[Q] galaxy s3 no longer connects to 4g. 3g not staying connected! HELP! - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I bought my s3 in March of this year, and everything was working just fine until May. It's an awsome phone and I love it. However, since May, my phone no longer connects to 4g EVER and the 3g comes and goes and never stays connected for more than 10 minutes while in use. I've NEVER even come CLOSE to reaching my plans provided 2.5GB of data, so I know that's not the issue. The phone has never been dropped, or wet, as I am always very delicate with my phones. I have never placed it too close to the TV...
I contacted Boost mobile. They gave me a long list of things to try. I have tried EVERYTHING: making sure the mobile networks is checked, preferred network setting CDMA/LTE, soft reset, clear browser cache, update PRL, profile update, software update, firmware update, ##72786#, and even did a factory reset. Nothing helped. Boost said there was nothing else they could do for me, and that I needed to contact samsung.
Samsung said the only way for them to find the problem is for me to send them my phone, and wait 2 to 4 weeks for them to revise it and send it back. That's not an option as I need my phone monday through friday for my job. (UPDATE: I got so irritated with this problem that I went ahead and bought an LG Volt, since I didn't have the money to buy another galaxy. It's nice but I don't like it as much. I'm still afraid to send the Galaxy into Samsung. They have expressed to me that if they can't find an issue(just my luck), or if they find the issue to be my fault(IE I put the phone too close to a credit card magnet or some dumb crap like that), then they will charge me not only for the parts and labor, but for the return shipping... and we all know that they'll charge me way more than the phone is worth.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if there's anyway to fix it without having to send my phone in to samsung? I have been told, also, that I could try reflashing the phone to it's original firmware and software, but I am afraid of screwing the phone up since I've never done anything like that before.
Thanks!

Related

Need ADVICE!! Please help.

I lost my phone last night in a yellow cab in NYC.
I had the tasker setup to locate phone when i text it a certain mssg.
I tried this morning to track down my phone but the taxi was all over the place and its nearly impossible to get my phone because even when it did stop moving...the adress it gave me was a large apt building and theres no way i can get my phone back even if i do know its in the building somewhere.....
I need any advice i can get please.
I would get in touch with the cab company.
Walk into the apartment with dual Uzis and go door-to-door until someone looks scared ****less. No, but seriously, just call the cab company, ask if anyone used the cab to arrive at that apartment or near the area, then yeah, how you confront them I'm not too sure.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/sub_lost_prop_inquiry.shtml
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
The worst part about this is knowing where it is and knowing i have a limited amount of time to find it before its gone forever...and as far as i can see i think its still in the cab as ive been tracking the phone by gps and its been all over the city....I just dont know the cab medallion number and its nearly impossible to catch this cab driving around in the city.
I don't know if tasker gives you network or GPS location. There is an app called lookout plan b. You can install it from market.android.com from a computer onto your phone remotely and locate your phone with GPS. If that's more accurate, that may help you track it down easier.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Have you tried calling the phone?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Entropy512 said:
Have you tried calling the phone?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Entropy ive tried many times and at first it just seemed that it was still in the back of the cab unnoticed as no one was picking up. I went online and suspended my service and i also know now that the battery has died since my gps location isnt responding anymore and when tried to call goes straight to voicemail now.
One thing is that i checked my call log online and noticed there was a 911 call made from the phone yesterday at around 7pm. The phone is locked so he must have either tried to get in thru the emergency call or called 911 to report the missing phone.
Either way i called the 2 precincts in Manhattan that receive lost items and claim nothing was brought in. It seems to me that even if it was, they would not want to tell me anyway, and are really rude.
I lost my chance of finding the phone as it is dead now and the service has been cancelled. maybe if someone tries to charge it up and turns it on i can try to track it again.
I had no insurance on the phone. But i did pay for the phone with my american express gold card and they have a protection plan that covers stolen/ accidental damage till 90 days after purchase. I sent a claim to them so hopefully they will reimburse me the money paid . Then i called ATT to mail me another sim card to my house. My brother has an upgrade and i spoke to the rep and he said i can do a cross upgrade where i can get a phone for the upgrade price without having his line added to a data plan as well.
In the end i might get the same phone back for free but with having another line on my family plan under a 2 year contract. I loved that phone a lot...running your kernel and unnamed. Even if i get the same phone again...idk if it will be the same for me lol.
Also im so stupid i didnt have any nandroid backups on my comp and were only on my sd card. lucky i had titanium backup stored in my dropbox so that is good.
Also lookout for android is ****. After i realized i had lost it...i upgraded to lookout premium for 14 days free trial and tried to lock and wipe my phone. didnt work. tried to locate my phone using that as it stated it might be more accurate. didnt work. tried to use the scream function. didnt work. nothing worked and i tried searching forums and i think a lot of ppl have problems with it not working... I should have tested it out before i actually needed it.
Also thank god for 1.3.1 update that fixed the lock screen issue that i installed a couple days ago...otherwise all my info was just out in the open....im still worried tho...wish the stupid wipe function worked.

Called Verizon trying for replacement. They said put in safe mode.

I told them that my phone was overheating and would freeze and shut off while on and off the charger after updating to ME7 (which it actually does). They told me to put it in safe mode for 24 hours and see what they find. I know I have to unroot it before putting it in safe mode. Anyone else have to do this to get a replacement? How did it work out for you?
That sounds like BS to me. Someone might tell you this in hopes that you somehow solve your own problem. But, I would just get irate and tell them that it's their responsibility so give me a claim number and tell me where to send the phone.
Heatshiver said:
That sounds like BS to me. Someone might tell you this in hopes that you somehow solve your own problem. But, I would just get irate and tell them that it's their responsibility so give me a claim number and tell me where to send the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just tell them you already put it in safe mode and still will not work
justinisloco said:
Or just tell them you already put it in safe mode and still will not work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To enter safe mode tap F8 while booting....
Sigh Verizon and their Walmart Techs.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
I called verizon today, talked to the tech told him my phone kept losing 4g service and dropping my wifi signal all the time. Told them I restored it already twice and it didn't fix the issue. Tech said looks like you covered all area's you'll recieve your replacement in 2-4 days.
It's that simple :good:
My replacement phone I just received 2 days ago had no wifi strength and the bluetooth would skip when I was holding the phone (anyone ever heard of that happening?) I called them last night and told them I done everything I was supposed to (factory reset, troubleshooting) they over-nighted me a CLNR got it this morning. I'd call again and ask for someone else because I've never heard of safe mode on the phone-they just didn't want to do their job I believe....
I just wanted to make sure they can't get inside your phone or anything by putting it in safe mode. What should I tell them when I call back. Any messages or info come up when I take it out of safe mode that the tech may ask for?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Four tries before working replacement
I too had overheat problems w/ my phone(s). Including the original phone Verizon sent me four phones before a fulling working one arrived. The certified program, in my experience, is crap. I've gone through multiple models, S4 & Razr MAxx, when phones were replaced for faulty operation. Good news is the last, working, model S4 I recieved was still on MDK. It was rooted within the hour after receiving it. Eclipse ROM and never a problem since. Be persistent, call back as often as needed, and don't take no for an answer. And safe mode, bunch of bull****. Factory reset is only reliable fix. About half the time...
Denvertoad said:
I too had overheat problems w/ my phone(s). Including the original phone Verizon sent me four phones before a fulling working one arrived. The certified program, in my experience, is crap. I've gone through multiple models, S4 & Razr MAxx, when phones were replaced for faulty operation. Good news is the last, working, model S4 I recieved was still on MDK. It was rooted within the hour after receiving it. Eclipse ROM and never a problem since. Be persistent, call back as often as needed, and don't take no for an answer. And safe mode, bunch of bull****. Factory reset is only reliable fix. About half the time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What they said-def keep calling back. I read in a post a few months back about someone saying Verizon was able to get into our phones to help look for the problem not sure how truthful that is-but I would not allow them to hop into your phone they could prob see if you rooted or not. My replacement was MDK thankfully all the bloat they put on these phones really burn me up. And sometimes it does take several replacements before you find one that is perfect-my husband went through 7 Rezound's before he got a good working one. Now I'm the one with the issues LOL

[Q] Lumia 920 (Black) Tethering Issue, NOT THE NORMAL ISSUE!!!

Hey everyone... I just spent a good bit of time surfing/searching the forums for a problem similar to mine, but found none. ATT tech help hasnt been much help as of yet, but Im going to try to call one more time today.
My phone is a Lumia 920 with the latest updates. I have NOT installed the APN settings app or anything like that. I have a 10GB shared data plan with my wife.
Here is the issue...if I have recently power cycled my phone, I can go to internet sharing, turn it on, connect whatever I want to my phone, and it works perfect. I can then finish, turn off internet sharing (or let it time out), and later turn it back on again...MAYBE.
Sometimes it will let me connect 2 or 3 more times, then I get the standard error message "Connection Not Shared. To enable tethering on this device, go to att.com/mywireless or dial 611.". If I power cycle the phone though, I am able to tether again just fine for a few sessions.
Anyone else having this intermittent issue? I dont want to have to keep power cycling my phone. Thats a PITA and in my opinion unnecessary. Im tethering to a Nexus 7 when I do it...and between this issue and NFC being lame, Im about to switch to a Galaxy phone haha. And I LOVE my WP8, so that hurts for me to say!
Any ideas?
Justin
ghettocruiser said:
Hey everyone... I just spent a good bit of time surfing/searching the forums for a problem similar to mine, but found none. ATT tech help hasnt been much help as of yet, but Im going to try to call one more time today.
My phone is a Lumia 920 with the latest updates. I have NOT installed the APN settings app or anything like that. I have a 10GB shared data plan with my wife.
Here is the issue...if I have recently power cycled my phone, I can go to internet sharing, turn it on, connect whatever I want to my phone, and it works perfect. I can then finish, turn off internet sharing (or let it time out), and later turn it back on again...MAYBE.
Sometimes it will let me connect 2 or 3 more times, then I get the standard error message "Connection Not Shared. To enable tethering on this device, go to att.com/mywireless or dial 611.". If I power cycle the phone though, I am able to tether again just fine for a few sessions.
Anyone else having this intermittent issue? I dont want to have to keep power cycling my phone. Thats a PITA and in my opinion unnecessary. Im tethering to a Nexus 7 when I do it...and between this issue and NFC being lame, Im about to switch to a Galaxy phone haha. And I LOVE my WP8, so that hurts for me to say!
Any ideas?
Justin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I recently gave up my unlimited data plan and went to the same 10 gig plan, I never really use more than that anyways and it's absurdly cheaper. That said, I too get the same error. Before I thought it was because I was on an unlimited data plan, After spending an hour in chat with a tech support rep, he's telling me it's that my OS Version 8.0.10521.155 is wrong, and he wanted to know where I got it from. I told him I ota'ed it, which wasn't a complete lie, but it is an ATT phone that I loaded a Rogers ROM onto and then the ATT Developer ROM which then OTA'ed to GDR3 .
I had to run and didn't get to finish the chat, but I mostly wanted to check and see if you too had loaded the Developer ROM onto your 920, or if you managed to fix your issue.
I have a feeling that they won't send me a replacement because I voided whatever implied warranty with switching the firmware. But I'll fight that fight tomorrow.
Etaduck said:
So I recently gave up my unlimited data plan and went to the same 10 gig plan, I never really use more than that anyways and it's absurdly cheaper. That said, I too get the same error. Before I thought it was because I was on an unlimited data plan, After spending an hour in chat with a tech support rep, he's telling me it's that my OS Version 8.0.10521.155 is wrong, and he wanted to know where I got it from. I told him I ota'ed it, which wasn't a complete lie, but it is an ATT phone that I loaded a Rogers ROM onto and then the ATT Developer ROM which then OTA'ed to GDR3 .
I had to run and didn't get to finish the chat, but I mostly wanted to check and see if you too had loaded the Developer ROM onto your 920, or if you managed to fix your issue.
I have a feeling that they won't send me a replacement because I voided whatever implied warranty with switching the firmware. But I'll fight that fight tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only did the official updates on the phone. Actually...I wasnt really keeping up with the updates because it drove me crazy in the past haha. When I had my Focus with WP7 on it, it was like an obsession. So now its more of a nice surprise when I see the update alert haha.
But in any case....Ive talked to ATT twice now, and they want me to factory reset. They're theory is that something got messed up during an update. A blip in the data transfer, minute loss of WiFi interrupting things, etc. The problem with this is, I DO NOT feel like resetting the phone. I have over 10gb of stuff Ide need to move off. I dont watn all that backed up to the cloud... I have my settings, homescreen, apps...its all how I want it and I hate putting things back. But, I will probably do it. Because the alternative is getting a different phone and I cant do that until December.
This is getting really old. Im at the point where when Im packing up to head home from work, I turn my phone off, then turn it on as Im walking down the steps. I wait until I can turn it on before I start my car, so my tablet connects quicker. If I wait too long between turning the phone on, and trying to activate internet sharing, or if I activate it, and it times out...no guarantee it will turn back on again. Thats another thing, Ide like to be able to tell it NOT to turn off. If Im running into the store real fast or something, I want to leave it hot. My tablet goes to sleep on loss of power, so I cant even leave it in the car because its disconnected anyway.
Annoying...
Justin

Does Verizon still send out new S4's?

So, I've been having an issue with sending SMS messages on my S3 for awhile, and Verizon determined that it was an MIN collision issue from an S3 I had stolen last fall. Basically, I can't send text messages at all, and it's been this way since February. I tried network reset, top tier tech tickets with VZW, phone reset, ROM wipe, new SIM card, etc. Nothing worked. So Sunday I call, and the guy told me the antennae on the S3 was buggy, and that maybe the new MIN on the network wasn't downloading to the phone right. SO, he tells me that he can send me a new (in the original manufacturer's packaging, not refurbished) S4 as a replacement since I'd tried everything else. Even though it had a locked bootloader, I agree, as I really want my texting back. I received it not an hour ago, and it's a refurbished model, not even in the original f**king box. So, my question is, does Verizon still have new S4 devices to send out? If they do, do I have a valid reason to call and complain since what I was told on the phone, on a recorded call, is different from what I actually received? Thanks in advance for all help
Vorfidus said:
So, I've been having an issue with sending SMS messages on my S3 for awhile, and Verizon determined that it was an MIN collision issue from an S3 I had stolen last fall. Basically, I can't send text messages at all, and it's been this way since February. I tried network reset, top tier tech tickets with VZW, phone reset, ROM wipe, new SIM card, etc. Nothing worked. So Sunday I call, and the guy told me the antennae on the S3 was buggy, and that maybe the new MIN on the network wasn't downloading to the phone right. SO, he tells me that he can send me a new (in the original manufacturer's packaging, not refurbished) S4 as a replacement since I'd tried everything else. Even though it had a locked bootloader, I agree, as I really want my texting back. I received it not an hour ago, and it's a refurbished model, not even in the original f**king box. So, my question is, does Verizon still have new S4 devices to send out? If they do, do I have a valid reason to call and complain since what I was told on the phone, on a recorded call, is different from what I actually received? Thanks in advance for all help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They probably do, but very few amounts. They probably needed more space for the S5. You could call them and complain that a Verizon Rep told you that you would get a new S4 from them. Unless the rep lied, or he didn't say that you would get a "new" S4, Verizon can't really deny your claim.

Wi-Fi automatically turns off

Has anyone else experienced issues with wifi turning itself off? It seems to do so at random times throughout the day, sometimes even 30 seconds after turning it on, while my daughter it's watching YouTube, or while I'm surfing the internet.
I have been using automagic to turn it back on, but it's annoying when I'm on the internet and a page fails to load since the wifi suddenly disconnected itself.
I have disabled all the T-Mobile settings under diagnostics, and enable wifi while the screen is off, but it didn't fix the issue. I have factory reset the device, and even on setup it disabled itself 3 times while trying to setup. I don't use data, so I stick with wifi for receiving emails, which is why I want it always on.
Anyone else? If it's normal for this phone, I'll just suck it up and deal with it, otherwise I'll send it off to LG, but wanted to check with folks here, first.
I ended up contacting LG and shipped the phone to them this afternoon.
me too
Mine does this too and is also a T Mobile variant. Was hoping someone here would have a solution. I bought mine used, so no point in trying to send it back to LG though. Did you by chance download the MM update? Wondering if there's something T mobileish that doesn't play well, but I doubt it.
Just a thought..make sure there aren't any of the options turned on under "Smart Settings" in the settings menu. Some of the options turn off/on Wifi when you are in a specific location.
Tileus said:
Mine does this too and is also a T Mobile variant. Was hoping someone here would have a solution. I bought mine used, so no point in trying to send it back to LG though. Did you by chance download the MM update? Wondering if there's something T mobileish that doesn't play well, but I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did take the MM update. Unfortunately I've sent the phone in to LG two times for this issue, and they still haven't fixed it. Just got the phone back today, and sure enough, the wifi turns off after a few minutes. It even turns itself off a few times when going through the activation process. I'm pretty sure this is the last time I will by an LG phone.
I just called LG to request another shipping label. He asked the obligatory, "have you pulled the battery and put it back in, factory reset the device, or anything else that has nothing to do with your issue?". I just don't understand why they have no quality control. The first time they replaced the camera and said it fixed the wifi issues. The second time they did replace the bluetooth and wifi module, but again, they didn't even check to see if it was resolved.
I asked the LG rep how to get the issue resolved, and he said I'll have to ship it back to them. What good it will do to ship it out a third time, I don't know. This is getting really irritating.
KingVeto said:
Just a thought..make sure there aren't any of the options turned on under "Smart Settings" in the settings menu. Some of the options turn off/on Wifi when you are in a specific location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea, but nothing turned on there.
Turns out that if I take my sim card out (Lycamobile, a MVNO running on T-Mobile's network), I don't have trouble with the wifi turning off, at least not yet after 6 hours. I'll try putting my sim card back in and see if the issue comes back, then try an unactivated T-Mobile sim card.
I'm guessing LG could never repro the issue.
Didn't matter which sim card I used, the wifi would turn itself off. Since it didn't seem to happen when no sim card was present, it makes me wonder if it was software related. I couldn't find anything, and nuked all the permissions to the T-Mobile apps, but it was still broken.
Off to LG for the third time. The normal LG customer service says they only do ground shipping for repairs, but the supervisor was able to get me an overnight label when I asked for faster shipping, so that helps. I also asked for a new (or refurbished) phone, but he said that was up to the repair technician.
Just got the phone back today. LG can't fix the device, yet they refuse to replace it. I've sent it in 3 times, and the issue is still not resolved. Turn on wifi, find and start to download an app, and it says no connection. Look, and the wifi is back off. Or YouTube. Or browsing the internet. Or doing nothing at all. Just turns itself off.
I get the phone back for a day, and immediately send it back in. Supervisors are useless - the only thing they can do is get you overnight shipping instead of ground. But the repair facility won't acknowledge it for two days after it arrives when it's overnight shipping.
Sick and tired of LG. LG says there is nothing they can do if the repair facility deems that it's fixable. They won't send a new or refurbished phone. The only course of action I have, per two supervisors, is to send it back in, and there is no other way. And the repair facility doesn't test to make sure their fix actually addresses the problem. No quality checks whatsoever. What a worthless company.
Sent back a fourth time, and just received it back after waiting another two weeks. Each technician just replaces the wifi/Bluetooth module but doesn't bother checking to see if the issue is fixed, which it's not. What's worse, is this time it looks like the phone has been dropped. I sent an almost brand-new phone to them (no scratches or blemishes), and now the metal bezel on one of the sides is all scratched up.
Waiting for a call back from yet another supervisor. My BBB complaint just has a response saying, we see that it was shipped back to you. They didn't even read the claim. Typical LG. I guess it's from corporate all the way down the chain. But if your superiors don't care, why would the underlings?
No more LG phones for me after this. These games are ridiculous, and it keeps getting worse (now my phone is all scratched up).
Received the phone back after the 5th "repair". Same issue with the WiFi, and the scratches on the bezel weren't addressed. BBB case was closed automatically after a week, despite them saying I had 10 days to respond.
I had thought about rooting and uninstalling the T-Mobile bloat before sending it to them for the third time, but figured I'd give LG another chance. I should have just done it, as removing all T-Mobile apps fixed the issue. Merely nuking the permissions from the apps had not previously done the trick.
Now I just have a scratched up phone, which I think I'll just live with rather than risk LG messing up something else, not to mention that rooting voids the warranty.

Categories

Resources