After several attempts to access services, you see a pop-up on your screen system software not authorized by Verizon wireless. How do you fix this issue?
Verizon is a wireless network operator that offers internet, TV, and phone services.
This article addresses the reasons why this error message keeps popping up and how to solve it.
To fix this error, reflash your device to sort incorrect configuration bugs. Bear in mind that you have to flash at least twice with Odin software to clear the error.
Reasons for System Software Not Authorized by Verizon Wireless
There are varied reasons why this happens. The most common include;
- Software not updated
- Bootloader is locked
How to Fix System Software Not Authorized by Verizon Wireless
There are a number of ways to fix this error. Below are some worth trying:
Solution #1: Software Update
As it is with most devices, an update is always the first thing you do whenever you encounter issues.
Verizon launches updates periodically to fix bugs and enhance user experience through new features.
To update your device, follow these steps:
- Ensure your device has Wi-Fi connection
- Go to settings
- Select About phone
- Select Check for updates then tap Update
- Install
Solution #2: Unlock Bootloader
Unlocking your phone’s bootloader should be the first step in flashing custom ROM.
However, not every phone will let you do this. Some phones are unlockable.
Do some research about your phone and your carrier to find out if they allow this process. Please backup your phone before proceeding to this step.
How to Unlock Your Bootloader
Install Android SDK manager on your computer
This app is available on the Android SDK download page.
For this process to succeed, you require ADB(Android Debug Bridge) tool to interface your phone and computer.
Make sure your phone has the latest version of USB drivers.
Plug Phone Using USB Cable
Switch on your phone then plug it into your computer via a USB cable. On your computer, Shift+Right Click on an empty place in the platform-tools folder in your Android SDK folder.
Open a command prompt here by selecting “Open a Command Prompt Here” and typing the following command: ADB devices.
If a serial number appears, then your device is recognized you can proceed.
Select the Build Number
Go to Settings on your phone, select About phone and scroll down to Build Number.
Tap the Build Number seven times. A message should appear stating “You are now a developer.”
Go back to settings and configure Developer options by enabling USB debugging.
How to Configure Developer Options
Let us look at the steps to configure the developer options:
Step #1. Get the unlock key from the manufacturer’s bootloader unlocking page.
Step #2. Switch off your phone and boot into “fastboot mode” by holding the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons for about 10 seconds.
Step #3. Reconnect your phone to your PC.
Step #4. Open the platform-tools folder in your Android SDK folder on your PC and Shift+Right Click on an empty spot.
Step #5. Choose “Open a Command Prompt Here” and enter your unlock key in the Command Prompt box as instructed by your manufacturer.
Step #6. Select the command prompt that appears on your screen, copy and paste it where applicable on your manufacturer’s website and submit. You will receive an email with a key that you will use to unlock your phone.
Step #7. Reboot your phone and follow the prompts. A pop up will appear “Your bootloader is unlocked”
Solution #3: Use Power Button
If done correctly, this method might just be the solution you are looking for.
It’s a simple procedure done by;
- Restarting your phone
- As it continues booting, Press and release the volume up and power button simultaneously two to three times.
Doing this will bypass the authentication error. Your device will boot up properly
Solution #4: Remove Battery
Removing the battery resets your phone. This simple procedure might solve your problem.
To accomplish this;
- Remove the battery and wait for thirty seconds
- Re-insert the battery
- Press the Home button + volume down + Power button and hold until the phone vibrates.
- When the phone boots up, system software will be authorized.
Note: This method is only applicable to phones with removable batteries.
Solution #5: Run Recovery Mode
All android phones have an inbuilt recovery mode that is independent of the operating system.
By running recovery mode, you stand high chances of having system software authorized.
Before running recovery mode, you are strongly advised to back up your phone data through apps like the Buggy backup pro which you can download from playstore.
Next, you should also install recovery.img to facilitate this process.
To run recovery mode, ensure your phone is fully charged then hold down the power button and select off.
Follow these steps;
- Hold the power and volume down button simultaneously until a triangle with an exclamation mark appears on the screen.
- Scroll through using the volume down button and locate Recovery mode
- Press the power button to load it
Note: This process might slightly differ from device to device but the concept is the same.
Recovery Mode Options
Once you enter recovery mode, you come across different options such as;
1. Reboot system now
This is a normal reboot. It will restart your phone and load the operating system.
2. Apply data from external storage
This is to install android from an external source such as SD card.
3. Wipe cache partition
Temporary files are mostly used in the in-app installation. Deleting these files does not affect your personal data.
4. Apply update from ADB
Android Debug Bridge(ADB) It’s a tool used by developers to connect your phone to a computer. It’s mostly used to fix bugs.
5. Wipe data/factory reset
This should always be the last resort. It deletes everything from your phone and restores it to the state it was when you unboxed it.
Solution #6: Root Your Phone
Rooting is a way of unlocking the operating system to allow unapproved apps to receive the software. Rooting gives you the freedom to customize your device.
You can root your phone using apps such as Kingo root, which can be installed on a computer running Windows or directly to the device you intend to root.
Root Your Phone With Kingo Root App
Here’s how to root your phone using the Kingo root app;
- Go to Settings
- Check Unknown sources
- Install Kingo Root APK.
- Open th Kingo Root app
- If your device is compatible, One Click Root button will appear
- Tap it and wait
- After successful completion of the process, a large check mark will appear on the screen.
Root Your Phone Using a PC
Rooting your phone is risky. It compromises the security of your phone. But the benefits outweigh the risk.
If you opt to root your device using a computer, follow these steps;
- Install Kingo route on your computer
- Go to settings and enable USB Debugging mode on your phone
- Connect your device via USB to your computer and run Kingo Root.
- When Kigo root prompts you to root your device, click Root and wait.
Again, the procedure may differ according to the device.
After the process of rooting your phone, download an app that confirms whether the root was successful. These apps are available on the Google play store.
Installing and running this app shows you whether you have superuser permission
Root Checker is considered the best app to check superuser status.
If all the solutions above fail to fix your problem, it’s time to contact your service provider for further assistance.
Read Next: How Do I Get My Verizon Battery Backup To Stop Beeping?
Conclusion
Thus, to fix the system software error, flash the bootloader through Odin. Furthermore, you must install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery, along with Loki, and it will eliminate the system software authentication issue.
That’s how you fix system software not authorized by Verizon wireless. Use this guide to solve your system software issues and continue enjoying uninterrupted service.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.