I wrote this awhile back to provide known methods to enter each of these modes. I know it's rather wordy, but may help those that are newer to all this. See the link below for a more concise write-up. I'll try to keep this updated with any corrections and/or new methods and feedback is very welcome.
How To Enter APX, Fastboot Mode and Recovery menu
Special thanks goes out to tobdaryl for providing the foundation for this guide and to daws for
providing a previously unknown method (USB cable plug in while tablet is turned off).
Pertinent links:
The methods below written more concisely by tobdaryl: How to enter APX mode or Bootloader-recovery menu
Universal Naked Drivers (for APX/ADB/Fastboot modes): [ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.72
To install the SDK tools & drivers in Windows 7 (and other versions?): [HOWTO] Install Google SDK and ADB drivers...
The following instructions are written on how to enter APX mode. To enter Fastboot and Recovery modes, simply follow the same instructions but use the Volume Down button. Once the message: "Checking for RCK.. press key <Vol_Up> in 5 sec to enter RCK" is displayed, follow the displayed instructions to enter the desired mode. Note: The screen remains blank in APX mode.
When your tablet is turned off, to enter APX mode:
Make sure your USB cable is connected to your tablet and PC. While pressing the Volume Up button, press the Power button for a few seconds, and then release both buttons.
Make sure the USB cable is not plugged into your tablet (but is connected to your PC). While pressing the Volume Up button, plug the USB cable into your tablet. Release the Volume Up button after a few seconds (modified from daws' suggested method).
When your tablet is up and running, to enter APX mode:
Turn your tablet off and wait a few seconds. Connect your USB cable to your tablet and PC. While pressing the Volume Up button, press the Power button for a few seconds, and then release both buttons.
Make sure your USB cable is connected to your tablet and PC. Open a command prompt on your PC, navigate to the folder containing adb.exe, type: adb reboot and hit the Enter key while holding down the Volume Up button until the screen remains blank for a few seconds.
From a tablet based terminal emulator, type: su and hit the Enter key, then type: reboot and hit the Enter key while holding down the Volume Up button until the screen remains blank for a few seconds. One suggested app (by tobdaryl) is the free Android Terminal Emulator from Google Play. Note: You must be rooted for this to work.
Press the tablet reset with a paperclip while pressing the Volume Up button until the screen remains blank for a few seconds (the reset is located about either 25mm or 1" below the sdcard slot). Note: Do not press hard!
When your tablet is in Fastboot mode, to enter APX mode:
While pressing the Volume Up button, press the Power button for 10 seconds. Release both buttons a few seconds after the screen goes blank. One variation is to wait and press the Volume Up button immediately after the screen goes blank and then release it after a few seconds. If you wait too long to press the Volume Up button, your tablet will just boot up normally.
Make sure your tablet has the USB cable connected to your PC. Open a command prompt on your PC, navigate to the folder containing fastboot.exe, type: fastboot -i 0x0B05 reboot and hit the Enter key while holding down the Volume Up button until the screen remains blank for a few seconds. One variation is to wait and press the Volume Up button immediately after the screen goes blank and then release it after a few seconds. If you wait too long to press the Volume Up button, your tablet will just boot up normally. Note: Newer versions of fastboot.exe do not require the "-i 0x0B05" option.
Or, as a last resort!
Remove your tablet's cover, disconnect the battery, press and hold the volume up button, and reconnect the battery!
The following instructions are written on how to switch from one mode to another (not covered above).
When your tablet is up and running, to enter Fastboot or Recovery mode:
Make sure your USB cable is connected to your tablet and PC. Open a command prompt on your PC, navigate to the folder containing adb.exe, type: adb reboot-bootloader and hit the Enter key. Once the message: "Checking for RCK.. press key <Vol_Up> in 5 sec to enter RCK" is displayed, follow the displayed instructions to enter the desired mode. Note: I was unable to verify this method possibly due to having the AndroidRoot.mobi custom bootloader. This method only performs a regular reboot for me.
From a tablet based terminal emulator, type: su and hit the Enter key, then type: reboot bootloader and hit the Enter key. Once the message: "Checking for RCK.. press key <Vol_Up> in 5 sec to enter RCK" is displayed, follow the displayed instructions to enter the desired mode. One suggested app (by tobdaryl) is the free Android Terminal Emulator from Google Play. Note: You must be rooted for this to work, Note2: I was unable to verify this method possibly due to having the AndroidRoot.mobi custom bootloader. This method only performs a regular reboot for me.
When your tablet is in APX mode, to enter Fastboot or Recovery mode:
While pressing the Volume Down button, press the Power button for 10 seconds. Release both buttons a few seconds after the screen goes blank. One variation is to wait and press the Volume Up button immediately after the screen goes blank and then release it after a few seconds. If you wait too long to press the Volume Up button, your tablet will just boot up normally. Once the message: "Checking for RCK.. press key <Vol_Up> in 5 sec to enter RCK" is displayed, follow the displayed instructions to enter the desired mode.
When your tablet is in Fastboot mode, to enter Recovery mode:
Make sure your tablet has the USB cable connected to your PC. Open a command prompt on your PC, navigate to the folder containing fastboot.exe, type: fastboot -i 0x0B05 reboot-bootloader and hit the Enter key. Once the message: "Checking for RCK.. press key <Vol_Up> in 5 sec to enter RCK" is displayed, press the Volume Up button within 5 seconds. Note: Newer versions of fastboot.exe do not require the "-i 0x0B05" option, Note2: I was unable to verify this method possibly due to having the AndroidRoot.mobi custom bootloader. This method only performs a regular reboot for me.
When your tablet is in Recovery mode (TWRP v2.3.x), to enter Fastboot mode:
Select the "Reboot" option and then select the "System" option while pressing the Volume Down button until the screen remains blank for a few seconds. Once the message: "Checking for RCK.. press key <Vol_Up> in 5 sec to enter RCK" is displayed, wait 5 seconds for the icons to appear, and follow the instructions to select/confirm fastboot mode. One variation is to wait and press the Volume Down button immediately after the screen goes blank and then release it after a few seconds. If you wait too long to press the Volume Down button, your tablet will just boot up normally.
When your tablet is in Recovery mode (TWRP v2.3.x), to enter APX mode:
Select the "Reboot" option and then select the "System" option while holding down the Volume Up button until the screen remains blank for a few seconds. One variation is to wait and press the Volume Up button immediately after the screen goes blank and then release it after a few seconds. If you wait too long to press the Volume Up button, your tablet will just boot up normally.
Nice guide! Thanks for taking the time to gather the information and create this guide.
It is clear, detailed, and easy to follow.
It should be a stickied.
Hi I tried connecting my device to my computer after holding down the buttons to get into APX mode. And after about 5 seconds I heard a connection sound then Windows told me the USB device malfuntioned. Any idea why?? I'm trying to fixed my friend's soft bricked tablet which cannot get into fastboot mode.
firtvid20 said:
Hi I tried connecting my device to my computer after holding down the buttons to get into APX mode. And after about 5 seconds I heard a connection sound then Windows told me the USB device malfuntioned. Any idea why?? I'm trying to fixed my friend's soft bricked tablet which cannot get into fastboot mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple of quick thoughts if it's not the device itself: check to make sure the cable is good, try a different USB port, and try re-installing the drivers (using the Universal Naked drivers, specifically the APX one included in the package). I've had troubles on one pc where it would connect and disconnect - it was either the USB port acting flaky or the OEM cable I was using...
Watching Windows device manager, is it showing it as an APX device or something else before it disconnects? Also, what kind of error?
Hopefully some others may have added suggestions...good luck!
wha2do said:
A couple of quick thoughts if it's not the device itself: check to make sure the cable is good, try a different USB port, and try re-installing the drivers (using the Universal Naked drivers, specifically the APX one included in the package). I've had troubles on one pc where it would connect and disconnect - it was either the USB port acting flaky or the OEM cable I was using...
Watching Windows device manager, is it showing it as an APX device or something else before it disconnects? Also, what kind of error?
Hopefully some others may have added suggestions...good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I seemed to fix it when I held down the volume button while the tablet was off and plugged it in. Thanks for the help!
firtvid20 said:
Ah I seemed to fix it when I held down the volume button while the tablet was off and plugged it in. Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem at all and glad to hear it wasn't a complicated fix! With APX and other modes, do have the two methods. Holding both buttons at same time, but I do find somehow it doesn't always recognize them (maybe I'm not holding the volume button solidly?). As worked for you, the other option is to have it powered off, hold the volume button, and then plugging it in to get it to power on and go into APX mode (remembering it's just a black screen but can tell by checking Windows device manager - mostly mentioned for any others that may come across this!).
If have more questions on the rest of the restore process, might be good to start a fresh post for the remaining steps. Good luck with getting it back up and going!
Hi @wha2do,
This morning I followed a guide written years ago instructing "-i 0x0B05" as part of a fastboot flash, which was a problem considering I used the latest fastboot available ...
Thanks to your guide, I removed that portion and it worked like a charm. Thank you man
cristobal.digital said:
Hi @wha2do,
This morning I followed a guide written years ago instructing "-i 0x0B05" as part of a fastboot flash, which was a problem considering I used the latest fastboot available ...
Thanks to your guide, I removed that portion and it worked like a charm. Thank you man
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whew, it hit me how long ago that was posted, but glad to hear it helped! I def appreciate the post
Hey guys. I just got LG G6 H870 model. Unlocked bootloader without much problems, but issues came later. While being in bootloader I can't do anything, hardware buttons seem to not work. The only way to get out of bootloader is to use "fastboot reboot" command, but that prevents me from getting into custom recovery after flashing it. Only entering download mode works (holding volume up and plugin in usb cable). Non other key combination work until I boot into system.
Can this issue be somehow resolved?
I had similar problem myself with entering recovery more and the reason behind it was that I didn't press the button combo in proper way. what you actually have to do is while you in fastboot mode you press down and hold power button and volume down button. phone reboots after a moment and you should still be holding these keys and when lg logo appears you let go of power button for brief second and then press it back again and then when a prompt on white screen appears just go yes two times and phone shall boot in recovery mode . I had watch a tutorial movie to figure that out. other easy way is just to have adb enabled and reboot it with adb reboot recovery command via USB cable
non.verbal said:
I had similar problem myself with entering recovery more and the reason behind it was that I didn't press the button combo in proper way. what you actually have to do is while you in fastboot mode you press down and hold power button and volume down button. phone reboots after a moment and you should still be holding these keys and when lg logo appears you let go of power button for brief second and then press it back again and then when a prompt on white screen appears just go yes two times and phone shall boot in recovery mode . I had watch a tutorial movie to figure that out. other easy way is just to have adb enabled and reboot it with adb reboot recovery command via USB cable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, because I had G5 and I know the proper way to do that. Problem is I can hold the power button as long as I live and the phone won't reboot, regardless of pressed combination or power button solo.
and the adb command way ?
Well... Nevermind, turns out vol down button isn't working at all.
still good way around is adb reboot recovery
LG G6 H871 unrooted
I just can't get into fastboot or recovery mode. I've tried everything on the internet.
I've tried turning off the phone. Holding down the volume down button and then plugging in the USB cable.
I've tried adb command "adb reboot bootloader" which just reboots the phone until I can see the "enter your PIN" screen
The closest I got to the recovery mode was using "adb reboot recovery" which gave me the "no command" screen.
Any tips on this?
Have you enabled OEM Unlock option under Developer settings?
Yes. "Enable OEM unlock" and "USB debugging" enabled.
both oem unlock is on and usb debugging on and my computer has accepted the fingerprint from teh device to shake with adb. . still cant get into fastboot mode.what to do.
Is your phone rooted? If so use flashify to reflash recovery. You do know that if you want to boot in recover you have to let the power key go and repress it once your screen goes on right?
You can also try phone off. Holding volume up while you insert usb cable. Might be a tool that allows a command to be send to reboot it in fastboot mode? If not downgrade its firmware..
ErlendAnderson said:
LG G6 H871 unrooted
I just can't get into fastboot or recovery mode. I've tried everything on the internet.
I've tried turning off the phone. Holding down the volume down button and then plugging in the USB cable.
I've tried adb command "adb reboot bootloader" which just reboots the phone until I can see the "enter your PIN" screen
The closest I got to the recovery mode was using "adb reboot recovery" which gave me the "no command" screen.
Any tips on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand correctly, when you got to the No Command" screen, you were actually in Recovery. From my experience, the No Command screen is like a "greeting", if you will. Once you see that screen, you need to fiddle with the power & volume buttons. I believe the correct combination is to press and hold the power button. Then press and release the volume up button but continue to hold power button. If that is not the correct sequence you will need to Google for the correct order. Reference.
Considering that you are not rooted, there is not much you can do in the stock recovery.
EDIT 2 - Realized that this thread is over a year old and the OP has probably moved on. Didn't realize another member revived it. Sorry.
Got a broken power button and need to turn on your OnePlus X?
As long as one of your volume buttons and your microUSB port still work, you're lucky.
If the volume down button is working:
1. Press and hold the volume down button.
2. Connect to a USB power source.
3. The phone should vibrate and boot into the recovery. You can release the volume button at that point.
4. If you have the stock OnePlus recovery installed just tap "English", "Exit" (if present), then "Reboot".
5. Your phone should now boot up!
If only the volume up button is working, things get a bit tricky.
Before you start, read through all of the steps and the paragraph below to make sure this goes as smooth as possible.
1. Connect your device to a USB power source without pressing any button.
2. Wait for about half a second, then press and hold the volume up button.
3. If you've hit the right moment, your device will boot to fastboot mode.
4. Connect to a PC and run the command "fastboot reboot".
(If you don't know what fastboot is or you haven't set it up yet you should be able to find plenty of guides online.)
A word of caution on finding the right moment to hit the volume button:
Start with longer delays and work from there. If you hit the volume up button too early the phone will enter EDL mode, which can be hard or annoying to get out of. EDL is Qualcomm's low-level Emergency Download Mode which allows flashing the device.
When entering EDL mode the phone won't vibrate and the screen will stay off. The phone remains in EDL mode after disconnecting the USB plug.
Normally you could press and hold the power button until a hard reset to get out of there, but in this case you have the following options:
- Unplug the battery to power down the device completely if your device happens to be open.
- Wait? For as long as it takes for your device to reset from this mode on its own or for the battery to run out. idk, good luck.
- Use an EDL mode flashing tool on a PC to send the power reset command to your device. This could be viable if you have already used such a tool before, e.g. by following the "Mega UnBrick Guide" by Naman Bhalla. Alternatively you could dive into this cross platform command-line tool, which works on WIndows, Linux and macOS. Using this approach is a bit overkill and quite the tangent from what you're actually trying to do, but being able to make use of EDL can come in handy in other situations as well when you're tinkering with your Android device so taking that detour might just be worth the time.
Awesome, it worked for me.
-Incase you have entered into EDL mode, then continue charging your mobile, it will be back to old state after sometime (12 hours maybe).
- To get fastboot mode, first insert power cable then wait for vibration/ screen light illumination after that press volume up button. if you press volume up button before inserting power cable, then it will go to EDL mode, so be careful about it.
Hi,
I have trouble unlocking my A40. It's 2nd piece I own and the problem is the same.
When I follow the steps from this forum;
Go to Developer Settings and enable "OEM Unlock" option
Power off the device and boot in download mode
In download mode, you will see the long press and volume up option to unlock the bootloader
Unlock the bootloader. That will wipe your device so be sure you made a backup of your data
After bootloader unlock, boot up the phone and make sure it is connected to the internet or it will trigger rmm prenormal
Setup the phone without google account and others
Reboot in download mode and flash the recovery and vbmeta images
Boot to TWRP
Format data in TWRP
Flash the Multidisabler zip
Now you can reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm stuck at the 3rd point.
I don't see ANY instruction about Volume UP + Power in download mode. Nor FASTBOOT see my device to run actions with it.
What I see is only "Volume down key + power key for more than 7 secs Cancel (restart phone).
And holding Vol UP + Power doesn't do anything.
How to make this work?
Thanks.
sjiamnocna said:
Hi,
I have trouble unlocking my A40. It's 2nd piece I own and the problem is the same.
When I follow the steps from this forum;
I'm stuck at the 3rd point.
I don't see ANY instruction about Volume UP + Power in download mode. Nor FASTBOOT see my device to run actions with it.
What I see is only "Volume down key + power key for more than 7 secs Cancel (restart phone).
And holding Vol UP + Power doesn't do anything.
How to make this work?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did enable OEM Unlock, correct?
Turn the device completely off, without any cables connected. Keep a USB cable ready that's plugged into your PC.
With the device powered off, hold both Volume buttons, and plug in the USB cable connected to your PC. Do not press Power. You should see a prompt on either a green or blue screen; select the option for Device Unlock Mode.
Finally.
Thank you for making me try for another time