yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] Frostyb:
I have indeed tried that already. The problem isn't the retail mode app I actually know the code for that because I work in a store, the problem is the device applies settings upon initial setup that installs Retail mode and applies a bunch of security settings that prevents you from using the device normally (no Play store and certain privacy sharing is disabled). I can actually download apps fine by directly installing the APKs so theoretically I could use the phone in this state although I'm yet to know the exact limitations of limited privacy sharing and such.

I've completely removed Knox using TWRP yeah, and even double checked using an app called Titanium Backup that it's removed, but it doesn't seem to matter. As per the pictures above, when the device begins initial setup, Knox Enrollment Services seems to kick in from the cloud and it applies everything again anyway. It's very strange because the Knox services are still running on a warranty voided device. I need to figure out some way of removing the Enrollment service part, which is what those videos we discussed previously does (they bypass it) however the methods they use doesn't work for my device.

I actually have a youtube guy who says he can get rid of the Enrollment service for 45 USD however he needs to remote access my PC via Teamviewer to do that and as you can imagine, I'm not exactly keen on that idea.
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] BloodyFruitDestroyer:
Yeah, that (remote control) is quite suspicious. A custom ROM is the only (other) thing I can think of that would help (remove Samsung OS completely), but I don't even know what's available for this device...
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] stringman666:
Something you might try is downloading the combination firmware for your phone. Flash the combination file. Then remove retail mode. Then flash the proper firmware. No experience with this however. But was told it should work
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] kbeezie:
Depending on the CSC the unit is made for, could grab the XAA one from Frija and flash over with odin in download mode. Since that'll flash over the system partition which would have had the retail app installed. The retail app itself can be used to remove it, but requires a password which is usually retailer specific.

I've noticed the demos I've installed in the past also have small hardware differences, The A* series tend to be limited to where you can't charge the battery past 60%, but nearly every one of them be it an A71 or an S21FE is going to have a zero'd out IMEI at some of the major retailers, which are usually sent directly from Samsung or their merchandising partner, and are usually either collected, or simply tossed to electronic recycle. So having one with an intact IMEI likely means it was a retail phone from box stock that simply got pulled from inventory and had the retail demo mode installed from the web (like they do with their tablets).

Long story short, find the CSC (can do this with something like Sam/Info or such from play store), use Frija to find the firmware for that model (SM-####) + CSC to download and unpack the firmware. Then use Odin to flash it with the phone in download mode, and it should give you a fresh retail experience on the demo.
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] MudriGoga:
Did anyone figure out how to solve this issue? I bought a new phone and flashed a local firmware (not the original one) and got my phone locked with mdm. After uninstalling the retail mode app I still has no play store or basic functionality. I wouldn't like to root the device. Any other solutions?
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] ls1jack:
Hi, you said you had the reatial store code to disable to demo mode? was it 5444 or something else?Cheers
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] ls1jack:
Hi, I got the retail mode password today and got all my functions to work on a retail phone. I had to watch carefully on this YouTube video.

I was able to take off the retail mode and reset the phone and get to the developer mode to be able to root the Phone if needed. You will need to slow down the YouTube video footage to see the code when he enters it. Let me know how you get on.

Cheers
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] GregSpegal:
Bbuy blue
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] GregSpegal:
magenta tmob
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] GregSpegal:
Att rethink ver ruletheair best buy blue tmob magenta

I wish I could help you out lol
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] GregSpegal:
Jack

.ATT. rethink

Best buy blue

T mobile magenta

Last but least

Verizon ruletheair

S21 plus usa
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] iOussamato_:
Anyone know for S21 FE 5G?
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] stylemonument:
Hello, I am experiencing this same issue. Please have you found a solution to this? If so, kindly share. Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] iOussamato_:
Maybe try removing retail mode and you just unlocked the reset option! Once you reset, root the phone.. There are several ways to so hopefully you will.. And I think since you already have IMEI registered then you don't need to certificate it and you are good to go! Good luck and keep me updated.
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] robdevil:
Hi. Did you manage to solve it?
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] morganpcworks:
looks like Ret@il-7498 is what he puts in not 100% on the numbers but letters make sense... I've got one that has the 0'd IMEI, flashing firmware on it got rid of the retail mode just fine, but this thing is looking like it doesn't have the full SIM card hardware
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] robdevil:
Ok. My Knox is gone but only on custom ROM. Flashing stock will bring it back.
[Samsung Galaxy S21+] bentenn:
You wrote this back in May. If you remember the problem this dude was having, I have a similar problem. I bought a new s21+ (ebay) and it's a corporate phone and won't let me complete set up without work account creds. If I skip connecting to wifi during setup it will let me finish. But as soon as I connect to wifi it starts asking to complete setup and starts a 24 count down to a factory reset. I flashed stock firmware successfully and upon reboot it did exactly the same thing.

At some point, it said something about techstop at google dot com. If that helps

Thanks for your time. It just seemed like you knew more than most of the other people.
[JAM, MDA Compact, S100 General] chason:
spv m500

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi everyone need some help if possibly

i have an spv m500 with a damaged housing i have tried the 02 xda housing but having problems with the buttons around the outside, aslo trried the imate jamin housing this was ok but the front panel buttons were slightly different nd the rear case could not press the little button down which doesnt allow the phone turned on with the back off.

has anyone got a spv m500 housing for sale or any other housing that would fit

thanks

lee
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] poppopret_:
I have been trying to build a custom aosp based ROM for pixel 4a, I have made changes to few xml files that goes into vendor/etc/ folder. I built a script to extract vendor blobs from the official vendor image provided by google and also generated build instructions for corresponding files.

I'm able to build the vendor image successfully. All the vendor files are present in the custom built vendor img, when I checked.

After flashing the images, the phone gets stuck in google logo.

I have made sure that bootloader is unlocked., osp version and vendor build version match.

1. Is there a way to build vendor image? Is my approach correct?

2. How can boot loop be debugged? -- ADB is not available at this point of time in boot process.. I'm also not able to boot into recovery, I keep getting bootloader screen.

Any help, links, refs, guides would be helpful
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] toolhas4degrees:
If you are rooting after or during the build process both boot.img and vendor_boot.img files need to be patched. If you are at bootloader(fastboot) you can fastboot flash vendor.img etc
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] poppopret_:
I'm able to flash the vendor image. I don't want to root the phone. When I use the official vendor image, the phone boots but not when I use vendor image that I built. Is there a way to build vendor image? or How can I debug boot loop?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] The Low Spec PC:
Yes, he can use magisk manager to patch the image then flash them in fastboot mode using adb like you said
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Oswald Boelcke:
Did you already check the tutorials or how-to's available on XDA e.g. the tutorials of @AlaskaLinuxUser like

[Guide][Video Tutorial] How to build Custom ROMs and Kernels![10,P,O,N,M,L]

Hey everyone! There is also a telegram channel where you can drop in for some help: https://t.me/joinchat/HR_8JgyDBdw_DvmndPl0kg I really hope that you have enjoyed the series, and that it was helpful to you in your Android career! Praise...

xdaforums.com

or

[Guide][Video Tutorial] Intermediate to Advanced Custom Rom and Kernel Building

Hey everyone! There is also a telegram channel where you can drop in for some help: https://t.me/joinchat/HR_8JgyDBdw_DvmndPl0kg I really hope that you have enjoyed the series, and that it is helpful to you in your Android career! Praise God...

xdaforums.com

The XDA University might also be of good help:

XDA-University

Tutorials, How-To Guides and More. Learn about mobile phone development, hacking, flashing, rooting and many other topics!

xdaforums.com

Just search a bit and you'll find much more.
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
Hey, I noticed on my new GT2 poor standby time, somewhere I read that it might be caused by VoLTE is this possible?
[Realme GT 2] wizard8400:
Try using settings > battery > advanced settings > app quick freeze and select apps that you don't neet to run in background.
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
I did that but I continue having battery drain, only 3-4h of display time.
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
Well I have to check this tomorrow but it seems that VoLTE is a problem for me.
[Realme GT 2] qvert:
might not help you too much

but for me, with VOLTE turned on the SOT is pretty good

like 7+
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
In my case, with VOLTE off and all apps with quick freeze I have less than 4h of SoT, what I can do?

PD: screen at 120Hz, of course.
[Realme GT 2] qvert:
i mean its super hard to give any recommendation

it really depends on the apps you are using

if you are gaming with 4h SOT it drains much more than if you are just browsing

take a look at what drains your battery and try to optimize there
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
I have Wifi on and only use the phone for emails, web, whats and calls. Never playing or heavy tasks.
[Realme GT 2] qvert:
also if your signal strength is not optimal it burns a lot of battery

if you are having 5g enabled but no 5g contract or 5g in your area, disabling 5g is also saving something because the phone stops to constantly search for 5g
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
For me - on 4g network, with VoLTE off is better - screen 120 Hz. I also switched off those options to report customer experience.
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
I have signal off, only wifi and 5g off.
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
It is much better - for me without volte option ON (I read somewhere in review of different phone that snap 888 dont like volte sometimes maybe it is also firmware related problem ) - 4 h SOT and still 55% battery , mixed network 1/3 wifi + 2/3 4G . With gps off .
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
At 120hz?
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
yes + auto brightness + AOD on (black theme)
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
Then I have battery drain problem, how I can fix it?
[Realme GT 2] wizard8400:
Please understand that SOT will never be the same between uses. And should never be compared between users, we all do things differently with our phones. And, also, if anyone mentions his SOT please mention the total usage time, like I have 2days usage, 3h SOT, 30%battery remaining, and this are generally good. You can't have 6h SOT and 2days usage, but you can have 6h sot with 10h total usage and 0% battery remaining! And post screenshots that sustain your affirmations.
[Realme GT 2] neo_bpm:
Man, yesterday I got 1h 10min of SoT with 9h of phone use at 50% of battery, as I said, I only use the phone for emails, web, whats and one call of 4min, always with WiFi. Its evident I have a battery drain problem, indeed, in idle the consumes batery all the time, my old realme X2 had better battery administration 3 years after I buyed it.

I cheeked all the permisions and syncronitzations and is all ok, maybe the only solution is a hard reset... :(
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
My data from last day with VoLTE on my phone needed charger about 7pm without VoLTE about 11pm.

View attachment 5596023
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
After few days I confirm on firmware A14 - VoLTE eats batter like crazy :/ - how to report that to Realme - their forum don't look good at all :/
[Realme GT 2] wizard8400:
Try emailing: service.eu@realme.com I've sent them emails about some issues, got some replies but didn't solve anything... Try your luck :))
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
Yep they mostly apologyse for everyting :D.

That is an answer from support :D :D :D - I don't think it is a bot but ...

Dear Customer,

Greetings from realme Europe,

Thank you for reaching out to us. We would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

In response to your above-mentioned query; It is recommended that you clean up the background programs and high power consumption functions

Turn on the Power saving mode

Turn off applications with high power consumption

Stay updated to the latest software version

Warm Regards,

realme customer support

Link:https://www.realme.com/eu/support
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
Ok after second mail they got some idea - repaly was like that :

Dear Customer,

Greetings from realme Europe,

We deeply apologize for the inconvience caused to your.We really appreciate your time and patience for the same.

In response to your query, we request you to kindly help us with some information so that we will able to assist you in best way possible.

Contact details- Mobile No./Email

Device name-

IMEI No-

Latest software version-

Issue description-

User location-

• For IMEI number, please Dial *#06# and then pop up will display for IMEI number.

• For Build number, please Dial *#1234# in the phone dialer to check the current Software Version/Build version.

In case of any suggestion/inquiry, you can also reply to us on the same email.

Warm Regards,

realme customer support

Link:https://www.realme.com/eu/support
[Realme GT 2] wizard8400:
Keep us updated! I was recommended to do a factory reset (to solve the mic quality) :)

I'm really curious what solution will give to you...
[Realme GT 2] sebx_g1:
Support is investigating issue - they asked for date when I got A14 update ...
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zaiross:
Phone: Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (EU, Finland)

Android: MIUI Global 12.5.6, no modifications, no root, nothing done at all.

Hello!

Two days ago I noticed that one of my Whatsapp-conversations had lost some media. I didn't think much about it, until today I noticed it wasn't just one conversation. *Everything* chat conversation that i have, has lost *Every* picture, video and audiomessage, if older than 04.04.2022. And since i have used Whatsapp since forever .. it's tens of thousands pictures, videos and audiomessages. In chat, in place of the media there is a placeholder of a media and Download-option, and by pressing it, it "loads" for few seconds and then says "Download failed, Sorry, this media file appears to be missing. Please ask <contact name> to re-send it."

Some days just before 04.04.2022, like, 08.04.2022, there are also media that are Deleted, but the download option works for them still in the conversation. The media isn't shown in the gallery or anywhere else, unless it's downloaded again in the chat.

Another weird thing is, that the only things that saved are the media that I have sent myself. Any picture, video or audioclip i have made and sent through whatsapp during the years of usage, is still there. So only the senders media is gone. In every conversation or group chat. All i have left is the media i have taken with my own camera, which is the last thing i wanted to save if this kind of thing would happen.

What is going on? I'm really frustrated, scared, annoyed, mad and very Very sad for losing years and years of media from my friends, family and my wife. I never thought this could happen, since i do have backups enabled and i have switched phones couple times, since starting using whatsapp.

I found nothing on google about this.

I have not done any "automatic clean up" or such.

My storage space looks like this:

Spoiler content hidden.

I'm also wondering, what is that "Other" stuff.

The whatsapp data used to take well over 16 GB but now .. it seems it's just gone.

:(

Please help, anyone?

EDIT: While writing this post, I checked my gallery and i noticed another extremely scary thing:

Every picture and video that i have taken WITHOUT whatsapp and before 04.04.2022, is GONE.

Over two years of pictures and videos. My god. This was worse than i thought.

please, i really need help.

Is my phone broken or infected with some nasty virus? what can i do?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] blackhawk:
Get the social media trashware off the phone.

It's just asking to be fked. WhatsApp should have never been installed or used.

You don't backup your data? What did you think would happen?

Always redundantly backup critical data to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Never encrypt, clone or compress critical data backup drives. Use copy/paste commands. Verify folder count and size, ensure copy data is still readable after backup.

One scripted malware jpeg can implode the files in a folder on Androids. Saw one over 2 years ago. They may not be detected by antivirus, or anything. The trigger may be opening them, until then they sit waiting.

All downloads go in the download folder until vetted. At the very least open jpegs, pngs first in the download and watch for any changes to that folder.

With no backups you're in a beaucoup trouble as you can't do a factory reset to purge a virus or rootkit without losing all your data. If the phone is infected it should be taken offline NOW. Set a new Google account password as well as for bank accounts etc once the phone is factory reset or if another is used in it's place.

This may be a huge mess because you didn't plan ahead. You are what you install and download! If data isn't redundantly backed up it's only a matter of time until it is lost.

Take it to a repair specialist if you can't sort it out. They may be able to salvage the savaged data.

You may and probably will say that you can't live without WhatsApp, other social media apps*.

You see what your boy has done?

Don't try to clean a loaded gun...

* no social media account should ever be installed on the PC or phone. Access through browser only. Keep it in the cloud or you will get burned. Even then it poses a real multiple vector risk and should be used with caution... if at all.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zaiross:
I have used Whatsapp and backed it up to Google Drive with a separate Gmail account, for years and years. Last time i checked (probably last November or smth) my backup took approximately 16GB but now the backup is taking less than 3GB and i'm assuming that that 3GB is mostly text, of all the years, and because all the media is gone.

I have switched phones to new phones every now and then, and always used the backup from Google Drive. I thought that backup was enough. Now it seems to be gone :( At least i can't understand where it would be.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] blackhawk:
Two flawed apps don't make it right. This was predictable. Cloud should be a secondary backup. I never considered Google backup reliable and even if I did I would never put all my eggs in one basket.

Always keep multiple offline data backup hdds that aren't stored in the same location preferably in an earth grounded safe or metal box.

WhatsApp is a major security risk and a known stronghold for scammers and hackers. What could go wrong? Find better workarounds and eliminate your dependance on these apps. I use phone, email, texting and online sites through the browser only. Vendors I use temporary guest accounts vs permanent accounts whenever possible.

I've lost a critical database before. Sometimes all you can do is learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. Only careful planning and redundantcy can prevent data lose. Expect things to fail; people, firmware, software and hardware.

If it never does, you'll be pleasantly disappointed.

This N10+ in my hand has the SD card date drive as backup, a OTG .5tb flashstick and at least 3+ hdds that are isolated. I'm bringing my second N10+ online with a 1tb SD card too. That might seem like overkill, but there's no such thing as overkill when things go south.

All the apps on both phones are vetted, and zero social media apps are loaded. Not even fb.

This is a deliberate strategy on my part with the primary mission of protecting critical data from being lost.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zaiross:
Would there be any way to fix my phone? to get whatever malware out, and get my well over 30 000 media back somehow? :/
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] blackhawk:
I don't know; I'm not familiar enough with Google or WhatsApp recovery options.

Best bet be a 3rd party repair shop familiar with the phone, Google, etc. if you don't know how.

Hands on makes it a lot easier to do. They may spot something you missed.

For now don't use that phone or effected accounts.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] alecxs:
"no modifications, no root, nothing done at all."

unfortunately in that case there is nothing you can do besides copying existing files, no recovery tools will work.

even with root access it's hard for layman to recover deleted files. I am not aware of any recovery tools for F2FS file system. in case of (FBE) file-based encryption it's impossible at all.

If you made an update to android 11 it's expected all your old media files aren't visible to WhatsApp any longer because scoped storage forced new location. apps no longer have permission to read from Internal Storage.

/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp ->
/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp

also the .nomedia file makes directories invisible to Gallery (not sure about WhatsApp media though, I don't use facebook crap) so if your disk space is still occupied the files might be still there.

adb pull -a /sdcard to PC and see what's left...

Hope dies last, you could try this app. It may recover some existing pictures from cached files, hidden trash can, thumbnails at least

FindMyPhoto – Recover Photos o - Apps on Google Play

A truely free app to recover deleted photos on Android devices.

play.google.com
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zaiross:
It turns out that my Trash folder is over 22 GB big. It seems most of my media is in there. Tens of thousands of media. All of them have been sent to there on 04.04.2022. I have no idea what has transpired on that day.

I could return them one by one, but that takes forever. Is there a way to return them all?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] blackhawk:
Maybe a adb command.

Find the cause. Are old files set to deleted?

Run any cleaners?

It's possible it could be malware, were they deleted from the same folders or share a common jpeg? A scripted malware jpeg can raise hell and maybe very hard to detect.

A rootkit is another possibility.

Recover the data and redundantly backup all critical data on that device... now.