Samsung GS3 Battery Drain after 4.3 update

[aka-neo]

Greetings,

If you aren't already aware, there is a serious flaw in the most recent update to the Samsung Galaxy S3. The 4.3 update causes a serious issue with battery drain, screen responsiveness and some apps not functioning properly. If you search for this issue you’ll find it’s not carrier specific. This update was originally delayed due to battery drain and other issues yet here we are with a December roll out and the same issues. I called Verizon today and they are aware of this issue but have not received a plethora of calls (yet) according to the rep I spoke to.

Bottom line, if you have not installed the update, DO NOT. Wait until a fix has been implemented. I’m lucky if I get 10 hours of light use when I could go 24 hours prior to the update. If I make a few phone calls and use any apps I am forced to charge my phone within a few hours. This is by far the worst issue I’ve ever had with this phone. Up until now everything has been quite solid. If you are having this issue please call Verizon so this can be escalated. I’m hoping a fix will be pushed out in the next couple of months or sooner. My Galaxy S3 is not rooted as I really never found a huge need to do so. Hopefully this issue will not push me in that direction. All I want is a phone that works as expected. You can try using the Deep Sleep Battery Saver app which has a free version for the time being.

May the force be with you, always…..

[Dewey3k]

After the update my battery drain was ludicrous. From 100% to 90% in less than 5 minutes. I was able to reduce the battery drain a bit but it is still faster than before the update. I did this:

Boot into recovery mode (volume up, home button, power on)

Select "clear \cache partition" using volume down button

Reboot.

I have read that there is a "useless" system daemon that monitors GPS state that also contributes to battery drain but you need to be rooted to fix that. I have not rooted (yet) as I search for other options.

Hope this helps.

[bearone21]

i haven't had any problems & battery life is better.

"battery saver app"...that's the kind of app like task killers....always running.

[p_clinger]

Also having very significant battery drain issues following the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update. Loss is approximately 1% per 2-3 minutes, idle.  Attempted clearing the cache partition, with no effect.  Have run in Safe Mode, also with no effect. Tried removing all apps (barring the substantial amount of Verizon bloatware), again no effect. Switched out batteries, with no effect.  This issue basically turns the phone into a landline, which of course calls into question why one is paying for the service at all. Can probably give it another week, but that's it.

[vzw_customer_support]

You're definitely on a fantastic path to trying to find what's draining your battery, p_clinger. There's a lot of great tips to extend your battery life at http://vz.to/1bVZ9D6 in addition to using the Power Saver http://vz.to/1a3VeHI on the phone with the new software. Are you still using the original home charger for your phone too? That can have a large effect on your battery life as well.

Thank you
JenniferH_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

[Dewey3k]

This is a wonderfully unhelpful response. From the overwhelming volume of complaints it should be clear that people are experiencing dramatically worse battery drain since the 4.3 update than they were before. With nothing else changed, it is obvious that something in the update (probably a background process inaccessible to non-rooted users) is causing the drain.

Even with all the "battery saving" you recommend, I am still experiencing at least twice the drain as before 4.3. I used to be able to use my phone all day and not get to a red battery indicator until evening. Now I'm there in just a few hours.

It would be nice if you could tell us how to stop the offending process(es) or at least reassure us that Verizon and Samsung plan some kind of fix for this problem.

[pizzapablo]

@ JenniferH_VZW ,

What a silly response! If you do not have anything, more helpful, than old links and "Are you still using the original home charger for your phone too? That can have a large effect on your battery life as well.", please don't say anything.

How does not having the original charger increase battery drain???

If the battery is at 100%, how does it matter which charger got it there?

I sure wish I would have seen this thread, BEFORE letting the wife's SGS3 update to 4.3!

Battery drain is at 1% down, every 4 minutes

I tried Factory Resetting, but no improvement.

This is just stupid! Obviously a rush job! Aren't such things tested, prior to putting them out to customers???

(EYES LOOKING UP!)

[pebbs]

I noticed in December after an update that my phone was having significant battery drain issues. I also had issues with the phone suddenly shutting off when the battery wasn't even all the way ran down, but would not turn on until it was plugged in again.

Now today I received another update. This one I had no choice but to receive. The battery is once again WORSE. I hate the new look on this update. Features I  used that were standard on the phone (such as T9 word) have disappeared and forced me to use an app to replace it (again, HATE that).  I realize the updates are essential to have the latest technology but I DO NOT understand why features disappear. This is so irritating I'm about to opt out of even having a smartphone all together. I got this phone when it was on the market 2 weeks. Its "old"  and my contract isnt even near up! Its ridiculous at best.

[Ramjet79]

couple of months? Let's hope not. This update has been absolutely terrible for my phone. battery life, runs warm, camera flash randomly flashes at times for no apparent reason. stuck on 3g service now.

[MySIII]

Ramjet79 wrote:

couple of months? Let's hope not. This update has been absolutely terrible for my phone. battery life, runs warm, camera flash randomly flashes at times for no apparent reason. stuck on 3g service now.

Google it , there is an easy fix. Or read one of the other 39 threads about this update.

[Dewey3k]

Do you think no one tried to "google it"? There are dozens of "fixes" and the easy ones don't seem to do anything. If you know something, share it. (removed)

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[MySIII]

Dewey3k wrote:

Do you think no one tried to "google it"? There are dozens of "fixes" and the easy ones don't seem to do anything. If you know something, share it. (removed)

I already posted this answer about the flash, there are Too many threads about the same thing, you can easily do a search on here or Google, but I'll post the link (removed)...Brb

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Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

[Dewey3k]

Did you try clearing the cache partition as I described above? I find that when the batter drain gets really ridiculous (like 1% per minute during use or per 10 minutes in standby) repeating that process helps. The occasional battery pull seems to help every now and then as well. Not quick or easy and not permanent but better than nothing.

I am hoping for a Samsung/Verizon patch soon.

[Martstephen]

The recommended steps to end the nightmare flash during calls worked for me.  Phone, accessibility, check the flash box and then uncheck it.  Thankfully--after 4 days of embarrassing flashing in meetings and nearly blinding my colleagues a few times.

[ProudPak]

I went through the exercise of talking to Verizon tech support. I was told by the tech that Verizon never tests or have any authority over this update. It comes directly from Samsung and they are responsible for this issue. My call was directed to Samsung, and the lady at Samsung told me that my phone is out of warranty, software problem is not Samsung issue, the update was provided by Google so I should communicate with Google for the battery issue.

It was beyond the capacity of tier 1 level tech support at Verizon and Samsung to take responsibility and resolve the issue for the customer. They felt it is easier to choose the blame game. This is the last time I will purchase Samsung product and last time to keep my family on Verizon. As soon my family contract is over I am moving out.

Thank You Verizon for your awesome support.

[aka-neo]

I'm truly shocked that everyone is passing the buck on this. Where is the customer service?? Someone needs to be held accountable and resolve this issue.

[pizzapablo]

T-Mobile is offering to pay your early termination fees.

[rudeguyy]

T-Mobile has had the same issues though..all providers have...which goes to show its something to do with the 4.3 update but nobody will just come clean and admit it.

[PassionNP]

Hi

Please sign the petition to be sent to Verizon and Samsung to resolve these problems.

The link is below:

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/samsung43problems

Also as part of good Customer Service, Verizon should offer credits back to owners affected as we could not use our devices effectively and utilize our data plans, voice minutes, texts etc.  It's time you took responsibility gave your customers Credits, pressured Samsung to resolve this and sue Samsung to recover your credits and your reputation.  Don't get upset customers just because Samsung messed up the update

[aka-neo]

Signed!

[MySIII]

Dewey3k wrote:

Do you think no one tried to "google it"? There are dozens of "fixes" and the easy ones don't seem to do anything. If you know something, share it. If you don't, then why act like a pompous twit?

Go to Settings>Accessibility>Flash notification.  If the box is  unchecked, check it and uncheck it and that should stop the flash from  flashing during calls. If it is checked just uncheck it, You may have to  restart your phone after, don't remember, but it  worked for me.

It's also posted in this thread.  https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/812849

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