Samsung S20 with a few shady problems - Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra Questions &

Hi, I bought a used Galaxy S20 from eBay and everything works fine except benchmarking apps wouldn’t install. Direct APKs don’t work either and the only suggestion I found is to clear Play Store which had no luck. The Galaxy Store works though but they’re mostly outdated or fringe benchmark apps.
Later I found that when I choose Emergency mode in the power off menu, it says “Can’t use Emergency mode on demo phone”. Nowhere else does it mention it’s a demo unit, including boot sequence and demo mode is off in developer options.
Last problem I found while troubleshooting more and found out on another site that the IMEI belongs to a Galaxy J5 Prime from Saudi Arabia... What can I do? Would flashing a firmware help with any of these problems? It’s a Canadian SM-G981W model and I would prefer to flash a US firmware without losing any data if it’s possible. Recovery mode+download mode both work and I don’t think the phone has been rooted as Knox doesn’t seem to be tripped. But I thought that you would need to root in order to fake/spoof IMEI?
Here’s a photo of the phone in download mode, I think it’s missing a few things including the OEM lock status.
https://imgur.com/a/GIp9ffT
Is this fishy or help solve the problems as I’m not super tech savvy Thanks in advance!

That's why nobody should buy a used phone off eBay.

jwoegerbauer said:
That's why nobody should buy a used phone off eBay.
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Where should I buy them then? Swappa and Gazelle don’t deliver to Canada and traditional retailers are way overpriced. To be fair, the seller is pretty smart as the average Joe would probably never notice these issues as the phone works completely normal otherwise.

Return it.

blackhawk said:
Return it.
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Click to collapse
I would lose out on shipping and the only phone I have and was using broke so that’s why I was replacing it with the S20...

Related

Bricked ATT Note4 after software update. What do i do?

I finally was forced to update to android 5.0.1. I updated at work but it failed halfway through and is now in a boot loop. I've tried every solution the internet can provide me. What do I do now? The device IMEI has a limited warranty until 2017. I purchased through swappa. I have original box but no documentation besides the barcode sticker on the side. Will AT&T replace this? It was their update that caused this anyway. Any experiences with this sort of thing please? I dropped a large chunk of change on this paperweight. Thanks
Wildstar34 said:
I finally was forced to update to android 5.0.1. I updated at work but it failed halfway through and is now in a boot loop. I've tried every solution the internet can provide me. What do I do now? The device IMEI has a limited warranty until 2017. I purchased through swappa. I have original box but no documentation besides the barcode sticker on the side. Will AT&T replace this? It was their update that caused this anyway. Any experiences with this sort of thing please? I dropped a large chunk of change on this paperweight. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first thing to do is find a local Best Buy with a Samsung Experience shop. They can reflash the firmware or send the phone in for repairs. This would be the best and easiest option. Most likely, you'll be able to get everything fixed in around an hour max.
BTW, it doesn't matter if the device was purchased from somewhere other than Best Buy!
I'm not sure if ATT will replace the phone if you didn't buy it from ATT. You can contact them to see though. Call them and tell them that you bought the device from Swappa. Though, most likely, they'll turn you away unless they have some sort of business alliance with Swappa.
Do this as a Plan B.
The third option is to get in contact with Swappa. I don't know anything about that service though. Usually in order to claim warranty, you need the device and proof of purchase. If Swappa has an online receipt, or even just an online purchase history, that should work. They most likely would just need some sort of proof that you actually bought the device from or through them. Like I said, I don't know anything about Swappa, so you'll have to contact them to get specifics of what you'd need.
When all else fails, go directly to Samsung. Again, tell them that you got the device from Swappa. Though, this would basically be like the first option, except that it would take longer.
All options except the first one may result in you getting a refurbished replacement. Just an FYI. The only way that Best Buy will give you a refurbished replacement is if they were to send the phone back to Samsung and it was replaced.
PM me if needed!
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
spexwood said:
The first thing to do is find a local Best Buy with a Samsung Experience shop. They can reflash the firmware or send the phone in for repairs. This would be the best and easiest option. Most likely, you'll be able to get everything fixed in around an hour max.
BTW, it doesn't matter if the device was purchased from somewhere other than Best Buy!
I'm not sure if ATT will replace the phone if you didn't buy it from ATT. You can contact them to see though. Call them and tell them that you bought the device from Swappa. Though, most likely, they'll turn you away unless they have some sort of business alliance with Swappa.
Do this as a Plan B.
The third option is to get in contact with Swappa. I don't know anything about that service though. Usually in order to claim warranty, you need the device and proof of purchase. If Swappa has an online receipt, or even just an online purchase history, that should work. They most likely would just need some sort of proof that you actually bought the device from or through them. Like I said, I don't know anything about Swappa, so you'll have to contact them to get specifics of what you'd need.
When all else fails, go directly to Samsung. Again, tell them that you got the device from Swappa. Though, this would basically be like the first option, except that it would take longer.
All options except the first one may result in you getting a refurbished replacement. Just an FYI. The only way that Best Buy will give you a refurbished replacement is if they were to send the phone back to Samsung and it was replaced.
PM me if needed!
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks a lot. This may be the single most helpful forum post I've ever read. I will drive up to BestBuy tomorrow and give it a shot. I wasn't able to flash a AT&T stock rom through Odin, but I guess it's worth a shot. I believe the flash failure was due to the AT&T bootloader being locked?
Wildstar34 said:
Hey, thanks a lot. This may be the single most helpful forum post I've ever read. I will drive up to BestBuy tomorrow and give it a shot. I wasn't able to flash a AT&T stock rom through Odin, but I guess it's worth a shot. I believe the flash failure was due to the AT&T bootloader being locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome!
Most likely something just went wrong during the installation. The bootloader is not a factor in this matter since all ATT Note 4s have it locked and the firmware is meant for this phone.
Now, if you had the phone rooted (permanently), installed a custom kernel and recovery, etc, then the update failure would be 100% explainable. But since you can't do any of that with this phone, then the most likely cause is just "sh1t happened" or the installation was interrupted (like battery died).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Have you tried kies to reflash your phone?
floatingtrees said:
Have you tried kies to reflash your phone?
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Click to collapse
I used Kies, Kies3 and Swap Sync or whatever to do an emergency restore. All of them failed. Kies 3 recognized the phone and was 98% done downloading the firmware and then failed.
Also i am not rooted and never attempted a root (on this phone anyway).
Good news. Just got off the phone with AT&T and they have a replacement on the way. Thanks for your help everybody. We have achieved the best case senario for me as i was having problems with the volume buttons anyway
I would consider this case solved.
Wildstar34 said:
Good news. Just got off the phone with AT&T and they have a replacement on the way. Thanks for your help everybody. We have achieved the best case senario for me as i was having problems with the volume buttons anyway
I would consider this case solved.
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Awesome! Win-win for you (I guess?)
If the volume keys were messed up, then I wonder if there was some other problems with the phone too. Ones you couldn't see... ones that prevented proper firmware installation.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

SM-T800 Password locked & in Retail Mode. Am I hosed?

So... I bought a Galaxy Tab S 10.5 on ebay. The guy who was selling it said it works fine but it's password locked and he didn't know how to remove it so he was selling it "AS IS FOR PARTS" I thought that shouldn't be hard to fix. Factory Reset and we should be good to go...
However, I'm pretty sure this was a store demo unit and in addition to being password locked its also in Retail mode (At least that's my best guess because I can't get into Factory Reset mode)... Everything that I've read says that Retail mode won't allow you to get to the factory reset screen. I can get into Oden mode but when I try factory reset it gives me a black screen. Can I get rid of the password protection by flashing the firmware in Oden? Once I get into the tablet I think I know how to disable retail mode but I can't get past the log in screen. I didn't want to start messing around with it if its a hopeless cause but if there is a way around this mess I would really appreciate someone pointing me in the right direction. Thank you in advance!
This has been posted several times already the past week or so. A quick search would have yielded the answer.
Flash twrp via odin, boot to recovery, factory reset, reboot to download mode, flash stock firmware with odin for the device region.
Done.
I'd also like to query how people are coming by these demo tablets? Are they even legal otherwise why would they be passworded and in demo mode. A little suspicious if you ask me.
ashyx said:
This has been posted several times already the past week or so. A quick search would have yielded the answer.
Flash twrp via odin, boot to recovery, factory reset, reboot to download mode, flash stock firmware with odin for the device region.
Done.
I'd also like to query how people are coming by these demo tablets? Are they even legal otherwise why would they be passworded and in demo mode. A little suspicious if you ask me.
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Click to collapse
Well, I don't know about how all the other people obtained their "demo" tablets, whether legally or otherwise, but I am also one of those "demo" tablet owners. I actually got lucky and came across mine, which is in pristine condition, at my local Best Buy for about $220 a month ago.
Sent from my Note 3 using Tapatalk
ashyx said:
This has been posted several times already the past week or so. A quick search would have yielded the answer.
Flash twrp via odin, boot to recovery, factory reset, reboot to download mode, flash stock firmware with odin for the device region.
Done.
I'd also like to query how people are coming by these demo tablets? Are they even legal otherwise why would they be passworded and in demo mode. A little suspicious if you ask me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of stores will let you buy the demo unit if you push hard enough (sometimes pushing isnt even required) and they don't have one in stock. That being said; you know little brat kids go through all the tablets just to put passwords on them so no one can test them out. Probably a lost cause, but when I went for a walk last night I decided to stop at Walmart to get a snack and drink and while I was there I wanted to play with some of the other tablets. Before I could do so though, I had to remove the passwords. Thank you for recovery mode.
Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk
All retail stores have a place that processes returns or when they're demos are done to make room for the next new big thing.. the "old" go to reclamation.. I can speak specifically for walmart office depot office max.. this product is then resold to a liquidation buyer or mom and pop stores or online business' .. then they resell.
Jmbl2010 said:
All retail stores have a place that processes returns or when they're demos are done to make room for the next new big thing.. the "old" go to reclamation.. I can speak specifically for walmart office depot office max.. this product is then resold to a liquidation buyer or mom and pop stores or online business' .. then they resell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can speak specifically for Office Depot/Office Max as I am an employee and this is not how they liquidate the "old" models. They do not sell to liquidation buyers, mom and pop stores or online businesses. They clearance out the old stuff and sell it at a marginal discount prior to displaying the new stuff in store.

SM-G960U switched from AT&T to Xfinity (GSM to CDMA) VERY BAD SERVICE! What do?

According to Samsung tech support this phone is made only for GSM networks and it's radio will not work with CDMA. I do get SOME service but it's very limited and my wife has the same model phone that we bought from Xfinity and the service is considerably better. Phone is practically brand new, is SIM Unlocked, I have factory reset it, checked carrier settings, carried it to a samsung warranty repair facility, etc. The last thing I can think of is to flash the firmware to Xfinity firmware, but is this a waste of time? Again, a Samsung tech said that AT&T carrier phones (even when they are unlocked like mine) won't work on CDMA.
bryetownsend said:
According to Samsung tech support this phone is made only for GSM networks and it's radio will not work with CDMA. I do get SOME service but it's very limited and my wife has the same model phone that we bought from Xfinity and the service is considerably better. Phone is practically brand new, is SIM Unlocked, I have factory reset it, checked carrier settings, carried it to a samsung warranty repair facility, etc. The last thing I can think of is to flash the firmware to Xfinity firmware, but is this a waste of time? Again, a Samsung tech said that AT&T carrier phones (even when they are unlocked like mine) won't work on CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to go ahead and flash it, look at this thread for Note10(steps are the same) except for firmware files of course. Start from page 2, this will have info you need and tools. You will recognize me by my avatar.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10/help/flash-t-mobile-firmware-unlocked-note-t3962844
Now you need to see if you want to go with unlocked firmware or Xfinity firmware?
In the SamFirm PC tool you will need to enter the following:
For Xfinity firmware, enter: SM-G960U as a model and CCT as a region and hit check update and download the firmware(I would start with Xfinity firmware)
For unlocked firmware, enter SM-G960U1 and XAA and check update and download firmware
Charkatak said:
If you want to go ahead and flash it, look at this thread for Note10(steps are the same) except for firmware files of course. Start from page 2, this will have info you need and tools. You will recognize me by my avatar.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10/help/flash-t-mobile-firmware-unlocked-note-t3962844
Now you need to see if you want to go with unlocked firmware or Xfinity firmware?
In the SamFirm PC tool you will need to enter the following:
For Xfinity firmware, enter: SM-G960U as a model and CCT as a region and hit check update and download the firmware(I would start with Xfinity firmware)
For unlocked firmware, enter SM-G960U1 and XAA and check update and download firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for this. So I have ODIN and have the appropriate firmware downloaded. I load the five files into ODIN, then turn phone off. Hold both volume buttons (up and down at same time) and hold power, let go of power when I see the splash (this is putting it into safe mode). Now it is in safe mode, but when I connect it to my laptop I don't see any blue bar or anything from ODIN saying that it recognizes my phone. Furthermore, when I hit START is immediately says "All Threads Completed (succeed 0/failed 0). Any idea what I'm doing wrong? Thanks
bryetownsend said:
Hey thanks for this. So I have ODIN and have the appropriate firmware downloaded. I load the five files into ODIN, then turn phone off. Hold both volume buttons (up and down at same time) and hold power, let go of power when I see the splash (this is putting it into safe mode). Now it is in safe mode, but when I connect it to my laptop I don't see any blue bar or anything from ODIN saying that it recognizes my phone. Furthermore, when I hit START is immediately says "All Threads Completed (succeed 0/failed 0). Any idea what I'm doing wrong? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to put your device in download mode. If you can't do it, then search online " Galaxy S9 download mode"...
You can keep your sim in the phone.
Download mode:
1) Volume down + Bixby button, then press and hold power button and when you see something on the screen(Samsung wording..), let go off power.
Preparation:
2) Launch Odin on your PC
3) Connect your device to PC and you will see blue box in ODIN showing that connecting is made
4) Important! - When you want carrier firmware, then there will be AP, BL, CP, CSC/Home CSC and USERDATA files in the firmware. I suggest you to use CSC instead of HOME CSC which will reset your software to factory. Only unlocked firmware doesn't include userdata file. Load appropriate file into each spot. Some of files may take longer to load, just wait
Flashing:
5) Hit start and it should take 5-7 min. After flash is done, you will see a PASS where the blue box was. The phone will restart and you can unplug the cable. Wait until all if done. If you get to a recovery screen with some simple error, just do "reboot system now"
Charkatak said:
You need to put your device in download mode. If you can't do it, then search online " Galaxy S9 download mode"...
You can keep your sim in the phone.
Download mode:
1) Volume down + Bixby button, then press and hold power button and when you see something on the screen(Samsung wording..), let go off power.
Preparation:
2) Launch Odin on your PC
3) Connect your device to PC and you will see blue box in ODIN showing that connecting is made
4) Important! - When you want carrier firmware, then there will be AP, BL, CP, CSC/Home CSC and USERDATA files in the firmware. I suggest you to use CSC instead of HOME CSC which will reset your software to factory. Only unlocked firmware doesn't include userdata file. Load appropriate file into each spot. Some of files may take longer to load, just wait
Flashing:
5) Hit start and it should take 5-7 min. After flash is done, you will see a PASS where the blue box was. The phone will restart and you can unplug the cable. Wait until all if done. If you get to a recovery screen with some simple error, just do "reboot system now"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People like you are the best kind of people. You take time out of your day to help people fix their problems and in doing so you took a load of stress off of my shoulders. I've worked for over a month to fix this reception issue. I could've just sold this phone for around $220 and taken the financial loss, then gone to comcast and bought one of their phones but you know I JUST paid this one off, and damnit I shouldn't have to do that. You made it possible for me to keep the phone that I bought, the phone I wanted in the first place and in turn saved me hundreds of dollars that I did not want to spend. I can not thank you enough for what you do. My phone is working great now after flashing the Xfinity firmware, I get 2 bars at my office when I used to get no service. Thank you again, may you live a long and happy life and may the world bring you as much joy as you have brought me. THANK YOU!
bryetownsend said:
People like you are the best kind of people. You take time out of your day to help people fix their problems and in doing so you took a load of stress off of my shoulders. I've worked for over a month to fix this reception issue. I could've just sold this phone for around $220 and taken the financial loss, then gone to comcast and bought one of their phones but you know I JUST paid this one off, and damnit I shouldn't have to do that. You made it possible for me to keep the phone that I bought, the phone I wanted in the first place and in turn saved me hundreds of dollars that I did not want to spend. I can not thank you enough for what you do. My phone is working great now after flashing the Xfinity firmware, I get 2 bars at my office when I used to get no service. Thank you again, may you live a long and happy life and may the world bring you as much joy as you have brought me. THANK YOU!
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Click to collapse
[email protected] that mammajamma beat me to it!!! this is exactly one of the main reasons i come on this site, to help people fix stuff exactly like this lol but this dude with the knowledge popped on here first and got ya taken care of.
bryetownsend said:
People like you are the best kind of people. You take time out of your day to help people fix their problems and in doing so you took a load of stress off of my shoulders. I've worked for over a month to fix this reception issue. I could've just sold this phone for around $220 and taken the financial loss, then gone to comcast and bought one of their phones but you know I JUST paid this one off, and damnit I shouldn't have to do that. You made it possible for me to keep the phone that I bought, the phone I wanted in the first place and in turn saved me hundreds of dollars that I did not want to spend. I can not thank you enough for what you do. My phone is working great now after flashing the Xfinity firmware, I get 2 bars at my office when I used to get no service. Thank you again, may you live a long and happy life and may the world bring you as much joy as you have brought me. THANK YOU!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mention it! Thanks to you too! I am really happy it made your phone work! I just like to be more practical than manufacturers(you know which one I mean) and unfortunately tech support mostly gives pre-written answers. I have tried few times to help other people in that forum but moderators didn't like it(got a warnings) and I can't provide links anymore there.
Charkatak said:
Don't mention it! Thanks to you too! I am really happy it made your phone work! I just like to be more practical than manufacturers(you know which one I mean) and unfortunately tech support mostly gives pre-written answers. I have tried few times to help other people in that forum but moderators didn't like it(got a warnings) and I can't provide links anymore there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh that is frustrating to hear! That manufacturer (not Apple or LG or Nokia), private messaged me and said that "the hardware that comes with the Samsung Galaxy S9 phone from AT&T is different from the Hardware that comes with the Xfinity version and your AT&T purchased one will never work on CDMA networks" to which I responded "Can you replace it? It is under warranty for 6 more months" they said "We CAN replace it but only with another AT&T version." Absolutely absurd. I am VERY thankful for you, I've bragged on you all day to my coworkers in our IT department. My wife and I plan to have a child in the next year or so, if it is a boy I will name him Charkatak, unless you have another real name that you go by?
Charkatak said:
Don't mention it! Thanks to you too! I am really happy it made your phone work! I just like to be more practical than manufacturers(you know which one I mean) and unfortunately tech support mostly gives pre-written answers. I have tried few times to help other people in that forum but moderators didn't like it(got a warnings) and I can't provide links anymore there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please DM me. if you have links that get you warned, i would seriously like to know what they are. i would honestly appreciate it
---------- Post added at 02:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 PM ----------
bryetownsend said:
Ugh that is frustrating to hear! That manufacturer (not Apple or LG or Nokia), private messaged me and said that "the hardware that comes with the Samsung Galaxy S9 phone from AT&T is different from the Hardware that comes with the Xfinity version and your AT&T purchased one will never work on CDMA networks" to which I responded "Can you replace it? It is under warranty for 6 more months" they said "We CAN replace it but only with another AT&T version." Absolutely absurd. I am VERY thankful for you, I've bragged on you all day to my coworkers in our IT department. My wife and I plan to have a child in the next year or so, if it is a boy I will name him Charkatak, unless you have another real name that you go by?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that might be taking it a bit far LOLOLOL name your kid Lamborghini and maybe theyll give you a Urus!!!
bryetownsend said:
Ugh that is frustrating to hear! That manufacturer (not Apple or LG or Nokia), private messaged me and said that "the hardware that comes with the Samsung Galaxy S9 phone from AT&T is different from the Hardware that comes with the Xfinity version and your AT&T purchased one will never work on CDMA networks" to which I responded "Can you replace it? It is under warranty for 6 more months" they said "We CAN replace it but only with another AT&T version." Absolutely absurd. I am VERY thankful for you, I've bragged on you all day to my coworkers in our IT department. My wife and I plan to have a child in the next year or so, if it is a boy I will name him Charkatak, unless you have another real name that you go by?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh...don't name your child Charkatak It means: When you for example make an evil joke or your day has a lot of obstacles and it feels like en evil joke.
Basically a moderator from that forum removed some of my posts and PMed about their policy where we can't post external links that violate the policy or such. I promised to them not to post links, but instead I just tell people to search for XDA site and post things here. Pretty easy way out

Severe brightness issue (screen largely unusable)

Hi all, I have a problem with my stock T-Mobile US S9. A few months ago this weird thing happened where if I turned on my screen immediately after it turned itself off, only the top few lines would be visible. The whole screen would take input, but you could only see a little below the status bar, maybe. If I waited a bit and then turned the screen on, it would work normally, with the whole screen visible and looking fine.
It's gotten progressively worse to the point where this happens most of the time I turn the screen on. However, I've found two workarounds:
1) My Always On Display is set to turn on when I tap the phone. If I do that, the AOD works as normal, and if I then turn on the phone screen the phone screen works fine. This only works when Always on display is set to turn on on tap. It does not work if AOD is set to always be on.
2) If, when my screen is glitching out I hold the screen up to a reeaally bright light (like inches from a lightbulb), the rest of the screen turns on. It's weirdly green tinted and kind of stuttery.
Turning off automatic brightness does not fix this issue. If tried booting in safe mode and even factory resetting the phone. Issue still persists, including on screens like when the phone enters recovery mode.
The fact that I can get the screen working normally using workaround #1 makes me think this is a software issue, but the fact that it happens on the recovery screen makes me think it's pretty low-level. Any ideas? Anyone else had a similar issue?
I gave Samsung tech support a call and the level 1 tech I spoke with seemed to think that it was a software issue and that I should bring it in to be looked at by a technician. I'm in Maine at the moment and there's no Samsung or UBreakIFix stores within two hours, so she suggested taking it to Best Buy to look at. Not amazingly helpful or surprising.
If it's a software issue though... I mean this is my fourth Android phone and I've rooted and flashed ROMs on all the previous phones anyway. I don't want to lose Samsung Pay, so I'd rather not unlock the bootloader, but is there a way to flash the stock operating system or something? The exact model number is SM-G960U
It's a firmware or hardware issue not software as a reload* would have fixed it.
The firmware has been corrupted (needs reflashed) or there's been a hardware failure.
Best to send it in for repair or take it the a Samsung Experience Center as they can reflash the stock rom and have advanced diagnostic tools.
*make sure all system apks are running on factory load and have not been updated after the reload.
Updates, destroyers of worlds...
blackhawk said:
It's a firmware or hardware issue not software as a reload* would have fixed it.
The firmware has been corrupted (needs reflashed) or there's been a hardware failure.
Best to send it in for repair or take it the a Samsung Experience Center as they can reflash the stock rom and have advanced diagnostic tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that’s really necessary I’ll do it. But the closest place is out of state and when I called them said it would take 4 hours just to do a diagnostic. That plus the round trip... if there’s a way I can save some time, I’d like to.
For example, if one possibility is a stock firmware reflash, that’s something I’ve never done before on a Samsung device, but not very different from things I feel comfortable doing. I've flashed roms and rooted many android devices in the past. From a preliminary search , it looks like there's even a leaked tool online to do so from Samsung called Odin and that I just need to find the latest SM-G960U image with the right "csc" code for my carrier (I think TMB for T Mobile US). What would be even better is if one of those diagnostic tools you mentioned leaked the same way that Odin did.
Any recommendations on either diagnostic software or firmware reflashing? Or would you strongly advise leaving that kind of thing alone? I would like to still use things like Samsung Pay at the end of all this.
jptiger said:
If that’s really necessary I’ll do it. But the closest place is out of state and when I called them said it would take 4 hours just to do a diagnostic. That plus the round trip... if there’s a way I can save some time, I’d like to.
For example, if one possibility is a stock firmware reflash, that’s something I’ve never done before on a Samsung device, but not very different from things I feel comfortable doing. I've flashed roms and rooted many android devices in the past. From a preliminary search , it looks like there's even a leaked tool online to do so from Samsung called Odin and that I just need to find the latest SM-G960U image with the right "csc" code for my carrier (I think TMB for T Mobile US). What would be even better is if one of those diagnostic tools you mentioned leaked the same way that Odin did.
Any recommendations on either diagnostic software or firmware reflashing? Or would you strongly advise leaving that kind of thing alone? I would like to still use things like Samsung Pay at the end of all this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's under warranty let Samsung deal with it. A good tech with experience is invaluable.
Rather then waste time the extra ride might end up being the easiest solution. You could also next or 2nd day it to the center and back, make sure it's insured and packaged well.
blackhawk said:
If it's under warranty let Samsung deal with it. A good tech with experience is invaluable.
Rather then waste time the extra ride might end up being the easiest solution. You could also next or 2nd day it to the center and back, make sure it's insured and packaged well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes complete sense for something under warranty, but unfortunately my phone isn't. The S9 is about three years old now, and the Samsung rep was quick to tell me that the device was no longer covered. It looks like a mail-in repair service would cost about $175, which I'm theoretically willing to pay, but not if I can just handle on my own for free.
jptiger said:
That makes complete sense for something under warranty, but unfortunately my phone isn't. The S9 is about three years old now, and the Samsung rep was quick to tell me that the device was no longer covered. It looks like a mail-in repair service would cost about $175, which I'm theoretically willing to pay, but not if I can just handle on my own for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case you have nothing to lose by reflashing it. Hopefully that gets it.
Otherwise it be hardware... probably a good chance this actually the cause.
The good news is the 9's are available for a couple hundred in good condition if need be.
I was considering getting the 9 as a second phone (have the 10+) as the 10+'s haven't come down much in price.
Samsung current lineup sucks.
Huh. Well, before reflashing, I tried something I found other people suggesting for a related problem: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...t-bars-black-screen-issue/td-p/1745470/page/7
It's an app called OLED Saver. It's not perfect, the screen still has an odd green tint to it unless I use one of the tricks I was describing above. But I no longer have the issue where most of the screen isn't visible.
I might try reflashing anyway, will post results if I do.
Yeah, no joy. Reflashed by downloading the latest firmware using Frija for SM-G960U with TMB as the CSC, and flashed using Odin v3.13.3. If anything the problem is slightly worse now, but OLED Saver still mostly seems to fix it. I guess it's just a hardware issue with a weird software workaround...
Same type of brightness problem here as you describe, on my new S9 (G960U) - - Model starqltesq - CSS XAA
The product is under guarantee, but as it is imported from Hongkong to France, I don't have accesss to the Samsung local representatives and have probably to send it back to Hongkong ...
I will keep you updated if I learn something about the problem and the solution ....
Wiping the cache partition stopped this happening for me for around 24 hours but it came back this morning. On the Note9 forums someone posted that setting animations to .5 in dev options fixes this. I will try it.
Bhonka said:
Wiping the cache partition stopped this happening for me for around 24 hours but it came back this morning. On the Note9 forums someone posted that setting animations to .5 in dev options fixes this. I will try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable animations instead. It wastes resources. Personally I like seeing a fast, snappy OS do it's thing with no middle man needed. Lol, you end up waiting for the animations rather than the OS.
I've heard of people flashing custom roms and that resolved the issue permenetly, but can't find anyone willing to give some real feedback. I posted a topic asking this question, but haven't gotten any replies..
Not very helpful, but a work around could be to use Screen Filter
I temporary fixing my S9+ green screen issue by uninstalling the NFC module.
Unfortunately, this option make us cant charging the phone.
Maybe some one expert in hardware mod can do better.
Eve&Me said:
I temporary fixing my S9+ green screen issue by uninstalling the NFC module.
Unfortunately, this option make us cant charging the phone.
Maybe some one expert in hardware mod can do better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey could you explain what exactly did you uninstall and how?
After uninstalling it wireless charing stopped working or what did you mean by cant charge the phone?
Did it fully resolve the green screen issue?
Some people noticed that problem after upgrade Android 9 to 10.
At this moment we have some facts:
1) OLED saver temporary solves problem
2) disconnect NFC module solves problem, some people on xda and on the yt confirm that
3) heating back cover using heat gun can help - I Discovered that some weeks ago
Interesting comment from the yt:
Sour Words
Sorry to say this, but green screen issue is a hardware fault not something an update can fix. One of the updates from Samsung is causing the CPU to over heat and in return permanently damaging the oled screen. Not only that but also compromising the battery as well. The only fix is the replacement of both the oled screen and battery. This repair is entirely the fault of Samsung due to a faulty update that over works the CPU capacity. Therefore my advice is for you to return your device back to Samsung and lodge an assessment request. They charge a small fee for the assessment, but the entire repair should be compensated by Samsung. Be firm and keep the pressure via emailing them to insist on Samsung covering the repair costs. My Note 9 is almost 3 years old when green screen issue happened. They fixed the entire thing free of charge. But I kept firm and didn't let them bully me into charging me for the repairs, which was their fault in the first place. I must admit, my phone despite its age, is in perfect condition. Not a scratch on it. Which I know contributed winning my argument for the repairs. So if you have psychical damage, I doubt you will have a chance. Good luck to all who will give this successful method a go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mreminemfan4ewver said:
Hey could you explain what exactly did you uninstall and how?
After uninstalling it wireless charing stopped working or what did you mean by cant charge the phone?
Did it fully resolve the green screen issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When we disassembly NFC Module, the phone will give LOW TEMPERATURE warning. And make us cant charge the phone

Note 10+ stuck at watchdog reset

Hi all. I am baffled as to what happened to my phone. It has no mods and is running stock android 11. It was absolutely fine, not having any issues at all, and I realized I hadn't rebooted it in a few weeks. So, I did a plain old restart.
And it died.
It won't do anything no matter how long I hold the power button down. The battery is fully charged.
Tried to get to the recovery screen by holding down volume up and power, which did nothing. Then I tried vol down and power and got a screen I've not seen before: SS RDX Watchdog Reset.
And here I am stuck. I plugged in a usb cable to my laptop and now there's a device connected on my laptop called msm_upload which I can only see from the windows Bluetooth and other devices panel.
I have no idea what to do from here and I'm desperate.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
did you see this
https://www.reddit.com/r/galaxynote10/comments/k6c4l5
raul6 said:
did you see this
https://www.reddit.com/r/galaxynote10/comments/k6c4l5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I saw that. If you read the thread, the solution was to "play around with the buttons and it will eventually work." LOL.
mellie815 said:
Yes I saw that. If you read the thread, the solution was to "play around with the buttons and it will eventually work." LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. i thought if it is software issue than it might be timing issues with pressing correct keys combo. possibly wishful thinking. i assume you've seen one other thread on xda with similar issue with no direct resolution. Still try smart switch
raul6 said:
yes. i thought if it is software issue than it might be timing issues with pressing correct keys combo. possibly wishful thinking. i assume you've seen one other thread on xda with similar issue with no direct resolution. Still try smart switch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never used smart switch before. If my pc doesn't see the phone, how would that work? My phone doesn't show up in my laptop except as a Bluetooth device called msm_upload that I can't figure out how to interact with? I guess I'll need to install smart switch on the laptop and hopefully it will see the device?
mellie815 said:
I've never used smart switch before. If my pc doesn't see the phone, how would that work? My phone doesn't show up in my laptop except as a Bluetooth device called msm_upload that I can't figure out how to interact with? I guess I'll need to install smart switch on the laptop and hopefully it will see the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true and who knows it might work. essentially trying anything to see if it will somehow make a difference. fingers crossed
Watchdog
Very strange.
Sort of sounds like it's bricked.
Play with new firmware/software, win new prizes. I could go on...
You need to navigate to the boot menu somehow. Keep playing with the buttons; sequence and ***timing*** is everything.
If you can drain the battery until it auto shutdown that might get it... much latter.
Disconnect the battery and force a hard reboot.
Otherwise it's repair shop time.
blackhawk said:
Watchdog
Very strange.
Sort of sounds like it's bricked.
Play with new firmware/software, win new prizes. I could go on...
You need to navigate to the boot menu somehow. Keep playing with the buttons; sequence and ***timing*** is everything.
If you can drain the battery until it auto shutdown that might get it... much latter.
Disconnect the battery and force a hard reboot.
Otherwise it's repair shop time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to a repair shop out of desperation. Had to drive over an hour to get to it as I live in the country, and he basically said it's dead. The fun part is, I called my warranty co and of course, they aren't honoring the warranty because "they don't insure phones that cost over $999" which mine did when I got it. But of course, there was nothing that said they didn't cover my phone, which is why I bought their lease/warranty plan.
So, basically, I have a brick that I owe $591 on yet, and they couldn't care less. At this point, I am willing to try anything at all because I have no other options. I already filed a BBB report against them after spending over an hour on the phone with them to no avail.
Any ideas at all would be very helpful at this point.
Also, I CAN still get to that SS RDX Watchdog Reset screen and it will scan an SD card (because I tried it). The problem is, I cannot for my life find a stock Note 10+ ROM anywhere that I can actually download. Wondering if I should just try to throw a custom ROM on it instead? It's obviously not going anywhere otherwise.
mellie815 said:
Also, I CAN still get to that SS RDX Watchdog Reset screen and it will scan an SD card (because I tried it). The problem is, I cannot for my life find a stock Note 10+ ROM anywhere that I can actually download. Wondering if I should just try to throw a custom ROM on it instead? It's obviously not going anywhere otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a stock rom for it, obviously.
If you can degrade to 10, do so.
The boot loader version will dictate if you can or can't.
I'm not experienced enough to advise you on this but that's what might be needed.
Again play with the button sequence/timing and try to get into the boot menu.
Just a slight difference in timing or the wrong sequence and it won't go to the boot menu.
It's not likely but possible the buttons were remapped.
Try taking out the Sim and SD card.
My guess is you can get it to go to the boot menu but until today I never heard of this happening.
A apk timed out because of not rebooting for so long? Don't do that again... at least reboot every couple days.
Malware is another possibility.
Last resort talk/send to Samsung.
Play with it... Androids wuv attention.
I'm having a RIDICULOUS time trying to find a clean copy of stock ROM for my Note. Every single one I've found either ends in a dead link or I download it and it ends up being corrupt. This is no small feat as I live in the middle of nowhere and the only ISP is Hughesnet, which is neither fast, nor unlimited. It literally took me 4 hours to download a 5gb alleged stock ROM only to have it be corrupt.
Isn't there anywhere to get a clean copy of stock??? I see a lot of mods here in XDA, but as far as regular stock SM-N975UI, either I'm totally missing something or there isn't one here.
Can someone please help me find one that is clean? SamMobile's download is limited to 15kbps for non paying members and their copy has been downloading literally since yesterday and is only at 900mb. Living in the country has its perks, but high speed internet isn't one of them. Nothing worse than checking on a download that was running all night to see it say it still has 2 days to go.
mellie815 said:
I'm having a RIDICULOUS time trying to find a clean copy of stock ROM for my Note. Every single one I've found either ends in a dead link or I download it and it ends up being corrupt. This is no small feat as I live in the middle of nowhere and the only ISP is Hughesnet, which is neither fast, nor unlimited. It literally took me 4 hours to download a 5gb alleged stock ROM only to have it be corrupt.
Isn't there anywhere to get a clean copy of stock??? I see a lot of mods here in XDA, but as far as regular stock SM-N975UI, either I'm totally missing something or there isn't one here.
Can someone please help me find one that is clean? SamMobile's download is limited to 15kbps for non paying members and their copy has been downloading literally since yesterday and is only at 900mb. Living in the country has its perks, but high speed internet isn't one of them. Nothing worse than checking on a download that was running all night to see it say it still has 2 days to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need a much faster connection; that slow, that much data, the download has a great chance of being corrupted.
Maybe have a 3rd party download it and send it to you by mail etc. Samsung could... if you could harang them into doing so.
blackhawk said:
You'll need a much faster connection; that slow, that much data, the download has a great chance of being corrupted.
Maybe have a 3rd party download it and send it to you by mail etc. Samsung could... if you could harang them into doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the authorized service center I visited yesterday, they don't even have access from Samsung. They are directed to send the phone directly to Samsung, which just floors me. I asked the tech if he could at least flash stock and see if we could get it to load, since I definitely can get to the SD card from Watchdog and it will read it. His reply was nope. I called 2 other repair shops since I was in the city already and got the same story.
Back in the day, rooting Android 4 was easier than this! Do you know of any reputable sites for stock roms? SamMobile is definitely out. And many I've gone to will list my stock, but when you follow the links, the file is no longer available. This feels like a bad X files episode at this point. LOL.
mellie815 said:
According to the authorized service center I visited yesterday, they don't even have access from Samsung. They are directed to send the phone directly to Samsung, which just floors me. I asked the tech if he could at least flash stock and see if we could get it to load, since I definitely can get to the SD card from Watchdog and it will read it. His reply was nope. I called 2 other repair shops since I was in the city already and got the same story.
Back in the day, rooting Android 4 was easier than this! Do you know of any reputable sites for stock roms? SamMobile is definitely out. And many I've gone to will list my stock, but when you follow the links, the file is no longer available. This feels like a bad X files episode at this point. LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talk, write to Samsung and lean on them.
You'll probably end up sending it in. Take detailed pictures of the phone before boxing it and as boxing it. Double box it and pack/seal it well. Insure the package!
Fight with Samsung if they try to charge you more than $50. Expect trouble... Samsung's tech support is one of the worst on this planet.
Finding stock ROM should not be that difficult, by browsing through the forum, Guides, News & Discussions:
Links to US-firmwares: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/n975u-and-n975u1-firmware-links-here.3957648/
Following thread describes how to download FW using Frija and flashing using Odin: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-25-feb-21-galaxy-note10-sm-n975f-ds.3957812/
There's a YouTube video...,
https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DQe94cBd_fSc&ved=2ahU
He shows you how to fix it. Has FB page "How to Solution"
Check it out
mellie815 said:
According to the authorized service center I visited yesterday, they don't even have access from Samsung. They are directed to send the phone directly to Samsung, which just floors me. I asked the tech if he could at least flash stock and see if we could get it to load, since I definitely can get to the SD card from Watchdog and it will read it. His reply was nope. I called 2 other repair shops since I was in the city already and got the same story.
Back in the day, rooting Android 4 was easier than this! Do you know of any reputable sites for stock roms? SamMobile is definitely out. And many I've gone to will list my stock, but when you follow the links, the file is no longer available. This feels like a bad X files episode at this point. LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get this fixed?
I have similar problem. N975u1 stuck in SS Rdx unknown mode. No way to gt to recovery or bootloader
mellie815 said:
I went to a repair shop out of desperation. Had to drive over an hour to get to it as I live in the country, and he basically said it's dead. The fun part is, I called my warranty co and of course, they aren't honoring the warranty because "they don't insure phones that cost over $999" which mine did when I got it. But of course, there was nothing that said they didn't cover my phone, which is why I bought their lease/warranty plan.
So, basically, I have a brick that I owe $591 on yet, and they couldn't care less. At this point, I am willing to try anything at all because I have no other options. I already filed a BBB report against them after spending over an hour on the phone with them to no avail.
Any ideas at all would be very helpful at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File a complaint with your state attorney general's office.
Against the warranty company and especially the carrier.
Lean on the carrier, verbal breach of contract because the warranty company refused to repair it.
I'd stiff the carrier out of principle. It's likely they wouldn't bother to take it to small claims court.
Before you do that though lean on them like a cheap suit, call, call, call. Talk to their retainment group. Don't give them a moments peace. One time I called Verizon close to 30 times in a week before they finally issues a full credit over a Direct TV breach of contract. If I was you I be seeing red...

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