NanoPi-R6S: Unbricking fails

[suranyami]

I somehow managed to brick my NanoPi-R6S, but can't unbrick it. Here's the series of events:

• Install new OS (DietPi) on the NanoPi-6S eMMC using the official multi-OS micro-SD-to-eMMC `eflasher` image.
• Generate a new password for `root` and `dietpi` to a long, secure generated password from 1Password.
• Somehow managed to copy something else before pasting the passwords into the "Set password" tool.
• Tried dozens of possible variations of passwords, including the original default, the generated one and multiple other potentials. All failed.
• Attempt to reinstall the OS again using above micro-SD card flasher.
• NanoPi-R6S will only boot off eMMC.
• Attempt to unbrick, using the instructions from the wiki: https://wiki.friendlyelec.com/wiki/inde ... FMac_Users
• Hold down MASK button, power on, release after 4 seconds.
• System boots into DietPi, ignoring the micro-SD.
• Connected USB-A to USB-A cable and ran `upgrade_tool LD`, shows 0 devices.

I can't erase the eMMC, because the MASK button seems to be doing nothing, and it refuses to boot from the micro-SD. I tried an external USB drive with the `eflasher` image, but got the same result.

So, what now?

[martinchatgpt]

I have same problem at R5C but with some difference. My R5C could connect as MASKROM mode and eMMC can be erased but not boot from SD card nor eMMC at all.