Database Users

[Q] Stuck in boot loop - Save Photos?

Hi,
my Nexus 4 is stuck in a boot loop since 2 days. I found it turned off and assumed it crashed (has done that once or twice before), but after turning it on it's gets stuck on the boot up screen. I've tried restarting it numerous times, left it on the boot screen for hours - nothing.
I can access the recovery mode and according to most things I've found while searching the internet for a solution a "wipe data/factory reset" would hopefully do the trick, but the thing is... I haven't backed up my device in ages. (Stupid, I know.) I'm travelling and took a lot of pictures that I would hate to loose.
Is there any way to save them? I don't care for app data or anything else.
I wouldn't mind rooting it (was thinking about doing that anyway), but I'm pretty much a n00b when it comes to Android, haven't done more with it than simply using it.
I have read up quite a bit about rooting in the last two days (here on the forum and everywhere else) but I'm still not sure how exactly to do it, since all methods seem to require unlocking the bootloader and therefore deleting my photos (or just don't give much in the way of explanation).
I'm using a mac, but if necessary I also have Windows installed. I have installed Adb and fastboot following this guide.
The phone is not rooted, I don't have developer options or USB debugging enabled and it's running on 4.4.4.
I would be really grateful for help.

If you can boot into the bootloader you can install a custom recovery, I'd recommend twrp. Then booting into the custom recovery you could use adb to pull files off your device . But your bootloader needs to be unlocked. If it isn't I'm afraid you won't be able to get your photos
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

bootloop issue
A.
Try to go into safe mode and backup your data.
Boot into Safe Mode:
1. Press/Hold Power button until power menu shows up
2. Tap/Hold Power off option
3. Choose OK to reboot in safe mode
B.
For bootloop problem:
Boot into Stock Recovery
1. Power+VolUp while booting to enter recovery
2. You can release buttons after you see Google on screen
(Note: Must be this sequence Press/Hold Power, THEN Press/Release VolUp, release Power)
3. Android fallen down screen - VolUp to toggle recovery menu
Now wipe Cache & Dalvik Cache in recovery and reboot the phone.
C.
If the (Option B) does not solved then try to flash the stock rom with the below given mentioned steps.
First download any stock rom and also the related usb drivers. Install the drivers into the PC.
Boot into the bootloader.
Open (fastboot.exe) Cmd prompt as admin. Put the stock rom into that particular folder.
fastboot flash bootloader filename.img
reboot the phone and return back to the bootloader.
Then, we will flash all other partitions.
fastboot flash radio filename.img
Again reboot the phone and go back into the bootloader
fastboot flash boot filename.
fastboot flash recovery filename.img
fastboot flash userdata filename.img
fastboot flash system filename.img
If you want to relock the bootloader of your device after flashing the device, put the device back in fastboot mode. Then type in the following command in the Terminal or Command Window you had opened earlier -:
fastboot oem lock
This will re-lock the bootloader of your Nexus device, restoring your warranty and putting the device back to complete stock.
I hope this helps you out.

Thank you, but is there a way to boot into safe mode if the phone isn't turned on? I can not get to the power menu since I can't turn the phone on...
I can only access the recovery menu.

Data backup
Alternate method you can do is that you have to download a software by name 'DROID EXPLORER' - (try to google it) you will find this software from the internet. Then install the software on your PC or Laptop. Once you open the software it will take some time to download the sdk files from the internet then install the windows sdk files also.
Later you go into the recovery mode with the usb cable connected to your PC. Then open the Droid Explorer software you will see your phone connected picture. Now double click and open it go to sdcard and copy all your pictures and other files to your system.
Finally, Once you backed up all your files now you can reflash with the proper rom from the recovery mode. From directly inserting the rom.zip file into the sdcard and run the custom rom after you wipe the partitions properly in recovery.
Note: Before wiping the partitions always unmount the system, data, cache and then wipe it.

Trouble flashing 5.0.0! Help needed!!!

Need help here!
My Nexus 10 was with stock 4.4.4, rooted with TWRP. I decided to flash the factory image files by removing the -w in flash-all.sh. However it ended up with being stuck with the rotating balls. After about 45 minutes, I decided to go to the fastboot mode (pwr+both volumes), then select recovery (I planned to do factory reset and clear cache). After trying to reboot into recovery mode (pwr + one volume button), it now shows an open bootloader with following message below the bootloader (the bootloader seems still unlocked):
Dowloading...
Do not turn off target!!
What does it mean? What is it exactly downloading? And what should I do? Should I lock the bootloader? Also it does not respond now if I push the volume buttons. It's not recognized on my Mac with the with the following command:
fastboot devices
I also notice the following line:
Reboot Mode Flag: NONE
Now I just booted into recovery, but it shows the bootloader with the exclamation mark! After a few minutes, it automatically switched to the never-ending rotating balls. What can I do?

When you get the Downloading...message you're in the Recovery screen. Don't worry about the message. Press vol up and power to get into the recovery menu - there you can wipe cache and system. As you're in recovery, Fastboot devices will not recognise your tablet, only adb commands.
If I was you and this didn't work, I'd just reboot into fastboot and flash the image files manually. You'll lose root, data and twrp but these can easily be gotten back through fastboot.

Hi,
In case you want help to flash Stock Firmware files. Check the Manta Help Thread .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2670400
~Lord

2017G can´t boot into recovery

Hy,
i,m on 2017G B03
Just tried to install the original twrp version. Now my phone doesnt boot into recovery but still boots rom. I´m also not able to boot into edl.
Any ideas?
Yours
Scholli

If your phone is rooted, you can use flashify to install the newest TWRP.
Otherwise booting into edl by either "adb reboot edl" or pressing (volume up + volume down + power) should work otherwise your phone is broken.
Last Option would be to boot into fastboot ("adb reboot fastboot") and flash via "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img" (please note that your bootloader needs to be unlocked for this operation)

Flahify worked!
Thank you

What happens when you boot your device, enable usb debugging, connect it to your pc, open up a command window in the folder where you downloaded adb and enter the command "adb reboot edl"? What does it say?
Try restarting your adb server with "adb kill-server" followed by "adb start-server" and then retry the "adb reboot edl" command.
Also try to kill the "adb.exe" process in task manager before trying again.
Alternatively, you can try powering the phone off, and then holding both volume buttons while connecting it via USB. Some users manage to get to EDL this way, but personally I get DFU mode.
If you manage to get the phone in EDL mode, try restoring the stock recovery backup you made with the axon7tool and then reflashing TWRP. One user reported this fixed his similar issue.
EDIT: Too late Wonderful to see everyone helping each other so quickly.

Bootloop after fingerprint sensor and ROM died

Hello,
problem above, maybe it's a hardware malfunction which would be awful.
I tried:
- whipe everything in the CyanogenRecoveryMenu
- sideload via Minimal ADB / Fastboot
- a lot more commands and helps on this site and on the internet (push,
Details:
- fingerprinter died, then the phone always crashed with blue and green flashing lights on the screen and now a bootloop
- "stock" CyanogenOS installed, but no TWRP
- the phone gets detected by my computer (sound)
- i don't remember if usb debugging is enabled (probably not)
- the command "adb devices" shows my phone when its in ADB mode (recovery menu)
- i sometimes get the error "error:closed" on my computer
Thank you for any help
doebelfish

doebelfish said:
Hello,
problem above, maybe it's a hardware malfunction which would be awful.
I tried:
- whipe everything in the CyanogenRecoveryMenu
- sideload via Minimal ADB / Fastboot
- a lot more commands and helps on this site and on the internet (push,
Details:
- fingerprinter died, then the phone always crashed with blue and green flashing lights on the screen and now a bootloop
- "stock" CyanogenOS installed, but no TWRP
- the phone gets detected by my computer (sound)
- i don't remember if usb debugging is enabled (probably not)
- the command "adb devices" shows my phone when its in ADB mode (recovery menu)
- i sometimes get the error "error:closed" on my computer
Thank you for any help
doebelfish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you also tried factory reset already?
If you have adb access you can only try to get bootloader unlocked which wipes all if not happened yet. Then you can try installing twrp and another rom and see if boot is OK.
If your bootloader is still locked go to service center if you have warranty!

strongst said:
Did you also tried factory reset already?
If you have adb access you can only try to get bootloader unlocked which wipes all if not happened yet. Then you can try installing twrp and another rom and see if boot is OK.
If your bootloader is still locked go to service center if you have warranty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a reply,
After a full reset I have downloaded a twrp.img file for my device
I tried:
- command "fastboot devices" while in fastboot-mode (I pressed reboot to bootloader in the recovery menu to get there)
-> no device detected despite a sound after connecting
- command "fastboot flash twrp.img" -> "waiting for device" without any further reaction
My device is only detected in ADB mode, not in fastboot mode, how can I change that? I must unlock the boot loader in fastboot mode right?

doebelfish said:
Thanks for a reply,
After a full reset I have downloaded a twrp.img file for my device
I tried:
- command "fastboot devices" while in fastboot-mode (I pressed reboot to bootloader in the recovery menu to get there)
-> no device detected despite a sound after connecting
- command "fastboot flash twrp.img" -> "waiting for device" without any further reaction
My device is only detected in ADB mode, not in fastboot mode, how can I change that? I must unlock the boot loader in fastboot mode right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have actually drivers installed for fastboot? See guides like this http://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z1/general/guide-how-to-unlock-root-install-twrp-t3394037
Also qfil method can help http://www.androidbrick.com/lenovo-zuk-phones-qfil-roms-unbrick-guide/
But consider service center in case of warranty.

same problem. fingerprint died. then after a empty battery shutdown i face bootloop. but hopefully i have TWRP installed and i could recover my data. but i dont know how to access factory reset menue or install another fresh rom

phone bricked? help!

I decided to update my old oneplus 2 to lineageos 15.1 with, but when I tried to flash the file with TWRP, it shows an error. Since the TWRP version I was using was old, I decided to update it first. Keep in mind at this point i had completely wiped my device. So, I downloaded the "twrp-3.2.1-0-kenzo.img" file, as per a youtube video where the dude managed to flash the update successfully, and gave it a go. It showed up as successful. Then i shut the whole device off, and tried to boot back in to recovery to flash the ROM again, but the thing won't boot. It's stuck on this boot screen (with the oneplus logo and 'powered by android' at the bottom), and refuses to go further. I'm stuck in a situation with the phone having no OS, no recovery and the thing won't show up when I connect it to the pc either. Well, the pc makes the 'device connected' notification sound when I plug it in, but nothing shows up on the file explorer or the device manager.
That's my dilemma, please i need help!
Thanks in advance.

inwarse said:
I decided to update my old oneplus 2 to lineageos 15.1 with, but when I tried to flash the file with TWRP, it shows an error. Since the TWRP version I was using was old, I decided to update it first. Keep in mind at this point i had completely wiped my device. So, I downloaded the "twrp-3.2.1-0-kenzo.img" file, as per a youtube video where the dude managed to flash the update successfully, and gave it a go. It showed up as successful. Then i shut the whole device off, and tried to boot back in to recovery to flash the ROM again, but the thing won't boot. It's stuck on this boot screen (with the oneplus logo and 'powered by android' at the bottom), and refuses to go further. I'm stuck in a situation with the phone having no OS, no recovery and the thing won't show up when I connect it to the pc either. Well, the pc makes the 'device connected' notification sound when I plug it in, but nothing shows up on the file explorer or the device manager.
That's my dilemma, please i need help!
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You downloaded the KENZO (this is not oneplus2! ) TWRP and flashed it on another phone (oneplus2), just normal that it doesn't work and your phone is messed up.
If you can enter fastboot (vol up and power button to boot) you can rescue your phone:
-enter fastboot (vol up + power, while phone is completely off, u can also hold it until you can see "fastboot" written on the screen)
-connect device to a computer with fastboot installed
-type "fastboot oem unlock" into a terminal/cmd window if there is no error, you are good to go, otherwise your bootloader relocked, use this thread to recover
-if your bootloader is still unlocked, download the ONEPLUS2 TWRP IMG, ALWAYS make sure to only flash the roms, kernels, recoveries or zips for YOUR phone otherwise you can really DESTROY your phone!
-now type into terminal/cmd: "fastboot flash recovery *drag the oneplus2 twrp image into terminal/cmd window* and hit enter
-use vol down + power to reboot phone into recovery and wipe all partitions
-Install a ONEPLUS2 ROM of your choice
If something is not clear, use google, because this is most likely basic stuff you have to know when flashing your phone

I can in fact go to fastboot mode by holding the power+volume up keys. When I the phone to my pc it does show a fastboot device (9597b869 fastboot). What do i do from here?

inwarse said:
I can in fact go to fastboot mode by holding the power+volume up keys. When I the phone to my pc it does show a fastboot device (9597b869 fastboot). What do i do from here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I wrote above (it's a step-by-step guide, u only have to READ )
-connect device to a computer with fastboot installed
-type "fastboot oem unlock" into a terminal/cmd window if there is no error, you are good to go, otherwise your bootloader relocked, use this thread to recover
-if your bootloader is still unlocked, download the ONEPLUS2 TWRP IMG, ALWAYS make sure to only flash the roms, kernels, recoveries or zips for YOUR phone otherwise you can really DESTROY your phone!
-now type into terminal/cmd: "fastboot flash recovery *drag the oneplus2 twrp image into terminal/cmd window* and hit enter
-use vol down + power to reboot phone into recovery and wipe all partitions
-Install a ONEPLUS2 ROM of your choice

wertus33333 said:
As I wrote above (it's a step-by-step guide, u only have to READ )
-connect device to a computer with fastboot installed
-type "fastboot oem unlock" into a terminal/cmd window if there is no error, you are good to go, otherwise your bootloader relocked, use this thread to recover
-if your bootloader is still unlocked, download the ONEPLUS2 TWRP IMG, ALWAYS make sure to only flash the roms, kernels, recoveries or zips for YOUR phone otherwise you can really DESTROY your phone!
-now type into terminal/cmd: "fastboot flash recovery *drag the oneplus2 twrp image into terminal/cmd window* and hit enter
-use vol down + power to reboot phone into recovery and wipe all partitions
-Install a ONEPLUS2 ROM of your choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried to follow the guide. but the bootloader, as per you description is relocked. the download link for the driver you provided shows up as empty/no longer available. that's where i'm getting stuck.
P.S, i can enter fastboot mode on the phone via power+volume up.
thanks for the help so far, i can't seem to find much help other than from you so far

Oh, the link is dead, sry for that. try this one (GDrive links are up and working).

inwarse said:
i tried to follow the guide. but the bootloader, as per you description is relocked. the download link for the driver you provided shows up as empty/no longer available. that's where i'm getting stuck.
P.S, i can enter fastboot mode on the phone via power+volume up.
thanks for the help so far, i can't seem to find much help other than from you so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i managed to get into qualcomm mode, updated the drivers, and ran "MSM8994DownloadTool.exe" in administrator mode. it went as it's outlined in your guide. however, at the end of that process, the phone got stuck in a bootloop (the oneplus logo flashes for a moment and restarts). and can't get into qualcomm mode now, since when i connect the usb to the pc while the phone off, it lights the display (to show that it's charging, i think). any way back from this?
(i can still get into fastboot mode)

inwarse said:
so i managed to get into qualcomm mode, updated the drivers, and ran "MSM8994DownloadTool.exe" in administrator mode. it went as it's outlined in your guide. however, at the end of that process, the phone got stuck in a bootloop (the oneplus logo flashes for a moment and restarts). and can't get into qualcomm mode now, since when i connect the usb to the pc while the phone off, it lights the display (to show that it's charging, i think). any way back from this?
(i can still get into fastboot mode)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you still have TWRP? If yes go to TWRP and shut down the phone there, afterwards you should be able to enter qualcomm mode again.
otherwise you have to try (i think 10s power button will shut the device completely down). You should be able to enter qualcomm mode if the device is fully shut off (your scenario sounds as if the device is not fully shut off when u connect it to the pc).
Just to go sure: You are absolutely sure to have a oneplus2, are you?

inwarse said:
so i managed to get into qualcomm mode, updated the drivers, and ran "MSM8994DownloadTool.exe" in administrator mode. it went as it's outlined in your guide. however, at the end of that process, the phone got stuck in a bootloop (the oneplus logo flashes for a moment and restarts). and can't get into qualcomm mode now, since when i connect the usb to the pc while the phone off, it lights the display (to show that it's charging, i think). any way back from this?
(i can still get into fastboot mode)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you resolve the issue?

wertus33333 said:
Could you resolve the issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. kept running into issue after issue, so got dejected and gave up.