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Galaxy S4 & Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Problems Continue

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The Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates have all rolled out in the United States and now that the smoke is cleared, we’re starting to hear about the aftermath. For many users, it’s not pretty as Android 4.3 issues continue to plague Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 users in the U.S.

Back in October, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update started rolling out for Sprint and Verizon and it was these updates that kicked off a whirlwind of updates in the United States. Several weeks later, we saw other carriers roll out their Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 updates and then move to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.

Samsung-Galaxy-S3-wireless-charger-Review-006-575x380

In December, carriers in the United States completed their Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update roll outs. And just yesterday, we saw AT&T finally start to push out the Galaxy S4 Active Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. It’s safe to say that things have come full circle since Samsung’s initial push.

We have been tracking the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 updates very closely since their arrival on the scene last year. And while we’ve heard about many of the good things that these updates have brought along with them, we’ve also started to hear about some of the issues that Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 owners are having on Android 4.3.

Several weeks ago, we pointed out some of the early problems that users were facing after installing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Weeks later, some of those very same problems continue to plague Galaxy S4 users on the largest carriers in the U.S.

The Galaxy Note 3 could feature an improved camera with a 13MP sensor like the Galaxy S4.

AT&T’s forums contain a number of complaints about the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update. Interestingly, it seems that some users are still unable to get the update downloaded and installed Over-the-Air. Users are saying that the update simply stops around 25% and won’t finish. Workarounds still haven’t been found with one user claiming that continual attempts forced the update to work.

We saw a similar issue emerge on one of our Nexus 5’s. To this day, we’re still unable to pull down the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, many weeks after its arrival.

Verizon Galaxy S4 users are complaining about a number of issues as well including Wi-Fi problems and charging problems after installing Android 4.3. Verizon customers have been the most vocal about the issues plaguing their version of the Galaxy S4 and there are several lengthy threads filled with fed up customers.

Verizon-Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-review-620x465-575x4311

Galaxy S3 owners are in the same boat, it seems. Complaints about Android 4.3 on the AT&T Galaxy S3 continue to pile up with users raising a stink about everything from battery issues to keyboard problems to connectivity problems. One user claims that his phone has started to use LTE, even when connected to Wi-Fi.

Verizon Galaxy S3 users have been vocal about their problems as well. Bluetooth and battery life problems appear to be prevalent with one user going as far as to say this:

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.

We ourselves have been hearing from Galaxy S3 users in particular about problems with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Just today, a user relayed some Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 issues to us, saying that his Verizon Galaxy S3 and his wife’s Galaxy S3 have been experiencing these symptoms:

  • Increased power usage.
  • Phone locks up and requires battery removed and a reboot.
  • Notification bar does not take you to Facebook updates.
  • Navigation voice on Google maps sounds like the old electronic voice. WAZE navigation voice fits not work at all.
  • Chrome browser screen goes dark and does not refresh.

Many users are, of course, calling on these carriers to issue bug fix updates that tackle these issues. And carriers, per usual, haven’t said when or if they will roll out bug fix updates.

In the meantime, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and those with the Galaxy Note 2 experiencing Android 4.3 issues will simply have to rely on temporary fixes should temporary fixes exist for these issues. We can provide a few resources for those in need.

Samsung-Galaxy-S4-Micro-SD-Card-Worthless-575x407

Carrier forums can be useful though we recommend heading to forums like XDA-Developers and Android Central Forums for help with some of these smaller issues. Chances are, someone else will have had the issue and thus, will be able to diagnose the problem. Those who are experiencing battery life issues on the Galaxy S4 might find some useful tips here.

Those that can wait may have some luck with Android 4.4 KitKat, the update that is thought to be coming for the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 later this year. Major Android updates tend to bring major bug fixes to Galaxy users though there is always the potential that they bring bugs of their own.

How has your experience with the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update been?

81 Comments

81 Comments

  1. crwolv

    01/15/2014 at 11:55 am

    was unable to download 4.3 update to AT&T Samsung Galaxy s4 what is easily accessible by calling and hanging in force feed it to fall off work right away
    Oops meant having att force feed it to phone,worked right away. Call em

    • Coldharbor1864

      01/15/2014 at 12:13 pm

      In a word horrible! I can’t keep my Samsung Galaxy S3 charged, the auto correct will not allow me to type properly anything I would like to type and the photo flash constantly goes off especially when I get phone calls!

      • gee willikers

        01/18/2014 at 10:43 pm

        Had turned my unit into a useless paper weight

    • Jenny Wade

      01/15/2014 at 12:14 pm

      I have the galaxy s4 since the end of nov. so when I got it it had updated to 4.3 right away, so I never knew how it worked on 4.2, but all I can tell you is that the galaxy s4 on verizon with 4.3 update is quirky as hell! It won’t hold a wifi signal and jumps to lte so I am going to get overage charges for cellular data – convenient for the carriers – isn’t it!? It also has a whole host of other weird issues and when you talk to Verizon reps about it they treat you like you are some insane person who is the only persopn out there that is having these issues and all you have to do is to go check the forums and boards to see that thousands of others are having the same issues!!! Just own up to the problems and tell us when you think they will be fixed Verizon – is that too much to ask?

    • Steve

      01/22/2014 at 3:47 pm

      Battery life on my S3 is now terrible. I hate the update for several other reasons but the battery life was why I bought this. I have tried the reset and had several calls to Verizon to fix this and other issues, but still no battery life. I used the old version of maps daily so turning off the google maps locater is not the issue. But I may as well turn it off now, because the 4.3 update also made my maps update with no way to go back. This new maps is unusable for what I used it for. (Sorry, just one of the many gripes I have about this now crappy phone) My only option is to rout it according to Verizon. So I’ll be doing that and if I “Brick” it then Iphone, here I come.

      • lltate

        01/22/2014 at 5:30 pm

        Yesterday I went into Verizon & they did a hard reset. The Wi-Fi is still unstable & the battery life is very bad, along with the time it takes for the phone to charge. Today I went back to Verizon & they are going to send me a “new” (refurbished phone. If that does not make this work, I just may leave Verizon.

    • James Lacroix

      01/23/2014 at 9:48 am

      my battery drain too quick and my phone keeps on freezing while im trying to text somebody so i have to hit the power key so it unfreezes the phone so i can continue to use my phone .they should fix this im paying a lot for my phone service

  2. GS

    01/15/2014 at 12:31 pm

    Should have never updated my S3. Didn’t even know about the update until I found it on my own searching my phone settings to fix an email notification problem.
    Now my battery drains twice as fast and my phone temperature runs warm to very warm to hot when in use. Uncomfortable to hold. Other minor annoying issues as well. BTYW, I have T-Mobile…and I was never notified of an update.

  3. Darryl Kniaz

    01/15/2014 at 12:33 pm

    I have had a terrible time with the latest 4.3 update.
    * My light flashes like a bright strobe light every time the phone rings (I have tried to shut it off, but its already “off” in the settings)
    * my battery drains faster (overnight from 100 to 50 doing nothing)
    * “your internet connection is unstable”, even though everything else connects to it just fine. Worked perfect before the update.
    * WiFi turns on at random. If I have it off, it will turn on and look for a connection.
    * WiFi searches for a connection every 5 seconds after I make a connection
    * my pay-to-use apps, like Pandora and Sirius (and any other music app) are worthless, as the connection dies every few seconds.
    * blue tooth in car, no longer works, and I live in a hands free driving state where I need this feature.
    * turning on the phone from sleep sometimes lags and takes a while to turn on. Had to pull the battery three or four times from it crashing during this.
    * during one phone call, another person called, and person 2 immediately went through and person 1 was hung up on.

    I went to Verizon to have them fix the problem and they essentially told me they had not heard of the problem, then spent the next 10 minutes making my phone connect to their portable hotspot (it connected quickly, however I am unsure if it was still searching for other signals or disconnecting…I didnt see any error messages), THEN THEY STARTED TO PROMOTE THEIR ISIS MOBILE PAYMENTS PRODUCT to me, and then they downloaded the app (which I didnt want), then they told me about that product, then they had to change my internal sim-card due to the mobile payments app needed new technology, which in all took around 7-8 minutes, AND I DIDNT WANT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE, then they told me to try to connect my wife to other places besides my house (I tried 3 times, and it didnt work in either of the other locations that had free wifi, then they finally told me to get a new wireless router.

    In the end, Im left with a basic phone that I pay a lot for, and my data is being used at a higher rate than I would like. Even when I just give in and try to use 4g data, the wifi will turn on, and then it freezes up the screen because its not switching back and forth between 4g and wifi and wont find anything until I quickly turn the wifi off.

    • Darryl Kniaz

      01/15/2014 at 12:34 pm

      Using Verizon with a GS3

      • LAT

        01/17/2014 at 10:07 pm

        I also have a Samsung III and My phone updated about 2 days ago. I’m experiencing the phone freezing. The 1st time I just put it back in my purse & when I went back to it it reverted to the home screen, essentially unexpectedly ending the app [facebook]). The second time, I had to remove the battery because the phone just froze. After removing the battery & putting it back in, my memory card. The message I am getting on the notification screen says, “Damaged SD card – SD card is damaged. Try reformatting it.” I am VERY upset as there are SO many images that I WANT on that card and NO, there is no back up. HOW does the card become damaged in this process????

        • me

          01/27/2014 at 2:43 am

          I have also received message “Damaged SD card” after update. Also lost valuable photos of my daughter from the last year. So now missed photos from 1st birthday to her 2nd Bd. Thanks Samsung for destroying the record of the beauty year of her life.

      • seth mishne

        01/18/2014 at 5:59 am

        this is the most stupidest update ever. Verizon needs to get their act together and do something about the update. battery issues, apps crashing and not able to open up notifications from lock screen without first unlocking my phone. why was this garbage update released in the first place. Verizon admit there is a problem with the update and fix it before march.

    • CHRIS

      01/15/2014 at 10:42 pm

      Darryl Kniaz i had the same problems with you on my S3 (GT-I9300) but when i do a FACTORY RESET after a couple of days,all the problems were gone.So i recommend to you to trying to do it, I don’t know if it’s solve you problem but on my own phone it’s work perfect after the FACTORY RESET. Do it with your own risk.

    • M Poisson

      01/22/2014 at 12:57 pm

      Go to Settings then Accessibility… Check the Flash Notification and then uncheck it and then reset your phone. It will stop flashing at you.

  4. Charles

    01/15/2014 at 3:01 pm

    Funny, but I updated several months ago and I’ve noticed nothing out of the ordinary. I have the S4 on Verizon

  5. Alex

    01/15/2014 at 4:35 pm

    I’ve not had any issues on my Verizon S3 since updating, everything is working as expected and just the same as it was before the update.

    The battery drain “fix” that I did on my Note 3 took care of the drain issue on the S3 as well. And it is clearly not an issue with the 4.3 update because it was happening prior to updating. All it took to “fix” it was turn location services off for Google apps. Now the S3 will last more than a day on a full charge with normal use and I’ve had my Note 3 last me over 4 days on a single charge and light use. Before the “fix” my Note 3 would drain 10% just sitting on my desk in about 30min or so.

    If Google Play Services or something similar is what is using your battery the most, or creating the most wakelock requests if you use an app such as Wakelock Detector, turning location off for Google apps should give you your battery back. You’ll lose Google Now though and some other Google services, I never used them so doesn’t bother me, which is why Google needs to fix the problem.

    That is an issue with Google’s apps that they need to fix because it’s not just happening on Samsung devices. Found the “fix” by doing plenty of searching on XDA and I think the suggestion was found in an HTC topic.

  6. racheal

    01/15/2014 at 5:23 pm

    I have the GS!!!. I can’t keep my phone charged. I charge it up to 100 and within 1 hour it is at 50% after the up grade.

  7. david

    01/15/2014 at 7:58 pm

    I have the T-MOBILE S4 and have no issues at all..my average battery time has increased about 60-90 minutes

    • Chris

      01/15/2014 at 8:05 pm

      Lucky us. Unfortunate for the rest of them.

  8. Chris

    01/15/2014 at 8:04 pm

    I’ve had the Galaxy S4 on t mobile since June. Updated to 4.3 just before thanksgiving. Haven’t had any problems. Battery life actually improved, everything runs as it’s supposed to.

  9. antonio

    01/15/2014 at 9:29 pm

    I had the s3 on t-mobile and the dang phone would drop wifi and wouldn’t place a phone call…. As I would try to call I would get the hang up sound and the orange end call screen be4 it ever rang and only way to fix it was to restart phone…. my wife’s phone is the s3 also from t-mobile and it’s not doing the calling thing but won’t send mms and battery life sucks butt. It’s a horrible rom samsung messed up I bought the note3 and won’t upgrade the os ever I will only have it 6-months to a year then thanks to jump program I won’t worry about the os updates I’ll just get a new phone like the good old days be4 updates

    • Chris

      01/15/2014 at 9:44 pm

      Makes sense to me. The jump program is nice in that regard.

  10. badri venkatesh

    01/15/2014 at 9:50 pm

    My s3 camera is not working after getting 4.3jelly bean update last nyt..

  11. Neal Cox

    01/15/2014 at 10:46 pm

    I got a Verizon s4 December 22 with 4.2.2 on it. All worked great, even 2.4Gn and 5G (n+ac) on my new router. On December 24 got the 4.3 update and a patch almost immediately after that. My 5G connection on router became very unstable. 2.4G still works fine. I don’t know if it’s a problem with 5G in general or with the new 5G (n+ac) technology for which the S4 is supposed to be compatible.

    • Tisha

      01/16/2014 at 2:56 am

      The update killed my SG3. Sprint worked on it for 2 hours and could not get it to power own. I have a dead SG3. I’m furious!!!

  12. Kenny

    01/16/2014 at 4:51 am

    I’m done with Samsung and their crapware that I don’t use and is probably causing all the problems. I’m getting a nexus or moto x next.

  13. iou812

    01/16/2014 at 9:02 am

    That what happens wen u buy a stupid plastic android device or any android for that reason you buy cheap u get cheap!!!

  14. Ruki D

    01/16/2014 at 10:20 am

    I hear rebooting works if you’re having these issues

  15. An Indian

    01/16/2014 at 11:04 am

    I recently updated my Galaxy S3 (gt-i9300) with 4.3 on the air. I noticed two problems.. 1) fast battery drain especially in standby mode. i earlier experienced this same problem with 4.1.1 update. 2)Multi window option remain frozen. it’s icon always looks half lit. i can neither turn it on nor turn it off. Actually Multiwindow feature is not working after 4.3 update.

  16. CM Brost

    01/16/2014 at 1:28 pm

    I have a Note 2 on US Cellular. Before the 4.3 update it worked just fine. After update it no longer auto connects to wifi and so my data usage has increased. The same thing has happened to my daughter’s GS 4. I’ve told Samsung and US Celular and neither one will admit there’s a problem….alot of buck passing. I’m waiting for someone to admit that there is a problem and fix it. I check online everyday and have tried a dozen different fixes and nothing has worked. Not happy.

  17. Stacey Trombley

    01/16/2014 at 2:30 pm

    I hate this update. Its horrible.

    I haven’t noticed the battery issue but its possible its worse. I have like 6 chargers at home and 1 at work so its no big deal to charge.

    But my internet is horrible. I’ve had times where the browser freezes constantly and only works once I restart. The fix I’ve found is to clear the cache and cookies but I have to do it every two weeks or so now and I never did it once before the update (which was over a year) . My 3g works better than wifi now so its good I have unlimited data with sprint.

    The keyboard was strange at first but once I changed some of the settings I got it to bearable.

    I also have a doc I tried to download in Oct that pops up in my notification bar ever 30 seconds or so. Even after I deleted the doc. Its just constantly there.

    So yeah, not a fan. At all. Wondering if I should even bother getting another galaxy once my plan is up (in May).

  18. Sunny

    01/17/2014 at 2:54 am

    I have an s3,as of now i havent upgraded to 4.3.My phone is working beautifuly.Any suggestions should i upgrade to 4.3 or no?

    • 4.3DONT DO IT!!!

      01/25/2014 at 4:48 pm

      NOOOOOOO!!!! I loved mine but since 4.3 i just wanna throw it at the wall. Wifi barely works. Freezes at least 10 x’s a day n only get it bk by removing the battery. Phone gets so warm u can barely hold it and full battery drain in 2 hrs without touching it! I’mddisgusted with it! Update has completely ruined my previously perfect phone!

  19. Steven M. Baer

    01/17/2014 at 7:55 pm

    My Verizon Samsung Note 3 (JB 4.3) also has the WIFI instability problems. The only help is to turn off Bluetooth.

    • Steven M. Baer

      01/22/2014 at 5:16 pm

      I have now identified the troublesome release. It happened on 12/14/13 at 7:18 AM when my software was updated from SM-900V_MJ7 to MJE.

  20. dotje

    01/18/2014 at 10:41 am

    Galaxy S3s are now free with upgrade at Best Buy, and S4s are $49. Pretty soon they won’t even be able to give them away. My S3 was a great smart phone before the update–now it’s a stupid phone… I have a constant message that my wifi is unstable, and there are multiple intermittent issues, like not getting calls…turning off Bluetooth doesn’t help.

  21. EM

    01/18/2014 at 12:04 pm

    This 4.3 update is a total catastrophe.
    Wifi is unstable, and the wireless internet is not working. So I can use it only for phone calls.
    After reading the info on the different forums, contacted the Samsung support, they said that they never heard of these problems and advice to do so many stupid things, including factory-reset that just took hours and did not help.
    Will never buy Samsung again.

    • lat

      01/18/2014 at 8:05 pm

      https://www.samsung.com/us/support/contact

      Contact Samsung. .I got a response for my now non working SD card, but restarting the phone is NOT the solution. Please FLOOD Samsung. For them so say they have not heard of any issues is not acceptable

    • Jocelyn

      01/19/2014 at 3:24 pm

      Same here. Verizon pushed out the 4.3 update to my S3, and immediately my battery life dropped by more than half. After researching the issue on message boards, I called Samsung and the rep acted like he’d never heard of such a thing. Told me to go through a reset process, which I refuse to do because everyone says it doesn’t help. I’m going to try setting my Juice Defender app to “aggressive” and see if that helps. Like others, will never buy Samsung again.

  22. Arnie Kuenn

    01/18/2014 at 7:13 pm

    I got the auto update on Jan 9 and my phone just sucks now. Battery life sucks, many apps like messaging and contacts freeze. Contacts have never finished syncing. FB works half the time. Without my contacts loaded, the phone is almost useless. Been nursing it for a week now and ready to throw it out.

  23. oenopheliac

    01/18/2014 at 8:02 pm

    Update on my Galaxy S4 was last night… my phone is a big PIECE of crap now! Won’t download pics sent via messaging, won’t connect to the internet, screen locks up, battery is half gone and I haven’t even used the damn phone because it’s all acting stupid. What the hell!!! I’m about to throw mine out as well. Sick of their upgrades anyway… this sucks. DON’T UPGRADE if you haven’t!!! This blows!

  24. kt

    01/19/2014 at 1:07 pm

    I have a Samsung s3, after the update my battery life is brutal. Even worse though pretty much every time I go to make a call, my phone won’t let me and continuously drops the second I dial. I have to restart the phone to make the call, not cool in an emergency.

    • Mike Simon

      01/21/2014 at 8:58 pm

      Don’t restart,do airplain mode, then back to connect. It’s faster than reboot and works on my S3.

      • kt

        01/22/2014 at 8:07 am

        Thanks for the tip! I’ll do that next time.

  25. EM

    01/19/2014 at 2:46 pm

    Please sign the petition calling Samsung to fix this problems:
    https://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/samsung43problems

  26. ChrisKin

    01/20/2014 at 2:57 am

    Hi @all: I updated my SGS3 via MobileOdin. First Update: Battery Drain an Some other problems. After a updated the phone I have no problems with my phone ;) Maybe it helps someone? (No data/cache wipe or something else after update. Everything is the same as with 4.1.2, some crappy Samsung Apps deactivated. Nothing else)

    • ChrisKin

      01/20/2014 at 2:58 am

      After the second time i updated my phone… :)

  27. Krystal

    01/20/2014 at 5:27 pm

    Just got 4.3 today in the morning … after reading all the comments I’m getting afraid if those problems would happen to my device :( …

  28. dan

    01/20/2014 at 8:54 pm

    I just had to go to a future shop and notice the Galaxy Gear.. ..”oh you gotta upgrade to gain support for the watch. Upgrade upgrade, this watch is amazing, and it works with the Samsung Galaxy S3, even though I have the S4.” Yeah right. Samsung and Android really need to be careful. Look at what happen to blackberry and its one time innovative OS. One wrong move in this business and your history. Yeah we might love technology, but nothing lasts forever. Nothing. Now fix the problem already will yeah. Windows phone really starting to sound more and more appealing.

    Dan

  29. Kathy Davis

    01/22/2014 at 3:01 pm

    I also downloaded the latest update and my flash goes off when my phone rings or while I am texting. My battery seems to need charging halfway through day also. Please fix this soon Samsung.

  30. Angela Downs

    01/23/2014 at 10:02 am

    i should have never installed this new update on my samsung galaxy s3. the battery drains worse than it ever did and barely even charges. worst of all, theres a bright flash that comes on the phone every few minutes, whether its a phone call coming in, searching the web, games, u name it, this update sucks!!!!!

  31. MMArts

    01/23/2014 at 11:05 am

    Every music app I download, pops up the “…has failed.” message eventually. Some immediately.

  32. Pernalåda

    01/24/2014 at 12:06 pm

    Greetings from Finland! DO NOT INSTALL THE UPDATE! My Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) touch screen is sometimes not responsive after the Android 4.3 update. For example not able to answer to phone calls without once shutting and turning the screen back on with hardware buttons. Hoping a fast bug update…

  33. AM

    01/25/2014 at 12:03 pm

    Flashing:
    during alarm, emails or calls:
    go to settings and toggle the Accessibility setting from on to off, even if it says its off on your phone, mine was like that and many of my friends

    Dial out issue:

    I have the same problem, even replaced the entire 4.3 Samsung android Os with cyanogenmod kit Kat 4.4 with the same no dial out issues.

    now fixed it. change mobile settings to “not”use LTE.(under More Settings / Mobile Settings / Preferred Network Type)

    I’m using “GSM/ Wcdma auto” and my data’s still working and I don’t have to reboot anymore to dial out

    try the different settings to see which works for you

  34. Tony

    01/26/2014 at 7:29 am

    I have a s4 active and had to get a new one because of 4.3 after updateing to 4.3 it said insert sim card all the time never once got any cellular signal while on 4.3. Now that they replaced my s4 active im scared to update to 4.3 wondering if it will happen again? Sucks I wanted 4.3 so bad now I can get it way to scared my phone will stop beening a phone again.?

    • LAT

      01/26/2014 at 8:09 am

      Take your phone to VERIZON (or your carrier) and MAKE IT THEIR PROBLEM. The first time I took my phone in, they did a factory reset. When that did not fix the problems, they sent me a refurbished SIII. Let’s stop allowing the phone companies to say they have no control over the software update & therefore cannot fix OR be held accountable for the phone YOU are paying them to use not working properly.

  35. Deb

    01/28/2014 at 2:05 pm

    My 2013 Civic has stopped being able to “read” my texts via Bluetooth to me since the update on my Galaxy S3 – i know it’s not the end of the world but Hell, it is crazy frustrating! I used to be able to touch a button when one came in and it would read them off to me but since the update it doesn’t prompt anymore. I tried “disconnecting” the devices but Boo!

  36. JJ

    01/29/2014 at 6:41 pm

    Ever since updating to 4.3 I cannot connect to wifi or 4G even though it says 4G is on. I am really frustrated and don’t know what to do

  37. Emma Pine

    01/30/2014 at 12:02 pm

    Verizon GS3 here – (1) the screen lags about 1 second behind commands, (2) I get constant warning messages about WiFi instability when there is none, (3) there is a huge battery drain from the screen; e.g., over 30 minutes of light Internet browsing using LTE (full bars) and in power save mode, my battery dropped from 30% to 6%. The battery also drains like crazy while idle. I never had any of these issues before the update. Eager for the fix.

  38. Janell

    02/01/2014 at 8:07 pm

    Had the galaxy s4 mini for a week. I couldn’t go half a day without charging it. I was only using wifi and calling maybe 4 people all day. I returned it today and got the iPhone 5c and love it. The verizon rep acted like it was my fault the Samsung was having problems. She acted like the iPhone was crap and unstable but the galaxy mini was an awesome phone. Ticked me off.

  39. akshaykumar0920

    02/05/2014 at 10:07 am

    My Galaxy S3 is working fine with the UK firmware, flashed it from here https://www.justaboutphones.com/how-to-update-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-to-android-4-3-official-update-all-methods/

  40. Pam Ferree

    02/05/2014 at 4:52 pm

    My S3 (Verizon) working great. No problems at all. I like the update, but I also miss the Kies so hopefully will download it again. Haven’t checked it out yet.

  41. Bruce Lee

    02/08/2014 at 8:34 pm

    Telus (Canada) here. The 4.3 update on my S3 improved a couple things, and made other things worse.

    The biggest improvement was that annoying Media Battery Drain issue. The phone used to get hot and it would drop 10-20% within minutes. This issue never happens now with 4.3.

    But what’s worse is now my phone shuts off on it’s own, sometimes it thinks the battery is dead, but it is not. Taking the battery out, plugging it in, restarting a few times, then it will boot up with the proper battery percentage. This could happen 1-10 times a day. Sometimes it can go through an entire charge without shutting off/rebooting on it’s own.

    Wost of all though, now my phone takes 3.5 to 5 hours to charge. It used to take 2 hours tops. This is a massive pain. Charging with the USB port on my PC seems faster than the wall-charger.

    I have to basically leave it charging over night now.

  42. Stuart B.

    02/09/2014 at 5:36 pm

    Since I got my upgrade to 4.3 in December, I began having problems with dialling out. It doesn’t how I make a call, whether it be by swiping, dialling from the keyboard or touching the dial out icon, the problem is the same. The phone waits between 15 to 20 seconds be fore it will actually begin to make the call.
    I find this quite frustrating.

  43. mike

    02/10/2014 at 1:40 am

    First of, I know everyone that has bad experiences have to be frustrated, but thank you for your comments. I have a Sprint S3 and they’ve made it so the phone notifies me every half hour that there is an update. FINALLY after a month of this I rooted and found that in the system cache, the install package is already downloaded. If you delete the package (through root privileges), then accept the install, it can’t install and the bi-hourly notifications stop completely. Theres nothing in 4.3 worth risking the turmoil. Perhaps the beta version flunkies should be reprimanded. Hope this helps someone.

  44. Bren

    02/11/2014 at 6:13 am

    Has a solution to the problems with GS4 re-connecting to home wi-fi been found yet.

  45. Andy

    02/15/2014 at 10:10 am

    Hi, I’m in the UK and on EE (T-Mobile/Orange) using an S3 LTE. Same issues experienced, especially WiFi not connecting, complaining of speed too slow to connect yet laptop reports speed at 7MB!. Can’t get to internet through any WiFi connection. Wish I’d ignored the update as I was extremely pleased with the S3 until then. Andy, Durham UK.

  46. Richard

    02/16/2014 at 10:57 am

    I have an AT&T Galaxy S3. When I find out there’s an update for phone, PC etc I “ALWAYS” wait a long while before I jump on board to give them time to find the bugs and solutions. But they got me this time. I was in settings and accidentally hit the update. I waited and it said there was a new update to 4.3 and my finger was faster than my brain.

    Since the update it’s been nothing but trouble:
    1. Phone gets way hotter than ever
    2. Battery drain is ridiculous
    3. Phone freezes frequently, it either unfreezes, restarts phone, or I have to pull battery. I may be lucky but it’s 1st time even opening back of phone since I bought it over a year ago.
    4. Wifi drops a lot
    5. This 1 I haven’t seen mentioned. I use stock browser and use copy&paste a good bit. I clicked in a box and tried to open clipboard to paste something and phone restarted. I’ve tried ½ dozen times with same result.
    6. When I open websites I get notice that my Java is off but it’s not. So sites that use Java to navigate site you can’t get around.
    7. I was having some problems with Flash before but since update sites that worked before now don’t.
    8. Phone takes longer to charge.

    And I know there’s more. They need to get their act together and fix this.

    • Seth Mishne

      02/16/2014 at 1:11 pm

      I am having simular issues to what you are having but my s3 is on Verizon. I have the battery and charging issues you are having but not all of them. This issue needs to be fixed soon and I hope we do not have to wait until 4.4 update comes out for the bugs to be fixed. I should not have downloaded the update right away and I should have waited like you always do with updates.

  47. Dion Barber

    02/23/2014 at 7:47 am

    My roommate has a AT&T Galaxy S3 and recently updated to 4.3. Bad mistake!!!!!! Now the only way he can access facebook or get on the internet is to be somewhere that he can connect thru wi-fi. His screen freezes up sometimes and his battery drains really quickly. I DO NOT recommend anyone to install the 4.3 upgrade to their phone. I also think it is very sad that we as consumers spend our hard earned money to buy Samsung phones and they release a upgrade like this one that is totally worthless and do not assume responsibility for all the problems it has caused. Afterall, we are not at fault here. They are the ones who create the faulty 4.3 version. I believe they should be heard responsible for replacing all the phones it has caused to malfunction.

    • Seth Mishne

      02/23/2014 at 9:28 am

      I am having problems just like your roommate is except I have Verizon not at&t and I thought by now the 4.3 bugs with the s3 would have been fixed by now. this problem NEEDS to be fixed by the end of march. I know this update will come once everyone has a s5 or a note 4 because they want you to get a new device. really it is fixed ASAP.

  48. Dennis Trizna

    03/02/2014 at 6:47 pm

    Google maps with new Jelly-Bean update has made serious navigation errors after the new install. In addition to the older sounding computerized voice, she failed to take me to the Dulles Airport Hilton Hotel, instead sending me to the local General Dynamics building, a few turns short of the true destination. A second error was in navigation to the Westgate Lakes Resort from the Orlando airport late at night, telling me my destination was ahead on the left, instead of a right turn up ahead, the I4 interstate being 50 yards to my left. This is serious stuff guys, get your sh** together!!!!!!

  49. Asn

    03/08/2014 at 2:36 am

    Please help after i have updated my Galaxy S4 to android 4.3 jelly bean its screen starts flikering every time the screen brightness is lowered down first i thought its the bettery issue so i changed its bettery but the issue is still there while the screen has no issur while testing it on all major colors Green Red Blue please help :(

  50. rsstoner

    03/10/2014 at 11:22 am

    I am starting a social media war with Samsung Mobile USA on Facebook:

    https://www.facebook.com/SamsungMobileUSA?filter=2

    Please Join Me! Keep in mind, please be respectful when posting. List all your grievances so they either roll out the new update quicker – KitKat 4.4 or rollback to the earlier version. Thank you.,

  51. Alex

    04/08/2014 at 2:28 am

    If I cannot solve the huge problems this update created on my phone, like auto shutdown every 2 or 3 minutes, applications not running ,battery draining, I will give up on every Samsung electronic I have and NEVER buy Samsung again. How was it possible to release such a faulty update, if not to force us to switch to the newest phone…which I will do, but it will be HTC…

  52. Sivamani

    05/01/2014 at 6:36 am

    i have a problem of notification toggle is active. my set is fully hagged. how to rectify this problem ?

  53. Phil

    05/21/2014 at 2:18 pm

    On my note2(Verizon) up till now was lasting for 24 to 36 hours is now only lasting the day maybe. It does not charge correctly maps is seriously screwed up on a recent trip it was terrible the phone was updating the maps way to slow so I kept missing turns. My phone recently updated to 4.3 and I am not a happy camper. I want my perfect phone back.

    • Seth Mishne

      05/21/2014 at 2:29 pm

      I having 4.3 problems just like except I have a s3

  54. Bill Schwocho

    07/19/2014 at 2:55 pm

    My update was offered 7/55/14 I searched and found no problems. I asked on facebook and got stupid remarks about a kitkat bar..I downloaded after a week of download available to end up with less then half of the Battery life..I might go back to my old rooted smart phone..Any Help Please and Thank you..

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