[PSA]Got a Pixel 2 XL without an OS - Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion

So apparently Google sent me a pixel 2 XL without a "valid operating system". Got this message on the very first boot. In my particular case i bought the devices(2) in the US as a gift for my parents and did not open one of the box until i came back to India (stupid me,never should have trusted google ). Talked to the US customer support. They told me that the device has to be returned in the US only and Google India can't help me. For the life of me , i cannot understand how did this particular device pass the QC. The issue was reported by all major media groups in the first week of November i bought the devices on the 4th of December how did it slip from QC after a month of the issue being reported. I am devastated,now all i have left is a $849 brick lying in my house.
I tweeted this issue to them and they replied me the following in DM "We understand your concern. However, please note that we'd be unable to offer warranty assistance if the device is being used outside the original country of purchase. You can get in touch with our team directly when you're back in the country of purchase or ask a friend/family member (in the country of purchase) to do so on your behalf. Hope it gets sorted."
Google wants to compete with Apple but if they can't get their after sales service right then i don't think they will ever succeed to take over Apple's market share. Mobile phones, as the name suggests, are supposed to be used wherever you travel to. If the device has some problems during your travels then the device should be serviced in that very place(If the phone is sold in that place.). Since that is how they are intended to be used. No matter how much you hate Apple but you have to give them credit for one thing, they know how to keep their customers happy. They give international warranty on there phone.
Look what their warranty states for phones sold in the US and India "This Limited Warranty is only valid and enforceable in locations the Phone is sold and will apply only if you purchased your Phone from Google or its authorized resellers." What i inferred from this was that the phone is being sold in India through its authorized resellers hence i will get a warranty in India. But if you look at their warranty for pixel 2 sold in the Singapore: "This Limited Warranty is only valid and enforceable in Singapore and will apply only if you have purchased your Phone from Google or its authorised resellers. This Limited Warranty can be redeemed anywhere in Singapore where the Phone is offered for sale." This clearly states the location where the warranty is applicable unlike the statements for US and India refer: https://support.google.com/store/troubleshooter/3070579?hl=en#ts=7168940,7544605 .
When Google is asked about international warranty they give you the "laws are different for different countries " argument. Hey Google, how is Apple able to do it?, "i will search the web for you". Ya right.
Why can't they just give me a replacement in India itself? Simple for everybody. Now i have no plans to go to the states so i will have to ship the device from India to US to a friend's residence. I have no idea how much custom duties i will have to pay to get it past the US customs (May be someone can give me some info in this regard down in the comments).
Overall, frustrated and disappointed, Here's the link to the error message: https://i.imgur.com/0pzDznf.jpg

Just flash a flash image in the bootloader; problem solved.
Hold the power button and volume down on until it boots into the bootloader; then download the latest factory image for the Pixel 2 Xl https://developers.google.com/android/images
Then extract the image on a computer; connect the device to a computer with a usb cable. Then run the "flash-all.bat" file. This will install a clean image on the device. Should boot just fine.

Sorry to hear about this story.
Looks like Apple did change their warranty terms to be international, which is great and more manufacturers should do this, but 99% of companies still only honor in-country warranty.
Maybe in the future everyone will honor warranties internationally, but I see that being a long ways away.

Ericarthurc said:
Just flash a flash image in the bootloader; problem solved.
Hold the power button and volume down on until it boots into the bootloader; then download the latest factory image for the Pixel 2 Xl https://developers.google.com/android/images
Then extract the image on a computer; connect the device to a computer with a usb cable. Then run the "flash-all.bat" file. This will install a clean image on the device. Should boot just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't flash an OTA since there is no recovery(returns the same error). ADB commands don't work since there is no OS. Fastboot works but can't flash anything because OEM unlocking is not ticked and i can't enable it since there is no OS installed. Basically i tried every thing except putting it in edl mode.

manky1295 said:
Can't flash an OTA since there is no recovery(returns the same error). ADB commands don't work since there is no OS. Fastboot works but can't flash anything because OEM unlocking is not ticked and i can't enable it since there is no OS installed. Basically i tried every thing except putting it in edl mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting; that's crazy that even recovery doesn't work. I am sorry mate!

manky1295 said:
Can't flash an OTA since there is no recovery(returns the same error). ADB commands don't work since there is no OS. Fastboot works but can't flash anything because OEM unlocking is not ticked and i can't enable it since there is no OS installed. Basically i tried every thing except putting it in edl mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you return or exchange the device?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Related

"Inside" information about HTC's repair procedure

Hey guys,
I recently sent in my N1 for repair because it was randomly rebooting. It's definitely a hardware issue as it occurred on many versions of Froyo, 2.1 and CM. I was under the impression that it was a written rule that rooted = not in warranty. I was already set on the fact that I would likely be paying $200 for a new motherboard.
Spoke to an HTC rep today to see what the status of my repair was and as it turns out she dealt with escalation, aka she was one of the "higher ups".
She informed me that rooted = not in warranty is NOT true. They have 4 checks for their warranty:
1) Physical damage
2) Water damage
3) Tampering with the warranty sealed parts of the phone
4) Testing the phone's integrity with a software "test"
In short, even if your phone is rooted, if it passes test #4, and the problem remains, it is deemed a hardware issue and your phone will be repaired free of charge.
I may be wrong, but this is what the rep told me today. If anyone has any confirmation negating this information, feel free to share.
All I know is that I'm extremely happy about the prospect of saving the $230 or so it would've cost me!
Does this also include unlocked bootloaders?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
cmcm said:
Does this also include unlocked bootloaders?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to set myself up here, but I'm 99.9999999999% sure that you can only root by unlocking the bootloader (aside from the tricks that have recently become available for us).
So, yes, I was referring to unlocked bootloaders as well. In HTC's sense (no pun intended) I'm sure that by root they imply unlocked bootloader.
Not sure about item 4
4) Testing the phone's integrity with a software "test"
I sent mine in and they wanted to hit me with a new motherboard. They were insisting that I had a third party ROM installed and when I asked for evidence, they sent me a picture of my unlocked boot loader.
Prior to sending it in, i had re-flashed back both my recovery and ROM to stock. Was even able to receive the OTA update.
If they did such a software "test", they should have shown that evidence to me instead of a photo of my unlocked boot loader.
bullyfrog said:
Not sure about item 4
4) Testing the phone's integrity with a software "test"
I sent mine in and they wanted to hit me with a new motherboard. They were insisting that I had a third party ROM installed and when I asked for evidence, they sent me a picture of my unlocked boot loader.
Prior to sending it in, i had re-flashed back both my recovery and ROM to stock. Was even able to receive the OTA update.
If they did such a software "test", they should have shown that evidence to me instead of a photo of my unlocked boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear that. Like I said, this is all from the rep's mouth. I have no idea if she's being truthful, but that's exactly what she said.
Yep i hear you. Anyway you were very fortunate they repaired it FOC for you
Well we're talking about different countries' HTC service centers here. Could be different sets of SOPs.
So users in one country may face fantastic service while users in another are screwed by the service there.

screen / keyboard problem

I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?
It does indeed look like a hardware issue (With your digitizer). Anyhow, just try reinstalling a ROM with a full wipe (Probably a stock ROM) to confirm it.
When giving in your phone, just install a RUU and then give it. They won't be able to make out if it was rooted or not, and, when giving it, specifically say to them to not touch the software else you will be get an official 2.2.1 updated phone.
Thanks for your response. Yes it definitely is a hardware problem, the un-clickable items can be clicked no problem in landscape mode. Basically the first inch down from top to bottom is dead. I already tried previous ROMS and they all exhibit the same behavior.
By RUU you mean return it to original stock ROM ? Presumably I'll have to unroot it also ?
What are HTC like to deal with when it comes to warranty ?? I got my device from T-Mobile free in the UK with 18 month contract tie in -- but currently reside in Thailand. Are HTC likely to ask me to send my device back to T mobile in the UK or just repair it at a local HTC repair centre here? If the former I'm going to be without the device for 3 weeks or so -- worse still they may send me brand new unit which is neutered and non-rootable (yet).
Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck
droidafx said:
I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first flash an eclair RUU of ur region. in 99% cases it will be successfully unrooted. even it shows errors, u can use the PC49IMG.ZIP process to unroot.
remember while unrooting with both the above processes, the HBOOT should not be downgraded.
if u make some version changing processes and try to downgrade HBOOT, then ur phone will have issues like touch screen problem, and etc. here the hboot may get downgraded with phone errors.
and if u dont make any version changing processes and try to downgrade the HBOOT, it just shows an error like it cannot be downgraded, without showing any phone issues.
so, do it correctly and u will finally get an unrooted device. now it will have warranty. if the problem persists, give it to a service center.
i expect the problem solves after unrooting.
Thank you for all the helpful responses. It is a hardware problem for sure, the phone is now useless, the keyboard has a mind of its own and the top inch of the screen is dead. I'm now back using my Nokia.
Just to give an update on the service provided by "HTC Global Warranty".... ermm... it appears not to exist.
The support guy on the web ticket did his damnedest to get rid of the call anyway he could or make it someone else's responsibility after I'd went through the various resetting methods he suggested. He acknowledged it sounds like a hardware problem. He then suggested I send back to the UK (I'm in Bangkok) where the fix times is 10 days -- so with shipping time I'd be looking at a one month minimum. Or try another support number to help fix it or send it back to T mobile to see what they can do.
I asked about using a local repair centre -- no you can't because you bought from T mobile. I told him 99% of phones sold in the UK are provided by networks and that T mobile didn't manufacturer the device and purporting to have a "Global Warranty Service" given what he was offering is disingenuous or possibly illegal under trades and descriptions act . I requested to make a formal complaint and speak to a supervisor. I heard back as below -- hopefully they can make good on below promise.
-------------------------------------------
I would first like to say how I am sorry for the service which you have received from HTC, and thank you for bringing this to our attention. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the service we provide and it is a disappointment to hear that in this instance we have failed you. I would like the opportunity to resolve your issue and hope that this does not deter your from using us in the future.
I understand that you are currently experiencing difficulties with global warranty process to repair your mobile device and you requested a call back from a manager.
I believe that the reason for this is because you have an exclusive product from T-mobile UK network and you live outside of Europe.
In order to rectify this I would like you to request the following:
Can I please ask for a telephone number and a time of which would be possible to call you during the day, that best suites you. Bare in mind of the time zone difference as we only work from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (London time).
I will then pass this information onto the Care Team Manager for them to contact you back.
I hope that this information meets with your requirements. I will wait for your next communication.
3xeno said:
Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never came with Froyo -- it had 2.1 initially. I don't suppose it will matter if I put 2.2 on it now as long as it is an official ROM (I could well have done an over the air update).
After I rooted the device initially I backed up the 2.1 ROM first -- reverting back to this had no effect on the problem so I don't suppose un-rooting it is going to achieve anything as either ROM in little over four months never exhibited this behavior until now. But obviously an official ROM is necessary prior to it going in for repair (whatever form that takes).
I cannot load a stock ROM -- I chose the TMO UK one from suggested link and get below errors:
Prior to error it says I have version:
2.34.75.1
and proposes to replace with below but fails.
1.14.110.1
-----------
Error [140]: BOOTLOADER VERSION ERROR
The ROM Update Utility cannot update your Android phone.
Please get the correct ROM Update Utility and try again.
Any ideas ?
Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html
3xeno said:
Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks 3xeno -- I'll give it a go.
Also if I managed to downgrade back to stock -- will the phone be locked back to T mobile network ? I use a local SIM where I am. I don't suppose it would be too much trouble unlocking it again.
This is so much aggravation -- I'm tempted to just go in and pay an HTC repair store to repair / replace the busted component seeing as HTC global warranty appears to be non existent.
If the "care manager" calls me back and repeats the canned responses already provided by their support desk about my device being a "special T mobile product" and I must send to the UK for repair I intend to cause an enormous stink and warn others that HTC provide "ZERO GLOBAL WARRANTY" (and looking in Google I won't be the first). There is nothing special about the phone form T mobile (or any other network provided phone other than branding) I paid for the phone in full by way of commitment to a 2 year contract and T mobile paid HTC in full for the unit -- that has failed in a little over four months.
It shouldn't. Was the phone locked initially when you got it? If so, how did you get it unlocked?
Also, I tend to agree with you on getting it repaired locally. It seems to be too much of a hassle to get the phone halfway across the globe to replace one component.
It was locked yeah, but I paid for an unlock code online -- maybe it will still work if needed.
I followed your instructions thanks from previous URL, I've got rom.zip and copied to sd card and assumed I'd be able to install the normal way like other ROMS through clockwork but it doesn't work -- toggling unsigned doesn't help either.
Any ideas ?
More reading up. This is one topic which I dont have indepth knowledge about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=766927
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=575448
This should be applicable for the Wildfire as well. The only difference should be that the file should be renamed to pc49diag.zip instead of the code for the Hero as stated in that thread.
Be very careful in this process though. I would rather wait for advice from some senior member here confirm this before you attempt it.
Thanks again. I may as well go ahead and try; I've got nothing to lose -- it is unusable with the top part of the screen not working. If I don't get it back to stock I have no warranty. The choices are a brick or a brick ;-)
I'll probably wait until tomorrow -- there are some phone repair shops around here and I'm told the shop I need to go to carries spare HTC parts. The Thai's are pretty much hands on and if they can diagnose and have the parts they will fix -- that includes the HTC repair centre (as long as I'm paying).
Quite possible I'll be buying a new device tomorrow from HTC directly. But before I do so I'm going to call HTC head office in Taiwan and get it on the record what exactly a "Global Warranty" means in HTC speak. I want to hear it from somebody other than a script reading support monkey in the UK or some retail chap where I am who will speak very limited English. The garbage excuse about "special network phone" should hold no water then if it fails within the warranty period. But I want a name and phone number and confirmation email before I shell out 4 or 500 quid on another potential paper weight.
Over the years I've had global warranty claims no problem from HP & IBM (now Lenovo) the last time being when an SSD drive failed in a laptop bought through a reseller in the UK -- no problem they sent and engineer to my house in Phuket who fitted a new drive within 72 hours of logging the call. It's getting to the point where these devices are more than just phones. They are as capable (almost) as a laptop and in the same price bracket as low to mid range laptops; therefore they should IMO carry the same level of after sales customer support.
I'd be very interested to know of other peoples warranty experiences with HTC. Maybe I'm an imbecile for even considering buying another one. Very frustrating; its been working like a dream right up until a few days ago and has been the best smartphone I've owned by a long way -- but if after sales service has all kinds of conditions attached to it; then buying another one is out of the question.
They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.
The thing is though just about all phones in the UK are provided by the networks and the subsidy for the most part is essentially bogus. Eg. you couldn't go and get an Iphone 4 for free because you took out a 15 quid month contract -- that would be a subsidized phone. They are 2 years minimum contract and start at £40 per month to get one for free. You have more than paid for the phone -- hardware vendor is paid in full and no doubt the network make a margin on the handset too.
A one month old article: (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-iphone lists the single cheapest monthly contract to get an Iphone 4 from tesco is £25 for a 12 month contract........ as long as you stump up £342. So the math is £40 for two years and the phone is free (give or take a few quid) That is not a subsidy by any definition of the word. Also think of the economies of scale the networks use to leverage better pricing -- 02, Vodafone, T-mobile etc aren't paying no 600 quid a unit like joe shmo has to for an Iphone 4. Corporate buying might when talking 10's / 100's of thousands of units can demand and most of the time get 40 to 50% off the RRP price. Networks & hardware vendors are doing very well whilst spinning this bulls**t line about subsidized phones -- off the back of which enables the likes of HTC to provide no global warranty. If HP, Lenovo, Nokia and many others can use local repair resources so can HTC -- but you know good customer service costs money and if the small print allows them to get away with they're happy to do so.
I did the rename (PC49IMG.ZIP) and placed ROM on root of empty SD card. HBOOT saw it and attempted to instal but it failed with below:
Main Version is older!
Update Fail!
Press <POWER> to reboot.
3xeno said:
They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC "Global" Warranty:
DOES NOT EXIST !!!
I'll start a new thread about this also. I heard it from three authorised HTC resellers, and an official HTC store & HTC service centre in Bangkok MBK; all of which I visited today. The country you buy the phone in is the place which honors the warranty.
So in the UK they use the lie -- you bought from a network and not a stock handset direct from HTC; therefore it can only be repaired in the UK.
Then lie number two -- if you buy from us directly you get global warranty and can use local repair in the country you're in; absolute nonsense. If it was true I'd be playing with a brand new desire right now -- instead I have my 4 month old Wildfire to use as a beer mat whilst using my Nokia -- f***ing cheers HTC.
Still not able to get fresh stock T-mob ROM applied. So far I've tried:
1. Applying the stock T-mob ROM via cable and exe. program
2. Applying stock T-mob ROM renamed to PC49IMG.zip
3. Also tried applying an Asia stock HTC ROM via .exe program and cable (above method cannot be used -- this ROM extracts everything to numerous cabinet files and there is no ROM.zip)
All of the above result in errors relating to what's there being newer and failure to apply ROM.
I had a back up of the T-mob eclair ROM it came with which I took before applying custom Froyo ROM; so I reverted back to that and then tried the stock one again to make it vanilla and unrooted (in the hope it may correct faulty top part of screen) it but that didn't work and again complaines about what was there being newer.
It seems once you've gone forward there's no going back -- but that isn't consistent (I can recover using my back-ups back and forth between leaf Froyo ROM and Eclair ROM via nandroid restore.
I also put on a gingerbread Cyanogen mod to see if it would fix screen problem -- it didn't, so now back to T-Mob Eclair. I suppose I can go about unrooting now on the eclair ROM for the purposes of returning handset for warranty -- but I really wanted a flat vanilla stock ROM to see if cures screen problem, (I'm pretty sure it wont and it is a hardware problem).
Anybody got an idea of what else to try ?
thanks

Just another expository thread about Bootloop

Hey guys. I'm creating this thread to share my experience with Bootloop and my G4. I'm not expecting any solutions as even this forum states the only solution is to RMA the phone; just hoped this would help raise awareness and make more people cautious (people here are already cautious, but there's always people who come to this site randomly from Google, as I was in the past).
If this isn't the right subforum, let me know please. I apologize since I'm new around here.
>Buy new LG G4 in June for nearly 600 bucks
>early model; phone not out in US yet
>bought international factory unlocked (H815) version from a United-States based seller on eBay
>this version (H815) isn't sold in the US even now that the phone is out; only G4 phones sold in the US are different models that depend on carrier
>I use Cricket wireless
>I also buy extended warranty through CPS Central - Consumer Priority Service which *conveniently* expired last month
>Phone lasts me through the summer and up until Monday the 8th of February, 2016; works great
>First day of school on monday, I'm charging the phone while in CS lab and I go to unlock it to check a text message
>Phone crashes and the screen goes black
>Shows LG (powered by android) splash screen and goes black again
>I immediately get worried
>I get home and do some research
>Turns out the issue is most likely this: *insert Android Authority article link*
>I scramble about trying to find different ways to fix it:
1. Try Recovery mode (factory reset) and hard reset; doesn't work for the most part. Even when telling the phone to factory reset it just crashes again. I was actually able to get into the OS at one point but then it crashed again and kept bootlooping :|
2. Download mode is barely accessible; I was able to get to the Firmware Updating screen but it got stuck at 0% and eventually went black again
3. Friend wasn't able to flash the phone because of this
4. Tried calling local repair shops, but all they do is software fixes
5. Tried calling LG USA, but since the model was manufactured in Taiwan and not in the USA they won't fix it (the guy offered to give me LG Taiwan's number even though he wasn't even sure if anyone there spoke English)
6. Thinking about sending it to Consumer Priority Service but they'll charge me for diagnostics and might not even be able to fix the phone (this will be an out of warranty claim too)
>Only option left now (besides possibly CPS) is to get my Taiwanese friend to possibly help me call LG Taiwan to see if I can send them my phone (which is less than a year old and has an obvious production level flaw)
>Will take months
>Stuck with temp Verizon Galaxy S4 that my friend is letting me borrow
>Thinking of shelling out money (which I don't want to shell out) for either the Nexus 6P or Galaxy S6 (Nexus 6P comes default factory unlocked but my carrier officially supports the S6)
>College student working only part time
Lessons learned:
1. Never early adopt
2. Always buy reliable protection
3. Never buy grey market
4. Don't buy on eBay (okay, maybe not)
Thanks for reading all of this.
If my phone dies I'm getting an iPhone.
I love this phone but it sucks knowing that every moment I could lose all my data... I hope it lasts until I am back from holidays so I can do a full backup.

[UK] Moto X Force [xt1580] WARRANTY CLAIM

Hi All,
Can anyone help me here.
I had a Moto X Force, which has had it's bootloader unlocked.
I relocked it, but the "tamper" message in the bootloader was still present.
My Moto X Force was faced with the dreaded "GREEN LINE" hardware fault.
I had returned it for a screen repair, only to be told by Moto that my Warranty is VOID because of the unlocked bootloader.
They are now asking for £14.40 for the return of my item.
I have emailed them asking for a call back as it is a manufacture defect, nothing related to the software or bootloader.
At a lost here, even resorted to tweeting their Moto UK twitter account.
Any advice will be grateful.
Never buying anything but a Nexus device in the future.
UPDATE: Latest response from Motorola.
Thank you for contacting Motorola.
In addition to my colleague's previous e-mail, I would like to inform you that rooting might cause the device to stop working, disable important features and functionality, and even make the device unsafe to the point of causing you harm. Neither Motorola, nor your wireless carrier or retailer from whom you purchased the device, will be responsible for such damage. Once your phone is rooted, your device is no longer covered by the Motorola warranty, even if they appear unrelated to rooting the phone. You can find the warranty terms as a little foldable card in the box of your phone, or on our website.
I apologise that we can not help you any further regarding a repair.
I am now using resolver.co.uk to help me deal with this complaint.
Final Update - Sorted!
Motorola sent me an X code and I was able to create a new order on their website.
khan1989 said:
Hi All,
Can anyone help me here.
I had a Moto X Force, which has had it's bootloader unlocked.
I relocked it, but the "tamper" message in the bootloader was still present.
My Moto X Force was faced with the dreaded "GREEN LINE" hardware fault.
I had returned it for a screen repair, only to be told by Moto that my Warranty is VOID because of the unlocked bootloader.
They are now asking for £14.40 for the return of my item.
I have emailed them asking for a call back as it is a manufacture defect, nothing related to the software or bootloader.
At a lost here, even resorted to tweeting their Moto UK twitter account.
Any advice will be grateful.
Never buying anything but a Nexus device in the future.
UPDATE: Latest response from Motorola.
Thank you for contacting Motorola.
In addition to my colleague's previous e-mail, I would like to inform you that rooting might cause the device to stop working, disable important features and functionality, and even make the device unsafe to the point of causing you harm. Neither Motorola, nor your wireless carrier or retailer from whom you purchased the device, will be responsible for such damage. Once your phone is rooted, your device is no longer covered by the Motorola warranty, even if they appear unrelated to rooting the phone. You can find the warranty terms as a little foldable card in the box of your phone, or on our website.
I apologise that we can not help you any further regarding a repair.
I am now using resolver.co.uk to help me deal with this complaint.
I will keep this thread updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pay the money to get your phone back, then open a dispute with your credit card company.
Have you checked this out?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998801
asuhoops8628 said:
pay the money to get your phone back, then open a dispute with your credit card company.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't buy it with a credit card, I bought the phone outright with my debit card.
I don't want to pay, as I feel no one will ever fix the phone. It is still faulty.
TycerX said:
Have you checked this out?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998801
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. I read something similar from this reddit post, but nice to read a thread on xda.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/2r8nqa/phones_with_warranty_friendly_rootbootloader/
In EU rooted phones do not loose vendors' warranty, but it is hard to enforce. You have been warned.
I'm about to go through exactly the same thing. Facing the green line issue as well (UK)
Elhrimnir said:
I'm about to go through exactly the same thing. Facing the green line issue as well (UK)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you unlock your bootloader? There's tools for moto style / pure to hide the tamper logo but none for the force yet. Hardly any development on this as the US cousin droid turbo 2's bootloader cannot be unlocked.
If you return this phone with your bootloader unlocked, they WILL void your warranty, relocking it isn't good enough.
I will keep this post updated with my experience, if I manage to get Motorola to honour their warranty I'm sure you would be able to.
Good luck.
I have also had issues with hardware and warranty. I bought an x force brand new and boxed from ebay only to find it would not recognise any sd card i put in it. I opened a request to return for repair under warranty but i made clear to them thai did not have a retail receipt but rather an invoice from the person i bought the phone. They got back to me a day later to inform me that warranty repair was not covered because i did not buy it in a shop and the shop or officialy recognised retailer reciept is all they would recognise. I have decided to keep the phone as is with 32gb storage. I do not use alot of storage and 32gb is ample for me but i am pissed at lenovo attitude because the phone is in warranty regardless of how i bought it. I just pray i dont get this green line situation that some people have been having as i will have to just suck it up and live with that also.
Companies have to realise they can't make up their own laws lol. You are in the right so keep up the fight!
Good news, they have offered to send me a brand new replacement, I will update everyone with the details as soon as it's confirmed! (don't want to rock the boat!)
So after an angry reply from me
This is utter nonsense, why was I not told this before sending the phone out.
My "retailer" is the Motorola store as I bough it directly from your site.
The fault on the phone is wide spread across these devices and well
documented online.
For your support team to not honour the warranty on a pre-existing fault on
such an expensive device is absolutely absurd.
I am familiar with the warranty terms, however I am also aware of my
statutory rights.
I will be seeking counsel as I believe I am being treated unfairly for
a manufacturer defect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I received a response from them the next day.
I will have to check this matter with the relevant department in order to check if there is still something that we can do for you, however I can not promise anything yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was on a Friday. The following week Monday I received my good news.
Thank you for your patience.
I am happy to inform you that the decision has been made to provide you with a replacement phone. We will send your Motorola phone to our repair centre in Germany so that an X-code can be created. With the X-code you can create your phone via our MotoMaker builder.
Please let us know if you wish to proceed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 Weeks later, and I was issued with an "X" Code which I could use to redesign my phone (chose the back colour to be Black over Red this time, as the Red gets dirty easily).
Ordered it immediately, and today I have received my new phone.
I was without my phone for 40 days, the issue had developed earlier, but I was unable to return it at that time.
Sufficed to say, I will not be rooting my phone this time round, with the hope that they will honour their 4 year warranty on this "shatterproof" screen if it ever gets damaged.
This will be my last ever Motorola phone, as this entire ordeal was just tiresome, I will be sticking to the Nexus range from now on.
TycerX said:
Have you checked this out?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998801
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again TycerX for pointing out that thread, it really helped.
khan1989 said:
Did you unlock your bootloader? There's tools for moto style / pure to hide the tamper logo but none for the force yet. Hardly any development on this as the US cousin droid turbo 2's bootloader cannot be unlocked.
If you return this phone with your bootloader unlocked, they WILL void your warranty, relocking it isn't good enough.
I will keep this post updated with my experience, if I manage to get Motorola to honour their warranty I'm sure you would be able to.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I relocked the boot loader, and got it back to unmodified software status, and I managed to hide the tamper flag on the logo, however I assume the tamper flag is still buried in the phone somewhere. It's currently in 'awaiting component' status so I assume they're replacing the display rather than sending a new one.
Elhrimnir said:
I relocked the boot loader, and got it back to unmodified software status, and I managed to hide the tamper flag on the logo, however I assume the tamper flag is still buried in the phone somewhere. It's currently in 'awaiting component' status so I assume they're replacing the display rather than sending a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the "unmodified software status" with a custom boot logo?
As soon as I flashed back the normal boot logo, it changed my software status to unmodified again.
khan1989 said:
How did you get the "unmodified software status" with a custom boot logo?
As soon as I flashed back the normal boot logo, it changed my software status to unmodified again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a right pain in the ass. I first had to re-unlock the bootloader, flash down to 5.1.1 to get unmodified software status, then update via ota to get back to 6 and keep the software status, then reflash 6 while relocking the boot loader (apparently the 5.1.1 software I had wasn't signed or something idk), and then flash the logo. I rebooted the boot loader and phone a few times to triple check and it all looked normal!
Elhrimnir said:
It was a right pain in the ass. I first had to re-unlock the bootloader, flash down to 5.1.1 to get unmodified software status, then update via ota to get back to 6 and keep the software status, then reflash 6 while relocking the boot loader (apparently the 5.1.1 software I had wasn't signed or something idk), and then flash the logo. I rebooted the boot loader and phone a few times to triple check and it all looked normal!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that could work, as I was sent images of the bootloader highlighting the "modified" status from Motorola who received it from the phone repair company.
Well I was told immediately by Motorola that my phone was voided and they sent me an invoice to pay for handling fees, so it seems like your's has gone through.
Good luck :good:
khan1989 said:
Wow, that could work, as I was sent images of the bootloader highlighting the "modified" status from Motorola who received it from the phone repair company.
Well I was told immediately by Motorola that my phone was voided and they sent me an invoice to pay for handling fees, so it seems like your's has gone through.
Good luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Interesting that they decided to replace rather than repair yours though... I wonder if that was to get it back to unmodified status for any future repairs or something.
Elhrimnir said:
Thanks! Interesting that they decided to replace rather than repair yours though... I wonder if that was to get it back to unmodified status for any future repairs or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it was because I complained and had a pending case with resolver at the time.
Not sure if you have had your iasue sorted, but I was told to send my phone to SBE and it said awaiting component for about 3 weeks. Just this last week i contacted Motorala for an update and within a day they sent me an X code to get a new phone and scrapped my old phone.

How to claim warranty after relocking bootloader

I had recently rooted my moto g5 plus and due to battery issues had to relock the bootloader before taking it to the service center.
After examining the device, the service center asked me if it was rooted earlier to which I replied Yes and then they told me that the device has void its warranty since the device was rooted.
Now that I had relocked the bootloader, can I not claim the device warranty now?
Please show me a direction here.
22sumit said:
I had recently rooted my moto g5 plus and due to battery issues had to relock the bootloader before taking it to the service center.
After examining the device, the service center asked me if it was rooted earlier to which I replied Yes and then they told me that the device has void its warranty since the device was rooted.
Now that I had relocked the bootloader, can I not claim the device warranty now?
Please show me a direction here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can get your warranty back. Some say that once you issue an unlock code, your warranty gets void even if you use the code to unlock bootloader or not. I do hope that you get your warranty back and get your phone fixed. Anyways, you could've just told them that it wasn't rooted
psychopac said:
I don't think you can get your warranty back. Some say that once you issue an unlock code, your warranty gets void even if you use the code to unlock bootloader or not. I do hope that you get your warranty back and get your phone fixed. Anyways, you could've just told them that it wasn't rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, I couldn't lie it to them coz they had evidence that the bootloader was unlocked earlier.
22sumit said:
My bad, I couldn't lie it to them coz they had evidence that the bootloader was unlocked earlier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it locked when you gave the phone to them?
I remember I had a Moto E2 which was running a custom ROM and the phone was in warranty and when it's speaker started going bonkers, I just flashed the fastboot ROM and locked the bootloader (I think so) and took it to service center and they fixed it for free. Actually, the speaker grill had accumulated some dust and that was interfering with the sound output so they opened the phone and cleaned the speaker.
psychopac said:
Was it locked when you gave the phone to them?
I remember I had a Moto E2 which was running a custom ROM and the phone was in warranty and when it's speaker started going bonkers, I just flashed the fastboot ROM and locked the bootloader (I think so) and took it to service center and they fixed it for free. Actually, the speaker grill had accumulated some dust and that was interfering with the sound output so they opened the phone and cleaned the speaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes relocked it last night and flashed the stock fastboot images as well.
First they did the same in the holy name of software update and then finally giving up to the final conclusion that the battery needed replacement. I left the mobile with them until they told me on call that they'll be charging Rs 1500 for the replacement since the device was rooted. Sometimes even I think that had I lied to them, they might had considered replacing it at no extra cost.
22sumit said:
Yes relocked it last night and flashed the stock fastboot images as well.
First they did the same in the holy name of software update and then finally giving up to the final conclusion that the battery needed replacement. I left the mobile with them until they told me on call that they'll be charging Rs 1500 for the replacement since the device was rooted. Sometimes even I think that had I lied to them, they might had considered replacing it at no extra cost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder what would changing the battery has to do with a fault on the screen?
psychopac said:
I wonder what would changing the battery has to do with a fault on the screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually a battery issue
I don't think you understand... you VOLUNTARILY gave up your warranty when the unlock code was issued, regardless of whether you actually unlocked the bootloader or not. You cannot "get your warranty back" in any way. Did you not read ANY of the multiple warnings when you unlocked your phone, it is presented very clearly at least 3 times before you actually commit to getting the code.
It depends on the country you live in. A company can't get you to accept something like that and make you give up a right given to you by law. Check your local consumer laws, you might still be able to get it fixed under warranty.
I know that in the EU, Australia, New Zealand etc a company cannot waive the rights of a user under the local consumer laws by just getting you to accept some stupid disclaimer.
syl0n said:
It depends on the country you live in. A company can't get you to accept something like that and make you give up a right given to you by law. Check your local consumer laws, you might still be able to get it fixed under warranty.
I know that in the EU, Australia, New Zealand etc a company cannot waive the rights of a user under the local consumer laws by just getting you to accept some stupid disclaimer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most EU countries that is partially true, depending on your country, I will elaborate in a second... I was unaware there were similar laws in Australia or New Zealand...
The situation is quite complicated, at least in Germany, but most likely this applies to most EU countries. There are two different types of warranty. First, the manufacturer warranty / express warranty (Garantie), which is entirely voluntary and the manufacturer dictates its terms. Second, there is the implied warranty (Gewährleistung), which is regulated by law and exercised by the seller.
Under express warranty, manufacturers can decline any repairs easily because of unlocking, and they do that of course. However, under implied warranty, that isn't easily possible. In Germany, in the first 6 months after you buy the device, the seller has to prove that a fault is your own doing. Which is really hard, so you should be good to go even with unlocked bootloader. After the first 6 months, it is the opposite, you have to prove that a defect wasn't caused by you, which is again, really hard.
So in the first 6 months after you've bought the phone you should be fine, but after that, it will be problematic to say the least. Again, this is true for Germany, it might be a bit different in other EU countries.
There are any number of discussions on this topic on Reddit, Lenovo's Official Forums, here and other forums, and although some people seem to get around the Motorola/Lenovo statements, the vast majority don't, even in countries with laws to subjugate this practice. A little Googling will confirm that. Whatever Moto, and other manufacturers with similar policies are doing, in general they are not honoring warranties after bootloader unlocking.
The reality is a lot worse than the pretty picture the politicians give us about the laws that supposedly protect consumers.
22sumit said:
I had recently rooted my moto g5 plus and due to battery issues had to relock the bootloader before taking it to the service center.
After examining the device, the service center asked me if it was rooted earlier to which I replied Yes and then they told me that the device has void its warranty since the device was rooted.
Now that I had relocked the bootloader, can I not claim the device warranty now?
Please show me a direction here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you unlock the bootloader, your warranty is void. It doesn't matter if you relock it. Because you have to request an unlock code from Motorola, that big long agreement you have to accept when you request the code basically tells you that you're voiding your warranty the moment you click "accept", whether you actually use the code and unlock the bootloader or not. Just asking for the code is all it takes.
That's something you need to come to terms with if you're going to use custom ROMs, or root your device. I always wait a month or two to make sure my phone doesn't have any defects before I mess with ROMs, and I research devices before buying them to see what kind of issues they may be prone to in the first 12 months.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, bud.
Sent from my XT1687 using XDA Labs
from the unlock code page https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-b :
As used in this Legal Agreement and Warning, the term "Unlocked Device" means a Device for which an Unlock Code has been obtained, regardless of whether such Device's bootloader has actually been unlocked, relocked or whether such Device's software or operating system has been modified or whether it's original, unmodified software or operating system has been reloaded. In other words, once a Device's Unlock Code has been released by Motorola to User, the Device shall thereafter, for all intents and purposes, be deemed to be an Unlocked Device, irrespective of whether it was, in fact, unlocked or modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(5) THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO ALL UNLOCKED DEVICES EXCEPT FOR DEVELOPER EDITION DEVICES. BY OBTAINING THE UNLOCK CODE FOR THIS DEVICE, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE DEVICE'S BOOTLOADER IS SUBSEQUENTLY UNLOCKED OR ITS SOFTWARE OR OPERATING SYSTEM IS MODIFIED, USER AGREES TO WAIVE AND VOID ALL WARRANTIES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY MOTOROLA, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WRITTEN WARRANTY THAT ACCOMPANIED THE DEVICE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE OR DELIVERY, AND AGREES THAT ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES PROVIDED BY SUCH A WARRANTY ARE NULL AND VOID. MOTOROLA MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND AND DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF EVERY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IN CONNECTION WITH AN UNLOCKED DEVICE. USER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED AND THAT ALL UNLOCKED DEVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS," WITH NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got a used/refurb G5 Plus in the mail yesterday - it still has warranty thru 06/2018. ($145 from B&H, for the 4GB/64GB version!)
All right, time to "ROM it up!". Read unlock/root directions. get oem unlock data from fastboot, go to the motorola unlock code page:
I sat there, on the unlock code page for about 6 minutes, reading and re-reading that. I've decided not to unlock for now. It's not often that I have a phone under warranty (I've almost always had used phones, etc), so i think i will try to see how well I can get along with stock ROM for a change.
Thankfully, I see very little variance away from AOSP.
This will be a major challenge, for me, to see how long I can stay stock and unrooted. Hopefully, I can make it to the 8.0 OTA.
But, the point is - I read the stuff and took time to think and make an informed decision.
well... in my city, those service center guys are dumb, I mean really dumb;
I had some problem with my bootloader unlocked device, they just checked the bill and repaired the phone for free lol
siddhesh9146 said:
well... in my city, those service center guys are dumb, I mean really dumb;
I had some problem with my bootloader unlocked device, they just checked the bill and repaired the phone for free lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
North America and Europe don't have "service centers"... We have to send them into corporate repair center to get fixed, there is no walk-in service, which requires an RMA be issued and we get stopped right there.
Honestly, your service center isn't helping... When they do repairs on a device like this, they later submit the repair to Moto/Lenovo for reimbursement and they don't get paid because the IMEI is flagged. Sure, you got your device fixed, but your neighbors paid for it, not Moto.
acejavelin said:
North America and Europe don't have "service centers"... We have to send them into corporate repair center to get fixed, there is no walk-in service, which requires an RMA be issued and we get stopped right there.
Honestly, your service center isn't helping... When they do repairs on a device like this, they later submit the repair to Moto/Lenovo for reimbursement and they don't get paid because the IMEI is flagged. Sure, you got your device fixed, but your neighbors paid for it, not Moto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wdym by neighbors? you mean those guys in service center took the loss by this ^above???

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