Ever since latest update.....

[kateecat]

The following keeps happening and is getting old fast on my Galaxy S3

WiFi - "Your internet connection is unstable" pops up every 2 minutes while I am connected to and using my WiFi at home.

- No,there is nothing wrong w/ my WiFi connection nor equipment

Twitter - will not load or takes a while to load and then "unfortunately, twitter has stopped working" pops up

-Have tried to sign out and sign back in, restart my phone - none of which correct this intermittent issue

Youtube - in the middle of trying to upload a video onto youtube I get "unfortunately google + has stopped working" pops up

Lock Screen - freezes and there is a lag of when I can enter my passcode, it registers that it has been entered, and then unlocks my phone

I am sure there is more, I am getting a lot of "unfortunately XYZ has stopped working" messages. Any real way to fix these bugs with this new update? Sounds like someone didn't do their testing properly since I have been reading that others are having the same issues.

Thanks,

katie

[vzw_customer_support]

Katie, we want to stop this from contiuously happening to you. Have you downloaded 3rd party applications to your device? If so, some application software can affect the performance of your device. Try uninstalling any unwanted applications, text messaging conversations, e-mails, and call logs from your device. Once you have cleaned the devices memory of unwanted information, you will need to power it off/on to soft reset. Keep us posted.

LasinaH_VZWSupport

[shatha]

I am also having this exact same problem along with you tube continually playing for 30 seconds and then holding for a minute and that cycle continues till the show is done. And the browser is continually crashing saying were sory but the Internet has suddenly stopped responding and closes itself and does not reload. And this happens with a few other apps. And all my screens and apps are constantly re arranging themselves, the other day my home screen disappeared. And from the pull down menu by dragging finger down from top of screen changed with the update and now suddenly reverted back to its old style. And with my other samsung galaxy s3  on another carrier got the same update it had another download from samsung about special security permissions update. this is all very irritating and needs to be fixed. i do not have third party installs or anything like that. i have removed my battery and restarted the device on several occasions.

[TomLGenV-T]

When I received the Verizon OTA 4.3 update for my S3-4.1.2 a week or so before Christmas 2013, I was very happy and excited to join the world community of Samsung Galaxy S3 users already enjoying the much-touted benefits of this long-overdue last version of the Android Jelly Bean operating system. And, I felt vindicated for my I-told-you-so postings to the growing group of anxious Verizon naysayers that complain about Verizon's insanely long testing procedures before releasing any OTA update. Here, I truly believed, was the perfect example of the 'wisdom' of Verizon's modus operandi: Big Red had held back whilst other carriers had plunged head-strong into the black hole of releasing the flawed original update from Google and Samsung. So, initially, 'slow-walking, slow-talking' Big Red was getting kudos for taking a wait-and-see posture before committing to their update release (actually, they never did commit by any announcement that I'm aware of, it just came to our S3s in the dark of night.

Okay, so that was then. Now,  here's what followed specifically on ny S3 in a less-wordy list of events:

The Update Preparations

1. Everything was backed up on my 32GB removable sd card PLUS on Google Drive and on SugarSync.

2. Sd card was unmounted and removed.

3.  Hard factory reset performed in Android System Recovery Mode (ASRM) after perfori ng a system cache wipe (also in ASRM).

4. Put my canine companion Coco in the car and drove across town to my physician's office parking lot where I could connect (from my car) to their free patient's Wi-Fi (that I don't have at home, at least not then... getting a standalone home Wi-Fi service in a couple of days just for my mobile devices).

5. Turned off my S3's mobile network and  turned on the Wi-Fi, immediately connecting to the free patient's Wi-Fi network.

The 4.3 Update Download

6. Initiated the download from the S3's System Settings/About Phone/Software Update.

7. Total time for completing, verifying, abd installing the software update was about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. No glitches occurred.

The App Restoration

8. Whilst connected to the free Wi-Fi, I downloaded just my essential must-have working apps: File Manager (my plucky sidekick), Photo Editor (my goto photo app),  Walgreens (my lifesaver vest), Backup My Mobile and SanDisk Memory Zone (my file protectors), Google Drive and SugarSync (my preferred cloud storage sites), Scanner Radio Pro and 1Weather Pro (my greatly used weather alerts during this wacky winter across the American Midwest in 2013-2014), and, lastly, Farlex TheFreeDictionary Pro (my don't-leave-home-without-it app). Some of you may consider those apps "nice-to-have" rather than "need-to-have"; but,  for someone as I who regularly uses 150-200 apps for testing  & reviewing mobile applications in addition to personal use, these are my requisite tools.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I always recommend restoring clean/virus-tested apps directly from Google Play Store (and, when needed, from Amazon Appstore, checking "Unknown Sources" in System Settings/Security is required for any source other than Google Play Store) INSTEAD OF restoring from sd cards or cloud storages as a preemptive strike against possible contamination of the newly installed operating system from infected or suspect apps backed up from previous device use.

The Initial Testing of the Downloaded 4.3

9. Booting the S3-4.3 with the stock TouchWiz launcher was fast and smooth. Each installed app opened quickly and error-free.

10. The first thing that I always do with stock launchers is simplifying the device desktop by eliminating all homescreens but one. I simply detest clutter. I augment my preferred single-homescreen design by using the included Samsung Multi-task Multi-window sliding app drawer (though disappointed that 4.3 doesn't have top or bottom tab options as in 4.1.2) and the optional Swapps always available side-loading app drawer from Google Play Store that I restored later.

11. I used this simplified restored S3-4.3 system for a week or two to thoroughly test the basic apps during routine booting and power on/off cycles whilst checking battery usage and charging cycles. Everything at this stage was exactly what I had hoped for and expected.

12. Using AnTuTu Benchmark 4.1.7 abd Vellamo 2.0.3, I tested and compared the new scores of my S3-4.3 against earliest scores of my S3-4.1.2: the new Vellamo scores were higher than expected whilst the new AnTuTu scores were lower than expected. Overall, my S3 with the new 4.3 OS performed well abive comparable smartphones listed in the respective score tables.

The First S3-4.3 Problem

13. After Christmas 2013, I  restored the rest of my previously used apps including Nova Prime Launcher & several Nova icon themes (my longtime dependable  favorite kaucher used without any  problems on several previous Android smartphones), the aforementioned Swapps side-loading app drawer, SwiftKey keyboard (sorry Google, your stock & optional keywords suck, in my opinion), Chrome browser (it still needs improvement to become my default browser, Poweramp Pro & Equalizer Pro (have a ton of music of several genres on my 32GB removable SanDisk sd card),  plus my previously installed security apps (agast! & Mobie).

14. I began using all modes of the stock camera plus those of my previously used camera apps (Camera ZOOM FX and Snap Camera). Pictures taken without flash were perfect as were pictures taken with Snap Camera in its continuous flash-on mode. 

15. Attempting to take pictures in Flash-Auto or in Flash-On modes with ALL cameras resulted in the phone screen stalling and turning black immediately followed by the complete lock up of my S3-4.3 with the following steps being THE ONLY resolution to restoring my S3-4.3 to operational state:

A. Remove battery backcover and remove battery.

B. After 30 seconds, reinstall battery and battery backcover.

C1. Long-press Power Button (top right side)  until vibration is felt or Samsung logo is displayed, then release Power Button to initiate system startup (aka Boot). OR...

C2a. SIMULTANEOUSLY long-press Power Button (top right side) + Volume Up Button (top left side/top half) + hard Home Button (center bottom) until small blue words (barely readable) appear in the upper left area of the device screen, then release all three buttons.

C2b. You will see displayed a menu of options for the Android System Recovery Mode with the first option (System Startup?) already highlighted as the default option.

C2c. Using the Volume Down Button (top left side/bottom half), scroll down to highlight Wipe System Cache and select by pressing Power Button (top right side).

C2d. After system cache wipe has completed (takes 1-2 seconds) and the top menu option is once again highlighted, select this option by pressing the Power Button (top right side) that will restart the S3-4.3 operating system and the default launcher (stock TouchWiz or alternative launcher--in my case, Nova).

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above camera flash tests and restart procedures were repeated several times with identical lockup results. Several emails and phone calls were made to Verizon, Samsung, Android Authority, and Drippler with no resolution offered. Android Authority, contrary to their 'feedback' contact us offers for user problem tips, replied "We only offer solutions to problems directly associated with our mobile app." Hmm.

The New S3-4.3 Problems

16. Mobile 4G/LTE network connections become erratic, having to turn off/turn on mobile network connection repeatedly.

17. Wi-Fi connections become erratic (same as mobile network problem), having to turn off/turn on Wi-Fi connection repeatedly (same as mobile network problem).

18. Battery drainage recently noticed with Mobie notifications of unusual heavy battery usage by preloaded applications.

19. Battery recharging times taking much longer than usual.

The Final Solution

20. Spoke with Level 2 Technical Support at Verizon this week who confirmed every problem experienced on my S3-4.3 and all of my attempts to resolve them myself (including testing the camera flash issue in Safe Mode plus uninstalling all security virus-detecting apps and my Nova Launcher that never had problems with my S3-4.1.2 OS and other versions of Android Jelly Bean on previous Verizon mobile smartphones used in the past several years) and stated definitely that performing more factory resets (as done in my home tests) would be futile, leaving ONE AND ONLY ONE RECOMMENDED REMEDY  being a replacement identical S3 having factory-installed Android Jelly Bean 4.3 operating system already on it. Any other recommendations including an instore 4.3 flash installation at Best Buy (all Verizon service outlets, other than Best Buy, and including Verizon corporate stores no longer had the software to perform the flash procedure). As I'm currently confined to my home and to spouse-driven appointments with several physicians and pain/physical therapy appointments for severe lower back pain with associated leg-to-foot neuropathy & sciatica, Verizon has shipped directly to me an exact model replacement of my S3 with factory-installed 4.3 software. Today is Wednesday 29 January 2014 and my new Verizon S3-4.3 came by FedEx at 3:00 pm as promised. Thank you Verizon for appreciating my above-stated problems and my user tests that I undertook to resolve them. I trust that readers of this posting will be encouraged to take similar measures to resolve their own S3-4.3 problems and restoring the Samsung Galaxy S III (aka S3) to its well-deserved worldwide rank of iconic Android devices in use today and tomorrow.

I apologize for the length of this reply posting, but the complexity of the S3's 4.3 update debate & needless debacle (regardless of carrier) demanded a full detailed rational response.

[kateecat]

Thanks! I will try getting Verizon to send me a new phone. Ironically I suffer from back pain & sciatica as well. I spend a lot of time in PT and etc. Having a phone that suddenly does not work properly b/c of Verizon's inability to properly implement a working update is not fun. I have been a loyal Verizon Customer for 12+ years.

[jbmcdroid]

Sounds like you and I are twins, medicaand lly and Verizonally (spelling madeup for word symmetry). When my replacement phone came yesterday... xactly at 3pm as promised, I delayed opening the box until uses inished backing up files on my other phone... sometime later that afternoon.

Opening the box I saw a new (or refurbished) phone without a battery back cover... guess Big Red is financially hurting (haha) and thought I should remove the used backcover from my used S3 so that I would have a new phone with a used backcover (go figure).

Now the reality check: I removed the 'new' replacement phone from the FedEx box, installed my fully charged used battery, installed my used sim card, installed my used battery back cover, and pressed the power button. The very first thing that displayed was a notification that a software update was available for immediate over-the-air (OTA) downloading... 'hold the phone' here, why would that notification be displayed on a new replacement phone with factory-installed 4.3 software?

The very next thing that I did was go into System Settings/About Phone and looked down where it stated the Android Version... I couldn't believe my eyes, there it was "Android Version 4.1.2"...WTF is this?

Whilst enduring considerable pain (as you well know) from sciatica & peripheral neuropathy in my leg & foot, I called Verizon Technical Support to let them know that I was lied to and was right back to where I was before. After getting the "well, you know, no one can assured you that what comes from our First In First Out (FIFO) warehouse is exactly what you were told to expect" from the tech support person's supervisor on the other end of the phone connection, I firmly stated that a promise was made and that promise was ignored.

Realizing that I was getting nowhere with this VZW supervisor, I managed to cool down and more-calmly stated that I would download the 4.3 update (AGAIN) tomorrow with a free Wi-Fi connection at my physician's office.

Still steaming over this underhanded Big Red work over, I downloaded the 4.3 OTA update onto my 'new' replacement S3-4.1.2 yesterday... as before, it took nearly 15 minutes to complete the download and verification, plus another 15-20 minutes to finish the installation. Additionally, while on the free Wi-Fi, I reinstalled just a few of my basic apps from Google Play Store and returned home before my afternoon physical therapy appointment.

So now, it's Friday night after 10:30, and I'm still hesitant to test the stock camera in auto-flash and on-flash modes to see if my 'new' replacement S3-4.3 freezes and completely locks up as before. Guess I'll do that tomorrow after Charter Cable installs my new (affordable) home Wi-Fi service. Afterwards, I will be back here to post my new findings. Keep your fingers crossed and stayed tuned.

[jbmcdroid]

Question for kateecat: Did you get a replacement from Verizon and did it resolve any or all of the 4.3 problems on your previous S3? Yes or no, please post your outcome for others to know.

[kateecat]

The faulty Jelly Bean 4.3 Update has NOTHING to do with apps on my phone; nor does email, text messages, pictures, contacts, and etc. I have had the phone for just over a year, not until this update did I have ANY problems.

It is clearly a problem that stems directly from the embedded update. Since I am not the only person having this trouble, it is proof that there is a major problem with the update in itself. So, it looks like I will be requesting a new phone w/ the 4.3 software factory installed from Verizon, since that seems to be the only resolution.

[aka-neo]

Cookie cutter response. So scripted and non-helpful. When will you (Verizon) stop avoiding the fact that 4.3 is seriously flawed? We have 3 companies that are involved in this. Google, Samsung and Verizon. Not 1 company has stepped up to admit the issue and address the end users with an ETA for a fix. Ridiculous. Let's review a few things.

-Factory data reset will not work. <--- I've tried it along with several of my friends and other users

-Getting a replacement does not fix the issue <--- Been there, done that....same issues

-Turning off all services and features makes the phone useless <--- Why ask us to do this when it worked fine on 4.1.2?

-Editing helpful comments to blind users from the truth <--- It's public information and users will find out sooner or later

Bottom line, we (the end users) are getting taken for a ride. We need a fix which would be 4.3.1 or 4.4 Kit Kat. What are you (Verizon/Samsung) going to do about this besides telling us to reset the phone? You will lose many customers if this is not addressed soon. I'll be one of them.

[jbmcdroid]

Rob, did you try one of the 4.3 to 4.1.2 rollback options in the Google Search link that I posted? If so, please let us know your results. Best regards.

[aka-neo]

I did not as this would clearly change the path I'm taking which is resolution via Verizon. I'm leaving the phone stock. I did receive an email from Verizon stating they received my FCC complaint and will be contacting me within 48 hours. We shall see what happens.

[jbmcdroid]

Rob, I think we all are interested in your FCC communications and look forward to your followup posts. I hope that we get resolutions soon from Verizon (Samsung & Google, as well) as our S3s still are one of the best smartphones (pocket computers) ever produced. Best regards.

[jbmcdroid]

Do you or anyone at Verizon have any idea on what is going on with these 4.3 S3 update problems on our i535 smartphones? I am happy to report that the distressing FLASH ON/AUTO problems that I detailed here seemed (so far) to have worked out. However, like many others, I'm still having interruptions in both my 4G/LTE and Wi-Fi connections. Please reply in this discussion ASAP.

[vzw_customer_support]

Hi jbmcdroid!  I would love to work with you in getting the issue with your 4G/LTE and WiFi connection resolved on your Samsung Galaxy S III.

Please note that there is a new feature "Auto Network Switch" available on your device with the 4.3 upgrade.  "Auto network switch" evaluates data connection when WiFi link quality deterioration is detected and it disables the WiFi connection (AP) and connects to the cellular network automatically.  When data connection tests fails, it disables the AP and connects to the cellular network automatically.  Here is a link to enable and disable the Auto Network Switch setting: http://vz.to/1jkutUQ.  Please let me know how changing this setting works out for you.  Thanks!

AnthonyTa_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[jbmcdroid]

To Verizon Wireless Customer Support concerning your auto-switching (Wi-Fi to Mobile) suggestion. I think many of us are aware of this option, but what are the consequences of that? The objective of using Wi-Fi is to reduce the expensive dependency on 4G/LTE with its over-priced data packages. What we need is a sooner-than-later fix for this frustrating (FCC violation, some have said) on/off Wi-Fi connection problem. Your auto-switching option is just another bandaid.

[jbmcdroid]

LasinaH_VZWSupport,

I forgot to include bad battery drainage in my first reply to your comments. Mobie (I highly recommend this Android mobile app from Google Play Store) displayed this morning another alert of unusual heavy battery usage by "preloaded applications"--the ones with the little green droid robot icons listed in the system app management program. My initial actions were turning off the following three that I don't use nor want: Market Feedback, MusicFX, and Picasa Uploader. I can always turn them back on should any related issues pop up. Please reply if you disagree with the logic of my actions regarding the above mentioned apps. Best regards.

[vzw_customer_support]

jbmcdroid,

Thank you so much for the information. I agree with your process of closing out the applications that are draining your battery. Let us know if you are having any other issues.

LindseyT_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[aka-neo]

The 4.3 update has many flaws. There are other threads that I've posted along with other users having various issues. My major issues are battery drain and Bluetooth failing to work. There are no fixes. I've called Samsung and Verizon and neither has offered to rectify the issue. I'd be happy if I could roll back to 4.1.2 but you cannot. A replacement GS3 won't do anything as the issues is in the 4.3 ROM.

[rcspencer1]

I agree and this is ridiculous that the issue isn't being formally acknowledged and informing us when it's going to be resolved.  I'm going to write a certified letter to the CEOs of Samsung, Google and Verizon - we'll see if that gets any action.,

[aka-neo]

At this point anything is better than nothing. Even a simple "Yes, we are aware that 4.3 caused issues for many users. Expect another update by mid-February to rectify these problems. We apologize for the inconvenience."  <----- This would be the first step.

[jbmcdroid]

I agree that your 3 Amigos (Google, Samsung, Verizon) have throw us another brick rather than a bone to gnaw on. I seem to recall that some people found and posted a way to downgrade 4.3 back to 4.1.2, but I can't remember who posted it (maybe XDA member).

An update to my earlier posts on 4.3 camera flash issues: I retested all previously stated camera apps after redownloading 4.3 two days ago and no problems (so far) have occurred. However, 4G/LTE and Wi-Fi connections and battery issues (slow recharging & fast discharging) continue to be problematic.