Galaxy Tab A8 bricked - cannot enter recovery mode, cannot connect to PC

[blangwilky]

Looking for advice on how to fix my tablet.  This is about 16 months old (Received June 2022). I was logged in with a second user, plugged device in for a charge and when I came back it was bricked.  History, I did have the tablet in airplane mode for the last 2 weeks since I was traveling, so if there were any updates it was never received.  I did turn off airplane mode and used the device for roughly 20 minutes, before connecting to charge.  Tablet seemed to work fine before charge.

Since the charge which was left over night, I have tried multiple ways to get into recovery mode.  I tried the power/volume buttons (both for the hell of it).  All buttons appear to be fully functional, never used by kids so no "gunk".  Actually looks brand new, only used on average 3-5 hours per month for the last 16 months.

I cannot enter recovery mode from buttons.  When I connect to a PC, the PC does register a noise that a USB device is connected, but nothing appears on screen of my windows PC.  I cannot see anything in the Explorer mode. Cable should be fine, I can connect an older tablet (A3) and my phone (Pixel) to the PC without errors, and explore those so I can rule out the cable.

I cannot hear any noises (like a charge noise) when I plug in a charger. Appears dead.

It simply appears bricked.  I even tried putting in the freezer as one youtuber recommended (I thought it was funny, but worth the shot I suppose).

Last known connection to google account / devices was Sunday November 26 2023, has not worked since.

Completely bricked.  If I cannot access via a PC, I cannot load new files like root or odin etc

[Piper123]

Hello there

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Apologies if you've already done these steps but here we go:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Connect To Computer or plug in USB-C Headphones , Press and hold the Volume Up key and then press and hold the Power key
3. When the Android logo displays, release all three keys.
4. Wait until the Android system recovery menu options appear.
5. Press the Volume down key several times to highlight wipe cache partition.
6. Press Power key to select.
7. Press the Volume down key to highlight yes, them and press the Power key to select.
8. When the wipe cache partition is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted.
9. Press the Power key to restart the device.
You can also Repair apps via the Recovery Menu.

[Piper123]

You can also run a factory data reset from the same screens here if the above doesn't help.

[blangwilky]

I appreciate the response piperdog123

I cannot get the Samsung logo to appear at all.  I have tried the USB-C headphones just now, did not try that earlier, no sound what so ever. I can use Volume Up and Power, I can use Volume Down and Power, no logo.  Appears dead.

I have held the buttons down for 20+ seconds, nothing appears, I cannot get into recovery mode.  So I cannot wipe cache, I cannot wipe partition, I cannot Reset.

One technique I tired that I forgot to mention.  I went into a completely black room in hopes maybe the backlight went out, and I cannot get any brightness to appear on the screen.  I had a TCL TV go out on me 6 months ago, and learned the flashlight technique shinning on the screen to see the TV worked, but the backlight went out.  I tried this on the tablet, still no image.

The device appears to be permanently turned off.

[Piper123]

@JAMES4578

I think this one needs your expertise. Any ideas?

[JAMES4578]

@blangwilky  Think on the A8 you may not need to connect to computer as shown in this video , loks like you have tried both ways though.

 

You may need to give the sequence up to 30 seconds for the Recovery Menu options to appear but appreciate it this may not make much difference.  If buttons/cable/charger appear fine seems these not at fault.   If cannot get into Recovery Mode obviously problematic,  think the Device likely needs an inspection.

[blangwilky]

Thank you for taking a look.  I am going to chalk this up to hardware error.  TBH, this tablet did seem "off" since day 1. It never seemed to be very responsive, the reason I was replacing my 2016 Tab A.  My old tablet was getting too slow and outdated (but works fine).

Good thing today is Cyber Monday, I suppose if it were to fail a replacement would best be today.  😂

[Lord_Shiva]

https://youtu.be/fJoeplZSVhM?si=gywjT7dhQ-NoN8M-

[apkvogue]

Your tablet appears bricked, possibly due to an incomplete update during travel. Try verifying charging, force power cycle, and specific recovery mode key combinations. If unsuccessful, consider flashing firmware (proceed with caution) or contacting manufacturer support for further assistance. Avoid unverified online methods and ensure proper updates to prevent future issues.

[blangwilky]

So, almost 2 months later. I was taking the tablet to the trash, and thought "why not" and plug it in and see if it responded one last time before going into a landfill.

Low and behold, it started charging. Mind you two months ago I connected it to a known functioning charging overnight. Remember there was no screen, no functionality, nothing... Dead tablet. 

Today it started charging (screen actually lights up), got to 100% and now it is installing "One UI". I did nothing over the past few months, it sat on my desk collecting dust (as I ordered a new tablet)