Samsung Galaxy S3 Problems

coach22 · 27-07-2012 1:51pm

Three

god's toy · 27-07-2012 1:54pm

coach22 wrote: »

I got the update too. Would love to know what its for. Search is still working but there is no brightness setting in the pull down settings which i actually wanted

Yea same here, I've a 3rd party app doing it but it's not the same

oleras · 27-07-2012 1:55pm

coach22 wrote: »

Three

Same, got the notification this morning but have been delaying installing it just in case, seems benign enough though.

kenyard · 27-07-2012 4:45pm

ota updates are behind.
do it via kies and you should get I9300XXBLG8

thats the latest version and should still have the search functionality. apparently it was removed by accident in the previous one is all

god's toy · 27-07-2012 5:32pm

kenyard wrote: »

ota updates are behind.
do it via kies and you should get I9300XXBLG8

thats the latest version and should still have the search functionality. apparently it was removed by accident in the previous one is all

Are you talking branded or unbranded? If your using UK firmware then you get newer updates than those who don't.

In my case, as my 3 phones (in the past) never hang on to proper 3G cells after firmware updates, I'm hanging on to the three branded updates... for now at least

Italia · 28-07-2012 6:36am

Is it possible to 'unbrand' the S3?
I have an unlocked but branded Vodafone S3. I presume its branded because it has a lot of VF cr@p apps in it, but no VF logo. Its definitely unlocked because I can use any carrier's sim in it.
I'd prefer to get rid of all the useless bloatware and just have the standard Samsung S3 firmware / software. Would make it easier to get updates instead of waiting for VF to decide to release their version.

PogMoThoin · 28-07-2012 6:57am

Italia wrote: »

Is it possible to 'unbrand' the S3?
I have an unlocked but branded Vodafone S3. I presume its branded because it has a lot of VF cr@p apps in it, but no VF logo. Its definitely unlocked because I can use any carrier's sim in it.
I'd prefer to get rid of all the useless bloatware and just have the standard Samsung S3 firmware / software. Would make it easier to get updates instead of waiting for VF to decide to release their version.

Check out CheckRom, it's the latest stock firmware with the bloat removed.
http://checkrom.com/threads/gt-i9300-xxblfb-4-0-4-checkrom-evohd%E2%84%A2-v3-5.851/

Italia · 29-07-2012 9:47pm

After doing some reasearch I came across a few articles that show how you can flash the phone with I9300XXBLG8 Stock ROM (EU/UK simfree firmware) by using Odin flasher v3.04.

Will this work on my Vodafone branded S3?
The phone was sim unlocked using a code supplied by Vodafone. Would flashing the phone to this new firmware have any impact on the simlock?
Would changing the stock ROM to an official simfree version have any impact on warranty?

PogMoThoin wrote: »

Check out CheckRom, it's the latest stock firmware with the bloat removed.
http://checkrom.com/threads/gt-i9300-xxblfb-4-0-4-checkrom-evohd%E2%84%A2-v3-5.851/

Shades799 · 30-07-2012 10:04am

PogMoThoin wrote: »

Not sure what's up with you but I have none of these problems. In fact most of the problems I see in this thread could be put down to not being used to the Android ecosystem/hardware

My battery was at 50% last night at the end of the day with normal use (a few calls, some browsing and was out and about for a few hours). Then again, I'm a long time Android user on my 3rd Android phone, I'm over the flashy widgets stage and I know what exactly what I can have running to maintain good performance and battery. I've also removed all the Samsung crap as I don't use it.
I have no problem with wifi, but I have a high end router. Wireless is subject to interference from other devices in your own home, not much you can blame Samsung for here, it could happen any device.
I've not had any screen issues, in fact I think the screen is excellent.

I'm going to send the phone back to O2 and ask for a replacement, that will confirm if it's a handset issue or not. The wifi signal issues are with more than one router and if I put my iPhone and Samsung side by side the iPhone has a signal when the SG3 doesn't, same with phone signal, picking up Edge\HDMSA (or whatever it's called) on my SG3 where the iPhone has 3G.

Somethings just not right with it.

(PS Screen is excellent, the screen redraw isn't which is a performance thing not a screen thing)

heebusjeebus · 30-07-2012 11:49am

Has anyone had the phone just randomly re-starting? It has happened to my other half a few times over the weekend, usually when browsing on Chrome.

She is also seeing here saved customised works also being removed (which has also been mentioned earlier in this thread).

For the time being I'm going to get her to switch back to the stock browser and see if that stops the re-boots.

blankblank · 30-07-2012 6:52pm

Could anyone help with this,

Changed my facebook password last night and had to 're authorise the galaxy. Now however all the contact pictures have disappeared from my contacts.
There names are still there and are connected to their facebook accounts but it won't display their profile image as a contact pic.

Anyone know how to fix this ???

Seb_bixby · 30-07-2012 9:19pm

Davie89 wrote: »

Could anyone help with this,

Changed my facebook password last night and had to 're authorise the galaxy. Now however all the contact pictures have disappeared from my contacts.
There names are still there and are connected to their facebook accounts but it won't display their profile image as a contact pic.

Anyone know how to fix this ???

I had the same problem with mine. Eventually, only fixed when I had to uninstall and reinstall facebok after the last update.
However, I would try syncing it through facebook first (on the settings in the facebook app) and then through the settings in your contacts.

duploelabs · 30-07-2012 10:02pm

tried this in a different thread to no avail. Looking for a widget that gives the whole month view with each task in each individual day, not a task list

blankblank · 30-07-2012 10:39pm

Seb_bixby wrote: »

I had the same problem with mine. Eventually, only fixed when I had to uninstall and reinstall facebok after the last update.
However, I would try syncing it through facebook first (on the settings in the facebook app) and then through the settings in your contacts.

Thanks for the suggestions, tried both a fresh install and the app settings. No luck tough, the contacts are showing up in my phone book which means it is syncing with Fb, just not displaying their profile picture.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

blankblank · 30-07-2012 11:21pm

Actually scratch the above i just figured it with the help of some googling.

Just for anyone else who is ever stuck.

Delete the apps cache and data, uninstall and reinstall. When you first sign in choose sync all.

Contacts (with pics) will then begin to sync.

Italia · 31-07-2012 6:46pm

Is it possible to backup and restore APN's without rooting the S3?

My phone is unlocked but currently branded Vodafone and I'd like to install stock firmware XXBLG8 on it to change it to a fully "simfree" version (without VF bloatware).

I understand that it can be done via Odin without rooting the phone. The only drawback is that the APN's need to be backed up somehow.
All of the apps I've seen on Play market say that you need to root the phone first to backup & restore

I'd rather not root the S3 as I don't want any problems with my warranty.

elderlemon · 31-07-2012 7:24pm

No need to back up. I did the exact same with my Vodafone branded hanset-just flash the UK unbranded firmware using odin. Apn's will be there after the flash.

Italia wrote: »

Is it possible to backup and restore APN's without rooting the S3?

My phone is unlocked but currently branded Vodafone and I'd like to install stock firmware XXBLG8 on it to change it to a fully "simfree" version (without VF bloatware).

I understand that it can be done via Odin without rooting the phone. The only drawback is that the APN's need to be backed up somehow.
All of the apps I've seen on Play market say that you need to root the phone first to backup & restore

I'd rather not root the S3 as I don't want any problems with my warranty.

s_carnage · 02-08-2012 10:19am

I'm using the GoSMS app for texting but sometimes when I get a message I get the pop up notification for GoSMS and also a notification in the bar from the stock messaging app. It doesn't happen all the time and I have GoSMS set as the default app for reading and sending messages so not sure what could be the problem.

Also when I call someone and the linked facebook picture comes up it is very fuzzy. I remember in a previous phone it was crystal clear. Is this a facebook problem or would I have it set up wrong.

elderlemon · 02-08-2012 10:24am

open the stock messaging app, settings and switch off notification.

s_carnage wrote: »

I'm using the GoSMS app for texting but sometimes when I get a message I get the pop up notification for GoSMS and also a notification in the bar from the stock messaging app. It doesn't happen all the time and I have GoSMS set as the default app for reading and sending messages so not sure what could be the problem.

Also when I call someone and the linked facebook picture comes up it is very fuzzy. I remember in a previous phone it was crystal clear. Is this a facebook problem or would I have it set up wrong.

s_carnage · 02-08-2012 10:35am

elderlemon wrote: »

open the stock messaging app, settings and switch off notification.

Cheers!! Simple as that!

Shades799 · 03-08-2012 10:20am

OK, so great news (for me anyway!) I got an update for the phone 2 days ago and the battery issue has been completely resolved. On moderate usage I got the full day out of it, if I was a bit smarter with the battery I'd say I could definitely get about 30 hours.

Still not so happy about the WiFi signal and the 3G signal, you can say what you like about it being the routers problem and not the phones, but if most of the routers around the place don't work well with the phone I would say it's the phones problem, even if the "problem" is that it's too advanced. That been said it's not a critical issue and the +s are definitely better than the -s.

One app I really love is Llama and it does something that really made me want to move from the restrictive iOS. You can set profiles by time (or location using phone masts which doesn't drain battery any more than normal usage). So I have my phone setup to be on my quiet profile in work and loud outside of work. Also, it allows you to set events, so, if my battery goes below X, Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, brightness, Mobile Data etc automatically. Fantastic!

On the whole, after the update and 3 weeks or so of usage, I'm very happy I made the switch.

Wonda-Boy · 03-08-2012 4:40pm

Shades799 wrote: »

I'm going to send the phone back to O2 and ask for a replacement, that will confirm if it's a handset issue or not. The wifi signal issues are with more than one router and if I put my iPhone and Samsung side by side the iPhone has a signal when the SG3 doesn't, same with phone signal, picking up Edge\HDMSA (or whatever it's called) on my SG3 where the iPhone has 3G.

Somethings just not right with it.

(PS Screen is excellent, the screen redraw isn't which is a performance thing not a screen thing)

Good Luck getting a replacement of that "SHOWER" if its outside 30 days...and if it is they still wont give you a new phone unless the old one is repaired and goes faulty again within 90 days of said repair. This went on for 3 repairs with nmy old S2....and totally against the law but they dont give a fook UNLESS YOU TAKE THEM TO THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT AND WIN

and end up with a new S3 for a two yr old S2.

MWAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Back on topic SOZ!!!! :rolleyes:

Italia · 05-08-2012 8:19am

Did it yesterday

Went as smooth as silk.
Only problem I encountered, was when I tried to restore my backed up apps. Kies would not restore. Tried rebooting etc a number of times, but still nothing. Slightly pissed that I've had to download everything all over again.

Even more ticked off is that my database (regularly backed up) will not restore on the newly reinstalled app. In essence I'd need to uninstall the newly installed version and get the "backed" up version restored (I hope this makes sense)

Anyone have any experience with this type of problem? (restoring apps)

elderlemon wrote: »

No need to back up. I did the exact same with my Vodafone branded hanset-just flash the UK unbranded firmware using odin. Apn's will be there after the flash.

Mimikyu · 05-08-2012 8:57am

This post has been deleted.

kin9pin · 05-08-2012 9:19am

I took the manual option and took screenshots of APN settings which then saved to my dropbox account. Didn't need them as settings were there after flashing stock, but its an option if you don't want to root.

whatstherush · 06-08-2012 9:31am

Anyone have trouble with the text message centre number being wiped from phone . Every couple of weeks my s3 stops sending messages and when I go into settings there is no number in message centre. Whats more I can't edit the number to add it back in, I have to restore defaults on msg settings before its editable again. It's happened about 6 times since June.

Italia · 06-08-2012 6:05pm

I did consider Titanium, but ended up leaving it because I didn't want to root my phone and voiding warranty.
Don't know enough about how to undo rooting (and avoid stuffing up the warranty), to go down that route

Captain Morgan wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

akamossie · 07-08-2012 11:41am

Italia wrote: »

I did consider Titanium, but ended up leaving it because I didn't want to root my phone and voiding warranty.
Don't know enough about how to undo rooting (and avoid stuffing up the warranty), to go down that route

by flashing another firmware and removing all the bloatware, you have already voided your warranty!!!

Wintergreen · 07-08-2012 11:58am

Sometimes when I put the phone down and its unlocked on a soft surface it makes a weird beeping noise and then repeats a few moments later! Does anyone know what that is?! Its really weird, not an issue but I'd like to get to the bottom of it. Its doing it now lol... Awesome phone though

Italia · 07-08-2012 12:29pm

Nope, don't think so.
I used genuine stock Samsung firmware - the UK simfree version.
If you boot up in download mode it says 'official' under firmware and there is no yellow triangle.
Flashcount is still 1 (which is as it was before I flashed).

Warranty is with Samsung, not your carrier (although you go to them as first stop). Had this issue before with my N8. Bought it from Vodafone. They said 1yr warranty, Nokia said 2yr. About 2 months into 2nd year, phone developed a problem. went to vodafone and was repaired under warranty by Nokia.

akamossie wrote: »

by flashing another firmware and removing all the bloatware, you have already voided your warranty!!!

Mimikyu · 07-08-2012 1:31pm

This post has been deleted.

tetsujin1979 · 07-08-2012 2:21pm

Have the S3 for about a month now, love the phone but I'm having a problem with the volume rocker. It feels like it's been tightly wedged into the body of the phone and if I tap the volume up, goes all the way up straight away. Was thinking there's no "rebound" from perssing the button because it's so tight.
Anyone else having a similar problem?

duploelabs · 07-08-2012 2:30pm

Nope,mine's fine. Sounds like it got a knock

thehomeofDob · 07-08-2012 7:20pm

Having a problem with a new S3 on the Three network.

The phone is consistently going into roaming mode while in Dublin, which is accompanied by "Call Fowarding: Forwarding all voice calls" and "Data roaming: You have lost data connectivity because..."

Phone Details
AP: I9300XXALF6
CP: I9300NELF1
CSC: I93003IEALF1

This is the latest firmware Three have available and as it's a work phone I'm not comfortable flashing the latest generic firmware until I've had it a few months and I'm confident there are no hardware faults with it.

Can anyone think of a reason the signal is dropping, other than Three's network is muck? The other S3 in the office is having similar trouble. I need to get it sorted quickly as I'm on call this week.

Yes I have contacted Three, they'll get back to me tomorrow, however if it is a firmware fault I'll flash the latest tonight.

Cheers guys,

Mimikyu · 07-08-2012 7:55pm

This post has been deleted.

duploelabs · 07-08-2012 7:57pm

thehomeofDob wrote: »

Having a problem with a new S3 on the Three network.

The phone is consistently going into roaming mode while in Dublin, which is accompanied by "Call Fowarding: Forwarding all voice calls" and "Data roaming: You have lost data connectivity because..."

Phone Details
AP: I9300XXALF6
CP: I9300NELF1
CSC: I93003IEALF1

This is the latest firmware Three have available and as it's a work phone I'm not comfortable flashing the latest generic firmware until I've had it a few months and I'm confident there are no hardware faults with it.

Can anyone think of a reason the signal is dropping, other than Three's network is muck? The other S3 in the office is having similar trouble. I need to get it sorted quickly as I'm on call this week.

Yes I have contacted Three, they'll get back to me tomorrow, however if it is a firmware fault I'll flash the latest tonight.

Cheers guys,

^
This, all the time

thehomeofDob · 07-08-2012 9:19pm

Captain Morgan wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Thanks for that mate.

I've sent in a request to our account manager. I know they'll be installing amps in the building as network coverage is bad here for all networks, but I've had drops all over Dublin. The move seemed great on paper as o2 had been screwing us around, just hope it turns out all right.

tetsujin1979 · 08-08-2012 5:41pm

thehomeofDob wrote: »

Having a problem with a new S3 on the Three network.

The phone is consistently going into roaming mode while in Dublin, which is accompanied by "Call Fowarding: Forwarding all voice calls" and "Data roaming: You have lost data connectivity because..."

Phone Details
AP: I9300XXALF6
CP: I9300NELF1
CSC: I93003IEALF1

This is the latest firmware Three have available and as it's a work phone I'm not comfortable flashing the latest generic firmware until I've had it a few months and I'm confident there are no hardware faults with it.

Can anyone think of a reason the signal is dropping, other than Three's network is muck? The other S3 in the office is having similar trouble. I need to get it sorted quickly as I'm on call this week.

Yes I have contacted Three, they'll get back to me tomorrow, however if it is a firmware fault I'll flash the latest tonight.

Cheers guys,

same as. happened to me on o'connell street, phoenix park, and in sandyford. but I've been back to those areas since and it's only occurred intermittently.
Was very bad when I first got the phone a month ago, but it's about a week since it happened now

2BT · 08-08-2012 6:41pm

tetsujin1979 wrote: »

same as. happened to me on o'connell street, phoenix park, and in sandyford. but I've been back to those areas since and it's only occurred intermittently.
Was very bad when I first got the phone a month ago, but it's about a week since it happened now

Phoenix Park is brutal for coverage on any network. Always hit & miss in Sandyford. If you can't get coverage on O'Connell Street though theres something wrong.

Wonda-Boy · 09-08-2012 2:28pm

^^ yeah no coverage in Dublin CC I would walk away from that operator big time if not a phone bug.....That shower (that sponsor an Area by the quays) are the worst operator going......breakin the law left right and centre with the stuff they try to enforce.

wersal gummage · 10-08-2012 1:07pm

I remember seeing this in the main S3 thread a few times but cant find it now....

I just picked up a new S3 yesterday. Am noticing the same problem as others have mentioned with battery drain for cell standby - out of all my battery info. cell standby has so far used 44% - screen is only 18%....

What is the solution for this ?????

Thanks very much.

Italia · 10-08-2012 1:22pm

It seems to be a firmware issue. There is a fix for it in one of the S3 threads or if you do a bit of googling. If I remember correctly, it requires rooting the phone
I didn't want to root my phone (warranty reasons) so I updated my Vodafone firmware with an official UK simfree version (I9300XXBLG8) and the problem is gone.
Now the biggest battery drain (for me) is the phone radio signal.

wersal gummage wrote: »

I remember seeing this in the main S3 thread a few times but cant find it now....

I just picked up a new S3 yesterday. Am noticing the same problem as others have mentioned with battery drain for cell standby - out of all my battery info. cell standby has so far used 44% - screen is only 18%....

What is the solution for this ?????

Thanks very much.

statto25 · 10-08-2012 1:23pm

wersal gummage wrote: »

I remember seeing this in the main S3 thread a few times but cant find it now....

I just picked up a new S3 yesterday. Am noticing the same problem as others have mentioned with battery drain for cell standby - out of all my battery info. cell standby has so far used 44% - screen is only 18%....

What is the solution for this ?????

Thanks very much.

There was a firmware update released yesterday for solve this. I got it this morning and have already seen an improvement.

Bad Panda · 10-08-2012 2:00pm

wersal gummage wrote: »

I remember seeing this in the main S3 thread a few times but cant find it now....

I just picked up a new S3 yesterday. Am noticing the same problem as others have mentioned with battery drain for cell standby - out of all my battery info. cell standby has so far used 44% - screen is only 18%....

What is the solution for this ?????

Thanks very much.

This is just a reporting issue. Cell standby isn't actually using the resources.

Mine is the same and I have to say (as a regulars moaner about Android battery life) my battery life is brilliant! At the end of the day (8am - 9pm) I still have more than half the battery left.

Edit: running unbranded UK firmware.

Also, anyone notice the weather app on the lockscreen not updating?

Italia · 10-08-2012 2:30pm

yep...mine too.

I also picked up another problem. Certain *# codes no longer work.
I get an error "Connection problem or invalid MMI code".
I googled this and it seems quite a common problem

Bad Panda wrote: »

Edit: running unbranded UK firmware.

Also, anyone notice the weather app on the lockscreen not updating?

Vahevala · 10-08-2012 5:26pm

I bought a Galaxy SIII a couple of days ago, really like the phone but I have a horrendous echo during calls, I have turned the noise reduction off but I am sick of hearing myself during calls

Anyone else have this?

Italia · 11-08-2012 8:40am

Bad Panda wrote: »

Also, anyone notice the weather app on the lockscreen not updating?

SOLVED:
Settings -> Security -> Lock screen options -> Weather -> Set it to "on". Double tap "Weather" -> you should see an auto refresh option.

Italia · 11-08-2012 8:44am

Anyone have a working solution for this error:
"Connection problem or invalid MMI code"

Happens only when I try to use some '*#...#' codes
Some work fine. Others simply don't work and I get this error.
Tried googling it but, even though the problem seems quite common, couldn't find a real solution.

Bad Panda · 11-08-2012 11:05am

Italia wrote: »

SOLVED:
Settings -> Security -> Lock screen options -> Weather -> Set it to "on". Double tap "Weather" -> you should see an auto refresh option.

Yeah I have it set to auto refresh, but doesn't seem to refresh.

Italia · 12-08-2012 11:01am

Have you got the "sync" option active?
Mine updates normally now.

Bad Panda wrote: »

Yeah I have it set to auto refresh, but doesn't seem to refresh.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Problems

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