Galaxy watch 4 classic is stuck in a bootloop

[AceV]

Watch 4 Classic 42mm LTE.

My watch suddenly got stuck in a boot loop. I've only had it since Feb. 28 without any other issues.

I know where I'm supposed to go but I can't get to the 2nd recovery screen. It will show the Samsung logo, go black, repeat. If go to the first recovery screen it will sit there as long as I want without rebooting so I know my button isn't stuck or damaged. When I select restore or reset whatever it will go back to the Samsung/black loop. Sometimes I can see the 2nd screen where you clear the cache or factory reset for a second then it restarts. Not long enough for me to select anything.

I let the battery drain completely to the point it no longer even says 0%. Didn't help. I charged it. If I select FACTORY (what does that do btw?) It will go to reboot loop. If I select USB it will stay on with that screen. How do you even do USB with a watch? If I select over air I see a different screen of text for a second then it reboot loops.

Is there anything else I can do or is sending out for repair my only option?

[Charkatak]

I haven't played with Watch 4, but maybe USB is when charger is connected to a PC via USB cable and this could be download (wireless) mode. You probably searched around... Here is the Verizon version of the tech page: https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-238907/

https://youtu.be/GtLXxdEzAIo

[AceV]

I figured the charger would be the assumed USB device but I don't think it transmits data. I could be wrong. Also I haven't seen any files to use.

[Charkatak]

I am thinking maybe you need to use Samsung Switch on your PC and it will see the watch and do emergency firmware download. Alternatively try to research if Odin program can also flash watches. I used it to flash phones.

[AceV]

It looks like Odin can with a special wire and hidden port. Older watches have a piece outside you can remove to access the port. It looks like you have to open the 4 and the only wire tutorial I found you have to solder it on. While I'm capable of all of that I'll just let Samsung do it under warranty so I won't be liable. I didn't want to be without it for a week or more. 🥲

[Charkatak]

Never thought that flashing a watch may require some thinkering to do. Always was under the impression that wireless charger can act as a USB cable. Weird that your watch as you mentioned "got stuck..." Was it doing an update or you had to restart it while something was happening in the background?

[AceV]

Nope just driving down the road. Screen off. I don't use AOD. I felt it vibrate so I thought a call was coming. I see the Samsung logo. Oh it restarted, ok. Vibrates 3 more times. I take it off and set in the cup holder until I can search how to recover. Try every option I could and came here. Luckily I just made a backup and didn't install a lot of apps.

I haven't exercised with it, got it wet, or dropped it. I used it for calls, messages, and monitoring heart stuff.

Nothing on screen got stuck. It's stuck in the loop.

[Charkatak]

Something made the OS crash. Do you have carrier mobile data connected?

[AceV]

Yeah. But I'm not sure if it was toggled on at the time.

[Charkatak]

I setup my Watch 4 when I got it and tested for a day or so, installing OS update, app updates. Then put back in the box. Hope the issues is not widespread.