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Galaxy S5 Lollipop Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know

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The Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update delivers tons of new features to Samsung’s flagship smartphone. It also appears to bring several Galaxy S5 Lollipop problems to owners in the United States and elsewhere. With problems swirling, we want to take a look at five things you need to know, right now, about Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 problems.

At the tail end of last year, Samsung started rolling out its Galaxy S5 Lollipop update to users in Poland and Korea. In the weeks since, the Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 upgrade has spread to several other regions around the world including the United States where it’s currently available for the Sprint Galaxy S5 and Verizon Galaxy S5. Samsung and its carrier partners are slated to roll out a number of other updates as the year rolls on.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update is the first major update for last year’s Galaxy S flagship. And as such, it delivers tons of new features, enhancements and changes to the device. Google’s new Material Design, new lock screen, and the various changes to Samsung’s TouchWiz UI make Android 5.0 Lollipop the Galaxy S5’s biggest update yet.

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Not listed in the colorful Galaxy S5 Lollipop update’s change logs are the numerous Galaxy S5 Lollipop problems that are plaguing some owners of the device. Over the past month and a half, and after the update’s arrival in the United States, we’ve seen numerous complaints about the Samsung Galaxy S5 Lollipop update. Those complaints have only grown louder as Samsung’s roll out has grown.

With Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 problems mounting, we want to take a look at what we think are the five most important things Galaxy S5 users need to know about these problems. This will cover some of the biggest problems and it will also offer some potential fixes for Samsung Galaxy S5 Lollipop problems. Here’s what you need to know if you own a Galaxy S5.

You’ll Fare Better if You Prepare

No software update is perfect so it hasn’t been surprising to see Galaxy S5 Lollipop problems pop up in the wake of the roll out in the United States and elsewhere. Android 5.0 Lollipop is a massive update that delivers massive change and large updates like this one typically bring their own set of problems to device owners. iOS, Android, Windows Phone, it doesn’t matter.

There’s really no way to predict whether you’ll encounter Android 5.0 Lollipop problems or not but there are some steps to take in an effort to minimize the update’s impact on your phone and your life.

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We’ve put together several steps that we think you should take before installing the Galaxy S5 Lollipop update. Or if you still haven’t seen the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, before your Galaxy S5 Lollipop release date arrives. These steps are simple, very basic tips but they’ve worked out well for us in the past. While they’re aimed at novice users, they might come in handy even for veteran Galaxy users.

If you prepare before the Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update, then you’ve done all that you can to prevent Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 problems on your device.

Galaxy S5 Lollipop Problem: Battery Life

We’ve been getting a bit of feedback from Galaxy S5 users who have made the jump from Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 5.0 Lollipop. And while some users aren’t having any difficulties post-update, many Galaxy S5 variants are exhibiting issues after getting the update on board.

One of the biggest problems that we’re hearing about is an issue with Galaxy S5 Lollipop battery life. Quite a few Galaxy S5 users have noticed a dramatic drop in battery life with Lollipop on board. One user warned us that we don’t even want to install the Galaxy S5 Lollipop update because the battery life problems are that bad. He’s not alone.

Sprint and Verizon Galaxy S5 users alike are complaining about severe battery drain after getting the update on board. As we pointed out yesterday, Verizon Galaxy S5 users in particular have been extremely vocal about the negative impact that Lollipop’s had on their battery life.

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Verizon’s forums are starting to fill up with complaints about abnormal battery drain. So are Sprint’s. And users on Android Central’s forums are filling up a lengthy thread with their Lollipop battery life problems. Comment sections are also loaded up with a wide range of battery life problems.

Battery life problems are among the most common issues that smartphone users face in the days after a major upgrade. Most of the time, these problems are isolated to a few users. The case of the Galaxy S5 Lollipop update is a little bit different. There are more than just a few people having problems with battery life and it’s one reason why Galaxy S5 users may not want to rush into installing the new software.

Other Galaxy S5 Lollipop Problems

While Galaxy S5 Lollipop battery problems seem to be the most common, there are a number of smaller issues impacting owners of the Galaxy S5. As we noted yesterday, Verizon Galaxy S5 users are reporting problems with Bluetooth, various app crashes, issues where the device starts running extremely hot, GPS problems after installing Android 5.0, random freezing when using the home button, issues with logging in, abnormal lag, and more.

Sprint Galaxy S5 users are also reporting various issues with the update. Users are complaining about broken Exchange and Wi-Fi issues, problems with Wi-Fi calling, lock screen problems, issues with spacing in text, and more. Most of the issues we’re seeing pertain to connectivity, the device running hot and Exchange.

Sprint and Verizon haven’t announced any plans to roll out bug fix updates to address these problems which means that users on those carriers, and owners of other variants outside the United States, must depend on third-party fixes and the community for help. At least for the time being.

Fixes for Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Problems

We’ve put together a list of fixes for common Samsung Galaxy S5 problems. Many of these problems are popping up post-Lollipop update and these fixes should work for some people. Not for everyone though. Mileage is going to vary.

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Those fixes are a great starting point for Galaxy S5 users dealing with Lollipop problems though we also suggest digging deep into carrier forums and Android-centric forums for help. The Android community is massive and the Galaxy S5 is a popular phone and Galaxy S5 users are already hard at work trying to find work arounds and fixes for these issues.

You Can Downgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat

There’s also a way to drop back down to Android 4.4 KitKat if Android 5.0 Lollipop isn’t working out. A Verizon Galaxy S5 user recently put together a step-by-step guide that details just how to get off of Android 5.0 Lollipop and move back down to Android 4.4 KitKat. It’s a lengthy process but it’s a last ditch resort for those that are already running into Android 5.0 problems that can’t be fixed.

39 Comments

39 Comments

  1. MS

    02/11/2015 at 6:52 am

    Google has dropped the ball with Lollipop. It’s riddled with bugs across a variety of devices. Most embarrassing to them should be the fact devices like Nexus 5 phone and Nexus 7 tablet have a multitude of issues. I personally love Android but the flaws in version 5 have me thinking I’ll only update my Note 3 well in the future, after looking at forums to see what others say.

    • repgvegas

      02/11/2015 at 10:35 am

      Exactly. Not to mention the loss of a minimum of 950mb of space after installation. My Sprint S5 had the update wired to be installed but after reading about the problems I used kies to reload kit kat 4.4.4.

  2. Angie Jones

    02/11/2015 at 11:20 am

    Hi,
    I cheated and had my S5 updated to Lollipop 5.0 in the Samsung shop. I had a few problems eg terrible battery life, lagging. The final straw was when I charged my phone overnight as usual, so I started the day with 100%. By 10 o’clock it was 45%, by lunchtime, it was dead. The girl in the shop suggested I did a factory reset, after backing up everything and transferring my contacts to my sim card. Since I did it, my phone is running like a dream!

  3. FrankJ

    02/11/2015 at 12:37 pm

    When updating, do a factory reset afterwards and reinstall adds. This fixed all problems for me and my S5 has around 3 days battery life.

  4. Daniel

    02/12/2015 at 5:45 am

    I guess I’m kinda happy to see that I’m not the only one with a severely troubled phone after the update. I’ve had them all; extremely decreased battery life, too high surface temperatures to comfortably handle the device, severe lag (writing a tweet can take a whole minute from I start typing until the text appears as a whole), random app crashes all the time, massive bandwidth hogs from otherwise benign apps (600mb from Snapchat background data after receiving a single snap)…

    I’ll try the factory reset once I can get my device backed up, hopefully it’ll work for me too.

    Too bad it won’t fix the pther issues I have with the update, like the new chrome tabs or some of the color settings.

    • Nuar

      03/09/2015 at 7:49 pm

      I have also experienced everything you mentioned.. But I also feel exactly same as you re: the colors & tabs. Haha.. I jst thought that was amusing. ;)

  5. SgtC

    02/12/2015 at 11:39 pm

    I had every problem listed for the update, so I took my phone to verizon for troubleshooting. Nothing worked so they did a factory reset. That seems to have fixed everything. It was a bit of a pain, but no more problems and I have lollipop. They also had to replace my sim card. They said it was damaged, probably from overheating.

  6. William Ward

    02/13/2015 at 6:12 am

    I downloaded lollipop a week ago and everything, including the battery life is great.

  7. Erich Hayner

    02/14/2015 at 12:54 pm

    I am so damn tired of having to learn how to fix yet another set of problems with my alleged phone (the s5 being perhaps the worst phone I’ve ever used). That said, when it works properly, the thing is an absolute marvel. But it is a tool, and as such, I expect it to work for me given a bit of regular maintenance. I do not open my carpenter’s toolbox and expect the tools to have suddenly and without notice changed overnight so that I have to dick around with them to work anymore. You may recommend that I become an Applyte, but I am philosophically opposed to their cult. I love this tool but I’m sick of making a hobby out of using it. Upgrade? Bullshit.

    • Nuar

      03/09/2015 at 8:00 pm

      Well said.. I agree! ;)
      I too am experiencing the whole list of issues & glitches (& the overheating too – which is, in my opinion, the most troubling concern, since a device should at the very least be physically able to handle the software it runs on).. And after reading this article, & the comments here, I think I’m gonna do a factory reset asap. (Will investigate doing it myself tonight, but if it entails more than I’m confident I can successfully do w/o f#cking my stuff up, I’ll take it to Verizon to do it tomorrow.) :)

  8. Shawn

    02/22/2015 at 1:46 am

    Upgraded to Lolipop 5.0on my Verizon SamsungGs5…..since then EXTREME BATTERY DRAIN…. FREEZING…. OVERHEATING……

  9. [email protected]

    03/08/2015 at 10:42 am

    Can you UN-UPDATE? I find it very chaotic with all the screens moving all over the place. I don’t like video games, I use my phone for business and the update puts all your incoming messages and notifications on the front page for ANYONE to read if they happen to pick up your phone by mistake or being nosy . . . . It dropped some of my contacts and now I just have to wait to see which ones I am missing , , , ,

    NOT IMPRESSED

    • Jerry

      03/21/2015 at 12:26 am

      I also dislike the fact that anyone glancing at my lockscreen can see who sent any incoming text, email, etc. I’d like to know how to get rid of this feature.

    • Jerry

      03/21/2015 at 8:28 am

      UPDATE: To deactivate lockscreen notifications (so others don’t see who your texts and emails are from), go to your app menu and then to settings, ultimately to “sounds and notifications ” then to “notification ” and tap on “while locked”. Deselect “show all content”.

      • Jerry

        03/21/2015 at 8:36 am

        Forgot to add: after tapping “while locked” under “notification “, select “do not show notifications ” This will stop the visuals.

  10. ann

    03/10/2015 at 1:47 pm

    My phone is a complete piece of shit now. It freezes all the time. Apps are constantly force closing, pandora doesn’t want to work correctly…I am very unhappy with this update. I can’t wait till I can upgrade so I can get rid of this useless phone.

  11. Angel

    03/11/2015 at 9:10 am

    I am very upset with this new update. Phone is slow, websites lags, apps crash, wtf. Worst phone I ever owned. I miss my s4

  12. melissa

    03/11/2015 at 3:59 pm

    Mine wont alert me of alerts when its on sleep mode including my alarm clock, no matter what i do i cant get notifications to work unless my phone stays on and alarm only works with the volume, stupid new update

    • Judy

      04/28/2015 at 12:20 am

      I absolutely agree – what were they thinking to not allow your alarm to ring when your phone is on mute??!!! Definitely NOT an upgrade.

    • Judy

      04/28/2015 at 12:23 am

      I absolutely agree – what were they thinking to not allow your alarm to ring when your phone is on mute??!!! Definitely NOT a desirable feature.

  13. David Lee

    03/19/2015 at 1:25 am

    I received a notification this morning for this software upgrade and unfortunately I did update. All my contacts seem to have disappeared and the S5 has been ‘updating my contacts’ with no success to date for the past hour. Any help would be appreciated

    • Cory Gunther

      03/20/2015 at 12:28 pm

      Make sure you’re signed into your gmail account and go into accounts > your gmail account, and sync contacts. Also you can hit menu in the dialer app and make sure it’s pulling contacts from your SIM, Samsung account, or Google account. To get them all back.

  14. steve

    03/25/2015 at 3:43 pm

    I have had nothing but problems with the microphone on the Samsung Galaxy s5, this is the worst phone I have ever owned. I have had every galaxy made and this is the worst piece of crap Samsung ever put on the market.

  15. Steve

    04/06/2015 at 12:36 am

    I didn’t even accept the new Lollipop…kept trying to avoid it, then one day it automatically updated, on my Galaxy S5. The many issues were close to what I anticipated; Battery life went down, etc as the many reviews state. The new colors are just straight out bad, tougher to see. None of us should accept the many issues with upgrades…. I use my phone as a business tool and its really screwing me up now. Wish I had a clearer vision of who to complain to, to get the fixes up ASAP.

  16. lmh

    04/15/2015 at 4:40 pm

    I just jumped ship from another carrier to Verizon and decided to go with the S-5. Then the 6 was released. Does anyone have feedback about going with the 6 instead. Not excited about paying more money, but I WANT NOT to deal with a bunch of issues more. I have been using this S-5 only 6 days and already tapping out an email is getting wonky (this doesn’t have the Lollypop upgrade yet.) What the heck would cause that?! Thank you in advance for honest feedback.

  17. marc

    04/17/2015 at 8:46 pm

    Samsung galaxy s5 is crap, i miss my htc1. Anybody who doesn’t have a samsung phone should never get one, im gonna tell everyone i know how bad samsung is, also sprint isnt any help either. Garbage phone company, garbage phone. Htc1 is a real phone.

  18. Bobby

    04/23/2015 at 12:31 pm

    I just installed this update and now my phones battery went from 50% to literally 1% in 5 minutes with the phone on lock!! Now it will not charge…..great update. Unreal.

  19. Vic Brown

    04/26/2015 at 2:44 pm

    how do i get rid of light blue on white as the default color? and now the google calendar colors are all pastel — even lighter than they were before. There’s almost no difference in value and they are now hard to distinguish from each other.

  20. ramon

    04/27/2015 at 7:49 pm

    Can the lollipop software be uninstalled? before I decided to allow the change my phone was amazing… I didn’t had NOT ONE COMPLAIN! Then the update message kept bugging the crap out of my notifications so I went with it. since then, my battery runs out quicker, I get kicked out of some apps and not to mention the annoying fact that the phone now freezes and then it restarts on its own. So I ask again… can I undo the update?

  21. xyz

    05/11/2015 at 6:37 pm

    Crappy. All these white backgrounds on the main apps. WTF. I use my phone at night. Kitkat had black backgrounds which was great. Why did they change this??? I cannot find an app to change the theme to dark….

  22. Alex

    05/13/2015 at 1:38 am

    Hi. I’m using Samsung galaxy s5 lollipop version and my screen effects aren’t working, it’s kind of annoying. Someone can help me with this?

  23. Carrie

    05/16/2015 at 12:37 pm

    Google will not let me see my email on my Samsung 5 until I re-update Google Play. Google Play is holding my emails hostage.

    I tried to uninstall, force stop, clear cache. Many of these things are using too much RAM. Can’t even access a few of them. My phone dies by noon. I spend the rest of the day tethered to a charger.
    My camera says unavailable.
    Stupid ‘My Magazine’ is back after I worked hard to get rid of it the last time. I do hope the Verizon workers have a clue as to how to help tomorrow.
    No more mandatory updates!!!

  24. Vandy

    05/29/2015 at 7:28 am

    does it allow continued use of PdaNet to tether?

  25. kimberly johnson

    05/30/2015 at 2:53 am

    This new update sucks my battery and has tabs I don’t know how to get to to erase them out….It’s crazy…. How do I get to those?

    • Carrie

      06/01/2015 at 3:11 am

      If it’s the tabs I think they are, they can be dragged and disposed of. Regarding the battery drain, I found the install files for Google Play, Google Mail, Google “wants to track my every click,” and uninstalled or deleted them. *** This completely fixed the battery drain issue. ***
      My Gmail came back and things work alright, except frequently disconnecting from my wifi and locking up my Bluetooth where it worked just fine before in my 2015 car. I think the key is to uninstall those recent updates under Settings, Applications. And possibly get a new phone.

  26. Mo

    05/31/2015 at 11:37 pm

    Well I am in the UK and I have no idea what Sprint or Vernon are. I am with Vodafone and my S5 has been soft reset, hard reset, sent away by Vodafone for repair and now it’s even worse. I have all the problems listed above and now the camera doesn’t work. Vodafone told me I just have to live with it until the next upgrade. I have contacted Samsung on several occasions and they are no help either.

  27. Tony

    06/12/2015 at 5:21 pm

    I’m having ALL THE ABOVE problems as well with my S5. It’s definitely the worst Galaxy phone I’ve owned yet, since the update!!! It wasn’t that bad before the lollipop update, though it never had a good battery! I haven’t heard a lot of people mension anything about the camera, my camera is now absolutely atrocious, the video doesn’t work, stills also suck, it’s ridiculous and I use it for work and it killing me!!! I never thought I’d say this but IPHONE here I come, now that your new phones have bigger screens!!! It’s pretty much common knowledge that Iphone batteries last for almost ever and the new camera’s are the best in the industry, especially with that new slow motion! Anyway Samsung, you did this to yourself!

  28. Freddie Belche

    09/12/2015 at 8:43 am

    S5 a load of crap.Just upgraded from s3 to s5 as s3 was getting old and not working very well.Looked at s6 but did not like no sd card.So I got s5 the biggest load of crap I have ever come across nothing but problems it freezes you can not make phones calls on it.It will not conect to the Internet.Only wi fi.Samsang have a lot of nerve to sell this as a phone.It is going in the bin.Yes it has had the lollipop update that just made what did work on this crap harder to use. NEVER BUY SUMSUNG

  29. Lawrence Basco

    04/09/2016 at 11:24 am

    Can’t save content or send to another device…ie…mail, twitter, gmail……..! What gives? Hoser real hosed the programming. Maybe China should stick to hacking thd U.S. Military and Business!

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