Can my Note 4 be saved? - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've got a Note 4 (AT&T SM-N910A) that is having a problem with reboot looping. I've read some of the posts on this issue, but the solutions I've tried so far haven't worked. I'm kind of overwhelmed by the number of posts on this issue and trying to find solutions. I just want to list some of the symptoms I've had and things I've tried, and if anybody can suggest anything else to try I'd really appreciate it.
The phone started rebooting constantly, sometimes it makes to the home screen before rebooting, sometimes it doesn't even make it past the initial Samsung logo.
It rapidly got worse, the phone was completely locking up during various phases of booting up.
Plugging it into the charger doesn't help.
Completely drained and then charged the battery, didn't help.
Removed the microSD and SIM cards.
I just got a new battery, which didn't solve the problem, but improved so at least it is no longer locking up during the boot process.
Booted in safe mode, didn't improve.
I put the phone in the freezer for a couple of hours. This gave me enough time to install Wake Lock and enable the PARTIAL_WAKE_LOCK mode.
After the freezer and wake lock, I had maybe 5 minutes to transfer some files from internal storage before the reboot started up again.
I can get into recovery mode, where it seems stable, but I don't know if that can help me at all.
At this point I'm only hoping to recover some files from internal storage, then it's time to be done with this phone. Kind of sad that a smartphone that was an $800+ "flagship" barely lasts two years. Thanks

thepieguy said:
I've got a Note 4 (AT&T SM-N910A) that is having a problem with reboot looping. I've read some of the posts on this issue, but the solutions I've tried so far haven't worked. I'm kind of overwhelmed by the number of posts on this issue and trying to find solutions. I just want to list some of the symptoms I've had and things I've tried, and if anybody can suggest anything else to try I'd really appreciate it.
The phone started rebooting constantly, sometimes it makes to the home screen before rebooting, sometimes it doesn't even make it past the initial Samsung logo.
It rapidly got worse, the phone was completely locking up during various phases of booting up.
Plugging it into the charger doesn't help.
Completely drained and then charged the battery, didn't help.
Removed the microSD and SIM cards.
I just got a new battery, which didn't solve the problem, but improved so at least it is no longer locking up during the boot process.
Booted in safe mode, didn't improve.
I put the phone in the freezer for a couple of hours. This gave me enough time to install Wake Lock and enable the PARTIAL_WAKE_LOCK mode.
After the freezer and wake lock, I had maybe 5 minutes to transfer some files from internal storage before the reboot started up again.
I can get into recovery mode, where it seems stable, but I don't know if that can help me at all.
At this point I'm only hoping to recover some files from internal storage, then it's time to be done with this phone. Kind of sad that a smartphone that was an $800+ "flagship" barely lasts two years. Thanks
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Click to collapse
You probably have hardware that is failing (most likely the memory chips on the motherboard). On any of the reboots have you seen a screen like this: http://thedroidguy.com/2015/12/could-not-do-normal-boot-mmc_read-failed-error-on-galaxy-note-4-1052795 ? I've been told that the "ddi : mmc_read failed" message is an indication that the memory chips on the memory board are failing.
It's probably time to contact Samsung Customer Support (1-800-SAMSUNG). That's what I finally did and they repaired my Verizon Note 4 for $70.31 to "like new" condition. See my post here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71863607&postcount=310.
Your mileage may vary, however. Someone else took the same approach and it is going to cost them more. See post here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72258958&postcount=313. You don't have to agree to Samsung's repair estimate if you think it is too high. My understanding is that if you refuse they will send the phone back for no charge. Before I sent mine in I had mentally set an upper repair limit of $150 since you can still buy new Verizon Note 4's on Amazon for about $300.
Good luck.

Dwillian said:
You probably have hardware that is failing (most likely the memory chips on the motherboard). On any of the reboots have you seen a screen like this: http://thedroidguy.com/2015/12/could-not-do-normal-boot-mmc_read-failed-error-on-galaxy-note-4-1052795 ? I've been told that the "ddi : mmc_read failed" message is an indication that the memory chips on the memory board are failing.
It's probably time to contact Samsung Customer Support (1-800-SAMSUNG). That's what I finally did and they repaired my Verizon Note 4 for $70.31 to "like new" condition. See my post here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71863607&postcount=310.
Your mileage may vary, however. Someone else took the same approach and it is going to cost them more. See post here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72258958&postcount=313. You don't have to agree to Samsung's repair estimate if you think it is too high. My understanding is that if you refuse they will send the phone back for no charge. Before I sent mine in I had mentally set an upper repair limit of $150 since you can still buy new Verizon Note 4's on Amazon for about $300.
Good luck.
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Click to collapse
Hey thanks for your input. I haven't seen any kind of error screens pop up. $70 to have your phone reconditioned is a really good score for you. I was able to pull my phone from the freezer several times and at least got all of my photos and videos off, which was my primary goal.

Related

Possibly bricked forever - Stuck at Sumsung logo endless reboot

Stupid thing is that I can do everything to it aside from getting it to boot all the way to work! I tried reflashing OEM roms and I tried custom roms. They all work just fine and it just won't boot all the way. I can turn it on and off, use format option, download mode and magldr. I keep my sim out and memory card. Before this all happened I always used OEM OS. Last thing I did was check my bank account, close the browser and click the power button to turn it into sleep mode. Few weeks ago I did have an issue with it for a day. It kept turning on and off constantly boot to random points. Mostly to the AT&T screen. It would boot all the way rarely and I got it to stay on a couple times for about 10 mins to copy all my stuff from it. Is it possibly something to do with the hardware being a POS and Just crapping out for no reason because cell phones are poorly made expensive bricks?
I've seen this issue across the forum several times. Unfortunately, just one case seemed to "return" to life, without understanding the reasons behind the "lapse".
What I can suggest you can do (and feel free to disagree) is get in touch with Cottula (creator of MAGLDR) and see if you can help you. You can send him the phone, maybe he can analyze it and get something out of it.
GL, mate, and if you find a solution, I'm sure other folks here would be glad to hear it.
Ahhh ok thats what I figured. I browsed a bit, but most of what I saw is people couldn't do anything. I didn't see anyone saying they could do as much as what I can do with it. I'll try your advice and see if maybe he could help. I took apart the phone to see if maybe someone came loose, though I saw nothing. Clean as a whistle. What I think maybe happen is it burnt up finally. I notice at times it would run extremely hot, mostly when I'm talking on it for more then an hour.
Well, for your sake I hope it's not burned out (hardware issue). I hope it has some software component that's screwed and that has a chance of being investigated and maybe fixed.
Also, the getting hot while talking/browsing for periods more than 30 min it's a known issue. It's however supposed to be quite warm, but not actually really hot, if you know what I mean. It it however possible that exposing the phone to higher temperatures to cause hardware issues.
In any case, I wish you good luck. Who knows?
I gave AT&T a call to see what they could do. The software warranty is 6 months past and she wasn't able to override anything that much passed over. Though I was able to get my 2 years wavered and get a early upgrade. So I got myself a Xperia Ion. I'm happy I don't have to put up with a flip phone for another 4 months. lol
I tried working on my focus a bit more playing with zune and other programs I found. Though I don't see it coming back to life trying all the different ROMs. I would think to make it work again is to re-flash the actual phone bios itself. Just like a computer starting it still uses DOS then loads the OS. I don't know how a phone works to much, but I'd assume same process. Something to do with the root-root of the phone telling it to be stupid and not boot properly.
Another note, where is the best place to sell this to get some money out of it? Screen and other pieces of its hardware are 100%. Should I try ebaying it?
I had a similar issue, last thing i did was removing the SD card before re-flashing the MGLDR and custom ROM

Note 4 wont turn on, "cannot boot normal" and "downlaoding target, dont turn off"

Note 4 wont turn on, "cannot boot normal" and "downlaoding target, dont turn off"
Its a Note 4 SM-N910F, Android 6.0.1, BB N910FXXU1DPE2, kernel 3.10.40-7733605 [email protected] #1
i feel I have tried everything... History:
Phone has been working fine for a year, upgraded to 6.0.1 no problems about 2 or 3 months ago. no new apps installed. Last week it started getting very laggy, keyboard strokes took for ever to register. I thought, ok, time to to a factory reset to blow out any old cobwebs. Did it via the menu. However the phone froze midway thought. I left it for an hour and then pulled out the battery. I popped it back in and it performed the reset without me having to press anything. Cool, thats good I thought.
Now I was going to change the battery, so I powered off as normal and put my other 2 week old original samsung battery in, and it would not power on. After a few reinsertions it powered back on. I though i have to do another reset. So I tried, and it would not reset. It just died. I cant restart the phone, it dies. If I shut it down normally. it wont turn on back on, I have to take out and reinsert the battery multiple times, holding down the powerbutton between to discharge. this can take up to 10 tries now. Sometimes it will go th the unable to bot in normal mode and "downloading , do not turn of target, but it will stay there for ever, more than an hour.
Every 15-20 tries it would turn on, let me get in via pin, only to start freezing up within a min, and then die again. Somewhere I read that a guy hada similar problem, and he used wakelock and that worked, on level 4. I managed to download that and used it, and hey presto, it works!
Now I had to power down the phone for a reason, and it took me about 30 min of battery and powerbuttonholding before it managed to boot up, and I was quick enough to start wakelock on level 4.
It wont boot in to safe mode, it wont boot in to recovery mode, it wont boot in to the factory reset mode. Its the same with either battery, and different cables.
Any ideas what i can do here, or what could be wrong? I havent gotten it wet or banged it.
I am having the same exact issue on a N910A. Phone was functioning correctly and in December it started getting really laggy. Performed various resets, purchased new battery. Still laggy. Up until two weeks ago the phone was slow but now it will not power on . The phone will not charge as well.
Mine did same, 6 months old, not rooted stock firmware. Locked up yesterday, couldn't do anything. Pulled battery and restarted. Samsung logo comes on screen goes black for android boot then it hangs with blue led flashing. Nothing I do gets it past that point. Tried safe boot but it doesn't fully launch with correct button combo and volume up. In the end I re-installed firmware using Keis. All went well, everything as per youtube tutorial. Except one thing, at end of download phone didn't re-start. Still can't get it to boot, any ideas?
Edit: Lock up didn't coincide with any new apps being loaded or updates of existing. Only change was a week ago which was an automatic update of the stock firmware (Lollipop)
armstrongracer said:
Mine did same, 6 months old, not rooted stock firmware. Locked up yesterday, couldn't do anything. Pulled battery and restarted. Samsung logo comes on screen goes black for android boot then it hangs with blue led flashing. Nothing I do gets it past that point. Tried safe boot but it doesn't fully launch with correct button combo and volume up. In the end I re-installed firmware using Keis. All went well, everything as per youtube tutorial. Except one thing, at end of download phone didn't re-start. Still can't get it to boot, any ideas?
Edit: Lock up didn't coincide with any new apps being loaded or updates of existing. Only change was a week ago which was an automatic update of the stock firmware (Lollipop)
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Click to collapse
are you still under warranty? i sent mine to a samsung center, the guy recognized the problem as the motherboard, said I wasnt the first. That was 3 weeks ago, they are STILL waiting for the parts. They say the Samsung factory are way behind with repair parts, etc etc. I am hoping it will go under warranty. Ill update when I know!
I've been having the same problem that started yesterday morning. I've tried a few different solutions but nothings worked, I get the feeling that my phone is dead and I'm not in warranty either. I'm going to approach Samsung but my guess is they will want more than the phone is worth to repair it. I've read about so many people having the same issues, its horrendous engineering on Samsungs part considering how much their phones cost to start with
neils0911 said:
I'm going to approach Samsung but my guess is they will want more than the phone is worth to repair it. I've read about so many people having the same issues, its horrendous engineering on Samsungs part considering how much their phones cost to start with
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Click to collapse
Your guess is probably correct and I totally agree with you. I seriously think manufacturers do not want their devices to be problem free for more than two years. Probably why they have stopped making phones with batteries that simply pop out.
bonfilet said:
Your guess is probably correct and I totally agree with you. I seriously think manufacturers do not want their devices to be problem free for more than two years. Probably why they have stopped making phones with batteries that simply pop out.
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Click to collapse
Definitely...surely it couldn't have been that hard to make a device with a battery that was still removable on the newer phones. It's frightening how many forum posts I've found with people having their phones just brick out of nowhere (and that's just the note 4). I've given up trying to fix mine, I've tried every method I could find and nothings worked. I can only assume that this problem is simply the motherboard of the phone not working anymore. I'm not even sure what phone to buy now but it certainly won't be a Samsung.
neils0911 said:
. I'm not even sure what phone to buy now but it certainly won't be a Samsung.
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Click to collapse
If you do not care about the camera thera are a lot of rather affordable options which can be tossed in the bin when they start malfunctioning and if their warranty has run out. If you care about the camera being as good as the Note 4's than the range of phones you can buy is quite limited.
mymigi said:
I am having the same exact issue on a N910A. Phone was functioning correctly and in December it started getting really laggy. Performed various resets, purchased new battery. Still laggy. Up until two weeks ago the phone was slow but now it will not power on . The phone will not charge as well.
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Click to collapse
If you are able to boot it into Download Mode then you should Download Stock Rom file for Galaxy Note 4 from Sammobile and Flash it through Odin..
Everything will be OK... ?
Unfortunately, SAMMOBILE does not have the SM-N910A firmware.
mymigi said:
Unfortunately, SAMMOBILE does not have the SM-N910A firmware.
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Click to collapse
You can find here firmware for N910A , 5.1.1 and 6.0.1 : https://simunlockremote.com/firmware-support/
bonfilet said:
If you do not care about the camera thera are a lot of rather affordable options which can be tossed in the bin when they start malfunctioning and if their warranty has run out. If you care about the camera being as good as the Note 4's than the range of phones you can buy is quite limited.
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Click to collapse
I think the camera on the note 4 is absolutley terrible. I might even go so far as to say the pictures are unusable. the applied noise reduction renders everything splotchy, colors are off and its not sharp at all. and Im not talking dark conditions here.
Anyway, my phone was repaired under warranty and is back to working as it should. It was indeed the motherboard, so if you have the same troubles I had, those are your best bets.
I don't think replacement via warranty will be available. I will attempt to power into download mode and verify if I can get it back up and running. If not, a good ole paperweight.
mymigi said:
Unfortunately, SAMMOBILE does not have the SM-N910A firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the Firmware from here ..
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24459283995298017
---------- Post added at 05:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:41 AM ----------
mymigi said:
Unfortunately, SAMMOBILE does not have the SM-N910A firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the Firmware from here. .
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24459283995298017
Sounds like the problems I have: with my first N910F: started with lagging apps / freezing, then random reboots now and then, eventually giving error messages when booting. Finally, now it will only start after the battery has been out for at least 30 minutes, but hangs on error message. When pulling battery out and putting back in it, wont give a single sign of life. Since I was just out of warranty it has been lying around, and I bought a second hand N910F for replacement, sadly its starting to give the same errors too and is just out of warranty too (its currently still working, but with freezes / reboots / and already a event with boot error).
I read It could be memory chips or some power chip on the motherboard, appears to be a common problem. So.... Last month I bought a new motherboard on ebay (chinese delivery, 80€). Received it last week and put it back in; phone is back to life. (putting it in is a very simple task, with iFixit teardown / guide)
Anyway, I love the Note 4 for performance / size / looks, and have been Samsung fan for a while, but this recent breakdowns and information that it is fairly common, has diminished being a fan fairly quickly and I guess the Note 4 will be the last Samsung device for a while after this new motherboard breaks down as well
onno72 said:
Sounds like the problems I have: with my first N910F: started with lagging apps / freezing, then random reboots now and then, eventually giving error messages when booting. Finally, now it will only start after the battery has been out for at least 30 minutes, but hangs on error message. When pulling battery out and putting back in it, wont give a single sign of life. Since I was just out of warranty it has been lying around, and I bought a second hand N910F for replacement, sadly its starting to give the same errors too and is just out of warranty too (its currently still working, but with freezes / reboots / and already a event with boot error).
I read It could be memory chips or some power chip on the motherboard, appears to be a common problem. So.... Last month I bought a new motherboard on ebay (chinese delivery, 80€). Received it last week and put it back in; phone is back to life. (putting it in is a very simple task, with iFixit teardown / guide)
Anyway, I love the Note 4 for performance / size / looks, and have been Samsung fan for a while, but this recent breakdowns and information that it is fairly common, has diminished being a fan fairly quickly and I guess the Note 4 will be the last Samsung device for a while after this new motherboard breaks down as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is also random Rebooting
It also shuts down at 25% of battery remaining, Have you also faced similar issue?
Download the app "Wake Lock" and run the Partial Wake Lock option. Apparently the updated software impacts the CPU. For the restarting issue, put it in the freezer for a couple minutes. You may have to take the battery out once, but it has worked for me every time.
This looks very much like the issue reported here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...-error-fix-t3434335/post72944466#post72944466
There are temporary fixes (wakelock), but ultimately this is a harware issue, and the fix is a new motherboard.
I think that underlying it is a problem with heat affecting the eMMC chip or its connection to the motherboard.
See also:
https://us.community.samsung.com/t5...ePhones/thread-id/12183/highlight/true/page/1
http://www.classlawdc.com/2017/04/25/investigation-samsung-galaxy-note-4-mmc_read-failed-defect/
Hey can u pls get me the stock firmware for n910gddu1dpb4
You might find this interesting. Since I couldn't get mine to power up at all, I called Samsung tech and they quoted me $75 to fix it and they would pay for shipping. I figured it was better then getting another phone off Swappa. 2-3 weeks later i get an email that they are repairing it under warranty at no cost to me. I got a refurbished phone since i know my IEMI number was different. they didn't explain why. Anyway, I got lucky i guess.

Samsung GS5 shutting off

I've got a Samsung Galaxy S5 and I'm having this issue where several times a day the phone just shuts off. I'll go to pick it up and it's not on, and it won't turn on until I plug it in to power and wait for it to show the battery charge display.
I've taken the battery out and put it back in several times, and I followed some guide to clear the cache... EDIT 1: I have also done a factory reset as well.
If I remember correctly this issue only started after updating to 6.0.1 and didn't actually happen on 5.
My first thought is to try and roll back, however is there anything that I should try before this...?
Appreciate any input!
PS: Complete newb with Android.
Kalyori said:
I've got a Samsung Galaxy S5 and I'm having this issue where several times a day the phone just shuts off......
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Click to collapse
I've never had this issue with my personal devices but, I had helped a few individuals with their devices spontaneously shutting off without warning.
I've found that 90% +/- of these problems ultimately stems from either one of the following.
1) The Power Button going bad by being worn out, loose or just plain sticking within itself or a worn bezel.
2) The battery beginning to go bad. The batteries going bad doesn't always reflect on the charge itself but, there's actually a small circuit board within them that talks to the device as well.
Out of the 2 above, I've run into more of the battery being the culprit than the power button.
I can't guarantee anything without physically looking at the device but, this is just my view as to my experiences.
Regarding this happening around the time you had updated your firmware, I believe that this is just pure coincidence. It's extremely rare for this to be tied to your Firmware without any firmware issues also being experienced.
I hope that this helps you out and I wish you the best of luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Thanks a lot for your reply!
I'm no expert whatsoever but the power button seems OK from what I can see and feel. It presses in and makes a noticeable click and then pops back out.
I think the battery may be the culprit here. When it shuts down, I can't turn it back on -- removing and re-adding the battery doesn't help. Only connecting power helps.
I think I'll opt to purchase a replacement battery. I have no experience with this whatsoever -- what price should one expect to pay and do you recommend avoiding eBay? I don't want to buy a dodgy battery.
Kalyori said:
Thanks a lot for your reply!
I'm no expert whatsoever but the power button seems OK from what I can see and feel. It presses in and makes a noticeable click and then pops back out.
I think the battery may be the culprit here. When it shuts down, I can't turn it back on -- removing and re-adding the battery doesn't help. Only connecting power helps.
I think I'll opt to purchase a replacement battery. I have no experience with this whatsoever -- what price should one expect to pay and do you recommend avoiding eBay? I don't want to buy a dodgy battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have very good experience with this battery, I have three of them and they have a very good capacity:
https://www.amazon.de/GadFull-EB-BG...Batterie-Grün-Weiß/dp/B01B80ZWXU?ref=ast_p_ep
Thanks for your replies guys.
I finally got around to replacing the battery (spent $50 AU on it so not a cheapie)... however the issue still persists.
Any ideas what it could be? The issue still occurs even when safe mode is on.
I have rolled back to 5.0. Hopefully this will fix the issue. If not, I'm going to try to root it with a new version.
Any thoughts on what kind of diagnostics I could run to try and figure out the culprit?
(Assuming the issue will persist.)

Phone stuck in update mode after mmc error

Hello,
This morning, I got the dreaded mmc error for the first time on my Note 4 after the phone was unresponsive and I rebooted it. After a few minutes, I pulled the battery, replaced it, and left the phone off for the day. This evening, I tried to boot it again to backup data, and now it always goes straight into recovery mode with the message, "Installing system update...". Of course, there are no more system updates for the phone. Using the recovery button combination does the same thing. How can I try to boot normally again? I can go into download mode fine, so maybe I should try flashing the stock ROM with Odin/Heimdall? I'm afraid of wiping my data though, would that do it? Anything else I should try? Thanks!
maybe this
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/help/100-fix-galaxy-note-4-emmc-error-random-t3859448
I saw that video, but I'd rather try something else first before I resort to taking apart my phone. Is there a way to flash the stock recovery without wiping the data?
Ezzelin said:
I saw that video, but I'd rather try something else first before I resort to taking apart my phone. Is there a way to flash the stock recovery without wiping the data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want to get out of the mmc loop, remove the battery when it gets stuck. If that doesn't work. Remove the battery, put phone in freezer for 20 minutes and retry.
But once you have this error show, there is no non-hardware fix that works permanently. Wake Lock apps will prolong the inevitable, but it comes down to a crappy chip connection of the Emmc chip.
Samsung used to replace mobos under warranty --- but even that didn't fix the problem.
The best theory about the problem I've heard is that in 2014 Samsung (and other manufacturers) made the move from using lead-based solder to lead-free (all tin) solders, which -- over time -- resulted in connection faults. I have other non-Samsung gear from the same era of manufacturing that exhibits similar mysterious ailments that were solved by addressing physical connections inside the machines.
That video -- the one where you stick a piece of cardboard (or better, metal foil) between the casing and the Emmc chip's location on the board is the only thing I've found that actually works. I first (skeptically) tried it on a phone that would only boot or return from a screen off, after a freezer session and that had been tossed in the junk drawer for months.
If you get nowhere else with suggested software fixes (and I didn't go the root route -- too many variables and maintenance/compatibility issues) I'd recommend considering giving that video a shot. It's not as tricky as it sounds -- but pay attention to the thickness. I made the first tries too thick and the digitizer connection didn't 'click' when reassembling.
Now I'm trying to solve another Samsung phone problem: SD card corruption.
There's a lesson -- and incidentally, several class-action lawsuits -- to be learned from the Samsung Note Emmc chip issue. Many Note lovers didn't move to Note 5's and above because they wanted to hang onto the replaceable battery and external SD option. Samsung, like everyone else, is following the path blazed by Apple to try and make user-based maintenance/upgrading/repair and third-party repairs a thing of the non-profitable past. And this aint right. Designing obsolescence serves the shareholders, only to a point, at a real hit to brand trust equity.
I think we're rapidly approaching that point out here.
I tried the freezer trick, but it still does the same thing. I'm not even getting to the point where the mmc error happens, because it goes straight into the system update mode. I've never been able to boot it since the initial error.

LG randomly overheating and won't stay on - No previous heat issues

Hi, I have a LG K20 Plus. I currently can't turn the phone on, so I don't have much software information to give you. The phone was bought at T-Mobile (Metro by T-Mobile) and I had a SafeLink sim card and a 16 gb micro sd card inserted when the issue started. I have since removed both. It says Qualcomm snapdragon on the screen when it starts. It was also rooted and the bootloader is unlocked.
I broke the screen on my phone and I decided to do the repair myself. I have done about 7 or 8 screen replacements and I actually did this phone a year ago with no issues, so I felt I could manage this one as well. I bought an entire display (from ebay) and switched it out with no problems. Initially it worked great! I used it for a few days before realizing that I had no sound. I opened it back up and noticed the loud speaker had fallen out. I found it, put it back in, reassembled it as I normally do and turned it on.
NOTE: when I was reassembling it the second time, I actually tried to put a screw in a hole that wasn't a screw hole. I used a light to normal amount of pressure but I didn't force it. I think it's the hole where the moisture detector is. Picture #1
I turned it on and right after the logo screen I got a message that said "High temperature detected Powering off for your safety" and it immediately shut off. The phone does appear to charge normally but it won't stay on. I did a factory reset (I'm not sure if it's still rooted but the bootloader is still unlocked). I also switched back to the old (broken) display just to check if that would work. I couldn't see any difference in the shielding but I switched them just to be sure. I bought a new battery and installed it. I took a q-tip and 95% Isopropyl Alcohol and cleaned pretty much the entire motherboard, paying special attention to the battery connections. After each one of these things, I tried to start it with the same error message immediately upon start up.
NOTE: At no point has the phone every physically felt hot or even warm. I don't think it's on long enough for it to get hot. But something is wrong and I have no idea what it is. I, literally, took the phone apart, put in the speaker and put it back together in less than 5 minutes. Could it be I just bumped something and knocked it loose?
I searched for any information I could find both here and with google but there is next to no information on the LG K20 Plus. I did find some information on the LG V20 that had overheating issues, and that has been all the luck I've had. I watched several videos and it seems the solution is to apply thermal paste. But my phone doesn't have any evidence that thermal paste was ever on it. I went and bought some but I have no idea where exactly to put it or even if it's needed. Most videos showed people using some kind of aluminum foil but I'm not sure if that is safe. I have several old phone laying around and I managed to get some of the silver tape and a copper square thing but, again, my phone did not have these things to begin with. I don't want to start adding things only to make it worse.
There is a slight difference of the tape that is on my phone now (the display I just bought) as compared to the old one (broken display). Picture #2 Again, I have no idea if that means anything but I thought it worth mentioning. Picture #3 is how it looks now as if I were going to put it back together. Picture #4 is the part (don't know name) where the videos show to apply the thermal paste and the shielding.
I'm really at a loss as to what to do next and I can't really afford to take it in to have it repaired before next month. If anybody has any insight or answers as to what happened, I'd be very grateful for your help. I'm sorry for the long post. I just wanted to tell you everything I have done in detail. Thank you
If you're using Kernel Auditor or any other kernel adjustment simply reset to default and use only ondemand or interactive. There's also options for the thermal portion of the kernel, don't mess with those. If VCC or another thermal option was checked off turn it back on. Putting the GPS to the moderate setting (the one below high accuracy) will keep the temps down as well. Are you using a custom ROM? If you're on Discord you can feel free to message me SCOPE★ BRΞΛD #8460 . I am only offering that so we can get this resolved quickly for you, just copy and paste since I use special characters.
Omgosh, thank you so much for taking the time to respond! Although I'm sure everything you are saying is very smart, I have absolutely no idea what you're saying. I'll do my best to try and answer you. I don't know what SCOPE is or how to send a message there. I don't think I'm using any thing for the "kernal". Also, I don't know what VCC or Discord is. As far as turning off setting for GPS or any other app, the phone will not stay on. I get about 1 sec after the logo when it boots up, then the error message about overheating and it immediately shuts off. I did a factory reset so everything should be good to go as far as apps. I don't think I'm using a custom ROM. The only thing I did was install TWRP, unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone a year ago but nothing since then. As I stated earlier, this happened right after I did a display repair. Is there something on the MOBO that can get bumped that will make your phone get hot or send a overheating error. My phone doesn't show any sign that there was ever thermal paste on it prior but should I add some now. Will that help?
Update... Now the phone does not power on at all. When I plug it in to charge it I get an error that says "Device temperature is too high or low. Please move to another place to charge. I wonder where you went. I googled SCOPE so I could sign up to message you like you asked me to but nothing but definitions came up. I know I'm out of my league here. You guys all talk so technical. I didn't understand one thing the person asked me for. I know it's rare to get a response as quickly as I did and I was so happy to see someone had responded. Now, I just feel stupid and defeated. I thought this site was inexperienced with cell phones friendly. I'm just trying to get help so I don't have to go out and buy another phone again. Can someone refer me to a site that is more directed toward people who don't know much about the technical side of cell phones... please! Again, thank you for your time.
HelpNeededPlz said:
Update... Now the phone does not power on at all. When I plug it in to charge it I get an error that says "Device temperature is too high or low. Please move to another place to charge. I wonder where you went. I googled SCOPE so I could sign up to message you like you asked me to but nothing but definitions came up. I know I'm out of my league here. You guys all talk so technical. I didn't understand one thing the person asked me for. I know it's rare to get a response as quickly as I did and I was so happy to see someone had responded. Now, I just feel stupid and defeated. I thought this site was inexperienced with cell phones friendly. I'm just trying to get help so I don't have to go out and buy another phone again. Can someone refer me to a site that is more directed toward people who don't know much about the technical side of cell phones... please! Again, thank you for your time.
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Hey, I just wanted to say sorry this happened to you. The same thing happened to me. My LG K20 Plus, no matter what button combinations I push and for how long I hold them, will not turn on or go into download mode. Plugging it in to a charger or PC does nothing either. Before it got to this state, I got the infamous green screen of death/Demigod crash handler (google this--it's a known issue with some models of LG phones and it happens when they overheat). It's definitely a hardware/build issue, and especially since this issue keeps the phone from turning on or connecting to a computer, I don't see a workable fix short of buying a new phone, unfortunately. Again, I'm in the same boat so I'm not happy about it either. I would say XDA is by far the best site to find a fix to this sort of problem, so if no one here has any suggestions on how to fix it, I think you (we) may be out of luck.
Thank you for letting me know. I'm not sure of some of what you said but I did catch the bottom line. Basically, just hold onto the phone until someone here comes up with a fix or workaround? I have a question for you. Did your problem start after you did some kind of repair? I'm wondering if I bumped something on the mobo to make it give a false overheating error. Do you happen to know where that sensor might be located? Sorry you are having problems to. It really stinks when your phone breaks and no matter how much time and energy you put it to figuring out the problem to fix it, there just isn't any good answers out there. I wish you lots of luck and if you figure anything out, please update here so I can try it too.
You need a whole new phone.
That or you're gonna have to replace the hardware

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