Welcome to the 61st part in our series of troubleshooting guides dedicated to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. This is one of the most popular models of Samsung which was released last 2013. Initially running on the Jelly Bean software, the phone then got the KitKat update and now has started to get the latest Lollipop update.
In this latest instalment of the series we will tackle some of the latest issues our readers are facing with the device whether it is still running on KitKat or the latest Lollipop.
If you own a Galaxy Note 3 or any other Android device for that matter then feel free to send us an email at mailbag@thedroidguy.com. We will be more than happy to assist you with any concern that you may have with your device. This is a free service we are offering with no strings attached. We however ask that when you do send us an email ty to be as detailed as possible so that an accurate assessment can be made and the correct solution can be given.
If you would like to browse the previous parts in this series then check out this link.
Aside from sending us an email you may also reach us at our Facebook and Google+ social media accounts.
Note 3 Contacts Missing/ Chrome & Play Store Not Responding After Lollipop Update
Problem: Hi Droidguy, This is my problem: Tried upgrade via Kies3 – while upgrade was on, by mistake someone switched the computer powr off. Phone worked Ok in Kitkat. Next day I Upgraded via Wifi to Lollipop. Upgrade was completed and Lollipop started. All was well for a day – then suddenly Google Chrome vanished from the icons and all my contacts which were in google also disappeared. Even Play Store would not work – only the icon was there – clicking it had not response. I connected to my PC and tried the recovery mode – no help. Then I restored the contacts and apps from Kies 3 backup. I started working – though while doing it it constantly showed a message that cannot connect to google servers. But once I had switched the phone off and turned it on again – the same problem – Contacts not there and Google Chrome gone and Play store wont respond. Please suggest what I can do. Thanks
Solution: System data from the old software version may not have been completely removed during the upgrade process and is now causing these issues to occur. You will need to back up your phone data then do a factory reset to resolve these issues.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
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 key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
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.
Note 3 Unlocked Difficulty Connecting To Network
Problem: I have a Note 3 and just got it unlocked but it has a hard time connecting to network and then it does but the calls are not clear outgoing. Incoming are not working even if network is on. The weird thing is even if I see the radio lines for reception it doesn’t show T-Mobile or whatever network is on. Let me know if you can give some info on the issue.
Solution: Does this issue occur in a specific area or does it occur anywhere you are? If it only happens in one area then this may be a network coverage issue.
Next you should check the network mode of your phone and make sure that network mode is set to GSM/WCDMA (auto mode). Go to [Settings]-[More settings]- [Mobile networks]- [Network mode] and then select [GSM/WCDMA (auto mode)].
You should also try inserting a SIM card of another network and see if the issue persists. If it does then the issue is with the phone itself. You should then consider performing a factory reset. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
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 key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
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.
Note 3 S Finder Opens Randomly
Problem: Hey, Yesterday I was walking and slipped in some mud. When I fell, some mud got on the bottom of the phone and into the speaker portion and the Spen area. All functions of my phone work just find except that the back button lights up on its own and open up the S-finder page. Even when I close it out- it reopens with in seconds. Can you please tell me if there is any way to fix this? its literally driving me crazy! Thanks.
Solution: There may be some mud inside your phone particularly in the back button area. Try placing your phone flat on a table and if the S Finder still pops up then this is already a hardware related problem, probably a defective hardware key. You should bring your phone to an authorized service center for checking.
Note 3 Not Getting Text Notification After Installing Anti Virus App
Problem: I recently downloaded and Antivirus app on my phone. It claimed to also boost my phone and clean up until used memory. After I installed it my phone quit ringing. I got that fixed. But I receive any notification when I get a text. (My phone was set to knock when a text was received) or any other notifications. I’ve went into settings to check to make sure that it’s still set up, which it is. But no noises are made. What can I do to fix this issue? Thank you
Solution: Reboot your phone first and see if the issue still persists. If it does then uninstall the anti-virus app and see if the text notifications come back. If it does then the problem is most likely caused by the app. You can choose another security app to install on your phone or if you prefer the anti-virus app that you downloaded try going through its settings and see if it is set to interfere with your text message notification sound.
Note 3 Issues After Uninstalling Showbox
Problem: Hey guys, how is it going? I have been having my Note 3 for about a year now. Everything was working fine one day until I uninstalled a free application known as “Showbox”. I’m pretty sure you guys have heard of it. Anyway, after uninstalling it, I tried downloading a movie from a website known as “warez-bb.org”. Now, the next day phone starts acting stupid. The phone kept giving me several errors like “Logsprovider”, “ContextService”, and “android.media” ave all stopped in the middle of me trying get into the phone. At first, I thought it was a virus until I ran scan with a program I have called “Malwarebytes”. Everything was ok. Then I was successful getting into it once I either logged in to a server via “WIFI” or “airplane mode”. Now I tried doing a reboot but was stuck with the same problem. Seeing how things were going, my immediate reaction was to back up all my data to my thumb drive. After installing the updated drivers for the phone, I was unable to access any of my media. Whenever I pull up phone, the PC displays it as a device that is unreadable. Oddly, whenever I try to reconnect the device to a PC the 2nd time, the computer doesn’t read it at all. I double checked the connection settings and confirmed it was on “MTP”. Currently I am unable to access my camera, Google play store, and pretty much everything “internal related” to the phone. Everything else like the programs I personally downloaded or added to my phone I am able to use. I can also make phone calls only if they are a part of my contact list. I can’t access or dial out any phone calls unless they are added as a contact. I am still continuing to troubleshoot the phone since I have experience with computer maintenance. This problem has me confused. I appreciate all you guys help. Thanks.
Solution: In this case I suggest you back up your phone data then do a factory reset. There are too many issues going on that this may already be caused by a corrupt system data.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
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 key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
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.
Note 3 Stylus Not Working After Lollipop Update
Problem: Has their been any complaints about the stylus pen not working for the note 3 since the new lollipop update…..because my stylus seem not to be working……PS…..HELP!!!
Solution: We have not received any other complaint regarding the stylus not working after the Lollipop update. Try going to your settings and check if air commands is turned off. If it is then turn it on by going to Settings > Controls > Air command and touch the slider to turn Air Command on.
Note 3 Forgot Lock Screen Pin
Problem: I changed my unlock pin on my t-mobile note 3 and now am locked out. I have switched carriers recently but need all my pics, video, music, etc… And of course I didn’t back up anything either and now my Gmail 2 step verification is being sent to my old number so I’ve locked myself all kinds of out. I appreciate your tips I have been receiving them for awhile now and enjoy reading. Please help me out I don’t want to factory reset and lose all my family’s wonderful memories. Thanks again.
Solution: Have you tried going to your Google account settings then changing the old phone number to the new one you are using right now? You can do this at myaccount.google.com. Once you get the 2 step verification on your new number you can then unlock your phone.
Note 3 Facebook Error -1675004
Problem: Hi I have a samsung note 3, my sister in law sold me this phone she had service with T mobile. I have one month that this phone has service with Metro PCS. Everything is working good only this morning that I wanted to log in my Facebook account and it didn’t let me when I try to log in it tells me that there is an unknow error -1675004. I allready unistall Facebook and installed it back, but no luck it keeps telling me the same think any suggestions.
Solution: This appears to be a login related error. Try to access your Facebook account on a computer then change your password. Go back to your phone then uninstall the Facebook app. Reinstall the app again from the Google Play Store then login using your new password. This usually resolves the issue.
Note 3 Poor Resolution On Videos Sent
Problem: Im am having troubles with recording videos on my phone and sending them, everytime I take a video it looks perfect with great resolution..until i send it to someone. It is always sent sideways and the video quality is so blurry that its hard to even make out the video. Im sure there is a setting i have wrong to adjust this but im not sure what to do. Also my wife has the galaxy s4 and her phone does the exact same thing and it does it to any type of phone we send a video to not just a certain type of phone. If you can help me with this it would be greatly appreciated.
Solution: If you are trying to send a video file through MMS then this will automatically be converted to a low quality video to save on bandwidth. Take note that MMS technology pre-dates smartphones which means that this was developed in a period when phones did not have the ability to capture HD videos.
The best way to send a high quality video to someone is to upload it to YouTube then just give them the link.
Note 3 Not Connecting To AT&T Mobile Network / Easy Mode Activated
Problem: I have two problems:1. My phone has inadvertently moved into Easy Mode. Although I have gone into Setting > Device > Easy Mode, it shows that it is OFF. How do I return my phone to its normal operations. 2. I can only receive and send emails via WiFi. I subscribe to AT&T but get no emails unless I’m connected via Wifi. I have gone into Setting > Connections > More Network > Mobile Networks, and have checked Mobile Data and Data roaming. When I click on Network Operators > Search for AT&T MicroCell, I repeatedly get the same message: “Failed to connect to mobile network via AT&T MicroCell. Try again.” I keep trying but to no avail. How do I get emails via telephone when I’m not connected via WiFi?
Solution: To get out of Easy Mode try to reboot your phone. If the problem persists check if you are using the TouchWiz Home launcher by default and not the TouchWiz Easy Home launcher.
Regarding the issue of not being able to send emails on a mobile data connection this may be an issue with the APN settings.
Go to Settings > Wireless Connections > More > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names. Check if you have an AT&T APN entry then access it. If you don’t have an AT&T APN then make a new one.
APN: phone
Proxy: <Leave in Blank>
Port: <Leave in Blank>
Username: <Leave in Blank>
Password: <Leave in Blank>
Server: <Leave in Blank>
MMSC: http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
MMS proxy: proxy.mobile.att.net
MMS port: 80
MCC: 310
MNC: 410
Authentication type: <Leave in Blank>
APN type: default,supl,mms,hipri
APN Protocol: Leave it to the Default one
Bearer: leave it to the Default one
Verify if the above settings matches that of your phone. If not the make the necessary changes.
Note 3 Voicemail Notification Missing After Update
Problem: Hello there, For the last several months, I no longer receive a notification when I receive a voicemail. There used to be an icon that would pop up. Now, I have no clue, unless I remember to call my voicemail to do a random check. This started after the last update. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Solution: Try to restart your phone and see if this brings back your voice mail notification.
If it doesn’t then proceed with wiping the cache partition of your phone.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key
When ‘GALAXY Note III’ appears on the screen, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume Down key to highlight ‘wipe cache partition.’
Press the Power key to select and wipe the cache.
With ‘reboot system now’ highlighted, press the Power key to restart the device.
Note 3 Not Waking Up After Screen Time Out
Problem: Good day , my galaxy note 3 n900 wont wake up after going to screen time out after times of inactivity. normally it would come up & screen light if i press power botton or home botton but recently nothing happens by pressing them. while when others call my phone it shows to be ringing but i dont receive any voice or light on my screen. i normally remove battery and restart to begin. i am in vacation and ii s really bothering me please kindly help me. Thanks.
Solution: There may be some corrupt temporary data in your phone memory that is causing this issue. You should first try to wipe the cache partition of your phone and see if this resolves the issue.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key
When ‘GALAXY Note III’ appears on the screen, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
Press the Volume Down key to highlight ‘wipe cache partition.’
Press the Power key to select and wipe the cache.
With ‘reboot system now’ highlighted, press the Power key to restart the device.
If the problem persists then I suggest doing a factory reset. Make sure to back up your phone data first before proceeding.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
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 key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
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.
Note 3 Screen Rotation Not Working
Problem: Ok so here’s the thing I bought this note3 on ebay when I got it everything worked great nothing was wrong with it at all…. I put the phone on page plus 4G and it still worked fine… however about a week ago my camera stopped rotating and is stuck in like landscape… and I have just noticed that my screen rotation is not working at all either unless it’s a game that has to be played in landscape it does not flip…. when using youtube I have to hit the sign at the bottom for u to full screen… and while I’m in a call the phone used to turn black now it does not and I have to turn off the screen or it hit buttons…. is there anyway to fix this I reset my phone about 3 days ago to try and fix camera like ur site said…. but that didn’t work…. please help I just want my phone to work right again….
Solution: Have you checked if the auto rotate setting of your phone is enabled? Settings > Device > Display and make sure that the Auto rotate screen is checked. If this part is checked and the screen still does not rotate then this may already be a hardware related issue. The sensor of your phone may already be faulty. I suggest bringing your phone to an authorized service center for checking and repair.
Regarding the issue of your display not turning off during calls you should try checking on the call settings. Go to Settings > Calls > then make sure that the option to Turn off screen during calls is enabled. If it is already enabled then the sensor on the front of your phone may be defective. Still the same, you should bring your phone to an authorized service center.
Note 3 Home Button Not Working After Update
Problem: How are you, so me and my dad got matching Note 3’s last year, excited about the update we updated our phones, mine is running perfect but my dads is having an issue with the home button? it wont go home, it wont open S-Voice. We factory reset it and the same thing occurred, we also tried to get into the recovery mode or something by holding down the home volume and power button but this only led us to a screen that involves uploading a custom ROM. Online it says it should show a little android man but he isn’t there. Not sure how to fix this? could you help?
Solution: If the factory reset failed to resolve the issue then this may already be a hardware related issue. It may just be a coincidence that the home button stopped working after the update. I suggest bringing the phone to an authorized service center for checking and repair.
Note 3 Poor Reception
Problem: I have a Samsung note 3 and the reception is horrible and I get frequent dropped calls. I know it is not the carrier because we have other Verizon phones and they will have reception and my phone won’t. I have pulled the battery, I went to Verizon and they gave me a new sim card. I’m am frustrated and I am about to switch to At&T and get a new iphone 6 plus. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Solution: If the network coverage does not have any issues in your area and you are already using a new SIM then the problem may be with the phone. Try doing a factory reset and see if this resolves the issue. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
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 key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
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.
Note 3 Text Message Freezes
Problem: You are literally my last hope! I’m going to an iphone next week if I can’t get this fixed. I’ve had a Galaxy S2, S3, and two Note 3s and they’ve each had the same issue. The S2 was Sprint and the others were Verizon. I’m currently using the second Note 3 under 4.4.4 and all operating systems for the last two years have been doing this. The calls, internet, etc work fine. My problems are with texting. I use the messaging app that came with the phone but I use Swype for the keyboard. These are the problems I’m having. First, any time I open messaging, it freezes. It selects the first letter I type and it freezes for 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Then the keyboard closes, it pauses for a few seconds, then reopens and says “English” as my language selection. Then sometimes I’m OK to write. If I open the internet or look at a picture, then go back to messaging, it does it again. EVERY time! Many, many, many times a day this happens and once it’s done, it doesn’t mean it’s OK to type. Sometimes, the first letter will freeze again, but it may not close and restart the keyboard. It can happen over and over. It has taken me 20 minutes to start a text message and actually finish it. Sometimes it works fine, but 9 times out of 10 it freezes. Also, when I am in the process of receiving a text (like a picture or text is coming through to me, but not quite yet displayed), it’ll freeze on me as well until it soon appears on my display. Things the Verizon store have told me to do is to reset my phone by removing the battery. It fixes it for a few minutes, but then it reverts to the usual problem. I will go into my task manager and clear my RAM, close all active apps, and clear out my default apps. That used to work on my first Note 3, but it does nothing on this phone. I have tried using the stock keyboard app, too. Nothing will consistently improve it. I have done a factory reset and it helps for a few days to a couple weeks. I won’t keep doing that. Did I mention that at least half my texts don’t go through if I’m connected to Wifi? I can’t live with this phone anymore. I’m getting the same problem on Sprint and Verizon. The only constant is a Samsung phone and various Android operating system. I’m reluctant to try a new phone cuz it takes a few weeks for these problems to start and, by then, I’m too far into a contract to cancel it. I’m tempted to try an LG phone if it’s a Samsung problem or an Apple phone if it’s an Android problem. I don’t know what to do!
Solution: There may be an app installed in your phone that’s causing the messaging app to freeze. You mentioned that when you do a factory reset the problem disappears but then reappears again after a few weeks. This is an indication that a third party app may be causing the issue. To check if this is the case you should start your phone in Safe Mode.
Power off the device.
Press and hold the Power key for one or two seconds to turn on the device.
When the Samsung logo displays press and hold the Volume down key until the lock screen displays.
When the Lock screen is displayed Safe mode is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Try using the messaging app while in Safe mode. If the keyboard does not freeze then the problem is most likely caused by a third party app. You should find out what app this is and uninstall it.
Note 3 Requests To Turn Bluetooth On
Problem: In December I have Galaxy Note 3 Neo as Christmas present. Three months later there is a pop up saying: “application request to turn bluetooth on” (with option yes/no). It never happen before and how to fix it so there won’t be annoying pop up like that? Much appreciated and hope you can give me the solutions for this. Thank you for your kind attention and look forward for your reply.
Solution: This issue is most likely caused by an app that is trying to activate the Bluetooth feature of your phone. Do you recall installing an app prior to this issue occurring? You should uninstall that app and see if the problem still occurs.
Note 3 Battery Drain Issue After Lollipop Update
Problem: I updated to Lollipop and now my battery is being chewed. I don’t have on wifi, Bluetooth, I kill apps all of the time. ..help??
Solution: One of the main issues a lot of people are facing after updating their devices to Android Lollipop is that the battery drains very quickly. The good news is that this can easily be resolved by a factory reset. Once the reset is complete your phone should have a great battery life. Just make sure to back up your data first before proceeding.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, Power key.
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 key.
When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
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.
Note 3 Slow Internet Speed After Lollipop Update
Problem: I m using note3 from almost 6 months with kitkat 4.4.2. It was so fast and internet was awsome. But recently i got updated my fone to lollypop 5.0 and now mobile internet speed is very slow. I am using psiphon to download my files but here in Lollypop 5.0 internet speed remains highr for just 5 to 10 seconds, after that suddenly it downloading speed decrease from 1 MBps to around 40 KBps. Just for ur information, i am using up to date softwares in this fone and lollipop 5.0 is not rooted as well. Please guide me what should i do now to get the same high speed internet. Either can i change my fone to again kitkat or i can do something to get higher speed of internet. Waiting for your kind advise.
Solution: Have you checked what connection mode your phone is on? You should verify if you are using an LTE, HSPA, or GPRS connection. The Internet speed will depend on the mode of connection you are using. An LTE connection will give you a faster Internet speed while a GPRS connection is the slowest.
Since you mentioned that you are now getting a 40Kbps download speed then you are probably connected using an HSPA connection. Check and see if there is an H+ icon on your phone display.
If you have access to the LTE connection of your network then you should check on the APN settings of your phone and see if it is properly set.
You should also try to check your account and see if it hasn’t been throttled down. Most carriers downgrade the Internet speed of their subscribers who have reached a certain data capacity.
Engage with us
Feel free to send us your questions, suggestions and problems you’ve encountered while using your Android phone. We support every Android device that is available in the market today. And don’t worry, we won’t charge you a single penny for your emails. Email us at mailbag@thedroidguy.com. We read every email but can’t guarantee a quick response. If we were able to help you, please help us spread the word by sharing our posts with your friends.
The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Problems, Errors, Glitches, Solutions and Troubleshooting [Part 61] appeared first on The Droid Guy.