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Something just isn't right about all of this. I think everybody agrees that the random reboots are a result of the recent update and is something that will be fixed by another update. If that's true, why is Verizon swapping out phones for people?
I called Verizon yesterday complaining about the reboots and was told to factory reset my phone as it had been working for other people. I was also told to call back if the reboots continued and that my phone would be replaced. Of course they continued so I called today and have a replacement on its way.
I guess I'm hoping that the phone I get hasn't had the update applied. If it has, what's the point of Verizon sending it? How is it even possible that their tech support doesn't know the cause of the random reboots?
yes i agree it seems a little fishy. but for the average customer rolling back the software might not be the easiest thing to do. not to mention its a PITA.
i would imagine it makes them happy hearing they will get a new phone. i think its just a band aid while they are working on it.
headcheese said:
yes i agree it seems a little fishy. but for the average customer rolling back the software might not be the easiest thing to do. not to mention its a PITA.
i would imagine it makes them happy hearing they will get a new phone. i think its just a band aid while they are working on it.
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The thing is though, tech support never told me not to update the new phone when it arrives. I won't be updating but there's a lot of people out there who don't keep up with these forums that are going to update and end up right back in the same boat.
Maybe they want to investigate the phones with issues
My advice is don't get a replacemnt for your phone because your giving up a new bought pphone for a refurbished phone. Bad choice in my opinion.
One mmore thing. Verizon is not taking these phone in for investigation. Here merely just a company trying tto make the customer happy that's why there replacing phone. There nothing techy about it. Its just an attempt at customer satisfaction.
I agree with dalrym05. I had random reboots both Before and After i applied the ota. Don't think it has to do anything with the hardware.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
My wife has had random reboots before the update. Hasn't had any since the update. Mine has had one reboot when I was watching a 2hr video on youtube with a very low battery when it did it. I really think it has something to do with apps not being addressed properly. She has apps I would never use and one was causing an issue, so she pulled it. The lag stopped at that point. If they swap your tb and it reboots, start looking at what is installed.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA Premium App
I just wanted to spread the gospel. If you follow the instructions in this thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081230 it has virtually eliminated the random reboots for me. I also had reboots after updating my radio. I used the combo prescribed in this thread and they are gone
dalrym05 said:
My advice is don't get a replacemnt for your phone because your giving up a new bought pphone for a refurbished phone. Bad choice in my opinion.
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Click to collapse
I agree. Unless my phone is practically unusable through no fault of mine, I try to hold off on getting a replacement phone as much as possible.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Verizon has acknowledged the rebooting problem and is working with HTC:
http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-verizon-working-thunderbolt-reboots
sprodigy said:
I just wanted to spread the gospel. If you follow the instructions in this thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081230 it has virtually eliminated the random reboots for me. I also had reboots after updating my radio. I used the combo prescribed in this thread and they are gone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great for people who are rooted.
ok about to root and rom. will verizon know if i call them for service questions? what i mean is, i suppose for a tech support call they can do over-the-phone diagnostics. right? if i call for tech support are they able to determine i am rooted and rommed through their diagnostics?
would i need to return to stock prior to making a tech support call to verizon?
thanks
there are honestly very few reps that know anything about the phones they sell
I'm not sure why you'd call Verizon for diagnostics on a device that's not running their software anymore. I'd think talking to the dev would make more sense. I suppose the could tell, but care? Probably not. I told the manager where I got mine that I intended to root it as soon as I got home shd that my old Incredible was already rooted. His only question was how much better the battery life gets.
They will try to help you for sure but they may no be able to since you do not have stock. They can not look up your phone info on their end but they may ask you for info like software or info about the phone from about phone that could give it away. Honestly you're probably better off posting your issue on this forum and having XDA help.
They wouldn't be too helpful not because you rooted but because you have a different piece of software on your phone.
It'd be like calling Microsoft because your copy of Ubuntu is acting up.
>_> big red is all knowing >_> they will find you.. they will GET YOU! >_>
I don't think they can see what software you are using, but I do believe they may be able to see your radio version.
So what about if i pay my bill with the My Verizon app and the thunderbolt ( which they know i have) is not yet supported by them? Not that i care but id think that be a huge red flag lol
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
littleguevara said:
So what about if i pay my bill with the My Verizon app and the thunderbolt ( which they know i have) is not yet supported by them? Not that i care but id think that be a huge red flag lol
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Anyone can google "My Verizon.apk Thunderbolt", download it, and put it on their phones. Even non rooted fellas. So no, this should not throw up any red flags other than you are using a modded application.
U r legally allowed to root so dont worry about it
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
I did this a week ago, my TB lost 3G completely at the house and 4G only works in PHX. It just happens the wife's D1 had no 3G so I called and we went through some settings on the phone and they checked the IMEI number etc. Found out the following day after talking to several Verizon people that the issue was the SIM card on the phone so I took it in and they replaced it and that fixed it.
I was rooted when I called, I went back to stock before taking it in and replacing the SIM card. They knew nothing at all.
It would be wise to just find help elsewhere. I find that online support is better than verizons anyways
I am an AT&T tech rep, so I can only speak for here. Bu universally most of us, despite carrier, that know what they are doing will answer the same from what I've found.
When someone walks into the device support center with an obviously rooted I won't exchange it for them. I will help them, find answers, and tell them how to fix it. I will also explain any known problems, or past problems, I know about with various roms. But I won't exchange the phone. And it's not to be mean. But often times when a person does come in with a rooted phone the issue they are experiencing is with the radio they flashed or the rom they are using. I see this a lot with the Inspire as is.
If I deem it to be an actual hardware issue and I can very the rom is not the issue then I will tell them how to take the phone back to stock so I can exchange it. For the Inspire I keep a handy sd card with the stock image there that I can flash it back right away.
If I know a phone has been rooted and the person brings it back to me with it flashed back to stock, I will exchange it without a problem. The phone is still under warranty and the warranty does explain in most products that not current software alterations exist (Ie: rooting, clockwork mod, unlock boot loader). If it's back to stock then warranty guidelines are meet.
Now with that being said, I have physical access to the device. Over the phone, the only way they would really be able to know is if they asked the software version, baseband version, kernel version, etc... and knew what they were off hand. Things like that. They can't magically peer into your phone over the air to see what's going on with it. That's the reason for their little script techs over the phone have to run through.
Ultimately, the advice mentioned above about asking the dev or the rom thread is the best you'll get. Most times this is your best place to look after a custom rom has been flashed. If a problem is deemed hardware and not software and you have to have it exchanged, flash back to stock and take it in. No tech rep will care if it was flashed back to stock (unless they are having a really miserable day and can prove it's rooted. but that's few and far between and not specific to any company).
Hey guys, it's deedscreen. The creator of the MoPho XDA Fan Group, facebook, Twitter, and Google+ page, and you may also know me as the one with the problems with the Photon who constantly nags, and rants with issues.
I just want to know if anyone has these issues too.
I have to deal with the phone being slow, constantly freezing, and the sleep of death, even after the latest update.
For the longest, I couldn't update the Photon, I found a thread on how to fix it by 'SBFing. So, I SBF'd it, it worked fine, updated to the latest software.
It was working fine, now I am back to the same issues, plus I cannot install any applications, nor update any applications. It will just say "INSTALLING" for literally hours, and never installs.
I have had the worst luck with this phone, I am going to 'SBF it back to stock, because a factory reset will not get rid of the battery icon modification.
I'm gonna return it to Sprint for a new one. I HAVE HAD IT WITH THIS PHONE!!! Why is it only me with this bad luck? It feels like no one else has these issues on the forums, I am always the one posting with these problems, myself alone! This phone is bad luck for me. I love it, when it works.
///RANT
PLEASE NOTE:
If you have a problem with this thread, keep your trap shut. I will have this thread closed if anyone insults me again, like the last time I had major issues. I am just experiencing bad luck. I need to know if anyone has similar issues. Sorry if I offended anyone.
Are you having similar issues?
Have u tried a completely stick photon...not modded and none of ur market Apps installed? ?
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
deedscreen said:
I'm gonna return it to Sprint for a new one. I HAVE HAD IT WITH THIS PHONE!!! Why is it only me with this bad luck? It feels like no one else has these issues on the forums, I am always the one posting with these problems, myself alone! This phone is bad luck for me. I love it, when it works.
///RANT
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Click to collapse
Dude, you are definitely NOT alone. I love this phone too when it is working properly. These are my two main issue:
Random Reboots
Keyboard locks up - When this happens, the phone will not dial out. (Reboot required)
* This is my 2nd MoPho and I had the same issues with my first one. *
Factory defects with hardware do happen. Replace if you can.
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using XDA App
The reason why I am not quoting you guys, is because misleads users to think that I already have enough replies, so here we go.
@lucidvtec - I have tried stock options, that doesn't work always, not having any applications from the market installed is like asking me to jump off a bridge.
@sjamie - I do get random reboots ocassionally, but my keyboard, (no matter which one I use), constantly locks up. I get the "Sleep of Death" all of the time, and Constant Freezing. Please vote at the page here, on the forums to poll your results for issues with the Motorola Photon 4G MB855.
@Rapidlayout - You are correct.
-----------------------------
@lucidvtec, @sjamie, @ Rapidlayout: I am on my fifth Photon.
Mine was the same. Bricked it a few weeks ago and got this new one. Its perfect. There must be a bad batch of them, get it replaced bc no software is gonna fix it.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
I just completed a MSL reset, a full wipe, and flashed the latest 198_7 sbf. Let's see if this resolves my rebooting and keyboard problems. If not, I'll try out one of joker's roms. If that still doesn't work, I'll go in for Photon #3.
@deedscreen: I'm sorry to hear you are on your 5th Photon. That is not encouraging to me.
DWake014 said:
Mine was the same. Bricked it a few weeks ago and got this new one. Its perfect. There must be a bad batch of them, get it replaced bc no software is gonna fix it.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the same issues as myself? Now when you replaced it, did you have a problem upgrading to the latest software with the replacement?
sjamie said:
I just completed a MSL reset, a full wipe, and flashed the latest 198_7 sbf. Let's see if this resolves my rebooting and keyboard problems. If not, I'll try out one of joker's roms. If that still doesn't work, I'll go in for Photon #3.
@deedscreen: I'm sorry to hear you are on your 5th Photon. That is not encouraging to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to let you know ahead of time, the Full Wipe, MSL Reset, and latest 198_7 sbf, will appear to work, it will work perfectly fine for about a month and a half, like mine, and you will have the same issues all over again.
Just to let you know.
I'm about to go to the Sprint Customer Advantage Repair Center Store, for my 6th Motorola Photon 4G device. Motorola has supposedly fixed the problem. WE SHALL SEE.
I just have to do an SBF before I go to the Store. I did a battery modification and I want it reset to stock values.
Sorry to hear. It sucks to hear of others having such problems with the Photon. Myself and others have been lucky to just have the "normal" issues all smartphones have in common.
If I was in your shoes, each time I got a new phone it would be run stock for at least a week or two with no apps whatsoever installed (I know, I know...what is the point right?) just to see if the issues exist straight out of the box.
I hate to say it but I would have probably swapped the phone a few times and then moved to something else. At some point it just isn't worth it anymore.
Wonder if it is some type of voltage issue. Have you talked to Motorola about it and if so, what has been said?
deedscreen said:
Just to let you know ahead of time, the Full Wipe, MSL Reset, and latest 198_7 sbf, will appear to work, it will work perfectly fine for about a month and a half, like mine, and you will have the same issues all over again.
Just to let you know.
I'm about to go to the Sprint Customer Advantage Repair Center Store, for my 6th Motorola Photon 4G device. Motorola has supposedly fixed the problem. WE SHALL SEE.
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Click to collapse
Okay... that's really not encouraging!
However, I've never gone a full month with no problems so at least that would be progress for me!
Please let us know what happens with your 6th phone. Fortunately, I've never had a problem flashing SBFs. It will be interesting to see if you have that problem with your 6th phone.
CCallahan said:
Sorry to hear. It sucks to hear of others having such problems with the Photon. Myself and others have been lucky to just have the "normal" issues all smartphones have in common.
If I was in your shoes, each time I got a new phone it would be run stock for at least a week or two with no apps whatsoever installed (I know, I know...what is the point right?) just to see if the issues exist straight out of the box.
I hate to say it but I would have probably swapped the phone a few times and then moved to something else. At some point it just isn't worth it anymore.
Wonder if it is some type of voltage issue. Have you talked to Motorola about it and if so, what has been said?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am devoted to the Photon, I love it's features, style, (MAINLY, I've puchased a bunch of accessories, and Sprint said that I can only get the HTC EVO Design 4G, or the Optimus, they are supposed to allow me to get a phone that is of equivalent specifications which is the Epic Touch SII Galaxy, which Sprint refused to give me.
Motorola says "We have never heard of anything like this, what are you talking about? This cannot be true!"
Those reps are quite frankly put, "stupid" in regards to the Photon and its technical difficulties. (Sorry if I offended any reps on the site.)
Sprint is trying to do the old "bait and switch on me"
I am willing to pay up to $100 price in differance, but I have put too much effort in the Photon and the Photon Forums here at XDA. After all, I am the creator of the Photon Fan Club Group here at XDA, (if you are not a member, look at my signature and join below.), I have created the Twitter, Google+ and facebook pages for this phone.
You know what I'm saying?
(By the way, I just SBF'd my phone without taking my microSD card out, and the SIM card, and I wanted to move all of my data before I sbf'd it. darn it. hope my sd card didn't get erased, I will be mad with myself if I did.)
well I just bought my photon 20 days ago from a guy on craigslist and yes it was brand new, never activated everything sealed for 250.
And so far the only thing I wasn't able to do was the update which a lot of people couldn't get their phones to update but I used the 198_7 SBF and that was it.
So far I only had 2 reboots (and that was when I was messing around with root explorer replacing some apks in the system folder)
But besides that I haven't had any problems that aren't normal on any android phone.
I read a few posts in other forums about bad batteries causing some of the problems we are facing. Therefore, I called Motorola and they are sending me a new battery for FREE! I pray this fixes everything. (fingers crossed)
sjamie said:
I read a few posts in other forums about bad batteries causing some of the problems we are facing. Therefore, I called Motorola and they are sending me a new battery for FREE! I pray this fixes everything. (fingers crossed)
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Click to collapse
Read the same thing. Motorola sent me a brand new battery, for free, but that did not fix the problem for me.
deedscreen said:
All of the same issues as myself? Now when you replaced it, did you have a problem upgrading to the latest software with the replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New one came with 198_6 so I had no reason to update
Edit: yes mine was plagued with all the same issues
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
deedscreen said:
Read the same thing. Motorola sent me a brand new battery, for free, but that did not fix the problem for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, man! You are shattering all of my dreams today! jk
sjamie said:
Damn, man! You are shattering all of my dreams today! jk
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Click to collapse
I understand that I am literally shattering your dreams, (no need for saying joking).
It is actually true.
I am sorry about that.
EDIT: On the bright side you will have an extra battery! See now I made one dream come true at no charge to you. (LOL! Hey, that rhymed.) Hehe
Well, since 198_7 isn't official, isn't flashing that SBF actually taking you away from a stock experience?
Never had one random reboot. Maybe some apps or a not 100% working root you guy's applied to the phone? Mine is flawless.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
Hi, uh I started another thread on making sure things got backed up. Which I did properly and everything was good. So today I haven't done anythign and was waiting for the new slim rom to make it's debute hopefully this week sometime as that is the one that appeals to me the most. Anyways, today my phone just got super hot, far hotter than before and it decided to die on me...I think. it shut off and I haven't been able to turn it on. Could this be a side effect of installing twrp/unlocking the bootloader/rooting? Or would it be a defective unit? One concern I had was getting a defective unit so i waited out my 30 days before even considering doing all this. So yea my 30 days from att is up. Would there possibly be a way to get a new phone from att or does anyone have any tricks on getting it back online? I personally think it was an overheating issue, but my phone is now cooled down.
So i went to the att store and of course they won't do anything. They told me to call some number they gave me. If I return it will they know it was boot unlocked and rooted? I can't turn it on at all. Using a power source or connecting to my computer nor my car charger...
blamster said:
Hi, uh I started another thread on making sure things got backed up. Which I did properly and everything was good. So today I haven't done anythign and was waiting for the new slim rom to make it's debute hopefully this week sometime as that is the one that appeals to me the most. Anyways, today my phone just got super hot, far hotter than before and it decided to die on me...I think. it shut off and I haven't been able to turn it on. Could this be a side effect of installing twrp/unlocking the bootloader/rooting? Or would it be a defective unit? One concern I had was getting a defective unit so i waited out my 30 days before even considering doing all this. So yea my 30 days from att is up. Would there possibly be a way to get a new phone from att or does anyone have any tricks on getting it back online? I personally think it was an overheating issue, but my phone is now cooled down.
So i went to the att store and of course they won't do anything. They told me to call some number they gave me. If I return it will they know it was boot unlocked and rooted? I can't turn it on at all. Using a power source or connecting to my computer nor my car charger...
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Click to collapse
Ok, so, im not sure if by return you mean, return for an exchange or simply a return as ATT will probably only send you a reman unit for yours and not allow an actual return. If you havent called them yet, i would recommend it. I have dealt with them many times in the past and one thing that has always shocked me is that they never have asked me about, or even commented on, how rooting or unlocking prevents them from exchanging it. Even during the disclaimer, they have never once said that if the device has been modified they wont allow the exchange.
I say all of this because should they not mention anything like that, and you send it back, im fairly sure you can claim you didnt know and werent told, and they will take care of it. Also, i say this because i personally sent back 3 bricked GS2s and an lg nitro as defective and got my reman units and every single one of them were rooted and such. So, i would feel safe. As long as they dont ask, and you dont lie to them, then there shouldnt be an issue. I wouldnt lie to them, i just dont mention it. AGAIN DO NOT lie to them or attempt to decieve them, i would never encourage that, but if its something they dont ask about, then, it, in my opinion, is not something that they are too concerned with.
cloudraker said:
Ok, so, im not sure if by return you mean, return for an exchange or simply a return as ATT will probably only send you a reman unit for yours and not allow an actual return. If you havent called them yet, i would recommend it. I have dealt with them many times in the past and one thing that has always shocked me is that they never have asked me about, or even commented on, how rooting or unlocking prevents them from exchanging it. Even during the disclaimer, they have never once said that if the device has been modified they wont allow the exchange.
I say all of this because should they not mention anything like that, and you send it back, im fairly sure you can claim you didnt know and werent told, and they will take care of it. Also, i say this because i personally sent back 3 bricked GS2s and an lg nitro as defective and got my reman units and every single one of them were rooted and such. So, i would feel safe. As long as they dont ask, and you dont lie to them, then there shouldnt be an issue. I wouldnt lie to them, i just dont mention it. AGAIN DO NOT lie to them or attempt to decieve them, i would never encourage that, but if its something they dont ask about, then, it, in my opinion, is not something that they are too concerned with.
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Click to collapse
Okay, thanks for the response. Sorry I was in a bit of a panic when I wrote that. But I have called ATT and they didn't ask me or mention in any disclaimer that if it's rooted or unlocked it won't qualify. I didn't mention it and so that does make me feel a lot better. Hasn't been physically damaged or come in contact with water so i'm pretty sure I'm safe. Thanks again.
blamster said:
Okay, thanks for the response. Sorry I was in a bit of a panic when I wrote that. But I have called ATT and they didn't ask me or mention in any disclaimer that if it's rooted or unlocked it won't qualify. I didn't mention it and so that does make me feel a lot better. Hasn't been physically damaged or come in contact with water so i'm pretty sure I'm safe. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may or may not check when you return the phone. I returned my S3 a few months ago in exchange for a different phone but I forgot to unroot it and uninstall Superuser. The representative at AT&T didn't even turn the phone on. I didn't have anything to hide though, if they told me I couldn't return it because it was rooted then I would have sold it and purchased something else. I think the manufacturer is the one to worry about with these things. LG would definitely know if it were unlocked and they would be able to determine if rooting and unlocking the phone caused the problems you described.
johnbyebye said:
They may or may not check when you return the phone. I returned my S3 a few months ago in exchange for a different phone but I forgot to unroot it and uninstall Superuser. The representative at AT&T didn't even turn the phone on. I didn't have anything to hide though, if they told me I couldn't return it because it was rooted then I would have sold it and purchased something else. I think the manufacturer is the one to worry about with these things. LG would definitely know if it were unlocked and they would be able to determine if rooting and unlocking the phone caused the problems you described.
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Click to collapse
Well if they can turn it on I will gladly take it back due to them not accepting. I couldn't turn it on by anymeans, even plugging it in there is no lights to signifying it is receiving power. But i heard this phone had overheating issues in the first wave (or two) so it's probably for the best to get a new one. They are currently mailing me a new one and so I should receive it next week sometime hopefully.
blamster said:
Well if they can turn it on I will gladly take it back due to them not accepting. I couldn't turn it on by anymeans, even plugging it in there is no lights to signifying it is receiving power. But i heard this phone had overheating issues in the first wave (or two) so it's probably for the best to get a new one. They are currently mailing me a new one and so I should receive it next week sometime hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like everything worked out.
im in the same boat as you... completely dead phone. But I did open it to see of the battery pull would work. Do you think that theyll check and refuse my warranty because I opened it? the phone on the outside is NEW. Btw do you have a contract/account with ATT? I bought mine off ebay and used it on tmo...
I have the exact same problem! Totally dead phone that the charging light won't even turn on for. Unfortunately there is a small crack in the bottom left of the phone that was caused months prior so ATT wont give me a new one...
send it for repairs! I had rooted and unlocked mine so ATT didnt cover my warranty, but I only paid 50 bucks for the repairs and now I have my phone back!
Hey guys, so I recently picked up the S4 as I had an upgrade and chose this phone specifically for it's support by developers here on XDA. Strictly due to my own aloofness, and not having checked the forums for a few weeks before walking into the store (fail), I ran the update as it popped up immediately and I figured "why not" (I KNOW, I went full-retard and expected something useful from a Verizon OTA... they screwed me last time with an OTA too ).
Anyway, I still have about ten days before my "Worry-free Guarantee" runs out, and I'm really considering going back and claiming a warranty replacement on my phone in an attempt to receive a non-VRUAME7-equipped phone (as I said, the 16GB versions in stock there didn't have the update initially). If I attempt to claim the phone as defective, do you think I could avoid the $35 restocking fee, considering I'd swap for the exact same model of phone?
I'm not sure what to expect when going back there. Some CSR's seem much more technical than others, so I don't know if I'd be drilled about the issue I'm claiming. Any advice here? Would focusing on a 'bad battery' or 'device overheating' raise any red flags? Should I bring it in drained of battery life? I've kept excellent care of the phone; it's in mint condition without a scratch or blemish, non-rooted, and fully updated.
Even if I have to pay the $35 fee, I would do it for a non-updated phone. I'm just worried that by chance the CSR that gives me my replacement would decide to run the upgrade, as it will pop up immediately. Also, any tips on ensuring I avoid the upgrade until I back up the phone and root it? Just yank out the SIM until it's good to go?
Thanks for any advice you may have. I'm new here so flame me relentlessly for any rules I may have broken . And yes, I know, ultimately I'm complaining about having an S4 (read: kinda being a *****).
I stopped the update by turning off WiFi and data until I had it rooted and ROMed
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
My understanding of the guarantee is that it can be returned for any reason. I can't tell from a quick Google search, but it sounds like you might have a shot at no restocking fee if you're exchanging for the same model.
Given those tidbits, I'd tell them you want to exchange the phone due to reduced functionality after the update, and leave it at that. If they offer to troubleshoot, you can then say "sure, remove the update", which they can't do. I think this approach will give you the best chance of leaving the store with an un-updated phone and no fee. No CSR is going to take the OTA after having to deal with the guy who really hates the update for nonspecific reasons.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
TheJ0hnman said:
My understanding of the guarantee is that it can be returned for any reason. I can't tell from a quick Google search, but it sounds like you might have a shot at no restocking fee if you're exchanging for the same model.
Given those tidbits, I'd tell them you want to exchange the phone due to reduced functionality after the update, and leave it at that. If they offer to troubleshoot, you can then say "sure, remove the update", which they can't do. I think this approach will give you the best chance of leaving the store with an un-updated phone and no fee. No CSR is going to take the OTA after having to deal with the guy who really hates the update for nonspecific reasons.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting point, TheJ0hnman. I think turning window animations to something atrocious will help me have something that seems effed upon a cursory check, as well as some other developer options that undoubtedly make you think "wtf" if you don't know better, like flash on update etc. (wish I could then rehide the developer menu). Do you really think blaming the update would work well? I think I'd rather feign ignorance and say that the update "screwed with everything, battery life and runs slow", and act as if I'm unfamiliar with technical operation of android.
I don't think user error is covered under the 14 day WFG .
Why not keep it simple by saying you just want to swap colors. Whichever is less popular (white?) might have a bigger stock backlog & thus be more likely to have MDK firmware. Then either be bold and ask them not to update OTA, or be in a terrific hurry to get somewhere else and tell them you'll activate and set the phone up yourself.
cantare said:
Why not keep it simple by saying you just want to swap colors. Whichever is less popular (white?) might have a bigger stock backlog & thus be more likely to have MDK firmware. Then either be bold and ask them not to update OTA, or be in a terrific hurry to get somewhere else and tell them you'll activate and set the phone up yourself.
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That makes a lot of sense, cantare. Only thing is I might end up paying the restocking fee. I think I'll try the warranty replacement first. Imagine me going through all this just to get another VRUAME7'd phone!
soad1789 said:
Hey guys, so I recently picked up the S4 as I had an upgrade and chose this phone specifically for it's support by developers here on XDA. Strictly due to my own aloofness, and not having checked the forums for a few weeks before walking into the store (fail), I ran the update as it popped up immediately and I figured "why not" (I KNOW, I went full-retard and expected something useful from a Verizon OTA... they screwed me last time with an OTA too ).
Anyway, I still have about ten days before my "Worry-free Guarantee" runs out, and I'm really considering going back and claiming a warranty replacement on my phone in an attempt to receive a non-VRUAME7-equipped phone (as I said, the 16GB versions in stock there didn't have the update initially). If I attempt to claim the phone as defective, do you think I could avoid the $35 restocking fee, considering I'd swap for the exact same model of phone?
I'm not sure what to expect when going back there. Some CSR's seem much more technical than others, so I don't know if I'd be drilled about the issue I'm claiming. Any advice here? Would focusing on a 'bad battery' or 'device overheating' raise any red flags? Should I bring it in drained of battery life? I've kept excellent care of the phone; it's in mint condition without a scratch or blemish, non-rooted, and fully updated.
Even if I have to pay the $35 fee, I would do it for a non-updated phone. I'm just worried that by chance the CSR that gives me my replacement would decide to run the upgrade, as it will pop up immediately. Also, any tips on ensuring I avoid the upgrade until I back up the phone and root it? Just yank out the SIM until it's good to go?
Thanks for any advice you may have. I'm new here so flame me relentlessly for any rules I may have broken . And yes, I know, ultimately I'm complaining about having an S4 (read: kinda being a *****).
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Unfortunately it's yourself that screwed you. Not the OTA.
Root users know NEVER to take an OTA.
Hi Everyone. I just upgraded to the S4 last Sunday and while I was in the store and they were activating the phone, it started the update. I did not realize that this update locked everything down.
So, I decided that I would wait it out and see when the new update would be cracked. That was a couple days ago and I was having flash withdrawals. This morning I figured I would go to the Verizon store near work and just ask straight up ask if I could return my phone because of the new update....and as soon as the words update came out of my mouth, the girl interrupted me and said "Yes, we are having all kinds of issues with the new update and have replaced phones all weekend. We will get you a new phone".
5 mins later, new phone in hand with MDK software. AND the whole store told me not to take the update that another one is in the works. Can't wait to get home and root this thing and get Andy's Bone Stock ROM running.
anyone know the status on refurbs with the update?
i might have to get mine replaced due to brightness problems on my buttons and curious how well people are doing with the refurbs
kaos2569 said:
Hi Everyone. I just upgraded to the S4 last Sunday and while I was in the store and they were activating the phone, it started the update. I did not realize that this update locked everything down.
So, I decided that I would wait it out and see when the new update would be cracked. That was a couple days ago and I was having flash withdrawals. This morning I figured I would go to the Verizon store near work and just ask straight up ask if I could return my phone because of the new update....and as soon as the words update came out of my mouth, the girl interrupted me and said "Yes, we are having all kinds of issues with the new update and have replaced phones all weekend. We will get you a new phone".
5 mins later, new phone in hand with MDK software. AND the whole store told me not to take the update that another one is in the works. Can't wait to get home and root this thing and get Andy's Bone Stock ROM running.
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Wow. I hope I have a similar experience! kaos2569, you got a black 16gig this morning and it was pre-ME7? This truly gives me hope.
Yes, I went to the store, and it was swapped out no problem. I didn't try to scam, or make up anything up. I just said what I posted and she stopped me mid sentence and knew about the update and how it was messing people's phones up and grabbed a brand new pre-updated one.
I just finished up rooting, installed a recovery, and installed Bone Stock. Everything went flawless.
kaos2569 said:
Yes, I went to the store, and it was swapped out no problem. I didn't try to scam, or make up anything up. I just said what I posted and she stopped me mid sentence and knew about the update and how it was messing people's phones up and grabbed a brand new pre-updated one.
I just finished up rooting, installed a recovery, and installed Bone Stock. Everything went flawless.
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my phone should be here weds, so ill give this a try this weekend. unless the doodoo brown ones come pre-update.
kaos2569 said:
Yes, I went to the store, and it was swapped out no problem. I didn't try to scam, or make up anything up. I just said what I posted and she stopped me mid sentence and knew about the update and how it was messing people's phones up and grabbed a brand new pre-updated one.
I just finished up rooting, installed a recovery, and installed Bone Stock. Everything went flawless.
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Click to collapse
Wow do I feel sly! My experience was not quite as straightforward as yours, kaos2569, but I pulled it off! I had to convince two CSRs, one who actually also owned an S4 and was clearly no n00b (though he said he had the ME7 update so I guess not an XDA regular). I used one of the update screens in developer options to trick the first lady, who then restarted my phone and had me wait to be seen. While waiting, I went back and turned on developer options again, then turned them off, realizing beforehand that open apps will retain the "screwy" look even with the options off. The guy proceeded to investigate my phone for what must've been 20 minutes. I kept insisting the problem was intermittent and hinting at the possibility that the update played a role in the problem. After some skepticism (he noticed the developer options were off but the menu was available; I played dumb, saying I let a gadget-freak friend look at it for a bit), he finally offered me a free(!) replacement and I took it. I was waiting for a while once he got the new phone out, and was getting nervous that he might've been installing the update. He said "I'm downloading the update now, I'll run through it here to make sure there are no issues" so I immediately told him I had to be somewhere in ten minutes. He handed my phone back to me, I turned it off immediately, pulled the battery, and went home. Pulled the SIM card and booted-- still MDK indeed! Wow. It was a process but it was worth it. Can't wait to get some custom ROMs on this!
I can understand the animosity some people might have over doing something like this, but I was scarred by Verizon for nearly the entirety of the two years I had had my old phone, due to another damn OTA update, which didn't lock me out, but installed Gingerbread and made the phone basically impossible to use (legit, 12 seconds to open the ****** dialer). I just couldn't let Verizon lock me down again without a fight. And I will *SURELY* remember that guy the next time an upgrade comes along.
Thanks again kaos! You gave me the confidence to believe it could be done, and that it wasn't too late!
all i did was take it back within first 14 days... before i did though i went into app settings and disabled all apps including play store so they were not visible in app drawer. i told him it was freezing and soft booting itself after i updated the phone.. then i told him i called in and spoke with a tech n did a factory reset and everything dissappeared including my apps and i cant dl apps since my play store is gone.. he was lookin at it for a bit and was like wow thats weird! i told him the tech said since i was within 14 days he told me to go back to the store and exchange for a new one that wasnt updated.. worked like a charm! i told him not to update it that ill decline it until they come out with a new update n that was it! rooted n installed twrp soon as i got home been flashin every rom on here since! currently on hyperdrive n lovin it!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
soad1789 said:
Wow do I feel sly! My experience was not quite as straightforward as yours, kaos2569, but I pulled it off! I had to convince two CSRs, one who actually also owned an S4 and was clearly no n00b (though he said he had the ME7 update so I guess not an XDA regular). I used one of the update screens in developer options to trick the first lady, who then restarted my phone and had me wait to be seen. While waiting, I went back and turned on developer options again, then turned them off, realizing beforehand that open apps will retain the "screwy" look even with the options off. The guy proceeded to investigate my phone for what must've been 20 minutes. I kept insisting the problem was intermittent and hinting at the possibility that the update played a role in the problem. After some skepticism (he noticed the developer options were off but the menu was available; I played dumb, saying I let a gadget-freak friend look at it for a bit), he finally offered me a free(!) replacement and I took it. I was waiting for a while once he got the new phone out, and was getting nervous that he might've been installing the update. He said "I'm downloading the update now, I'll run through it here to make sure there are no issues" so I immediately told him I had to be somewhere in ten minutes. He handed my phone back to me, I turned it off immediately, pulled the battery, and went home. Pulled the SIM card and booted-- still MDK indeed! Wow. It was a process but it was worth it. Can't wait to get some custom ROMs on this!
I can understand the animosity some people might have over doing something like this, but I was scarred by Verizon for nearly the entirety of the two years I had had my old phone, due to another damn OTA update, which didn't lock me out, but installed Gingerbread and made the phone basically impossible to use (legit, 12 seconds to open the ****** dialer). I just couldn't let Verizon lock me down again without a fight. And I will *SURELY* remember that guy the next time an upgrade comes along.
Thanks again kaos! You gave me the confidence to believe it could be done, and that it wasn't too late!
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And you are proud of this? It's because of people like you returning non defective products that the rest of the consumers have to suffer. tl;dr guess you have a total lack of integrity and morals to just accept your screw up. You sir are a douche bag.
Reading to learn about your device. Crazy, Who would of known.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
zetsumeikuro said:
And you are proud of this? It's because of people like you returning non defective products that the rest of the consumers have to suffer. tl;dr guess you have a total lack of integrity and morals to just accept your screw up. You sir are a douche bag.
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hexitnow said:
Reading to learn about your device. Crazy, Who would of known.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
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You guys are certainly entitled to your opinions, and I really don't disagree. I have egg on my face from the whole event. After all, it was my fumbling that screwed me over in the first place. However, I'm curious as to your feelings about Big Red itself. Like I said, this phone enticed me exactly for it's support by this community, and Verizon obviously realized that if they in turn locked the phone down with an update. What of that?
zetsumeikuro; this device will quickly be determined a Certified Like-New Replacement. I took pristine care of the phone, didn't screw around with the internals at all, and even kept the touchscreen under the manufacturer-issued screen protector the entire time I had the phone. If someone (due to their own bumbling) drops their phone in water, loses it, etc. They will end up with that phone and be very happy with it, unless they expected to luck out on a replacement and receive a pre-ME7 phone as well. I'm sorry, I can't say I see the harm in that, or how any other consumer suffers outright. I could've gotten a replacement within my 14 days for almost any reason. Yes-- I got out of a restocking fee and got a pre-update phone; what if I just paid $35 and got a Droid instead?
hexitnow, absolutely. I goofed up, that's for sure. I could attempt to excuse that by saying how I've been working 65-hour weeks and attempting to orchestrate a move into a new apartment lately, but I'm sure nobody really cares about that. Yes, I was negligent, having read up on the phone in early June thinking our upgrade was sooner than it actually was (and being treated oh-so-rudely by a CSR when we thought our upgrades were available back then), but ultimately it was me being stupid. I believe I learned a lesson here, and you rightly may resent me and people like me for our stupidity, but people make mistakes. This isn't my first or last one, either. Ultimately, it's just a phone update, I screwed nobody in doing what I did except arguably Verizon, who I managed to avoid paying yet another $35 to. I... I just don't feel that bad. I've felt wronged by them at every turn, and honestly I feel worse sticking with them as my carrier then I do taking advantage of my "Worry-free Guarantee" (assuming you don't worry about $35 fees).
Note that I am known to be a "whimsical douchebag", however.
soad1789 said:
You guys are certainly entitled to your opinions, and I really don't disagree. I have egg on my face from the whole event. After all, it was my fumbling that screwed me over in the first place. However, I'm curious as to your feelings about Big Red itself. Like I said, this phone enticed me exactly for it's support by this community, and Verizon obviously realized that if they in turn locked the phone down with an update. What of that?
zetsumeikuro; this device will quickly be determined a Certified Like-New Replacement. I took pristine care of the phone, didn't screw around with the internals at all, and even kept the touchscreen under the manufacturer-issued screen protector the entire time I had the phone. If someone (due to their own bumbling) drops their phone in water, loses it, etc. They will end up with that phone and be very happy with it, unless they expected to luck out on a replacement and receive a pre-ME7 phone as well. I'm sorry, I can't say I see the harm in that, or how any other consumer suffers outright. I could've gotten a replacement within my 14 days for almost any reason. Yes-- I got out of a restocking fee and got a pre-update phone; what if I just paid $35 and got a Droid instead?
hexitnow, absolutely. I goofed up, that's for sure. I could attempt to excuse that by saying how I've been working 65-hour weeks and attempting to orchestrate a move into a new apartment lately, but I'm sure nobody really cares about that. Yes, I was negligent, having read up on the phone in early June thinking our upgrade was sooner than it actually was (and being treated oh-so-rudely by a CSR when we thought our upgrades were available back then), but ultimately it was me being stupid. I believe I learned a lesson here, and you rightly may resent me and people like me for our stupidity, but people make mistakes. This isn't my first or last one, either. Ultimately, it's just a phone update, I screwed nobody in doing what I did except arguably Verizon, who I managed to avoid paying yet another $35 to. I... I just don't feel that bad. I've felt wronged by them at every turn, and honestly I feel worse sticking with them as my carrier then I do taking advantage of my "Worry-free Guarantee" (assuming you don't worry about $35 fees).
Note that I am known to be a "whimsical douchebag", however.
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Click to collapse
Don't see the harm in falsifying issues with a non defective device? I'm sure Samsung and Verizon will beg to differ. Yeah your device will probably get turned into a CLNR but clearly someone will be taking a hit for the brand new device you got. I mean the whole issue here that you seem to not see is the utter lack of integrity/honesty on your part. You screwing with developer options to make it look like the phone is having intermittent software issues to some untrained CSR. What you did there just reeks of desperation of you not willing to accept a mistake you made. I'm not going to go into the whole Verizon/Sammy locking down the device debacle, as there is the developer edition of the device. I'm not trying to defend Verizon and their ways.. Simply put it I'm disgusted with the lengths/measure you took to get a replacement device.
zetsumeikuro said:
Don't see the harm in falsifying issues with a non defective device? I'm sure Samsung and Verizon will beg to differ. Yeah your device will probably get turned into a CLNR but clearly someone will be taking a hit for the brand new device you got. I mean the whole issue here that you seem to not see is the utter lack of integrity/honesty on your part. You screwing with developer options to make it look like the phone is having intermittent software issues to some untrained CSR. What you did there just reeks of desperation of you not willing to accept a mistake you made. I'm not going to go into the whole Verizon/Sammy locking down the device debacle, as there is the developer edition of the device. I'm not trying to defend Verizon and their ways.. Simply put it I'm disgusted with the lengths/measure you took to get a replacement device.
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As I said, you're entitled to your opinions. I could've swapped the phone for any reason, even if I just "didn't like it", as per Verizon's policy. Even if I paid$35 and swapped for an iPhone both Verizon and Samsung would've taken the same "hit". I just managed to avoid the restocking fee. But as you imply, I'm sure Verizon and Samsung will gather in a circle and weep.
They can take that $35 from the device upgrade fees they failed to mention in store. But I'm expected to maintain my full integrity.gotcha.
You sound like my father :laugh: