Samsung Fascinate Update from Android 2.2 to 2.3, manually without Verizon updates?

[Edward2]

I can be messaging, emailing, or web browsing, when I suddenly try to back up, back out, or exit to find the Menu, Home, Back, & Search keys unresponsive. Pressing the Power/Lock key at this point takes a 'Screen shot' -- nothing more. I must remove the battery to restart & get back to a usable state.

I was told updating may resolve this. Can I update to 2.3 without Verizon?

I have tried updating the OS, but the Verizon handset on PagePlus doesn't seem to find updates.
Kies does not find an update.

Firmware Ver: 2.2.2
Kernal Ver: 2.6.32.9

Any suggestions appreciated.

[94SupraTT]

Use Odin to flash.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1349895

[Boz1]

If I remember correctly, the Samsung Fascinate is one of the handsets that won't get an OTA update, even via WiFi, unless it is currently on a Vzw account. I don't know why.

If you don't want to use the procedure 94SupraTT suggested, you could find somebody with a smartphone already on Vzw, temporarily switch your phone for their phone on their account, get the OTA update, and then switch their phone back onto their account, and your phone back to PPC. But before you do this, it might be good to wait for somebody to verify that they have done this successfully.

[Edward2]

Boz1

Are there other newer Android smartphones that may/will get OTA updates while on PPC?

Like an HTC as you use.

Would a rooted unlocked Samsung Galaxy Nexus SCH-i515 work on PPC? (I assume so)

[Boz1]

I do know from first hand experience a few weeks ago that if you have an old Incredible or Ally that hasn't yet received the latest/last OTA update, thost two phones will still receive the OTA update via WiFi, even if they are not activated with any service.

In addition to the Fascinate, I've also read that the Incredible 2 WON'T receive OTA updates unless on a Vzw account. There may be others.

I don't know all phones that will or won't receive OTA updates while not on a Vzw account. Possibly search HoFo or Google to get that info for other phone models.

The SCH-i515 will not work on PPC without modifications because it is a 4G phone. However, postpaid Vzw 3G Androids are fully functional on PPC without modification.

[AshleyJS2004]

If I remember correctly, the Samsung Fascinate is one of the handsets that won't get an OTA update, even via WiFi, unless it is currently on a Vzw account. I don't know why.

Oh so that's why mine would never update! I had the same problem the OP had. I kept trying to update(via wifi) and it just kept telling me that there was no update available. But I didn't think that having the fascinate on PP and not VZW would be a problem. I thought it still would get the update. Oh well the fascinate I had, the screen is broken. So I can't use it anymore anyways.

[Boz1]

Oh so that's why mine would never update! I had the same problem the OP had. I kept trying to update(via wifi) and it just kept telling me that there was no update available. But I didn't think that having the fascinate on PP and not VZW would be a problem. I thought it still would get the update. Oh well the fascinate I had, the screen is broken. So I can't use it anymore anyways.

That was a reasonable thing to think, since so many other handsets WILL update OTA, even with NO service. I still don't know why some will but others won't.

[AshleyJS2004]

That was a reasonable thing to think, since so many other handsets WILL update OTA, even with NO service. I still don't know why some will but others won't.

Maybe what you said about it having to be on VZW was right. I mean that would explain why I was never able to get the update. I guess it depends on the phone.

[Boz1]

I received a prompt for an OTA update on my Incredible. It is unrooted and currently running Android 2.3.4.

Android Software Update
4.08.605.15
This Software Update includes new enhancements and improvements for your DROID Incredible by HTC.

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to install it.

Vzw's page about this: http://support.verizonwireless.com/s...ncredible.html

Another post about this: http://www.lazytechguys.com/news/os-...d-4-08-605-15/

[tappinbeetle]

Darn....that might decide whether or not I should get a Fascinate as my next PPC phone....that stinks.

[Steveanderson13]

Any suggestions appreciated.

That's happened to me a couple of times on my Bionic. Since it was minor, I didn't pursue it but I would guess the ram is full. My home, etc buttons light up but I haven't found the correlation.

Two things may help:
Disabling background data
Killing some non-essential apps. Some only start at boot and are non-persistent such as Yahoo Messenger. You can keep an eye on these settings/applications/running. You can uninstall some that you don't need.