How To Fix Motorola Bricked Phones: Recovery and Prevention Guide

Nov 01, 2023 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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A bricked phone, rendered useless due to hardware or software issues, earns its name from its resemblance to a brick. Two types exist: soft and hard brick. A soft brick permits partial functionality, like booting into recovery mode, but not for normal use. Symptoms include boot loops, freezing, and a black screen of death. A hard brick is unresponsive and can't be booted.

It can happen to any device, including Motorola smartphones. Given these, can you still use a Motorola bricked phone? This article delves into causes and fixes for bricked Motorola phones. But first, let's explore what causes this situation.

motorola phone not booting

Part 1: Reasons Why Motorola Becomes a Bricked Cellphone

For several reasons, software and hardware bricks can happen to Motorola cellphones and devices from other manufacturers. Here are some potential causes for a Motorola cellphone becoming bricked:

Software Update Failures

Updating your phone's firmware is important to keep your phone secure and up-to-date. But if a software update, like a system upgrade, gets interrupted or doesn't finish, it can mess up the phone's software. It can render the phone unable to boot or function; thus, the Motorola phone gets bricked.

Custom Firmware Installation

A Motorola bricked phone can also root from installing software that isn't officially supported. It can create conflicts within the phone's programming. These compatibility issues can make the Motorola phone stop responding or functioning as it should.

vector graphic installing on smartphone

Rooting

Rooting is the process of gaining administrator privileges on your phone. It helps you to install custom ROMs and kernels. But attempting to root or change the operating system of a Motorola phone can lead to a bricked device if not done correctly. Unauthorized modifications can disrupt the system's stability.

Malware or Virus Attacks

Like on a computer, a severe virus or malware attack can target the phone's software. These attacks can mess up the programming and make the smartphone nonfunctional.

If you have a Motorola bricked phone, there are methods to recover it, but these solutions can be complex and are not guaranteed to work in all cases. Keep reading to learn more about some of these fixes.

Part 2: Recovery Methods for Bricked Motorola Phones

This section will teach you two methods to handle a possibly bricked Motorola phone. First, you'll discover how to boot your phone into recovery mode. Then, you'll explore Motorola's software to reflash your device.

Method 1: Boot Your Motorola Brick Phone Into Recovery Mode

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to boot a Motorola bricked cellphone into recovery mode:

  • Step 1: Turn off the Motorola phone completely.
  • power off the motorola smartphone

  • Step 2: Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.
  • Step 3: Hold the buttons until the Motorola logo appears on the screen.
  • Step 4: Once the logo shows up, release both buttons. The phone should now be in Fastboot flash mode.
  • motorola phone on fastboot flash mode

  • Step 5: Use the Volume up and Down keys to select Recovery Mode and Power button confirm.
  • Step 6: Click the Volume up and power key if the Android icon appears on the screen.
  • Step 7: Select Reboot system now below the Android System Recovery section.
  • motorola select reboot system now

    Method 2: Use Motorola Unbrick Tool To Recover From Bootloop/Soft Brick

    There are several recovery tools available that can help you fix a bricked Motorola phone. You can use these tools to flash the firmware, repair the bootloader, or even restore a backup of your phone's data. Some popular recovery tools include Motorola Rescue and Smart Assistant (RSA) software. Here's how to use RSA Rescue to update your phone's software.

  • Step 1: Download the Motorola Rescue and Smart Assistant tool on your desktop from the Motorola website.
  • Step 2: Launch the app and select Rescue.
  • motorola rescue and smart assistant features

  • Step 3: After signing in, click Rescue Now, then select your device type from the Rescue tab bar in the upper navigation pane.
  • select your device type on rsa

  • Step 4: Enter your smartphone's 15-digit IMEI to match the appropriate firmware in the search field.
  • Step 5: Click OK in the dialogue box to confirm your IMEI.
  • Step 6: Click Download to get the firmware files and unzip.
  • download target firmware on rsa

  • Step 7: Click Start Rescue to begin the rescue process.
  • Step 8: Read the note in the Information Collection dialogue box and click Proceed. If prompted again, click Proceed in the Have you backed up your data dialogue box.
  • Step 9: Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the phone to a computer through a USB cable.
  • motorola rsa flashing instructions

  • Step 10: Click Finish after completing the rescue process. Your Motorola device will now reboot.
  • Rescue and Smart Assistant is a good tool for managing data, flashing software, and accomplishing other support tasks for Lenovo and Motorola devices on Windows 7 to 11. But it is not your only option. Many other recovery tools are available, some of which are more versatile and can work with a wider range of devices and operating systems.

    Part 3: Wondershare Dr.Fone – System Repair: An Alternative Solution To Fix a Bricked Smartphone

    To unbrick your Android phone, you can try flashing the stock firmware using a flashing tool. You can also try using Dr.Fone – System Repair to fix your bricked Motorola phone. This app can also quickly fix Android issues, from black screens to boot loops and app crashes.

    You are no more struggling to find suitable firmware for your Android device. Plus, you can try Dr.Fone – System Repair for free to check if it supports your device.

    Key features

    Discover the key features of Dr.Fone, designed to simplify Android recovery and enhance device performance.

    • Easy To Use

    Even if you are not a technical user, you can use Dr.Fone – System Repair for Android to fix your Motorola bricked phone. The software has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to follow the steps.

    • Compatible With Supported Devices

    Dr.Fone supports 1000+ Android models from Motorola, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, Sony, and more. It also supports iOS devices, including those operating on iOS 17 public beta. You can download the Dr.Fone app on Windows and macOS desktops.

    How To Restore a Motorola Bricked Cellphone?

    If your bricked Motorola phone is also experiencing a boot loop or facing a black screen, Dr.Fone can help you. Follow these steps to unbrick your Android phone and restore it to full functionality.

  • Step 1: Visit the official website of Wondershare Dr.Fone and download the app on your desktop.
  • Step 2: Install and launch the app, then from the Toolbox homepage, click System Repair.
  • dr.fone toolbox homepage features

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  • Step 3: Select Android as your device type in the next screen.
  • select your device type on dr.fone

  • Step 4: You'll see which Android smartphone problems Dr.Fone can fix. Click Start to begin recovering your device.
  • dr.fone solution for common android problems

  • Step 5: Select the appropriate details of your device in the Brand, Name, Model, Country, and Carrier drop-down list. Then, select I agree with the warning, and I am ready to proceed, and click Next.
  • dr.fone select device information

  • Step 6: Connect your smartphone to your desktop using a USB cable.
  • Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the Download mode and click Next.
  • dr.fone in-app instructions for download mode

  • Step 8: The firmware will download automatically once the device enters Download Mode. You can click Stop to cancel the download at any time.
  • Step 9: Click Fix Now to install the firmware on your smartphone device.
  • dr.fone firmware read to complete

  • Step 10: Read your device information in the "The device information you select is" dialogue box. Then enter 000000 in the input field and click Confirm.
  • dr.fone confirm device information dialogue box

  • Step 11: Wait for the repair process to finish. Click Done to close the tool if your smartphone already works.
  • repairing motorola bricked phone completed

    Part 4: Tips To Prevent a Motorola Mobile Phone Get Bricked

    Now you know why smartphones get bricked and how to unbrick them. But if you want to prevent your Motorola mobile phone from becoming a "brick," there are several precautions you can take. While bricking can occur due to various reasons, here are some tips to minimize the risk and prevent a Motorola mobile phone from getting bricked in the first place.

    Avoid Rooting

    Rooting your phone can open customization options. But doing it also exposes your device to more risks. Be cautious when rooting your phone, as it can lead to instability and potential bricking.

    Software Updates

    You should only install official software updates provided by Motorola or your carrier. Avoid installing unofficial custom ROMs or firmware updates unless you know the potential risks. Also, avoid interrupting the update process once it has started.

    Learn the Fastboot and ADB Commands

    These commands can help troubleshoot problems and recover your phone if it does become bricked. But if you're uncomfortable with advanced technical procedures, it's best to avoid these commands or proceed cautiously.

    Make a Backup

    Make a backup of your phone's data before you do anything else. It includes your contacts, photos, videos, and other important files. If something goes wrong, you can restore your data from the backup.

    smartphone cloud backup concept

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    Conclusion

    Understanding and preventing bricking is vital because it can save you time, money, and frustration. If you have a Motorola bricked phone, you may need to take it to a professional to fix it. But, if you take steps to prevent bricking, you can avoid this inconvenience.

    Dr.Fone System Repair Android is a software tool that can help you unbrick your Motorola phone. It is easy to use and can fix various Android system issues. If your phone is bricked, Dr.Fone System Repair Android is a good option to try.

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