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Android 4.4.3 KitKat Problems Plague Nexus Users

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Last week, Google started rolling out its highly anticipated Android 4.4.3 KitKat update to owners of the Nexus 7, Nexus 5, Nexus 4, and Nexus 10. And while the update is aimed at tackling Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems, it appears that Nexus users are now struggling with Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems.

In late March, the first Android 4.4.3 KitKat update rumor emerged. In the weeks after, we heard a ton about Google’s rumored Android 4.4.2 KitKat successor and we even saw Google itself confirm the update several times before it was eventually released to the public and Nexus users last week.

Nexus-7-LTE-Review-2013-Verizon-3

The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update was necessary. Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 5 users, since November, had been complaining about an assortment of Android 4.4.2 problems, including issues with MMS, Wi-Fi, Exchange, the camera application, and more. The issues piled up as time went on and fortunately, Android 4.4.3 KitKat leaks pointed to a massive bug fix update.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat is, in fact, a gigantic bug fix update aimed at tackling these issues while also improving the dialer and People application. Both received cosmetic changes. For the most part, we’ve heard good things about Android 4.4.3 KitKat for Nexus devices. However, it appears that Nexus users are also struggling with a variety of Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems.

Google’s product forums are rife with complaints about Android 4.4.3 KitKat and issues it has brought with it. The issues aren’t limited to just one device and Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 owners in particular seem to be the most vocal about Android 4.4.3.

Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 users are complaining about issues with Wi-Fi. Unstable and unpredictable Wi-Fi connectivity was an issue before Android 4.4.3 KitKat’s arrival and it appears that users are having trouble with the new update.

Nexus 5 Android 4.4 photos - 4

Nexus 4 owners in particular have reported random reboots, a problem in Android 4.4.2 KitKat, and one that now apparently resides inside of Android 4.4.3 KitKat as well. Nexus users are also complaining about broken notifications and battery life issues, connectivity issues with 3G, and problems with the Exchange email service.

Users are also reporting issues with the dialer, problems with certain applications including the BBC app, errors on the Google Play Store, and issues with the camera application the Nexus 4. We’ve also seen reports about bricked Nexus 5’s though the issues don’t appear to be widespread.

One Nexus 4 users goes into great detail about his supposed problems, listing four in particular:

  • No contacts – Blank white screen on call history, and all contacts. I cannot see who called me, I cannot search for my contacts. The slider is there to the right when I go to all contacts, but the area where contacts need to be there is all pure white. The history randomly works where it records since calls.
  • Dialer crash – If I go to key pad and start dialing a number, the contact names start showing up. However touching a contact does nothing. Eventually I got the message that dialer is crashed.
    missing name on incoming call
  • Huge gap between receiving a call and having their name show up.
  • Huge battery drain.

Most of the threads detailed here contain potential fixes. Most of the fixes involve booting the device into Safe Mode which temporarily disables any third-party apps. Third-party applications often cause trouble after a major Android update like Android 4.4.3 KitKat and booting into Safe Mode will help users single them out.

Those who are experiencing issues with the Google Play Store will want to head to Settings > Device > Apps, then scroll to ‘All’ and find Google Play store. Once there, open it up and select ‘Clear Cache’. This may solve random errors that occur when trying to access Google’s library of games, movies and more.

There are, however, several issues that don’t seem to have any fixes at the moment. Nexus users should not expect Google to roll out another Android 4.4 KitKat update in the near future.

android_kitkat-575x383

Android 4.4.3 KitKat has been in the works for months and unless the company discovers a hero level bug, we doubt there will be another roll out aimed at Nexus owners and owners of other Android devices. Hero level issues are widespread issues that impact a widespread number of Android users. Most of these issues are smaller and lower level.

It’s not clear what’s next for Android. Rumors suggest that we could see Google deliver a brand new Android 4.5 update alongside an HTC-made Nexus 8 tablet and with Google I/O coming up, we expect to hear more about the company’s plans for the Nexus program.

53 Comments

53 Comments

  1. Ronald Geiken

    06/10/2014 at 12:26 pm

    Actually 4.4.2 on my Nexus 10 doesn’t have any particular problems except it continues to have a problem with constantly turning off Bluetooth to my keyboard without OKing it will me. That has always been a problem, and any other problems on 4.4.2 do not seem to be affecting me.

  2. w mayo

    06/10/2014 at 1:22 pm

    Me, too. 4.4.2 has been just fine with my Nexus 10. Fast and smooth, and just NEVER crashes. I’m not going to 4.4.3 without good reason, especially after 4.4.2 has really messed up my Motorola RAZR MAXX HD.

    • tysonclarke

      06/17/2014 at 2:57 am

      My nexus 10 bricked going to 4.4.3. Really bummed…Never happened with a nexus product for me before….

    • Bob_Ingersoll

      06/19/2014 at 11:48 am

      Smart move, I wish I hadn’t. I installed 4.4.3 on my on my Nexus 10. It soft bricked it completely. Even though it was out of warranty, Samsung accepted it for factory repair. I guess not everyone at Google is a genius.

  3. j

    06/10/2014 at 1:36 pm

    Actually, my 4.4.3 update on my nexus hasn’t seen any of this issues mentioned. This article sounds like fud from Apple “lover boys”.

  4. Stephen

    06/10/2014 at 1:39 pm

    I have zero issues with either update on my Nexus 7. Its obvious how widespread you think this is, I would be more interested in knowing the actual real amount of people this is affecting.

    • David Wood

      06/20/2014 at 8:59 am

      Actually it’s not fud – my Nexus 7 is sufffering with not being able to play videos properly – it stutters – BBC iplayer the worst since this 4.4.3 update; am really annoyed – dont they check the software before the unleash it on the rest of the world?

  5. Ben

    06/10/2014 at 1:42 pm

    I only have issues with WiFi. 4.4.2 I was fine, but now my WiFi stays connected but occasionally just stops loading until everything times out.

  6. Cliff

    06/10/2014 at 1:48 pm

    I updated to 4.4.3 on my moto g and my wifi is wrost now then it was on 4.4.2

  7. j

    06/10/2014 at 1:54 pm

    A quick googling reveals that gottbemobile is the only site reporting of alleged problems. It looks like this information is intentional.

  8. Steve

    06/10/2014 at 1:57 pm

    Haven’t seen any issues on my N4 & N7. As a tech support rep I know the numbers of problems usually pale in comparison to the number of people who haven’t complained. I’m actually pretty satisfied with the update. I’m not sure if it’s the update or the fact I wiped my N7 and installed the factory image but battery life has improved greatly for me!

  9. Jim

    06/10/2014 at 2:15 pm

    I have been experiencing a reduction in battery life since I installed 4.4.3. Battery life hasn’t dropped by a huge amount but enough to be noticeable. When the battery life was somewhat disappointing to begin with a reduction in battery life sure does suck.

    I haven’t experienced any other issues.

  10. Laura

    06/10/2014 at 2:26 pm

    My update doesn’t finish installing. There is just the screen with that android monster and when the progress bar finishes up it just starts again and again… For more than an hour now. Nexus 4
    Is that normal? Or does anyone have an idea what i can do?

    • Jean-Francois Messier

      06/11/2014 at 6:02 am

      I am also experiencing similar issues, but on my Nexus 5. I first had a notification to update to the latest Nexus 4.4.3, and it downloaded, but di dnot install properly. When restarted, I still saw 4.4.2. I then wiped my phone with the image from 4.4.3 and since then, it only boots to those moving 4 balls, and stays there forever. I still can start in fastboot mode to loac something else, but that’s about it. I am seriously considering trying something else like CM11 or some other unofficial Android. I’m using CM 10.2 on my Note 10.1 tabletm and I’m rather happy with it.

  11. Ian

    06/10/2014 at 3:02 pm

    Never had (or even heard) any of the problems with the previous software, and now that I’m on 4.4.3 (OTA update while rooted and encrypted) it continues to be a smooth experience. I’m a bit curious as to where the author heard such ridiculous rumors…

  12. aldohb

    06/10/2014 at 3:13 pm

    I don’t know about 4.4.3 because I don’t want to install it on my Nexus 4 yet, but the 4.4.2 update did in fact give me many of the issues listed here, mainly the one where my phone reboots at random (last time was yesterday at around 4pm); another one where I cannot end a call without turning off my phone; the dialer crashes; battery drain; the phone shuts off randomly when trying to take a picture, and, also, the video player will crash at random. To be fair, the “phone reboots at random” issue happened with the first Kit Kat upgrade, not just 4.4.2.

    I haven’t seen any issues with WiFi, though.

    I don’t think this is misinformation. Not all devices are the same. Maybe there is something on the Nexus 4 chipset that is not being addressed correctly by the recent OS updates. Which sucks, because now I am actually considering buying an iPhone… NOT.

    • j

      06/10/2014 at 3:16 pm

      … now I am actually considering buying an iPhone… NOT.

      Nice!

      • highoverclock

        06/26/2014 at 2:43 pm

        Why don’t you tell him to stop intentionally spreading his information the same way you told the author? It’s the same sort of information.

  13. Lloyd

    06/10/2014 at 3:53 pm

    I am using my Nexus 5 also two weeks now after update and I don’t see any of the issues the article talk’s about. I live on my phone every day and no problem I have the 4 and 5 Nexus I used both . I some wondering where these people get their stories from. I am using the Nexus line from it started all my Nexus I didn’t have any problems with them .

  14. Rob

    06/10/2014 at 3:59 pm

    I beg to differ, but a downturn in LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi connectivity issues post the 4.4.3 update should never be viewed as small or lower level issues. What the hell is a smartphone without a reliable data connection? #SeeThisisMyNexus5Paperweight :(

  15. Graham

    06/10/2014 at 8:50 pm

    Can confirm. My Nexus 4 got the update and immediately lost a massive amount of battery life. Even with light use it doesn’t last more than 3-4 hours off the charger. Additionally it’s has random breakages in data connectivity. I’m loathe to consider apple products but Android has really disappointed me this time.

  16. Tom

    06/10/2014 at 9:45 pm

    I have been one of the users that have been having Bluetooth issues with the update. My Bluetooth earphones stopped working correctly. Annoyed because they were new headphones that had been working great for the last month.

  17. Josiah Stevenson

    06/10/2014 at 10:15 pm

    I didn’t have any issues with any of the KitKat upgrades on my Nexus 4. Things seem to be even snappier now on 4.4.3, and so far battery usage has been *more* conservative, not less. Maybe it has to do with running ART? That seemed to make my battery go a lot further when I made the switch a few versions ago.

  18. Luke Alexander

    06/10/2014 at 11:05 pm

    The 4.4.3 update wont finish on my nexus 4. Its been saying ‘installing system update for 10 hours!

  19. Tyler

    06/10/2014 at 11:48 pm

    My nexus 5 (I was one of the lucky few who was able to purchase when they were first available) has been nothing but problems from the start, the speakers are covered in glue that is visible without taking it apart and obviously because of it the sound is garbage, it shuts itself off 5-6 times a day for no reason, there is a crack from when it fell 1 1/2 feet off my bed onto the hardwood floor (so much for gorilla glass III), and with this new system update the microphone no longer works. It is still great for playing clash of clans, browsing the web, sending and reciving texts and reading books… but when I can no longer use my phone… as a phone… it might be time to complain. I have spoken with google (2 days ago) and we will see if they are willing to honor their warranty.

    • Nate

      06/14/2014 at 3:41 am

      I bought my nexus 5 early too, but have had no issues whatsoever, at least not the kind you’re describing.
      I hate the dialer though. It’s now actually worse than the 4.4.2 dialer. I just want it to go to all contacts by default. Is that so hard?

  20. Christopher

    06/11/2014 at 1:20 am

    I have a Nexus 4 and 7. Both have been updated and they are both working as they should. No problems here with the new update. I love my Nexus devices.
    :-))

  21. sal

    06/11/2014 at 3:58 am

    Well. I am sad to say that I updated last night and today I woke up to not being able to sign in to my google account. It keeps telling that I am entering the passoword incorrectly when in fact I am. I am trying to reset the phone right now.

    This is frustrating,

  22. dennisvjames

    06/11/2014 at 6:03 am

    I have the random reboot issue into safe mode on my Nexus 7.

  23. William Mitchell

    06/11/2014 at 6:27 am

    I did the update yesterday, and since, I can literally sit there and watch my battery drain down to nothing… It’s really sad that I’m having more issues with the update than I did with 4.4.2. I was better off on that version than this new one.

  24. Jacob

    06/11/2014 at 7:48 am

    Is there any way to roll back the update? I too am having Bluetooth problems – the reception to my headphones has become WAY worse, I can no longer listen while my phone is in my pocket, I have to hold the phone a couple feet away from the headset, which completely defeats the purpose.

  25. dean

    06/11/2014 at 8:07 am

    I need to rollback too. I can’t even connect to my Service Provider so I don’t have any ‘data’ right now!!! BRUTAL!

  26. Hans

    06/11/2014 at 10:02 am

    Well can only say another great update I enjoy. Since the G1 enjoyed having the Nexus phones and a 7 tablet.
    All are running well, no issues with 4.4.3, WiFi Bluetooth, battery at all.
    Though at the moment use 4, 5 and 7.
    When leaving for work, 4, without a charge had about 50℅ left. With 4.4.3 left 65℅ decent use so no problem. WiFi on the road and office works well and my headset connects without a problem with the quality I had when using my Nexus S ( why replace a good thing).
    Hope Google continues to offer such great phones and software.
    As for the article, suggest you check those who complain first and if a founded problem than post such, this article looks a little to much like a copy of replacing the Android version.

  27. Steve

    06/11/2014 at 7:07 pm

    My wife and I have Nexus 5, which we loved with 4.4.2. After installing the 4.4.3 update, our batteries seem to have half the life they had previously. I would be very interested if it is possible to roll back.

  28. Harry

    06/12/2014 at 3:44 am

    I have Nexus 5 and since 4.4.3 update my phone does not maintain WiFi connection during sleep. Have tried all variations of WiFi settings but it always disconnects when the phone sleeps. Seriously annoying because then it uses data rather than home WiFi network. There goes auto sync. Never had this problem on 4.4.2

  29. Craig

    06/12/2014 at 7:12 am

    After updating to 4.4.3 my Nexus 7 wont charge the battery when plugged in.
    I discovered that if i power it down that the charge feature works.
    I need to rollback

  30. Kris

    06/12/2014 at 8:31 am

    4.4.2 really messed up my Nexus 10. It was an OTA update, so I don’t know if that matters or not. It would lock up and it would take forever to charge. All sorts of issues. I have since wiped and loaded 4.3 and everything is running smooth and will just ignore the update notifications for now until everything is fixed.

  31. Delboy

    06/12/2014 at 9:53 am

    My nexus 5 is exhibiting most of the above issues apart from rebooting. GPS won’t work for more than a minute at a time rendering it useless as a Sat Nav. WiFi looks like its working but nothing connects, luckily I’m on unlimited data so I have to switch WiFi off to access the net. Google play store says its up to date when it isn’t. Bought the phone last November so rang Google play support and after telling them I’d tried all the fixes published factory reset twice, they immediately sent me a link to get a new phone free of charge. Should arrive in 3 to 5 days. Guess who won’t be upgrading to 4.4.3!

  32. Salforal

    06/12/2014 at 10:32 am

    I’ve not got 4.4.3 on my Nexus 5. The battery definitely drains quicker – I’ve changed nothing since the update. Also there are issues with 3G connectivity even when a good signal is showing on the device. It seems to take ages before £G is up and running. I’m with T-Mobile in the UK.

  33. Lance

    06/12/2014 at 10:41 pm

    I hate how we no longer have the middle homescreen as the main screen. Being forced to scroll to the right through 4 or 5 screens to get to my game apps is totally stupid, as is having google now on its own homescreen & then also having a Google now widget I can’t remove. I’m actually missing my galaxy Nexus Jelly Bean phone.

  34. Kunal

    06/13/2014 at 12:28 am

    With my nexus 5 I can no longer receive calls or texts when WiFi is connected, so far this is the only issue I have with 4.4.3

  35. George

    06/13/2014 at 6:21 am

    After update to 4.4.3 I have problem with WiFi connection. Everything seem normal on the outside, but there is no data flow and I can not load a single website. There was everything alright on 4.4.2…

  36. Fernando Asencio

    06/14/2014 at 3:12 am

    Nexus 5 update 4.4.3, I dont see any diffrence in performance, battery consumption, wifi (Data usage),
    Nexus 7 4G, update not available as yet, what is wrong with google? cant even update their own devices properly.

  37. Scott

    06/14/2014 at 6:35 pm

    Everything was fine w 4.4.2. Now, after the update, phone is crashing left and right. Can’t keep a screen on for very long, before it crashes. Happened 3x, just writing this post. Hate it.

  38. Scott

    06/14/2014 at 6:36 pm

    Nexus 4 BTW

  39. Steve

    06/14/2014 at 7:32 pm

    4.4.2 rebooted on me occasionally. 4.4.3 reboots repeatedly. At least once per day. Help!

  40. Ravi J

    06/17/2014 at 10:57 am

    My 4.4.3 OTA went smooth. I had no problems in couple of days running on Dalvik. However when I changed the runtime to ART, the Play Store App disappeared. I don’t know how to get it back.

  41. flgengineer

    06/18/2014 at 10:28 am

    And for those using “non-nexus” the nightmare will continue unabated. And further reason for Google to finally step up and take back full ownership for updates and fixes. Imagine if your workplace desktop or notebook/laptop experienced continual issues. And yet the likelihood of ever getting another update from the carrier/OEM test cycle is nonexistent.

    I’ve several devices that haven’t the luxury of updates since their OEM and not nexus devices. One in particular randomly crashes APKs.

    Cest LA vie

  42. Vedder

    06/18/2014 at 7:00 pm

    4.4.3 blows goat ass

  43. mick coz

    06/21/2014 at 4:06 am

    My nexus 7 wifi-only updated to kitkat 4.4.3 and initially the 5ghz wifi network stopped connecting. Then today the 2.4ghz network will connect with apparent full strength but it won’t let me browse the web or explore any local network shares.

    This will make it pretty difficult to take an update from Google to fix what they broke on my previously fully function nexus 7

  44. Vincent Steeb

    07/23/2014 at 9:03 am

    Is Googglie Wooglie heaving and panting, and tappin that ass at MS for their lazy losets? ” Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot… But what of the man? I know his name was Guy Fawkes….” Like Microsoft frelling every release since 3.0!

  45. nelson

    07/24/2014 at 7:52 am

    I don’t know if my problem pertains to any of the kit Kat updates but my nexus 10 dies with out any notification and about 50% battery still remaining on the unit! When I reboot it, it shows that the battery is completely drained 0%.
    This is extremely annoying because I know I still had life left. The thing is totally random, meaning, it dosent do it all the time! Mostly when playing a game. Im pretty sure my factory warranty is out but I purchased an extended warranty at office depot on the date of purchase.
    Tottally bummed about this… :/

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