[Q] Sch-i545 Soft Bricked (Semi-Noob) - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Alright guys as my title states I pulled a "noob move" and it looks like I've soft bricked my phone (It won't boot past the verizon splash screen). I've done a little research and I'm pretty familiar with Odin and how it works. Seems to be the same concept as jungle flasher and I've modded a few 360's in my time. I've tried, to no avail, to flash my phone back with the stock image numerous times and I figured it was time to consult the experts. What I've done so far: Downloaded the factory stock restore TAR from Rwilco12's site and put that in the PDA file browser of Odin. My phone shows up in Odin when connected in download mode with a light blue com:4 box. I read sometimes this is supposed to be yellow? Other versions of Odin it is yellow. This instance was attempted in 3.07. 1.85 it shows up as yellow. Regardless of either version, they both fail after the "aboot" step. I've tried two computers and have failed miserably all morning. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.
-Be easy on me, it's my first time.
-HerdOn

HerdOn said:
Alright guys as my title states I pulled a "noob move" and it looks like I've soft bricked my phone (It won't boot past the verizon splash screen). I've done a little research and I'm pretty familiar with Odin and how it works. Seems to be the same concept as jungle flasher and I've modded a few 360's in my time. I've tried, to no avail, to flash my phone back with the stock image numerous times and I figured it was time to consult the experts. What I've done so far: Downloaded the factory stock restore TAR from Rwilco12's site and put that in the PDA file browser of Odin. My phone shows up in Odin when connected in download mode with a light blue com:4 box. I read sometimes this is supposed to be yellow? Other versions of Odin it is yellow. This instance was attempted in 3.07. 1.85 it shows up as yellow. Regardless of either version, they both fail after the "aboot" step. I've tried two computers and have failed miserably all morning. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.
-Be easy on me, it's my first time.
-HerdOn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried a different USB cable and/or running odin as an administrator?

BladeRunner said:
Have you tried a different USB cable and/or running odin as an administrator?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've used the factory samsung and another cable while running as an administrator. Thanks for the thought though!

HerdOn said:
Yes, I've used the factory samsung and another cable while running as an administrator. Thanks for the thought though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which Verizon release are you on VRUAMDK or VRUAME7?

BladeRunner said:
which Verizon release are you on VRUAMDK or ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VRUAME7 is the most recent with the latest OTA update correct? If so that's the one I was on. Now I did root it successfully initially, it got stuck this way after installing SuperSU... I guess I should have said that initially. My apologies.

HerdOn said:
VRUAME7 is the most recent with the latest OTA update correct? If so that's the one I was on. Now I did root it successfully initially, it got stuck this way after installing SuperSU... I guess I should have said that initially. My apologies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ME7 is the current OTA, yes. Are you using the correct .TAR file from here? http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23032113221600748? Also did you try doing a data wipe/factory reset in stock android recovery?

BladeRunner said:
ME7 is the current OTA, yes. Are you using the correct .TAR file from here? Also did you try doing a data wipe/factory reset in stock android recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link you sent was broken, I'm using the rwilco12 factory image. It wont let me post a link because I don't have enough posts.
I have tried doing the data wipe/factory reset but it kept saying error. and now it says Firmware upgrade encountered an issue please select recovery mode in kies and try again. That's when going to the volume up "recovery" mode. Volume down, "download" mode still works fine.

http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23032113221600748
The link BladeRunner posted had an extra question mark. Try that one.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

HerdOn said:
The link you sent was broken, I'm using the rwilco12 factory image. It wont let me post a link because I don't have enough posts.
I have tried doing the data wipe/factory reset but it kept saying error. and now it says Firmware upgrade encountered an issue please select recovery mode in kies and try again. That's when going to the volume up "recovery" mode. Volume down, "download" mode still works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, here is the link to the Odin files thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259 Download the VRAUME7 factory image. I'm not sure but I think you may have the MDK image from RWILCO and there's no going back to that once you've updated to ME7.
---------- Post added at 02:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 PM ----------
Checkm8 said:
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23032113221600748
The link BladeRunner posted had an extra question mark. Try that one.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Don't know where that extra "?" came from

Alright I'm downloading that version now. Its capping my connection so it should be done in 25 mins and we'll try again! Thanks for your help so far bladerunner. Seems like we're getting somewhere...

Bladerunner, you were right my friend! The image is finally going to the phone. After nearly pulling all of my hair out, we're making extreme progress!

Ten minutes later my phone is back to factory flawless condition. Thanks Bladerunner for all your help! It's very much appreciated..

HerdOn said:
Ten minutes later my phone is back to factory flawless condition. Thanks Bladerunner for all your help! It's very much appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! No problem

Related

[Q] How long before MJ7 ODIN file is available?

I did the OTA update from M1I to MJ7 and read somewhere that the M1I root method would work. It made my phone unbootable. Obviously the M1I file I have won't work now. I need the MJ7 odin file now or else my phone is a paperweight until then.
Someone else did this 2, you can't use this method because it FLASHES A ROOTED Ml1 Rom....... Odin file still has not been posted yet
Sent From My Hyperdriven S4
ebsk8er06 said:
Someone else did this 2, you can't use this method because it FLASHES A ROOTED Ml1 Rom....... Odin file still has not been posted yet
Sent From My Hyperdriven S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I thought I read that it would still work. I'll just have to wait for the Odin file
I am in the same boat, my phone is unbootable and I am waiting for the MJ7 odin file or my replacement phone
villainous said:
I am in the same boat, my phone is unbootable and I am waiting for the MJ7 odin file or my replacement phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thankfully i have an iphone i can use for now. surprisingly i went to boot up my phone just now and it went through almost the whole boot process. it's stuck on the verizon splash. last night it would just go straight into odin.
I am not so lucky as to have a backup phone
I should look for a cheap 4g phone to keep in a drawer for such occasions. Hopefully an MJ7 file is made available soon so I can recovery my files before my new phone arrives.
villainous said:
I am not so lucky as to have a backup phone
I should look for a cheap 4g phone to keep in a drawer for such occasions. Hopefully an MJ7 file is made available soon so I can recovery my files before my new phone arrives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it will. In a few days. I'm surprised the verizon repair tool doesn't have MJ7.... maybe that'll take a while too.
antisomnic said:
thankfully i have an iphone i can use for now. surprisingly i went to boot up my phone just now and it went through almost the whole boot process. it's stuck on the verizon splash. last night it would just go straight into odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be able to get it into recovery and manually use the update.zip.
It is reported that at least a few people have been able to get out of the state you are in my using a manual update.
tech_head said:
You might be able to get it into recovery and manually use the update.zip.
It is reported that at least a few people have been able to get out of the state you are in my using a manual update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i actually did that and have been using my s4 for a few days
open1your1eyes0 posted [ODIN][TAR] Complete Device Wipe/Repartition and Emergency Recovery for VRUEMJ7 Build in the dev forum.
This is an ODIN factory image similar to the one posted here but this is an emergency recovery image that will help you recover and restore your device from nearly ANY possible soft-brick by entirely wiping, refreshing, and repartitioning your device to out-of-box OEM firmware.
WARNING: Please use this with caution as this will wipe your ENTIRE device with no chance of restoring back old data afterwords!
How to Use
Download file from: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23203820527944861
Unzip file to your computer (desktop or some location)
Use ODIN v3.09 to flash in AP section once your device is connected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And joderme has a VRUEMJ7 no wipe ODIN image available in dev too.
--OctOS Powered VZW GS4 Dev Edition
antisomnic said:
yeah i actually did that and have been using my s4 for a few days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I rooted and updated to MJ7 all went well. Then tried to install twrp not realizing it wont work. Now I'm stuck into download mode and yellow triangle. Is there not a way to odin back to stock since I have this update. Need help.
mickrg123 said:
So I rooted and updated to MJ7 all went well. Then tried to install twrp not realizing it wont work. Now I'm stuck into download mode and yellow triangle. Is there not a way to odin back to stock since I have this update. Need help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Untested, but you can unzip the attached and flash it in ODIN - it's the stock MJ7 recovery. With a bit of luck that'll get you repaired.
If not, flash the no-wipe MJ7 ROM from the Android Development forum, but that'll probably cause you to lose root.
Bait-Fish said:
open1your1eyes0 posted [ODIN][TAR] Complete Device Wipe/Repartition and Emergency Recovery for VRUEMJ7 Build in the dev forum.
And joderme has a VRUEMJ7 no wipe ODIN image available in dev too.
--OctOS Powered VZW GS4 Dev Edition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wrong post
Awesome
You know... I don't post much if at all on xda. Mostly im an intel junkie but I have to say after bricking my 24 hour old MJ7 s4 and fully recovering it using this post you guys are ****ing AWESOME!
FYI The exact steps I took were as follows using windows 8.1 pro x64
downloaded Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0
downloaded Odin3 v3.07
downloaded ALL_I545VRUEMJ7_I545VZWEMJ7_1937946_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
Install Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0 drivers
Ran odin as administrator, left defaults checked and chose PDA ALL_I545VRUEMJ7_I545VZWEMJ7_1937946_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
(Windows hangs when trying to first browse the file, WAIT)
plugged phone in and got instant com green and hit start. Waited 20 mins and it all went through successfully.
USERS NOTE:
The first computer I tried just absolutely would not flash this phone. Drivers where correct etc it just seemed like it dropped connection. Tried 3 separate usb ports one even off a powered hub and all failed on the system flash. Changed computers and followed the same setup and went first try. If it fails try and try again. Changing different ports, computers, and or drivers helps if you get failure messages.
Thanks to all of you!
SmOoThEm said:
You know... I don't post much if at all on xda. Mostly im an intel junkie but I have to say after bricking my 24 hour old MJ7 s4 and fully recovering it using this post you guys are ****ing AWESOME!
FYI The exact steps I took were as follows using windows 8.1 pro x64
downloaded Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0
downloaded Odin3 v3.07
downloaded ALL_I545VRUEMJ7_I545VZWEMJ7_1937946_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
Install Samsung_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1.5.14.0 drivers
Ran odin as administrator, left defaults checked and chose PDA ALL_I545VRUEMJ7_I545VZWEMJ7_1937946_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
(Windows hangs when trying to first browse the file, WAIT)
plugged phone in and got instant com green and hit start. Waited 20 mins and it all went through successfully.
USERS NOTE:
The first computer I tried just absolutely would not flash this phone. Drivers where correct etc it just seemed like it dropped connection. Tried 3 separate usb ports one even off a powered hub and all failed on the system flash. Changed computers and followed the same setup and went first try. If it fails try and try again. Changing different ports, computers, and or drivers helps if you get failure messages.
Thanks to all of you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I grab ALL_I545VRUEMJ7_I545VZWEMJ7_1937946_REV06_user_low _ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 ??
emtownsend said:
Where can I grab ALL_I545VRUEMJ7_I545VZWEMJ7_1937946_REV06_user_low _ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23203820527944861
Bait-Fish said:
open1your1eyes0 posted [ODIN][TAR] Complete Device Wipe/Repartition and Emergency Recovery for VRUEMJ7 Build in the dev forum.
And joderme has a VRUEMJ7 no wipe ODIN image available in dev too.
--OctOS Powered VZW GS4 Dev Edition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
antisomnic said:
Yeah I thought I read that it would still work. I'll just have to wait for the Odin file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
antisomnic said:
I did the OTA update from M1I to MJ7 and read somewhere that the M1I root method would work. It made my phone unbootable. Obviously the M1I file I have won't work now. I need the MJ7 odin file now or else my phone is a paperweight until then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an FYI. Whenever you take an OTA from the Carrier it's written so you cannot revert back to an earlier build or a soft and possible hard brick can occur. This has been discussed numerous times in various forums. You were lucky this time.

HELP - Cannot Flash Stock Firmware, Bricked?

Hi everyone,
First of all, please forgive me of my noobishness as this is my first post on the XDA forums.
My Galaxy S4 (SCH-I545) was working fine today. It was also rooted. As some of you may know, you are not able to recieve software updates if your phone is rooted, so I decided to try unrooting it and flash the unrooted stock firmware.
I booted into download mode and started Odin with the stock firmware in the PDA section. No other settings were changed. I attempted to flash the phone, and it failed with "sw rev check failed".
I tried restarting the phone. It came to the screen "Firmware Update Encountered an Issue".
Later, I was reading about the PIT file. I downloaded the PIT file for the SCH-I545 and flashed it. It failed on the phone with "Secure Check Fail: PIT". It failed on Odin with "Re -Partitioning Failed".
I restarted the phone again. It now displays "Samsung Custom" with a little unlocked padlock under it. I left it there for 20 minutes, it stayed on the same screen.
I tried booting into the stock recovery with success. I immediately selected "Wipe Data/Factory Reset". After this, I restarted the phone.
When the phone came back up, I booted into download mode and tried flashing again. This process failed with the same error "sw rev check failed". It again went to "Firmware Update Encountered an Issue". I repeated flashing the PIT, which failed again, but I was then able to boot into recovery once more.
At this point, I have wiped the data. The phone is sitting on my desk right now, completely wiped and able to boot into recovery, I just need to get this fixed ASAP because it is my only means of contact.
Can anyone help me as far as not being able to flash the phone? I apologize if I am confusing you, I just want to be as descriptive as possible to get the best help.
Thank you everyone for your time.
Squerl101 said:
Hi everyone,
First of all, please forgive me of my noobishness as this is my first post on the XDA forums.
My Galaxy S4 (SCH-I545) was working fine today. It was also rooted. As some of you may know, you are not able to recieve software updates if your phone is rooted, so I decided to try unrooting it and flash the unrooted stock firmware.
I booted into download mode and started Odin with the stock firmware in the PDA section. No other settings were changed. I attempted to flash the phone, and it failed with "sw rev check failed".
I tried restarting the phone. It came to the screen "Firmware Update Encountered an Issue".
Later, I was reading about the PIT file. I downloaded the PIT file for the SCH-I545 and flashed it. It failed on the phone with "Secure Check Fail: PIT". It failed on Odin with "Re -Partitioning Failed".
I restarted the phone again. It now displays "Samsung Custom" with a little unlocked padlock under it. I left it there for 20 minutes, it stayed on the same screen.
I tried booting into the stock recovery with success. I immediately selected "Wipe Data/Factory Reset". After this, I restarted the phone.
When the phone came back up, I booted into download mode and tried flashing again. This process failed with the same error "sw rev check failed". It again went to "Firmware Update Encountered an Issue". I repeated flashing the PIT, which failed again, but I was then able to boot into recovery once more.
At this point, I have wiped the data. The phone is sitting on my desk right now, completely wiped and able to boot into recovery, I just need to get this fixed ASAP because it is my only means of contact.
Can anyone help me as far as not being able to flash the phone? I apologize if I am confusing you, I just want to be as descriptive as possible to get the best help.
Thank you everyone for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wut? Take 2 minutes to search for the Odin file of the build you were on, boot into odin mode and on 3.09 odin version load it to the ap section.
You CAN take OTA on rooted software.
sorry if I sound rude but you shouldn't root your phone if you can't even Google a solution to the possible problems that can occur.
gnubian said:
wut? Take 2 minutes to search for the Odin file of the build you were on, boot into odin mode and on 3.09 odin version load it to the ap section.
You CAN take OTA on rooted software.
sorry if I sound rude but you shouldn't root your phone if you can't even Google a solution to the possible problems that can occur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you even read the whole post?
I CANNOT FLASH THE PHONE WHATSOEVER. It fails with "sw rev check failed" EVERY TIME.
As far as your saying of being able to take OTA on rooted firmware, it really isn't applicable to me right now considering my phone does not have an operating system on it.
Maybe someone that actually has useful information can help me?
Squerl101 said:
Did you even read the whole post?
I CANNOT FLASH THE PHONE WHATSOEVER. It fails with "sw rev check failed" EVERY TIME.
As far as your saying of being able to take OTA on rooted firmware, it really isn't applicable to me right now considering my phone does not have an operating system on it.
Maybe someone that actually has useful information can help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You haven't indicated what base is your phone originally and what stock image you were trying to flash.. Also...try to understand the frustration so many of us have with people that are jumping into something without researching as best as they could.
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
decaturbob said:
You haven't indicated what base is your phone originally and what stock image you were trying to flash.. Also...try to understand the frustration so many of us have with people that are jumping into something without researching as best as they could.
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the lack of info. The phone was running MJ7 before everything died. I have been trying to flash back to ME7 as this is what almost every guide I have read has told me to do.
Thank you.
Squerl101 said:
Sorry for the lack of info. The phone was running MJ7 before everything died. I have been trying to flash back to ME7 as this is what almost every guide I have read has told me to do.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's your problem. You can't revert to an older build. You have to flash the build you were originally on.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
Squerl101 said:
Sorry for the lack of info. The phone was running MJ7 before everything died. I have been trying to flash back to ME7 as this is what almost every guide I have read has told me to do.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a guide telling you to flash down from mj7??
I don't think so..
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Squerl101 said:
Sorry for the lack of info. The phone was running MJ7 before everything died. I have been trying to flash back to ME7 as this is what almost every guide I have read has told me to do.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't flash backwards...bootloader changes from 1 version to the next makes impossible
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
I will see how this comes out when i get home from work. I will have to look for mj7. I'm sure it's out there floating around on the internet somewhere.
I will post after i try to flash mj7 with the outcome.
Please stand by
Squerl101 said:
I will see how this comes out when i get home from work. I will have to look for mj7. I'm sure it's out there floating around on the internet somewhere.
I will post after i try to flash mj7 with the outcome.
Please stand by
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is full wipe and no wipe version of mj7 stock image here somewhere
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
decaturbob said:
There is full wipe and no wipe version of mj7 stock image here somewhere
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be clear, is MJ7 the firmware the one before MK2? I just want to be sure that I am flashing the right firmware.
Squerl101 said:
Just to be clear, is MJ7 the firmware the one before MK2? I just want to be sure that I am flashing the right firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
riker147 said:
Correct.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507253 , will be flashing within the next 30 minutes...
Squerl101 said:
Found it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507253 , will be flashing within the next 30 minutes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to MK2.
No Wipe MK2 -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209
Saferoot -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
GS4 Tether Unlock -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2512981
tech_head said:
Just go to MK2.
No Wipe MK2 -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209
Saferoot -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
GS4 Tether Unlock -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2512981
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would, but I have been downloading MJ7 for about an hour (slow internet ) so it's probably not worth starting over. Hopefully everything works out!
Cool, the problem no longer exists. It took about 5 minutes to flash, and after that, it started working perfectly again. Thank you everyone for your help!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Have you tried using Kies to fix your phone?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Q] I need to factory reset. I don't care about losing data.

Okay, so I don't know the technical term for what's happened to my phone, although, I can tell you that I cannot turn it on with the power button. The only way to get it on is plug it into my charger via micro usb. Recovery mode is unable to work. I can get into download mode though. And if I don't hit any buttons, it just said "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again".
I just want to be able to use my phone again, I'm totally alright with having to wipe every bit of data off of it and have it absolutely factory new. How can I do this? I could use Odin or Kies. However, Kies can't recognize my phone and just says "Device not responding. To resolve the issue, reboot the device." I'm tried dozens of times, it just can't find my device.
Please help.. I am phoneless and I could care less about losing data at this point.
Baurblades43 said:
Okay, so I don't know the technical term for what's happened to my phone, although, I can tell you that I cannot turn it on with the power button. The only way to get it on is plug it into my charger via micro usb. Recovery mode is unable to work. I can get into download mode though. And if I don't hit any buttons, it just said "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again".
I just want to be able to use my phone again, I'm totally alright with having to wipe every bit of data off of it and have it absolutely factory new. How can I do this? I could use Odin or Kies. However, Kies can't recognize my phone and just says "Device not responding. To resolve the issue, reboot the device." I'm tried dozens of times, it just can't find my device.
Please help.. I am phoneless and I could care less about losing data at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people have had success with pressing the volume keys while in that "Firmware upgrade" error, causing the phone to continue to a normal boot. It's worth a try. Failing that, download the proper ROM image for your phone and flash it using ODIN.
If you don't know what build it has, I'd start with flashing a no-wipe MK2 image.
First, how'd you get to this point. Was this associated with rooting / flashing / something else? When you get into download mode, are you trying to Odin something in? It shouldn't say "Firmware upgrade encountered..." unless you're trying to push something. What happens when you get into recovery mode?
Second, do you know which factory image you started with? That's important, because if you started with an earlier image and flash an newer one, you can't go back. and the earlier the image, the easier the root.
This thread has no-wipe factory images. They're large files, so heads up.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
You need Odin working. Good luck.
Baurblades43 said:
Okay, so I don't know the technical term for what's happened to my phone, although, I can tell you that I cannot turn it on with the power button. The only way to get it on is plug it into my charger via micro usb. Recovery mode is unable to work. I can get into download mode though. And if I don't hit any buttons, it just said "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again".
I just want to be able to use my phone again, I'm totally alright with having to wipe every bit of data off of it and have it absolutely factory new. How can I do this? I could use Odin or Kies. However, Kies can't recognize my phone and just says "Device not responding. To resolve the issue, reboot the device." I'm tried dozens of times, it just can't find my device.
Please help.. I am phoneless and I could care less about losing data at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 PM ----------
k1mu said:
Some people have had success with pressing the volume keys while in that "Firmware upgrade" error, causing the phone to continue to a normal boot. It's worth a try. Failing that, download the proper ROM image for your phone and flash it using ODIN.
If you don't know what build it has, I'd start with flashing a no-wipe MK2 image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd start with a MDK, earlier doesn't hurt, and I believe that's the first factory image released officially
and here's a full wipe image for MDK (erroneously called MKD in the title)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
I'd try the No-Wipe images first
yooeee said:
First, how'd you get to this point. Was this associated with rooting / flashing / something else? When you get into download mode, are you trying to Odin something in? It shouldn't say "Firmware upgrade encountered..." unless you're trying to push something. What happens when you get into recovery mode?
Second, do you know which factory image you started with? That's important, because if you started with an earlier image and flash an newer one, you can't go back. and the earlier the image, the easier the root.
This thread has no-wipe factory images. They're large files, so heads up.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
You need Odin working. Good luck.
---------- Post added at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 PM ----------
I'd start with a MDK, earlier doesn't hurt, and I believe that's the first factory image released officially
and here's a full wipe image for MDK (erroneously called MKD in the title)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
I'd try the No-Wipe images first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well initially, yesterday my phone crashed and I couldn't get it back on, unless I charged it and a grey battery icon would pop up and it'd vibrate every few seconds but nothing would happen. I couldn't get into recovery there either. So I got into download mode and I looked for things that could get me into recovery mode so I could factory reset. I flashed something on it using Odin and it worked.. To a point. On startup(plugging phone in) It would bring me into the samsung logo and the blue text in the top right saying recovery, but then the phone would just stop. And it'd be in a boot loop doing this until I unplugged. Now I woke up this morning and I'm getting this new error from Kies. I have the files that I flashed it with last night.
Baurblades43 said:
Well initially, yesterday my phone crashed and I couldn't get it back on, unless I charged it and a grey battery icon would pop up and it'd vibrate every few seconds but nothing would happen. I couldn't get into recovery there either. So I got into download mode and I looked for things that could get me into recovery mode so I could factory reset. I flashed something on it using Odin and it worked.. To a point. On startup(plugging phone in) It would bring me into the samsung logo and the blue text in the top right saying recovery, but then the phone would just stop. And it'd be in a boot loop doing this until I unplugged. Now I woke up this morning and I'm getting this new error from Kies. I have the files that I flashed it with last night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did it crash in the first place? and also, it's important to know what you flashed through odin to understand what's going on. we may never figure that out so.... it looks like you lost recovery. the only thing left is download mode. (If you can't go into download mode, I don't know any other options.)
read up on which factory image applies to you and odin it. you'll start fresh and then need to root to.
yooeee said:
how did it crash in the first place? and also, it's important to know what you flashed through odin to understand what's going on. we may never figure that out so.... it looks like you lost recovery. the only thing left is download mode. (If you can't go into download mode, I don't know any other options.)
read up on which factory image applies to you and odin it. you'll start fresh and then need to root to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm totally fine with losing my root, and my old rom and stuff.. I could care less. I know how to root and its very easy along with getting safestrap going again. However, I was on MK2 and I don't see that in the list of images.
(I wasn't able to put my link in, but I just saw something on a website regarding Odin, and using the "re-partition" check box. I used that(it said to on the instructions) and the thing I just saw said to NEVER use that) I flashed that and with pit. I'm new to odin sooo yeah I don't necessarily know everything that goes on.
Also, the phone crashed in what seemed like a completely random flash... I was literally just on snapchat, things froze up, and my phone started doing the boot animation for Hyperdrive 15(The rom I was running) but it never finished, half way through, the phone turned off.
Mk2 came after those, so do a search. With Odin you shouldn't touch anything except load the file in the second slot. I forget what it's called. Read the Odin tutorials
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
yooeee said:
Mk2 came after those, so do a search. With Odin you shouldn't touch anything except load the file in the second slot. I forget what it's called. Read the Odin tutorials
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this factory image, wouldn't I want one that DOES wipe the phone? Since I just want everything to be clean and new again?
Baurblades43 said:
So this factory image, wouldn't I want one that DOES wipe the phone? Since I just want everything to be clean and new again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe, but hopefully this will get you a recovery that you can wipe. there are wipe images out there
yooeee said:
maybe, but hopefully this will get you a recovery that you can wipe. there are wipe images out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I finally flashed the MK2 no-wipe on it after many hours of downloading. Now it says "RESET" on odin and it showed samsung logo, and the recovery blue text in the top left, but then that just went to a black screen, and now I'm just getting vibrating every 2 seconds with a black screen.
EDIT: Okay so I tried seeing if download mode still worked, and it did, so I just told it to restart the phone from that and now its back to what it was doing originially. It shows the gray battery with the circle loading thing frozen in place, that stays there for a second, then screen goes black, vibrates, and it repeats this.
Baurblades43 said:
Okay, I finally flashed the MK2 no-wipe on it after many hours of downloading. Now it says "RESET" on odin and it showed samsung logo, and the recovery blue text in the top left, but then that just went to a black screen, and now I'm just getting vibrating every 2 seconds with a black screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash full wipe version...also are you flashing as PDA or phone?
jamesd1085 said:
Flash full wipe version...also are you flashing as PDA or phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link maybe? I'm fed up with downloading the wrong thing and screwing my phone over.
Flashing as PDA.
Also, read the edit I made to that post to make a more accurate response maybe?
I'll try to find it when I get to my laptop. There's a possibility your phone just bonked hardware wise. Hard to say.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
yooeee said:
I'll try to find it when I get to my laptop. There's a possibility your phone just bonked hardware wise. Hard to say.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all of the help by the way. I really don't want to go from a GS4 to an iPod 3G... Ugh I would die
Baurblades43 said:
Thank you for all of the help by the way. I really don't want to go from a GS4 to an iPod 3G... Ugh I would die
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres the MK2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 02:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 AM ----------
If that doesn't work for you try MJ7
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507253
Those are the only two that you can go back and forth between.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Alright so I flashed the full wipe correctly and everything looked like it worked fine. But it just says "RESET" on Odin and its trying to start the phone and it shows the samsung logo but its defaulting to Recovery Mode, but after the samsung logo, and the blue text in the upper left corner "Recovery Booting..." it just black screens and boot loops like that. I believe this is because I flashed a thing on Odin yesterday that was supposed to make the phone go into Recovery(it wasn't working by holding volume and power). Any way to get rid of this stupid default recovery thing?
Baurblades43 said:
Alright so I flashed the full wipe correctly and everything looked like it worked fine. But it just says "RESET" on Odin and its trying to start the phone and it shows the samsung logo but its defaulting to Recovery Mode, but after the samsung logo, and the blue text in the upper left corner "Recovery Booting..." it just black screens and boot loops like that. I believe this is because I flashed a thing on Odin yesterday that was supposed to make the phone go into Recovery(it wasn't working by holding volume and power). Any way to get rid of this stupid default recovery thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If MK2 is not getting you fixed up try MJ7. That should fix you right up. You should be back to business as usual. Sometimes you just need to try try again lol
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mistertac said:
If MK2 is not getting you fixed up try MJ7. That should fix you right up. You should be back to business as usual. Sometimes you just need to try try again lol
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Full wipe MJ7 or no-wipe? Sorry just clarifying.
I'm wondering if this is the correct file ---> https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23321874045862070
Baurblades43 said:
Full wipe MJ7 or no-wipe? Sorry just clarifying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Full Wipe
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mistertac said:
Full Wipe
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was that the correct file?(Look back at the post you just replied too.

"Firmware Upgrade Encountered an Issue" "Device not responding" Samsung Kies

"Firmware Upgrade Encountered an Issue" "Device not responding" Samsung Kies
I tried to flash an Android 5.0 ROM earlier, and my phone was only booting to the stock recovery (Safestrap was installed but I did a factory reset). Now, if the phone was turned off by removing the battery, it won't turn on when I hold the power button, or attempt to go into download/recovery mode. Nothing happens. If I plug it in, I can use whatever button combinations as normal. However, I don't think I can get to recovery mode. Both volume down/power and volume down/power/home enter download mode to the phone. I tried to flash a stock ROM in Odin, but it failed. Otherwise, it shows a screen that says " Firmware Upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in kies and try again" And when I open kies, it just says "connecting" for an extremely long time until it eventually says "Device not responding" and I can't do anything. What do I have to do to fix this? I can't find anything for this phone that has had this problem or knows how to fix it. I've tried a few different things so far but flashing nothing in odin has worked. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.
Bumping for others to hopefully see... I've still made no progress and am in the same situation and simply can't find what I need to do.
What build were you on before you started? What file are you trying to flash with Odin?
Jmick363 said:
I tried to flash an Android 5.0 ROM earlier, and my phone was only booting to the stock recovery (Safestrap was installed but I did a factory reset). Now, if the phone was turned off by removing the battery, it won't turn on when I hold the power button, or attempt to go into download/recovery mode. Nothing happens. If I plug it in, I can use whatever button combinations as normal. However, I don't think I can get to recovery mode. Both volume down/power and volume down/power/home enter download mode to the phone. I tried to flash a stock ROM in Odin, but it failed. Otherwise, it shows a screen that says " Firmware Upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in kies and try again" And when I open kies, it just says "connecting" for an extremely long time until it eventually says "Device not responding" and I can't do anything. What do I have to do to fix this? I can't find anything for this phone that has had this problem or knows how to fix it. I've tried a few different things so far but flashing nothing in odin has worked. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the issue: since you have safestrap installed that means you're on the new bootloader. We cannot install anything other than TW based roms from nothing newer than nc5 base. If you can get into download mode, you'll need to flash the full wipe nc5 tar file through Odin. That will get you back on stock and you can re-root from there.
Hightower24 said:
Here's the issue: since you have safestrap installed that means you're on the new bootloader. We cannot install anything other than TW based roms from nothing newer than nc5 base. If you can get into download mode, you'll need to flash the full wipe nc5 tar file through Odin. That will get you back on stock and you can re-root from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. You're right. I completely forgot about that last night. I was getting frustrated with Hyperdrive because when I was trying to install version 20, the WiFi would never work no matter which modules.zip I flashed.
I got fed up and just wanted to flash something else and I did this without even thinking about it... I can get the phone into download mode, but when I try to flash this in odin, it fails.
I saw someone with the same screen as me with a Note 2 and someone said something about flashing a PIT file or something like that? I think I'm going to look into that next, hopefully I can find some useful links.
riker147 said:
What build were you on before you started? What file are you trying to flash with Odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I didn't see this post at first. The file I'm using in Odin is mentioned in the above post. Before I had done anything, I was successfully using Hyperdrive 17.something. I did a factory reset, flashed the Hyperdrive 20 rom, flashed the modules.zip (I used like 3 or 4 different ones and none of them got WiFi to work) and rebooted and let the phone sit for 10 minutes, and when I would try to toggle WiFi, it wouldn't work. To make things worse, every time, when I rebooted, SafeStrap wouldn't load. So I had to go back to the ROM and install Towelroot and root the phone again, then install safestrap and install the recovery again and then I could boot to it. But I could never get the WiFi to work a single time.
Jmick363 said:
Sorry I didn't see this post at first. The file I'm using in Odin is mentioned in the above post. Before I had done anything, I was successfully using Hyperdrive 17.something. I did a factory reset, flashed the Hyperdrive 20 rom, flashed the modules.zip (I used like 3 or 4 different ones and none of them got WiFi to work) and rebooted and let the phone sit for 10 minutes, and when I would try to toggle WiFi, it wouldn't work. To make things worse, every time, when I rebooted, SafeStrap wouldn't load. So I had to go back to the ROM and install Towelroot and root the phone again, then install safestrap and install the recovery again and then I could boot to it. But I could never get the WiFi to work a single time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use this wifi fix module. It works best for me:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23487008491963696
Hightower24 said:
Use this wifi fix module. It works best for me:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23487008491963696
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this, but right now I need to be more concerned with actually getting to Safestrap... or stock touchwiz for that matter. Hopefully this will work if I manage to fix the phone.
Jmick363 said:
Thanks for this, but right now I need to be more concerned with actually getting to Safestrap... or stock touchwiz for that matter. Hopefully this will work if I manage to fix the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad. Here's a link to the tar files. I suggest using the full wipe nc5:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735172
Hightower24 said:
My bad. Here's a link to the tar files. I suggest using the full wipe nc5:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735172
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the Full Wipe method on that link, I was able to resolve the problem and at least get back to a working phone. From here I'll use towelroot to root and install safestrap and then install hyperdrive 20 with those modules you linked. To be more specific for anyone reading years from now with the same problem as me, I used odin 1.85 (though many versions work) with the pit file provided from that link with "re=partition, auto reboot and f. reset time" checked in the options. At first, I was having some trouble, but I think it was because the phone had low battery. I plugged it in for a bit, booted it up, and am setting it up right now. Thanks for the help everyone, it's much appreciated. I very much hope that the modules you linked work for me, because if they don't, I have no idea what ROM to use.
I was reading a thread last night where someone listed all of the ROMS working with SafeStrap, but it was from like 2 years ago and almost all of the ROMs had been abandoned.... Is there a more updated list of options? Or just something to look for to make sure a ROM will work right away?
Jmick363 said:
Using the Full Wipe method on that link, I was able to resolve the problem and at least get back to a working phone. From here I'll use towelroot to root and install safestrap and then install hyperdrive 20 with those modules you linked. To be more specific for anyone reading years from now with the same problem as me, I used odin 1.85 (though many versions work) with the pit file provided from that link with "re=partition, auto reboot and f. reset time" checked in the options. At first, I was having some trouble, but I think it was because the phone had low battery. I plugged it in for a bit, booted it up, and am setting it up right now. Thanks for the help everyone, it's much appreciated. I very much hope that the modules you linked work for me, because if they don't, I have no idea what ROM to use.
I was reading a thread last night where someone listed all of the ROMS working with SafeStrap, but it was from like 2 years ago and almost all of the ROMs had been abandoned.... Is there a more updated list of options? Or just something to look for to make sure a ROM will work right away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hyperdrive and echoerom seem to be the most talked about. I'm running echoe v39.1
Hightower24 said:
Hyperdrive and echoerom seem to be the most talked about. I'm running echoe v39.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So right now things aren't going as smoothly as I would've hoped.... The first time I flashed Hyperdrive and then that modules zip you linked, and the phone got stuck on the Samsung custom screen in some sort of loop. I reset it with odin and just the PDA from the link from before, and I then installed towelroot and safestrap again then flashed hyperdrive and modules and now I'm stuck on the hyperdrive red screen... It's just the boot animation and nothing else. When I take out the battery, the power button does nothing if the phone is not plugged in. When I plug the phone in and hold down the power button, it just shows an empty battery with a loading icon in the middle. I can't do anything else.... I'm going to reset it again now and maybe try installing this echoe rom.... Are you talking about this?
Jmick363 said:
I'm going to reset it again now and maybe try installing this echoe rom.... Are you talking about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hightower24 said:
Hyperdrive and echoerom seem to be the most talked about. I'm running echoe v39.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With EchoeRom, where do I find the signal bar fix? Is the wifi fix the thing you linked already? or is it separate from modules zip?
Jmick363 said:
With EchoeRom, where do I find the signal bar fix? Is the wifi fix the thing you linked already? or is it separate from modules zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry! I had started this reply earlier in the morning then got busy with work. The link for the signal bar fix is in the OP from the forum you found by jds. It's down by the link for v26. I sent you the wifi fix that works for me. If you're going to use v39.1, you will need jrkruse's nk2 patch found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674280
The echoe site is here:
http://echoerom.com/roms/echoefull/s4/i9505/
Flash in this order:
Rom
Nk2 patch (not needed for v29/29.1)
Signal bar fix
WiFi fix
Updated supersu.zip (optional)
Be sure to verify the md5 of the downloads. Good luck!
Hightower24 said:
Sorry! I had started this reply earlier in the morning then got busy with work. The link for the signal bar fix is in the OP from the forum you found by jds. It's down by the link for v26. I sent you the wifi fix that works for me. If you're going to use v39.1, you will need jrkruse's nk2 patch found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674280
The echoe site is here:
http://echoerom.com/roms/echoefull/s4/i9505/
Flash in this order:
Rom
Nk2 patch (not needed for v29/29.1)
Signal bar fix
WiFi fix
Updated supersu.zip (optional)
Be sure to verify the md5 of the downloads. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to apologize!! Your job isn't to monitor me, and I can't thank you enough for all the help. I'm going to give this a shot at some point today, hopefully it'll work. I'll comment back in the thread whatever happens... As you can probably tell, I typically have horrible luck with these things.
So I have had the same issue as the OP after trying to flash to a 5.0 ROM, but my issue is still ongoing, as when I try to flash the stock ROM from this link I get the error that it failed in Odin.
madhavok09 said:
So I have had the same issue as the OP after trying to flash to a 5.0 ROM, but my issue is still ongoing, as when I try to flash the stock ROM from this link I get the error that it failed in Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you flashing the full wipe? Good download? Check MD5? Using the cable that came with the phone? Try a different USB port?
Sent from my NCC-1701 using Tapatalk.
riker147 said:
Are you flashing the full wipe? Good download? Check MD5? Using the cable that came with the phone? Try a different USB port?
Sent from my NCC-1701 using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the OP said he did the wipe with that link I listed, and I would assume it's a good link. I am flashing the full wipe with the PIT file, using the cable that came with the phone, and I have tried using a different USB port. I have tried 3 different MD5 files as well and still have had no luck.
Edit (2:13 PM Eastern): Had the wrong file after some digging, and got the NC5 instead of the MK2. Phone is booting normally. Thanks for the help.

Help!! Hard bricked my sch-i545vrufnk1 vzw s4

Hello all, I think I may have hard bricked my s4 but I can still get in to stock recovery and odin mode (download mode?) so Im sure. I've gotten out of soft brink many times but this one is winning and it's my daily driver. I'm fairly sure I partitioned ROM Slot-1 in Safestrap to small for the intnended ROM. Upon trying to reboot or power up I get black samsung custom screen and I have to pull batt to procede with only two choices: stock recovery and a file from my sd card or odin mode with proper zip file and procedure. Kies doesnt recognize and I've tried going back to NC5 through odin but that fails. I've reflashed the vrunk1 kernel and it doesnt fail but blk custom screen interupts and freezes the process.
Any help is appreciated. I FEEL that the phone is recoverable but hope is dwindling. Thanks to all.
Verizon Galaxy S4 sch-i545vrufunk1
Odin tar
Page of android development post for nc5 Odin tar works very well by surge1223
amory128 said:
Page of android development post for nc5 Odin tar works very well by surge1223
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response! Im just short of freakin out here! I've tried that prodedure at least 5 times and odin fails everytime. How might I be doing it wrong? I've tried both wipe and no wipe and both fail over and over.
Thanks!!
Pull battery and put it backt, hold power+vol down+home to get into download mode and Odin back to whatever suggested above.
meazz1 said:
Pull battery and put it backt, hold power+vol down+home to get into download mode and Odin back to whatever suggested above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestion...sadly thats part of what I've tried about 19 times now. : (
Try a different cable or different port. Make sure you're using the right file.
Sent from my NCC-1701 using Tapatalk.
riker147 said:
Try a different cable or different port. Make sure you're using the right file.
Sent from my NCC-1701 using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YOU SIR ARE THE FRIGGIN MAN!!! I CANT BELIEVE THAT WORKED!!!
I was using a USB extention cable. after 86in that it went smooth as glass. THANK YOU SOO FRIGGIN MUCH...TO ALL CONTRIBUTERS who helped me get my precious back.

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