After updating my phone to 4.3, I keep receiving a message saying that my wi-fi connection is unstable. I never received this message when the phone was running 4.2 Is anyone else having this issue and know how to fix it?
I saw it when I just tried connecting to a Starbucks wifi hotspot, but I hadn't "signed" into the hotspot yet. I will have to check my home wifi later to see if I get the same notification.
I see the same problem, and I'm 10 feet from access point, had no connection issues with 4.2. Wanted to switch to 3g connection inside the building, fixed that by turning off auto network switch.
Hi jp2000,Let's get you connected. Using wifi is a great way to save on your data. Have you tried to delete and readd the network from your phone? Also, have you tried to power your router off and on? Keep us posted.Thanks, BobbyS_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
I was also having wifi issues since updating to 4.3. I get the message when turning on my network "Checking the quality of your internet connection." It then fails to connect and the notice is "Network disabled because internet connection is slow."
I found what the problem was, I went to Advanced settings within Wi-Fi and unchecked Auto Network switch. This took care of my issue.
Having same problem with Galaxy S4. Tried powering on/off with no effect. I am not interested in wiping the unit since it worked just fine prior to the update. Unchecking Auto Network did nothing to improve the situation.
Same problem here on two different S4's.
I'm having the same issue. And it seems to be completely random.
Have to see how my home network reacts; however so far at work, appears I'm maintaining my connection after disabling "Always allow scanning" and "Auto Network Switch" in WiFi -> Advanced.
Hi JB01 - Let's make sure you are able to control the way you want to use data! Is this happening on multiple WiFi networks or only at home? We can determine if a reset will be effective by running Safe Mode to see if you are still getting the same messages while connected. Here is a link with instructions: http://support.verizonwireless.com/support/devices/knowledge_base.html/77504/I look forward to positive results! Thank you,YaleK_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWsupport
wpin, thanks for the heads up. Have you powered your device off/on to soft reset it? Have you downloaded 3rd party applications to your device? If so, I recommend that you uninstall any unwanted applications and power it off/on again. You will then need to test the WiFi feature again. Keep us posted. LasinaH_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
Same exact issue, beyond frustrating! Have been researching for weeks and nothing. Everyone is just trying to point the blame. I thought this was supposed to be one of the best phones on the best network? Guess not
Same problem. Link speed on phone shows 72mbps sitting next to router but the best upload speed I get is 3.8mbps down. Tried hard reset, no joy. All other devices on this network are getting 57 mbps to the internet through Comcast. If I try to actually download something, like a podcast from TWIT, I get constant "the wifi connection is unstable" messages.
Problem showed up with 4.3. If I remember correctly, there were many early wifi issues with this phone. I wonder if some yahoo just loaded the original wifi build from development that brought back the wifi toggle and hosed our the actual wifi function.
It is just not acceptable to have a device killing my battery constantly scanning for the network it is attached to, dropping back to LTE from wifi eating up my data plan, and not playing fair with STANDARD NETWORKING EQUIPMENT. It is also not acceptable to be putting all of us through the "reset your phone" dance when there is clearly an issue with the MJ7 update. I understand it might take some work to fix, how about actually communicating to the customers acknowleging the issue and telling us what you will do about it.
Oh, sorry, I forgot this is Verizon. The communications company that does not like to communicate.
Same problem here. Automatic WiFi connectivity between home and work (for example) when there is no WiFi during the drive between, worked just great prior to the MJ7 build (4.3) update. If I turn WiFi off then immediately back on, it connects to the saved/configured WiFi immediately. This is an auto-connect problem with either the new build or the new radios.
Hi Njuneer,Agreed, Its important to have a properly working device at all times! Let's get this fixed. What type of router are you using with Comcast? Have you tried changing the router security settings via the Comcast Admin router admin page to see if the data speeds will increase? Keep me posted.Thanks,PamelaF_VZWTweet us @vzwsupport
Pamela,
1) The problem is not limited to the Comcast wireless router. It is also not due to the Comcast wireless router. (Even though it is a limited configurable ***.) There are devices connected to this router getting full speeds, including an OSX based MBP, 2 Win 7 laptops, an ancient iPhone 3G, my old Droid Bionic, and an iPad.
Besides, even if it were a router compatibility issue, I cannot go around hacking WiFi routers everywhere I go to make them happy with my oddball device..
2) I had a chat session with a rep not long after my original post. He looked into the problem, found numerous reports of the same issue, and said that Verizon has escalated the problem to Samsung. Why cant you all get on the same page? Looking at the posts in this forum and others there is an OBVIOUS problem with 4.3 on the S4.
What we need now is an acknowledgement from Verizon of the problem and a date for a patch. Extra data on our plans may also be warranted since we cannot use our unlimited WiFi connections due to Verizon pushing a broken update onto our devices.
$600 phone that cannot connect to wifi reliably and because of something YOUR COMPANY did to it. Stop telling me to play with my router and fix the freaking phone!
>> Edited to comply with the <<
Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator
Please see Njuneer's following response. I can not agree with him anymore.
This is the only tip I keep receiving as well. The connection issue does
not come from WiFi spots, but the phone itself. The issue is not connection
based, but the constant search from the phone, or the wifi being turned
on/off on the phone. I am on my final nerve with this..
On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Verizon Wireless Customer Support <
Verizon (Pamela and all other VZW respondents)
As mentioned in a couple other replies, this absolutely, 100 percent, without a doubt, and completely a bug that Verizon and/or Samsung has introduced with MJ7. This must become a high priority within your two organizations (Verizon and Samsung) to get this repaired immediately.
What I haven't seen is an admission that there is even a problem with either the MJ7 build and/or the MJ7 baseband. There clearly is a problem here.
RellimDe wrote:Verizon (Pamela and all other VZW respondents)As mentioned in a couple other replies, this absolutely, 100 percent, without a doubt, and completely a bug that Verizon and/or Samsung has introduced with MJ7. This must become a high priority within your two organizations (Verizon and Samsung) to get this repaired immediately.What I haven't seen is an admission that there is even a problem with either the MJ7 build and/or the MJ7 baseband. There clearly is a problem here.
RellimDe wrote:
And yet I have that update without this issue. Gee, I wonder why?
Thanks for posting this resolution. This did the trick!!! The first time it didn't work however, but when I went back into the settings, the check mark had returned...
Thanks...
Thanks for trying njuneer. Have you tested the device on another wifi connection? Did you retain all of your apps during the OS update? Have you tried testing the wifi connection with multiple sources while in safe mode? http://tiny.cc/cr5h6wJonathanK_VZWVZW SupportFollow Us on Twitter@VZWSupport
I'm experiencing a similar problem since the update. Phone used to connect to my home wifi seamlessly as soon as I entered the house. Suddenly (since the update), it is remaining on 4G LTE, and when I check the status in settings, it tells me that wifi was disabled because internet service was too slow. Thereafter, I have to manually force a connection. So annoying...
Same problems here, used to have no issues connecting to wifi at home or at work and now my galaxy 4 can't. My wife has Galaxy 3 and it connects with no issues to our home router or any router. Now my phone spends half the day charging. If I get charged for data usage for Samsung or Verizon's incompetence, there will be hell to pay!
Everyone needs to Tweet @Samsungsupport as they not aware this is a big issue experience by many.
It is the MOST frustrating thing ever!! Also the NO response or acknowledgment from Verizon is really making frustrated. The price for this phone to NOT hold wifi and drain my data usage is ridiculous.
I also am having the exact same issue, and due to data feeds I am on pace to go over on my data limits. I would appreciate a little free data on the plan to mitigate this risk since it is not my fault until they can resolve this issue.
Not an ideal fix but if I restart my phone when I come home, the phone automatically connects to wifi and stays on. Kinda annoying to restart phone every time i walk in and out though
I have tried this, and my phone will drop the wifi again randomly. Sometimes it is a few moments later, others hours.
Same thing with me. But then how does this stop your phone from searching
for wifi all the time when you are outside of your house, office, etc.
I have narrowed down the problem with WiFi to a specific protocol. My replacement came today and is running 4.2.2, which is the first update that added the stock android WiFi toggle back to the notification panel. It has the same problems as the 4.3 phone I am sending back.
Anyway, if I force my router to use only WPA2-TKIP, I can get 20mbps down from my phone. If the router is set to either AES only or AES/TKIP, the phone maxes out at 3.5 mbps down.
The problem is with how the phone handles AES. This must be resolved since TKIP is outdated, has security issues, and limits the speed of the entire network. I.E while my phone goes up from 3.5 to 20 mbps on TKIP, every other device drops from 56 mbps to 20mbps.
Now, which chat specialist would like to tell me to boot into safe mode? lol
Hi SupaMoose, Thanks for the info! Is this occuring with every router you attempt to connect to? Have you tried changing the Wi-fi settings on the router to a different security protocol? Keep me postedThanks,PamelaF_VZWTweet us @vzwsupport
Hello,
I do not have the ability to reset or change security protocols on most networks I hook onto because they are either public networks, or at work. All of these networks worked fine before the last updated. At home my S4 is the only device that has issues. My wife's Verizon Nexus Phone, Her old classic Kindle, my Kindle Fire, our 3 year old desktop,our Xbox, both of our work laptops, and our new Chrome book work fine, and have been since we got each device respectively. My S4 worked fine until the latest update. Now I have authentication errors with only My S4 on any and every network public or private, with or without a secure network .
Nothing else has changed except this update, and that is precisely when my issue started. I have turned the phone on and off, and even removed the battery. I have turned the router on and off. I have done a hard reset from Comcast at home to reset. I have tried all of these processes in every which combination and order, but nothing has worked. By a simple process of elimination the issue is the latest update.
When is a patch or update coming? Can I get free data on my plan until then since a mistake beyond my control is causing me to chew through my data? Could I get a discount on my plan since if I limit data I essentially have an expensive candy-bar style phone from 2003?
Wi-Fi Network Connection Problem
There is a known issue with Wifi stability while connected to a network using D Link routers.
As a temporary fix, you can try these steps:
> Settings => Connections and tap Wi-Fi. Then tap Menu and make sure Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep is set to Always.
>Or turn off Wi-Fi power save mode on your S4. Type *#0011# on the phone dialer, then Menu => Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi power save mode to Off.
> Or change the router settings to 802.11 model
I have to turn off wi-fi to get it to stop searching. For me the battery holds long enough that I can charge it wherever I need to (at home, in car, or in office).
I just purchased a brand new Galaxy S4 Mini YESTERDAY, which has 4.2.2 on it, and I am experiencing the same WiFi issues as everyone mentioned in this thread. I haven't even had the phone for 24 hours yet. Last night while at home, the WiFi signal dropped. When searching for networks, it said that my home network was "out of range". My laptop, iPad, and Galaxy S3 were all connected with no issues. After restarting the phone, it connected to WiFi again. Today while at work, it has dropped from WiFi three times. Each time it says that the network is "out of range" when I'm sitting right here, until I restart the phone and it connects again. I noticed that the phone is constantly scanning for WiFi even though it's connected, which is draining the battery. Even though the phone is asleep and sitting on my desk, it feels warm. It's not even 3pm and I've got only 32% left on my battery. To prevent excessive data usage, I simply turned the data off (which I normally do when I'm home and at work anyway, however there isn't a toggle to turn off data on this phone like there was on my S3 so I had to add a shortcut to it). Since I turned the data off, the WiFi connection hasn't been interrupted (it's been an hour and a half now).
Happy Thanksgiving krissyde
I was wondering when the first S4 mini post was going to show up. Bummer it's right after you purchased the phone.
Wifi problems can be real probmatic with some phones and someone elses same phone will have no problem. I have the S4 and no problems with Wifi yet. Your menu system is problably like the S4 so get into the Wifi menu and the Advanced Wifi menu and experiment with the different settings it offers. Does your phone connect to free wifi at Starbucks or Mcdonalds? If it does then if could be your wifi system at home. Try to reboot the phone or pull the battery if it has a removable battery. Check to see if the drivers on your router need updating, reboot your modem and router. If you still can't get the phone to work with your wifi then take it to a Verizion store and see if they can get it to work, The very last thing you can try is a factory reset and if that doesn't work you have a couple of weeks to return the phone for a replacement. If you do take it to Verizion for a replacement make sure it works on wifi before you leave the store.
Good Luck
There are numerous issues associated with Samsung's latest 4.3 JellyBean Operating system update, not the least of which is the problem with WiFi Connectivity (dropping or 'network too slow' connectivity alerts) and subsequent WiFi 'hunting' by the phones to try and attach, and glitches assiociated with 'HomeWiz'. No doubt these issues are gobbling energy from the battery which has also led to complaints about battery life as well. The stark reality is that Verizon chose to roll out the 4.3 update too early onto subscriber's phones, and for me the new OS was inflexible for accepting or chosing network connections slower than Verizon's very fast LTE network (i.e. my corporate WiFi-not much I can do to change that!). I contacted Verizon, and let them know that I expected the OS to be fixed and that any data overages resulting from switches from workable (and free) WiFi to Verizon's LTE ($$$) network essentially represents more than an inconvenience and ventures into what I consider to be an unacceptable and purchase agreement for my new phone, which no longer works as was originally purchased (October 2013). The Verizon representative told me they are aware of the technical problems associated with the Samsung rollout and are working with Samsung to make sure that the problem is remedied. Logically this will occur by replacing the botched Samsung update with one that actually works correctly. In fact, in Europe, Samsung patrons are very furious over this Bungled Samsung 4.3 Roll Out. To the best of my knowledge, this new rollout is imminent. Presumably, Verizon will test this new rollout appropriately to their customer's needs and the performance issues that are currently defining the scope of Customers problems this time rather than assuming Samsung has their computer engineering issues all sorted before rolling out another JellyBean OS update.
My biggest problem since the update has been the inability to connect to access points like Starbucks. I've done everything including the FDR. Essentially the if the s4 even sees the network it will connect then immediately disconnect. No time to get to the browser to do the access point sign it.
One of three things happens:
Sign-In Required error
Authentication error
Nothing
I need this fixed! I travel where there is only wifi and I need to be able to communicate with my family!
My network is having no issues. I have no doubt that this would mask the problem by using more data, but I would like my ability to use Wifi back. My phone is going back to Best Buy for an insurance claim if the problem is not resolved. They can take it up with Verizon on why my Wifi no longer works proper after the update.
I can stream Netflix on My wifi yet my phone has a problem loading a picture from Facebook or Ebay because the "Wifi is unstable". I have 2 words for Verizon "Fix It"
>>Duplicate post removed to comply with the . See <<
emk87, thanks for these details. Are you able to connect any other wireless devices to your WiFi feature at home? Can your device to connect to other WiFi networks? We definitely want to fix this issue for you. LasinaH_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
This is 1000% a software issue introduced by 4.3 as somewhere in the chain decides to disconnect WIFI when it "believes" the connection is too slow. First of all, device should not make this type of decision based on connection speed. Or, it should have an option to allow user to disable this type of decision making. It should be totally up to user to decide whether an underlined WIFI connection is desirable or not. It lack of common sense in this feature to allow machines to decide the fate totally. On the other hand, the threshold between "fast" and "slow" is also completely off. An ordinary WIFI hotspot in MacDonald, Starbucks that are used constantly by me and other hundreds of folks suddenly be placed in the category of "slow" network by the algorithm in 4.3. When I am watching the rest of the world enjoy their connection in the spot where my brand new software declare "too slow" --- That's absurd. Samsung/VzW should make a patched release asap or I can se formal complaint might reach to FTC's desk soon as this is an alleged artificial bias to force user to overload their monthly data usage. Who is going to benefit from that ???
It happens to more than 4.3... My Nexus 5 does it from time to time. My Note 2(T-Mobile) does it from time to time.
FTC can't help you if the carriers are not the one in charge with the code and misplace blame.
Thanks for your reply. I am sure this problem comes with JellyBean 4.3 or later. If your Nexus 5 comes with KitKat and have the same problem of getting reject up and front upon initial connection, chances are this bug is propagated to later OS. Please be aware the underlined issues are 1. Over conservative WIFI speed estimation. 2. Should not flat out reject WIFI connection without users' consent. Neither of this issues exit in prior software load. All the subsequent software update after initial roll out of devices by carrier is called "Maintenance Release" from OEM. This type of release will need to be approved by carrier and put it in a queue to be pushed out at a strategic time with the best marketing sense. No one outside the loop knows the influence of carrier to OEM as to certain things in certain aspect. In the end, the buck stops at carrier and they are the ultimate party to be liable as we usually don't buy phone from OEM.
Nexus 5 has 0 carrier influence. Carriers don't touch code whatsoever. It is manufacturers and Google who handle all code. If it is present in AOSP then it will be present on all releases unless the OEM removes the code.
abean your answer worked for me, thanks.
So true and the store people say they never heard of this. But I think abean answer below took care of it.
My Galaxy S3 also cannot connect to my home network after upgrade. Say the connection is too slow and stays on the mobile data. This is a shame. Maybe Verizon wants to increase the mobile data usage. They should be aware of a class action law suit. Also the button to turn off mobile data is hidden instead of being on the upper bar.
rv55 wrote:Also the button to turn off mobile data is hidden instead of being on the upper bar.
rv55 wrote:
Also the button to turn off mobile data is hidden instead of being on the upper bar.
see if this helps:
All the discussion should come to an end now. The remedy is to go to screen of setting|Wi-Fi|Advanced|Auto Network Switch and turn this option off. You should be able to reconnect to your Wi-Fi easily. I've validated this solution by check and uncheck the option only to see the problem comes back and goes away.
Here is the theory for that: this option will offer a much lower threshold to allow device easily re-selecting cellular network connection if it decides Wi-Fi is too weak. The good thing about this is to be preemptive before it's getting too worse and too late. The bad thing is it's hugely biased to cellular network so it disqualify a lot of Wi-Fi signal, which would otherwise be good enough to allow connection and using. All in all, the threshold used in this option is not carefully chosen so it lead to rejection of Wi-Fi connection. The good news is it seems that not activate this option will automatically avoid using of this ill-fated threshold for network switching.
So, trust me and turn that option off. Your phone will be as good as it used to be in this regard.
No. I have two S3 (personal & work). Both are set to exactly as you stated above. Still get "unstabile" notice and constant searching for networks even when connected. This is BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just found this thread. Same issues here. Unbelievable. More so that NOTHING has happened since your post in November and it is now January. Just amazing. My next phone is coming directly from Google to avoid all this crap.
This is a serious issue as customers are being switched over to Verizon’s data network and depleting data from their monthly allowance while there is actually no issue with their Wi-Fi network connection, and I might add, without being notified of such. Less “tech savvy” customers may not even be aware that this is occurring until they receive their monthly bills, or worse case, data overage notifications (if they are subscribed to them). This issue seriously needs to be looked at by a group of professionals, not just by forum moderators – but the forum moderators have a responsibility to the user community to ensure that this problem is looked into further.
Supporting data:
1. I have a dual-band wireless N router (2.4 & 5Ghz).
2. I currently have 7 devices using my router via wireless, 6 using the 5Ghz band
a. HP Photosmart printer – 2.4Ghz
b. Lenovo ThinkPad – 5Ghz
c. iPhone 5 – 5Ghz
d. HP Pavilion laptop – 5Ghz
e. Motorola DRIOD Razr M – 5Ghz
f. Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 – 5Ghz
g. Samsung Galaxy S4 – 5Ghz (problem)
3. Based on router logs, and the stable network connections on my other two Verizon wireless phones, only the Galaxy S4 is dropping the Wi-Fi connection.
a. iPhone 5 remains connected – never drops, disables my Wi-Fi, or “fails” over to Verizon’s data network
b. Droid Razr M remains connected – never drops, disables my Wi-Fi, or “fails” over to Verizon’s data network
c. None of my other devices drop, nor do I experience slow speeds on any of these devices while connected to my Wi-fi
4. It is not a settings issue, no matter what settings you use the problem occurs on the 5Ghz band
5. The problem can occur if I am less than 4 feet from my router
6. Connecting the Galaxy S4 to the 2.4Ghz band on my router seems to be a more stable connection
Questions:
1. Is the problem with the 5Ghz band only perhaps?
a. I am not sure what other customers are using
b. Not sure what Samsung / Verizon has tested
2. Curious as to what the threshold speed is set to that classifies a connection as “too slow” - so that the device disables it entirely?
a. Not even sure why this option would be implemented nor do I understand the logic behind it, unless it were to fail over to another Wi-fi in the area that might be faster? If so, that should be an option available for the customer so they can decide if they want to “fail over” to another network connection (especially one that depletes data from their available monthly allowance).
3. Can Samsung and/or Verizon send an update that will disable this “hidden” configuration setting entirely so that it never disables the connection? At least until the problem is corrected, or until customer selectable options like how to manage the “slow” connection scenario should be handled (never drop/disable Y/N)?
Hopefully this information might be helpful to those who may end up actually investigating the issue, and I’d be happy to assist with a resolution in any way I can.
Typos and grammatical errors brought to you complements of; “I’m not spending any more time on this”
Let it be noted here as well that customers may decide, and have valid cause to pursue a class action lawsuit against Verizon for remedy and reimbursement of charges incurred as a result of this issue. It is in Verizon's best interest to address this as quickly as possible as to avoid that potential outcome.
I put money on it that it fails... Good luck on the class action.
Hi James,
I used to be one of the victims that suffer this problem. But I am happy now because the remedy I learned from this thread works very well for me. Just go to settings/wifi/advenced and uncheck "Auto Network Switch". To go to advanced menu, you would need softbutton to the left of big hard button in the middle of bottom.
Don't be afraid of unchecking that option, automatic switching between wifi and cellular network still functions. Scanning better wifi connection and switching to that is also still working.
Thanks.....
Hausting
《 Sent from my 4G LTE Smartphone powered by VIA Telecom's CDMA solution. 》
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE95K01U20130621?irpc=932
Not going to happen. No class actions are allowed.
While that may help some, there is an explicit issue issue with 5ghz in 4.3+ Android builds. This is why it affects some and not others. The issue is usually compounded when you have a higher channel set on your 5ghz network.
If you connect to 2.4 you will have no issues.
I finally updated my phone to 4.3 a couple of days ago and Iam really surprised that I have not encountered any of the problems that haveaffected so many others on this forum. What I was really surprised about is howeasily it connected up with my home wifi, which is protected by WPA and itnotified me of the network availability, put in the passphrase and it connectedright up. For what it’s worth I am using a 4 year old Belkin router running thelatest drivers. My router channelsetting is set to 11 (Not Auto) and my frequency
is set to 20 MHZ (Not 10/20MHZ)
My phone settings for wifi on the S4 are:
Notify me (on)
Auto connect (on)
Wifi notifications (on)
Keep wifi on during sleep (on)
Auto network switch (on)
These settings are the default settings from the upgrade to 4.3. and the phone switches back and forth from data to wifi without issues. Thought I would post this for what its worth.
CrowbarMan wrote:While that may help some, there is an explicit issue issue with 5ghz in 4.3+ Android builds. This is why it affects some and not others. The issue is usually compounded when you have a higher channel set on your 5ghz network. If you connect to 2.4 you will have no issues.
CrowbarMan wrote:
I don't recall having issues with the S4 and 5 GHz wifi I usually connect to.
I saw a post about the same problem because I was having issues with my wifi connection also. Try downloading the wifi manager by kostya vasilyev in the google play store. I have downloaded it and so far my wif has had no problems.
