Database Users

Any way to save my phone?

I was running Fusion 1.1 recently, and when the Core v1 kernel was released, I flashed the 1.2ghz version, but experienced freezes.
I figured my phone couldnt handle the OC, so I flashed the 1ghz version, my phone started freezing worse. I tried rebooting and it froze during the Galaxy S boot animation.
I then adb'd into recovery and tried flashing Fusion 1.1 again, but my phone froze during the flash and now it wont boot past the Vibrant screen. When plugged into the computer, it only boots up enough the show the battery charge screen, but freezes before it even displays a battery level.
ADB doesnt seem to recognize any connected devices.
Maybe Im getting the hardware button combos wrong, as far as I know, a device that wasnt previously hardware locked cant become locked, right? I know for a fact mine wasnt locked before.
If someone could post the exact hardware button combos, cause Ive seen conflicting posts on this. Or any help for that matter, Im desperate.

try turning the phone off, holding volume up and volume down, while holding those two plug the usb cable in.
see if that gets you into download mode.

rbirg said:
try turning the phone off, holding volume up and volume down, while holding those two plug the usb cable in.
see if that gets you into download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, just pops up the battery screen and freezes.
A question about hardware locked phones, the combo Im using to get into recovery is, hold down vol up + vol down + power, and when the Vibrant screen disappears, release the power button, but keep holding the volume buttons.
However when I do this, the Vibrant screen just pops up a second time, which wont happen unless Im holding the power button. If I am to take "hardware-locked" literally, then the power button wouldnt even do that, right?

thegreatcity said:
A question about hardware locked phones, the combo Im using to get into recovery is, hold down vol up + vol down + power, and when the Vibrant screen disappears, release the power button, but keep holding the volume buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hold Vol+/Vol- and Power. Release Power when first Vibrant screen comes up. Works for me..

fearmonkey said:
Hold Vol+/Vol- and Power. Release Power when first Vibrant screen comes up. Works for me..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just get stuck on the Vibrant screen.

Unless your Vibrant is actually hardware locked, this method should get you into download mode. I have always entered download mode using this method.
1- Power off your phone.
2- Make sure you have the correct drivers installed on your PC for the phone. (I assume you do if you were using ADB).
3- Open Odin on your PC. (I recommend using Odin3 v1.3 or higher, v1.0 has issues)
4- Remove the battery from your Vibrant.
5- Plug the USB cable into your computer.
6- Plug the USB cable into your Vibrant.
7- With one hand (holding the Vibrant on it's side) hold down the Volume up, Volume down, and power buttons all at the same time.
8- While watching the screen, and holding all 3 buttons, place the battery back in the vibrant.
9- Once the battery has been inserted you will likely see one of two things, the "swirly" thinking icon (most common) or the battery icon will pop up. Keep holding the buttons until the initial icon disappears and you see a full black screen is shown.
10- As soon as you see that black screen, release ONLY the power button, continue to hold the volume keys and if done correctly, the Vibrant will go into download mode.
11- Verify Odin sees the device. There will be a box that turns yellow with a Com port shown
12- Load up the .pit & .tar files for the stock rom and flash away. (May have to use re-partition, not sure though)
Hope this helps/works! Good Luck!

Dragoth12 said:
Unless your Vibrant is actually hardware locked, this method should get you into download mode. I have always entered download mode using this method.
1- Power off your phone.
2- Make sure you have the correct drivers installed on your PC for the phone. (I assume you do if you were using ADB).
3- Open Odin on your PC. (I recommend using Odin3 v1.3 or higher, v1.0 has issues)
4- Remove the battery from your Vibrant.
5- Plug the USB cable into your computer.
6- Plug the USB cable into your Vibrant.
7- With one hand (holding the Vibrant on it's side) hold down the Volume up, Volume down, and power buttons all at the same time.
8- While watching the screen, and holding all 3 buttons, place the battery back in the vibrant.
9- Once the battery has been inserted you will likely see one of two things, the "swirly" thinking icon (most common) or the battery icon will pop up. Keep holding the buttons until the initial icon disappears and you see a full black screen is shown.
10- As soon as you see that black screen, release ONLY the power button, continue to hold the volume keys and if done correctly, the Vibrant will go into download mode.
11- Verify Odin sees the device. There will be a box that turns yellow with a Com port shown
12- Load up the .pit & .tar files for the stock rom and flash away. (May have to use re-partition, not sure though)
Hope this helps/works! Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Followed the directions (used Odin 3 1.70), but when I release the power button at the black screen, the battery screen just comes back up again.

thegreatcity said:
Followed the directions (used Odin 3 1.70), but when I release the power button at the black screen, the battery screen just comes back up again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are 100% sure you aren't hardware locked? My wifes phone was hardware locked and I couldn't get her's into download mode with that method. If you are hardware locked you may have to make a jig to get up and running....i should have bookmarked that thread....now I have to search.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

Dragoth12 said:
You are 100% sure you aren't hardware locked? My wifes phone was hardware locked and I couldn't get her's into download mode with that method. If you are hardware locked you may have to make a jig to get up and running....i should have bookmarked that thread....now I have to search.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent had to use to the hardware keys in a while, so maybe I am.
I thought you couldnt use volume keys to navigate recovery if you were HW locked?
If it turns out I am locked, do you think Id be able to access download with this method?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819551

thegreatcity said:
I havent had to use to the hardware keys in a while, so maybe I am.
I thought you couldnt use volume keys to navigate recovery if you were HW locked?
If it turns out I am locked, do you think Id be able to access download with this method?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819551
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the exact thread I went looking for. It should get you into download mode no problem. Worth a shot anyway.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

This kernel nearly bricked me much like the problem you're experiencing. It does seem like you may be hardware locked...it locked me out of recovery with the use of 3 hardware buttons, but luckily Odin came through.
You do have the samsung drivers installed on your computer correct? This might be the reason why you can't get into download mode. I also noticed that even though I got into download mode it did not immediately show the COM notification showing I was connected...I hit start anyway and it immediately started flashing the other kernel I used to recover (JAC OC/UV 1.0). There is something seriously wrong with this kernel on certain Vibrants and I don't think I'll be flashing it again, even after updates.

Sdobron said:
There is something seriously wrong with this kernel on certain Vibrants and I don't think I'll be flashing it again, even after updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely have to agree with you there, it froze during a flash with me, which is anything but safe.
Either way, I went out and bought the correct resistors, but I've never done any soldering so I got the micro usb breakout board since its a little easier. I suppose that will come in a week and then Ill have to put it all together and see if the homemade jig works. Wish me luck!

Sdobron said:
This kernel nearly bricked me much like the problem you're experiencing. It does seem like you may be hardware locked...it locked me out of recovery with the use of 3 hardware buttons, but luckily Odin came through.
You do have the samsung drivers installed on your computer correct? This might be the reason why you can't get into download mode. I also noticed that even though I got into download mode it did not immediately show the COM notification showing I was connected...I hit start anyway and it immediately started flashing the other kernel I used to recover (JAC OC/UV 1.0). There is something seriously wrong with this kernel on certain Vibrants and I don't think I'll be flashing it again, even after updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your phone get hot? One must be careful when flashing oc kernel. It is quite possible to ruin your phone if the temperature gets out of control...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Good luck man. I too had Fusion 1.1, flashed Core 1.2 which caused freezes, I flashed back to stock and when attempting to reload Fusion I messed up the USB and it bricked, and I was hardware locked. I made the "Jig" and it worked fine after a couple tries plugging it in, got to download and flashed back to stock without any problems.

fearmonkey said:
Hold Vol+/Vol- and Power. Release Power when first Vibrant screen comes up. Works for me..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, I release after the second Vibrant screen.
OP: it certainly sounds like you're hardware locked. And no, I don't think it means you can't navigate recovery, it means the buttons don't work when trying to get into recovery in the first place (I was hardware locked and couldn't enter recovery/download without adb; I used the flashable fix to remove the hardware lock).
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

dbacchus said:
Did your phone get hot? One must be careful when flashing oc kernel. It is quite possible to ruin your phone if the temperature gets out of control...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used the 1 ghz kernel
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

this happened to me, 1.2 kernal was very unstable, flashed back to stock and bricked hardware locked vib....getting another one sent to me...

[Q] Any way to turn phone on/off without power button

Alright here's the deal. My phone is completely unresponsive to the power button. Volume up/down work just fine, but power does nothing. I've downloaded "Touch Control" which works great for locking/unlocking the phone, but I have no idea how to turn the phone completely off, or how I would get it back from being "off". This morning it wouldn't turn on, but when I connected it to my charger/computer it would start charging. I figured it was toast, but it randomly booted up like normal (minus the power button). Can anyone let me know how to turn on the phone without the button? If it requires connecting a computer that is do-able, but i'd rather have a way to make the phone turn on with the volume button.

BurtonSnol3order said:
Alright here's the deal. My phone is completely unresponsive to the power button. Volume up/down work just fine, but power does nothing. I've downloaded "Touch Control" which works great for locking/unlocking the phone, but I have no idea how to turn the phone completely off, or how I would get it back from being "off". This morning it wouldn't turn on, but when I connected it to my charger/computer it would start charging. I figured it was toast, but it randomly booted up like normal (minus the power button). Can anyone let me know how to turn on the phone without the button? If it requires connecting a computer that is do-able, but i'd rather have a way to make the phone turn on with the volume button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turning on the phone from the computer is not possible afaik. I would suggest doing a data factory reset in settings/backup and restore or reflash a stock image.

Well I'm sure you can just write a Tasker task to turn your phone off basically any way you want to, the volume buttons or otherwise. If you don't already know about it, just look up Tasker in the Play store, it's really useful and worth a buy. As for turning it back on after it's off, that will be a little harder. I don't really know how you would go about doing that. I am interested to see what other people come up with though, so I'll stick around and read for any solutions.

gee2012 said:
The best is to unscrew the backcover and disconnect the battery and wait a minute or two, then reasemble it. You`ll need a special screwdriver
though. Check on Google which one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd really prefer not to disassemble the phone, but I might have to give it a shot later on down the road. Although, I'd still have to turn off my phone and turn the phone back on. I'd rather not have my phone turn off until I can find a way to turn it back on in case the button still won't function after I mess with opening up the phone.
Johmama said:
Well I'm sure you can just write a Tasker task to turn your phone off basically any way you want to, the volume buttons or otherwise. If you don't already know about it, just look up Tasker in the Play store, it's really useful and worth a buy. As for turning it back on after it's off, that will be a little harder. I don't really know how you would go about doing that. I am interested to see what other people come up with though, so I'll stick around and read for any solutions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use tasker for lots of things at the moment, but how would I get tasker to get my phone to do anything from a "completely off" state? I could use it for the wake/sleep function but I like Touch Control at the moment. My problem is turning it completely off and then back on from completely off. I believe Tasker wouldn't be running to perform the commands from a completely off state.

BurtonSnol3order said:
I'd really prefer not to disassemble the phone, but I might have to give it a shot later on down the road. Although, I'd still have to turn off my phone and turn the phone back on. I'd rather not have my phone turn off until I can find a way to turn it back on in case the button still won't function after I mess with opening up the phone.
I use tasker for lots of things at the moment, but how would I get tasker to get my phone to do anything from a "completely off" state? I could use it for the wake/sleep function but I like Touch Control at the moment. My problem is turning it completely off and then back on from completely off. I believe Tasker wouldn't be running to perform the commands from a completely off state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my post above, didn`t read it well enough (tired i guess ).

gee2012 said:
Turning on the phone from the computer is not possible afaik. I would suggest doing a data factory reset in settings/backup and restore or reflash a stock image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your reasoning behind the factory reset? I'm perfectly happy with my phone as is, and I don't know how to reflash images without the camera button to "select" the zip files. I know I can run the reset through the settings but I don't want to be stuck without a way to at least get back to where I currently am.
Ultimately, does anyone know how to map something like vol up + vol down to turn the phone completely off or back on? Or at least show a way through usb debugging to turn on a phone.

I've been reading a few places that claim you can turn on the phone via ADB and then there are other places saying it isn't possible. Does anyone have any experience with this?

BurtonSnol3order said:
I've been reading a few places that claim you can turn on the phone via ADB and then there are other places saying it isn't possible. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a quick search it looks like this should work:
Code:
adb shell
reboot -p
Havent tried it though.

chromium96 said:
Code:
adb shell
reboot -p
Havent tried it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it with my wife's N4. ADB works normal with it powered on, but when I have it off and connect it, it does not show in the device list and therefore I can't sent the reboot command. Anyone have anything else to try next?

Quick update. I was reading some people felt having CWM recovery would allow it to be seen in ADB while "off". I just put it back on my wife's phone and still nothing gets recognized. Does anyone know what version of CWM I'd need to download to get it to be recognized in ADB while turned off?

I've had this same problem for the past week and there is a really simple fix. Obviously without a power button you have two problems: 1) you can't turn the screen on and off 2) you can't turn the phone on if the battery completely dies or is removed.
Solution to not being able to turn screen on and off
-Download one of the many apps that uses the accelerometer and/or proximity sensor to control the screen (such as 'Awesome On Off')
Solution to not being able to power on the phone
-Use "recovery mode" to turn the phone on and then click to restart the phone. Google search for how to enter recovery mode for your specific device, but for the Galaxy S2 Skyrocket you turn the phone off, disconnect the charging cable, and while it's off you press and hold both volume buttons at once. While holding these buttons you connect the usb charging cable and a message pops up telling you to press "volume up" to enter recovery mode or press "volume down" to exit recovery mode and restart the phone. Do this second option. Your phone will reboot and you'll be back to your home screen.
Hope this helps someone!

I haven't looked into this in detail but I doubt it will be too hard to just fix/replace the button.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Best way to turn on and turn off android is to use ADB & fast boot.
1.Install ADB & fastboot on windows
2.Boot your android into download mode
3.Connect to PC via USB
4.Oppen command prompt from ADB Folder
5.Now issue this command > " adb reboot".
Source: http://rootmygalaxy.net/how-to-turn-on-off-android-phone-without-power-button/

Adb is a good way

[Q] Can enter bootload but nothing else.

So recently my phone went into Deep Hibernation so I plugged it into a charger and held down Power, Volume down.
I managed to get into the boot loader screen but only the volume keys are responsive to select options but the power button is unresponsive.
I have no idea on how to start the phone or turn it off anymore, what can I do?

Is your bootloader unlocked. If it is use fastboot reboot. That should boot your device
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Well I have no idea if it's in Fastboot or not. Currently the phone is stuck in the mode where there's an arrow pointing towards the power button and 2 white arrows with representation to the volume buttons. I think it's in Fastboot right now but again, the power button isn't working at all to select anything.
I'm not too familiar with these terms. All I know is that I have the phone unlocked and Paranoid Android installed.

TheBluePylon said:
Well I have no idea if it's in Fastboot or not. Currently the phone is stuck in the mode where there's an arrow pointing towards the power button and 2 white arrows with representation to the volume buttons. I think it's in Fastboot right now but again, the power button isn't working at all to select anything.
I'm not too familiar with these terms. All I know is that I have the phone unlocked and Paranoid Android installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you're in fastboot mode. From a command prompt on your pc and with the usb cable plugged between your phone and the pc, type fastboot reboot. It should boot your device. Hopefully that will clear what ever is causing your power button not to work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Do I need any sort of program to connect a cmd to my phone? As of right now my phone isnt even registered as a device when it's connected to my computer. Mind giving me a step by step?

TheBluePylon said:
Do I need any sort of program to connect a cmd to my phone? As of right now my phone isnt even registered as a device when it's connected to my computer. Mind giving me a step by step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48915118
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Well I managed to reboot it and get back phone's home screen. Though I still have the issue of the fact that my lock/power button is completely busted and/or unresponsive.
Should I just install an app that will serve as an alternative to the power button? By now my Warranty would've already expired and I would have no way of getting it repaired. Are there checks I can make to see whether or not it's a software or hardware fault?

TheBluePylon said:
Well I managed to reboot it and get back phone's home screen. Though I still have the issue of the fact that my lock/power button is completely busted and/or unresponsive.
Should I just install an app that will serve as an alternative to the power button? By now my Warranty would've already expired and I would have no way of getting it repaired. Are there checks I can make to see whether or not it's a software or hardware fault?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My best guess is it's a hardware issue. A local cell phone repair shop can put in a new power button without a lot of cost.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Phone will not turn back on

In sum, earlier today I was using my phone with no problems-- calls, texts, using apps etc. I went to 'close my screen' when I was done using it and I realized the side power/lock screen button was not working and my screen was not responding when I wanted to lock it. I removed the battery hoping it would reset the phone and fix what was wrong but now my phone will not turn back on. I plugged the phone into the wall for at least 30 minutes as well as plugging it in the computer for quite some time. No response from the phone at all. (no charging icon, computer is not detecting the usb cable when plugged into computer, etc.)I also held the buttons down to try to power on as well.
I was wondering if there was a way to fix this problem, or somehow retrieve files (mainly pictures) from the phone,
Thank you for your help. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Andrew

samsungs424 said:
In sum, earlier today I was using my phone with no problems-- calls, texts, using apps etc. I went to 'close my screen' when I was done using it and I realized the side power/lock screen button was not working and my screen was not responding when I wanted to lock it. I removed the battery hoping it would reset the phone and fix what was wrong but now my phone will not turn back on. I plugged the phone into the wall for at least 30 minutes as well as plugging it in the computer for quite some time. No response from the phone at all. (no charging icon, computer is not detecting the usb cable when plugged into computer, etc.)I also held the buttons down to try to power on as well.
I was wondering if there was a way to fix this problem, or somehow retrieve files (mainly pictures) from the phone,
Thank you for your help. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to listen that click sound?
Tap the phone's power button on a flat surface.
Or
Open the phone and try to get the power button leave its stuck position
Or
Go to any local mobile repair shop, they'll do it for you
It is a stuck power button issue..and you wont be able to get in recovery.
If you can get into recovery, flash aroma file manager and paste your files on your ext sd..
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app

samsungs424 said:
I was wondering if there was a way to fix this problem, or somehow retrieve files (mainly pictures) from the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try pulling the battery out (for at least 5 minutes), putting back in and then holding "Volume Down" + "Home" + "Power".
IF you could see a warning screen appearing, then press "Volume Down".
IF the phone restarts, you'll be good
But if it could start, please make a backup of all your files!
And if not, then enter in that mode again and try to flash a new firmware through ODIN.
OH! AND IF YOU WANT TO RECOVER YOUR FILES, DON'T DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!
If you want your files, flash TWRP and pull your files to your pc through ADB.

DeepankarS said:
Are you able to listen that click sound?
Tap the phone's power button on a flat surface.
Or
Open the phone and try to get the power button leave its stuck position
Or
Go to any local mobile repair shop, they'll do it for you
It is a stuck power button issue..and you wont be able to get in recovery.
If you can get into recovery, flash aroma file manager and paste your files on your ext sd..
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your feedback
I do not believe the power button is stuck as I can hear the slight clicking sound when pressing.
The phone did not respond when I tried to restart my pressing volume down, home and power buttons.

Fusseldieb said:
Try pulling the battery out (for at least 5 minutes), putting back in and then holding "Volume Down" + "Home" + "Power".
IF you could see a warning screen appearing, then press "Volume Down".
IF the phone restarts, you'll be good
But if it could start, please make a backup of all your files!
And if not, then enter in that mode again and try to flash a new firmware through ODIN.
OH! AND IF YOU WANT TO RECOVER YOUR FILES, DON'T DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!
If you want your files, flash TWRP and pull your files to your pc through ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your feedback.
I tried to hold the "Volume Down" + "Home" + "Power" buttons, but the phone did not respond.
WIll i be able to recover files by "flash TWRP and pull your files to your pc through ADB" if the phone does not respond to the computer while plugged in via USB?
Thank you.

samsungs424 said:
WIll i be able to recover files by "flash TWRP and pull your files to your pc through ADB" if the phone does not respond to the computer while plugged in via USB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You couldn't even enter in download mode. I think your phone is dead. And no, there will be no easy ways to recover your files without special tools.

samsungs424 said:
Thank you for your feedback.
I tried to hold the "Volume Down" + "Home" + "Power" buttons, but the phone did not respond.
WIll i be able to recover files by "flash TWRP and pull your files to your pc through ADB" if the phone does not respond to the computer while plugged in via USB?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery might be dead. Try changing the battery and then try turning it on
If not. Remove the battery, plug it in to a PC using your usb and see if by using the 3 key combination it enters the download mode?
If these dont work..buy a USB jig...Charge your phone..(just leave it plugged in) after 15 min...insert the USB jig.and you'll see download mode.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app

Nonfunctional/broken home button (replaced, still broken)

I have a G900T that had a smashed screen. The battery was bent as well so the phone took a serious beating.
I replaced the screen and everything is working except the home button. The phone is PIN locked so I can't do anything in the primary OS until I factory reset which I can't do without a functioning home button.
I replaced the home button just in case but that made no difference. I didn't think it would since the home button is a physical switch on the daughterboard not electrically connected to the button itself. The physical button switch on the daughterboard is working fine (tested with multimeter).
Before I rip out the daughterboard I figured I would ask for suggestions if someone has any hints. Seems odd that something so simple would break while everything else works (all other buttons, charge port, etc).
I did get a message about "check back cover" or something in the OS. Does the phone have to be fully assembled for the home button to work or something? (that doesn't make sense to me but what do I know).
It's like I'm missing something really easy. I can't figure it out.

codebot said:
The phone is PIN locked so I can't do anything in the primary OS until I factory reset which I can't do without a functioning home button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not very clear. You have the following possibilities:
1. Either flash TWRP and remove pin-lock.
2. Or perform a factory reset form recovery, the Home button is not needed.
I replaced the home button just in case but that made no difference. I didn't think it would since the home button is a physical switch on the daughterboard not electrically connected to the button itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right but seems you don't believe yourself
The real Home button is really on the subPCB, the fingerprint sensor only pushes it.
Anyway you should feel a "click" when the real button switches.
Before I rip out the daughterboard I figured I would ask for suggestions if someone has any hints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, if you don't have a spare subPCB (daughterboard) you may want to remove the fingerprint sensor and try to press the Home button with something sharp enough.
But I'd try to replace the sub-PCB.

bbsc said:
Not very clear. You have the following possibilities:
1. Either flash TWRP and remove pin-lock.
2. Or perform a factory reset form recovery, the Home button is not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this really possible? I can't see how. There is no way to enter recovery without home button (Power + Volume + Home) and the phone is PIN locked so no way to reboot into recovery from the OS. Am I missing another technique? That would really help.
It's possible to flash TWRP without OS/root or booting to recovery/bootloader mode?

codebot said:
Is this really possible? I can't see how. There is no way to enter recovery without home button (Power + Volume + Home) and the phone is PIN locked so no way to reboot into recovery from the OS. Am I missing another technique? That would really help.
It's possible to flash TWRP without OS/root or booting to recovery/bootloader mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I'm sorry. My fault.
You're right, you need home button to boot Odin mode or recovery.
But if you have a USB-jig you can boot Odin mode without buttons at all. Seems you can DIY without buying.
Then you can flash a factory "full-wipe" firmware, this will erase the phone's memory including pin-lock. (but not reactivation-lock if enabled).

bbsc said:
Oh, I'm sorry. My fault.
You're right, you need home button to boot Odin mode or recovery.
But if you have a USB-jig you can boot Odin mode without buttons at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, yeah I haven't been able to get any jig to work on this phone. In fact I can't find anyone ever saying for sure the technique works on the G900 S5. I built my own jig as well (I build a lot of USB-OTG cables so have the parts) and tested all sorts of resistor values around 300K and nothing makes it enter download mode.

codebot said:
In fact I can't find anyone ever saying for sure the technique works on the G900 S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can say it for sure.
I have a jig made by myself and it does boot G900T to Odin mode.

bbsc said:
I can say it for sure.
I have a jig made by myself and it does boot G900T to Odin mode.
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Huh, then maybe something more than just the home button must be wrong with this thing. I guess I'll have to pull out the board and take a look or replace it.
In the OS it does recognize the jig with a "buzz-buzz" when it's inserted/removed. Very odd that it won't boot to download load. I can't figure this thing out.

codebot said:
Huh, then maybe something more than just the home button must be wrong with this thing. I guess I'll have to pull out the board and take a look or replace it.
In the OS it does recognize the jig with a "buzz-buzz" when it's inserted/removed. Very odd that it won't boot to download load. I can't figure this thing out.
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Click to collapse
It's a good idea, I think.
Don't forget to heat everything when disassembling. Hair dryer is suitable. (Sometimes it's convenient to have a wife)
Given that the jig has only two contacts, "buzz" means that it works.
Still looks like a sub-PCB problem. Try to wash it with some alcohol.
BTW you need to power off the phone to use the jig.
Pull the battery off, insert the jig, then insert the battery and see what happens.