Help Can't access Bootloader

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Jonnibravo

Senior Member
Aug 9, 2009
406
89
Bradford
Hi All,

I have an international HTC ONE M8 which I managed to root and s-off without a problem. However since I s-off-ed the phone will not reboot into bootloader.

When I try to power off and reboot with vol-down and power it either reboots or flashes between the battery screen and TWRP, which say swipe to unlock but it flashes too quick for mee to do this. This a strange error I never come across before in the years Ive been flashing and modding devices.

Also ADB no longer sees this phone in fastboot, I can issue fastboot commands but not ADB

Can anyone help
 
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exad

Senior Member
Jan 26, 2010
3,459
1,518
Montreal
Hi All,

I have an international HTC ONE M8 which I managed to root and s-off without a problem. However since I s-off-ed the phone will not reboot into bootloader.

When I try to power off and reboot with vol-down and power it either reboots or flashes between the battery screen and TWRP, which say swipe to unlock but it flashes too quick for mee to do this. This a strange error I never come across before in the years Ive been flashing and modding devices.

Also ADB no longer sees this phone in fastboot, I can issue fastboot commands but not ADB

Can anyone help

Press and hold power and volume up until phone shuts off. Let go of power and volume up then hold volume down until bootloader comes up -_-
 

lampel

Senior Member
Aug 28, 2007
410
89
Connecticut
Hi All,

I have an international HTC ONE M8 which I managed to root and s-off without a problem. However since I s-off-ed the phone will not reboot into bootloader.

When I try to power off and reboot with vol-down and power it either reboots or flashes between the battery screen and TWRP, which say swipe to unlock but it flashes too quick for mee to do this. This a strange error I never come across before in the years Ive been flashing and modding devices.

Also ADB no longer sees this phone in fastboot, I can issue fastboot commands but not ADB

Can anyone help

You might also try making sure Fastboot in the power menu is off. And ADB won't work in Fastboot mode - you either have to boot into recovery or android for ADB.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
 

mpogr

Senior Member
Jan 16, 2008
185
63
Melbourne
Something happened to my M8 so I can't access bootloader anymore. Pressing Power and Vol Up just boots the phone and then the screen goes blank. Pressing Vol Down to get into fastboot doesn't work anymore (it used to up until now). Any clue?
 
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Apr 12, 2014
42
7
Something happened to my M8 so I can't access bootloader anymore. Pressing Power and Vol Up just boots the phone and then the screen goes blank. Pressing Vol Down to get into fastboot doesn't work anymore (it used to up until now). Any clue?

Press and hold the volume down, then at the same time press and hold the power button (both should be held now).
Wait for the screen to go blank.
When the screen goes blank, release the power button, but continue to hold the volume down button.
You should then eventually see the fastboot/hboot menu.
 
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mpogr

Senior Member
Jan 16, 2008
185
63
Melbourne
OK, found what the issue was. The problem was that my phone's screen was going blank after the normal boot screen, so I couldn't see when it gets turned off. I was simply pressing the Vol Up + Power for too long, so it would go into full reboot. I just measured the amount of time it was taking to do this (was ~12 seconds). So I pressed Vol Up + Power for ~10 secs, then released those and pressed Vol Down. That finally brought me into Fastboot.
I could have probably gotten the same result by pressing Vol Down + Power, however, the phone screen was blank all the time, so it was difficult to understand when I should have released the Power button to let it go into Fastboot.
 

sigmaxaa

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2008
291
51
OK, found what the issue was. The problem was that my phone's screen was going blank after the normal boot screen, so I couldn't see when it gets turned off. I was simply pressing the Vol Up + Power for too long, so it would go into full reboot. I just measured the amount of time it was taking to do this (was ~12 seconds). So I pressed Vol Up + Power for ~10 secs, then released those and pressed Vol Down. That finally brought me into Fastboot.
I could have probably gotten the same result by pressing Vol Down + Power, however, the phone screen was blank all the time, so it was difficult to understand when I should have released the Power button to let it go into Fastboot.

Thanks for this post! I've spent a total of 5+ hours trying to get into the bootloader so I could restore a backup after a bad flash soft bricked me.
 

chcago59

New member
Jun 11, 2015
1
1
"Press and hold power and volume up until phone shuts off. Let go of power and volume up then hold volume down until bootloader comes up -_-"

Holy mackerel! You saved me! The Blackhawks are playing and I need to be able to text my mom and cousin. I was having a mini-panic attack. Your fix worked like a charm. I am back in texting business!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Go Hawks!
 
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antonio14843

New member
Mar 19, 2016
1
0
i have a htc one m8 and its stuck on the logo with triangles around the four corners around the screen..what do i do?
 

redpoint73

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Oct 24, 2007
15,254
6,968
i have a htc one m8 and its stuck on the logo with triangles around the four corners around the screen..what do i do?

The red triangle screen is stock recovery. Power + vol up when on the stock recovery, will bring up the recovery menu.

Not sure what you are trying to do. Based on the subject of this thread you decided to post in, are you trying to get into bootloader? Or just trying to get the phone to boot to OS?

If you are trying to get into OS. You can try to wipe cache, and reboot to see if you can reboot back into OS (or factory reset and reboot, if you don't mind losing your personal data). But depending on what is wrong with the phone, you may need to do more to get into OS.
 

dbreed53

Senior Member
Jun 13, 2013
78
11
70
Fordland, MO
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Can't access bootloader

Press and hold power and volume up until phone shuts off. Let go of power and volume up then hold volume down until bootloader comes up -_-

Everytime I do this, hold POWER, then VOL UP till screen goes black, release BOTH, then press POWER and VOL DOWN, then release POWER first time screen flashes, while still holding VOL DOWN, it returns to the OS every time!

Everytime I do this, hold POWER, then VOL UP till screen goes black, release BOTH, then press POWER and VOL DOWN, then release POWER first time screen flashes, while still holding VOL DOWN and then press POWER again, the screen CYCLES between BLACK and the RASTER glow on the LCD. About 3-4 secs of BLACK, then RASTER glow, then repeat. If I let go of POWER, it goes right to the OS again, every time.

Everytime I do this, hold POWER, then VOL UP till screen goes black, release BOTH, then press POWER and VOL DOWN, wait for RASTER glow and continue to press BOTH until first time goes BLACK, then release POWER while still holding VOL DOWN, it goes right to the OS again, every time.

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I followed the HTC directions at the DEV site, to change the boot speed, but it wasn't in the BATTERY menu, it was in ACCESSIBILITY and called QUICK BOOT. For units with Android 4.2.x and up, HTC site said to turn on OEM unlocking in Developers menu, but this is 4.4.2 and there is no option in there to do that.

This is a DUAL SIM phone, so I assume that is an international version, also.

Further, when I do try the HTC site method of entering the bootloader menu, (press Volume Down and while pressing Volume Down, press Power holding both buttons to start the device into Bootloader mode (now Download mode for One M9 and newer devices) I get a menu
20170126_114647.jpg
, but I don't read Chinese/Korean, or whatever language these characters are from, but it works like a TEST or SERVICE menu, as it puts the phone thru all the self-tests of its' various hardware functions. Not much help to me.

This phone has a crashed Android update that never completes every time it starts, but I can't tell what version or from whom. It does not APPEAR to be locked to any carrier as there are no logos on the phone or in the bootup screens. If I can every get it where I can flash it, then I hope to learn WHAT there is to flash it with.

Right now, I just want to get to the bootloader, so I can see if it will talk with the laptop using the apps I downloaded from HTC; Android studio, Java and the Sync Manager. Once all those hurdles have been jumped, if it succeeds and functions properly, and flashing rids it of the nasty malware, xrated crap its' infested with, I'll order a glass to repair it make it my own for a while.

Any help figuring out why I can't make the VERY CLEAR instructions I found in this thread work for me, will be very, very, VERY much appreciated.

Thanks to you all.
 

ckpv5

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Feb 11, 2008
14,354
18,301
Kuala Lumpur
There is no "then press POWER and VOL DOWN" in the instruction, after release both power & volume up, press only volume down button.

What device is that ? Definitely not M8 & not M8 dual SIM.

If you still can boot, enable usb debugging in Developer options then run adb devices to see the serial no.

If it come out as weird as 123456789abcdef then it's fake htc.

Your screenshot looks familiar and I manage to find the same that written in English

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=50678371&postcount=3
 
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dbreed53

Senior Member
Jun 13, 2013
78
11
70
Fordland, MO
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Can't access bootloader

There is no "then press POWER and VOL DOWN" in the instruction, after release both power & volume up, press only volume down button.

I was very frustrated by the directions I got from HTC inserted below:

press Volume Down and while pressing Volume Down, press Power holding both buttons to start the device into Bootloader mode (now Download mode for One M9 and newer devices). If you have difficulty, power up normally, go to Settings->Battery and deselect Fast boot. Power down and try again.

Then I came here after a Google search listed many hits, this one seemed like the best (as always XDA would be my first choice) of them all. Then I tried the button instructions here. But all led to further frustrations. I am an antiquated fossil of 63 years old, a mere high school graduate of the Class of 1971, a once upon a time in dog years (1996-1998), Novell NetWare CNA/CNE network geek, PC/server hardware tech, systems programmer, systems analyst, and Windows OS & Office Suite Desktop End-User Support Specialist. In other words, I am qualified to not only read English, I can even compose my thoughts and present them using it.

Most of the time.


What device is that ? Definitely not M8 & not M8 dual SIM.

Great question!! Unfortunately, the answer may be the solution to at least most of the problem. The next question would be "What implications does that present? Does that make it irreparable and essentially worthless?"

The serial number is EXACTLY what you posted;
123456789ABCDEF
Just to be thorough, here are the other details. But, I did NOT get these using ADB, because I can NOT get ADB to work at all. These details came from About Phone.
IMEI Slot1: 355131214676268
(I forgot the label): 78
IMEI Slot2: 355131214676276
(?????????? label): 78
S/N: 123456789ABCDEF
Model: M8
Android version: 4.4.2
Baseband:
MOLY.WR8.W1315.MD.WG.MP.V43, 2014/09/17 10:10
Kernel: 3.4.67 root@zy-12 #1 Thu Sep 24 09:46:01 CST 2015
Build Number: X5_72KK_KK_3GW_B15_EMMC_32_4_QHD_XLD_MII_ZX 20150924.103623
Custom Build Version: 1442306041

If you still can boot, enable usb debugging in Developer options then run adb devices to see the serial no.
If it come out as weird as 123456789abcdef then it's fake htc.

Needless to say, but I already told how I got this. I don't mean to sound like a smartass, but I can't help it. I flashed and modded my first Motorola Droid back in 2012. This ain't my first rodeo, its' just that this phone has been one of the more frustrating broncs I've tried to break lately. If this is a "FAKE" HTC phone, I would not be surprised to learn that. I had not been aware until now that there are fakes.
I mean, WTF?

Your screenshot looks familiar and I manage to find the same that written in English
https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=50678371&postcount=3

Yep. Now, what do you recommend? WAIT!
I want you to know that I followed the link to your GUIDE. Very Well done, sir.
I found it remarkably well organized, detail specificity very professionally presented, and written for a layperson without sacrificing the value of educating them with vernacular of the high level technician. I commend you.

With that said, whether ir is while I have the OS up, or from recovery menu ADB function, this is what I get when trying to use ADB on this potentially worthless waste of time:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>adb start-server
adb server version (31) doesn't match this client (35); killing...
error: protocol fault (couldn't read status): Connection reset by peer
error: could not install *smartsocket* listener: cannot bind to 127.0.0.1:5037: Only one usage of each socket address (protocol/network address/port) is normally permitted. (10048)
could not read ok from ADB Server
* failed to start daemon *
error: cannot connect to daemon

AND

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>flashing get_unlock_ability
adb server version (31) doesn't match this client (35); killing...
* daemon started successfully *
error: no devices/emulators found

So, with all that, what say you to my question, "Now what?"

My Opinion, if it is a fake, disassemble it to explore the guts,
like a 1st year med-student exploring human anatomy on a
homeless, unidentified cadaver from the Morgue.
 
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ckpv5

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Feb 11, 2008
14,354
18,301
Kuala Lumpur
Just to be thorough, here are the other details. But, I did NOT get these using ADB, because I can NOT get ADB to work at all. These details came from About Phone.
IMEI Slot1: 355131214676268
(I forgot the label): 78
IMEI Slot2: 355131214676276
(?????????? label): 78
S/N: 123456789ABCDEF
Model: M8
Android version: 4.4.2
Baseband:
MOLY.WR8.W1315.MD.WG.MP.V43, 2014/09/17 10:10
Kernel: 3.4.67 root@zy-12 #1 Thu Sep 24 09:46:01 CST 2015
Build Number: X5_72KK_KK_3GW_B15_EMMC_32_4_QHD_XLD_MII_ZX 20150924.103623
Custom Build Version: 1442306041

If this is a "FAKE" HTC phone, I would not be surprised to learn that. I had not been aware until now that there are fakes.

It's a clone HTC that we know existed since 2014 and nothing much that we can offer to help.

See this for some screenshots - https://xdaforums.com/htc-one-m8/help/token-initializer-chinese-htc-one-m8-t2813316
There's a screenshot about phone that more or less same as yours
photo_3.png

And this for some video - https://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2761985
 
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renniefb

Member
Jun 22, 2013
19
0
I have the same issue. I have pressed power and vol dowm couple times, my battery is full but nothing happened. What to do????
 

redpoint73

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Oct 24, 2007
15,254
6,968
I have the same issue. I have pressed power and vol dowm couple times, my battery is full but nothing happened. What to do????

Same issue as who? The OP has an issue with the button combo making the phone reboot or flash between battery charge screen and TWRP. Plus, that post is from 2014, so their firmware most likely does not match what you have, even remotely. Another person who posted to this thread. has a dual SIM Chinese version. I doubt either accurately describes your situation.

Do yourself a favor, and don't post "I have the same issue" while giving zero details on your M8 version (CID, MID) whether it is modded (unlocked bootloader, custom recovery, root, s-off, etc.) as well as the current condition: is the phone powered off when you try the button combo, or stuck on a boot screen, etc.

Giving as many details about your device and situation makes it easier for us to help you.

The button combo power+ vol down will only boot to bootloader if the phone is powered down. And you may have to hold the buttons for a minute or more, depending on the current condition of the phone. If this doesn't work, of the phone is in another state (such as stock on boot screen with HTC logo) tell us of this, and we will advise you further.
 

redpoint73

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Oct 24, 2007
15,254
6,968
hi,
Volume down button doesnt work so i cant access bootloader. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZomJvkphGms) also i tried to short two pins like this video. but no success.
Is there any alternative way to access to bootloader.
thanks in advance

Does your phone boot into Android OS, or not? If so, I believe there are some market apps you can install to boot to bootloader, that you can try. Or you can do adb reboot bootloader.
 

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    Hi All,

    I have an international HTC ONE M8 which I managed to root and s-off without a problem. However since I s-off-ed the phone will not reboot into bootloader.

    When I try to power off and reboot with vol-down and power it either reboots or flashes between the battery screen and TWRP, which say swipe to unlock but it flashes too quick for mee to do this. This a strange error I never come across before in the years Ive been flashing and modding devices.

    Also ADB no longer sees this phone in fastboot, I can issue fastboot commands but not ADB

    Can anyone help

    Press and hold power and volume up until phone shuts off. Let go of power and volume up then hold volume down until bootloader comes up -_-
    7
    OK, found what the issue was. The problem was that my phone's screen was going blank after the normal boot screen, so I couldn't see when it gets turned off. I was simply pressing the Vol Up + Power for too long, so it would go into full reboot. I just measured the amount of time it was taking to do this (was ~12 seconds). So I pressed Vol Up + Power for ~10 secs, then released those and pressed Vol Down. That finally brought me into Fastboot.
    I could have probably gotten the same result by pressing Vol Down + Power, however, the phone screen was blank all the time, so it was difficult to understand when I should have released the Power button to let it go into Fastboot.
    1
    Something happened to my M8 so I can't access bootloader anymore. Pressing Power and Vol Up just boots the phone and then the screen goes blank. Pressing Vol Down to get into fastboot doesn't work anymore (it used to up until now). Any clue?
    1
    Something happened to my M8 so I can't access bootloader anymore. Pressing Power and Vol Up just boots the phone and then the screen goes blank. Pressing Vol Down to get into fastboot doesn't work anymore (it used to up until now). Any clue?

    Press and hold the volume down, then at the same time press and hold the power button (both should be held now).
    Wait for the screen to go blank.
    When the screen goes blank, release the power button, but continue to hold the volume down button.
    You should then eventually see the fastboot/hboot menu.
    1
    "Press and hold power and volume up until phone shuts off. Let go of power and volume up then hold volume down until bootloader comes up -_-"

    Holy mackerel! You saved me! The Blackhawks are playing and I need to be able to text my mom and cousin. I was having a mini-panic attack. Your fix worked like a charm. I am back in texting business!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Go Hawks!