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Fascinate keeps taking screen shots!

Since the 2.2 update, my Fascinate will take a screen shot when I push the on/off button to close down the display. I hear this click like I've taken a picture with the camera. This happens at least 6 times each day. I've gone into the camera mode to see if the pictures are saved so I can delete, but nothing there. What's up with that? I haven't upgraded to ED04 yet because some of my friends are having even more problems since upgrading from ED01. Ayone else having this issue? If so, were you able to get it to stop?

Comments

Z4driver

Mine does the same thing, very annoying. My phone locks up, but that's nothing unusual, it's been doing that since I bought this crappy phone. It started locking up since I got it a few months ago. Verizon is very much aware of the problems Samsung phones have. I've gone through 4 "CERTIFIED" Pre owned phones. Definatly wasn't worth the $199 I paid for it.

ChristinaB_VZW

Hi Z4driver,

Have you also performed the update to the ED04 software version? In addition, are you running any third party applications for the camera on your device? If so, I would recommend uninstalling, and then monitor the device to see if it is still happening. If you have not performed the update, please follow the steps below to do so.

Press Menu

Press Settings

Press About Phone (need to scroll down, it is listed at the bottom)

Press System Updates

If this is still happening, you could also complete a battery pull of the device, or a soft reset. You will not lose any of your data by doing this. Just remove the battery when the phone is powered on, then wait 60 seconds. Once this time has elapsed, re-attach the battery and power the phone back on.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any additional concerns. We are happy to assist you.

Z4driver

Yes, I did the update, it said " NO NEW UPDATES AVAILABLE"

erybin01

My phone does the same thing... Sometimes it dims the screen like it should and other times it takes a screen shot when I push the power button. The only way I've found to get it to go from screen shot to actually dimming the screen is to go into an app or something and then get back to the home screen then try again. I've had my phone both hard reset and soft reset at least four times each... it hasn't solved the issue. And I also checked for new updates.. none are available.

Thanks.

knully

I was having this same problem. It was very frustrating. I had to fix it myself. I have Titanium backup installed on my phone. I tried to uninstall the screen capture service but it would not let me. I ended up just freezing the screen capture process within the Titanium backup app. Hope this helps.

nickjr

knully wrote:
I was having this same problem. It was very frustrating. I had to fix it myself. I have Titanium backup installed on my phone. I tried to uninstall the screen capture service but it would not let me. I ended up just freezing the screen capture process within the Titanium backup app. Hope this helps.

Problem is that most of us don't have Titanium Back due to one needs to do something to their phone before you can install the backup software

unknown

Well, I definitely understand why this issue would be frustrating. With the last software version, it added the ability to take screen shots by holding the back arrow down and then pressing the power button. If the phone is taking screenshots on its own, it may think you are holding down the back arrow. Are you noticing any issues with the phone exiting out of applications or problems using the back arrow? I checked and I am not showing this as a widespread issue with the new software. I would suggest backing up your information and doing a factory reset if this continues. You will need your Gmail information to setup your phone again. The factory reset is located at Settings>Privacy>Factory data reset.

bjjhj

My Fascinate will also take random screenshots when I push the power button. It is annoying but I can live with it. Samsung has bigger problems to tackle since the 2.2 update such as the dismal battery life and inability to send/receive pic texts.

Rob55

well here are 3 more it does it on my phone my daughters and her friends

JimR1

My fascinate randomly takes screen shots, no rhyme or reason. So add mine to the list...

nickjr

JimR1 wrote:
My fascinate randomly takes screen shots, no rhyme or reason. So add mine to the list...

Do you have the juice defender app?

laertes28

Seriously? This is the response. "We know its an issue, we understand, blah blah blah." I wonder how it is a company with a known problem can sit by and not fix it?

Please tell me that this "feature" was actually needed, or requested by someone because I am here to tell you it's crap. If you push the power button, oh and your hand happens to be in the natural position on the opposite side, it will take a nice, useless picture of your screen. Great upgrade. How about a fix now?

randallg

How can I delete the 27 screen shots that I have on my camera? This is ridiculous **bleep**! The Fascicrap has taken at least 2-3 screen shots a day then won't dim and I have to go thru 3 steps to get it to dim...1/2 the time I have to remove the battery and restart! OMG! Can't wait till my contract is up!

JimR1

No I don't have the juice defender app.

Ann154

Considering most of the Android phones don't have a stock included way to take screenshots without plugging the phone into the computer to use ADB or breaking the warranty with a custom ROM, one would think to be grateful you have the option.

To prevent the phone from taking screenshots, find out how the key sequence is used to create one. It has been discussed how to take screenshots on other android sites including www.androidcentral.com for example. I believe it is holding down the back button and pressing the power button at the same time. Learn how you are doing it and you can learn to position your fingers to prevent it.

As for deleting the photos taken, go into your gallery application and the screenshots folder and delete the photos from there.

AirPirate

Just adding some data. My Fascinate randomly takes screen shots with the power button, freezes randomly, and recently has started to miss a few calls. It appears to have started after the Froyo update. When it freezes, the phone is rendered useless until a minute or two, and then I can soft reset with the power button. This phone was trouble free for many months prior to the Froyo update. I have been paying almost $200/month for the family with data, and i am now looking at other carriers after a long relationship with Verizon. I'll give them a chance to make this right, but I refuse to spend a bunch of my time chasing down the appropriate solution. Not to mention data caps...

HK_USP

No...... it's not an issue of hand position. The phone will snap random screen shots without ever touching the back button. It's obnoxious an annoying. I can say that, thankfully, the ED05 update that just rolled out a couple days ago solved the incoming call issue. There's still other bugs since FROYO but at least my phone is a phone again. I also notice that my screen won't shut off if the SMS screen is open. That sucks because if I text someone and don't exit out of the text screen and set my phone down, the screen will stay on forever until my battery is essentially drained. I also lost the ability to adjust in-call volume while the phone is up to my head. I have to remove the phone from my head, wait for the screen to turn back on, then adjust volume. Very annoying because if someone is talking to me I have to interrupt them to adjust the volume.

As soon as I am eligible for upgrade, I'm ditching the phone. And maybe Verizon all together (been a customer for 9 years) beacause of the lack of support with this WIDESPREAD problematic phone and RIDICULOUS changes to the data plans and phone upgrades (thanks iPhone......).

AEisele

My phone does this too. I am not touching any of the buttons at the bottom but it thinks I am holding down the back button so it snaps a picture... I did a factory reset and it continued to do so. I have since gotten a replacement phone because mine wouldn't send videos (didn't help the problem) but I haven't noticed any more screen shots that I haven't meant to take.

mesocyclonic

I've had this same problem as well, manifesting itself as both the random screen shots as well as the phone repeatedly going "back". It seems to occur in areas with low signal (0-1 bars) and will occur whether I'm holding the phone or not. I've tried taking it out of its rubber case and still managed to have the same issue, which only started occuring after ED04.

HECTIC13

If this is not a widespread problem, is it a coincidence that the few people on here are the only ones with this issue? No, I do not want to perform a factory reset for a problem that will return once I upgrade to 2.2 again. No, I do not want to get a replacement phone that will have the same issues and require me to redownload my apps and info. No, I do not want to use a 3rd party program nor root my phone to fix this issue. What I want is the simple ability to disable the feature. Just a check box that says "Screen Capture Disabled" That's all. And while on the subject of simple fixes, I'd like to add the fact that I can't delete blockbuster, madden, NFS, etc, etc. I feel that comes with the lack of ability to control simple features of my personal phone. If I wanted the manufacturer to have strict control over what I can and cannot do with my phone, I would have gone with Apple. Verizon please fix the problems we are having, and if not, explain why we should keep paying you.

TamaraH_VZW

Thank You to everyone that has posted comments on here in relation to your Fascinate randomly taking screen shots.

As we stated earlier, this hasn't been reported as a widespread issue with the phone. Therefore, Samsung is looking for examples of devices where the phone is taking pictures of the screen when it's not even in your hand.

In order to capture a screen shot, you would need to hold the back arrow button & the power button simultaneously.

It will then say "Screen captured. Save as image file."

In order to delete the files, you will need to go to the Gallery, press & hold on the picture file, it will give you you the options to Share, Delete, More.

Let me ask how you are holding the device. I have myself accidentally taken a screen shot on my Fascinate when texting because of the way I'm holding it on the side.

Do you happen to have a case on the phone? With the screen begin touch sensitive, cases may trigger the back arrow button sensor area inadvertently & then when the power button is pressed it will take a screen shot which is a feature that is available on Android phones with the Froyo 2.2 Software.

phatbird35

I think its an issue of perspective. I have this problem frequently, and it never happens when I am holding onto the back button. However, this is frequently after I am backing out of an application to the home screen. My personal theory as a QA Test Engineer is that the return button is STACKING messages, so even though you are at the Home screen with no finger on the button, the device THINKS there are button presses/holds on the handheld device. Then when you press teh power button to black out the screen, it snapshots.

Just a theory... But I know I'm right :smileytongue:

NuDroidUsrr

TamaraH_VZW wrote:
Thank You to everyone that has posted comments on here in relation to your Fascinate randomly taking screen shots.

As we stated earlier, this hasn't been reported as a widespread issue with the phone. Therefore, Samsung is looking for examples of devices where the phone is taking pictures of the screen when it's not even in your hand.

In order to capture a screen shot, you would need to hold the back arrow button & the power button simultaneously.
It will then say "Screen captured. Save as image file."
In order to delete the files, you will need to go to the Gallery, press & hold on the picture file, it will give you you the options to Share, Delete, More.

Let me ask how you are holding the device. I have myself accidentally taken a screen shot on my Fascinate when texting because of the way I'm holding it on the side.

Do you happen to have a case on the phone? With the screen begin touch sensitive, cases may trigger the back arrow button sensor area inadvertently & then when the power button is pressed it will take a screen shot which is a feature that is available on Android phones with the Froyo 2.2 Software.

Mine was sitting on my passenger seat in my car, and I reached over because I heard the email notification, and when I hit the power button to wake it up, it took a screen shot. The funny thing is, the screen was still on after about 15 or so minutes of sitting on the seat as I was driving.. With my observations, it seems that the back button is getting stuck "pushed", and then when I hit the power button, it takes the picture. I end up hitting the back button a few times just to get it to stop.

I have a case on it, but it is the belt clip case sold by Verison.

head_banger1984

The only way I've found to get around this problem is to hit the back button and then power and it should stop but still very annoying.

DDMartini

I have experienced this too. It just randomly happens. Last night for instance I was just getting the phone out of sleep mode and it took one of these random screen shots. Then the phone froze on me. This has happened several times to me. Now that I read this thread, I see I am not the only one with this experience.

twidget722

I am another fascinate user with this problem. I have not rooted, happens with or without my case which I bought from Verizon, I have done factory reset, I do not even have a screen cover. What other make believe fixes are there? How about a real fix!

paqogomez

Just would like to add my voice to the list here. I think the description that fits best is a few posts back. All I hit is the power button. usually when i go to wake up or to put to sleep my phone. So its as if the back button is constantly down. The only way that I can get it to stop taking screen shots is by hitting the back button. Hitting home does nothing to get it out of this mode.

I found the screen shots it takes in "My Files" in the "Screen Capture" directory. Pretty easy to delete the pics from there. (unless you have g+ setup to upload all pics on the phone :smileytongue: )

Hope this helps. It is very frustrating to have to go clean these up. I am sure that i'd like to use a screen capture at some point, but without having researched this bug, i'd have never known how to do it. Seems silly to implement a feature w/ no way of telling your users its there.... maybe this is verizons way of educating its users? ;p

longplaypg

Yesterday morning I unplugged my fascinate from the USB charger. The screen woke up. I had my left hand thumb and fingers on the outside edge of the phone holding it. I used my right finger to press the power button. I was greeted by a camera click and a message over my locked screen indicating I had taken a screen capture. I pressed the back button 1 time. I pressed the power button again and this time the screen went to sleep like it should.

Just another day of phantom button presses. Who wants to take Murphy off my hands, because I am tired of him playing with my phone all the dang time.

Its bad enough I have 0dbm for my signal right now. I guess the world is coming to an end today. Good thing i have a reall wired connection to write this complaint, cause my phone is worthless right now with no signal.

Thanks for taking my money Verizon.

DionM_VZW

Hello to all community members that are experiencing this issue, and thanks to all that have shared their experiences and reported on it here. I know you've all been patiently waiting for a response on this matter, and I thank you again for your continued understanding. This matter has been elevated to our product research team for review. I do not have any additional details on where the review process is at this time. Again, thank you so much for your patience!

HK_USP

So, NOW you're considering this problem to be "Widespread?"

NuDroidUsrr

DionM_VZW wrote:
Hello to all community members that are experiencing this issue, and thanks to all that have shared their experiences and reported on it here. I know you've all been patiently waiting for a response on this matter, and I thank you again for your continued understanding. This matter has been elevated to our product research team for review. I do not have any additional details on where the review process is at this time. Again, thank you so much for your patience!

I have noticed it at other times also, mostly when I am using the navgation. It is very irritating to have the Google Navigation app ask you if you want to cancel the navigation, when it is just sitting in the car dock that Verizon sells, travelling along the road. I have to reach over and hit "no" to not cancel. I traveled the other day from Almond, NY to Albany, NY (a little over 4 hours), and it probably did this 6 or 7 times, plus the phone froze once, causing me to miss a turn and go 1/2 hour out of my way in another direction.

Can you say this phone is "useless at times"?

cstephens

Mine is doing this, as well, and it is VERY annoying!! I've called three times about this phone and it's latest round of issues (i.e. screen captures, missed phone calls, quirky text messaging) and all I was told to do was download the latest software (which I have) or that I need another fascinate (PHONE NUMBER FOUR!!) I really don't want another one of these things because they are plagued with problems. I'd rather have something else, but I'm being told that I CAN'T HAVE ANYTHING ELSE.... So disgusted with this phone and Verizon!

1up

I too am having the same problem with my samsung fascinate. I am dealing with it and waiting for a fix. I'm really posting to say, I think it's interesting to see most people blaming a software issue or a hardware issue on Verizon and not the developer of the phone or the developer of the software. I've seen numerous posts about how they hate verizon and how verizon is screwing everyone because they can't fix this issue...the random screenshot issue is not a verizon problem, it's either a samsung problem or a android software issue. don't be so quick to knock the number 1 wireless provider in the country just because your samsung phone likes taking pictures of your screen. I've been a verizon customer for 5 years and will never ever switch to any other carrier...bottom line, verizon is the best there is and if another carrier tries to tell you otherwise it's because they are trying to right a sinking ship...just saying.

cstephens

There is some truth to what you say, but there are also posts on this community regarding Verizon blatant disregard to truly address the issues with the Fascinate. Replacing the hardware that carries the same software; whether it's the software or the hardware, the means at which VZW addresses it's customers concerns is of great issue on this community board too.

There are MANY posts here that speak to the poor customer service provided by the phone centers, the rude employees in the corporate stores, the misleading promises to address concerns; only to not have anyone from the company follow up. So, I wouldn't discount the complaints as unfairly directed at Verizon instead of the manufacturer or programmer. Verizon shares responsibilty as the CELLULAR PROVIDER on this one too. Once, you see a trend, stop denying it's "not a wide spread problem" and listen to your customers and ADDRESS the issue.

"If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck...." IJS!

longplaypg

1up wrote:
I too am having the same problem with my Samsung fascinate. I am dealing with it and waiting for a fix. I'm really posting to say, I think it's interesting to see most people blaming a software issue or a hardware issue on Verizon and not the developer of the phone or the developer of the software. I've seen numerous posts about how they hate Verizon and how Verizon is screwing everyone because they can't fix this issue...the random screenshot issue is not a Verizon problem, it's either a Samsung problem or a android software issue. don't be so quick to knock the number 1 wireless provider in the country just because your Samsung phone likes taking pictures of your screen. I've been a Verizon customer for 5 years and will never ever switch to any other carrier...bottom line, Verizon is the best there is and if another carrier tries to tell you otherwise it's because they are trying to right a sinking ship...just saying.

I agree a hardware issue would be more Samsung. I do not agree with the fact that software issues would only be Samsung or android developers. Please think about the fact 2.2 was delayed because Verizon wanted to modify it before they passed it to us. They slap their own stock apps and make some other changes like and OEM would do with a computer to "customize it" to look like Verizon made this special phone for us.

I personally would love to see Verizon release the original software that Samsung released for this phone. Then those of us that are more savvy could choose Verizon or Samsung. Then we would know the problems we are seeing on the Samsung software are Samsung's fault! Just the opposite if the Samsung software worked fine and the Verizon software started showing problems we would know that something Verizon did during customizing it messed up the phone.

I know I will never see this happen, but please understand that Verizon doesn't just give you the phone without messing with it. They love to customize them, turn off features, install features they think you should pay them for, and the list goes on. The worst is when they toss on items that you can't uninstall. There a few things I never plan to use, I would love uninstall, but they have the phone locked to not allow such activity.

lamass68

What is a third party application? My phone does the same. If I remove the battery, the screen shots show up in the gallery and I can delete them.

longplaypg

lamass68 wrote:
What is a third party application? My phone does the same. If I remove the battery, the screen shots show up in the gallery and I can delete them.

Well I will take a stab at explaining the "third party application" question. Usually this is a application that you download through the marketplace. This installs an application that didn't come stock on your phone. Now you have to be careful, because some of the phones come preloaded with third party applications that are still present even after a factory reset. For the fascinate the Skype application would be such an application. It is not part of the stock android system, it is made by a third party developer, and Verizon decided to include it.

As for the Camera there is a stock application for it. Now it may not match the original android operating system camera program, but it is what Samsung put on the phone. If you download or install another application to control your camera that would be considered a third party application.

I hope that clears up some of the muddy waters for you.

mrmike987

Yes you are right on... I'm on the 2nd replacement phone and still have the same problem. Mine seems to happen more after texting a few times and then trying to turn the screen off. I now avoid this by hitting the back button first and then turn the screen off... I shouldn't have to do this...

Also while in a phone call all my button lights blink rapidly during the call... THIS PHONE SUCKS!!!

dnkz

Why the rage? You have a feature to take screenshorts.

On fascinate 1 I slide my finger down and press power button at the same time. Very useful. Start enjoying it.

scullum

Yep, my wif'e's first Fascinate did this too. I don't think it's happened on her 1st or 2nd replacement, though

Now, the proximity sensor is still malfunctioning, but that's another topic for another thread.

jason_az

I do have the GB update and it is still taking the random screen shots. Drives me crazy. This is my second phone and when I called the rep for a replacement, she told me when I get my replacement phone, not to sign into google for a while. Then if it doesn't do the screenshots, I could sign into google and slowly add my apps from the market, paying attention to whether the random screenshots happen. How long is that going to take? So I am paying how much a month to use my smart phone as a dumb phone? When I buy an android phone I expect to be able to run popular android apps. And if this is a known issue, why do I have to be the one who does the troubleshooting?

Oh... She also tried to get me to updat to a new phone, and pay for it! She said, "You've had this phone for quite a while, let's see, a year and a half. So there are going to be issues." Since when has a year and a half been a long time for phones? Do they really expect me to spend $200 to $300 bucks every 18 months? If I'm buying disposible phones I would expect them to be a lot less expensive. And I haven't had this phone for that long. I just had it replaced.

tereztaylor07

Mine is doing this now after the latest OTA upgrade, never did it before. Very annoying, it thinks I am hitting the back button OFTEN when I have gone nowhere near it, closing out of apps and ending things I am doing. VERY FRUSTRATING. Also, this new update is sucking my battery life.

dnager

I would like to know how to make it take a screen shot other then by accident. Then it would be good !

Lettie

Add me to the list of this "non-widespread" problem. It's BEYOND irritating!!

NuDroidUsrr

dnager wrote:
I would like to know how to make it take a screen shot other then by accident. Then it would be good !

Hold down the back button, and hit the power button to take a screen shot.

bph725

of course verizon's solution is "update".... I have the galaxy s 2 and I'm CONSTANTLY taking screen captures when I try to turn off the display. The fact is, nothing is made to last anymore, these things are designed to fail so that we all have to buy new phones. That's why you have to sign a contract, that's why every phone requires a data plan, they have you by the wallet and they know it. Don't expect any free solutions to this problem........

randallg wrote:
Since the 2.2 update, my Fascinate will take a screen shot when I push the on/off button to close down the display. I hear this click like I've taken a picture with the camera. This happens at least 6 times each day. I've gone into the camera mode to see if the pictures are saved so I can delete, but nothing there. What's up with that? I haven't upgraded to ED04 yet because some of my friends are having even more problems since upgrading from ED01. Ayone else having this issue? If so, were you able to get it to stop?

jperrone

Any update on this problem?

audiphile

Any update on this issue?

I'd like to add that my phone does this when the signal is low. When I have more than 2 bars, it seems to not do it..

vinniestel

Here we are in mid February and still no fix for the random screen shots. Mine only takes them when i try to power off.

two friends of mine have had the same problem for over a year.

Will we ever get a fix??

cdenbreejen

This is my wife's 3rd fascinate...last one stopped taking them for a little while, now doing it 5-6 times a day again. AND NO, ITS NOT USER ERROR! This phone is a piece of crap, and gives verizon, samsung and android a bad name...Im about to return this phone again...what a pain! Please give us all a real answer, or a new phone!!! Definitely never getting one of these again

litlcntrygrl

I went through three phones, as well, before I finally got one that halfway worked. I still have problems with this one taking screenshots (like everyone else on this topic), it occasionally decides to lock up, and sometimes apps stop responding and have to be force closed. I still have another year before I can get an upgrade, so a solution to the screenshot issue would be nice!

phone_bill

It's a design flaw with this phone. I've done work on it and have fixed mine. Here's a thread:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328670

Fascinate

Mine does the same thing for no reason what so ever. Half the time when i use my camera the phone will freeze up and again I have to pull the back of the phone off pull the battery out put it back together and turn it on. So sick of this.

butterat

I'm so glad I never upgraded my Fascinate...LOL

eastcoastbound

Screenshot fix (that worked for me, at least). >>

To turn on Screenshots:

(hold Back arrow+Power Button)

To turn off Screenshots:

(tap Back arrow twice)

Good Luck.

(Hope someone is reading these posts & can benefit)

daisybrain2002

Hey that worked!! Its been driving me nuts. Thanks eastcoastbound.

The screenshot issue is really the only problem I have had with my phone but it looks like I have found the commands to turn it off.

azdroid97

Thanks eastcoastbound! I have only had this problem occasionally, until this past weekend. Went camping for four days, getting 0 to maybe 2 bars. Screenshots kept coming up every other time I pressed the power button. Now I'm back in town and it hasn't happened.... yet. I put your 'fix' on my notepad for future reference. Thanks again!

NKWoodward

I've owned my Fascinate for 18 months; for six months now this bug happens at least weekly. So frustrating, I want to snap my phone in half. I always just take the battery out, and that works 90% of the time.

I think phatbird35 is right (post 25). I just confirmed the key combination for "take a screen cap" is BACK + POWER.

I think the OS gets confused when you use BACK to go to the home screen, then press POWER to dim. It thinks you're still pressing BACK while you're pressing POWER.

They're never going to solve the problem of an OS getting laggy when you press the buttons "too fast", but I am appalled that you can't just turn off the screen cap function.

I hope eastcoastbound is right (post 78) and I can turn off the screen cap function by pressing BACK twice.

I am not too optimistic about a bug fix- it was first reported on this thread 13 months ago. The issue was "lifted up to Samsung" (see post 41) 10 months ago, and still no fix. I can't imagine they're devoting much resources to such an "old" product.

I am eligible for a new phone in three months. Will I make it that far without tossing my phone in the river?

(Samsung Fascinate SCH-I500 Firmware 2.3.5)

Pashta

Mine keeps taking screenshots randomly when I press the power button to make it sleep as well. I did NOT hold the back button down. It's REALLY ANNOYING!!

bobbo111

This is the best fix I have found to the problem: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23725671#post23725671

The hardware fix is too techy for me, but if you just get used to hitting the back button before turning the phone off, it pretty much takes care of it. Also, I set my screen timeout to 30 seconds or a minute and just don't use the off button as much.

Somewhere in the middle in terms of techy-ness is a driver fix that mostly eliminates the problem :smileyhappy:

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