100% functioning
As with practically any other device, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has its fair share of complaints. Some have workarounds, some can be solved with mods or apps, and some seem to have no fix at all.
One common issue on the GS3 is that the GPS won't seem to work at all, refuses to lock onto any satellites, or frequently loses the connection, making it pretty much useless. But there does seem to be a quick (and somewhat unthinkable) solution to this—tightening a few screws.
You don't even have to take the battery out for this!
Just pop off the back cover on your GS3 using a flat head screwdriver, spudger, or your fingernail. Around the phone's edges, there are 10 screws. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to tighten them as much as you can.
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Once you're finished, put the back cover back on and try out your GPS again. You should be able to get a lock on more satellites along with faster navigation and less signal dropping.
If you start to notice issues again, just retighten the screws, just like you would for that wobbly dining room table that always needs retightened.
It may be annoying, but it's free and a lot quicker than getting a new phone. And this should be your first DIY fix tried before resulting to installing new ROMs, flashing back to stock, trying aGPS patches, editing your gps.conf file, uninstalling/reinstalling Maps, etc.
Did this trick work for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Got wonky working Wi-Fi on your GS3? Try out this trick for getting a better signal.
Umm, you're about 4 days late on this one. There is already a thread announcing this fix:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2201668
Related
So I was on YouTube today just browsing through videos and I stumbled upon this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzCZQOsdROc
Well, like the sucker I am, I was going to go to the website and and see how much they wanted for it so I could buy one, because I just HATE THAT STUPID BUZZING!
Went to the site: http://stopthebuzzin.com/
Was looking at pictures:
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Hmm... Looks like it could be anything. Who knows what makes it work.
And then I saw this picture:
Wow, they're silver, but they're semi-transparent! That's just like... an anti-static bag!
So in my infinite wisdom, I went to my cache of antistatic bags and pulled one out. I turned my stereo on and set the phone right in front of it. "Buzzzzzz buzzz buzzzzzzz" came from the speakers. So, I moved it on top of the anti-static bag... and it was GONE!
So yeah, they're just selling mini anti-static bags that come with any new computer part that you buy. You could probably get them for free from your local computer shop.
If you have one laying around... try it! It works!
Great find! I'm surprised I never thought of this, never really annoyed me enough to do research on it.
Now I just need an anti-static bag large enough to house my laptop, which also causes this, but is far worse.
So basically it's an RF shield like most electronics have inside them. However, your phone depends on certain RF frequencies being transmitted, so I can be reasonably certain that using an RF shield could certainly also reduce reception.
So while you could shield nearby wires/speakers, etc, shielding the phone itself would certainly be a bad idea.
Hi,
I experiencing problems with my gps, as it seems to not be working. Don't think it has ever actually has been working, that all my positions where retrieved trough network.
Tried the following:
- upgraded to latest OS(4.4.3),
- updated all my apps
- tested in safe mode
- reset to factory defaults.
And it still doesn't retrieve any position, which makes me concerned it is hardware related. Attached a screenshot from my gps app and version of my nexus 5 Location is set to: High Acuracy
Anyone have any tips??
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I had a similar issue with my Nexus 5. No amount of rebooting/reinstalling was helping, until I realised one corner of my phone was pried open, probably when I dropped it the day before. I pushed it back in, and all of a sugged GPS is back to normal.
So I'm afraid your problem sounds like a hardware issue. Did you drop it recently?
Karolis said:
I had a similar issue with my Nexus 5. No amount of rebooting/reinstalling was helping, until I realised one corner of my phone was pried open, probably when I dropped it the day before. I pushed it back in, and all of a sugged GPS is back to normal.
So I'm afraid your problem sounds like a hardware issue. Did you drop it recently?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Did not loose it all, it was bought dec 2013. Guess I have to return it
I have a Sprint Galaxy S5. Unfortunately it had an accident and fell screen first.
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[if image fails to load, direct link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0by59it1wk8xy1m/IMG_0002.JPG?dl=0]
It powers on, all sensors function fine, the digitizer works, the touch sensor works, and the rotation works. The insurance deductible is $180 I believe. I dont want to pay that and risk getting a refurbished phone since it is only 2 weeks old.
Are there outfits that are NOT Samsung Repair that can replace the glass? That is all that seems to be broken.
Also are there other things that are possibly damaged that i am not aware of? it fell from about chest hight while texting onto a concrete sidewalk screenside first. Everything works so far it's just very finger slicey. Advice on what is also possibly broken or could break if not careful until i finally get it fixed would also be great. Thank you.
Quick search found these links.
Galaxy S5 teardown: New design makes repairing a cracked screen much easier
http://www.cnet.com/news/galaxy-s5-teardown-new-design-makes-repairing-a-cracked-screen-much-easier/
Amazon repair parts
http://www.amazon.com/display-Screen-Digitizer-Assembly-Samsung/dp/B00JOZWEDS
You also need the tools and skill. I wouldn't try on a new phone. If you rip it apart and ruin it insurance doesn't cover that.
Then you have this option to keep your phone which will be "refurbished" afterwards.
http://www.ubreakifix.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-glass-lcd-replacement/
I got bored one fine day and decided to create a hidden book case for the HP touchpad, which I bought ages ago like so many others at the firesale prices.
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I followed directions on how to do this here: https://heatherrivers.com/how-to-hollow-out-a-book
It took a little running around, getting an appropriately sized book, gathering the glue, clamping everything together, cutting out the center, sizing everything properly, and so on.
The result speaks for itself. I got a lot of compliments for it, however, and I suppose that makes it worth it.
I don’t really use it anymore, since the touchpad now resides on the touchstone, and is used for occasional news browsing and primarily as an active photo frame, randomly displaying assorted images I’ve loaded onto it.
As an amusing aside, I let the nieces borrow this along with the touchpad for a while, and a friend of the sister-in-law’s dropped by their place, where she was initially thrilled to see the book itself, being a big fan of Fleetwood Mac. Her pleasure upon finding a good book about her favorite band turned rapidly to surprise and ultimately dismay upon seeing that the center of this book was hollowed out to receive a tablet computer. :crying: (*Sad trombone sound*)
So what are your thoughts on this nifty little item?
I'm not using this anymore, does anyone here want to buy this?
(My touchpad largely resides now on the touchstone as a animated picture frame)
Hi guys
I am really having some trouble loving my S10e. The phone would be great - if it wasn't for the screen. The glass is simply glued on the front and thus sticks out by 0.75mm. The corners are not rounded but quite sharp. When I put the phone to my ear, the sharp end scratches my ear and it feels uncomfortable. On top of that, with the glass being exposed like that, it obviously lead to it cracking within the first 3 weeks (see
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).
Is this the same for all S10e? I have searched the Internet for any reviews or complaints mentioning this issue, to no avail. I simply can't believe that this is normal (I have never seen a phone with the glass glued on like that).
Cheers,
Will
This sounds like a faulty handset to me. You'll need to see if you can get it replaced under warranty.
Unfortunately as with all Android phones, this will mean sending your current handset off somewhere and waiting up to 2 weeks to have it inspected, repaired or replaced. You'll need to make sure you have a spare handset lying around. This is one of the things I hate about Androids compared to iPhones. Maybe try putting on a case to see if it helps?
If you had an iPhone, you'll have been able to book an appointment and have your iPhone replaced the same day.
Hey Wutang, thanks a lot for your reply! And all along I thought the glass being glued on like that was (a little silly but) normal for the S10e. I have contacted Samsung again, so I guess we will see.