As the roll out of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update nears, we’re receiving a lot of emails asking if we know when Samsung starts the seeding. Honestly, we don’t know when exactly, only Samsung and your service providers do. But it’s fine with us if you email us.
This post is the 57th installment of our Samsung Galaxy Note 3 problems troubleshooting series. I addressed ten problems here, so if you emailed us before, try to check if your concerns were among the ones I answered. For those who just tuned in, please visit our Note 3 Troubleshooting page as we already addressed more than 600 problems and your concerns may already have a solution. Or, you can just email us at mailbag@thedroidguy.com or post on our Facebook wall and/or Google+ page.
Questions About Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android 5.0 Lollipop Update
Q1: Hi Harold and TDG team. I’ve been following your troubleshooting series for Galaxy Note 3 and I’ve been wondering when the Lollipop update would come. I’m in PA. By the way, thanks for providing this great, free Android support. — Jansen
Q2: Hello. I heard Lollipop update has already started rolling out. How come I haven’t received a notification about it yet? — Clark
Q3: So, Galaxy S5 already received the lollipop update. When is it coming to Galaxy Note 3? I’ve been having problems with my current Android version. Do you think lollipop will fix them? — Kyle
Q4: Hi droid guy, I am with Verizon and my wife’s with T-Mobile and we both have Note 3s. I’ve been waiting for lollipop update since the news broke that Note 3 will receive it. When is Samsung gonna start seeding? Do you know? — Chris
Q5: I was expecting Note 3 will be updated to Android 5.0 this week but I was wrong. When is lollipop coming to Note 3? I’m in New York and I’m with Sprint. My provider doesn’t know when the roll out would be. The rep just said it would come soon. — Dominic
Answer: Hey guys. Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update already started rolling out in phases in Europe, Russia and some countries in Asia. Ever since, it has always been like this. Users in the United States will get the update a week or two later than the rest of the world especially for carried models. Obviously, Samsung already started seeding the update and your service providers may now be in the final stages of adding their bloatwares in the stock firmware. I think the update will be coming next week but we don’t know for sure. Let’s just wait, okay? We really don’t have control over this situation. For those who couldn’t, try rooting your phone and install custom ROMs at your own risk. There are now ROMs available online based on Android 5.0 for Note 3.
SMS, WiFi and Email Problems with Galaxy Note 3
Problems: Hi, tDG….
Great to find you! I’ve had a samsung note 3 for about a year now, and theres three odd things that are annoying. First, is the text issue. For some reason, after i text someone, their text reply often comes in above my text question or prompt. Its a time issue, mostly…if they answer quickly, the text editor put their response above my question. Makes it hard to read back or follow directions or instructions. If enough time elapses, a few mins, say, then it will comes in below my text properly. Also, the texting worked fine at first, and only started after about six months.
Secondly, the wireless search doesnt seem to save my home router password, or other passwords, for optimum, for ex. This is really annoying, to have to sign on several times or more a day to my home network. And to have to sign on manually everytime i come home. My old iPhones, and ipad saved them automatically, even if its a year since i last used a network ive connected with in the past. Whats the deal? Can’t find a way to save it on the phone settings anywhere that solves the problem.
Finally, the third thing is, i have an AOL email account ( ok, yes its ancient, but it’s still useful bc ive had it so long) and, after a few months of working properly, the software would not load my new aol mail anymore. The AT&T store guy i bought it from said A) delete the account and re-add it, which didnt work…and then 2) said call samsung. Great. Thanks for the help, AT&T guy.
Maybe you know what to do. Next phone will be an iPhone if this isnt going to work properly. — Stuart
Troubleshooting: Hey Stuart! If it were my phone, I reset already. Honestly, I think hard reset will fix these problems, although you can troubleshoot them one by one.
For your SMS that aren’t in chronological order, it has something to do with the time and data settings in your phone. Just go to Date and Time settings and tick the checkbox next to Automatic date and time. After that, SMS messages will be arranged in order based on time.
The second problem you have may be a minor glitch with the system itself. Try this procedure to see if it helps:
From the Home screen, tap the Menu key.
Tap Settings then touch the Connections tab.
Tap WiFi, then tap the Menu key again.
Touch Advanced.
Tick the option Auto Connect.
As to the third problem, the AT&T guy was on to something and yes, removing and re-adding the account usually helps but before you actually set it up again, you have to clear the cache and data of the email app you’re using.
Again, I think full hard reset will fix these issues but you need to backup all your data first as they will be deleted:
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device.
Galaxy Note 3 GPS Signal Often Cuts Off
Problem: Hello, I hope you can help. I have been having issues with my GPS losing its signal both in Maps and my Nike App. I didn’t have these issues in the beginning, but it has become an annoyance.
In Maps it constantly stays “GPS signal lost” and I have to keep backing out until it works which sometimes takes forever.
In my Nike app my GPS just doesn’t kick in at all. It has worked before, but now it stays on red and never goes to green.
Looking forward to hearing back from you. Thank you, Ajeenah.
Troubleshooting: Hi Ajeenah. Do you happen to have an AT&T branded Note 3? If so, it’s probably just a firmware problem that plagued many of AT&T Note 3 owners last year. The problem had already been addressed via updates. So, please, try to check if there are firmware updates available for your phone.
However, if the phone wasn’t from AT&T, then there’s a possibility some apps or services are interfering with GPS radios. But I’m assuming here that you’re in an area where GPS signal is excellent, okay?
Try booting your phone in safe mode and find out if the GPS signal cuts off like it normally does. If not, then there is a third-party app that’s interfering with the service. I don’t know what apps you have on your phone but if you can remember when this problem started, you may probably have a hint which app you installed around that time.
Turn the device off.
Press and hold the Power
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
‘Safe mode’ will display in the bottom left corner of the screen. Release the Volume down key when you see ‘Safe Mode.’
In case the problem persists even in safe mode, it’s a firmware issue and the best course of action is to perform full hard reset.
Galaxy Note 3 Can’t Connect To Mobile Data Network
Problem: Hi, my name if Jennifer and I have been having a couple of problems with my phone lately and hope you can help I have had my phone exactly a year now and for some reason my phone will not let me get on the Internet while I’m out and about but it will connect to my home home WiFi. Also it will not let me send or receive pictures. I hope you can help me and hopefully is an easy fix. Thanks much! — Jennifer
Troubleshooting: Hi Jennifer. You need to have mobile data enabled in your phone so that it can connect to mobile data network. Here’s how…
From the Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
Tap Settings.
Tap the Connections tab.
Scroll to and tap More networks.
Tap Mobile networks.
Tick the checkbox next to Mobile data to enable it.
To test if your phone can connect to the internet using this method, turn off the WiFi on your phone. You should be able to browse, download or just do anything that you can do while on WiFi. If not, then there’s a problem with APN settings. I don’t know what your service provider is, but you need to call them and ask for the correct APN for your phone. You may ask the rep to walk you through the setup. It would be easy.
Galaxy Note 3 Glitching Most Of The Time
Problem: Good afternoon, my husband has a Note 3 and had a wonderful honeymoon period with it but in the last couple of weeks (3 that he has complained to me) it has started working or not working on its own. What I mean is while talking or texting it will drop calls, put them hold, or mute it (one day it took 6 calls for 60 seconds of talkng) and while texting it will suddenly stop and go back to the home screen, send on its own while he’s typing (he says he isn’t accidentally hitting send), and suddenly switching to numerics/smilies. While sitting on the table it will randomly start taking pictures or the screen will light up and an app will start (not always the same one either). These are his biggest complaints (meaning the ones he’s told me about). It started doing these things just once a day or every other day but now he can’t even use his phone, which is why I’m writing this. He bought it from an independent retailer instead of T-Mobile and the guy (of course) said there’s nothing he can do so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (before I beat him into a pulp with this stupid phone!)! Thank you for your time! — Samantha
Troubleshooting: Hi Samantha. If the phone got wet, then this is just one of the results. However, if the problem wasn’t caused by liquid or physical damage, it could be just the system glitching. We don’t know for sure what’s causing it and finding what it is is the most hassling part. To make it easier for you, I suggest you perform full hard reset to bring the phone back to its original settings and give it a fresh start:
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device.
Galaxy Note 3 Can’t Send/Receive SMS, MMS and Calls
Problem: My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is currently having an issue with not being able to send SMS, MMS, or make calls. I can get service back by turning the phone on and off, but it goes back and forth better having service and a symbol like a circle with a line through it. ATT has already tried to re-register the phone to the network with no luck. I constantly have to cycle the phone power to get service back. The phone did not get wet and it was not damaged. Any thoughts? Thanks. — Tanner
Troubleshooting: Hi Tanner, during my tenure as a tech support for a wireless company, I’ve encountered a lot of problems like this. For GSM phones, re-provisioning (which is done by your service provider) often fixes the problem. If not, then it must be the SIM card that has a problem. If there are people that can help you with it, it’s AT&T, so please call them back and have this problem sorted out as it is obviously a network issue.
Cannot Use MMS On Verizon Galaxy Note 3 Over Straight Talk
Testimony: Okay, this will sound more like a rant but please hear me out as I’ve been so disappointed with the kind of service I get. I was with Verizon where I got my Galaxy Note 3 but I ported over to Straight Talk as they offer “too good to be true” rates in their services. Huge mistake I made there! I purchased their $45 plan through credit card and the transaction went through. When I received my bill I was shocked because I was charged 3 times for it. That’s not a problem because they are obliged to pay me back.
The problem is, I cannot use my internet and MMS. I called them to inquire about it and the rep told me it should work because I have unlimited plan but he didn’t offer a solution. The call was cut, so I have to call back. Another representative picked up the call and this time I was told MMS wouldn’t work. So, I said, ok fine but how about my internet? He put me on hold for like 5 minutes but once he got back he said he checked on his end and there’s no problem with the account so he checked the APN settings and it was greyed out on my phone.
I was advised to call on a different phone so I did. Then I had to go through all the BS again, put on hold here and there and still no resolution to my problem. So, I was irritated and I asked for a supervisor, which she gladly transferred the call to, and I was told the same BS that my internet should be working but it wasn’t. They promised to call me back after 24 hours so I waited that long. No calls after 24 hours, and no calls after 48 hours. I’m fed up so I think I will be porting back Verizon. I just want to share to other Straight Talk subscribers that the company doesn’t give a damn about us. It’s better we find some providers that care. Oh, and their supervisor couldn’t even speak English well that our conversation lasted more than 45 minutes because I had to make him repeat his instructions over and over. Where are these guys based? I thought they’re in Florida?
Thanks for hearing me out guys. I don’t want you to fix my issue as I will be transferring back to Verizon. Besides, it’s not your job to fix these problems but you’re too kind to do so without being paid. — Marjorie
Answer: Hi Marjorie. We are so sorry you’re having problems with your phone and that your service provider is just good in charging you but can’t fix the issues. Actually, Straight Talk always has problems with CDMA phones especially those from Verizon and I even wonder why they couldn’t tell the customers up front that their services may not work.
Well, why stick with a service provider that can’t provider good service, right? There are a lot of providers that care about their customers. I hope other subscribers will do the same. Oh, and by the way, Straight Talk tech support is based offshore (the Philippines). Their “supervisors” often have the same knowledge as their representatives, so you really can’t expect something better. I hope you’ll be happier with Verizon.
No Sound Coming Out of Galaxy Note 3 Speaker
Problem: Hi. I Really hope you can help with my Galaxy Note 3 issue as it’s so annoying. The problem is every time i play music (Or just in general) the sound randomly goes off, the music is showing its still playing and sound is still on “loud” and turned right up but there’s no actual sound coming out of speakers then after a while the sound comes back on. This also happens when using headset. I’ve reset the phone, restored it, put headset in n out the jack port a few times, blown into jack port, messed around with the sound options, and still nothing, I can’t think of anything else to do. Please help! — Scott
Troubleshooting: Hi Scott. It’s obviously a hardware issue and there’s no troubleshooting procedure we can do on the firmware to fix this problem. I suggest you have the phone checked by a technician. The audio chip may have some issues.
Galaxy Note 3 Can’t Download Apps
Problem: I am having problems downloading app on my note 3 I go to Google play pick any app I want to download and it just sis there for 5 to 10 minutes and don’t get to download.
I have stated the phone didn’t work
Took the bay out didn’t work
Took the battery out and the chip out did not work
Also took the so card and nothing
After all of this still sits as if it is downloading but happens. The Blue line starts to run as if downloading but nothing happens just sit there moving. Hope you can help. — Rebeca
Troubleshooting: Hi Rebecca. It’s just a glitch with the Google Play Store due to its recent updates. To fix this, follow this:
From the Home screen, tap the Apps
Choose Settings, and tap General
Scroll down to Device manager section and tap Application manager.
Scroll to the right to display contents of ALL
Scroll down to find Play Store app and tap on it.
Now tap the Uninstall Updates
Galaxy Note 3 Apps Crash
Problem: Good day, please kindly assist me. My mobile device seems to be having issues.
I cannot download files (all) as the device screen goes blank and an error messages comes up saying “unfortunately application has stopped working.”
I can’t even download free applications on Google Play. This problem has of course started 2 months ago.
Please assist. Kind regards, Lindo.
Troubleshooting: Hi Lindo, what app are we talking about here? It could have been more helpful if you included the actual apps that keep crashing. You know, some apps crash on their own while others crash because of other apps. That’s why it’s important for us to know which app is crashing. If it were the Play Store, however, then this procedure can help you:
From the Home screen, tap the Apps
Choose Settings, and tap General
Scroll down to Device manager section and tap Application manager.
Scroll to the right to display contents of ALL
Scroll down to find Play Store app and tap on it.
Now tap the Uninstall Updates
Otherwise, I suggest you perform full hard reset:
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power
When ‘GALAXY Note 3′ appears on the screen, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘delete all user data.’
Press Power button to select and start the master reset. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
Press the Power key to turn the restart the device.
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