By John Carmack 
Bricking software happens when a device becomes unusable due to software issues, rendering it like a brick. This means the device won’t boot or function properly. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it can save time and money.
To fix bricked software, try restarting the device, reinstalling the software, or using recovery tools. If it fails, search for specific guides or contact technical support.
Types Of Bricking:
1. Hard Brick:
A hard-bricked device shows no signs of life. Button presses do not respond, and the screen remains blank. This issue usually requires professional tools, like JTAG or other hardware solutions, to fix.
2. Soft Brick:
A soft-bricked device powers on but gets stuck in boot loops or crashes repeatedly. Thankfully, software solutions like recovery mode or factory reset can solve most soft-brick cases.
Common Causes Of Software Bricking:
1. Interrupted Updates Or Firmware Flashing:
If a software update or firmware flashing process is interrupted, the device can brick. This can happen due to power loss or disconnecting during the process.
2. Corrupted Files Or Malware:
Installing corrupt files or malware can mess with the system, causing it to brick. Devices may also fail to boot properly if essential files are altered.
3. Incompatible Software Modifications:
Rooting, jailbreaking, or flashing custom firmware carries risks. If the software isn’t compatible, it can cause serious problems, leading to bricking.
How To Identify Bricked Software?
- Boot Loop: The device keeps restarting without reaching the home screen.
- Blank Screen: No response when powering on, even when plugged in.
Essential Preparations Before Fixing Bricked Software:
1. Backup Data (If Possible):
If your device still powers on, try backing up your data. This ensures you don’t lose anything important during the recovery process.
2. Gather Tools And Software:
Download the original firmware or recovery software for your device. Tools like Odin (for Samsung) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek devices) may be needed.
Steps To Fix A Soft-Bricked Device:
1. Boot Into Safe Mode:
Safe Mode disables third-party apps, which might be causing the problem. If the device boots normally in Safe Mode, uninstall the problematic apps.
2. Use Recovery Mode To Reset:
Entering recovery mode allows you to perform a factory reset. This removes any software conflicts causing the bricking issue.
3. Flash Original Firmware:
If the factory reset doesn’t work, try flashing the original firmware. This restores the device to its default state.
Fixing A Hard-Bricked Device:
1. Using Specialized Tools (Like Jtag):
Hard-bricked devices usually require advanced hardware tools like JTAG to recover. These tools communicate directly with the device’s memory.
2. Professional Repair Options:
If you don’t have the right tools, it’s best to contact a professional repair service. They have the expertise to revive hard-bricked devices.
Preventing Future Bricking Issues:
1. Safe Updating Practices:
Always ensure your device has enough battery and a stable connection before starting updates.
2. Use Trusted Software Sources:
Avoid downloading apps or firmware from unknown sources. Stick to official stores or trusted developers to reduce risks.
What Does It Mean When Software Is Bricked?
When software is “bricked,” it means the device or program no longer works. It’s like turning it into a useless “brick.” This happens when something goes wrong during an update or installation, making the device or software unable to function properly.
How Do You Unbrick Your Pc?
To unbrick your PC, you can try restarting it in safe mode or using a recovery tool like Windows Repair. If that doesn’t work, reinstall the operating system. Sometimes, a hardware reset or checking for issues in the BIOS can also help fix the problem.
What Happens If Your Pc Gets Bricked?
If your PC gets bricked, it means it won’t start or function properly. The screen might stay black, or it could freeze during startup. You won’t be able to use it normally, and fixing it may require technical help or reinstalling the operating system.
How To Fix A Bricked Laptop?
To fix a bricked laptop, try restarting it in safe mode or using a system recovery tool. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reinstall the operating system. For serious issues, a hardware reset or professional repair may be required to restore functionality.
How Do I Turn On A Bricked Laptop?
To turn on a bricked laptop, try holding the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a restart. If it doesn’t work, try connecting it to a charger and attempt again. You may also need to boot into safe mode or use a recovery tool to fix it.
FAQs:
1. What Is The Difference Between Hard Brick And Soft Brick?
A hard brick means your device cannot be turned on or repaired with software. A soft brick is when the device has software problems but can still be fixed using specific tools or methods.
2. Can Bricking Be Reversed?
Soft bricking can often be fixed using software tools. However, hard bricking is more serious and usually can’t be reversed without professional help or hardware repair. It depends on the type of brick.
3. How Do I Avoid Bricking During Firmware Updates?
To avoid bricking during firmware updates, ensure your device is fully charged, follow instructions carefully, and use the official update files. Avoid interrupting the update process to prevent possible problems with the device.
4. Is It Worth Fixing A Hard-Bricked Device?
No, it is usually not worth fixing a hard-bricked device. Repairs are expensive and difficult. It’s often better to replace the device unless it’s valuable or repair costs are reasonable.
5. Does Factory Resetting Help With Bricking?
A factory reset may help fix soft-bricked devices by restoring them to their original settings. However, it does not work for hard-bricked devices, which need more advanced repair methods to be fixed.
Conclusion:
In short, bricking makes a device unusable due to software issues. Soft bricks can often be fixed with recovery tools, while hard bricks need professional help. To prevent bricking, update carefully, use trusted software, and avoid interrupting processes. Repairing hard-bricked devices can be expensive, so replacement is sometimes a better choice.