I considered posting on the main question thread, but I am requesting a comprehensive response and therefore feel a standalone post was warranted.
I am on my third PH-1 and am now scared of touching it. I need your help.
Here is my background: I received my first PH-1 in October 2018; I used it stock with a Verizon sim card and had no intention of rooting it or doing anything custom. A nice solid phone. Then, at the start of November, it rebooted and the digitizer froze out of nowhere. I knew that it had recently ran a System Update to Pie that had been prompted (apparently an OTA update). I got it to unfreeze via Safe Mode. Then it soon rebooted again out of nowhere and the digitizer froze a second time; completely unresponsive. I did another couple reboots and it unfroze, then froze a third and final time that evening. I thought it was my fault; that some app I loaded from the store killed the phone. I contacted essential support; I erased the phone via the factory reset, but the digitizer did not respond. Essential warranty replaced the phone.
I received my second phone at the end of November. I did not check what version or anything and like a good user, I ran the prompted System Update (to Pie) and reduced the number of apps I installed to the bare minimum. At the end of that week, the digitizer on this new second phone ceased working immediately after a reboot. I got it to come back two more times (again), but it eventually froze just like the first one. Essential support explained that this may be due to not having the correct kernel updated on my phone prior to accepting the OTA update. Essential warranty replaced the second phone.
I now hold in my hands the third Essential phone.
It is 7.1.1, Kernel 4.4.21-perf+
System Update keeps prompting me to download and install PPR1.181005.099
I am technically proficient, however am new to rooting and updating Essential phone firmware.
As I understand it, I need to get to the latest kernel version before I can update the Android version, as updating to the latest Android would again disable the digitizer.
How do I do that?
I have done the following so far:
Read through this guide: https://mata.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
Read through this firmware dump post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/development/stock-7-1-1-nmj20d-t3701681
Own a Windows 10 machine
Purchased a non-stock USB C cable - Monoprice Essentials USB Type C to USB-A 2.0 Cable - 480Mbps, 3A, 26AWG, Black, 0.5m (1.6ft) #27932 https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=27932
Installed Essential-PH1-WindowsDrivers.exe
Unpacked platform-tools_r28.0.1-windows.zip
Charged my phone
Activated developer options
Enabled OEM Unlocking
Disabled automatic updates (system and apps)
I am completely lost as to what my next step(s) need to be and I truly would appreciate being walked through this. At worst, I just want to disable the prompt to run a System Update and then survive like a Neanderthal on Nougat.
Can someone please help. Thank you.
Of note, I actually fear for new, non technical, PH-1 owners who, upon receiving phones during the window I also received mine, have had their digitizers fail. So far, I feel alone as the only one with this problem.
I am also prompted to update Essential Services and Essential Resources from Google Play Store, but I am hesitant to do so.
This is the thing.. Unless you want to root your phone and or flash custom roms? Don't do anything but take the friggin OTA. Period, The second you unlock your bootloader and start messing with stuff it becomes your brick and not Essential's problem. That's my two cents bud.
Sent from my mata using XDA Labs
JayLosh said:
.
It is 7.1.1, Kernel 4.4.21-perf+
System Update keeps prompting me to download and install PPR1.181005.099
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my ph1 (halo grey) in Sep 2018, from Amazon during sale period, it came with 7.1.1 installed, I immediately took all updates (incl Essential ones from Play store) & am now on Android 9 build you list above & dec security patch. No problems with digitizer, but I've not rooted this phone or unlocked BL, as yet. No problems with digitizer. This doesn't seem like a common problem (not that I've read all the older posts) so maybe it is due to some other mod or app on your phone, though not sure what kernal my phone come with, now its 4.4.162-perf+
Related
Hi,
I just received a brand new Nexus 7. I turned it on, logged into my account, and then the first thing I did was go to settings -> about -> check for system updates.
It started updating to 4.2
During the update, I got the android with red exclamation point.
Pressed power and volume up and it shows this. (See attached image)
I'm completely stumped. Its brand new and hasn't been rooted or modified.
I tried sideloading the update via adb but I get the same error.
Any ideas?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
If you got it local, exchange it. You don't have a lot of time invested at this point to try to fix it.
I had the same exact problem but it was really easy to fix.
I downloaded the Nexus 7 toolkit and did the following:
1) Installed the Google Nexus 7 Drivers from the Nexus 7 Toolkit menu.
2) Unlocked my BootLoader from the Nexus 7 Toolkit.
3) Downloaded the factory stock rom for 4.1.2 in the Nexus 7 Toolkit.
4) Put my device in fastboot mode (power + volume down)
5) Selected the option to flash the device with the factory rom.
Once it was installed, I was able to apply the OTA update. Apparently many of these devices ship with this issue.
JayOui said:
I had the same exact problem but it was really easy to fix.
I downloaded the Nexus 7 toolkit and did the following:
1) Installed the Google Nexus 7 Drivers from the Nexus 7 Toolkit menu.
2) Unlocked my BootLoader from the Nexus 7 Toolkit.
3) Downloaded the factory stock rom for 4.1.2 in the Nexus 7 Toolkit.
4) Put my device in fastboot mode (power + volume down)
5) Selected the option to flash the device with the factory rom.
Once it was installed, I was able to apply the OTA update. Apparently many of these devices ship with this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to go through the trouble of flashing a factory image to get the N7 up to date, just flash the latest. There's no need to waste time with the OTA at this point.
edit: the blurry image shows a patch assertion error on the kernel. This means that the installed kernel does not match what the OTA was expecting to find. This is typically indicative of the presence of a custom kernel.
comminus said:
If you're going to go through the trouble of flashing a factory image to get the N7 up to date, just flash the latest. There's no need to waste time with the OTA at this point.
edit: the blurry image shows a patch assertion error on the kernel. This means that the installed kernel does not match what the OTA was expecting to find. This is typically indicative of the presence of a custom kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it is indicative of a custom kernel but I had the same problem of a device pulled directly out of the box which was unfortunately shipped from Walmart since they were sold out on Google Play at the time. BTW, the box was sealed so unless Asus is shipping refurbished units as new, I don't see how this could have happened. If you google the error for the LNX device error, you will see this is more common that would be expected.
You are also correct that I could have flashed the 4.2.1 factory image, but at that point I wanted to make sure that I could actually get the OTA updates in the future. This showed I could as I was able to get the OTA update to 4.2 and then the subsequent update to 4.2.1.
You don't happen to have the original kernel or kernel information do you? I'd like to take a closer look at it to see what the deal is. Or do you happen top recall the build number that the device was shipped with?
Sent from my Nexus 4
This happened to me today, too.
I got a brand new 32GB wifi Nexus7 from the local electronics store.
Sealed box.
CBO serial
4.1.2 JZO54K preinstalled.
Made the OTA update.
At about half of the progress bar the red exlamation mark symbol came and the device rebooted on its own after waiting 1 minute.
And now 4.1.2 is still installed.
(everything stock and locked)
Can I fix it somehow else, without rooting etc?
Likewise, mines 4 days old and the update just won't install.
I tried to clear the "data" of Google Services Framework. Then did the OTA again but it failed again with the red triangle at about 1/3 of the loading bar.
Here is a workaround which didn't work for me (clearing data of Framework)
http://www.adilhindistan.com/2012/07/upgrading-nexus-s-to-jelly-bean-411.html
I tried it several times, even wiping /cache in stock recovery doesn't help.
I will continue to try the update. And either it will work all of a sudden or I really need to adb sideload the update manually on a fresh locked, unrooted device. Come on Google.
I gave up and flashed mine via ADB there's obviously something wrong with the OTA combined with the Nexus 7 32gb as it only seems to affect this model from looking at the stories.
I went to my local dealer. And after some evaluating and checking. They were able to to connect to their wifi. I then reproduced the failure in the shop. Then afterwards they called ASUS (The salesman let me talk to Asus directly, but they couldn't help, Google is responsible for software). And after this the salesman checked a demonstration model, which already had 4.21.
Then he asked the store manager I guess (at least he wore a suit as opposed to the others.)
And finally they exchanged my model to a new one. Now I have another CBO device but this time it updates flawlessly.
I'm happy.
JayOui said:
I agree it is indicative of a custom kernel but I had the same problem of a device pulled directly out of the box which was unfortunately shipped from Walmart since they were sold out on Google Play at the time. BTW, the box was sealed so unless Asus is shipping refurbished units as new, I don't see how this could have happened. If you google the error for the LNX device error, you will see this is more common that would be expected.
You are also correct that I could have flashed the 4.2.1 factory image, but at that point I wanted to make sure that I could actually get the OTA updates in the future. This showed I could as I was able to get the OTA update to 4.2 and then the subsequent update to 4.2.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my 32gb in December and have had the same problem. Google support said it was an asus issue and of course asus said it was a google issue. Both only had factory reset as a suggestion, which did not work. There seems to be hundreds of users with this issue because I have found tons and tons of people with the same problem, but no real answers. Rooting and flashing is of course a fix but not really a solution. I root my phones, but really do like the nexus as is and like you would want to be able to receive further ota updates without issue. I'm intrigued by your wrong kernal idea. I got mine new from a local gamestop.
I've attached a screenshot of my info. Can you tell me, please, is this the wrong kernal? If so and I follow your steps from the nexus toolkit, what will happen to everything that is on here? Will apps, data, personal file , and settings all be wiped? Are there any backup opttions? Not being rooted I can't use my titanium backup so will a copy to pc get everything?
Thanks so much!
@Sorraia3
That release - JRO03S - seems kind of old for a device which was purchased in December. Setting that aside though, there have been a few reports on here of "pure factory" JRO03S devices that would not properly accept the OTA update.
To know what the exact error condition is, you would either need to show a picture of the recovery screen with the error message, or if there is none, get a copy of the recovery log file (which might require root and therefore poses a chicken-vs-egg problem).
If you don't want to pursue a return/exchange/repair with Google/Asus, you could try identifying the exact problem - but to do that you would need to unlock the bootloader... which causes a full tablet wipe & in any event would be more difficult than just flashing a (new version of the) full factory ROM.
Look at the "return to stock with fastboot" thread for instructions on the latter.
You need to make backups of anything worth saving as the tablet gets completely wiped during this process. You might also want to look into the "Carbon" app for backing up market apps & their data on an unrooted device before you begin.
Also, the fact that you will be unlocking your bootloader does not mean that you need to flash custom ROMs or any other "rooting" activities - you can certainly just re-lock the bootloader after installing the factory ROM, and stay in a "pure stock" condition (with the newer factory ROM).
good luck
I know it has been awhile since I posted in this thread, but I got sidetracked. I'm now going to be taking care of this and was wondering if I can jump right to the newest build or should I graduate up them? If the latter, can someone give me the proper build order? If the former, what is the most current stable build I should use?
Also, I no longer seem to be able to find the thread mentioned "return to stock with fastboot" would you have a link for it?
Wait I think I just found it. Is this it?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
So the recommendation is to go through adb rather then use the toolkit?
Thanks much!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Hey everyone!
I've got an interesting predicament here. A little back story: a while back I installed TowelRoot, and then Xposed Framework. Everything was kosher until I got an OTA update (I believe the NG3 update) and it killed the root. No problem, I'm fine without root. But now that Lollipop has come out, I want to update but can't. My buddy applied the same root, but did not do Xposed. The difference between our phones after that OTA update: mine says "Custom" with an unlocked padlock at the Samsung boot screen; his does not.
I read in another thread that someone took their phone to Best Buy and the guys at the Samsung booth were able to fix the problem because they can pull updates and apply them via USB. So we went there yesterday and they had no problem getting Lollipop on my buddy's S5 Active. Mine, however, would not take the update. The Samsung S.M.A.R.T. tool they use on the PC was saying that "my device is running an unauthorized operating system", even though I have never flashed a custom ROM.
When I go into download mode, the Knox flag does not appear to be tripped. I've also performed a clean factory reset with a data wipe and that still didn't allow me to update. Whenever I try to update, it downloads the entire 4.4.4 update (which needs to be done first, before the 5.0 update) and it starts to install, failing at 25%, without hesitation, every single time.
I've attached a couple of screenshots that I hope will help. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
MGArcher007 said:
Hey everyone!
I've got an interesting predicament here. A little back story: a while back I installed TowelRoot, and then Xposed Framework. Everything was kosher until I got an OTA update (I believe the NG3 update) and it killed the root. No problem, I'm fine without root. But now that Lollipop has come out, I want to update but can't. My buddy applied the same root, but did not do Xposed. The difference between our phones after that OTA update: mine says "Custom" with an unlocked padlock at the Samsung boot screen; his does not.
I read in another thread that someone took their phone to Best Buy and the guys at the Samsung booth were able to fix the problem because they can pull updates and apply them via USB. So we went there yesterday and they had no problem getting Lollipop on my buddy's S5 Active. Mine, however, would not take the update. The Samsung S.M.A.R.T. tool they use on the PC was saying that "my device is running an unauthorized operating system", even though I have never flashed a custom ROM.
When I go into download mode, the Knox flag does not appear to be tripped. I've also performed a clean factory reset with a data wipe and that still didn't allow me to update. Whenever I try to update, it downloads the entire 4.4.4 update (which needs to be done first, before the 5.0 update) and it starts to install, failing at 25%, without hesitation, every single time.
I've attached a couple of screenshots that I hope will help. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you resolved this issue, if so, would you mind sharing how you did it. I've been combing the net for a few days trying to discover what is going on and your issue appears to be exactly what I am experiencing. I've read about flashing back to my stock firmware using Odin but I cannot get into download mode, when I try and get there, the phone only says "recovery reboot" in blue small font on the top of the screen and reboots.
Thanks
Ladies and gents, I apologize for abandoning this thread. I forgot exactly how I got to get the phone to update, but if I recall correctly, it had to do with me putting the phone in download mode, downloading the original firmware and using ODIN to flash it. Afterward, the "unlocked" padlock symbol disappeared and the phone was able to get the OTA update from AT&T.
I have since moved from an LG G4 to a V20 and that is what I am currently playing with. I also have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (which T-Mobile replaced my G4 with when the touch screen stopped responding). I was quite stoked to find out that there is a way to root it and (seemingly) unlock the bootloader, so I'll be toying with that this weekend to see what I can do. I'd love nothing more than to just wipe that Samsung-ified Android and install a vanilla Android or CM.
Good luck to anyone who is still trying to fix this issue. Again, my apologies. I'll dig through my archives and see if I can piece together what I did to get it going again. I still have the S5 Active. Best phone by far. It's a great backup phone for when the new stuff goes kaput.
So my gf bought herself a used S7 SM-G930A off eBay. I'm honestly unfamiliar with the S7 or the ROM scene as things apply to is so I'm coming into this at a disadvantage (I'm on an S5). However things don't seem quite right:
1) on the boot screen, there's an unlocked padlock icon with "Custom" under it
2) There's nothing for Software updates under About Device
3) Build number MMB29M.G930AUCS2APC2, Android Security patch level "February 1, 2016" (out of date?)
4) Repeatedly gets message: "Security notice: Unauthorized actions have been detected. Restart your phone to undo any unauthorized changes"
I checked some videos and I don't think this is a fake S7, but maybe it was rooted and/or had a custom ROM in a previous life. Honestly, if it's been rooted she really doesn't need that. I'd prefer to take it back to unrooted stock for her so she can have the normal consumer experience, getting carrier updates OTA, able to use Android/Samsung Pay, etc. Can anyone shed light on the state of things and guide me into getting her to where she needs to be? I'm ok running ODIN but am having trouble finding the latest stock ROM. Thanks.
(I apologize for not doing the normal amount of due diligence searching I'd normally do before pleading for assistance, but she's in a pickle now being phone-less until we can get this working).
The first thing you should do, if you haven't already, is check the IMEI.
https://swappa.com/esn
Many sellers on eBay buy cheaper phones and install the ATT rom. If it is a genuine att phone, you can restore it to stock by flashing software through Odin
Here is the latest post I found with the latest ATT software:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...are-g930aucs4api2-bootloader-4-t3481957/page2
This thread shows how to root and restore the galaxy s7:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...s-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039/page206
Thanks, Luke. I just tried that link and the IMEI comes up clean and correct for the model.
As is my style, I didn't stop working on it after I posted that last night. I ultimately did find all the pieces for a stock re-flash, getting ODIN set up in a Windows 10 VM. It seemed to work, not only giving the phone a slightly newer firmware and security update, but fixing all the weirdness. So with any luck she's good to go. I suspect the phone was customized/hacked up a bit by the previous owner, and he didn't do a proper job returning it to 100% stock. Thank goodness she had someone like me who could fix it for her, otherwise an normal innocent buyer would've been in for a world of frustration and hassle.
Hello yall!
So I am at a complete loss on how to fix the issues with my Essential device.
So I decided to post here in as much detail as I can and hopefully receive some answers.
I purchased my phone used from eBay about a month ago.
According to the listing it was factory unlocked.
I have AT&T prepaid.
Everything was running smoothly for about a week until I receive the notification for the Android Pie OTA.
(At this time my bootloader was not yet unlocked nor was I rooted).
Again everything was fine UNTIL I installed the security patch update.
As soon as I installed and rebooted my sim read as invalid.
I rebooted, tried to mess with network settings, factory reset, etc.
Turning to Google, I realize this is a common issue with the Sprint variant of this device (of course my luck would be for me to unknowingly purchase the Sprint variant not knowing there was any issues) and the pie update.
The main fix for this issue would be of course to downgrade back to Android 8.
Here's my issues...
I unlock my bootloader.
Install the Android 8 firmware from the official Essential site. (made sure to install the one for Sprint variant).
Flash.
The touch screen is not functional. At all.
Flash back to Android Pie and install TWRP
Flash Android 8 custom ROM.
Touch screen still not functional.
So I'm back on Android Pie and touch screen is working, but sim is still invalid.
How are other essential users successful in downgrading the software?
HELP.
stephxo said:
Hello yall!
So I am at a complete loss on how to fix the issues with my Essential device.
So I decided to post here in as much detail as I can and hopefully receive some answers.
I purchased my phone used from eBay about a month ago.
According to the listing it was factory unlocked.
I have AT&T prepaid.
Everything was running smoothly for about a week until I receive the notification for the Android Pie OTA.
(At this time my bootloader was not yet unlocked nor was I rooted).
Again everything was fine UNTIL I installed the security patch update.
As soon as I installed and rebooted my sim read as invalid.
I rebooted, tried to mess with network settings, factory reset, etc.
Turning to Google, I realize this is a common issue with the Sprint variant of this device (of course my luck would be for me to unknowingly purchase the Sprint variant not knowing there was any issues) and the pie update.
The main fix for this issue would be of course to downgrade back to Android 8.
Here's my issues...
I unlock my bootloader.
Install the Android 8 firmware from the official Essential site. (made sure to install the one for Sprint variant).
Flash.
The touch screen is not functional. At all.
Flash back to Android Pie and install TWRP
Flash Android 8 custom ROM.
Touch screen still not functional.
So I'm back on Android Pie and touch screen is working, but sim is still invalid.
How are other essential users successful in downgrading the software?
HELP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the guide section and read the post that says uicc unlock there is a solution outlined.just follow it and your phone will be back in service
stephxo said:
Hello yall!
So I am at a complete loss on how to fix the issues with my Essential device.
So I decided to post here in as much detail as I can and hopefully receive some answers.
I purchased my phone used from eBay about a month ago.
According to the listing it was factory unlocked.
I have AT&T prepaid.
Everything was running smoothly for about a week until I receive the notification for the Android Pie OTA.
(At this time my bootloader was not yet unlocked nor was I rooted).
Again everything was fine UNTIL I installed the security patch update.
As soon as I installed and rebooted my sim read as invalid.
I rebooted, tried to mess with network settings, factory reset, etc.
Turning to Google, I realize this is a common issue with the Sprint variant of this device (of course my luck would be for me to unknowingly purchase the Sprint variant not knowing there was any issues) and the pie update.
The main fix for this issue would be of course to downgrade back to Android 8.
Here's my issues...
I unlock my bootloader.
Install the Android 8 firmware from the official Essential site. (made sure to install the one for Sprint variant).
Flash.
The touch screen is not functional. At all.
Flash back to Android Pie and install TWRP
Flash Android 8 custom ROM.
Touch screen still not functional.
So I'm back on Android Pie and touch screen is working, but sim is still invalid.
How are other essential users successful in downgrading the software?
HELP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you unlock your critical partitions along with the bootloader?
arjunv said:
Go to the guide section and read the post that says uicc unlock there is a solution outlined.just follow it and your phone will be back in service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think you could link that post for me? I can't seem to find it.
I also don't see any uicc option on my debice. (Not sure or that matters though)
If it's Sprint you need to wait 50 days before you can unlock it. CDMA phones are a pain in the ass to unlock, always buy International if possible!
This thread has some information that might be useful:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/help/unlock-sprint-version-t3720727
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
SuperBrolySSJ said:
Did you unlock your critical partitions along with the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is required for the touch screen firmware to be flashed and OP needs to see this.
Hello everyone. I recently purchased a used Pixel 4. Past owner said WiFi+Data stopped working after updating Android and that the phone is unlocked and carrier-free. I need to unlock bootloader in order to install GrapheneOS but it is greyed out. As you can see in the screenshots, it seems like the phone is not recognizing WiFi and IMEI hardware while booted. IMEI does show up in the barcode menu option in fastboot. System UI crashes if I try to open WiFi config. The only thing I could try was tethering via Bluetooth from my other phone and updating Android OS and apps. Already tried wiping everything and forcing phone to connect to Google while on Bluetooth tethering by pressing (*#*#2432546#*#*) in the dialer as sugested here: https://source.android.com/setup/contribute/flash#preparing-your-device
This doesn't show any success or error message.
One thing that may have happened is this: https://www.phonearena.com/news/google-pixel-android-12-verizon-update-issue_id136367
Apparently Google sent OTA Verizon update to unlocked Pixel 4's by mistake. Maybe the wrong software is what is making it not recognize WiFi+Data?
Current installed build is 12.1.0 (SQ3A.220605.009.A1, Jun 2022). Maybe I should wait for a new SP* instead of SQ* build to come out and try installing it? This is because P is for the main platform branch as explained here: https://source.android.com/setup/start/build-numbers#build-ids-defined
Hopefully it comes out before October since that is the end-of-support date.
OTA builds: https://developers.google.com/android/ota#flame
Other option would be to try out this but it seems the riskiest and last resort option:
Unlock carrier locked bootloader Pixel [BETA]
UPDATE AS OF 16 OF MAY 2023 This project isn't working right now, but I am still working on it. However due the complicated nature of the projects and the fact that I have little free time means this project will probably still take time to get...
forum.xda-developers.com
And yet another option would be to purchase a new board and replace it.
What do you think? I tried submiting the IMEI to T-Mobile's site and it says it is OK to be ported. Verizon's site didn't let me submit the IMEI I don't know why. And for AT&T I didn't find any site for that. IMEI checks say it is not blacklisted.
Did u solve this?