yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Shield Tablet General] seijinzero:
Dude, I don't even know what that is (encryption I think). It is a task for greater men and women than I. I'm just worried people with malicious intent will get a hold of this OTA.apk nonsense and repurpose it for nefarious deeds. Aint nobody wants that s**t! A scenario I believe that has been discussed earlier in this thread. As far as my ignorant mind is concerned, Nvidia just unleashed Pandora's Box for the android world. I would be great to have a way to fix things once they are bricked. Everyone would feel a lot safer. I'm not suggesting you take this task on yourself, Bogdacutu. I just hope it happens eventually.
[Shield Tablet General] Mojar7070:
Can you confirm that you have root access?? Meaning, did ES file explorer ask you for root permission at any time during your browsing?? Just in case, in the settings (swipe from the left) there should be an option for root permissions. Make sure that enabled.
[Shield Tablet General] jigar7:
Hey there, I am a bit of a Noob at the rooting thing so will need some suggestions.

(Locked bootloader)

I was rooted on 2.0 and recently upgraded to 3.1 using the Full OTA (since the stock 3.1 image wasn't released then) and rooted using TWRP and superSU.

Now my question is, I am going to claim my replacement over the weekend, the new tablet will probably arrive within 2-4 weeks, till then, should I restore stock 3.1 and then apply the kill switch disabler, or should I stay on my current rooted 3.1 OTA and apply the kill switch disabler patch directly... any pros/cons?

I have no issues with my tablet performance wise or any battery heating issues but my tablet does fall in the recall batch.
[Shield Tablet General] ferengi4:
Hmm

Hmm I gave ES file Explorer Root access via the kingroot app , Although the kingroot app says "Root Successfully" With a check mark and it downloaded the kinguser app but I don't see any root settings on ES file explorer. Also Kingroot application also lets you uninstall apps from it and I didn't see the tegraOTA in there either... Any ideas?
[Shield Tablet General] roelibex:
In es file explorer on the left side, scroll down, there should be an option called root explorer, make sure its on.

Then go on the left to local / device, on the right side system / app
[Shield Tablet General] Zuzuitu:
I did this fix on my old tablet, now i recieved my new tablet. My question is: do i need to apply the fix even to my new one ? Do they comunicate through them ? Thanks.
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
you don't need to
[Shield Tablet General] Aventura5:
So wait, you just said that tegraOTA is what cheks in the sn, so if i remove tegraOTA.apk shouldn't it be unable to "check in from beyond the grave"? Also, don't think they would kill the new one, cause they said returning the old one is optional.
[Shield Tablet General] Beave2012:
USA news confirming you do not have to send back the old one, but they would like it so it can be properly disposed of.

https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/867701/shield-tablet/clear-recall-info-from-nvidia-finally/

Just got that email today. So should be no worries about deactivation of new tablet.
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
TegraOTA isn't the only Nvidia app on the device, pretty much any other app can report data. And while they did say that returning them is optional, they definitely did not say that you're allowed to keep using the old one (as evidenced by them remotely disabling it for good), you are supposed to dispose of the old one if you don't send it back.
[Shield Tablet General] An Droid:
First, keep in mind my post is pure speculation on what I THINK takes place - not matter-of-fact.

You're right that without TegraOTA installed/running it should no longer check in. If another nVidia app does though...

Also, what if the server also keeps track of whether or not a particular s/n has had the xx OTA delivered?

Removing TegraOTA from the new tablet is a good idea as well.

(wouldn't surprise me if s/n's getting swapped (rma vs. replacement) in the server database would be the reason for a new tablet to be killed instead of the old)
[Shield Tablet General] Aventura5:
[MENTION=2889574]An Droid[/MENTION] yeah, i was planing on that anyway (for security).
[Shield Tablet General] Beave2012:
Agreed they didn't say we could keep using the old one. However legally, they made a good faith effort and cleared themselves from legal liability. Anyone who uses the old tablet by bypassing the kill switch is liable for any damages now. This is why there has been little communication to protect themselves legally.

However, this is all theory due to lack of specific communication. I wouldn't worry about new tablet being disabled.
[Shield Tablet General] Aventura5:
oh, right.
[Shield Tablet General] mushikipt:
Thanks very much for your work!

well i followed your instructions (more or less)

1. I rooted the tablet (used this guide http://xdaforums.com/shield-tablet/development/root-root-nvidia-shield-tablet-lollipop-t2972316 )

Obs. except i didnt flash the custom recovery in step 11 just did a "fastboot boot recovery recovery.img"

everything worked smoothtly, device rooted.

2. Then i just deleted the tegraOTA folder with es explorer, rebooted and well its gone.

(Its the first time i rooted a device so i just did the easiest way)

I checked your link (http://shield.bogdacutu.me/) and apparently the kill switch hasnt been triggered for my tablet, but then again i havent connected the new tablet to the internet.

Well im planning to setup and connect the new tablet to the internet soon, and if my tablet doesnt die right away i will probably flash a costum ROM later just in case of future nvidia app updates with kill switchs.

so .. if you need anything before i connect both tablets to the internet just ask.

keep in mind i dont usually (more like never did before) mess around with flashing stuff into a device or root or unlock a bootloader soo.. details are welcome :)

P.S. if anyone knows a nice stable ROM let me know (preferably with twitch streaming / shadowplay / fullscreen/immersive mode working like in stock)

P.S.2 I dont care about shieldHUB, grid, PC game streaming or even shield controller on costum roms
[Shield Tablet General] Shorty88jr:
This is awesome that I can keep my old tablet!!!
[Shield Tablet General] Negimaki:
EDIT: The urgent OTA is currently not getting sent out to any devices anymore, not even to those who have been getting it before.

So, does this mean that NVIDIA is no longer implementing the "kill switch," or rather that the bricking is most likely being achieved through some other mechanism?
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
not sure if they have another mechanism through which they can kill the tablets, but they have also taken the recovery images down
[Shield Tablet General] clwilson28:
What are they up to?? Why do I feel like they have become their customers worst enemy. I know they mean well (kinda) but I DO worry about them trying to brick my new tablet especially if I keep the old one. It's just unnerving knowing they have that ability
[Shield Tablet General] Sir_Brizz:
If they can't "see" it then why would they? What if you just threw your old tablet in the trash?
[Shield Tablet General] clwilson28:
I don't think we've been able to establish whether they CAN see it or not. They may have other methods of seeing
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
if you're using a stock ROM, they most definitely can see it (unless you change your serial number, but I'm unsure about the legality of that)
[Shield Tablet General] Sir_Brizz:
So which custom roms have the best stylus support? I got my new tablet just trying to clean my old one of anything that could feasibly phone home.
[Shield Tablet General] clwilson28:
If there was a custom rom that has Console Mode I'd be all over that. If anyone has figured that out please let me know.
[Shield Tablet General] ivanfix:
WTF??

Why nVidia takes them down???
[Shield Tablet General] oposiasty:
But... Why? o.O

I mean, it's uncool to take away recovery images, many people needed them from time to time.

Maybe someone found a way to unbrick killed tablet using recovery images?
[Shield Tablet General] jasonpctech:
I'm confused why it seems most people want 5.1 (non stock roms) over 4.4. KitKat is great and you have all the stock Nvidia features. What is it Lollypop brings to the table anyways? My tablet runs excellent with the 1.2.1 stock ROM and that even after renaming the "tegraota.apk" I can't see ever wanting to run it any other way. Besides there's a brand new one on the way that will have Lollypop anyways.
[Shield Tablet General] NaminatoR1254jaime.sier:
"New one" = tablet? We are not sure yet.

I like LP on my Shield. Cant say really why, but I do. Its snappy, unlaggy and with BitOB kernel is amazing.

Enviado desde mi D5833 mediante Tapatalk
[Shield Tablet General] ajrulez:
Just got around downloading and saving 3 most recent Stock Firmware Upgrades from NVIDIA yesterday, I had a feeling this would happen.
[Shield Tablet General] namaste74:
All of these are in MidgetMobs thread including great guides on everything from rooting to flashing custom whatevers

http://xdaforums.com/shield-tablet/general/stock-recovery-images-ota-library-guides-t2988881
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
The OTA is back up, this time named "ST - yy". Contents seem to be the same as the last one.
[Shield Tablet General] Sir_Brizz:
Out of curiosity, why isn't there a debloat/modified stock ROM for the Shield Tablet yet? Obviously there isn't a lot to debloat but surely there is something *coughattallaccesscough*?

---------- Post added at 01:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 AM ----------

Same delivery?
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
probably because that's only there for the US LTE version, and you'll need some form of root anyway to flash a debloated ROM, so you might as well just remove it manually

yep
[Shield Tablet General] kev1n100:
Do we have to do anything extra to isolate it? Thanks for all your hard work on this.
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
Most likely not, it's just an OTA, just like the previous one.
[Shield Tablet General] kev1n100:
Thought so. Thanks ?
[Shield Tablet General] seijinzero:
Legality aside, is there a specific file the OTA references for the serial number? Were you able to notice anything like that while examining the code? I don't want to change my serial in the stock Android places, only to have Nvidia using an extra custom location.
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
No, the serial number is passed to Android by the bootloader through the cmdline.
[Shield Tablet General] Mojar7070:
Will you be creating a new file to flash for the "yy" ota or is the old zip file still valid??

Sent from a Locked Bootloader
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
the old one works
[Shield Tablet General] lukaszertel:
Hi guys!

Do you think I should change my stock rom to avoid kill switch forever?

I have root access and custom recovery installed, and also I applied nomoreota.zip file (BTW big thanks!).

Does kernel change in my case (e.g BitO-K) makes any different with OTA updates?

Cheers,

Lucas
[Shield Tablet General] ferengi4:
Ah okay, thank you very much! I found the TegraOTA folder and deleted it. So as long as I make sure that its kept deleted every update I should be fine from any kill switch?
[Shield Tablet General] ChaOsRul3z:
Question

What is the best to do with the new and old tablet?

Can I get some detailed info about it? :)

Thanks :)
[Shield Tablet General] aenews:
Yeah you should be good. No way for Nvidia to push an OTA when you are on a custom ROM. Just flashed BlissPop and Bit-O.
[Shield Tablet General] snorglamp:
This is very exciting stuff, thanks to everyone contributing, particularly the OP.

I am currently on stock and pondering what to go to for recovery and ROM before my new device arrives. I note Aenews seems to be recommending BlissPop (implicitly), how does that compare to the TeamEOS ROM here at XDA? I was planning to go for the TeamEOS ROM until I read this post. What would people recommend as at today for recovery and ROM so as to keep using the old device running optimally (and why)? I note TWRP doesnt officially support our device, so what are people using for recovery for this process? Cheers yall.

P.S. if you haven't played HL2 on the device yet, you're missing out! So worth it....cant believe i built a $1,500 dollar oversized desktop system to play that game when it first came out, and now I can play it on a tablet in my backpack for $400, anywhere, any time, in HD!!! Feeling old...
[Shield Tablet General] ferengi4:
Also a side note to this, I keep getting pop ups "Nvidia OTA has stopped working", I am assuming its nvidia trying to activate the kill switch or something? Regardless since the TegraOTA is removed is there anyway to remove these pop ups or do I gotta live with it? :P
[Shield Tablet General] runandhide05:
Have you rebooted after removing the apk?
[Shield Tablet General] ferengi4:
Don't think so... doing that now :P
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
we have an unofficial TWRP port that works fine, same for CWM if you prefer that
[Shield Tablet General] RainerJ:
Hi,

first of all many thanks for the investigation and the provided information. It already helps a lot to understand.

So, maybe a dumb question, but I am new to do sth. "besides normal use of a tablet" ....:confused:

Can someone please provide a step by step instruction on what to do (understandable even for me, since I am over 40 :D) ?

I investigated and understood so far:

1. root the tablet(a link to a working tool including instruction would be nice or is it just installable through playStore?)

2. install a software that makes it possible to install the nomoreota.zip (cwm does not list NVIDIA shield as supported, neither does twrp, so which to choose and how to install? again play store or USB ... ?)

3. Check location of OTA.apk (how? Any additional tool required? )

4. Install and run the script using TWRP or CWM (using which commands/how ?)

5. Check if TegraOTA is gone once and for all (again ... how?)

6. Reboot and be safe (hopefully)

I am quite sure I am not the only one to whom such an instruction is of great value......

Thanks in advance!
[Shield Tablet General] tony_man:
http://nvidiashieldzone.com/index.php/root-shield-tablet-v2-1-lollipop/

I used TRWP instead of CWM.
[Shield Tablet General] vehystrix:
The 'backdoor' TegraOTA app came with OTA 3.1, correct?

Does this mean that to be extra safe, I could flash back to OTA 3.0, delete TegraOTA and never look back without any fear of being bricked?

The link to the OTA 3.0 mirror (from this thread) contains a "flash at your own risk" warning. Does this mean I'm better off rolling back to OTA 2.2.1, or is OTA 3.0 safe to use?
[Shield Tablet General] blackwave59:
Thank you !

First,THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK !

Was able to keep my old tablet,thanks to all the details (well,hopefully i will).

Second,anyone thought of a way to use it safely ? Like a battery temperature cut or something ? Is it possible with a custom ROM ? I want to keep my old tablet,but the safest way if possible.

Oh,and i'm a noob too,just deleting the apk with the root is fine right ? Still looking for a Custom ROM to be sure before launching the other one.
[Shield Tablet General] Sir_Nomad49:
The only way to keep it 100% safe is to remove the Battery and replace it or to solder a wire to the connections inside.

Yes you just delete the APK, but you probably should also delete the folder it self (for me, i don´t like empty folders)

A good Custom Rom I can recommend is BlissPop.

If you want to keep the Nvidia apps you can download them here.

Installation for root and unlocking the Bootloader: Here

And a big thank you to Bogdacutu for his big investment of his valuable time, to figure out how the kill switch works..
[Shield Tablet General] blackwave59:
Thank you for answering !

It seems that to check the temperature of the battery and alert the user,there's an app for that,so i'm just gonna use it ! It's not for intensive use anyway.
[Shield Tablet General] Sir_Nomad49:
Yes there is an app for that.( like there is always an app for something)

If you are interested what happens to a Lithium Ion Battery when it gets overheated just look on youtube.

I think you should be pretty safe because there are not a lot of reports about the battery overheating. (70% safe)
[Shield Tablet General] mskulltula:
To add a little more info.....Last week I applied the nomoreota file, today I received a phone call from Nvidia asking me to provide my SN for my new tablet as they were unable to obtain it. They only needed it to close out my recall case. I'm guessing that the nomoreota file did its job.
[Shield Tablet General] Sir_Nomad49:
Would be interesting how many people received a call from nVidia.
[Shield Tablet General] bluegizmo83:
Just an update. I received my new tablet on Friday the 14th, did not turn it on until I flashed the nomoreota.zip on the old tablet first. Then I booted up the new tablet and set it all up and did the ota that was waiting for it and the rooted it and installed twrp. After all that, I created a nandroid backup of my old tablet and moved that backup to the new tablet and restored it on the new tablet so that both tablets would be setup identical. I've been checking the Shield Tablet OTA Check website daily to see if the kill switch has been uploaded for my old tablet yet, and today it finally showed up. My old tablet is still working just fine though!
[Shield Tablet General] amartolos:
Canadian user here. Got the nVidia confirmation on July 31st, and just received the replacement tablet 20min ago. No additional emails were received in between. Have not opened up the new one yet, since the old one is running just fine.

One bit of curiosity, is that the new replacement has a serial number that's "earlier" than my old tablet. The new one starts with 0420somethingsomething; old one starts with 0425somethingsomething. What's up with that?
[Shield Tablet General] bluegizmo83:
Same here, my old one starts with 0424 and the new on starts with 0420
[Shield Tablet General] Giunglemax:
I have Android Stock 5.1.1(3.1 update) what i must do for obtain root permission? I saw that someone have problemi with kingroot and i don't want to have problem.. So help me please.
[Shield Tablet General] amartolos:
This isn't the right thread for that sort of thing, but maybe THIS THREAD will be useful to you.
[Shield Tablet General] ChaOsRul3z:
What is the best thing I can do with the old tablet?
[Shield Tablet General] w0rtez:
Either root, flash recovery and flash nomoreOTA.zip or root , flash recovery and flash custom room...
[Shield Tablet General] MiePx3:
Hey guys,

I just recieved my new tablet, but Im unsure if it is a new or a refurbished one.

The new ones corners are all cracked. Is this intended? Is there anything else that shows the differences between a new and a refurbished tablet?
[Shield Tablet General] chicodelta:
Can anyone who has both tablets (and has gone through the nomoreota zip) report back if both tablets have access to the nvidia hub/grid? Since this service is exclusive to shield devices I wonder if they have banned any of the recalled tablets.
[Shield Tablet General] w0rtez:
this is no the thread for this... but its not new so you should return it back...
[Shield Tablet General] MiePx3:
Its working and battery looks good. I was just curious. Thank you for the answer!
[Shield Tablet General] w0rtez:
Mine was on the recall list but didnt have any problems with it, no cracked edges, no blown up speakers, etc... and i did the recall only to get another tablet.
[Shield Tablet General] ferengi4:
Yes sir, you can still use the nvidia apps.
[Shield Tablet General] topcat36:
I know is offtopic, but for who wants to keep the tablet, I think this is a compatible battery for our Shields:

http://www.enix-energies.fr/batterie-tablette-3-8v-5100mah-tml90080.html
[Shield Tablet General] ChaOsRul3z:
What would be a great custom rom then?
[Shield Tablet General] w0rtez:
http://xdaforums.com/shield-tablet/development/rom-blisspop-3-4-team-bliss-nvidia-t3124443
[Shield Tablet General] dontbeaboot:
Dead and gone....

They just killed my old tablet.. I read this at work and before I got home, my wife said the old tablet shut off and would not turn back on.... Device is showing as apx when hooked up to computer using usb. Is there even a fix? Maybe a nvflash solution that would restore the tablet...?
[Shield Tablet General] Bogdacutu:
unfortunately not
[Shield Tablet General] w0rtez:
you forgot to do the steps on this thread, were u rooted, had a custom root, stock?
[Shield Tablet General] Alfonso87:
[MENTION=4937137]Bogdacutu[/MENTION] you, sir, are a genius. XD
[Shield Tablet General] thefiqs:
I'm still waiting for my replacement tab to arriwe but I'm happy checked this forum before got it! The killswitch still does not triggered for me. Tegraota deleted. Thanks Thanks Thanks!
[Shield Tablet General] Mojar7070:
Hello,

Just a little update. Kill swith OTA ST-yy has been triggered on my old tablet. Old tablet using Cm12.1 with bitO-k kernel is still operational.

Thanks [MENTION=4937137]Bogdacutu[/MENTION]
[Shield Tablet General] ProSniper54:
Done for?

My killswitch is active on the old tablet. I cant access fastboot and the tablet freezes on boot. Does that mean mine is done for?
[Shield Tablet General] Terusha:
maybe :confused:
[Shield Tablet General] Mojar7070:
If you didn't apply the nomoreota zip file and/or use a custom ROM, yes, its probably a paper weight now.... Sorry sir.

Sent from a Locked Bootloader
[Shield Tablet General] javydawg:
So I received my new tablet I rooted it and installed twrp then debloated. Next i figured i would make sure my old tablet is good so i booted into twrp erased everything then flashed 3.1 then nomoreota then supersu and debloated in one go. My problem is that when i boot up the tablet it stays at a blank black screen. Doesnt say or show anything. . Does that mean it is deactivated?? If i hold the power button it shows options to turn off or reboot and i am still able to go into fastboot/recovery. Any help? Any advice would be appreciated.. Thank you. (i tried reflashing rom 3 times same result)
[Shield Tablet General] ProSniper54:
Hey man thanks for the help, ill send it back when I get my return box then.
[Shield Tablet General] Mojar7070:
As long as you have access to fastboot and recovery, you'll have options.

I would start from scratch and flash the stock factory images (Check some of the guides in the general section)

Then do each step of what you did one at a time, all while in airplane mode or no Internet connection. Sometimes doing everything all at once can mess things.

Specifically the debloating part.

Sent from a Locked Bootloader
[Shield Tablet General] javydawg:
Managed to get it working again simply installed blisspop let it boot up then reboot into recovery flashed 3.1 again then nomoreota then supersu and debloated. This time it worked :)
[Shield Tablet General] Mksi2:
Staying on stock rom

Hi,

I want to stick with stock rom because of use of gamestream- am i correct, that custom rom is not necessary to keep old tablet working? I rooted my tablet and using root browser i deleted tegra ota folder..acording to all info here, it should work, but just asking to be sure..Thak you!
[Shield Tablet General] ady702:
I tried my tablet and it came back with Next OTA: None

so should I root and install custom rom or not?
[Shield Tablet General] ady702:
do you have to be rooted to delete the OTA folder/file? I cannot through ez explorer
[Shield Tablet General] manuel.lopez8a:
Yes, it's a system folder, so you have to be rooted to delete it and the apk inside.
[Shield Tablet General] Johm_Johm:
Wait, I didn't get it. I installed custom recovery and previous firmware to my old tablet and it works. But my new tablet has a stock recovery and the lattest firmware. Can they block my new tablet?
[Shield Tablet General] kalinskym:
Do NVIDIA expect you to send the old Tablet back? Can you get away with not sending it back
[Shield Tablet General] ady702:
Rooted, but still cannot delete the file or folder. Only managed to rename both.