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7 Common Galaxy Note 2 Problems & How to Fix Them

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 5.0 Lollipop update will apparently arrive at some point though there is still not a release date attached to the upgrade. With that in mind, we want to take a look at some common Samsung Galaxy Note 2 problems and offer some potential fixes to help improve performance ahead of a possible move to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

In the fall of 2012, Samsung took the stage and announced its second-generation Galaxy Note, a device it calls Galaxy Note II or Galaxy Note 2. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was, at one point, one of the more powerful handsets on the market though it’s now been replaced by two new versions of the Galaxy Note dubbed Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 4.

When the Galaxy Note 2 first arrived, it was running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Through the years, Samsung’s upgraded it with a series of important updates including Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and more recently, Android 4.4 KitKat. Most Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users in the U.S., and elsewhere, are now on Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Video -  020

Many Galaxy Note 2 users are enjoying a stable experience on Android 4.4 KitKat though we’ve spoken to some that continue to encounter problems on the aging former flagship. Samsung and its carrier partners have issued a number of bug fixes and enhancements to help stabilize the software but carrier forums continue to fill up with complaints about Galaxy Note 2 KitKat problems.

The Galaxy Note 2 Android 5.0 Lollipop update appears to be on its way and that means that we should see Samsung and its carrier partners roll out some crucial bug fixes for Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. But just because Android 5.0 might be on the way doesn’t mean Galaxy Note 2 users should let their guard down. Now is a great time to be proactive about Galaxy Note 2 problems.

With that in mind, we want to take a look at some of the Galaxy Note 2 problems that have popped up for us (and other Galaxy Note 2 users) and offer some possible fixes for these issues. It’s important to note that while these fixes apply to Galaxy Note 2 models running KitKat though they should work for Android Jelly Bean as well.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 Battery Life Problems

Battery life problems are a problem for most Android smartphones including the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Over the years, we’ve gotten complaints via email, comments and in person about Galaxy Note 2 battery life problems. Those complaints have continued for a number of years now and while we don’t have a guaranteed fix, we do have some things for Galaxy Note 2 users to try.

Often times, third-party applications are the source of these battery life issues. We’ve seen apps unintentionally drain battery on a number of devices and that could be what’s causing abnormal battery drain on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. So that’s why we recommend booting the Galaxy Note 2 into Safe Mode before doing anything else.

Safe Mode will disable third party applications which will allow users to isolate problem apps. It’s a tedious process but it’s a good way to narrow down battery life issues.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Video -  021

Here’s how to boot the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 into Safe Mode:

  1. When the Galaxy Note 2 is booting up after powering on or rebooting, you will see the model name of the device appear.
  2. Once the Samsung logo animation is visible, start pressing the menu key.
  3. When you have successfully entered into Safe Mode, you will notice the text ‘Safe Mode’ at the bottom left corner of the screen.

If that doesn’t work, there are some additional steps to try in an effort to wrangle these battery life issues. First, we recommend restarting the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to see if that solves the problem. This reboot will clear the cache and kill off services that might be eating away at the battery. It’s a simple fix that’s worked for us, and Galaxy users, in the past.

If battery life issues continue, try disabling NFC connectivity, Bluetooth, GPS, Air View, and any other unnecessary features. This could have a positive impact on battery life as well. Users that love live wallpapers might also want to think about switching to a static wallpaper to see if that helps. These tend to have a big impact on battery life and overall performance.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 Wi-Fi Problems

Wi-Fi problems are very common smartphone problems and they are impacting some Galaxy Note 2 users. We’ve received complaints about Wi-Fi issues in the past and we’ve been pestered by several Galaxy Note 2 users about solutions. Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for most users and busted Wi-Fi connectivity on the Galaxy Note 2 is less than ideal. Fortunately, there are a few potential fixes for these issues.

The first thing to try is rebooting the device. Users will also want to try rebooting the router if that hasn’t been done in awhile. We recommend unplugging the router for a good 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. Galaxy Note 2 users can do the same for the modem as well.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users might also consider updating the routers firmware. This is a process that will differ based on make and model. If those simple fixes do not work, it’s worth heading into the device’s settings.

At this point, it’s time to force the Galaxy Note 2 to forget the Wi-Fi network that’s being problematic. Head to the desired connection in Settings and select the Forget Network option. Users will then need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. This process wipes out passwords so users will need to ensure that that is readily available before performing this potential fix.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 Bluetooth Issues

Bluetooth issues are another common problems on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. There are a few things to try if Bluetooth starts acting up on the device though like all of these other fixes, there’s no guarantee that they’ll work.

The first potential fix for Bluetooth problems is toggling Bluetooth on and off. To do this, head into Settings and then Bluetooth and toggle the service off and then back on again after a few moments. If that doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to forget the connection. Head into Bluetooth and forget the connections that are causing problems. After this step is complete, reconnect to the Bluetooth device.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Video -  024

Users unable to connect to a car’s Bluetooth connection will need to consult the car’s manual. There should be a way to reset Bluetooth though the process is going to be different for each make and model. Once the car’s Bluetooth has been reset and the connection has been forgotten on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, try reconnecting to see if it works. This has proven successful in the past.

If that doesn’t work, we also recommend booting into Safe Mode (the instructions can be found above) which will disable third-party applications. This will allow users to check to see if apps are causing the problem.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 Performance Issues

As the Galaxy Note 2 has gotten older, the complaints about poor performance and lag have grown louder. We’ve spoken to several Galaxy Note 2 users who have run into abnormal sluggishness and slow down on the Galaxy Note 2 after making the move to Android 4.4 KitKat. It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise given the device’s age.

While there isn’t a cure-all fix for these Galaxy Note 2 performance issues, users will be happy to know that there are a few things to try to help improve overall performance on Samsung’s former Galaxy Note flagship.

The first potential fix that we recommend is a process that will clear the cache partition. To clear the cache partition on the Galaxy Note 2, follow these steps in order:

  • Turn the Galaxy Note 2 off.
  • Press and hold Home, Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the device vibrates.
  • When the Samsung logo appears, release them.
  • Tap Volume Down repeatedly until you Wipe Cache Partition. Select it with the power button. Select Yes.
  • Wait for the process to complete. It could take awhile.
  • Reboot your Galaxy Note 2.

If this doesn’t work, we also recommend halting the use of live wallpapers as they can negatively impact performance, especially on older devices. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users can also try toggling NFC off. This has proven to be a solid fix in the past though we recommend using it in conjunction with others. We also recommend toggling S Voice off if it’s not being used. S-Voice can be found in the device’s settings.

We also suggest turning off animations but only if things really go bad on the Galaxy Note 2. To do this, go to your home screen settings and disable animation effects. Users dealing with Galaxy Note 2 performance problems can also try disabling some applications through Application Manager in device settings.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 App Problems

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users dealing with a sudden change in app performance have a few things to try in an effort to improve the application. The first potential solution is to check for a bug fix update. A bug fix or compatibility update could have a very positive impact on the performance of the app in question.

If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling the application. Delete it and install it again from the Google Play Store. This too has fixed app performance problems in the past and it’s worth a shot if an application starts behaving badly.

If the Galaxy Note 2 app problems continue after updating and reinstalling, we encourage reaching out to the developer to alert them of the problem. This will help them identify the problem and potentially fix it in a later update.

 

We’ve also heard about problems with several Samsung apps including the stock Messenger app. It seems the app frequently crashes for some users. To fix this, first try restarting the Galaxy Note 2. If the problems persist, try using another messaging application like Google Hangouts. It seems to be a little more stable than Samsung’s stock app.

You can also try clearing the cache of the Messenger app to see if that helps. To do this head to Settings then More then Application Manager. Select All and then scroll to Messenger and select Clear Cache. If other Samsung apps aren’t working right, we recommend taking the same steps.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 Charging Problems

It appears that charging issues are impacting the Galaxy Note 2, something that doesn’t surprise us in the slightest. Several of Samsung’s older Galaxy smartphones have exhibited charging issues and they seem to still be fairly prevalent amongst owners.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Video -  027

First, make sure that it’s the charger that came with the Galaxy Note 2. If it still doesn’t work, try using a charger with the same voltage rating as the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 wall charger. If nothing else works, try ditching the wall charger for a USB cable. Plug the Galaxy Note 2 into a computer to see if that helps. Charging this way is slower but it could save you some money and a few headaches.

If none of that works, try restarting the device. If that doesn’t work, read on.

How to Fix Galaxy Note 2 Problems if Nothing Works

If none of these fixes work, it’s probably time for a factory reset. This is a time consuming process and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 users need to ensure that files have been backed up before going down this road. It will wipe everything on the device.

To do this, go into Settings, Accounts, Backup Options, and select Backup and Reset. From there, select Factory Data Reset.

If for whatever reason that doesn’t work, Galaxy Note 2 users can also factory reset using the hardware keys on your phone. Here’s how to do that. It’s a far more difficult process. We recommend the above route if possible.

  • First, you’ll need to turn the Galaxy Note 2 off.
  • Once its off, press and hold the Volume up button, the Home button, and the Power buttons together until you see an Android appear on the screen.
  • Once you see this, use the Volume down key to highlight the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option. Use the Power button to select it.
  • Use the Volume down key to select Yes – delete all user data and then use the Power button again to select it.
  • When you see the Reboot System Now option, you’ll know you’re on track. Use the Power button to select that option.
  • This will erase everything on the Galaxy Note 2 bringing it back to the state it was in when you first bought it. It also might fix the problems you’re having.

Often times, unorthodox fixes will work where common fixes fail. We also recommend taking a look at Android Central’s forums, one of our favorite Android-centric forums. Those who are still unable to find a fix should get in touch with their service provider or with Samsung itself.

38 Comments

38 Comments

  1. احمد ابو علي

    03/01/2015 at 11:02 am

    Galaxy Note 2

  2. abbey

    06/18/2015 at 12:58 pm

    hello , my galaxy note2 GtN7100 keep disconnecting wifi after upgrading the roms severally ,i tried deleting the wifi cache folder maybe it has bug and i installed a new one(wifi) right now its still now working ..could it be a hardware issue or how do i fix it ?

  3. Jackie

    06/19/2015 at 6:48 am

    My Galaxy Note 2 shuts itself off and occasionally it tells me my sd card is damaged when it’s not! Any ideas on why and how to fix it?

  4. rajesh

    07/06/2015 at 9:28 am

    Hi all,

    My galaxy note have problem in connecting 3g network inside the home.They have only connecting 2g network` I have checked with another mobile using same sim card. Its connecting 3g inside the home perfectly but I don’t know how to fix this issue. please help me to fix this issue.

    Note: I bought this mobile from south Korea.

  5. Danny Palmer

    07/10/2015 at 3:06 pm

    On my samsung galaxy note 2 it keeps coming up too many windows open or window limit reached close one.. That is not the problem I have closed everything several times and it keeps saying that it just started doing it about a month ago can anyone help?

  6. Yash

    07/16/2015 at 4:19 am

    On my Samsung Galaxy Note 2, when ever I will travel with in the city or from one area to another area all ways it will ask for Select city name, if I select also every time it will ask to select. can anyone give solution for this…

  7. F

    07/23/2015 at 12:02 am

    My samsung note 2 shut itself down, and it turn safe mode on by ifself and it reset my wallpaper when it turn the safe mode on by itself.

  8. Ali Moreno

    07/29/2015 at 8:49 am

    My phone display pda on my screen tried to get this display removed rebooting didn’t work took in to AT&T they tired couldn’t remove it can you help me remove this display on my phone

    • Ricky Swick

      08/18/2015 at 11:38 pm

      Yes i have the same problem

  9. Melody Leming

    10/08/2015 at 12:08 pm

    During a phone calls my Note 2 beeps audibly enough so that the party on the other 3rd hears these beeps. How do I get rid of them? 8 have had it 3 years and it’s never done this before. The beeps come from connection not the device …..

  10. udai

    10/19/2015 at 10:20 pm

    my problem is same as abbey
    what should i do

  11. rosalind pete

    10/25/2015 at 9:33 am

    I have a GALAXY NOTE 2 and the gold prongs have come out how can this be fixed

  12. ian

    10/29/2015 at 12:41 am

    Hello my Galaxy Note 2 it has a weak network signal strength .
    Even if I connect it in 3g
    Any one to help me on this matter???

  13. khan sameer

    11/29/2015 at 9:37 pm

    Hello my Galaxy Note 2 was not starting up phone logo comes and restart again n again continuously how to solve the issue any one help me please

    • amy

      12/12/2015 at 11:04 am

      My does the same thing

  14. steward

    12/10/2015 at 9:47 pm

    hi when i turn my phone on the samsung logo appears and vibrates every few seconds and i cant call out nothing at all what should i do

  15. victor Shege

    02/02/2016 at 8:58 pm

    mine is a piece of shit!, restarts all the time, WiFi wont turn on! Bluetooth wont connect and will go off like crazy! charge drains as soon as its full even with new battery, GPS off, Bluetooth off, WiFi off and minimal apps, I cant wait to get another phone cox i will slum this on a rock so hard!

  16. Divya

    02/03/2016 at 3:06 am

    Hi, My note 2 hangs several times and unable to update apps even though I have reset playstore from application manager. Under Settings>about device>Click on update device nothing happens, before atleast it use to give message that your device is up-to-date. Please help me fix this issue. I don’t want to do factory reset. I have restarted my phone several times and update functionality is not working.

    • bhushan

      04/30/2016 at 12:23 pm

      Hallo I am bhushan and use note 2 and i get mobile phones repair knolage .you get all updated play store and not updated use 5.1.1 use lollipop version

  17. Jasmine Carlisle

    02/23/2016 at 8:22 pm

    My galaxy note 2 dies and won’t turn back on

    • margaret

      04/14/2016 at 6:44 pm

      same with mine here..this morning, suddenly shut down and won’t turn back on..only displayed the logo..

  18. OLAKUNLE OLAJIDE

    02/24/2016 at 2:47 pm

    My Note II suddenly powered off this evening, and on powering back on, after the name logo had stayed on for a pretty long time, even after series of hard resets, only the green android is now seen and beneath it is written “Downloading….Do not turn off target!!”
    What should I do please?

    • Waseem

      08/21/2016 at 2:53 pm

      same problem i am facing too…if u got solution for that do mail me..

  19. john

    02/25/2016 at 11:33 pm

    My Galaxy Note 2 completely died. Non-responsive to whatever is tried. Never dropped or gotten wet. Purchased a new battery and charger but that was a total waste.

    • Pratap

      02/29/2016 at 6:32 am

      Galaxy Note 2 – purchase around Oct 2012.
      I have exactly the same problem. Phone decided to update itself (28 Feb 2016) so left it alone but then it never came back on. Still in its unresponsive state and not sure what else I can do.

  20. reneedunne

    02/26/2016 at 7:41 am

    I have the same problem as the last two comments. Note 2 jams/freezes in downloading target as above. Thats the only screen i get apart from a flicker of teh model and samsung info. Tried everything… Would love some help, even dwonloaded odin 3.07 but it would not load on my pc win 8. Phone is two years old, pretty crap really

  21. reneedunne

    02/26/2016 at 7:43 am

    sorry, should have mentioned ive tried and tested two batteries, its not a battery issue

  22. Raihan

    03/14/2016 at 11:22 pm

    My note 2 had front camera problem, while take group selfie image blur only i can see in that image not ma frdz. Please help.

  23. Am

    03/25/2016 at 2:10 pm

    I was having the problem noted above of turning off and not turning all the way on, getting stuck on startup screen. Took it to BestBuy and the Samsung guy there did a soft re-set, which did not work, and then a hard re-set, which did work. Most of my apps re-loaded themselves. All I really lost were my text messages and my contacts, and I’ve had to reload a few apps. I restored my contacts from the cloud (Verizon) but unfortunately not all of them were restored. Then I found out backup was set to work only when on wifi, and I never use wifi.

    Everything seemed fixed except battery maybe draining faster than usual. Samsung guy said buy a new battery on Amazon, which I did, but the phone will not work at all with the new battery.

    Just downloaded 360 anti-virus which took me through steps to prolong battery life. We’ll see if it works.

    I’d like to know how long I can reasonably expect the first battery to last, and how long I can expect the phone to last. I’ve had it over 4 years (?), and I’d like to keep it as long as possible.

  24. rockmanexze

    04/04/2016 at 9:39 pm

    The Method for Wiping Cache is pressing VOLUME UP + POWER + HOME, not VOLUME DOWN + POWER + HOME

  25. kashif

    04/25/2016 at 12:51 pm

    hi i am kashif yaseen from pakistan .i have rooted my note 2 from jelly bean to kitkat then i got the problem of ” not register of network” then i installed two unknow modem but it didn’t work and the set become slow and get off itself.it now works only on custom rom not working with its original kitkat or jellybean android its show the same problem of hanging and get off byself….how i also this problem …. ????any one plz gide me

  26. Geoff Parkin

    05/20/2016 at 11:49 pm

    My Galaxy Note 2 freezes when I leave it switched on and on charge, I would like to try a factory rest to fix this problem but when I connect my phone to the laptop it starts to charge and freezes.
    I have tried everything but to no avail, can you help.

  27. imperium

    08/26/2016 at 9:29 am

    Pleas help me…
    my galaxy note 2 always stanby in first view (samsung galaxy note II GT N7100). But cant start to menu…
    i do have reboot and factory reset but no respons.. it cant respons after reset factory.. give me solution please

  28. wanda

    09/04/2016 at 2:25 pm

    My galaxy note 2 turn really hot is a piece in the bottom of the camera

  29. samsung

    09/07/2016 at 8:23 am

    how to fix e cant mount problem
    plz hlp me

  30. Suezie Gandrew

    01/28/2017 at 4:44 pm

    My samsung note 2 shut itself down and turn on by itself…suddenly…how can i fix this problem?

  31. Yusuf muhammad

    02/17/2017 at 2:15 am

    My galaxy note 2 is showing upgrading starting apps. It takes some minutes doing that and off.and start booting again showing adroid is upgrading starting. It continuous doing that as much as possible.

  32. adeel faisal

    03/10/2017 at 7:52 am

    My galaxy note 2 some places no network plzzz help me

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