Database Users

Sprint refurb full of previous owners info!

I feel like I need to get this off my chest, so my apologies of this isn't in line with the technical nature of this board.
I RMA'd my Hero a few days ago due to a blown ear speaker (sounded like a bee trapped in there whenever anyone talked), and was sent a refurb Hero that had a broken trackball button. The csr assured me the Hero had no trackball or center button (!!!) and after arguing with him that it did, he finally sent me over to Advanced Data Support or whatever they call it, where they agreed to send me out another Hero. That one arrived today, and refused to accept programming. After 45 minutes with support they finally got it to work by having me manually program it. The previous owners phone number, Sprint email (which is their full name), and city were all in there already, as it was obviously never properly reset at the factory. When they had me make a test call, voicemail, it dialed the old owner's phone number, and I actually spoke to them! When I explained it to him, he said "ohh...uh oh..." like he was pitying me for having his old phone. Out of curiosity, I googled the name, which revealed their myspace and facebook pages. I find this breach of privacy disgusting. Why is Sprint leaving so much personal data on their refurbished phones?
And I'd bet good money the other refurb I was sent, was originally sent in because of that damn broken trackball button, which they ignored and sent right back out as refurbished.
Maybe I'm overreacting, but right now I'm really disgusted with Sprint. Disgusted enough that the EVO looks a lot less enticing than it did a few days ago. :/
Thanks for reading.
-TM

Well, that's not very reassuring. If you don't already have one, I'd consider getting an account over at Sprint Users and putting it there as well. I'd not be happy having my phone go out full of my information!

Wow, this is really funny. I would definetly post at Sprint Users or Sprint Community Forums. Wonder if it is possible to wipe that data our selves before sending it back in. Seems like it would be difficult since Hands Free Activation pretty much populates all that info on the phone for you the first time you boot it up.

i hate the fact sprint takes these broken phones, fixes them and passes them off as new. the hero isn't even a year old and their doing this.

I had to get a refurb just this past Monday and before I took in my old phone I made sure to delete EVERYTHING. Although I really don't think it would hurt me too much for someone to be able to steal my identity.

This isnt something you would normally see. I had to edit what I was about to post. But phones are tested and remanufactured with new parts before being sent out. I would recomend if there is one close to you using a service and repair center for replacement rather than having them send one over the phone.... and you get the added bonus of not having to deal with the RMA kit

fixxxer2008 said:
i hate the fact sprint takes these broken phones, fixes them and passes them off as new. the hero isn't even a year old and their doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At no point ever, is an Advanced Exchange ever talked about as a "new" device. Every piece of literature anywhere says its a refurbished phone.. And a tech that tells you different is a liar..
Here you are again spreading lies to get a skewed point across..

I'm ashamed of myself for posting this because I'm so against it but this sounds like a case for bricking before submitting for a replacement.
Flame away...

nebenezer said:
I'm ashamed of myself for posting this because I'm so against it but this sounds like a case for bricking before submitting for a replacement.
Flame away...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you saying there is no possible way to clear all your personal info?

Roman G said:
So are you saying there is no possible way to clear all your personal info?
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Yeah, that's pretty much unacceptable. And it's not the first time it's happened, I've read about this before. I would call the news. Seriously. It's newsworthy. Maybe if Sprint feels a little heat on this issue, they'll be a bit more careful with their customer's privacy.

why would you brick a perfectly good phone because there is someone else's info in it? that's ridiculous. you can do into settings and factory reset yourself and you're good to go. no sense in killing a perfectly good phone for no reason....
I'm ashamed of myself for posting this because I'm so against it but this sounds like a case for bricking before submitting for a replacement.
Flame away...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

Leukay said:
why would you brick a perfectly good phone because there is someone else's info in it? that's ridiculous. you can do into settings and factory reset yourself and you're good to go. no sense in killing a perfectly good phone for no reason....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he meant if he had to return his phone he would brick it. You know, so Sprint doesn't just pass it off to the next person as a "refurb" with all his info still in it.

Roman G said:
So are you saying there is no possible way to clear all your personal info?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read before that user data is stored in the mtd5 file or in mtd5ro. And i dont believe wiping clears out /dev/mtd/mtd5 and mtd5ro. But as nebenezer said you can always brick your phone, or possibly try
Code:
adb shell
rm -r /*
to delete everything. If you really wanted to.... or just delete the mtd5 files, if they actually are where userdata is stored.

So here is the thing.
When the phone is booted up - It polls the tower and says "HEY I'm MEID XXXXXXXXXXXX" - Then The phone says "HEY I DON'T HAVE ANY DATA WHAT THE HELL DO I CONNECT TO" and the Tower answers back "HERE IS ALL YOUR STUPID DATA NOW STFU" this is all of the login info and other stuff associated with the phones owner. The phone can now poll the tower for SMS, Calls, blah, blah, blah. THIS IS CALLED HANDS FREE ACTIVATION
Given overly simplfied.
Even after a phone has been completely reset out of the box brand spanking new. If the MEID is tied to a customer the phone populates automagically with that information. Thank you Sprint for this wonderful invention (which I think Verizon actually started)
So there really is no way to get all of your data off the phone since the phone will attempt to poll the data from the network once it is booted again. You need to make sure that the MEID is completly disassociated from your account to prevent it. Something Sprint has obviously failed at here.
Questions? None? Ok Good.

Kcarpenter, thanks for the explanation. The first phone I had did exactly that, immediately after booting it provisioned itself. The second phone however, did not. It just booted right up the home screen, where the HTC time/weather widget was already populated with the last known location. It appears the phone was never even turned on by Sprint after it was sent in to them. That raises even more disturbing questions regarding their refurbishing process. :/

ffolkes said:
Kcarpenter, thanks for the explanation. The first phone I had did exactly that, immediately after booting it provisioned itself. The second phone however, did not. It just booted right up the home screen, where the HTC time/weather widget was already populated with the last known location. It appears the phone was never even turned on by Sprint after it was sent in to them. That raises even more disturbing questions regarding their refurbishing process. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Process is very broken. I have heard this happen more than once.
In fact a story about me:
I bought a used phone from US Cellular, it was one of their "30 Day phones" that was only used for 30 Days by someone who didn't like it. I purchased the phone they set it up gave it to me. I got home and started playing with it and sure enough there where pictures on it of people I didn't know. I thought they may have been demo pictures, but I'll de damned if one of them was a naked black chick and another pic of a naked black dude. (not racial just not my thing). I was furious. I took the phone back and told them what had happened. They said it was impossible that had happened and the pictures where mine (Skiny pasty white guy) I had a few issues with this phones a few days later. Randomly dropping calls/signal/error messages. So I took it in to have it looked at. The water damage sensor had been lit up. No way this was my fault - the phone never left my desk at home because the damn thing didn't work worth a ****. They said this had to be my fault because they check this stuff before they sell the phone again. So I was out 200 bucks for a broken phone with pictures of ugly ass naked people on it.
Lesson Learned:
Drop US Cellular if you have them. If you ever by a used cell phone Check it thorughly for kiddie porn and water damage.

mountaindont said:
kc buddy. uv GOT to stop. people are shhh'ing me in the library...i have too hearty of a laugh.
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Dude, true story swear on a Bible....

doojer said:
I think he meant if he had to return his phone he would brick it. You know, so Sprint doesn't just pass it off to the next person as a "refurb" with all his info still in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even so, factory reset, send it in. Problem solved without ruining the phone

Leukay said:
Even so, factory reset, send it in. Problem solved without ruining the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually,
Service swap to previous device, factory reset, do not power hero on, send it in..

how can i brick my phone?

my phone has been doing some strange **** lately.. It randomly reboots and or freezes. I've tried wiping and reflashing with a different ROM but to no avail. It's been getting stuck on the white evo screen lately. If i'm lucky enough it will boot to the OS but will freeze or reboot after a while..
..Is there something I can do that will brick the phone so I can return it to Sprint? I keep getting the Cyanogen Mod boot screen and obviously I can't take it back to Sprint with that on the display..
any help is appreciated, thanks

load a gsm rom

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gudda1 said:
my phone has been doing some strange **** lately.. It randomly reboots and or freezes. I've tried wiping and reflashing with a different ROM but to no avail. It's been getting stuck on the white evo screen lately. If i'm lucky enough it will boot to the OS but will freeze or reboot after a while..
..Is there something I can do that will brick the phone so I can return it to Sprint? I keep getting the Cyanogen Mod boot screen and obviously I can't take it back to Sprint with that on the display..
any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trash... this needs to be locked and the op needs to be removed!
from the fade

So you flashed it and now you want to take it back because you messed it up?
(Just flash a custom rom, and pull the battery halfway..that should do it)

gudda1 said:
my phone has been doing some strange **** lately.. It randomly reboots and or freezes. I've tried wiping and reflashing with a different ROM but to no avail. It's been getting stuck on the white evo screen lately. If i'm lucky enough it will boot to the OS but will freeze or reboot after a while..
..Is there something I can do that will brick the phone so I can return it to Sprint? I keep getting the Cyanogen Mod boot screen and obviously I can't take it back to Sprint with that on the display..
any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about admitting that you broke it and just insurance claim it for 100 bucks instead of fraudulently exchanging it?

Epic title.
Sent from my SUPERSONIC

Put it in the microwave on defrost for a minute. Whatever you do, don't pull the plug or else your phone will be un-brickable.

BAN! Tired of people screwing up their phones and then committing fraud. Why don't you man up and admit you screw up instead of taking advantage of Sprint and the insurance? This is why we end up paying so much for stuff.

Agreed
awrnsmn said:
BAN! Tired of people screwing up their phones and then committing fraud. Why don't you man up and admit you screw up instead of taking advantage of Sprint and the insurance? This is why we end up paying so much for stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree! If you are trying to root, you are taking a risk.
On another note, can't you just run RUU on it?

I think we'd end up paying so much for stuff regardless...

awrnsmn said:
BAN! Tired of people screwing up their phones and then committing fraud. Why don't you man up and admit you screw up instead of taking advantage of Sprint and the insurance? This is why we end up paying so much for stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention there's nothing wrong with his phone.
Bricking his phone would be a waste of his time and a perfectly good phone.
Chalk it up to another case of someone not reading and understanding what they are about to do before they do it
Why are people so allergic to reading?
OP, run the pc36img.zip from toast's rooting guide part 2, then wait for your phone to prompt you to accept the 1.47 update and accept it. You'll be back to stock with no reason to damage a perfectly good phone.

Bp3dots said:
How about admitting that you broke it and just insurance claim it for 100 bucks instead of fraudulently exchanging it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt break it? I flashed this thing 2 months ago.. it has worked flawlessly until I seen I had a voicemail update.. I went to do that, it failed.. things seemed to work fine so I charged it over night.. woke up and its been hell ever since.
Its not like I was modding the thing and it broke on me. The phone was working fine for 2 months. Don't come at me with some bull**** ass remark like that. I have no problem paying the insurance claim, but regardless -- its been rooted thus insurance isn't going to do **** for me.
EDIT: I stand corrected on the insurance claim -- was not aware of that

OP, lose the attitude before this turns into another "WTF WIFI" or "is CM6 overrated" thread.
If your problems started when you tried to update your voicemail then how about you try rolling your vvm app back or uninstall and reinstall it?
Also, rooting voids your warranty.. not your insurance. You have the option of paying $100 to swap it for a new one..

nebenezer said:
OP, run the pc36img.zip from toast's rooting guide part 2, then wait for your phone to prompt you to accept the 1.47 update and accept it. You'll be back to stock with no reason to damage a perfectly good phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to try this out.. I've tried multiple ROM's and it still does it. I'm beginning to think its a possible hardware issue.
Why would 3 different rom's cause random reboots, freezes, and other quirkiness

gudda1 said:
Why would 3 different rom's cause random reboots, freezes, and other quirkiness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you are experimenting with your phone. These roms are voluntary efforts by people who do this as a hobby. Expect things to go wrong and expect to have to do some troubleshooting, it's just part of the game.

nebenezer said:
OP, lose the attitude before this turns into another "WTF WIFI" or "is CM6 overrated" thread.
If your problems started when you tried to update your voicemail then how about you try rolling your vvm app back or uninstall and reinstall it?
Also, rooting voids your warranty.. not your insurance. You have the option of paying $100 to swap it for a new one..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was not aware of the warranty/insurance differences. thanks for the info
is the voicemail app apart of individual rom's or is it on the phone itself? (im sure that was worded terribly, but hopefully you'll understand) ... I've tried 3 different ROM's and they all reboot or freeze sporadically. (fresh 3.1.0.2, a nandroid of a previous 3.1.0.1, and CM6) The phone even froze twice in the middle of a ROM flash.

Accually Id like to know also my Evo's usb port is FUBARed, light bleed, hotspots on the LCD, and power button crack you name it I got it. I have Best Buy insurance so not sure how its gonna go. I thought about just running it over and taking it in in a ziplock but i really dont wanna wait up to a month for a replacement.

Unroot back to stock, dont add any apps for a day, if the problem still occurs its obviously a hardware issue. Take it in for a replacement.

phatmanxxl said:
Unroot back to stock, dont add any apps for a day, if the problem still occurs its obviously a hardware issue. Take it in for a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats what its looking like..

[Q] how to brick?

Im convinced my epic is screwed. Phone has been freaking out and flat out locking up on me despite rom changes and reflashes. I never back anything up and start from scratch so the fc's are beyond me understanding. Also on a few of the occasions of lockups the screen went bonkers. Anywho...
Quickest way to brick? My service center already replaced it once no questions asked. Also this was a refurb so maybe it has something to do with its "past life". Any suggestions? Battery and usb cable pull during odin stock flash?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

I find this thread offensive - the purpose of these and other threads is to be creative and help users.
Asking for help, such as "where do I find the thread on how to fix a bricked phone" which might fix your problem by following instructions is acceptable.
Go read it.
Asking for help to perpetuate fraud is NOT acceptable. I hope the mods read this, pull this, and warn this person.
Sprint can look, fix, and help you, that is why you buy insurance if you can't follow the above.
People like you who pull fraudulant tricks are what causes the rest of our rates to go up, make them look harder at people with real problems and real claims.
You knew flashing changes the rules, that is why you read, learn, and ask real questions.

GTFO. Just GTFO. Don't brick your **** because it's unstable - if you have a legitimate cause for warranty repair, find it and do it. Otherwise, fix the problem yourself. Intentional bricks are offensively stupid.

All of these users asking how to purposely brick their phone should have their account banned and all account affiliated ip addresses blacklisted.

You are probably not going to receive much help on this one. The last thing 99.99% of users want to do it brick their devices. It's actually a major fear for many users. I can see how people would be offended by your question. While I'm not offened, I don't understand why you would ever, ever, ever want to intentionally brick your device. There is no guarantee that you will get a replacement or that you will get one free of charge. I agree that you are far better trying to fix your phone. If you brick it in the process, then you will have your desired result either way (i.e. your phone will be fixed or it will be bricked).

This is outrageous how can u expect us to help u **** ur fone up. It is against the law to do fraudulent claims. I suggest you stop what u r doing or I will have ur IP checked and have you arrested by my colleagues.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App

sammyjc89 said:
I suggest you stop what u r doing or I will have ur IP checked and have you arrested by my colleagues.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh... yeah. Right.

sammyjc89 said:
I suggest you stop what u r doing or I will have ur IP checked and have you arrested by my colleagues.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already got it handled bro. I backtraced his IP and reported him to the Cyberpolice.

Does it goof without being rooted? If not, I would imagine that its user error.

sammyjc89 said:
This is outrageous how can u expect us to help u **** ur fone up. It is against the law to do fraudulent claims. I suggest you stop what u r doing or I will have ur IP checked and have you arrested by my colleagues.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
I think he's serious
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xxmastermindxx said:
I think he's serious
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Click to collapse
u CaN tElL He iZ bCuz hE tYpEs lIeK dIs

There are valid reasons to brick a phone. for instance if you have a messed up usb port and can't odin your phone back to stock, then your only optiion is to brick if you want to get a replacement as they aren't going to do anything if the phone is on a custom rom.
I tried at one point to brick my phone so i could exchange it, after exhausting other methods of getting it back to stock. no way no how would it actually brick.
But I know one way that would probably do it, just install vision kernal 1.2 and wait about 3 days, unless you have one of the magical phones, that should do the job. But the link was taken down for this very reason so unless you already have it, thats not going to help much.

robl45 said:
There are valid reasons to brick a phone. for instance if you have a messed up usb port and can't odin your phone back to stock, then your only optiion is to brick if you want to get a replacement as they aren't going to do anything if the phone is on a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
False. Even if you don't have your SD adapter, you can just download the ReRFS ROM and stock recovery (can't use *upload? Download on your PC and upload to Dropbox) and flash in that order.
Source: I did it. I had a busted USB port. My device was fully stock when I sent it to Samsung.

robl45 said:
There are valid reasons to brick a phone. for instance if you have a messed up usb port and can't odin your phone back to stock, then your only optiion is to brick if you want to get a replacement as they aren't going to do anything if the phone is on a custom rom.
I tried at one point to brick my phone so i could exchange it, after exhausting other methods of getting it back to stock. no way no how would it actually brick.
But I know one way that would probably do it, just install vision kernal 1.2 and wait about 3 days, unless you have one of the magical phones, that should do the job. But the link was taken down for this very reason so unless you already have it, thats not going to help much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't you just report it as lost/stolen and pay the $50 or $99 whatever it is for a new one.
Just saying

k0nane said:
False. Even if you don't have your SD adapter, you can just download the ReRFS ROM and stock recovery (can't use *upload? Download on your PC and upload to Dropbox) and flash in that order.
Source: I did it. I had a busted USB port. My device was fully stock when I sent it to Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that wasn't available when my device got messed up back in March. i tried everything I could find, but being on ext4 at the time, there was nothing that would get me back, plus I was on the non samsung certified modem as well.

robl45 said:
that wasn't available when my device got messed up back in March. i tried everything I could find, but being on ext4 at the time, there was nothing that would get me back, plus I was on the non samsung certified modem as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The modem can't be helped much, but that's not a big deal - and, false, it was. The ReRFS ROM was released by DRockstar starting with DK28.

Its not hard to brick if you want to....but you can't expect us to help you commit insurance fraud.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

Lmao wowzers i didnt know so many of you were internet rentacops. Simmer down. At the end of my 2 year contract i will have paid a total of 334$ for insurance. Now if this is my second epic which was a refurb...(my first was brand new) and its acting out no matter what i do, im gonna brick it and get another one. You do gooders have no idea if my unit was faulty from the get go. Not to mention ive had screen lift from the jump. Do me a favor and stfu and keep your morals off my threads. Is that good enough? No? Ban me you guys are useless 90% of the time anyways. To the posters that did help thank you in aiding me in getting me defective unit replaced. To everyone else lol get a life. Go be a cross guard if you feel so righteous. Idiots.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

RushAOZ said:
Lmao wowzers i didnt know so many of you were internet rentacops. Simmer down. At the end of my 2 year contract i will have paid a total of 334$ for insurance. Now if this is my second epic which was a refurb...(my first was brand new) and its acting out no matter what i do, im gonna brick it and get another one. You do gooders have no idea if my unit was faulty from the get go. Not to mention ive had screen lift from the jump. Do me a favor and stfu and keep your morals off my threads. Is that good enough? No? Ban me you guys are useless 90% of the time anyways. To the posters that did help thank you in aiding me in getting me defective unit replaced. To everyone else lol get a life. Go be a cross guard if you feel so righteous. Idiots.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got 99 problems but a brick ain't one.

Everyone's so excited for Gingerbread, there's Fighting Everywhere!!!
Apparently everyone likes to blame the vision kernel so try that.
Is this thread lockable yet?

Camera Failed: It hit my device today.

Welp, I'm sure we're all aware of this bug with the Galaxy S5 camera failed.
Not many Sprint users have reported it but sadly it hit mine today. I'm flashing back to bone stock just to double check.
Just more or less a PSA to those of us with Launch devices.. keep an eye on your camera.

Scolias said:
Welp, I'm sure we're all aware of this bug with the Galaxy S5 camera failed.
Not many Sprint users have reported it but sadly it hit mine today. I'm flashing back to bone stock just to double check.
Just more or less a PSA to those of us with Launch devices.. keep an eye on your camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's beyond just launch as I've seen people on 4th phone with issue.
It's probably just a flaw but a tough one to find with a low % impact rate. Anything has a margin of error, I just hope this one doesn't get worse later.
Sadly the camera issue is the one reason I have the ERP $5 plan on my sprint account still.
Insurance is useless and overpriced, not to mention a deductible like a car insurance claim but this isn't as bad considering I can walk into any store and swap if issues.
I just hate they raised cost. 2 months ago was only $4 a month and much better, but they keep jacking it up and in many cases it's impossible to get on as they want to claim you can only have the full TEP lol

Scolias said:
Welp, I'm sure we're all aware of this bug with the Galaxy S5 camera failed.
Not many Sprint users have reported it but sadly it hit mine today. I'm flashing back to bone stock just to double check.
Just more or less a PSA to those of us with Launch devices.. keep an eye on your camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you a Sprint insurance customer?
Camera failed error recently hit me as well, however, I am not subscribed to any of Sprints insurance plans. So I've been wondering if I should go to a sprint store or call samsung warranty.

Scolias said:
Welp, I'm sure we're all aware of this bug with the Galaxy S5 camera failed.
Not many Sprint users have reported it but sadly it hit mine today. I'm flashing back to bone stock just to double check.
Just more or less a PSA to those of us with Launch devices.. keep an eye on your camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a issue not limited to sprint. Verizon users too were having the issue. I believe Verizon did push out a fix for it so maybe sprint will too I would think.

sporklover said:
Are you a Sprint insurance customer?
Camera failed error recently hit me as well, however, I am not subscribed to any of Sprints insurance plans. So I've been wondering if I should go to a sprint store or call samsung warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. This is the first incident where it'd ever had been remotely useful. I'm just going to go through Samsung.

Please read through this thread here about Camera Failed issues with the Sprint devices:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2763117
TLDR:
You do NOT have to have any Sprint insurance to get a new device at any Sprint store. Some stores may not have stock on hand to hand you a new device and will have to order it. It is a NO charge replacement. If the Sprint store workers give you any flack, it's a known issue, they just need to look it up, then within their menu system, there's a drop down menu that shows them its a no charge replacement.
It should be a NEW device and not refurbished, but I'm not sure there's a guarantee on that anymore. Example, mine came in a box that said refurb, with a refurb warranty card, however in the menu ##786# it was a new device without recondition date.
I had this issue and a reboot restored the camera, however, I exchanged anyways and Sprint took it. I highly recommend that you do the same ASAP.

mmark27 said:
Please read through this thread here about Camera Failed issues with the Sprint devices:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2763117
TLDR:
You do NOT have to have any Sprint insurance to get a new device at any Sprint store. Some stores may not have stock on hand to hand you a new device and will have to order it. It is a NO charge replacement. If the Sprint store workers give you any flack, it's a known issue, they just need to look it up, then within their menu system, there's a drop down menu that shows them its a no charge replacement.
It should be a NEW device and not refurbished, but I'm not sure there's a guarantee on that anymore. Example, mine came in a box that said refurb, with a refurb warranty card, however in the menu ##786# it was a new device without recondition date.
I had this issue and a reboot restored the camera, however, I exchanged anyways and Sprint took it. I highly recommend that you do the same ASAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks, I'll just have to make sure i wipe and backup all my data, I'll give it a try Thursday and keep everyone posted.

Are you able/willing to get me a log with the camera issues?
And are you able to tell me what it shows on the screen?
Just wondering what might be causing this, the S5 camera has a few new things that I haven't seen in other devices.
(And just curious, we're having fun with this on the AOSP side.)
From the symptoms it almost sounds like a bad firmware upload to the sensors.
But then again this is the first time I've seen the camera HAL be used to update camera firmware as well.
If this is the case I wonder if a factory reset and flash of the stock tarball would fix it..
Thanks!

garwynn said:
Are you able/willing to get me a log with the camera issues?
And are you able to tell me what it shows on the screen?
Just wondering what might be causing this, the S5 camera has a few new things that I haven't seen in other devices.
(And just curious, we're having fun with this on the AOSP side.)
From the symptoms it almost sounds like a bad firmware upload to the sensors.
But then again this is the first time I've seen the camera HAL be used to update camera firmware as well.
If this is the case I wonder if a factory reset and flash of the stock tarball would fix it..
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have gotten the camera fail once while on stock ND2. I have experienced the camera being non responsive...i.e. not taking a picture or just not even engaging (black screen). But I would have blamed it on dirty screen for the latter. Locking the phone and then turning it back on all ways worked for me!
I'm currently on @rompnit's MORE NE5 (1.0) rom and haven't had a fail, but today, the camera split the screen in half and showed static on one side and a clear image one the other...then the image split in 3 parts (different zooms)!!! I took a couple of picts while it did this and the images came out just fine...? I wasn't using any of Samsung's picture taking tools and I pulled a screen shot (attached), but didnt think to grab a log.....If it happens a gain Ill try to get one.
Hope the images help.
Current:
(Boost) SGS5.....SM-6900p....4.4.2
MORE V1.0 NE5
PRL: 33031
Previous:
(Boost) SGS2....D710....4.4?
Dirty unicorns

Im on my 5th S5 with the Camera failed issue....Sprint wants me to pay for the next replacement....the last 4 phones all had the issue as doon as they powered them up and activated the phone...Im trying to get them yo swap it out for a Note 3 but that aint goin so well...ive flashed different Roms and tbe issue is still there...SUX
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 PM ----------
XjJeepers said:
Im on my 5th S5 with the Camera failed issue....Sprint wants me to pay for the next replacement....the last 4 phones all had the issue as soon as they powered them up and activated the phone...Im trying to get them to swap it out for a Note 3 but that aint goin so well...ive flashed different Roms and the issue is still there...SUX
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I just got the dreaded "Warning: Camera Failed." Did all the suggestions I could find online. Including clear data and cache in the camera app and force close, full wipe in recovery and reflash rom, and then complete restore to stock. Nothing worked. So, took it to the sprint store and spent 15 minutes helping the tech find evidence online that this is an actual issue. He claimed he'd never even heard of it.
Long story short....they ordered a replacement. Hopefully this is a one and done for me. :fingers-crossed:

Almost to the Sprint store with mine. I've been dealing with this for too long and it seems to be getting worse.
And they tell me to leave out my sd card overnight and see if that's causing it lol
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Sent From My Galaxy S5 Far Far Away

MI have had 9 S5s in the last 2 months and all have had the bug...Finally got Sprint to give me a different Phone (LG G3)...after 2 days the csmrra went black and said cant connect to camera...Went back to the S5...Same Problem. ..they say its a very small number of phones affected. ..BS..
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app

Well I haven't exactly had this issue, but my camera has been very glitchy. When I open the settings, they usually close out on their own immediately after and I have to open them again 1-3 times to stay open. When I switch to video, it starts recording right away and stops automatically after 3-5 seconds then goes back to camera. Is this a warning that the camera might fail soon? I wouldn't mind having a G3

same thing happened to me, Im going to unroot and hopefully I can get a replacement =(

I've had the camera glitch out on me
I've usually rebooted and cleared the cache on it and it started working again

I just reinstalled the rom
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app

I have this bug, along with another bug with my Bluetooth streaming audio. Sprint told me that since I didn't have insurance, it would be $75 to handle.
Luckily, I bought the phone from Amazon, and they provided awesome customer service and are sending me a new phone overnight.
My concern is this- is there anything I need to avoid doing when moving from my old phone to avoid this happening again?

PSA: "T-Mobile My Account" app - Root Users!

Hey,
For those who are rooted and care to use the "T-Mobile My Account" app.
Be aware that this app now scans your phone to see if it's rooted. This information is saved and can be sent over to T-Mobile.
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Since we are rooted, I'm sure many use Xposed. Go into xposed and download an app called RootCloak. You can use RootCloak app w/ xposed to hide root within the t-mobile app. This would allow you to use the app and monitor your account usage. Also, go into the My Account app and disable diagnostics and anything related to scanning your phone for health.
You can use Titanium Backup to uninstall the app as a whole if you don't use it.
But I thought I share this info anyways.

Lol unintstalling for me....... not cool T-Mobile ?

Its in Note 3 before too. It says my phone is rooted but TMO didn't really care when I trade it in for Note 4. They didnt even check it. They just verified the serial number of phone behind the battery if I am returning the right unit.
Then they gave it back to me for a second so I can factory reset it.

They don't care at all.

Jfree3000 said:
They don't care at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope they dont. They don't want to blow a sale. That being said, always make sure it's back on a stock rom unrooted just on case.

naruto.ninjakid said:
Lol unintstalling for me....... not cool T-Mobile ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's Up Naruto...
I see you have left LG for Sammy... :laugh:
Did you ever get the 8" Sammy Tablet?

jdidtht said:
Nope they dont. They don't want to blow a sale. That being said, always make sure it's back on a stock rom unrooted just on case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to a friend that works at a corporate store, they don't even check. They send it to the company who deals worth their insurance claims. That company may look, but doubtful.
I've usually returned to stock, but with Knox tripped on the Note 3, I didn't bother. Still had a custom recovery too. Never heard a thing.

RaiderWill said:
What's Up Naruto...
I see you have left LG for Sammy... :laugh:
Did you ever get the 8" Sammy Tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man Im doing good lol. Yeah I sold theta G-Pad along while ago. As you can see in my sig i went for its big brother lol got the Note Pro 12.2 instead. Yeah my note 4 is coming in today lol

These rooting "paranoia" threads do NOTHING but perpetuate the MISINFORMATION that T-Mobile cares if you root your phone...THEY DON'T, so please stop posting/spreading/perpetuating this paranoid, MIS-INFORMATION all over these threads...

I know about this already when I have the rooted HTC One M7. Cook ROM do not include this app anyway.

I had called to submit a warranty claim on my Note 3, and answered all their questions. Then they asked if I had rooted my phone because that's what was showing up on their end. I had tripped Knox when I rooted, so they said that I can still file a warranty claim, but instead of it being a usual, just pay the $5 shipping fee (when they do that, they consider the defect a manufacture defect), they said I would have to pay the deductible of $180 as if it was a user problem.

jsapp said:
According to a friend that works at a corporate store, they don't even check. They send it to the company who deals worth their insurance claims. That company may look, but doubtful.
I've usually returned to stock, but with Knox tripped on the Note 3, I didn't bother. Still had a custom recovery too. Never heard a thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I've returned multiple devices over the years with no issue. I returned an HTC sensation years ago running a rom, sales guy looked at it, was like, cool. What's this called. Lol they don't care. I've never understood people's hesitation over something even samsung has the ability to clear in 2 seconds.
---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 PM ----------
Hgaara said:
I had called to submit a warranty claim on my Note 3, and answered all their questions. Then they asked if I had rooted my phone because that's what was showing up on their end. I had tripped Knox when I rooted, so they said that I can still file a warranty claim, but instead of it being a usual, just pay the $5 shipping fee (when they do that, they consider the defect a manufacture defect), they said I would have to pay the deductible of $180 as if it was a user problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. There's always someone I guess. In store never ever an issue.

jdidtht said:
Yup, I've returned multiple devices over the years with no issue. I returned an HTC sensation years ago running a rom, sales guy looked at it, was like, cool. What's this called. Lol they don't care. I've never understood people's hesitation over something even samsung has the ability to clear in 2 seconds.
---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:43 PM ----------
Okay. There's always someone I guess. In store never ever an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my issue might of been calling the 611 number. Granted the 180 deductible still means I am under the warranty cover, but with an issue caused by me. Manufacture defects are covered free of charge other than the 5 dollar shipping fee. At least via phone. Never gone into a store and asked there.

I actually had them refuse to do a warranty exchange on my G3 because they say that they show my device was rooted. I pushed until they did it anyway. Now I remove the app immediately after rooting.

ptfdmedic said:
I actually had them refuse to do a warranty exchange on my G3 because they say that they show my device was rooted. I pushed until they did it anyway. Now I remove the app immediately after rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read this before and why I remove the app as well.

I returned my N3 rooted with Hyperdrive on it still. Lol.
Not the guy helping, but another one came and played with my phone and noticed it looked like the S5, lol.
I pretended I didn't hear that and he just walked away. Lol.
They don't care, I exchanged like 3 Notes this year also.
Sucks for those that have had problems.