yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Yes! I'm really just waiting on the go ahead from the majority of the chat, (which just means waiting for them to respond) but if there isn't a response, or its not conclusive *by tonight* I will publicly release the PDF and the files on here, as i know some people watching this thread don't have accounts to msg me on.

The PDF contains nothing that ive not already posted, and Gabb already knows this. The important thing is to get this out as fast as possible, before people are *forced* to update.
[General Topics] titan212662:
yeah can i help 🙃

Mabey we can find a way to get the apps on a developer code or folder?
[General Topics] iluvdogz:
hey so i just got the update notifaction and i cept delaying it but after three tries of delaying it it said restarting in 10 seconds for update then it freaking restarted my phone before i could do anything about it did this happen to any one else?

thats awesome bro does any one else get a big laugh with the contest they come up with like i once got a text from gabb saying something about entering a gabb contest to show off your gabb skills wtf i didnt know they was such a thing as gabb skills
[General Topics] titan212662:
yeah it happened to me im working on a way past it
[General Topics] Howl1346:
This is the reason I wanted to release the PDF ASAP.

Still waiting on a response lol
[General Topics] ryujin88:
WE HAVE CASES OF BRICKING PHONES, WE CANT SEND THE GIDE OUT TO ANYMORE PEOPLE YET
[General Topics] Howl1346:
If the instructions are followed properly, (including installing drivers) then there *shouldn't* be a problem flashing the OS.... But there should really be a video explaining the process as it is somewhat confusing :l

I might try to make one at some point if Iqlessmemes doesn't

I *might* also write a program/script to automate the process, but no promises there as my skills in coding are not the best!
[General Topics] tintedpandas:
Have you successfully flash the Gabb rom? I followed the instructions but couldn't get the Gabb rom to work. I am confident that I'm doing it correctly, because I've been able to flash the Yahoo Mobile and Visible roms which both worked fine (though obviously not useful in this case), but the Gabb rom just leaves me with a black screen.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Hmm, tbf I have not flashed the ROM onto my phone, as its a Z1 and didn't have the prossessing power or the support for most of the basic functions (lmao)

However, there are a few people in the group chat who successfully flashed it without problems....

It is starting to seem rather inconsistant now that i think about it
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Alright, I think i figured it out!

Basically, to flash the older firmware, you need a device that originally was manufactured *with* the older firmware.

So if your phone *had* the older firmware, you shouldn't have a problem. But if you have a newer phone, it just wont work.

IDK why exactly, but it was something I learned years ago while hacking this old handheld console. I have no idea why I didn't think of this before!

In the meantime for those who have bricked their phones, i am TRULY sorry, I didn't know, and I should have.

DM me your username, and as soon as ive gotten ahold of the newer firmware, I will send it to you along with instructions on how to fix it.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Right, well, here is the PDF as promised.

I've gotten no replys on the topic of release, so here it is!

Firmware/Drivers:

Files and Drivers+Rom.zip

drive.google.com

PDF:

Gabb z2 jailbreak Guide.pdf

drive.google.com

Password to the PDF is:

ryujin88

Have fun with this, and make sure to read the warning I put there!
[General Topics] titan212662:
yeah but does it work for new gabb phones

I may be able to help with the new firmware
[General Topics] iluvdogz:
is there a you tube video of hacking this yet cause im not that great with this kind of stuff and i dont wanna screw up on this
[General Topics] titan212662:
we

were are making one
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
HELP MEEEEE I only have a school Chromebook and want cookie run so badly I need help.
[General Topics] titan212662:
I can maybe help dm me and I will try to help u
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
Hey, broskies, So based upon your posts, The phone does recognize the APKs on file when U click on them and move/copy them, however, you can't just open them cuz they say there is no app to open file (just to verify, I checked with a Drastic emulator APK this thing is Legit). And when you swipe up to find all the apps on your phone there is an option in the search bar to "Search for more APPS" but when you click on it it's like when you try to click on AUTOFILL it just doesn't work. I was just wondering, is there any way to just access the source code for the Phone and just (LIke this one poster doesn't remember his name showed us that Mygabb just disabled all the android apps and features) turn stuff on. Like in the movie Elysium and turn stuff into like for example, PLAY STORE=NO into like PLAY STORE=YES? Is there any way to just revert the thing to normal Android settings and just get rid of the pesky firewalls, or is there any way to break the firewall for a split second and just furiously tap autofill or search for more apps and get it to work? I did this with an android firewall on my tablet once wherein the split second to connect to Bluetooth the firewall would break and you could furiously tap disable in the settings and it would work (i got youtube that way BTW). I don't know if this is helpful or relatable at all and tbh I'm just this 14-year-old girl that knows barely anything abt programming so sorry if this is too movie but just wondering.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
That's actually exactly what I *almost* achieved.

I was able to obtain a copy of the origanal Gabb OS and I started to reprogram it, and add a "hidden mode"

Unfortunately, do to the recent "bomb cyclone" that hit us, my power went out and fried the poor old 1999 HDD that I was storing my work on :(

No, i did not back it up as it was multiple gigabytes, and I just thought, "what could happen?"

I am a dumbass.

Anyway, I was able to get the hard drive working again, but the whole drive was completely corrupted and pretty much no data was recoverable.

I will start the project up agian, but that does depend on if Gabb has patched ROM flashing. If they have, then that takes that option completely out, and there is no real sense working on it.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Also, if your phone is one of the newer ones, and this is the first update you've gotten, I think that I would encourage everyone that is able to, to go head and update. There is really no point delaying it if there is no way of stopping it. We will have to find a new way of exploiting this version!
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
I'm also wondering if this is illegal, I remember reading about pokemon games and how you could technically legally hack the chips and the data of the game since you purchased it, but this can apply to a phone right since it was bought and interacted by yourself and yourself only, just that we have the burden of being faulted for any bricks. Or is it wrong cuz it will break the company's reputation cuz anyone researching on this phone will see that you can just flash a rom and it breaks it? But then again, I don't think any of us care, we just want our videogames or Instagram or whatever (why do people have social media? how does it even work?)
[General Topics] Mandmpoff:
I have been jailbreaking and rooting for a while (I am 26yo. Not gabb though lol) and as I have read it is legal to hack your devices. It voids your warranty and violates the software terms of use though. (I have heard in rare cases of companies disabling the software for violating terms of use). The following comes from a quick google search:

Jailbreaking falls under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which addresses digital copyright issues. Section 1201 of the law makes it illegal to circumvent digital locks that protect access to copyrighted works, which can include software.

Congress reviews the law every three years and has gradually expanded the list of items that are exempt. Jailbreaking phones — or “rooting” when referring to Android devices — became legal in 2010, followed by smartwatches and tablets in 2015. In 2018, Congress added more devices to the list.

Worth noting: it’s legal to jailbreak or root a phone if you’re doing it to use legally acquired apps, for a smartphone. The same is not true for illegally acquired apps.

Hope this helps
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
okay, i should of done some more research before posting, thanks but i actually don't care if we break their reputation, cuz why deprive me?
[General Topics] titan212662:
I think of it this way I'm a 16-year-old boy who loves tech and is good at code and is customizing his Gabb phone with the help of strangers 🙃
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
I like that concept Titan212662, keeping a girl from cookie run is a crime in it of itself
[General Topics] titan212662:
yeah because I'm working on a way to stop the updates because there going to update no matter what so any help would help!
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
Maybe if there' a way to change the way the phone views storage you could make it so it recognizes APKs? is that even possible?
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Nah, the storage isn't an issue, it's that Gabb has disabled the software that installs APKs and apps

The only way to do it, is to connect it to your PC and use the ADB to force installation of APKs.

Also, we do know how to disable updates, it's just that to do both of these things ^^ you need "USB Debugging" enabled in Developer Options which Gabb has blocked off. They can't disable it, or they wouldn't be able to do things with their own phones! But they can hide the steps to get in developer settings pretty well.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
THINK I might've found a way to stop updates from coming in, but I'm not sure.

Literally just try setting your phone's date back two weeks.

that's it.

You might even want to try 4 weeks, since this update has been bugging us a while.

Let me know if this works lol, I hope it does!

EDIT: Make sure to disable "Network Provided Time" in settings!

EDIT #2: I've also learned that the update is being rolled out in stages, it seems to be something for the "my gabb" app. The info I've come across might be outdated, but seeing as there's only been two total updates, and they've both been months apart... IF this update IS focusing on this "My Gabb" app, then this might be a good time to look for bugs/glitches that might've come up during the update process.
[General Topics] Gabb user:
When is your guess of when the youtube video will come out? Also do you know what channel is uploading it
[General Topics] Howl1346:
If any YT vid comes out, Iqlessmemes will probably post it.
[General Topics] titan212662:
i will try that thxs
[General Topics] Gabb user:
Ok, did you do this to your phone? I have the older version that did have access to dev options
[General Topics] titan212662:
not yet but the updates will still be there but hopefully they will stop😬
[General Topics] titan212662:
lol and MEE
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
wait, Mr. Mans, I have questions, you said the steps for USB debugging are hidden, so are we trying to uncover those steps or what? Is there any way to do that by only using your phone's system settings? I am confused
[General Topics] Howl1346:
There is, we just don't know how yet
[General Topics] Howl1346:
There used to be a bug that let you in, but it got patched a while ago :(
[General Topics] CharityCheeseGril12_12:
Dang, I can fool around for bit this weekend if you guys wnt m to, I am nothing but a humble servant if you'll have me
[General Topics] sg0000:
My phone already updated with this new update. Do we know if this new way of jailbreaking the phone will brick the phone with the new update? Or is it safe to try jailbreaking it?
[General Topics] Howl1346:
NOOO If your phone is new, DON'T try to flash the firmware onto it!! It will most likely brick your phone, and I am not sure how to fix it!

As soon as I get a copy of the patched firmware, I will help anyone who needs it btw
[General Topics] jsolo112:
I've got an idea for acesing webistes. Just broke my phone and cant test me self. What if you add URL in the "website " field of a contact. Would you be able to acess from there? LMK if this works.
[General Topics] titan212662:
good idea it might work
[General Topics] Howl1346:
That would be very cool! I hope Gabb hasn't thought of that one yet!
[General Topics] Ramen L1:
Same that's what happened to me
[General Topics] dreadanaught:
What should we do if the phone refuses to boot after flashing the new firmware?
[General Topics] transgirlphoebe:
This phone is just a rebranded ZTE Blade a3 Prime,you can just grab that firmware online,and using spflashtool just swap out the firmware. just DO NOT FLASH ANYTHING that says persist or nv*
[General Topics] dreadanaught:
ok so this sorta worked but now it only goes to a boot screen saying that the device failed verification and that I need to disable verified boot
[General Topics] titan212662:
Mabey you can use a different rom that works better with a ZTE phone
[General Topics] dreadanaught:
I used a rom specifically for the ZTE blade a3 prime
[General Topics] Howl1346:
yea, you can't use ROMs from different phones, they are make specific for each modal with different architecture and drivers.

Also, flashing the A3 Prime ROM will only work halfway, you'll turn it into a normal phone, but it won't be able to text, call, or anything like that. It also will notify Gabb, and they will send an email to your parents saying you hacked your phone

As a side note, can anyone give me the firmware number of the phones that have not been flashed yet? I'm trying to find the "normal" firmware to try to help fix peoples phones, but i need to know what version firmware is needed! If you go to settings, and go system>About phone>Firmware Version, it should be there. Thanks!
[General Topics] titan212662:
Z5157VHW1.0

if that helps
[General Topics] HedgePerson:
Here is a warning.

I followed the guy's PDF thing followed all the exact instructions.

My phone got bricked, and I thought I was screwed. But the next morning, I walk over, and it magically turns on.

Maybe its okay, maybe I got lucky. But I was able to activate dev options and install apps. Thanks dude!
[General Topics] transgirlphoebe:
Oof,sounds like the bootloader needs unlocked. Windows? Please say windows!. Use this attached prog to force fastboot,from there then in fastboot use fastboot flashing unlock
[General Topics] titan212662:
is it a newer phone ?
[General Topics] sg0000:
Sorry, I meant to say that my phone is not the new model, but it just updated with the newest update. Is it safe to try this with an older model of the phone, but with the newest update installed?
[General Topics] dreadanaught:
I am on windows but the program you gave didn't work, which seems to be because the phone reboots every few seconds when I try to turn it on. I can upload a photo of the error message if it would help.
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
It won't let me download because it says a Trojan virus was detected.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
That *should* be ok to do, as long as its the origanal modal, meaning it should've had two updates by now
[General Topics] titan212662:
you guys need to do it NOW because gabb is going to post a new update soon

what hardware version does it say now?
[General Topics] SYNC_Fn:
My phone is vibrating and making noises but the screen is black

Can someone help?
[General Topics] Howl1346:
o_O uhhh, power button ig?
[General Topics] titan212662:
lol maybe wait till the next morning
[General Topics] Adogbott1:
Wait i did it and it didnt even work with the instructions exactly
[General Topics] jsolo112:
Just got a brand new Gabb Z2. Will the instructions from the pdf still work? I'm kinda confused, bc there has ben so many mixed posts in the thread. Just want a way to install spotify and a few other apps.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
If it's brand new i would not advise it. Pretty sure you can only downgrade to the firmware that it was built with :l
[General Topics] jsolo112:
So there is no current way for me to get apps on it?
[General Topics] titan212662:
well it depends have you had 2 updates
[General Topics] Howl1346:
It wouldn't be possible to tell, as it would all update at once, looking like one update

Also, if a few people could tell me what hardware version their phones are running?

It might be a way to tell how old the phone is, but i need an idea of what version is oldest!
[General Topics] HorusDaCat:
Just gonna be honest, you might want to read the whole thread, unless your a gabb mole, in which case dont read anything
[General Topics] titan212662:
not yet if you try the pdf it will get bricked
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
If your phone got the manufactured with the firmware he used, it will work.
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
If you are careful it will work. I know someone is working on a video
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
No, even if you do it perfectly, some newer phones will still get bricked no matter what.
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
Dang that sucks
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
But the thing I am looking into is if there is anything in the about phone that tells us whether it will work or not. The thing I am looking into is regulation ID.
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
gents its been a month since I checked the forums and oh my goodness have things exploded. First off One question: Had the newest update compromised the method, second can you send me the pdf

kaboomiscool5o@gmail.com

It amazes me that gabb got beat at there own game by a bunch of middle schoolers.
[General Topics] jsolo112:
Hey I just got a new update. Were they patching something?
[General Topics] titan212662:
yes the new update has made it harder but were working on ways around it
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
I think it was only minor software fixes, I haven’t noticed a difference with it.
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
Im not mad or blaming anyone. I took the risk, and I bricked my phone. I had everything backed up, but it will boot to a black backlit screen, and then turns off. I tried flashing it again, but it didn't work, any ideas?
[General Topics] VectorRObot:
I can't help, but it would be amazing if you could share you firmware version so this won't happen to others with your same version?
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
Can you still use SP flash tool to flash firmware?
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
I cant say I remember what firmware it was on, but it had the most recent update. So there is still work to do. Im thinking if I can get the most recent firmware and try flashing it I can attempt to "bring back" my phone. This also means a new method is needed in order to get apps.

Another thing I would like to point out Is that there HAS to be a way. Gabb has to do development of apps on this thing, so they would have to have developer mode enabled. Also to all the gabb moles on this forum, I would like to insult your development skills. All the devs do is simply delete key features, and hardly develop apps that are key to a functional phone. If gabb had simply developed useful apps like a notes app, or, i don't know, a FUNCTIONAL calendar! We wouldn't have to be doing all this work if gabb simply put in a little effort.

Devs, may the blood of my phone be on your hands.

To all the gabb moles (I know you are there) Please listen to our request. We will keep on fighting, and you will have to continue to endlessly patch the OS. If you would simply come here to talk to us, the actual users of your phones, we could get a lot of work done. Im sure if proper developmental methods where to be used to create useful apps. A lot of us would probably agree to stop fighting. Just put a little effort to make your phones better. That's all we are asking.
[General Topics] ItsUnified:
What an adventure this has been, it has to have taken me at least an hour or two to read this whole thing ;-; but i would like to have an input into the solution. So a lot of this has been outisde, such as a ROM and ADB files. Also the thing when taking out the battery. I was just wondering (I probably, defenitly, forgot some things) but what if we tried manipulating the phone itself. I found somethings that looked interesting. I don't know if anyones done it before, but theres some things in permission manager that could be a possible step to solving our problem. I'm paranoid, so I don't want to get into detail but email me at ItsUnifiedYT@gmail.com or at my phone number 385-600-2461 and i'll go into more detail. Im not a mole im just very inspired. I literally made a XDA account just for this.
[General Topics] vertatux:
you could try to make a miniature emp to wipe everything on the phone theres tutorials on youtube but it would probably just break, although it could also allow the instillation of a normal android os.

haha google translate go brrrr

gab mole probably
[General Topics] ItsUnified:
If anybody is a good coder, or rich, we could have someone code something to disable the restrictions on the autofill. That would make this a lot simpler
[General Topics] Ivia_Loveschocolate!:
I honestly think flashing is too risky. For some it's worked, but I think we should just try and unlock Autofill. Someone claimed that they unlocked it and forgot how to again. They may be lying, but I think we just need to find a way to unlock autofill. USB debugging seems to be the only thing that's worked, we might not be able to figure it out but I just think they may be the only way. Also, I just wish gabb put more effort into the phone. I get that they're a small company but like, my phone is so ****ty!
[General Topics] jsolo112:
Y'all are right. The key lies on the inside.
[General Topics] jsolo112:
If anyone is interested in joining a Google Chat to discuss things we've found, PM me.
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
ZTE is a large phone company, and it would have been useless do develop a whole new ROM. For what the phone needs to do and for what your mom bought it to do, it is a great phone. Even if Gabb added more necessary apps to the phone, we would still be looking for ways to get apps and games on the phone. Your hands are the only ones responsible for your phone, because you took the risk.
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
Damn it your right. It was a fit of immature anger, as a result of my actions. I digress. We have to get back to the original topic of jailbreaking these phones. As for an EMP, I don't see how that could do anything but cause the phone to reboot. If the data was stored om ram, (obviously isn't) That would work, but It doesn't seem like it would do the trick. To reiterate what has been said, the trick lies in the software.

Thanks for putting me back into place. That was out of line of me.
[General Topics] jsolo112:
Hey, Community!

Those who are not moles and are interested in correlating all possible ideas on a INSIDE hack, email me at gabbphonehack@gmail.com. I have a ongoing google doc with discoveries.
[General Topics] Oswald Boelcke:
Hello @jsolo112

Welcome to XDA! I hope you enjoyed your first two months on this private platform and that you always found this support and assistance you required. I'm even more grateful that you obviously like to share your experience with other XDA members!

However, first we certainly all would appreciate if you do so publicly and not via private channels because the spirit of XDA, to which you certainly agree, is about sharing of information, knowledge, experiences and expertise! What makes me additionally wondering that you changed your email within less than one month. How does this come?

Regards

Oswald Boelcke

Senior Moderator
[General Topics] ItsUnified:
I respect the forum, and that its mean't to be for this kind of thing, but the problem is its accessable to anyone. Meaning that the people who are trying to stop what we're trying to do can can clearly see what we are doing. So it needs to be done at least once