Multiple problems with S4 post 4.3 upgrade

abean
Contributor - Level 1

Hey all,


I have two Galaxy S4's and BOTH are experiencing the exact same problems post 4.3 upgrade:

- Official Verizon 2.1a car chargers no longer charge.

- Bluetooth audio intermittently cuts out while playing music (local or streaming).

- WiFi guest networks no longer prompt to login, have to disconnect/reconnect to get login prompt.

- Unexplained reasons why network is switching between WiFi and cellular; however it's killing the battery.

- SMS (google voice and native) no longer find contacts when searching for a name. Have to go to the contact and select a default # first.

- General performance feels more sluggish than normal.


I called VZW tech support and he stated no one else has reported these problems. I find it hard to believe that this isn't software related as two phones are having the exact same problems, post 4.3 upgrade. Prior to the upgrade, none of these problem existed. The tech stated next step would be to reset to factory, which while I don't mind doing, I just truly don't feel it's going to do anything once it's upgraded back to 4.3 and I'm just going to waste time.


Anyone else having similar problems?   >>comment removed<<


Thanks

>>Post edited to comply with Verizon Wireless Terms of Service    Discussion concerning rooting, jailbreaking, or modding is not permitted in this forum<<


Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

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abean
Contributor - Level 1

Back on the phone with VZW now that I'm seeing others are having these issues, that and I got a text from the VZW rep. They have confirmed that they know of two of the issues:

- Verizon car charger isn't working

- Text messaging contact issue


On hold to talk to Samsung now.

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C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

I have some of the same issues since the 4.3 update.  My wifi will now not work unless I'm standing on top of the router.  My son's s3 has very strong 7 mbps and mine right next to it has weak and 1 mbps and I'm only 10 feet from the router.  Also my Verizon charger quit working on it after the update.

This is very frustrating and essentially makes data useless at home..... 

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

C5Vette,

You can bet your bottom dollar we want to get this resolved for you ASAP. After reading your most recent post, may I ask if you've tried the hard reset to remedy issues?

EvanO_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

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C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

I aopreciate the effort!  I have not tried the factory reset yet...  For me that is a last resort.  I usually spend days setting up the phone to my liking.  If I KNEW or even had a good feeling it would fix the issue I would do it.  Based on others results, I'm waiting. Abean, is the wifi issue resolved after the reset?  I know you said the charger issue was not resolved, but for me, the wifi/blue tooth strength is my biggest issue.  I'll work around the charger until there is after resolution.  

If anyone has had positive results from a reset I would like to know about it.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

Dave-in-Decatur
Specialist - Level 2

Yeah, I think when a Verizon rep says, "No one else has reported these problems," that means "No one else has reported these problems to me personally since my last coffee break." All these are widely reported issues on this forum and on Android Central, including the WiFi issues. It's not possible that Verizon had not heard of them.

C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

Maybe so....  I have definitely seen the wifi issue addressed elsewhere.

C'MON Verizon!   Fix my wifi!!!!  Do it quickly!  When it comes to a smart phone the 2 most important things are: 1) the mobile network 4G and 2) Wifi connectivity....  I can do without a bunch of other things before wifi!

Oh, and it would be kind of cool if my VERIZON car charger actually charged the phone!  Who would think an update would prevent a charger from charging?

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Dave-in-Decatur
Specialist - Level 2

Yeah, that is obnoxious. I haven't tried my car charger yet (non-Verizon, non-Samsung). But there's something I've read about the phone detecting an extra wire or pin in Samsung 2-amp chargers, or maybe just 2-amp chargers generally, to know how much current to draw. I wonder if the update has somehow messed that up so that it won't charge at all unless it detects a certain kind of charger.

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abean
Contributor - Level 1

For now I went ahead and ordered new chargers for both of us: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EJ4CE84/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When I talked to Samsung about the charger, they told me that it's definitely hardware related. Oh really? Is that so? Two phones and two chargers, neither work. Actually, of 10+ attempts to get it to charge, I did manage to get it to charge one time, which was quite odd. All the other times, it makes the noise like it's going to charge, but never does.

Just all around awful. I'm hopeful to try a full reset this weekend only to be let down as it won't change a thing.    

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mishael53
Enthusiast - Level 2

If you restart your phone and have it plugged into the Verizon charger, it'll work. It just doesn't work again if you unplug it.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Having wifi issues with your device can be frustrating C5Vette. I can understand the concern for having this feature work. I can also understand performing the Hard Reset it a last resort but may fix the issue depending on any other issues that may be occuring with that device, area, and software on that phone. We still recommend this step and we also recommend one on one trouble-shooting with you over the phone. We may try to replace the phone depending on the warranty or we may file a ticket for the issue. Have you contacted us by phone yet. Do you know if a ticket was filed for your issue. What area are you in? Please let us know how your phone is working after the hard reset.

KinquanaH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

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C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

I did call Verizon by phone.  The rep made an appointment to call me back at 6:30 my time and 4:30 her time.  Unfortunately she never called back despite my waiting patiently by the phone.  I know I'm within the warranty period, but I know there is no hardware issue and I bought it new so I really don't want a CLNR phone.  I just want a patch to fix the problem.  I'll try a hard reset since many of you keep insisting that it might help, but if it doesn't work it is only going to add to my frustration level.  I will report back what happens.

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C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

I did the hard reset.  Just as I suspected. ....no change. Now I have days of work to put it back the way it was and STILL no usable wifi....

PLEASE GET A PATCH OUT TO US ASAP!!!!!!!  I'm real tempted to go back to my S3.  This is a major bummer.  I'll wait it out a couple of weeks. ... but it feels like an eternity already...

C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

I found a totally new problem after the hard reset.  Now one of my shortcuts on the lock screen is whacky.   When all emails have been viewed the lock screen email shortcut shows -1 unread emails....yep you saw that right a negative unread email.  When I have only one unread email it is blank.  When they are all read....it's a negative one......on top of poor wifi and blue tooth strength and a Verizon car charger that won't charge my phone...

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hello to you C5Vette!

I absolutely understand the importance of having a fully functional phone. I can't express enough how regretful I am that you're having so many difficulties after the update. I do appreciate all of the troubleshooting you've already completed to resolve them! I'm hoping that it resolved the majority of them.

After reviewing the known concerns, I actually did not see anything for the email notification concern. I would like to gather more details. What type of email account is this?

Additionally I reviewed your other concerns. At this time only Samsung chargers can charge the Galaxy S 4. Please utilize the charger that came with your device if possible.

Regarding Wifi we've been unable to duplicate the concern with multiple routers. Can you review your router and see if there's an update for it? What happens exactly with the Wifi connection when you try to detect or connect?

For your bluetooth, what happens exactly? I want to ensure we attempt the best steps to value your time.

Thanks!

MelissaM_VZW
Please follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

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abean
Contributor - Level 1

@MelissaM_VZW - are you officially stating that the Verizon Wireless stance is that no other chargers besides OEM Samsung chargers are supported? Where in the release notes for 4.3 does it state that no other chargers are supported?

Is VZW ready to refund/replace the chargers that they sold their customers? VZW sold us the officially branded Verizon Wireless car chargers which work on all phones and the S4 pre 4.3. If you're stating that they no longer work, I/we fully expect a refund or replacement ASAP.

Please advise to when we can all expect said refund/replacement.

Thank you

abean
Contributor - Level 1

Also, @MelissaM_VZW, please read the multiple other posts concerning all the Bluetooth and WiFi issues. These issues are not isolated to one or two users ... it's more wide spread.

We need an official response at this time to what the status of these matters are and when we can expect resolution. Please can you or someone else at VZW step up your game, take some initiative and go talk to the appropriate product support/development/QA/PM; whomever teams to understand what if anything is occurring at this time to help re-mediate all these problems?

None of us are happy with the level of support received thus far as no tangible or creditable posts have been made to instill any level of confidence in us that you're all trying to help us, the paying customers.

Thank you

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Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader

Ha ha! My Samsung cable connected to a HTC transformer plug and a full HTC USB cable and plug say differently. The third party charger purchased at a Verizon Wireless corporate store also works just fine. The iGo car charger with a Samsung USB disputes the claim that it "shouldn't work" and yet it does. Even the older iGo charger and modular tips work with a Samsung Galaxy S4.

I have personally used three different chargers (mentioned earlier in this post) in the last 48 hours with a S4 and they all worked to charge the phone while it is powered on.

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

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C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

Melissa,

First of all, I'm happy that you took the time to review my issues.   The email is with my Comcast email address.  I did not see this issue before the hard reset. 

As for the wifi issue....I assure you it isn't my router. ...it would have to be EVERY router....  There is simply NO range now anywhere PERIOD!  All other phones in my house see high signal strength and fast transfer speeds...EXCEPT the S4 post update.

This was a WONDWRFUL phone BEFORE the update. ...it is HORRIBLE now....  I've actually considered going back to my previous phone in light of all of this frustration.  A HORRIBLE thought for a $700 telephone....

My phone is a 32gb version and I can confirm not ALL have the issue as my friends 16gb version would actually receive a signal beyond 5 feet, but it for sure did not behave this way before the update, and I'm not the only one by far experiencing this issue.

C5Vette
Enthusiast - Level 3

Also, I must say that I would love for you to push the previous 4.2.2 software back out to these problem phones.....  Maybe it could be an optional update....

Another thing, because I'm forced to turn the wifi off because of the "unstable wifi" pop up and battery drain issue associated with having it on and NOT WORKING, my data usage has gone through the roof as I can't use wifi at home.  AM NOT HAPPY THAT I GOT A TEXT MESSAGE TELLING ME THAT MY DATA SPEED MAY BE REDUCED BECAUSE OF MY USAGE!!!  This update FORCED me to do this!

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Thanks for the additional feedback C5Vette. I'm sorry there isn't an option to revert back to the previous software. Are you stating that this is happening with every wifi connection and source? If you have completed a hard reset since the update, did you retain or readd all the same apps? If so, please test the wifi connection in safe mode. http://tiny.cc/yzfg6w

JonathanK_VZW
VZW Support
Follow Us on Twitter@VZWSupport

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