My S20 FE 5G (AT&T) that I bought in November 2020 has four major issues going on:
Intermittent screen issues ("ghost typing")
Fast wireless charging doesn't work. It'll say Fast Wireless Charging for about a second but then revert to slow sub 5 watt wireless charging. The time remaining will indicate fast wireless charging, but then the estimated charging time will double and it'll go into slow wireless charging mode. I've tried four different wireless chargers and they all do the same thing.
No OTA software updates. Ever. The phone swears that it is up to date when I know for a fact that it isn't. I should be on the January patch but I'm stuck on December. I had to actually go to and pay a uBreakiFix store $52.00 to have my phone manually updated to One UI 3.0 and Android 11 when that update came out because my phone simply wouldn't get it. AT&T confirmed that the IMEI was all correct in their system. I'm currently disputing that updating charge with my bank.
Nothing that uses a data connection, whether that be 5G or WiFi doesn't work. It keeps saying that the connection failed and the like.
With my phone, I included a hand written list of these issues that I was having, and what I've done to try to solve the problem. I even wrote down the Baseband version that my phone should be on, which matches the update information on AT&T's website.
I shipped my phone on Monday and it got to the repair facility in Plano Texas yesterday. To be honest, I don't know with this many glitches going on how you can fix this in just the software. I am just really hoping that there's nothing still wrong with my phone when I get it back, either repaired or replaced. I get a little paranoid that it'll come back to me and that something will still not work. My hope is that they test every single thing on the phone to make sure that it works.
What do you guys think?
Related
Quick version:
My phone got really hot and since then I've had no to very poor reception. Got a new SIM card from VZW and went back to stock (multiple times) with the same results.
Long drawn out version:
So I've had my phone for over a year (preorderd the keep my unlimited data plan) rooted it as soon as I could (though I think I waited a week or two) and have had no trouble loading various ROMs (ASOP and TW). A few weeks ago, when the Unofficial CM 10.2 came out I decided to try it (full wipe, coming from a CM 10.1 port) and while my battery drained very fast, it was stable. An update was released and I saw people were commenting positive on the battery life so I flashed the update (just flashed over). The next day my battery was draining even faster (full charge at 7pm, 30% by 10pm) so I charged it while at work. A few points through out the day I recall it getting warm (while idle with no apps open). Leaving work it got hot enough while in my pocket I had to take it out and pull the battery. After letting it cool down, the battery was dead.. let it charge up and did a full wipe to revert back to a CM 10.1 port (I think it was liquid but not 100% positive). Since then, my signal has been spotty though WiFi works. On a fresh boot, I'll have full LTE, then it drops down to 1x within 5 min... down to nothing after 10 min. I wasn't able to send or receive calls either (tested with my work cellphone, went straight to voice mail). I've tried flashing various modems (VRLG1, VRBMA2, VRBMF1) and tried going back to the CM10.2 with no luck... I then went back to stock (ICS) with similar results.
Thinking the SIM card may have been fried I called VZW and explained my situation (not mentioning that I was rooted, just the phone had overheated and I did a "factory reset"). With the wait on the SIM card, I activated my old HTC Incredible just so I can have a usable phone. I got the replacement SIM card today (still on stock ICS) and it was able to activate. But after 5min my signal dropped down to nothing. Enable/Disable Airplane mode the signal goes back to 4G and after 5 min (estimate) it drops back down. I then tried a stock JB (through odin) and this one states 4G available but the browser just hangs and doesn't load. I was able to send and receive calls for one attempt, the next just hangs when sending, and receiving goes right to voice mail.
I'm to the point where I'm thinking something got fried with the radio and need to buy a replacement phone. Just figure I should post something here and get a solution that may save me a few hundred bucks.
If anyone has any advice on this I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
-Mike
I just experienced something similar. I got my S3 in Feb and it's been just fine. Last week, I discovered that I was not receiving phone calls (people who called me said my phone would ring until it eventually went to voicemail but my phone would be sitting next to me and never ring). I then found that I could not hold a call for more than 20 seconds before the call would start breaking up and drop. I could hold a choppy call if on speakerphone or BT but the second I would pick up the phone, it would drop the call and state either "Call was lost" or "No signal".
I had not made any software changes to my phone so there did not appear to be any reason as to why this started. I tried everything from changing roms, reverting back to stock, changing basebands, etc. Nothing seemed to work. The strange thing is that I had a perfect wifi and 4G connection.....the signal was strong and would not fluctuate in this case. I would receive text messages just fine as well but making or receiving a call would just kill the signal.
I was able to get by using Spare Phone and having people call my Google Voice # (even on a 4G connection, calls worked very well). I called VZW to troubleshoot (obviously not mentioning I was rooted or unlocked) and after doing some testing with them, they agreed a new sim would not help and it was a physical defect with the phone. Under normal circumstances, they would have sent me a CLNR but, unfortunately, I had a small crack in the corner of the screen (completely unrelated to this -- happened months ago). Since I have insurance, they advised that I just file a claim with Asurion for the cracked display and pay $99 for a new device. Sending it back to VZW would be a gamble -- if they didn't see the crack then it would have been a free CLNR. If they did see it, then it's a $535 charge for the replacement. I ended going through Asurion who sent me a brand new phone and it's working beautify.
Not trying to hijack your thread by sharing my story but the only thing I can think of that may have caused my issue was that I used an external battery to charge the phone while it was off. I noticed when I unplugged the device from the battery, the phone still thought it was being charged (LED light still light and charging animation was still going). It stayed like that for around 5 minutes until I pulled the battery and eventually started the phone back up. I noticed the issue with reception about 3 days after that. It's possible that when the phone is off, either the charging circuit or software isn't properly regulating the power which may result in an overcharge leading to damage of the components.
Did you charge to full while the phone was off using a non-oem charger? If I were you, I would try calling VZW and see if they will offer you a CLNR assuming the phone is still in good condition. I'm willing to bet there is nothing you are able to do to fix the issue at this point ---- you could try taking out the screws on the back and checking for a loose antenna connection but it sounds more like electrical damage based on your information.
mdecker said:
Quick version:
My phone got really hot and since then I've had no to very poor reception. Got a new SIM card from VZW and went back to stock (multiple times) with the same results.
Long drawn out version:
So I've had my phone for over a year (preorderd the keep my unlimited data plan) rooted it as soon as I could (though I think I waited a week or two) and have had no trouble loading various ROMs (ASOP and TW). A few weeks ago, when the Unofficial CM 10.2 came out I decided to try it (full wipe, coming from a CM 10.1 port) and while my battery drained very fast, it was stable. An update was released and I saw people were commenting positive on the battery life so I flashed the update (just flashed over). The next day my battery was draining even faster (full charge at 7pm, 30% by 10pm) so I charged it while at work. A few points through out the day I recall it getting warm (while idle with no apps open). Leaving work it got hot enough while in my pocket I had to take it out and pull the battery. After letting it cool down, the battery was dead.. let it charge up and did a full wipe to revert back to a CM 10.1 port (I think it was liquid but not 100% positive). Since then, my signal has been spotty though WiFi works. On a fresh boot, I'll have full LTE, then it drops down to 1x within 5 min... down to nothing after 10 min. I wasn't able to send or receive calls either (tested with my work cellphone, went straight to voice mail). I've tried flashing various modems (VRLG1, VRBMA2, VRBMF1) and tried going back to the CM10.2 with no luck... I then went back to stock (ICS) with similar results.
Thinking the SIM card may have been fried I called VZW and explained my situation (not mentioning that I was rooted, just the phone had overheated and I did a "factory reset"). With the wait on the SIM card, I activated my old HTC Incredible just so I can have a usable phone. I got the replacement SIM card today (still on stock ICS) and it was able to activate. But after 5min my signal dropped down to nothing. Enable/Disable Airplane mode the signal goes back to 4G and after 5 min (estimate) it drops back down. I then tried a stock JB (through odin) and this one states 4G available but the browser just hangs and doesn't load. I was able to send and receive calls for one attempt, the next just hangs when sending, and receiving goes right to voice mail.
I'm to the point where I'm thinking something got fried with the radio and need to buy a replacement phone. Just figure I should post something here and get a solution that may save me a few hundred bucks.
If anyone has any advice on this I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
-Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is likely to be something wrong with the phone itself. You did everything you can possibly do to fix it yourself.
So since yesterday I went back to CM 10.2 ROM and I'm able to send and receive calls but then, it may be spotty.
Artimis said:
Did you charge to full while the phone was off using a non-oem charger? If I were you, I would try calling VZW and see if they will offer you a CLNR assuming the phone is still in good condition. I'm willing to bet there is nothing you are able to do to fix the issue at this point ---- you could try taking out the screws on the back and checking for a loose antenna connection but it sounds more like electrical damage based on your information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM USB cable when I'm at my computer plugged into a USB Hub (one port for charging) and at night I have it plugged into a dock (forget what brand, got it free when my bro ordered one for his HTC ONE and they shipped one for an S4)
jmxc23 said:
There is likely to be something wrong with the phone itself. You did everything you can possibly do to fix it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I figured, just hoping it could have been software related.
Found a used Galaxy Nexus cheap so I ordered one of those... should tie me over till I'm ready to get a better phone next year (or later).
Thanks for the help.
Hey guys. I've been banging my head on the desk for a few weeks now and have now given up on self-help.
I drunkenly dropped my phone and even though it had one of those soft rubber fishbone cases, the screen cracked. It worked just fine until the next day or so until the phone stopped connecting to the cell network 90% of the time. For the first week after the connection issues, it would connect to only LTE but for about 5 minutes, then have a period of 30 minutes to an hour of no connectivity. During the LTE on-time, I couldn't send/receive text messages or make calls. I was confused, but figured it was because I live in an area with poor reception. Gradually over the last week, the phone's ability to connect to anything at all except Wifi has turned to absolutely null.
I just took the phone apart completely, checking all antennas and contact points but nothing was helping. I just ordered a new antenna from eBay to see if a transplant with an OEM part will help. We'll see how that goes when it gets here.
When I powered the phone back on after a complete disassembly/reassembly, it connected to the cell network with only enough time to spare to receive the 48 texts I'd missed since the last connection was established.
My question is, I guess, what do?
Images:
i.imgur[.com]/WZDmdu7.png
i.imgur[.com]/4O7r2Ed.jpg
maybe getting a new phone from ebay or trying to replace everything(internal parts) till the signal gets back to normal
Your best option is to make sure it isn't just a software problem, I'd go back to stock and see if you can get full connection on a fully stock rom.
Replacing everything on your phone would be a tedious process, you're better off taking it apart and seeing if you have any visual components that are obviously detached, you can compare it to Adam's Deboxing video where he completely disassembles the phone and you can see where everything attaches and what everything is supposed to look like.
If that still isn't working, then i'd call Samsung and see if they'd repair it, might be worth the cost.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
Your best option is to make sure it isn't just a software problem, I'd go back to stock and see if you can get full connection on a fully stock rom.
Replacing everything on your phone would be a tedious process, you're better off taking it apart and seeing if you have any visual components that are obviously detached, you can compare it to Adam's Deboxing video where he completely disassembles the phone and you can see where everything attaches and what everything is supposed to look like.
If that still isn't working, then i'd call Samsung and see if they'd repair it, might be worth the cost.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not bad plans of action there. Might end up doing both. I did remember updating to the CM10.2 stable the day before the connection issues, so I reverted back to a random 10.1 nightly. No luck. I'll see if I can dig up a stock ROM from the forum. I know they had one available for the Samsung Fascinate. As for Samsung repairing it, I just hope they don't charge me more than the value of my kidneys. Thanks, bruv!
All of a sudden I've been having bluetooth issues. The range of the bluetooth is very weak for my headphones. It is barely 2 feet. And if it's not in a direct line of sight the playback is very choppy. The range extends if i turn off the wifi - but it's nowhere near what it was before having this issue. My Gear 2 began to constantly connect and reconnect as well. But I'm thinking this only happened at home when the phone's wifi was turned on. It stopped happening once I turned the wifi off (but the range doesn't seem to be as far as it used to be). All of this just started happening today and I've had the phone for a little over a month (all bluetooth devices connected since day one). Ive been looking for solutions and tried clearing the phone's cache, the bluetooth's data and cache and unpairing all of the devices. Can anybody else offer any other suggestions? I'm really trying to avoid having tmobile replace it as i do not want to receive a reburbished model.
ANy luck. I have this issue too. I also notice its tied to random wifi drop outs as well
Posts around the net and other Note 5 forums here are saying it's related to the latest update Samsung released.
Wireless charging not staying connected
I also am experiencing that the wireless charging is not staying connected. I am using the samsung wireless charger and never had a problem before. But my family is not having a problem with their note 5. This is leading me to believe that it is not due to the latest update.
Just call T-Mobile and explain the situation, there is a service bulletin that their techs are aware of. Request for a replacement. Make you backup all your apps and data before your replacement arrives. I tried to Odin back to stock and this still didn't fix my bluetooth problem, luckily i had my Nexus 6 that i could pop my T-Mobile sim in and bluetooth is great now.
DConrad2010 said:
Just call T-Mobile and explain the situation, there is a service bulletin that their techs are aware of. Request for a replacement. Make you backup all your apps and data before your replacement arrives. I tried to Odin back to stock and this still didn't fix my bluetooth problem, luckily i had my Nexus 6 that i could pop my T-Mobile sim in and bluetooth is great now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll probabably wind up having to do that. But I'll hold out hope that it's a software issue (I'm really trying to avoid getting a refurbished replacement). What's interesting is today as I was going to work I didn't experience any of these problems (phone was in pocket and no bluetooth dropouts on headset or gear 2 watch). Placed my phone on a wireless charger at work (a Choetech fast charger) and didn't have any problems. I'm probably reaching but now I'm wondering if there is something going on in my house that is spooking my phone:laugh:: I'm going to monitor it throughout the day and see what happens once I get home.
edit: spoke to soon as my headset disconnected (although watch hasn't - yet)
DConrad2010 said:
Just call T-Mobile and explain the situation, there is a service bulletin that their techs are aware of. Request for a replacement. Make you backup all your apps and data before your replacement arrives. I tried to Odin back to stock and this still didn't fix my bluetooth problem, luckily i had my Nexus 6 that i could pop my T-Mobile sim in and bluetooth is great now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's a nexus 6?
T-Mobile sent me a brand new replacement phone not a refurbished phone. This was a brand new model in the original box with all the accessories. I downloaded all the updates and my Bluetooth is back! The replacement phone was on update COI5 by the way.
Hello! Tonight, it appears that there's something up with my phone. It informs me that I can only make emergency calls and I can't make calls nor send texts either even though its showing me five signal bars. I have to reboot into safe mode then back out again in order to get it fully functioning without hiccups.
I've searched around for a couple of hours and saw that people are reporting some hardware fault. Although they also said that their phone was unable to search for available network operators in their area. Unlike theirs, mine is able to search for available network operators.
Is it possible that the charger I'm using is causing problems? I'm using my dad's Zenfone 2 charger brick with my original samsung cable. I've ordered an Aukey quick charger though.
Is it also possible that the phone's gotten quite hot that it's already messing and needs to cool down? I've flashed a bunch of times since I was trying on some of my mods.
My phone's a K variant and it's been rooted for quite some time so that's not the case. I've also tried inserting my sim card in a different phone and it seems that my sim card's not the problem as well. I hope my phone's just having a bad evening lol.
Any ideas on this?
The Android Manual said:
Hello! Tonight, it appears that there's something up with my phone. It informs me that I can only make emergency calls and I can't make calls nor send texts either even though its showing me five signal bars. I have to reboot into safe mode then back out again in order to get it fully functioning without hiccups.
I've searched around for a couple of hours and saw that people are reporting some hardware fault. Although they also said that their phone was unable to search for available network operators in their area. Unlike theirs, mine is able to search for available network operators.
Is it possible that the charger I'm using is causing problems? I'm using my dad's Zenfone 2 charger brick with my original samsung cable. I've ordered an Aukey quick charger though.
Is it also possible that the phone's gotten quite hot that it's already messing and needs to cool down? I've flashed a bunch of times since I was trying on some of my mods.
My phone's a K variant and it's been rooted for quite some time so that's not the case. I've also tried inserting my sim card in a different phone and it seems that my sim card's not the problem as well. I hope my phone's just having a bad evening lol.
Any ideas on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I can think of outside reinstalling roms and what not is to flash a newer modem only, on the handset. I honestly can't comment on if the charger could be the issue
It sounds like a software issue, not hardware, as you can get it working. I'd flash your latest stock, then factory reset and see what happens.
Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
Hi All,
Just received my new P7P and I absolutely love it except that the cell signal drops all over the place and the speeds go down with it. I SIM swapped over from an iPhone 13 mini on ATT. Did I get a bum phone and should I swap for another or do I need to call ATT and have them add the IMEI to their system? Right now it just shows up as an unknown phone on the account page. I thought maybe that would fix the issue but have no idea. My 13 mini and Galaxy S20 FE both have solid full bars as normal but not this P7P.
I purchased the P7P from Amazon, unlocked if that matters. Shipped and sold by Amazon, not renewed.
Thanks all for taking the time to add any input.
Rob
Did you take the day one update that's available? Mine was having issues out of the box but after that update it's been mostly fine.
They work fine on AT&T, the GE2AE model, so it's not that.
I am on the latest update. I did fully reset the phone today and the same is happening. I am going to request a replacement and try the new unit.
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
I decided to just return it...too many things I didn't like.
Thanks for the replies though and use of the forum.