Complete list of methods to "fix" or preventing the G4 bootloop
First of all: this is just a link list / index of methods !
I take no credits or responsibility of those methods its just that I hate to search things again and again and the idea here is to keep the methods in 1 single place
If I missed one please let me know!
About
What is the ILAPO / Bootloop?
Read more about it here:
Backup
If you can still get into download mode I would recommend to do a full real nandroid backup before anything else: https://bit.do/SALTatXDA
Current state
There are only two real fixes available for the G4 bootloop and one advanced one:
1. Replace the mainboard or
2. send it to LG for warranty repair
3. Disassemble device for soldering/heat paste
For those out of warranty:
1. Replace the mainboard on your own in ~20 minutes: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/LG+G4+Motherboard+Replacement/51202
2. All the other methods described here can bring back some life back to your device but no one can say if that means minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months (all these are reported time ranges).
the baking/oven method is clearly the one with the best chance of success and the longest life expectancy but it has one important limitation: toxic fumes.
Read the corresponding hint on that method with care!
Precautionary measure (unlocked devices only)
(skip to the next topic for locked devices)
Disabling the Big Cores reducing heat and so reducing the chance to bootloop.
There are users reporting that this method even works when it actually bootloops but its meant as a precautionary measure mainly:
https://xdaforums.com/g4/general/fix-lg-g4-bootloop-issue-t3647538
and to create your own boot image read on here for the ultimative "X cores guide"
I have also created an ilapo TWRP version with the big cores disabled here so if TWRP bootloops try those first:
Ilapo TWRP
Locked & Unlocked devices
If you do not want to fight with LG support about warranty I would try this first: aboot TOT flashing or hair dryer method A) and if that doesn't worked and even when there is a little risk on using it: the freezer method
The recommended order on fixing the ILAPO would be like this:
aboot TOT method -> pressure method -> hair dryer method A) -> hair dryer method B) -> baking method (as long as u have an oven which is not used for food anymore) -> ironing method (take care of the unknown temperature issue this has) -> freezer method
Low chances of voiding your warranty (depends on the LG customer service)
1) aboot TOT flashing
Disabling the Big Cores reducing heat and so reducing the chance to bootloop.
There are users reporting that this method even works when it actually bootloops but its meant as a precautionary measure mainly
you need to choose the CORRECT aboot TOT file and you need to check your ARB!
If you flash a lower ARB aboot file you WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE!
http://leech.binbash.rocks:8008/unbricking/max4cores/
High(er) chances of voiding your warranty (depends on the LG customer service)
The following methods MAY get detected by LG customer service and so they MAY reject service on it (warranty void) due to detection of an unauthorized opened device:
2) pressure method:
https://xdaforums.com/g4/help/lg-g4-bootloop-quick-fix-try-baking-t3633595
(as u need to open the device it may be rejected by LG support for repair - but loosen the screws carefully and open the back cover even more carefully will usually work without being detected)
3) hair dryer method:
A) https://xdaforums.com/g4/help/temporary-boot-loop-solution-to-files-t3554469
B) https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=71647715&postcount=41 (checkout the video and the last comments of the writer in the XDA thread)
(as u need to open the device it may be rejected by LG support for repair - but loosen the screws carefully and open the back cover even more carefully will usually work without being detected)
4) ironing method:
s-X-s reported here this method as its working for him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=TM9umec5aeo
While I personally would prefer this method over the baking method its very very risky to use it. The reason is that you have no temperature indicators on an iron and so you may overheat in the worst case..
(as u need to open the device and disassemble the board it may be rejected by LG support for an eventually warranty repair)
5) baking method:
(as u need to open the device and disassemble the board it may be rejected by LG support for an eventually warranty repair)
6) freezer method: (100% a temporary fix only - e.g. just for taking a backup)
https://xdaforums.com/tmobile-g4/help/how-to-recover-data-boot-loop-defect-t3297766 (~1 hour at least in freezer)
(The freezer does not require to open the device BUT: it could be possible that LG may reject such devices for repair due to a water damage (depends on several things so this might or might not happen))
UPDATE:
Take out the battery before putting it in the freezer!
An easy way to prevent any damage is to use a plastic bag which can be closed with a zipper or similar.
7) Advanced disassemble method(s):
The following thread contains several methods to fix the mainboard issue without LG but may require some technical skills to handle but not is the best choice you have when you can't get a new mainboard. Ensure you read all posts there to fin your best choice:
https://xdaforums.com/g4/general/lg-g4-bootloop-fix-t3488449
Backup
Once booted up backup your data as fast as you can.
Btw if any of the above succeeds its very very likely that you have a defective hardware again.
If thats the case you may try another method but the chances to bring it back to life a second time - especially when you used the baking method is at 1% ...
Final destination - R.I.P. 9008 mode
Sooner or later you may reach this.
lets say u tried all or almost all of the above (especially the baking method) and it still does not work or its the second time you are here then your device is likely completely dead now.
If you turn on your phone and just seeing a black screen and nothing else happens the device is likely in EDL / QDL 9008 mode which is the final end of the journey for your device.
You can verify this by connecting the device to your PC and watch the device manager while doing so. You should see a new unknown device here named QHUSB...
This has nothing to do with those 9008 unbrick guides u can find here and elsewhere as the hardware fault goes deeper. Of course u can try out those guides (try my PoC unlock guide first..)
Its hard to say but you're gonna have to put up with burying this device.
Sell it as spare parts and say goodbye..
Credits
The above methods are created or reported by:
.
First of all: this is just a link list / index of methods !
I take no credits or responsibility of those methods its just that I hate to search things again and again and the idea here is to keep the methods in 1 single place
If I missed one please let me know!
About
What is the ILAPO / Bootloop?
Read more about it here:
- https://www.androidauthority.com/lg-admits-g4-bootloop-problem-hardware-fault-669603/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_smartphone_bootloop_issues
- https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=65511137&postcount=2
- https://www.change.org/p/lg-mobile-launch-a-replacement-program-for-defective-lg-g4s
Backup
If you can still get into download mode I would recommend to do a full real nandroid backup before anything else: https://bit.do/SALTatXDA
Current state
There are only two real fixes available for the G4 bootloop and one advanced one:
1. Replace the mainboard or
2. send it to LG for warranty repair
3. Disassemble device for soldering/heat paste
For those out of warranty:
1. Replace the mainboard on your own in ~20 minutes: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/LG+G4+Motherboard+Replacement/51202
2. All the other methods described here can bring back some life back to your device but no one can say if that means minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months (all these are reported time ranges).
the baking/oven method is clearly the one with the best chance of success and the longest life expectancy but it has one important limitation: toxic fumes.
Read the corresponding hint on that method with care!
Precautionary measure (unlocked devices only)
(skip to the next topic for locked devices)
Disabling the Big Cores reducing heat and so reducing the chance to bootloop.
There are users reporting that this method even works when it actually bootloops but its meant as a precautionary measure mainly:
https://xdaforums.com/g4/general/fix-lg-g4-bootloop-issue-t3647538
and to create your own boot image read on here for the ultimative "X cores guide"
I have also created an ilapo TWRP version with the big cores disabled here so if TWRP bootloops try those first:
Ilapo TWRP
Locked & Unlocked devices
If you do not want to fight with LG support about warranty I would try this first: aboot TOT flashing or hair dryer method A) and if that doesn't worked and even when there is a little risk on using it: the freezer method
The recommended order on fixing the ILAPO would be like this:
aboot TOT method -> pressure method -> hair dryer method A) -> hair dryer method B) -> baking method (as long as u have an oven which is not used for food anymore) -> ironing method (take care of the unknown temperature issue this has) -> freezer method
Low chances of voiding your warranty (depends on the LG customer service)
1) aboot TOT flashing
Disabling the Big Cores reducing heat and so reducing the chance to bootloop.
There are users reporting that this method even works when it actually bootloops but its meant as a precautionary measure mainly
you need to choose the CORRECT aboot TOT file and you need to check your ARB!
If you flash a lower ARB aboot file you WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE!
http://leech.binbash.rocks:8008/unbricking/max4cores/
High(er) chances of voiding your warranty (depends on the LG customer service)
The following methods MAY get detected by LG customer service and so they MAY reject service on it (warranty void) due to detection of an unauthorized opened device:
2) pressure method:
https://xdaforums.com/g4/help/lg-g4-bootloop-quick-fix-try-baking-t3633595
(as u need to open the device it may be rejected by LG support for repair - but loosen the screws carefully and open the back cover even more carefully will usually work without being detected)
3) hair dryer method:
A) https://xdaforums.com/g4/help/temporary-boot-loop-solution-to-files-t3554469
B) https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=71647715&postcount=41 (checkout the video and the last comments of the writer in the XDA thread)
(as u need to open the device it may be rejected by LG support for repair - but loosen the screws carefully and open the back cover even more carefully will usually work without being detected)
4) ironing method:
s-X-s reported here this method as its working for him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=TM9umec5aeo
While I personally would prefer this method over the baking method its very very risky to use it. The reason is that you have no temperature indicators on an iron and so you may overheat in the worst case..
(as u need to open the device and disassemble the board it may be rejected by LG support for an eventually warranty repair)
5) baking method:
(as u need to open the device and disassemble the board it may be rejected by LG support for an eventually warranty repair)
6) freezer method: (100% a temporary fix only - e.g. just for taking a backup)
https://xdaforums.com/tmobile-g4/help/how-to-recover-data-boot-loop-defect-t3297766 (~1 hour at least in freezer)
(The freezer does not require to open the device BUT: it could be possible that LG may reject such devices for repair due to a water damage (depends on several things so this might or might not happen))
UPDATE:
Take out the battery before putting it in the freezer!
An easy way to prevent any damage is to use a plastic bag which can be closed with a zipper or similar.
7) Advanced disassemble method(s):
The following thread contains several methods to fix the mainboard issue without LG but may require some technical skills to handle but not is the best choice you have when you can't get a new mainboard. Ensure you read all posts there to fin your best choice:
https://xdaforums.com/g4/general/lg-g4-bootloop-fix-t3488449
Backup
Once booted up backup your data as fast as you can.
Btw if any of the above succeeds its very very likely that you have a defective hardware again.
If thats the case you may try another method but the chances to bring it back to life a second time - especially when you used the baking method is at 1% ...
Final destination - R.I.P. 9008 mode
Sooner or later you may reach this.
lets say u tried all or almost all of the above (especially the baking method) and it still does not work or its the second time you are here then your device is likely completely dead now.
If you turn on your phone and just seeing a black screen and nothing else happens the device is likely in EDL / QDL 9008 mode which is the final end of the journey for your device.
You can verify this by connecting the device to your PC and watch the device manager while doing so. You should see a new unknown device here named QHUSB...
This has nothing to do with those 9008 unbrick guides u can find here and elsewhere as the hardware fault goes deeper. Of course u can try out those guides (try my PoC unlock guide first..)
Its hard to say but you're gonna have to put up with burying this device.
Sell it as spare parts and say goodbye..
Credits
The above methods are created or reported by:
- @celsius0010 (freezer)
- @rogconnect (baking)
- @gub1 (baking)
- @s-X-s (ironing)
- @nick camel (hair dryer)
- @Minchan_5 (hair dryer)
- @sloscotty (pressure)
- @Martin Elias (aboot TOT)
.
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