I Note 3 fell and the screen broke... I bought a Black complete Note 3 without the logic board and I was good again...
My Phone was originally white....... I was able to transfer the IMEI sticker though....
it would have been better if the the knox was not tripped.... it depend how much you paid if its over 500 return it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$693.42 and I'm returning it first thing tomorrow morning.

Juansito said:
$693.42 and I'm returning it first thing tomorrow morning.
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Click to collapse
RETURN THAT FAST!!!! you got scammed......

antiguangenius said:
RETURN THAT FAST!!!! you got scammed......
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Click to collapse
Already got the box, packing and shipping box. Glad i have amazon a-z to fall back on just in-case these guys try to pull something when i return. Getting signature confirmation and insurance.

Juansito said:
Already got the box, packing and shipping box. Glad i have amazon a-z to fall back on just in-case these guys try to pull something when i return. Getting signature confirmation and insurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's crazy though OMG.... make sure you leaave a review warning people and report it to Amazon
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

antiguangenius said:
That's crazy though OMG.... make sure you leaave a review warning people and report it to Amazon
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read page 1, I'm reporting them to amazon as soon as i get my money back. A review wont do anything.

Juansito said:
I'm new to android what phone do you suggest? I want a new phone latest model. I picked the note 3 because of the screen. Although it is nice and i love using it when im at home or laying down its just not functional for me as a phone everyday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing I could tell you, since asking what's the best phone is like asking what's the best ROM, is go to your local carrier stores like ATT and T-Mobile, Sprint, etc... And just try out phones in your hand. Don't worry too much about specs these days. If it's running at least Android 4.2 with a 1Ghz processor it will make calls, end texts, and play cat videos. Even without, it should still.
If you want the absolute most epic and powerful phone you're already holding it as far as I know. The Note 3 not only has premiere specs but USB 3, support for something ridiculous like another 64 gigs or 128 gigs of CLASS 10 MicroSD goodness...And a stylus, which is something I've genuinely missed ever since the old WinMo 6.5 days when you could either choose the multitouch mod or the overclock mod but not both. :laugh:
Really though, your best is just go to stores and see what feels best especially since you seem to be the kind of person for whom the feel of the phone in your hand and how it carries is important. You can always then walk out of the store, go on someplace like Swappa, and find the phone at a cheaper price and probably unlocked.

Related

Did I receive an "open box" N7100....?

I just received my beautiful white N7100 and I purchased through Amazon Prime with Bluetekusa as the seller and I noticed that the box has NO seals on it like I have seen on almost every single unboxing and there was a fingerprint on the screen underneath the screen protector which is why I know that it has been opened... I did receive a US adapter inside the box but I think that they should be sealed and supply that as an external addition IMO... I am just really cautious when it comes to spending $700 on a phone that I have no idea where it came from and it has been opened...But, I am going to keep it and make sure it works correctly because I have been saving up for quite awhile and don't just wanna turn around and ship it right back.. Also, what kind of warranties are offered in the US for a phone like this (if any) cause I would like to be protected from at least mechanical failures... Thanks for any info or suggestions in advance!!
That sucks mate, of course it's always best get sealed box so that you surely know it is brandnew, but if there isn't any hairscratch and it's flawless phone then there's nothing to worry about.
Use display tester from market to see the display is perfect.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Be careful with the dodgy sellers on amazon. I never buy from third party sellers because of reasons such as this.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app
What a strange story. There was another guy who got a note 2 in my country. With all the seals intact. However it was rooted and flashed with a custom kernel! Weird! I guess you can fake the seals.
His story:
vaud27 said:
hi. this is my first time posting on xda. i bought 2 galaxy note 2 from gray market(ghills) for me and for my sister. i checked the seals before opening the box. everything is fine and i bought the 2 note after checking it. when i got home i checked everything again and i see that my note 2 is already rooted. it has an app called supersu and i check the custom binary download and it says yes and the system status is also custom instead of official. i checked the other note but it is fine. i texted the owner of the shop where i bought the note and he told me that it is impossible for them to fake the seal of the box. he's also my 'suki' so i am confident in dealing with him. do you think they can fake the seal of the box and gave me a second hand unit? the unit is good as bnew in appearance. it has no dent or hairline scratches. the plastic in the back and in the front where also there when we open the box. even the charger, battery and the headset where still in the plastic just like the other note that i bought and everything is clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Jobiza said:
That sucks mate, of course it's always best get sealed box so that you surely know it is brandnew, but if there isn't any hairscratch and it's flawless phone then there's nothing to worry about.
Use display tester from market to see the display is perfect.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fokas. said:
Be careful with the dodgy sellers on amazon. I never buy from third party sellers because of reasons such as this.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app
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Click to collapse
prinzhernan said:
What a strange story. There was another guy who got a note 2 in my country. With all the seals intact. However it was rooted and flashed with a custom kernel! Weird! I guess you can fake the seals.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I am probably over reacting but I am going to start testing it out in about an hour after the battery is fully charged and then I will know for sure if it's a keeper or not... I just have NEVER seen a box like mine on ANY unboxing video with no seals... Usually they have 3 seals... I purchased mine through Amazon Prime so I will have no problems returning it and getting a full refund if necessary... If I root this and install a custom recovery and rom can I get it back to factory state if I find it has problems within the first 30 days?? Cause that's what I had planned anyways and I did call Squaretrade and they said that they could not provide a warranty for my item... Kinda sucks! Any other options guys? Thanks!
shojus said:
Ya I am probably over reacting but I am going to start testing it out in about an hour after the battery is fully charged and then I will know for sure if it's a keeper or not... I just have NEVER seen a box like mine on ANY unboxing video with no seals... Usually they have 3 seals... I purchased mine through Amazon Prime so I will have no problems returning it and getting a full refund if necessary... If I root this and install a custom recovery and rom can I get it back to factory state if I find it has problems within the first 30 days?? Cause that's what I had planned anyways and I did call Squaretrade and they said that they could not provide a warranty for my item... Kinda sucks! Any other options guys? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why could they not provide warranty? You got it without warranty? I would return it if I could but it all boils down to you. Hope your phone is okay. *crosses fingers*
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
prinzhernan said:
Why could they not provide warranty? You got it without warranty? I would return it if I could but it all boils down to you. Hope your phone is okay. *crosses fingers*
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in the US and it's an International phone so I guess Squaretrade says that it has to have a US warranty to be covered... Sucks!
I dont know if it would be possible to remove the seals without scratching the box.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
3rd party resellers on Amazon are generally sketchy. I'd get from Newegg or wait on Amazon themselves to sell it direct. Too many shenanigans with resellers. They are generally shady people.
Nutsonfire said:
I dont know if it would be possible to remove the seals without scratching the box.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that is exactly what I thought... I did find out it is from Trinidad and Tobago area with the country code and it appears to be working fine except it says I'm roaming on T-mobile? Something to do with the APN I imagine... But it definitely did not have seals like all of the others I have seen... I plugged into Kies and upgraded to the latest OTA and I'm good I believe... :good:
shojus said:
I know that is exactly what I thought... I did find out it is from Trinidad and Tobago area with the country code and it appears to be working fine except it says I'm roaming on T-mobile? Something to do with the APN I imagine... But it definitely did not have seals like all of the others I have seen... I plugged into Kies and upgraded to the latest OTA and I'm good I believe... :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roaming on t mobile? Weird. I guess just factory reset or flash a clean unbranded stock rom.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
i bought from a guy never-msrp on ebay. which i bought phones from before. he thought he could get one up on me.. there was a double seal on the box over the original samsung seals! which wasnt put on perfect. so i assume these seal are easy to get if you can get phones in bulk. there was finger prints on the back cover. nick on the top. and finger print on the lense. opened a claim right away on ebay and won. send it back :good::good: should never have to pay that much and get a open product. thats bs
daddioj said:
i bought from a guy never-msrp on ebay. which i bought phones from before. he thought he could get one up on me.. there was a double seal on the box over the original samsung seals! which wasnt put on perfect. so i assume these seal are easy to get if you can get phones in bulk. there was finger prints on the back cover. nick on the top. and finger print on the lense. opened a claim right away on ebay and won. send it back :good::good: should never have to pay that much and get a open product. thats bs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many times imported (read: grey market) phones are opened so they can put a charging adapter in the box. I know my NIB Galaxy Nexus from the beginning of this year (from expansys) had been opened. It was to put a charging adapter in the box.
But the fingerprints are strange and suggest it wasn't NIB. eBay aggressively sides with the buyer, so I'm not surprised you won the case.
ericshmerick said:
Many times imported (read: grey market) phones are opened so they can put a charging adapter in the box. I know my NIB Galaxy Nexus from the beginning of this year (from expansys) had been opened. It was to put a charging adapter in the box.
But the fingerprints are strange and suggest it wasn't NIB. eBay aggressively sides with the buyer, so I'm not surprised you won the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess in his case there was deceit involved as his phone had a nick on the top. I don't know how that could happen if your only intent was to put a charger in.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
ericshmerick said:
Many times imported (read: grey market) phones are opened so they can put a charging adapter in the box. I know my NIB Galaxy Nexus from the beginning of this year (from expansys) had been opened. It was to put a charging adapter in the box.
But the fingerprints are strange and suggest it wasn't NIB. eBay aggressively sides with the buyer, so I'm not surprised you won the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no there is no reason to open the box to put the charger in. you put it in the shipping box like a normal person. not open up someones brandnew phone. 100% feedback not there to scam anyone. first time i even opened up a case on anyone. i got my money back and he got his used scratched phone back. i'm glad your fond of 700 dollar used products because i am sure as hell not. and his newly feedback shows other buys saying openbox now. so i'm not the only one
even if they were opened to put a "charger" in state this in the auction number one. and number 2 dont try to reseal the box.
oh and btw hows this for resealing? didnt even try to do a good job lmao look at the double seal. i took this to send to paypal
http://i47.tinypic.com/2zzry2v.jpg
if the phone looks new and it had the sticker on the front of the screen, who cares if the box was opened.
Everytime a new device comes out, peoples OCD levels goes up.
daddioj said:
no there is no reason to open the box to put the charger in. you put it in the shipping box like a normal person. not open up someones brandnew phone. 100% feedback not there to scam anyone. first time i even opened up a case on anyone. i got my money back and he got his used scratched phone back. i'm glad your fond of 700 dollar used products because i am sure as hell not. and his newly feedback shows other buys saying openbox now. so i'm not the only one
even if they were opened to put a "charger" in state this in the auction number one. and number 2 dont try to reseal the box.
oh and btw hows this for resealing? didnt even try to do a good job lmao look at the double seal. i took this to send to paypal
http://i47.tinypic.com/2zzry2v.jpg
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Click to collapse
Damn dude, chill out. You got your money back. Move on.
shook187 said:
if the phone looks new and it had the sticker on the front of the screen, who cares if the box was opened.
Everytime a new device comes out, peoples OCD levels goes up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
new phone to the market. i want it sealed. and now that you bring up the sticker, the one that goes on the back battery cover fell right off because of dirt. it has nothing to do with OCD. product used. scratches. why should we have to pay full price for it. if you bought a new car and before you got in it. the dealer put a scratch in it would you still take it? lol
---------- Post added at 03:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 AM ----------
ericshmerick said:
Damn dude, chill out. You got your money back. Move on.
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Click to collapse
i'm chill. just responding to what others post. you chill.
This is why you buy from a reputable seller (i.e. Newegg). As if "never-msrp" isn't shady enough. Lesson learned, right?
Anyway, glad you got your money back. Not into getting into an idiotic comment war with you. Have a good one and better luck next time.
ericshmerick said:
This is why you buy from a reputable seller (i.e. Newegg). As if "never-msrp" isn't shady enough. Lesson learned, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? newegg? your joking right. there shipping is a joke. always smashed boxes lol. and 2 peanuts in the box. to protect the product. lets not get started on them ha ha :good:

[Q] What to check when buying used N4

Hi guys. I finally made up my mind. I was looking for a phone to upgrade from s2 and had N4 and used s3 as options.
So I want to buy N4, I found one used for a week at a good prize and 16 gb so I will not have to buy the 8gb any more.
Question is there a code like *#0*#? on samsungs to check the phone?
I will get the proof of purchase as well, do I need to register anything else on google?
Ashan85 said:
Hi guys. I finally made up my mind. I was looking for a phone to upgrade from s2 and had N4 and used s3 as options.
So I want to buy N4, I found one used for a week at a good prize and 16 gb so I will not have to buy the 8gb any more.
Question is there a code like *#0*#? on samsungs to check the phone?
I will get the proof of purchase as well, do I need to register anything else on google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had a phone I used for a week and did not want it I would return it for a refund. Unless I did something to it that would not allow for a return. Then I would sell it "at a good price" to someone on say craigslist. Just saying.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Exodian said:
If I had a phone I used for a week and did not want it I would return it for a refund. Unless I did something to it that would not allow for a return. Then I would sell it "at a good price" to someone on say craigslist. Just saying.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except you can sometimes make a profit on craigslist if they don't realize they are back in stock or don't want to wait. And then you don't have to wait for Google to receive the device and refund you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
First of all, I do not recommend buying the 8gb version, since you come from a S2 with expandable memory. I use 5 out of my 13gb free space for apps.. then I still need to download stuff and roms, take pictures and make backups. And also i stream music via spotify instead of downloading and keeping songs.
If you don't need the 8 extra gb, go for the 8gb version.
Then, I would look for scratches! If there are too many, I would allways make a lower offer to save some €.
If you can see that he obviously dropped it, check functionality eg. touchscreen responsivness, camera, speakers etc.
Do you mind if it's rooted? You will see an unlocked lock right under the google Logo on booting the device.
George_Mn said:
First of all, I do not recommend buying the 8gb version, since you come from a S2 with expandable memory. I use 5 out of my 13gb free space for apps.. then I still need to download stuff and roms, take pictures and make backups. And also i stream music via spotify instead of downloading and keeping songs.
If you don't need the 8 extra gb, go for the 8gb version.
Then, I would look for scratches! If there are too many, I would allways make a lower offer to save some €.
If you can see that he obviously dropped it, check functionality eg. touchscreen responsivness, camera, speakers etc.
Do you mind if it's rooted? You will see an unlocked lock right under the google Logo on booting the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, I payed for it and i will have it Friday. I will check everything very closely. It's the 16Gb version so it's perfect for me, when I had s2 I didn't ever filled the 11.5 GB .
I actually don't want to root but I have to, one of the reasons is that I want to get full screen 4.7. What I was thinking, aren't there secret codes for testing the unit like *#0#?
So I got it today, I guess I won't buy used phones ever again. It came with a delivery note from play store but the IMEI is different on that one vs the phone and box, also the seller has wiped the name and address from it (I feel like I was lied and cheated, it's not fair), the delivery note says 7 february, but the screen protector shows me that the phone was used more than 7 days, who knows, I might never find out. It has bleed kinda of a lot of stage effect there (ok all the lcd panels have, no problem) but it has also something like whiter mini blotches on the screen (I have those on my laptop from presure) very tiny maybe microns but yeah I saw them... All of this make me regret I did not chucked a little extra pound and bought a new phone. It will go back to the seller, I will loose on postage but learned my lesson.
I think I can't ever make a RMA request with that useless paper, even if I could I feel lied and cheated...
AW: [Q] What to check when buying used N4
I don't know about law in your country, but in Germany I would have threatened the seller, making him either sending me the right device (I think he just ordered a new one and gave you his old one with the new bill) or at least make him pay the postal charge (for both packages). We take fraud really serious over here.
I once ordered a s3 from an eBay seller and waited over 2 weeks just to find out that he didn't pay his amazon bill so that he never actually had the s3 I payed for. He was quite cooperative once I found out..
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Ashan85 said:
So I got it today, I guess I won't buy used phones ever again. It came with a delivery note from play store but the IMEI is different on that one vs the phone and box, also the seller has wiped the name and address from it (I feel like I was lied and cheated, it's not fair), the delivery note says 7 february, but the screen protector shows me that the phone was used more than 7 days, who knows, I might never find out. It has bleed kinda of a lot of stage effect there (ok all the lcd panels have, no problem) but it has also something like whiter mini blotches on the screen (I have those on my laptop from presure) very tiny maybe microns but yeah I saw them... All of this make me regret I did not chucked a little extra pound and bought a new phone. It will go back to the seller, I will loose on postage but learned my lesson.
I think I can't ever make a RMA request with that useless paper, even if I could I feel lied and cheated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called Google play store and they told me all that was needed was the phone's imei. As the warranty is attached. Though it might be stolen, who knows. If it isn't then just say you bought it online used and you have proof of purchase. Make sure you already have a Google wallet account and tell them you would like to transfer the warranty. They can send an email to the original owner asking for permission if they need to, but you should be good.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

[Q] Dead N4 + unlocked BL = screwed?

Anyone have success RMAing a phone in with an unlocked BL but no other mods? With all the red light of death stories I've read in the past couple of days I sure don't want to spend over $700 for one N4 that could do the same thing. (kind of wishing I got a Note II now!)
ThaBrickah! said:
Anyone have success RMAing a phone in with an unlocked BL but no other mods? With all the red light of death stories I've read in the past couple of days I sure don't want to spend over $700 for one N4 that could do the same thing. (kind of wishing I got a Note II now!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tiny bump
ThaBrickah! said:
Anyone have success RMAing a phone in with an unlocked BL but no other mods? With all the red light of death stories I've read in the past couple of days I sure don't want to spend over $700 for one N4 that could do the same thing. (kind of wishing I got a Note II now!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$700 dollars??? Jeez, someone ripped you off. Did you buy it from eBay? I bet you did.
The Nexus 4 is available on the U.S Play Store as of time.
( it would be more expensive if it was in another country, but since you're using the dollar sign...)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
scream4cheese said:
$700 dollars??? Jeez, someone ripped you off. Did you buy it from eBay? I bet you did.
The Nexus 4 is available on the U.S Play Store as of time.
( it would be more expensive if it was in another country, but since you're using the dollar sign...)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm sorry. I had edited down my original question and now it doesn't make complete sense. What I meant was that my phone died on me but I left my bootloader unlocked after reflashing with the image from the developer.google site. I never rooted it but failed to lock the bootloader after reflashing. Now I have the red light of death.
The $700 comes from them holding $300 on my credit card during the RMA process, only to find that I've voided my warranty by having an unlocked bootloader and them charging me for it. That would be over $700 for an N4 that could just do the exact same thing again.
I honestly don't want this phone anymore if all of them are going to die after only a couple weeks use.
The phone is designed to be unlockable via a simple command, so the fact that you have done that should in no way invalidate your warranty. You should have no problem with an RMA.
Sent from my Nexus 4
There is a fix for the red light of dead... It's a hardware problem tho, let me find the youtube video.. brb
I can't find the video (i'm at work) and I have it bookmarked at home, it's on xda tho, you must take out the back part and release a part of the hardware.. It's easy and the guy who found out made several examples, in which if he pressed that chip = red light appear, leaving it without much pressure = normal
I guess take the back off , remove the battery connector , reconnect the connector after a few minutes and put it on charge
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
If the phone is dead, what does it matter if the bootloader is unlocked?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Most everyone says that an unlocked BL voids the warranty, but it doesn't specifically say that in the warranty documentation. I think I'm going to let this thing run down as much as possible then try to connect to it over the weekend, then call Google on Monday if I have no success. Wonder if I should be upfront with the unlocked BL?
you haven't voided the warranty. Honestly, these companies rarely check for those kind of things. They don't have much time to investigate so they go straight to fixing it. I sent my rooted epic 4g w/ screwed up NV items (screwed em up while flashing) in for a fix and they fixed it for me no charge. You should be fine.
i have sent a few devices back for rma from google. each one of them had an unlocked bootloader, root, custom recovery, and a custom rom/kernel. google never gave me any issues with the process, and exchanged my devices within days. if its a hardware issue, they wont have any problems with an unlocked bootloader.
simms22 said:
i have sent a few devices back for rma from google. each one of them had an unlocked bootloader, root, custom recovery, and a custom rom/kernel. google never gave me any issues with the process, and exchanged my devices within days. if its a hardware issue, they wont have any problems with an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you're right. I went through the RMA process on Monday after them having me try all the various button press combinations that I've tried a million times before. The return sticker they sent me was addressed to an LG repair center in Texas instead of any Google entity - that worries me.
I got my replacement on Thursday but I'm not even going to open the shipping box until I see the pending charges from Google drop off my credit card. If I do get charged then I'll try and sell this thing and cut my losses.
I'm very disappointed in the quality of the N4. I decided to only buy Nexus devices from here on out so that I can get the OS updates, but if they break after a couple of weeks then the only other option is to abandon Android altogether. Too bad because its the Google ecosystem that I like.
ThaBrickah! said:
Hope you're right. I went through the RMA process on Monday after them having me try all the various button press combinations that I've tried a million times before. The return sticker they sent me was addressed to an LG repair center in Texas instead of any Google entity - that worries me.
I got my replacement on Thursday but I'm not even going to open the shipping box until I see the pending charges from Google drop off my credit card. If I do get charged then I'll try and sell this thing and cut my losses.
I'm very disappointed in the quality of the N4. I decided to only buy Nexus devices from here on out so that I can get the OS updates, but if they break after a couple of weeks then the only other option is to abandon Android altogether. Too bad because its the Google ecosystem that I like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty radical to drop Android altogether, if you just wanted quick updates, why didn't you just leave it locked and stock?
ThaBrickah! said:
Hope you're right. I went through the RMA process on Monday after them having me try all the various button press combinations that I've tried a million times before. The return sticker they sent me was addressed to an LG repair center in Texas instead of any Google entity - that worries me.
I got my replacement on Thursday but I'm not even going to open the shipping box until I see the pending charges from Google drop off my credit card. If I do get charged then I'll try and sell this thing and cut my losses.
I'm very disappointed in the quality of the N4. I decided to only buy Nexus devices from here on out so that I can get the OS updates, but if they break after a couple of weeks then the only other option is to abandon Android altogether. Too bad because its the Google ecosystem that I like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, I don't get it. Nexus has been great to me, and the 3 others I know who bought it, love it too. Build quality is good, and stock, no issues. Even if you root it, chances of something like that happening are low. I used to have all kinds of phones, from gs2&3 to note 2 to HTC one x. None of them were as hard to mess up as the nexus.
But as far as your original question goes... I rmad galaxy nexus to Google because my earpiece became very crackly. Mine was rooted and unlocked. I kept on putting it off until I realized that the label they sent was only good for 14 days. Ended up sending it rooted and with custom ROM on it, figured might as well try. No issues at all. They didn't say a word.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
chrisMBP said:
That's pretty radical to drop Android altogether, if you just wanted quick updates, why didn't you just leave it locked and stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reflashed stock firmware onto it in hopes of improving battery life - per a thread on this forum. For me, rooting is unnecessary on the Nexi because there isn't any manufacturer or carrier bloatware to get rid of. I honestly did consider rooting it to try an underclocking app to maybe improve battery life, but it seemed too much of a PITA.
They got my old phone last Wednesday, but the charges are still pending as of today. I decided to go ahead and open the replacement and not worry about it anymore. I noticed the replacement has a higher number serial number, so now I'm off to read the thread that tries do decode it!
Thanks all.

[Q] Bought a new note 3 but it was already rooted??

hey i bought a new note 3 n9005 but when i took it him and played with it a bit i noticed it has Super user installed....that means my phone is rooted already?so my phone was used???and also i didn't get original charger should i return it back to shop and ask why my device is already rooted?
anyone knows?
looks like you got a used device! from where are you?
in germany and austria we are "allowed by law" to return devices bought online for the next 7 (austria) to 10 (germany) working days without any reason! especially small shops then have to sell the devices again, of course...
i personally wouldn't accept this, go back to your shop and ask for a brand new phone!
Yeah it is not supposed to have SuperSU installed in factory condition. You bought a phone that has been used / tampered with.
I would go back to the store, demand a new device and a discount and then I would buy my wife something nice with the money I saved. If you don't have a wife or girlfriend, you can just buy yourself something.
Or me.
Off course return to shop, your phone is not new set.
No new phone came with SuperSU.
VodkaPlease said:
hey i bought a new note 3 n9005 but when i took it him and played with it a bit i noticed it has Super user installed....that means my phone is rooted already?so my phone was used???and also i didn't get original charger should i return it back to shop and ask why my device is already rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of putting knox samsung by mistake put Su?
VodkaPlease said:
hey i bought a new note 3 n9005 but when i took it him and played with it a bit i noticed it has Super user installed....that means my phone is rooted already?so my phone was used???and also i didn't get original charger should i return it back to shop and ask why my device is already rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I experienced that before when I bought a phone from a small mobile shop, cause I was a nab iPhone user I thought it was OK as I was clueless with Android until I decided to unroot it then the phone suddenly didn't accept any Sim card. Don't take the risk, get your money back from these unhonest thief's.
VodkaPlease said:
hey i bought a new note 3 n9005 but when i took it him and played with it a bit i noticed it has Super user installed....that means my phone is rooted already?so my phone was used???and also i didn't get original charger should i return it back to shop and ask why my device is already rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you go to download mode and check to see if warranty void is 0x1?
Either way, this is not a new device but a returned or refurbished device.... I'd want a new one....
jdomadia said:
Instead of putting knox samsung by mistake put Su?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering supersu is a third party app this is HIGHLY unlikely....
Return it and demand a NEW Note 3 in a sealed box.
/CK
Some countries have the insane policy of accepting back a used device and selling it as new withing the first few days after purchase. We call it 'screwing over your customers and abusing their trust.'
This is the result.
Go back to the shop and demand a new one in a sealed box.
There's a reason Samsung put a sealed sticker over the opening of the box. If the box doesnt come with that sticker untouched, do not accept the device. (it's the 3 by 2cm one that says 'if seal is broken, blablabla').
Send From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk
This may sound dumb but are you certain the app didn't automatically download after you restored your account and settings?
One way to check is boot into download mode and see if Knox is 0x1 chances are the guy rooted it and realised he triggered Knox so he returned it
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

[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

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