Modem Issues with the Pinephone

[biketool]

Now part of this was probably my fault, but I'm having some odd issues with the modem.

I got my Pinephone used from a friend, and when I tried to use my SIM card, it could recognize the SIM card was inserted and the towers it could connect to, but it would never be able to connect. So I thought "Okay it's a driver issue" so I went and used the script available at https://github.com/the-modem-distro/pinephone_modem_sdk but I was tired and didn't think to check the current firmware on the modem and that also didn't work. So then I thought to try to load all the old firmwares until it was fully updated, but now the modem still exists and TRIES to function (it'll show me the settings, the lack of bars, and that there's no SIM inserted or that there is inserted) but I can't see it with

Code:

lsusb

or

Code:

adb

and I'm wondering if it's irrecoverable or not?

I did try connecting the two plates on the back of the board to each other, but perhaps that didn't short them out. When I did that, the modem just disappeared and still didn't exist with any command.

When did you get your Pinephone? Pinephone or Pinephone pro?  Newer modem modules firmware can be wonky when upgraded but it is addressed and 100% fixed on themodemdistro's website https://themodemdistro.com/efs_recovery , my PPpro needed this fix.  Don't worry I don't think there is a way to perma-brick your modem in software.  Only in very worst case you will have to short pads to get into emergency flashing mode but I have never had to do that. Are you able to sudo su(be root) and then use fastboot to send the flashing mode command and get firmware to load?  I was able to do it all in software without needing to short the EFS pins. See this thread https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=19421 and after you have everything fixed use the instructions on the git to use the latest flashall script and then flash your preferred ADSB.
(edit)
Nothing at all on lsusb? That is a problem, you should either see a Xiaomi Redmi 2 or EC25 depending if it is in normal or fastboot flashing ready mode
Just so you know sudo didn't work for me to get the ADB, fastboot, and maybe flashall script commands to work, you need to sudo su and be actual root then run commands related to this modem stuff.

I suggest everyone read all of the relevant issues https://github.com/the-modem-distro/pine...sdk/issues and pages on the git as well as the website https://themodemdistro.com as the impotant information is scattered, I only found the themodemdistro website and new modem IMEI repair by digging in the issues and seeing it mentioned, it is not mentioned at all in the main git or on most referring websites. The website is great but how are we supposed to know about it?

I hope you enjoy the new(to you) pinephone, it may be a bit underpowered and run through battery but it is a real linux box in your pocket which is a big deal to me no apple, no samsung, no xiaomi, and no google sharing ownership of your phone and privacy.