Stuck on Google Splash Screen Instead of Going to Recovery Mode

npierce · 5 Oct 2021, 21:40

Hi all,

I bought a new 3a specifically for the purpose of using Ubuntu Touch and I am having a hard time installing it. I ran into a major issue:

My phone, after UBPorts software begins rewriting the firmware, cannot boot into recovery mode to finish the install. Instead it just jumps to the Google on a white background splash screen.

I downgraded my phone to PQ3B.190801.002 and have tried it on two separate computers with two separate OS. Anyone here run into similar issues?

Thanks,
Pierce

HarryMason · 6 Oct 2021, 22:58

@npierce I have the same issue but I download old version 0.8.9 and that works on first try.

joshndroid · 8 Oct 2021, 05:49

Hey mate i did the conversion today and also had this issue.

I used the 0.8.8 version and it also worked first go

sringgen · 8 Oct 2021, 11:02

I have the same issue with the latest installer. I have tried old installers multiple times with no luck though.

Can one of you that had luck with a previous version explain what steps you took to put PQ3B.190801.002 on before using the installer?

Here are the steps I took:

Run ./flash-all.sh for PQ3B.190801.002 factory image
Enable developer mode
Enable usb debugging
Run installer 0.8.9-beta
Flashing firmware finishes
Select recovery mode
Device still hangs on google screen (doesn't enter recovery mode)

stanwood · 8 Oct 2021, 17:10

@sringgen Indeed, I've notice that UBports installer V .0.9.1 does not reboot automatically the device in recovery mode. I could finalize the installation by rebooting manually on recovery mode (press and hold Vol+ AND power, then release power, then release Vol+).

Or, you can try this command: (Linux PC only)

adb reboot recovery

Then plug your device to your PC again and UBports installer is able to send files to the device.
See my thread here:

https://forums.ubports.com/topic/6023/installing-connection-to-device-lost/55?_=1633712714414

sringgen · 8 Oct 2021, 21:31

@stanwood Do you have a Pixel 3a? I believe the issues that the others and myself have in this thread is after going into recovery we are stuck at the Google screen.

I did however find another thread where a user suggested checking some advanced options when using the Android Flash Tool. I tried this and 0.8.8 worked for me after flashing PQ3B.

The options are:
Force Flash All Partitions
Disable Verity
Disable Verification

stanwood · 8 Oct 2021, 21:41

@sringgen Unfortunately I don't personally have a Pixel 3a.
So I'm trying to give some general guidelines.

The problem may be more specific and will require the help of qualified people.

sringgen · 8 Oct 2021, 22:03

@stanwood Ok, that is what I thought. This is Pixel specific.

I just tried 0.9.1 like you suggested but was still stuck at Google boot screen.

There are various issues in GitHub for this already. The good thing is the older installer still works.

npierce · 13 Oct 2021, 21:00

Hi all,

I followed all the steps that you recommended. I re-flashed the OS to PQ3B.190801.002 choosing the options @sringgen recommended and downloaded an app image of 0.8.8 and 0.8.9.

I was able to successfully get passed the Google splash screen and into recovery mode. From there it seemed to be working. Unfortunately, now it gets to what I'm guessing is the UT loading screen until my device crashed into fastboot stating the error: no boot.img found.

Do you have any idea why this might be happening for me and not other people?

joshndroid · 14 Oct 2021, 04:35

@npierce I would probably try again. I would also try a different USB port (I have definitely had issues with ports USB3/2 or even on AMD vs intel) systems. It sounds bizarre but just what I have encountered over the years... Sometimes simple thing such as changing port or PC or even the cable and magically it works properly

npierce · 14 Oct 2021, 12:55

I was able to get it to work maybe one in fifteen times. One thing I think may have helped was immediately unplugging the phone as soon as the install is done.

I then experienced issues with it recognizing my SIM card. I think I fixed this by reinstalling Android with the Flash Tool with the SIM card in, removing it before booting into Android and reinserting it before installing UT.

Now I am trying to fix my mobile data issues and install waydroid. I think I need to put in a custom APN. Will report my progress as I go.

npierce · 14 Oct 2021, 19:24

Was successful installing Waydroid. It just took a couple tries I guess. Trying APN now

npierce · 15 Oct 2021, 12:20

Just read up on the VoLTE and the issues with it. I have Verizon so I don't think I'll be able to use Ubuntu Touch as a daily driver but I am thinking of buying a seperate phone for testing. Thank you @HarryMason @joshndroid @sringgen @stanwood for all your help.

Clint · 16 Oct 2021, 20:18

@npierce I'm having the same problem. How do I get out of the "Google" splash screen?

mw4jet · 16 Oct 2021, 22:43

@clint Hold the power button until it shuts off, then hold volume down and power buttons at the same time to enter bootloader/recovery mode so you can then reflash Android 9 so you can just do it again, and again, and again...ad infinitum.

Clint · 17 Oct 2021, 00:19

Could this have something to do with the problem we're seeing? https://github.com/ubports/ubuntu-touch/issues/1837 If so, it's not obvious to me there is a solution. @UniSuperBox posted "Funny enough, you can get another shell into the device in this state. Running sudo reboot there causes the Pixel 3a to boot into the selected mode, but the Volla Phone does not." but I don't know how to use this information to complete the install. BTW: I tried using UBports 0.8.8 ... but I ran into the same problem.

mw4jet · 17 Oct 2021, 00:37

@sringgen said in Stuck on Google Splash Screen Instead of Going to Recovery Mode:

I have the same issue with the latest installer. I have tried old installers multiple times with no luck though.

Can one of you that had luck with a previous version explain what steps you took to put PQ3B.190801.002 on before using the installer?

Here are the steps I took:

Run ./flash-all.sh for PQ3B.190801.002 factory image
Enable developer mode
Enable usb debugging
Run installer 0.8.9-beta
Flashing firmware finishes
Select recovery mode
Device still hangs on google screen (doesn't enter recovery mode)

My Pixel 3a only responds to "adb devices" when in Android 9, totally unrecognized after the first process that flashes partitions with fastboot.

mw4jet · 17 Oct 2021, 12:30

This post is deleted!

mw4jet · 17 Oct 2021, 12:50

@sringgen said in Stuck on Google Splash Screen Instead of Going to Recovery Mode:

@stanwood Do you have a Pixel 3a? I believe the issues that the others and myself have in this thread is after going into recovery we are stuck at the Google screen.

I did however find another thread where a user suggested checking some advanced options when using the Android Flash Tool. I tried this and 0.8.8 worked for me after flashing PQ3B.

The options are:
Force Flash All Partitions
Disable Verity
Disable Verification

Gotta quote the correct post! This is the one I was wanting to quote.

Where is this tool available, I am using Command Prompt in windows and get no dialog, just terminal like display.

Clint · 18 Oct 2021, 01:00

@mw4jet The tool is mentioned here: https://developers.google.com/android/images#sargo. Note: "Android Flash Tool works with any Web browser that supports WebUSB, such as Chrome or Edge 79+." I think Opera can support and has version for Linux. So ... Google, MicroSoft, or China ...