Database Users

How safe is my data?

Hey Friends,
My S7 E had a problem with the charging port and I sent it in for an exchange device today.
Previsouly I had Nougat installed so the device was KNOX Void and Rooted.
I read that If you want to ensure that noone can restore the Data from the Device (Online Banking records, passwords, images) you have to encrypt the device and then do a factory reset.
Unfortunately encryption did not work on Nougat (it would show the encryption icon and then reboot)
SO I basically flashed the Stock Firmware of the Provider (4 Parts) with Odin and hoped that I can find the encryption option in the Security Settings Menu but it wasn't there. I could only encrypt the SD card.
My question: Was the device encrypted as soon as flashed the stock firmware or was encryption simply unavailible on the stock rom?
I did multiple factory resets and also Installed an app to "delete empty space" which should overwrite any data that might hide in the free space.
I am worried that whoever gets the device next might be able to restore my banking data, images and e-mails.
What's your take on this?
Best,
Thomas .N from Germany

Any ideas ?

Please help

Judging by the things you did, your personal data should be safe. I can't prove it, I can't tell more but I can tell you the technicians aren't hesitant to peek into your files. All I can say is this. Anyway.
Your files can still be restored but at this point that would cost more energy and time than it is probably worth it.

nitrous² said:
Judging by the things you did, your personal data should be safe. I can't prove it, I can't tell more but I can tell you the technicians aren't hesitant to peek into your files. All I can say is this. Anyway.
Your files can still be restored but at this point that would cost more energy and time than it is probably worth it.
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Thanks for the post. I am just worried about my online banking information that was stored on the phone.
Now that I have the new phone i reverse engineered the process.
I put Nougat on the phone, loaded some information, documents, pictures etc on the phone and restored it to the carriers Stock rom.
Then I rooted the phone and tried some file restoration tools to see if I can find any data. Turns out blank. Can't even find one file with diskdigger or others.
I guess that restoring the phone to stock rom encrypted it by default again which should mean that I am safe.

Don't worry, they won't attempt to recover any files. Your porn is safe.

CuBz90 said:
Don't worry, they won't attempt to recover any files. Your porn is safe.
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No, that part they can have. I am worried that whoever gets the phone next might try to recover my personal data but maybe this is far fetched.
I stand corrected on my last post, I was able to recover some data so apparently encrypting the device and wiping is not as safe as some might think.

exxi said:
Thanks for the post. I am just worried about my online banking information that was stored on the phone.
Now that I have the new phone i reverse engineered the process.
I put Nougat on the phone, loaded some information, documents, pictures etc on the phone and restored it to the carriers Stock rom.
Then I rooted the phone and tried some file restoration tools to see if I can find any data. Turns out blank. Can't even find one file with diskdigger or others.
I guess that restoring the phone to stock rom encrypted it by default again which should mean that I am safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what I'm more interested in? You are from Germany, right? How did you get a repair under warranty with triggered KNOX? I'm also from Germany and from past experience Samsung's repair partners (W-Support, DAT Repair usw.) are the biggest douchebags imaginable. They never did care why I sent in a device. As soon as thy saw KNOX being triggered, they simply denied any repair under warranty even if completely unrelated to KNOX or software issues.
exxi said:
No, that part they can have. I am worried that whoever gets the phone next might try to recover my personal data but maybe this is far fetched.
I stand corrected on my last post, I was able to recover some data so apparently encrypting the device and wiping is not as safe as some might think.
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Click to collapse
Yes, but unless you're someone very very very important and the guys at the repair shop know that, none of them will even care to go that far to recover data from your device.

nitrous² said:
You know what I'm more interested in? You are from Germany, right? How did you get a repair under warranty with triggered KNOX? I'm also from Germany and from past experience Samsung's repair partners (W-Support, DAT Repair usw.) are the biggest douchebags imaginable. They never did care why I sent in a device. As soon as thy saw KNOX being triggered, they simply denied any repair under warranty even if completely unrelated to KNOX or software issues.
Yes, but unless you're someone very very very important and the guys at the repair shop know that, none of them will even care to go that far to recover data from your device.
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To answer you question in regards to warranty: It depends on your carrier as well as the nature of your subscription. In my case it's a company subscription which allows for quick swap at a location of your chosing. Basically they come to your company with a refurb and hand it over to you in exchange for your old (broken) device. At this point no questions are asked. I don't know what is going to happen as soon as they check the device at the service center. I've done similar swaps with KNOX tripped devices in the past with different carries. My feeling is that corporate customers get more "leniency" when it comes to device repairs.. go figure.

Samsung S8 AT&T SM-G950U - pattern locked out, can I install custom rom?

Anything I can do with this phone? Found it in the bay last friday, it's pattern locked and doesn't seem to take phone calls or allow me to contact anyone to retrieve..
Would I be able to install a custom rom or something to actually utilize this phone, does it need to be like IOS jailbroken first also?

demalii said:
Anything I can do with this phone? Found it in the bay last friday, it's pattern locked and doesn't seem to take phone calls or allow me to contact anyone to retrieve..
Would I be able to install a custom rom or something to actually utilize this phone, does it need to be like IOS jailbroken first also?
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Click to collapse
Needs factory reset and Samsung frp lock removed. Att and Verizon can block signal to most phones that have been reported lost - stolen .
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

ty, possible to use to watch movies on, if I ever get frp lock removed? I only see services that I have to pay for, I'll probably just leave it on shelf or something for now.

If you do get FRP removed, you will be able to use the phone like normal again.
If the Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint blacklist the phone, a SIM card will never work in it again. But it will still function like normal but with no SIM in it. WiFi device only.

Thanks, after hours of searching for a solution, it would appear I can't remove FRP by any means that I've found online.. So seems I found a 700$ brick lol.

demalii said:
Thanks, after hours of searching for a solution, it would appear I can't remove FRP by any means that I've found online.. So seems I found a 700$ brick lol.
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Click to collapse
Shoot me a pm if your interested in selling it.

Is there a factory reset password bypass for Nougat? (Android 7.0)

I've looked everywhere and there seems to be nothing...

jacobvsmith said:
I've looked everywhere and there seems to be nothing...
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Shouldnt be. It may be asking for your google password but again normally no....

Temporary google password+factory reset= unusable 200 dollar piece of glass

There's Hope but it's Illegal
Those little boxes with wires coming out ot them, used to unlock devices for certain networks, they can also reset any type of block.
I've found my current s6, laying on the street one day, after two hours, wiped the device, then got into FRP, then proceed with the Little Box thing with a help of a friend of mine, less than 30USD, and got a new and almost free device.
this is illegal in some countries, but if you want to try it.. go ahead.
BTW I'm outside the US, so no other help or assistance..

Have you tried to go into recovery and flash an update.zip? It might allow if its official firmware

Locked S8

A month ago while doing some off road bike riding I found a S8 on the trail. I call Verizon and they said they would get back to me on that to do with the phone. They never called back.
I've placed a ad on Craigslist and have called Verizon 4 times. No one seems interested in the recovery of this phone. I could use it to fly my drone but it's locked. I tried a reset but it's asking for the old Google account info. Is it possible for me to root this phone so it can be used on WiFi? My other option would be skipping it accross the San Francisco bay. I wonder how many skips I could get.
Thanks for any input on this post.
WP

You could just flash stock firmware on it, using Odin.

Flash unlocked (G950U1) firmware on it and wipe it through recovery. Should allow setup without needing the account linked to it

joe3681 said:
Flash unlocked (G950U1) firmware on it and wipe it through recovery. Should allow setup without needing the account linked to it
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No, that does not erase frp. Frp bypass discussion is forbidden on XDA, as the #1 reason to use it is to resell stolen phones.
To OP there are enough resources on the internet that you should be able to figure out whether or not this is possible yourself.
You could also just figure out what carrier it's on, walk into their store and hand it to them so it can be reunited with its owner. I know if I lost my $800 phone I'd be pretty sad. Definitely better than destroying it, seemingly out of spite

There is a combination file which you can flash via odin to bypass frp
google it for more info

partcyborg said:
No, that does not erase frp. Frp bypass discussion is forbidden on XDA, as the #1 reason to use it is to resell stolen phones.
To OP there are enough resources on the internet that you should be able to figure out whether or not this is possible yourself.
You could also just figure out what carrier it's on, walk into their store and hand it to them so it can be reunited with its owner. I know if I lost my $800 phone I'd be pretty sad. Definitely better than destroying it, seemingly out of spite
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Click to collapse
thank you for your input. I'm not sure how but I will try to close this thread down or delete.
Because of my busy schedule I was trying to have verison send me a mailer so I could send them the phone. Also I was just kidding about skipping the phone across the bay. I would never do that. I have left the phone on since I found it expecting someone to call it so I could find the owner but there has been nothing. The owner probably got replacement through insurance leaving this phone disconnected.

I need help accessing locked phone - 8 Pro

I have a OnePlus 8 Pro that i need to get in to. The phone is mine on my T-Mobile account, i bought it for my brother on his birthday.
2 days ago he committed suicide. No note No explanation nothing. He was the strongest person we all knew. Never showed any weakness.
Even his wife cant understand it. I need to be able to get into the phone. There has to be something in there that shed some light on WHY???
His wife, daughter and I NEED answers. I have a ton of experience rooting and modding phones but i don't know how to get past a lock screen without wiping the phone.
If anybody can help me out i would be forever grateful. I would even pay if that's necessary. I am in so much pain right now over this.
Please help

Chipman417 said:
I have a OnePlus 8 Pro that i need to get in to. The phone is mine on my T-Mobile account, i bought it for my brother on his birthday.
2 days ago he committed suicide. No note No explanation nothing. He was the strongest person we all knew. Never showed any weakness.
Even his wife cant understand it. I need to be able to get into the phone. There has to be something in there that shed some light on WHY???
His wife, daughter and I NEED answers. I have a ton of experience rooting and modding phones but i don't know how to get past a lock screen without wiping the phone.
If anybody can help me out i would be forever grateful. I would even pay if that's necessary. I am in so much pain right now over this.
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear this.
If the phones on Android 11 then theres no twrp so there no way to remove the passcode / pin as far as I'm aware.
Here's a guide explaining how to remove a passcode. However I think with an encrypted phone you won't be able to access files even via twrp.
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...e-hacking/remove-lockscreen-recovery-t3530008
Data recovery companies may be able to help if it's really needed.
Don't advise them as to what's happened just the phone is yours and your brother was using it, don't tell them how important it is or the price may just go up.

dladz said:
Sorry to hear this.
If the phones on Android 11 then theres no twrp so there no way to remove the passcode / pin as far as I'm aware.
Here's a guide explaining how to remove a passcode. However I think with an encrypted phone you won't be able to access files even via twrp.
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...e-hacking/remove-lockscreen-recovery-t3530008
Data recovery companies may be able to help if it's really needed.
Don't advise them as to what's happened just the phone is yours and your brother was using it, don't tell them how important it is or the price may just go up.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for this info. I will attempt whatever i can.
I will try this and see if it works. I just received a call from the detective and he said they have a device that could do this for us.
I might go that route since there is nothing illegal that he was doing.
was just hoping to do it today as to get it done sooner.
Thank you for the help

Chipman417 said:
Thank you for this info. I will attempt whatever i can.
I will try this and see if it works. I just received a call from the detective and he said they have a device that could do this for us.
I might go that route since there is nothing illegal that he was doing.
was just hoping to do it today as to get it done sooner.
Thank you for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it's Android it'll be possible. But difficult without the right kit..
I'd clarify what the detective wants to see on the device and can you be present for the unlock.

dladz said:
As it's Android it'll be possible. But difficult without the right kit..
I'd clarify what the detective wants to see on the device and can you be present for the unlock.
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Exactly what i was thinking. I would prefer i am there and they unlock it and hand it straight to me.
I know he wouldn't appreciate anybody not the closest of family getting access and seeing his personal thoughts.

Chipman417 said:
Exactly what i was thinking. I would prefer i am there and they unlock it and hand it straight to me.
I know he wouldn't appreciate anybody not the closest of family getting access and seeing his personal thoughts.
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Click to collapse
Tbh I wouldn't want anyone looking through my phone is like a treasure trove..
I'd bare that in mind, not everything is meant to be seen. Doesn't mean anything, it's just how we are.

OP, sorry for your loss. That's all I have to offer. RIP.

Just my condolences to you and family

I'm sorry to hear also. May God bless you and family.

Thank you everyone that offered condolences

Chipman417 said:
Thank you everyone that offered condolences
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck with it?

As insensitive as this sounds, I am a homicide detective. If he had a fingerprint lock on the phone, you could use his physical fingerprint from his hand prior to burial to unlock the phone. We have used this method several times with success.
Regardless, my condolences to you and yours.

AlphaKoi said:
As insensitive as this sounds, I am a homicide detective. If he had a fingerprint lock on the phone, you could use his physical fingerprint from his hand prior to burial to unlock the phone. We have used this method several times with success.
Regardless, my condolences to you and yours.
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Yeah i was hoping to be able to do just this but since the family members are not very etch savvy, they power cycled the phone off and because of that the first unlock into the system has to be with the numeric password.
I rebuilt his laptop for him a couple months ago so i have the password to get into it. I'm hoping that he saved his email credentials in it. I know that after multiple attempts into android it allows you to change password through the email. This is the last thing i can think to do.
I reached out to OnePlus this morning and the woman who was answering my questions said she had no answers for me. she kept saying i could factory reset it through recovery mode. I already know that, i need the info on it. I'm thinking about reaching out to google also. Who knows they might help since the phone is in my name on my account.

dladz said:
Any luck with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet. I had an appointment to day with the funeral home to get access to his body so we could use his fingerprint but the phone was turned off since his last login.
It now required the numeric password before logging in. I have one shot left that i can think of. If i can gain access to his email i might be able to reset the password that way.
Fingers crossed. It was so hard yesterday going to the funeral home. We all need answers

Chipman417 said:
Not yet. I had an appointment to day with the funeral home to get access to his body so we could use his fingerprint but the phone was turned off since his last login.
It now required the numeric password before logging in. I have one shot left that i can think of. If i can gain access to his email i might be able to reset the password that way.
Fingers crossed. It was so hard yesterday going to the funeral home. We all need answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When your reset his email you'll be able to recieve s text message with a verification number

Google find my device . It can unlock it.

SjDU said:
Google find my device . It can unlock it.
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Click to collapse
I saw that. unfortunately i don't have his email credentials for his Find My Device.
Also the sm card was removed my his wife before she gave it back to me unfortunately.
Although it does connect to my Wifi at home... I'm almost to the point of giving up.
I don't think we will ever know why he did what he did.
Thank you to everyone that jumped on this thread. I love this community.

I kinda don't buy the OP story but here is my take:
- Doesn't need a SIM to get/use Find my device working but does require Google account access which is recoverable easily.
- It's trivially easy to recover a Google account with the phone number of the deceased unless the person specifically removed those options and used for instance an authenticator app (of if you don't have the actual SIM or access to that phone number but that would be strange).
- If you cannot recover the account that way, you can still recover it using a legal path by providing the correct inheritance documents to Google (through a lawyer if required) which should pose no issue (again this should pose no issue and while it would take time, it would work).
- Whatsapp cloud backup (on Google drive) is enabled by default and if you're after that, it's probably gonna be trivially easy to restore said backups on any new phone by using the SIM card of the deceased. Unless the person specifically disabled this to prevent this.
You can most likely recover Whatsapp messages without even unlocking the phone. This whole process is actually not hard and requires no tech help and can be done through the legal processes.
Added to all this, I checked your history and saw that you requested help before unlocking a Pixel phone that magically came into your possession before. So it seems you have a pattern of coming into possession of locked phones that makes me very suspicious of your demand.
I'll report this thread and ask a mod to review it.

Sorry. I also have doubts any time I see a story here asking for help unlocking a phone. Always sounds suspicious, and furthermore where are the mods here? Aren't there rules that state no requests for help unlocking phones??
Here is the OPs other post:
" Junior Member11 postsThanks: 2
I have a 64gb Pixel 4 XL that i want to unlock and use on T-Mobile.
The phone was never actually on a Sprint account. It was never technically paid off by a consumer. Its also never been activated on the sprint network to my understanding. (Which are all required to have sprint send an unlock code)
It was given to me by a Sprint store manager when they had to clean out end of year inventory.
I'm trying to figure out if i can unlock it somehow without having to get sprint to send the unlock code.
I don't really want to go through the hassle of explaining to them how i got a hold of it when they look at it in the system.
Any help would be greatly appreciated"

@San Diego The moderators are here and monitoring the thread since it has been created. And these are the XDA Forum Rules to cross-check.
To ask for assistance is not against the rules, and if you read back in the thread quite a few legal possibilities have been given. They obviously didn't delivered the desired result. However, as soon as the discussion or advices deviate towards the obscure side or to paid unlock services this would be removed immediately.
If you check the thread, from which you quoted, you'll see that moderators were acive in it, too.
Stay safe and stay healthy!
Regards
Oswald Boelcke
Forum Moderator