After update to 4.3 I receive a notification... "Your internet connection is unstable" Did not have any problems until after update. What is going on???
I had the same problem with my phone after the update. Tried a factory reset and it was a waste of time. Ended up having to get a new phone that had not been updated to 4.3. HUGE (removed) to set up a new phone, but nothing else worked to solve the wifi connectivity issues.
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Same issues here
Same here. Wifi also an issue with connecting. It all has to do with the 4.3 update..there are many other issues with it as well..the worst is the draining of the battery when the phone isn't even being used.
Same issue here. Along with draining battery.
I also contacted Samsung on the issues with the upgrade - thy pointed the finger at Verizon and Google. When I told them it was not a viable answer they admitted there are issues but have no idea when a fix will come out. I will send a complaint to the FCC or all the good it will do. Verizon and Samsung you are losing many customers over these issues!
Again, same issue here. That and not being able to load contact's pictures next to their name/number. Thought linking Facebook would do it, but nope.
The issues seem to vary. The battery life and wifi issues seem to be consistent across everyone I know with the update. Other issues I have heard of and witnessed are the phone flashing randomly. Ringtones and sounds either changing or not working at all. The phone is very slow coming out of sleep mode and opening and closing apps. Even issues with car charges and bluetooth.
I have tried just about every possible solution and nothing will fix it. So I wouldn't go crazy resetting your phone or going crazy because you will just be spinning your wheels and get more frustrated like I was. I just hope Samsung or Verizon are truly working on a fix because this is the worst experience I have ever had with a phone..and for what we are paying it is an absolute joke that they can't fix it or at least roll out an update that puts us back to the previous version.
Thanks! did the Flash notification and no more flash.
Same problems here after update. Unstable internet connection, loss of contact pictures, phone is running hot and battery life is bad, Music player widget quit working correctly. You have to wonder if this update was even tested. Why would they release something that is so buggy?
I'm having the wifi problems also. Before my phone always connected to the routers with no problem. I also lost my ringtone but that isn't a big deal. I don't much like the text message on the lock screen but I probably will get used to it. I haven't noticed a fast battery drain but I have been on it more than normal trying to fix the wifi, I hope this gets fixed soon since there isn't unlimited data anymore.
Thank you all for your feedback! From what we have been advised, this is not an issue with the 4.3 update. 'Auto network switch' evaluates data connection when Wi-Fi link quality deterioration is detected and it disables the AP and connects to the cellular network automatically. When data connection test fails, it disables the AP and connects to the cellular network automatically. 'Auto network switch' enabled:If link quality is evaluated to be poor, the device disconnects itself from the AP and find alternative connection, which can be either another AP or Cellular network. 'Auto network switch' disabled:It simply stays connected to the AP and notify the user that the Wi-Fi connection is poor, or the Internet is not available via the AP. When user clicks on the notification, device shows a pop-up message which guides the user to enable 'Auto network switch'.You can follow below steps to enable/disable this function:Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Menu -> Advanced -> Check or Uncheck 'Auto network switch' option. Please let us know how this works for you.TamaraH_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
Yeah that's neat, but the fact it has nothing to do with 4.3 is bs, seeing as how no one really had issues with it prior to this train wreck of an update. Also, what is "AP"? You mention it six times but never explain what it is. Not all of us work in the cellular network field.
I think AP is Access Point other term for Wifi connection/router.
Turn Off Bluetooth
That worked for me.
It seems to be a known bug.
Same issues here. SG3. Im having similar issues with the phone running very hot and the battery life being seriously depleted. I used to be able to go all day without having to charge my phone, but now i have to almost keep it in for half of the day to ensure the battery gets to 100%, which takes FOREVER. I noticed that right away. Another thing i noticed is that some of my games force close or just shut down altogether now that i have done the update, frustrating as hell. Let's see, the WiFi issue is irritating the hell outta me. Its constantly saying connected to our wifi here in the apartment but keeps connecting and disconnecting. My back up assistant won't even complete its update because it keeps saying loss of network/wifi. Thats probably whats draining the batter so fast, is the connecting and disconnecting and searching of the wifi, thats my guess anyway. Man, you know what? I came to the Samsung family because my boyfriend has one and begged me to come on over from the HTC, which i was GLAD to do because i had the same issues with my Thunderbolt. OMG their software updates were FREAKING HORRIBLE! I had to go through 8 phones before someone told me NOT to accept the software update when i got the phone. 8 phones! I cursed Verizon and HTC out! When i was able i got away from HTC and it was recommended that the hot item at the time was the SG3. And they were right, i LOVE my SG3, but now, WTF people! Im having flashbacks of the nightmare i had to live with HTC's (removed) updates! Now Samsung? How long do we have to continue paying these outrageous prices for a phone that only HALF works? And then you tell us to inconvenience ourselves by unistalling our apps, turning off our networks and doing a factory reset? Thats all you can offer? How about a reimbursement? Or a cut off our monthly bill? How about that Verizon? Since you two want to sit there and point fingers like children, give us a reason to stay! Find a fix or lose customers! But for now the only advice i can say is to use the "power saving" function, its a pain in the ass but at least it helps your phone stay active longer. This is so frustrating. I hope they find a fix, AND QUICK!!!!!
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Verizon Wireless Customer Support wrote: Thank you all for your feedback! From what we have been advised, this is not an issue with the 4.3 update. 'Auto network switch' evaluates data connection when Wi-Fi link quality deterioration is detected and it disables the AP and connects to the cellular network automatically. When data connection test fails, it disables the AP and connects to the cellular network automatically. 'Auto network switch' enabled:If link quality is evaluated to be poor, the device disconnects itself from the AP and find alternative connection, which can be either another AP or Cellular network. 'Auto network switch' disabled:It simply stays connected to the AP and notify the user that the Wi-Fi connection is poor, or the Internet is not available via the AP. When user clicks on the notification, device shows a pop-up message which guides the user to enable 'Auto network switch'.You can follow below steps to enable/disable this function:Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Menu -> Advanced -> Check or Uncheck 'Auto network switch' option. Please let us know how this works for you.TamaraH_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
Verizon Wireless Customer Support wrote:
You people CANNOT be serious....Really, suddenly everyone has a WiFi issue AFTER The 4.3 update who never had an issue prior to the update?!?! Cuz everyone has suddenly changed their "auto network switch" which this is the first I ever heard of it, and AP?? What? All you people at VZW, sound like robots and reading from a book to post the same garbage that is supposed to do something other then make people reset and start over. Nonsense. Quit treating us all like dummies. Quit insulting out intelligence. ALL The issues ARE from the 4.3 update. Period.
TamarH:
Sorry, but your response is incorrect. I have my auto network switch disabled and it still drops the AP and goes to Verizon data.
The core problem is that there is a bug in the phone or Android 4.3 software such that Bluetooth corrupts the WIFI connection. That appears to the phone as a bad WIFI internet connection, even when the phone is in the same room as the WIFI router. As soon as I turned off my Bluetooth, the problem cleared up.
If you do a web search you will find that many, many people have this problem. Verizon needs to escalate this immediately with Samsung and Google. I myself wasted a lot of time trying to find the problem. I also racked up lots of unneeded data usage on Verizon. Please escalate this email with your management.
I smell a class action law suit around the corner.
Thanks
Unfortunately many of us need our Bluetooth (hands free laws are in effect in addition to needing to use both of my hands while talking on the phone and moving around the building while talking)! So shutting off the Bluetooth is not an option. The only thing that needs done is to fix these issues or let us revert to the previous working OS while they take their time to fix the issues. I don't hear Verizon offering to do either. And like someone else said...they need to stop the canned replies of resetting the phone or stopping apps that were not an issue before the update. The update is the problem....period...so Verizon needs to be the one fixing the issues, not the end user with resets.
I agree. I need my Bluetooth as well and will turn it on when I go into my car. That solution is only temporary. There is a major national (or international problem) with this (including Note 3's) and Samsung/Android -Google needs to fix it. It needs national attention. I attempted to post it to Samsung over the weekend, but their response system is as bad as Verizon's. I think I'll send a letter or fax to Samsung's headquarters. We are wasting our time at these low levels in the boards.
Cheers,
Steve
software update 4.3 issues
exchange server email not syncing - deleted account and tried re-adding account
Phone is useless for business without exchange server sync
battery drain - 1/2 day almost empty
Tune In app turns on suddenly
Internet connection not stable message
Bravo Android and Samsung... Bravo...
This is simply NOT the case. My wife and I both have Galaxy S3s. I updated to 4.3 two weeks ago Tuesday. immediatly I started getting the "Unstable" error message and limited WIFI. I thought it was somthing else. I updated my wife's S3 Monday Jan 13 and her phone started getting the error message. My data usage was up considerably because of this. Was this a Verizon ploy to increase data usage??? If so I am canseling and going to AT&T.....
I apologize for the confusion Jaexyn. After the software update, have you tried a hard reset on your device? To learn how to do this click, http://vz.to/1bk6pIG Prior to processing a hard reset on your phone, please ensure the content on your phone is backed up. If you are still experiencing difficulites with your device, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank You,MichelleL_VZWVZW SupportFollow us on Twitter @VZWSUPPORT
Almost zero issues, none in months, with my GS3. Now, this update has me evaluating T-Mobile's offer. Does anyone know if they force updates that cause problems?
Samsung is the one that forced this update. Unlike popular belief SamMobile isn't an official source, and the not all Samsung regions gave any indication they were withholding the update. Even the main headquarters said nothing before, during, or after the fact of this article.
Find it too convenient to say Verizon forced the update. Yet you look at the Motorola devices that were delayed and Motorola said something up front and center themselves when their update had problems. Seems to me Samsung decided to push the update as all the problems people seem to be happening are everywhere. No one can refuse the update everywhere. So I can't see how Verizon is forcing anything.
Anyway... You'll be on the same boat on Sprint,T-Mobile, or AT&T when it comes to the 4.3 update. You could move overseas if you like and same deal.
I suppose Samsung is pushing the Verizon Cloud down our throats? Something also appearing after this update. I guess Samsung forced VZW to promote their own (VZW's) product? Convenient. VZW adding onto the Samsung update? I admittedly haven't kept up on things, as my phone worked flawlessly for months. Be it as it may, gladly I see an end to 2 year contracts and OPTIONS for consumers. Here, or overseas.
Updates are meant to improve your device cjz_ohio. I am sorry to learn of all the difficulites you are experiencing. Have you tried running your phone on safe mode? For directions on how to run your phone on safe mode click http://vz.to/1kOSTSHIf you are still experiencing difficulites with your phone on safe mode, I would suggest a hard reset on your phone. Before processing a hard reset, please ensure the content on your phone is backed up. For directions on how to process a hard reset click http://vz.to/1bmlQ2XThank You,MichelleL_VZWVZW SupportFollow us on Twitter @VZWSUPPORT
Turning off bluetooth does not solve the wifi issues. We have three S III's in our household...none of us use bluetooth and all three of us get the unstable connection messages. And none of us ever got this message before the update.
Hi, Michelle -
I think you need to look at the sheer volume of people reporting the exact same problem. All of us only experienced these problems after the 4.3 update. It is not possible that we are all suddenly in need of a hard reset or that we all suddenly need to put our phones into safe mode. I would urge you to report this problem up the chain and perhaps have the standard customer support script altered for this particular problem.
It is quite obvious that VZW is NOT looking at any of these posts... and there are multiple discussions on the VZW forums about this issue.... it is a shame that VZW does NOT appreciate their customers... this has gone on long enough... but seems destined to go on for several more weeks/months....
If anyone comes up with a solution or a place/person to holler at, let us know.. as we are NOT going to get any help from any VZW person on this forum... right?
What a joke. Hard reset to annihilate all my apps, data and media? Sure, will you pay me my billable rate of $250.00 an hour to restore my phone after the reset? I will assume no. Thanks so much.
My next phone is coming directly from Google.
Per usual, they never offer any guidance on updates/patches etc. Arrogance at its worst(best?)
Dear MichelleL_VZW....
Please read all of the posts about this subject BEFORE you try to answer the question.... and if you don't know the answer/fix, then tell us you are escalating it... and then escalate it! We all know that it is most likely NOT a VZW caused problem (as other carrier forums are discussing the same Galaxy S3 issues with this release) but VZW is getting a black eye by NOT addressing it... nor taking any action to escalate it... this is a user forum, and it is our only choice for trying to get help with our product... so please take it seriously... thx!
You are correct. Vzw are making their money whether were happy or not.
4.3 was a joke. They dont know what to do so they bury their heads in sand
and pretend everything is ok.. I predict they will lose a lot of customers
over this......me for one.
Hard reset's don't work. Tried it on a clean phone (ie. no apps installed or any modifications done after the reset). It demonstrated the same horrible 4.3 performance issues. The ONLY thing you can do is demand a refurb'd phone still running 4.1.2...and, even at that it will eventually download the update at some point when you aren't paying attention (say at 2 am). Then, you have to defer the install every 24 hours to keep it from installing. But, at least the phone is functional....for now.
My phone is doing the same thing....higher data usage, no mobile icon, wifi unstable. Ridiculous. I have not been with Verizon for a full year yet....this is very disappointing. I hope I don't have to leave Verizon but I WILL!! Just called Verizon and the guy I talked to said he had not heard of this problem. hahaha. I said I have a hard time believing that since it has been going on this entire month! Verizon please care about your customers and do something sooner than later!!
After January Software update I get unstable wifi. I NEVER went over 1 gig of data this month almost did. Their fix as always is to RESET my phone trying to convince me its so easy. Then I have to reset EVERYTHING and spend many hours reading and resetting stuff. NO WAY am I resetting my phone. They were able to download software therefore they can download a Fix for the Problem THEY Created. What a HASSLE. When my contract is up I will be looking PRIOR for another carrier if they don't resolve this and they better not charge me If my Data goes over. What a HASSLE turning phone off and on to get it to temporarily work. VERIZON FIX YOUR Problem U allowed Samsung to send defective software to ALL of US.
If you are experiencing any other issues it is due to the FACT that the 4.3 update is seriously flawed. See my posts along with many other users within the GS3/GS3 Mini and you'll see what I'm talking about. Below is a wonderful list of most of what users are struggling with:
1. Battery drain
2. Unresponsive screen
3. Some apps are not working
4. Bluetooth issues
5. LTE auto-connect under Wi-Fi
6. Phone locks up for good unless removing its battery
7. Notification bar fails to launch Facebook updates
8. Electronic voice on the Navigation of Google Maps
9. Chrome browser goes dark and doesn't refresh
10. Recharging failures
Verizon will lose tons of customers over this. I dont have a problem with
a mistake being made with 4.3 but the elaborate cover-up that verizon is
giving is despicable.
If some other carrier had a comparable network I would leave Verizon in a heartbeat. They know they have the best cellular network so they can do as they please (for now). Amazing to me that they could eliminate much of this rancor if they only communicated with their customers properly. A good starting point would be to give us an idea of what happened with 4.3 and when we might expect a fix. Even if it was delivered a month or two in the future at least we would have something to work with. But no...just crickets and ridiculous "fixes" like a hard reset (what a joke that is).
Ultimately this is a direct reflection of Verizon management. Arrogant and shortsighted to say the least.
I dare one of Verizon's upper management to address this issue directly in this thread. My guess per a response?
Chirp, chirp, chirp...
Pure ridiculousness. Verizon blames Samsung, and samsung blames Google.
Just test this stuff thoroughly before you force it on your customers.
Valerie
Same issues since update on my Galaxy S3 WIFI has been unstable. Battery issue also. I'd like to revert back to previous firmware. BTW three months into ownership of this S3 it was extremely HOT and I went to Verizon store for help and 19 year old girl accused me of dropping cell in water and told me she couldn't help me. I went to another verizon store and they contradicted her and three days later they sent me a refurbished replacement. I googled my S3 issues and discovered endless reports of my same problem OVERHEATING. In any event my Verizon contract will over in a few months and I will probably dump VERIZON and SAMSUNG after years and years of LOYALTY.
Rob,
If you are compiling the full list of customer pain since the upgrade (thank you for the concise list), here are two of mine (in addition to the "your internet connection is unstable"):
1) Constant requests for two pages worth of apps to have access to my Google account. Is this some sort of virus attack?
2) The flash (back panel light) comes on for long or short periods in the night. Does the NSA really need pictures that badly?
Add me to the list....disabled wifi for a couple of hours and saw a vast improvement. I was seeing a 10% drop an hour. I have disabled or stopped any additional apps that I dont use- didnt work. Seems to just be the wifi- will be turning off bluetooth as well to see if this improves the life.
Gotta think some exec is behind a big desk rubbing his hands together laughing about this...have turn off the wifi which in turn uses more data which coincidentally has been capped by most carriers causing (you guessed it) data overages. Verizon is so slow to send out the updates in the first place with "testing" (and adding their bloatware which I believe 95% of people dont even use) it makes it hard to believe that they didnt know this was coming.
I would add that the increased battery drain will diminish battery life*, and a fair number of users will opt to trade up to a new phone because the may not understand that they can replace the battery, may not know that the battery is a problem, or will not want to go through the trouble. (Former iPhone users, for example, will be accustomed to a non-replaceable battery.) Verizon, if they are even aware of the problem, may see this as a win.
* -- All batteries have a finite number of charge/discharge cycles
