S9+ Fails to Unlock After Latest Pie OTA Update

[ThorB]

Thanks for the heads up guys. I know a firmware flash would definately wipe the device but I was thinking only sideloading an OTA update. This should retain all data and simply act as if the phone had updated as normal using OTA. The issue I am having with this at the moment is that I assume the update that broke the phone is the latest update (G965FXXU2CSA8) and I am unable to find the OTA files for this or any subsequent updates online. I figure if I can find either the G965FXXU2CSA8 update file or G965FXXU2CSA9 update files if they exist, I can try updating the phone again and perhaps it will fix whatever issue is causing the UI to crash.

An article detailing this method can be found here: https://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to-install-ota-updates-manually-using-recovery-and-adb-sideload/

An example of the files I am talking about can be found here: https://www.thecustomdroid.com/install-android-pie-one-ui-beta-samsung-galaxy-s9-s9-plus/

Unfortunately the files in the above link are incompatible with the firmware version I am using.

Even if I do find a compatible OTA files and do this, there is definately no guarentee it will work, and could potentially worsen the problem.

 

[gizzyman]

if you can get into settings, then you can switch it from lock screen to go straight to the main screen

 

[ThorB]

Hey guys, just to update. I have tried flashing multiple version of Pie using ODIN, using the HOME_CSC file to keep user data intact. Unfortunately none of them worked. I am now looking at trying to downgrade to Oreo while retaining user data, which seems like a very risky prospect.

 

[ThorB]

To give a final update on this. I attempted the Oreo downgrade, upon reboot the phone was stuck in a bootloop so I updated to Pie again. When the phone booted I tried the pin code as quickly as I could, and after some glitchy graphics on the screen it unlocked. From here I turn on the stay awake while plugged in feature in the developer options and managed to transfer all my data over to PC.

I don't believe it was the firmware changes that actually made any difference, because any further attempts to put my pin in, to remove the pin code for example, failed and cause the same crashing behaviour.

All data is recovered, I have factory reset the phone and all appears to be behaving as normal again. If anybody stumbles upon this with the same issue, all hope is not lost, but unfortunately I was unable to determine a realiable way to overcome it. It seems in this case it was just dumb luck.

Thanks for the help all.

 

[mustang7757]

To give a final update on this. I attempted the Oreo downgrade, upon reboot the phone was stuck in a bootloop so I updated to Pie again. When the phone booted I tried the pin code as quickly as I could, and after some glitchy graphics on the screen it unlocked. From here I turn on the stay awake while plugged in feature in the developer options and managed to transfer all my data over to PC.

I don't believe it was the firmware changes that actually made any difference, because any further attempts to put my pin in, to remove the pin code for example, failed and cause the same crashing behaviour.

All data is recovered, I have factory reset the phone and all appears to be behaving as normal again. If anybody stumbles upon this with the same issue, all hope is not lost, but unfortunately I was unable to determine a realiable way to overcome it. It seems in this case it was just dumb luck.

Thanks for the help all.

Glad it worked out..log into Samsung next time lol

 

[DARK Vader777]

This is why I always wait until the carrier puts them out. I tried flashing an update a couple years ago and my s7 locked. Fortunately I had the cloud and card setup for pics and phone. I would up upgrading to a Note 8 as soon as they came out.

Whenever I get a new update, I take my pin password off and turn off fingerprint unlock.
Good luck brother.

 

[qsr3]

I signed up here because of this post. I have the same problem. Unlike OP I actually have the Nova Launcher set as default. After I unlock, I can go to the home screen and app drawer, but it quickly jumps back to the lock screen again. I think there's some system app crashing in the background. Anyway I'm going to wipe the phone and restore all the apps.

 

[mustang7757]

I signed up here because of this post. I have the same problem. Unlike OP I actually have the Nova Launcher set as default. After I unlock, I can go to the home screen and app drawer, but it quickly jumps back to the lock screen again. I think there's some system app crashing in the background. Anyway I'm going to wipe the phone and restore all the apps.

Definitely should do a factory reset , good luck.

 

[heycarlost]

i was meet this same problem, can someone tell me how to do, thank you.

What SIM card size does your phone use?