[GUIDE] How to unbrick Acer Iconia A500

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TravisAntonio

Senior Member
Jul 14, 2011
603
159
28
Santo Domingo
I just got from a friend an Acer Iconia a500 he says that is bricked.

I tried this method: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1572622


But I can't continue because I don't have ADB access, what should I do?.

Thanks for all and God bless you.

EDIT:

I got everything to using the secret APX mode, but now is still everything the same the Android System is still there and not charging and not touchscreen...

Go to the bottom to see how I solved this lol...

If your tablet Iconia 500 (ONLY ACER ICONIA A500) went crazy, and present the next symptoms (Yes it has flu...):

-flu
-Android System icon
-Doesn't want to charge (20% / 15% 12%).
-TouchScreen is not responsive.
-Always when you turn it on says Shutting down and never shuts down.
-In case you're using ICS shuts down immediately without even make you see.

The solution is the next!:

1. Download this file: http://www.4shared.com/archive/zyP91E0C/root-321-V4.html (This is the file to put recovery in case that you don't have it).

2. Extract all the files in any folder, it doesn't matter where you put it.

3. Go to Image Folder and rename the recovery to: anyname.img.

4. Download any of the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 (it will work believe me lol).

5. Put the recovery in the Image folder (Ex. Iconia/root-3.2.1/Image/) and rename it to recovery.img

6. Now open with Administrator Rights DotNetDetecter.exe

7. Continue, continue and continue.

8. If you have ADB Active just put it and it will install it. (If you don't have it just go to 8.1)

8.1 Shut down the tablet completly, connect your USB Cable *micro* (Tablet-Computer), take a paper clip and put it on reset without release it then press the power button and count until 4 or u4ntil you hear the sound when you plug something into Windows

8.2 Now your tablet is in APX Mode and the Acer Utility should now work.

9. Put your UID with a 0 in front of all the numbers (if you don't have it go to secret step).

10. Now let everything work. After everything is done you should have recovery now.

11. Press down volume and the tablet will take you to the recovery.

12. Download some ROM 3.2 or ICS 4.0.3, install it via recovery.

13. Download this file: http://www.mediafire.com/?9svnvdk982sxrw4

14. Install the version you have choosen via Recovery.

15. Voila! Your tablet is revived right now :)

Press thanks button if this helped you =D

SECRET STEP TO GET UID (IS NOT SECRET THOUGH... lol)

Just go to USB tools and use USBdeview, and is done... :p (Remember to stay in APX Mode)

CREDITS:

-Fguy on www.4pda.ru (EC_FLASH FILES)
-timmyDean on XDA (Root-3.2.1-V4 FILES)
-Moscow Desire (XDA Member, if it wasn't for him it couldn't get to see the light)
 
Last edited:

mjfaderway

Member
Apr 7, 2012
8
0
thanks for the great guide but could you point me in the right direction for the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 as the links i find dont work


thanks in advance

matthew
 

Moscow Desire

Retired Senior Moderator
thanks for the great guide but could you point me in the right direction for the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 as the links i find dont work


thanks in advance

matthew

Acer Recovery from the Market should have the most recent RA Recovery, and the original GPL compliant CWM recovery.

Or if you already have the original CWM, you can get the most recent RA Recovery here. Just check the threads for the flash files.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1459821

For CWM you will need to go to tegraowners.
 

darvis

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2010
55
4
tehran
Dear Sir
I have same problem with my tablet too for 4 months and I explained that HERE or HERE

and i followed all instruction in these 2 threads

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1572622

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880

and I used from ECrom files created by Mr. Fguy ver 4.03-22 and 3.2.1 but my problem is Lasting yet

can you help me?
you had same problem and you know how bad is a bricked tablet in your hands

thank you and GOD bless all of you

gouya80@yahoo.com
gouya80@gmail.com
 
Last edited:

TravisAntonio

Senior Member
Jul 14, 2011
603
159
28
Santo Domingo
Dear Sir
I have same problem with my tablet too for 4 months and I explained that HERE or HERE

and i followed all instruction in these 2 threads

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1572622

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880

and I used from ECrom files created by Mr. Fguy ver 4.03-22 and 3.2.1 but my problem is Lasting yet

can you help me?
you had same problem and you know how bad is a bricked tablet in your hands

thank you and GOD bless all of you

gouya80@yahoo.com
gouya80@gmail.com

I don't have the tablet anymore, it was a friend one, I can help you with your big problem because really it was easier than I thought, you can PM me with all the details, and yes the flu is a big problem... =P
 
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KiwiN

Member
May 8, 2012
11
0
Problems with opening up settings to turn on usb debugging

Hi Travisantonio,

I have a question:

Did you have any problems opening up the settings when you were on the black "android system" screen?

My touch screen is completely unresponsive at the moment.
 

blueis300

Senior Member
Dec 22, 2010
1,116
96
Murfreesboro
Maybe I didnt read or understand everything but with my tab USB view didnt give me my ID or it wouldnt work. Got into ADX mode but couldnt get things working. Tried ADB to list devices and would never list anything. I heard my computer beep when I would hook it up but couldnt really do or complete anything. I couldnt get the DOTNETDETECTOR (PBJUPRADE_ to work. Tried A500 APX flash utitlity. Tired nvflash and falied. Guess I should list more information but at this point I tried so many things to recover dont remember the order I did things. I originally tried to upgrade to a Rom but all things failed and actually not sure what ever got completed. Only thing I could tell my tab did besides black screen was the power button either was white(some type of one) or orange.
 

grayin

New member
Jun 11, 2008
3
0
This helped me to recover my bricked Acer 500 tablet after a failed ICS upgrade. The Acer update seemed to go okay, but on reboot it froze at the Acer logo and had an error in the corner. Every reboot or button/reset resulted in this. It would not recover or do anything else. I was able to get the USB device ID /serial number using the USB deview 64 program in the usb folder. There were several entries for the tablet but only one had a usable number (bottom right line at the end). Then the tool wiped the tablet and reloaded 3.2.1 and booted to factory new. Thanks for the instructions and to all the other XDA-ers for the tools. I am now on ICS properly.
 

Joey22688

Senior Member
May 25, 2012
148
23
NYC
Trying to recover a bricked acer a500, I just have a black screen on boot with no boot logo, vibration or letters or words on the screen
trying to enter recovery/update mode doesnt work

Im up to the step where is says put in your UID into the program

Just go to USB tools and use USBdeview, and is done... :p

I did this and found the device but where exactly is the UID located?

looking at other threads, the serial number is the UID however the serial number entry is blank for this device
 
Last edited:

dibb_nz

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2010
1,636
467
Shake City
Trying to recover a bricked acer a500, I just have a black screen on boot with no boot logo, vibration or letters or words on the screen
trying to enter recovery/update mode doesnt work

Im up to the step where is says put in your UID into the program



I did this and found the device but where exactly is the UID located?

looking at other threads, the serial number is the UID however the serial number entry is blank for this device
this method is total overkill for your situation....
how did u get yr tab like this???
if u have total black screen - is the power button lite on?????
what bootloader version are u on
have you had a custom recovery on there
to get your cpuid follow the first link to a guide in my signature - you need to follow steps in the guide if you have any probs then post in the guide thread:)
 

Joey22688

Senior Member
May 25, 2012
148
23
NYC
the previous owner said he tried to install a custom rom and I think it crashed and this is the result

the power light turns on (white)
if I just power it on, the backlight turns on however its just a black screen, nothing else happens

apx mode seems to be the only thing working right now, I thought this method would be my only chance to get the recovery mode working again
I dont know anything else about the tablet, bootloader ect...
 
Last edited:

dibb_nz

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2010
1,636
467
Shake City
the previous owner said he tried to install a custom rom and I think it crashed and this is the result

the power light turns on (white)
if I just power it on, the backlight turns on however its just a black screen, nothing else happens

apx mode seems to be the only thing working right now, I thought this method would be my only chance to get the recovery mode working again
I dont know anything else about the tablet, bootloader ect...

ok thats cool, apx mode works!!!

well try this first - using hard reset:

1) Turn off your tablet,
2) Rotation lock on your left;
3) Press Vol Up closest to rotation lock and power on simultaneously
4) As soon as the tablet vibrates you can release the power button and you should start to switch rotation lock left and right till you see

Erasing Userdata...
Erasing Cache...

Vol Up is still pressed;

5) The tablet starts to format
6) Your tablet will be as clean as it can be.

otherwise plan B!!!
do u know whether tab was running HC or ICS?
u need some package files and a flash tool either apxflash or nvflash
if u start the tools and then connect your tab via usb cable to your pc
there are links to guides in my sig
my cpuid guide shows u what u need and where to get it, info about your cpuid too and drivers - altho you wont need to worry too much seeing as youre in apx
civatos guide has all the links to the packages and all the info you need to patch the bootloader, then you can flash one of the ics roms and youre all good!!!
the process is simple enough - but if you get it wrong it can be frustrating as heck!!!!
 

Joey22688

Senior Member
May 25, 2012
148
23
NYC
tried that method, get no vibration, devices just turns on to the black screen like normal

the only problem right now, I cant retrieve the uid

adb
when I type adb devices, nothing shows up

A500 manager
tried to the use the uid retriever tool however it just stays blank, same for the bootloader
it says it detects the A500 in apx mode

usbdevice view
shows no serial number for this device


I see there is a A500 motherboard on ebay (cant link to outside links...)
"Acer Iconia A500 Tablet Replacement Parts - MainBoard - 32GB MB, H6000 001 PBJ20"
"Complete with Android 4.x installed, 32GB memory and ready to install and boot."

could I get that and just replace the whole mobo and it will work fine?
 
Last edited:

dibb_nz

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2010
1,636
467
Shake City
tried that method, get no vibration, devices just turns on to the black screen like normal

the only problem right now, I cant retrieve the uid

OK just clarify - black screen, that is, nothing at all displayed AND Power Light ON??
IF u r in apx mode then
U have a couple of options

EUU flash back to HC 3.2.1 or
apxFlash to ICS
Everything you need for doing this is in my cpuid guide link in my sig.

open apxflash tool do not connect your tab Yet
Go as far as the enter apx mode
Now connect your tab to yr pc
Windows should install apx drivers
Once installed. try clicking blue arrow first
If u don't see the do u want to flash window then
You'll need to click on the "enter apx mode " button instead then
Click blue arrow
Hopefully the PC and tab are feeling pretty friendly and decide to take each other on:):):):)
The tab should flash the bl and install recovery.....u should be good to go from there!!!
EDIT you can try cmd prompt on nvflash folder
Run a500.bat or.bat file that should kick you to bootloader mode
its really important that your screen display something in white letters!!
Entering Acer download mode OR
Entering apx mode

The flash will fail if u don't see something like this. This holds true for all methods




I see there is a A500 motherboard on ebay (cant link to outside links...)
"Acer Iconia A500 Tablet Replacement Parts - MainBoard - 32GB MB, H6000 001 PBJ20"
"Complete with Android 4.x installed, 32GB memory and ready to install and boot."

could I get that and just replace the whole mobo and it will work fine?
Wayyyy outta my league m8. Sum1 else will know....
 
Last edited:
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Joey22688

Senior Member
May 25, 2012
148
23
NYC
yes, its just a black screen, no vibration, no boot logo, no letters or words on the screen, backlighting for the screen is on, and the power light is on

when I press the blue arrow in a500 apx flash tool it asks me for my SBK, going to that generator site it then asks for my UID which I cant retrieve :(
 

dibb_nz

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2010
1,636
467
Shake City
yes, its just a black screen, no vibration, no boot logo, no letters or words on the screen, backlighting for the screen is on, and the power light is on

when I press the blue arrow in a500 apx flash tool it asks me for my SBK, going to that generator site it then asks for my UID which I cant retrieve :(
if you do not have your cpu id and
if you do not have access to adb and
you're stuck in apx mode
then things are looking grim.....
the only way to get into your tab without yr cpuid is fastboot
but you need adb working for that

someone else was stuck in apx mode a day or two ago, try a search...maybe...
 
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TravisAntonio

Senior Member
Jul 14, 2011
603
159
28
Santo Domingo
I'm sorry guys I was a little off of this thread :p.

I will be glad to help you guys to get your UID or any problem that you have even though I don't have the Tablet anymore.

Thanks for all and God bless you all.


if you do not have your cpu id and
if you do not have access to adb and
you're stuck in apx mode
then things are looking grim.....
the only way to get into your tab without yr cpuid is fastboot
but you need adb working for that

someone else was stuck in apx mode a day or two ago, try a search...maybe...

There is no way to fastboot the tablet in that mode, the only way is to get the UID and then decode it and NVFlash the Bootloader after it is done then put ICS or HC and the EC_ROM files and the tablet will be working again.
 
Last edited:

Joey22688

Senior Member
May 25, 2012
148
23
NYC
I'm gonna throw in the towel and just buy a new mobo for cheap, it seems im screwed without the UID and cant retrieve it either
I wish the previous owner would have gotten the UID beforehand :(

thanx for the all the help though :)
 

dibb_nz

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2010
1,636
467
Shake City
I'm gonna throw in the towel and just buy a new mobo for cheap, it seems im screwed without the UID and cant retrieve it either
I wish the previous owner would have gotten the UID beforehand :(

thanx for the all the help though :)



Sent from my A500 using xda premium

Just come across this check here: /sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid
 

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  • 18
    I just got from a friend an Acer Iconia a500 he says that is bricked.

    I tried this method: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1572622


    But I can't continue because I don't have ADB access, what should I do?.

    Thanks for all and God bless you.

    EDIT:

    I got everything to using the secret APX mode, but now is still everything the same the Android System is still there and not charging and not touchscreen...

    Go to the bottom to see how I solved this lol...

    If your tablet Iconia 500 (ONLY ACER ICONIA A500) went crazy, and present the next symptoms (Yes it has flu...):

    -flu
    -Android System icon
    -Doesn't want to charge (20% / 15% 12%).
    -TouchScreen is not responsive.
    -Always when you turn it on says Shutting down and never shuts down.
    -In case you're using ICS shuts down immediately without even make you see.

    The solution is the next!:

    1. Download this file: http://www.4shared.com/archive/zyP91E0C/root-321-V4.html (This is the file to put recovery in case that you don't have it).

    2. Extract all the files in any folder, it doesn't matter where you put it.

    3. Go to Image Folder and rename the recovery to: anyname.img.

    4. Download any of the lastest recoveries for Acer Iconia a500 (it will work believe me lol).

    5. Put the recovery in the Image folder (Ex. Iconia/root-3.2.1/Image/) and rename it to recovery.img

    6. Now open with Administrator Rights DotNetDetecter.exe

    7. Continue, continue and continue.

    8. If you have ADB Active just put it and it will install it. (If you don't have it just go to 8.1)

    8.1 Shut down the tablet completly, connect your USB Cable *micro* (Tablet-Computer), take a paper clip and put it on reset without release it then press the power button and count until 4 or u4ntil you hear the sound when you plug something into Windows

    8.2 Now your tablet is in APX Mode and the Acer Utility should now work.

    9. Put your UID with a 0 in front of all the numbers (if you don't have it go to secret step).

    10. Now let everything work. After everything is done you should have recovery now.

    11. Press down volume and the tablet will take you to the recovery.

    12. Download some ROM 3.2 or ICS 4.0.3, install it via recovery.

    13. Download this file: http://www.mediafire.com/?9svnvdk982sxrw4

    14. Install the version you have choosen via Recovery.

    15. Voila! Your tablet is revived right now :)

    Press thanks button if this helped you =D

    SECRET STEP TO GET UID (IS NOT SECRET THOUGH... lol)

    Just go to USB tools and use USBdeview, and is done... :p (Remember to stay in APX Mode)

    CREDITS:

    -Fguy on www.4pda.ru (EC_FLASH FILES)
    -timmyDean on XDA (Root-3.2.1-V4 FILES)
    -Moscow Desire (XDA Member, if it wasn't for him it couldn't get to see the light)
    1
    Dear Sir
    I have same problem with my tablet too for 4 months and I explained that HERE or HERE

    and i followed all instruction in these 2 threads

    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1572622

    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=24531880#post24531880

    and I used from ECrom files created by Mr. Fguy ver 4.03-22 and 3.2.1 but my problem is Lasting yet

    can you help me?
    you had same problem and you know how bad is a bricked tablet in your hands

    thank you and GOD bless all of you

    gouya80@yahoo.com
    gouya80@gmail.com

    I don't have the tablet anymore, it was a friend one, I can help you with your big problem because really it was easier than I thought, you can PM me with all the details, and yes the flu is a big problem... =P
    1
    tried that method, get no vibration, devices just turns on to the black screen like normal

    the only problem right now, I cant retrieve the uid

    OK just clarify - black screen, that is, nothing at all displayed AND Power Light ON??
    IF u r in apx mode then
    U have a couple of options

    EUU flash back to HC 3.2.1 or
    apxFlash to ICS
    Everything you need for doing this is in my cpuid guide link in my sig.

    open apxflash tool do not connect your tab Yet
    Go as far as the enter apx mode
    Now connect your tab to yr pc
    Windows should install apx drivers
    Once installed. try clicking blue arrow first
    If u don't see the do u want to flash window then
    You'll need to click on the "enter apx mode " button instead then
    Click blue arrow
    Hopefully the PC and tab are feeling pretty friendly and decide to take each other on:):):):)
    The tab should flash the bl and install recovery.....u should be good to go from there!!!
    EDIT you can try cmd prompt on nvflash folder
    Run a500.bat or.bat file that should kick you to bootloader mode
    its really important that your screen display something in white letters!!
    Entering Acer download mode OR
    Entering apx mode

    The flash will fail if u don't see something like this. This holds true for all methods




    I see there is a A500 motherboard on ebay (cant link to outside links...)
    "Acer Iconia A500 Tablet Replacement Parts - MainBoard - 32GB MB, H6000 001 PBJ20"
    "Complete with Android 4.x installed, 32GB memory and ready to install and boot."

    could I get that and just replace the whole mobo and it will work fine?
    Wayyyy outta my league m8. Sum1 else will know....
    1
    yes, its just a black screen, no vibration, no boot logo, no letters or words on the screen, backlighting for the screen is on, and the power light is on

    when I press the blue arrow in a500 apx flash tool it asks me for my SBK, going to that generator site it then asks for my UID which I cant retrieve :(
    if you do not have your cpu id and
    if you do not have access to adb and
    you're stuck in apx mode
    then things are looking grim.....
    the only way to get into your tab without yr cpuid is fastboot
    but you need adb working for that

    someone else was stuck in apx mode a day or two ago, try a search...maybe...
    1
    I'm gonna throw in the towel and just buy a new mobo for cheap, it seems im screwed without the UID and cant retrieve it either
    I wish the previous owner would have gotten the UID beforehand :(

    thanx for the all the help though :)

    I'm starting to feel a bit repetetive, if you can get device into APX mode you can get the UID.

    http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=23783875&postcount=9