Hey, how did you install the Global 8.1 and that too on August? I mean, is your bootloader already unlocked? If the answer is yes, then you firstly need to edit the SKUID so that the device could recognize itself as a WW unit and not a CN unit. You need root access to edit the SKUID.

I am also interested in knowing what exactly happens with Google Services? Because my understanding says that only OTA updates should be broken if you flash the global version without editing the SKUID, Play Services should work fine as they are also part of the CN ROM and works okay there too. So, when you open Play Store or any other Google app, does it fail to connect to network? Or does it fail to open up at all?

Hi, it is a tough task getting the messages to a PC in offline & readable state. If you only intend to read them, then E2PDF is a nice app which you can use to get individual conversations converted to a PDF file. This cannot be restored back to the device.

If your only motive is to take a backup to restore later on the phone, then you can use many backup apps. The output is hard to be viewed on a computer, but that can be restored back using the same apps and read again on the phone. One good app which I like is SMS Backup & Restore.

The latter is a better option since you can restore those SMS to any Android phone in the future and they can be easily read/referred to.

@aks The only thing I can probably say in this regards is to try and flash the stock (factory) software using OST. For it to work, you will need to unlock the bootloader. If that does not solve it, it would be a likely hardware issue with the modem.

@aks What I know is that there are some people who have had issues with data connectivity after updating to Android 8.1. So, they are currently staying on Android 8.0 and not agreeing to update. There's a thread on XDA regarding that. That said, I have not encountered anybody whose device does not connect to 2G networks.

Is the issue from the beginning? Like when your device was still running 7.1? Did you try to manually set the preferred network type as 2G? Does the phone entirely lose reception at this point?

Can you also please check how your device's preferred network is set when you dial *#*#4636#*#* and go to phone information? Mine is set as TD-SCDMA/CDMA/UMTS and it just works on Vodafone's 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. My Android build version is 00CN_2_24B_SP02. Hopefully, yours is also the same.

Is your friend's device also updated to Android 8.1? I'm not sure why there are differences on the same device running the same OS version.

Hi Aks, which operator are you using it with? It tends to work fine at either 2G or 3G or 4G with my Vodafone SIM. Your issue might be related to the network bands used in China vs those used in India.

He Dree, Google will take some time to automatically enable the new design of Gmail for all of the users. Till then, you will need to manually change the setting to receive the new looks of Gmail. Here's how:

1. Open Gmail on your Desktop/Laptop.
2. Click on Settings (gear icon).
3. Choose Try the new Gmail.

The page will reload and take you to the new design of Gmail. Follow the welcome guide to learn all that's new in Gmail.

Hi, were you able to connect to your server earlier? It seems like there's is an issue on the server side. Ensure that you are using the correct values for server address and your server is set to accept incoming connections at the port you are trying to connect to.

Hi Bharath, it is sad that rediff is asking you money for using your account which was offered free of cost to you. That's another story that unused accounts continue to use system resources without bringing in any sort of revenue. So, if it is as per their TOS, it is a fair decision. Now, coming to your questions:

1. There is no other way to activate your account. If the system is asking you to make a payment, then you just have to do that before gaining access to your rediffmail account.
2. No, you will not get your old emails. This is already specified in the screenshot which you have attached. See where it reads "data associated with your mailbox has been deleted".

Rediff must have warned you with several notification emails before finally deactivating your account and deleting all associated data. So, you won't get it back anymore.

Now, you should rethink if you really want to re-open your account. Making a payment of Rs. 49 + taxes will only make sense if you intend to use Rediffmail in the future.

When did you apply for the refund? Since it is international, it may take a couple of days to credit after a refund is processed.

Thank you for the instructions, Lewis. I'm sure these will help somebody. Keep up the good work!