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Galaxy Nexus Charge Bolt when Not Charging

My galaxy nexus is now having an issue where it will not accept a charge from some chargers. Also,when it is taken out of a charger the unit will still show a charge bolt even though it isnt really charging and will cycle between the bolt and not charging randomly... to top it off it will wake the screen as it goes from charging to not effectively killing my battery life...

I've recycled the unit. Let the battery die out and recieve a full charge. I've takent he actual battery out for an hour and tried it again. No matter what I do, nothing helps. All the chatter on the web is pointing to a hardware malfunction...?

Help

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Comments

Verizon_Support

Denitrika,

Hello! Sounds like you've done a lot already! Does the phone charge with the orginal charger that came with the phone? What kind of charger is not working? Did you recently download any apps to the phone?

Let us know!

Katie H

VZW Support

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Denitrika

The phone charges with most chargers including the original. No apps have been recently downloaded, but I did wipe my phone and go back to stock including all apps. Issue was still present so I believe it to be a hardware issue. Specifically an issue with the micro usb port...

Ron_Ramos

I am having the same problem. Ive tried everything. Have you found a resolution yet?

DaveLeComte

I am having the same issue, as are hundreds of others It seems obvious that there is a problem with the GNEX. People are replacing the USB ports, using different chargers and applying many other "fixes", all to no effect. My phone is 60 days old, running 4.04. Has anyone stepped up to the plate yet, acknowledged the issue, and offered a remedy?

cynindesign

I use battery solo widget, it turns blue when charging and green when not connected to power....also tells you what % your battery is charged....that might help

Jennycakes

I am having this same issue. Does anyone have any resolution or did you have to get a new phone? Mine is only 6 months old and it's constantly reading it's charging when it's not and when it's connected to the charger that came with it or any other, it will not charge. When it's not connected to a charger, it goes between charging and not charging activating the screen on an off. It's so frustrating!

Verizon_Support

Jennycakes, having issues with your phone not charging is never a good thing! We are all very busy and it’s very inconvenient having to constantly charge our phones but don’t worry because I’m here to help!

How long have you had this issue? Does the charging port seem loose? Are you plugging into an outlet or USB when charging? Has there been any damage to the phone?

Try plugging the phone to the charger and power cycle the device while plugged in. Retest and keep me posted. You mentioned your phone is only 6 months old so it is still under warranty. We may need to replace the phone if the issue continues.

John B

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

NexusJ

I am having the same issue and tried everything you mentioned also. I also used to use a battery widget, than just made things worse. Even more alerts once the battery hit 15%. After 15% might as well turn it off because it constant alerts (every 5 seconds) to plug in, then it thinks its plugged in, then realizes its discharging and the cycle doesn't end until the phone dies. Very frustrating

Verizon_Support

@NexusJ, having issues with the battery is never a fun time! This is the life source of your device and the last thing you need is for it to not work properly. But don’t worry because I'm here to help!

How long have you had this issue? Has there been any damage on the device? Have you tried different chargers or battery?

If you’re still having this problem send me a DM with your name and mobile number so I can further assist you.

John B

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

JBcomb

I am also having this problem occur. this isn't the first nexus I've had this problem with

Jennycakes

I called Verizon about my issue and they sent me a (like) new phone. It got so bad the only time it would charge was if it was turned off. Hope you all are able to get new phones or get the issue fixed.

jetmanFl410

*****************WARNING!!!!!!!!!DO NOT SEND THE PHONE BACK TO VERIZON!!!!U WILL BE CHARGED $299.00***********************

And all the phones they send you, the "Certified Like New" devices are all bad!!! Bad radios that drop off network, or purple screens. Just check the Internet and find hundreds of stories about people getting 3-8 replacements because they all have the same problem.

I sent my GN back for this SAME issue. I sent the first 2 "Certified Like New" devices back for the dropping off network problem. Now I settled for one with a purple screen because of the pure inconvenience of waiting for the FedEx guy to show up so I could sign for the package. Thank God they paid for the express shipping.

2 weeks later after I'm glad the whole thing is over, my bill comes. $547.00!!!!!! $299 damaged phone fee. They first said it had rust. Never dropped in water, never wore it to workout with sweat, never spilled on it, never rained on it! I called again later after work and they said there is no rust, and that the charging port is broken!!!! I never dropped it, I never docked it, never awkwardly put the cable in it. Now they say the picture doesn't match the serial number of my phone, but the charge is still there. Waiting for a call from them...... I hope I don't die of a heart attack Befor that call!!!!

A ton of problems on the Internet with this exact issue, BUT IT'S OUR FAULT!!!! I paid FULL retail price for this phone, it might end up costing me over a grand for it!! AND STILL NO JELLY BEAN 4.1 and IT'S A NEXUS. Google GSM versions have it, Sprint has it, and now Canada? Pathetic!!!!!!

Jennycakes

It's funny you say that. I am on my 3rd GN now. The first one I got as a replacement (for the charging issue) wouldn't connect to the network at all. I took to a store to prove to them and after over an hour in the store with hard resetting it and putting a new sim card in it they finally said ok we will get you another "like new" one. They said the phone was from China and this is a known issue with the GN from China...okay so why are you sending them out if you know they won't work? The one I have now drops the network 4 or more times a day and I have to wait a few minutes for it to come back which is super annoying. I was told VZ knows about this issue and there will be a software update, (hopefully that comes sooner the Jely Bean)...something to do with going in an out of 4G dropping down to 3G is having the issue. We shall see. Doesn't seem like I am destined to have a good nexus and have to wait until Oct 2013 for my upgrade :smileysad:

jeffyboy65

Had mine since February. Just started having this issue today.

It wouldn't charge, and when I'd remove the charger from the micro usb port, the lightning bolt would remain and say it was charging.

And when it got low enough, battery warnings over and over.

I restarted it plugged in and not plugged in. Same thing.

Not quite sure what's up.

By the way, This happened with the original charger and then with any other charger I tried.

UPDATE:********************

Somehow it charged to 100%.

I unplugged the charger from the phone and the lightning bolt is still there and on the lock screen, it says "charging 99%". It stays there and continues to go down as the battery discharges.

I went to the battery settings and above the graph it says "99% not charging"

So the settings page realizes it, But the status bar and lock screen don't see it.

jeffyboy65

Has anybody found a fix or heard from Verizon?

taylorjon88

all i know is mine started doing this 10 days after buying it so i took it back to the store and they told me it was a hardware issue and gave me a new phone

nmildren

My battery started behaving odd this week. I've had the phone since May. At first it would only charge when turned off. Next it still appeared to be charging when not plugged in at all. Now, even though it is showing that it is charging (while plugged in, but turned off) the battery is not charging up at all. I am using the original charger.

Help.

pattig144

My Nexus had a software issue several weeks ago and the store rep said to do a factory reset. Since there is no storage card, I came home to download pix to the computer, but the computer wouldn't recognize it. .any computer in the house. It turned out that there was only a glitch in the contact portion of the software, not a total meltdown and a Verizon tech rep found it when the Samsung rep couldn't . When I mentioned not being able to connect to the computer via USB, Samsung said it was the phone and it would have to be sent back. I had already started having some of the problems already mentioned. .only certain chargers would work, etc. Then yesterday it wouldn't charge at all. Finally did get it to charge when turned off. I had called Verizon and one of the certified like new ones will be here tomorrow. The first Nexus I had just totally went dead. .black screen in the middle of using email. I was near the store and had only had it a couple of weeks, so they replaced it then and there. Not looking forward to the refurbished one. Went that route with the Droid X. .3 phones that didn't work before they upgraded to a new Droid X2. Seems to be a hardware problem that should be fixed before any more phones are sold or shipped out.

QLeia

Same exact problem. I bought mine in May/June. It becomes unusable when the battery drops to a certain point because you have to silence it and cannot use the phone as there is a constant notification going off letting you know the battery needs to be charged. I hadn't realized this had been going on so long; I thought it was an issue with Jelly Bean. Really not hot on the idea of a refurbished phone as I paid for a new one, not one off the certified used phone list - and seemingly there are a ton of problems with the refurbished phones. I've had no problems other than this, so the last thing I want is to get another to add more problems. Seems rather ridiculous that two major providers cannot resolve this issue. Has anyone heard anything further? Or figured out what the issue is?

This is a problem regardless of connection via USB, wall, car. Using multiple cords.

Other symptoms (for lack a better word):

- Even when connected, it charges incredibly slow. A phone on the charger for 7 hours results in around 85% battery.

- The battery drains much quicker. I knew it was a battery hog when I bought it, but it's noticeably draining faster. For instance, I sent and received about 30 texts this morning over 30 minutes on 85% battery. It drained over half.

- Once I'm charged, if I pop the battery out, then back in, this seems to solve the charging/not charging cycle.

- If you're draining and needing to charge, popping the battery out will further drain the battery by up to another 10%.

- I am currently connected via USB; it is charging albeit incredibly slow. when I click on the side power button to see the screen to check the percentage, it forces the computer to re-recognize the device even though the cord and USB has not been touched.

pattig144

I was initially unhappy about receiving a refurbished phone, but - so far - it has been great. The software was different from my first 2 GNEXs - apps opened differently, nothing major, but an improvement. I suppose it was an upgrade that hadn't been sent to my phone. After a couple of days, the jelly bean update came through and it has been great. Since my first GNEX died after an updat,. I was aprehensive but I have had no problems. The last few days it has been dtopping the network, but I will reserve judgement until i see if it continues.

-Adam

While I can't recommend this, and I didn't come with this solution, and I am not responsible for it, I found this on "http://www.galaxynexusforum.com/forum/galaxy-nexus-help/4516-gnex-thinks-its-charging-when-its-not-2.html", and it worked for me perfectly;

"What has worked if you read the link, is a toothpick slightly pressing the male portion of micro usb up toward screen. While I am not suggesting anyone try it worked for me until Plugged in again"

In my case it has worked so far, even after plugging it in, the male part(on the phone itself) was slightly moved towards the back of the screen, all I did was moved it towards the front of the screen, placing it in the middle, I have plugged it in multiple times and so far so good, Amazing!

pog108

So Im having the same issue. I even replaced the USB with a Samsung OEM USB Port. Why hasnt VZY or Samsung offered a recall? I mean seriously there is enough of us if we all called in or mailed a certain person we could gain some attention.

And if that didnt work what about a class action (you know what) to bring this to their attention? I know they have dont a lot to improve their customer service but all they have are a bnch of people with good manors on the phones who dont know how to think. Im so frustrated that I am no longer locked into a contract it's very tempting to change providers. Only if they didnt have a monoply on the service where I live.

pete4

I've been having the same problem as mentioned above. Battery drains extremely quickly now and seems to constantly cycle the screen on and off every few seconds, especially when the charge gets below 30%. It's to the point where if I'm not charging my battery will only last about 6 hours, even with minimal usage.

Starting today, it won't charge at all when powered up. I've tried 3 different charges with the same result. Wiped the phone, but even that doesn't seem to have helped. What is the fix for this issue?

zombielove69

the only thing I've done, cause it happens to me too, is after I unplug it and the bolt is still there or Light Flow still shows my Light notification as charging is to just turn the phone off normally and turn it back on again and it's been fine after that every time.

I clean my phone with alcohol wipes for glasses, but never actually cleaned the charge port itself, I'm gonna try with a can of air I use on my pc. It only happens a few times during two weeks or so, so hopefully that'll solve it. from the response above.

gsmitchell

Hi all! Yes, I am another one of the unfortunate owners of a Gnex with this issue. I wanted to send out a reply to everyone that says to replace the USB charging port. I just had mine replaced, and it did not fix the problem. I have also tried different batteries, and I have read where some people are fixing this by *** gently *** bending the USB connector up ( toward the screen ). That also did not fix my problem. I even contacted the Samsung help desk, who said they were unaware of this issue ( ahem, right...). Due to not wanting to lose my unlimited data plan, I bought mine used and don't have the option of returning to Verizon for a replacement. Has anyone found a solution for this? Thanks!

-Adam

I think you read this:

"While I can't recommend this, and I didn't come with this solution, and I am not responsible for it, I found this on "http://www.galaxynexusforum.com/forum/galaxy-nexus-help/4516-gnex-thinks-its-charging-when-its-not-2.html", and it worked for me perfectly;

"What has worked if you read the link, is a toothpick slightly pressing the male portion of micro usb up toward screen. While I am not suggesting anyone try it worked for me until Plugged in again"

Just updating that mine is fixed since I did that. In my case, the male portion of micro usb(on the phone itself) was not in the middle and was slightly bent, and was touching the bottom side. Make sure that the inner male part is not touching the side part. Again you are 100% responsible for trying this, and any resulting consequences but mine got fixed.

Good Luck

Adam

Williamsickels23

I to am having this problem!!! It seems obvious that it is a software issue and of course Im about a month past my warranty date!

gsmitchell

Hi Adam, thank you for the suggestion! However, I am still having no luck with this. I have tried almost all the suggestions I can find, and no go. :-(

msturgis

Take an old toothbrush and clean the micro usb port by gently brushing the connectors.

ninjagrips

Same problem here, just replaced the USB port, same issue.

Verizon and Samsung need to make this right.

jpac_jimmy

Samsung support had me do a factory reset and it appears to have fixed the problem. I had all the same syptoms of most people in this thread. To do factory reset you turn off your phone, push up and down volume buttons at the same time as the power button. Use the up and down volume button to scroll through choices and the power button to select. Hope it works for everyone else.

davepon

I just started having this problem. I have tried the factory reset...no luck. Also tried to power cycle while plugged in....removed battery....etc. What else can be done?

gsmitchell

Hi all! Well, I have good news and bad! Good News! I had the same problem with the charging bolt appearing even when the Gnex was not plugged in, and it has been solved! Bad News! You will most likely have to send it back to Samsung, or get a new phone from Verizon ( good luck, it is EOL ). Since I bought my phone on Craigslist so I could keep my unlimited data plan ( thanks, stinking Verizon! ), Verizon was less than helpful in trying to help resolve my issue. However, Samsung was great about it. After some initial BS testing ( take the battery out, try different chargers, or ( as mentioned above by the Vz customer support person ) uninstall some programs ), they asked me to send it to them. It took 3 tries and a letter to the CEO's office, but the fix is a new motherboard. No, not a new USB charging board, a whole new motherboard. Samsung replaced it, and my phone works great now! For those of you suffering from this, it is CLEARLY a hardware issue, so all of the time wasting, bobbleheaded advice you will get about removing programs, trying new batteries and chargers are total time wasters! Your options: 1) Replacement GNex, 2) Send to Samsung for the fix, 3) Another phone. I can tell you that this is a very good phone when it works properly. Hope that helps!

msturgis

You just experienced support directly from the manufacturer. Unlike the carrier, manufacturers actually know a thing or two about the devices they make - so you will get better resolution than what you'd get from a carrier - which is pretty much wasting your time by the useless reps with sales in mind. Another positive - Samsung can't put a phony $600 charge for a phone "lost in the mail" or "corrosion found" claim.

So, yeah, next time - buy your phone unlocked and use it with a compatible service provider, and leave the carrier completely out of your phone business.

TheKidNew

Success: Vzw GNx purchased November 2011. Running stock 4.1.1, with 2100mAh battery. In March of 2013 my phone began having the same charging issue, where the charging bolt was staying on after being disconnected from the original inclusive power cord. My phone would also keep the screen on at an extremely low level (randomly). I cleaned the USB charging port on the phone with "Dust-off" compressed air, and then "modified" the male USB power coupling using this technique:

http://www.galaxynexusforum.com/forum/galaxy-nexus-help/4516-gnex-thinks-its-charging-when-its-not-2.html

I'm not telling anyone to do this, I'm just posting what I did and my results, which seem to have remedied my situation. While the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has been my best smart phone to date, I can't wait to upgrade in August of 2013. Good Luck to all.

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