What to do when phone freezes - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hello
Using a gsm nexus and loving it. Only complaint thus far is it has froze on me about once a week. Meaning, it works, but the screen is unresponsive to touch.
So i press power button, and see option for airplane mode/power off/silent, but click click either because well, no touch is being recognized.
This is easily fixed through a battery pull, but still a nuisance.
Is there a shortcut to reboot phone? such as holding down a key or two?
Also, what can be causing this, and do you have this issue (even though its not too often)
running stock 4.01 ;(
otherwise, phone is fast and works great, so no other concerns for me right now.
Thanks !

Battery pull is about all you can do
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I have had this issue only once since having the phone and it actually happened last week. I don't know the cause. 1st batch GSM nexus from November of last year.
Stock yakju 4.0.2.....minimal apps
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Yank that battery out, throw it at the wall, and put it back in.
Oh and don't forget the part where you dip the phone in molten lava when you remove the battery, it is key to recovery.

It´s happened to me twice when trying to unlock the phone. Pressing the power button to turn off the screen and waiting a few seconds to unlock again resolved the issue. I suppose I was lucky

Related

[q] help me please serious problem

So I've had a my Galaxy Nexus for some time now. I'm rooted and I was running AOKP with absolutely no issues what so ever.
Then out of the blue my phone wouldn't charge when it was turned on, so I had to power down to charge. When this finally stopped and I actually COULD charge while powered on, when I would disconnect from the wall outlet the phone would continue to display the bolt icon and say charging - an issue which I could never solve.
Then the next day the Power Button stopped responding all together and the screen would not power down because I have settings configured to keep the screen on whilst charging, and as the phone was under the illusion it was still charging this meant the screen would never turn off. Other than those two issues the rest of the phone worked perfectly.
But eventually constant powering of the screen whilst ACTUALLY off charge killed the battery. So, obviously, I plugged it in. And all I get is the white charging indicator of the large battery and the bolt inside, I cannot boot beyond this because of the irresponsive power button but the animation shows me that the battery is charging and I imagine it is full at this point.
Reading through some forums online for the past few days a reoccurring suggestion appeared to be unscrewing the back and checking the connections to the power button - but upon trying this I managed to get out 5 of the 6 screws and unfortunately failed and rounded the final one off.
I really need help you guys. My phone is my life and on it at the moment are lots of important files. Any suggestions are appreciated greatly.
I'm only worried to send the phone to either Samsung or my Carrier because it is rooted and because of the rounded screw, surely my warranty is voided now? and I can't unroot because the power button is dysfunctional. The only good thing I think is that the fact I see the charging indicator tells me that the phone is not bricked, but how can I get onto it without a power button?
I only need the phone booted up so that I can restore my data and at least attempt to unroot. HELP PLEASE HELP!
Try to boot into recovery by pressing the power bottom and both volume up and down. And try a fresh install of the ROM also try not using the keep screen on feature as it uses a lot of battery and takes longer to fully charge. And you can burn the screen with that feature turn on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
nandroid?
nativi said:
Try to boot into recovery by pressing the power bottom and both volume up and down. And try a fresh install of the ROM also try not using the keep screen on feature as it uses a lot of battery and takes longer to fully charge. And you can burn the screen with that feature turn on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My power button isn't responding. All that happens is when I connect it to power I see the white charging indicator - tells me its not bricked - however, a couple of times I've help the power button trying to boot it and it boots into ODIN MODE but then where its says start and points to the power button, I press it and nothing. It's totally irresponsive about 99.99999% of the time:/
When ever you start having issues with a ROM it could be an app or a setting in the ROM features causing issues a fresh install can sometimes fix it. I would keep trying to see if you can boot in to the recovery and flash something. With one screw being mess with I can see Verizon charging you for a replacement unless you have the extended warranty. Which is still 100 $ to use. Good luck.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
sonikot said:
nandroid?
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Click to collapse
That would mean booting would it not? I have no power button:/ I just need the phone to boot, that's all. I can get some vital data from it then and send it back
If you can get it to be recognized by USB
adb reboot bootloader
From there follow the guides to get back to stock via fastboot once you get back stock
fastboot oem lock.
Then try warranty if your problems still exist.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Beamer9408 said:
If you can get it to be recognized by USB
adb reboot bootloader
From there follow the guides to get back to stock via fastboot once you get back stock
fastboot oem lock.
Then try warranty if your problems still exist.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the phone not have to be booted to be recognised by USB? Plus I'm running a Mac, I know you guys hate Macs
I actually have the same problem. Running the blackice ROM. I absolutely love the ROM but i have to keep switching chargers and/or hoping it will charge. Had to take battery completely out and put it on one of those wall things. Have done a compete wipe and reinstall but didn't change. It's not charging when plugged in but it's not charging either. Just goes from discharging to not charging in the about phone stats..
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA
JediNinjafication said:
I actually have the same problem. Running the blackice ROM. I absolutely love the ROM but i have to keep switching chargers and/or hoping it will charge. Had to take battery completely out and put it on one of those wall things. Have done a compete wipe and reinstall but didn't change. It's not charging when plugged in but it's not charging either. Just goes from discharging to not charging in the about phone stats..
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is charging, I just can't get it to boot due to the power button not working. I just mentioned all of the symptoms for the sake of being detailed to get the best help
Before all that was is just randomly powering off and rebooting? Mine did that yesterday a few times before the charge issue. at the moment mine says "charging usb" earlier it was "not charging" and "charging ac" an using the original cord. I'm asking because now I'm all worried I'm going to be having same issue as you. like symptoms ya know? I hope not because i have FINALLY found a ROM i love. And I'm a serial flasher lol
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA
do you have usb fast charging enabled?
JediNinjafication said:
Before all that was is just randomly powering off and rebooting? Mine did that yesterday a few times before the charge issue. at the moment mine says "charging usb" earlier it was "not charging" and "charging ac" an using the original cord. I'm asking because now I'm all worried I'm going to be having same issue as you. like symptoms ya know? I hope not because i have FINALLY found a ROM i love. And I'm a serial flasher lol
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, on the AOKP it would do random quick reboots, going straight from the Pink AOKP Unicorn then back into the OS. Quite annoying
IINexusII said:
do you have usb fast charging enabled?
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Click to collapse
i don't think so
So I have not even got my nexus yet but have been watching the forums (as it comes tomorrow) but I have noticed this happening to a lot of nexus phone where it won't charge or boot like this are they related ????they all seam to be out of no where every thread says the same thing just one day my phone turns off and doesn't work
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk 2
dislplin01 said:
So I have not even got my nexus yet but have been watching the forums (as it comes tomorrow) but I have noticed this happening to a lot of nexus phone where it won't charge or boot like this are they related ????they all seam to be out of no where every thread says the same thing just one day my phone turns off and doesn't work
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend it - since Christmas this is the first problem I've had
ajrennie_GNex12 said:
My power button isn't responding. All that happens is when I connect it to power I see the white charging indicator - tells me its not bricked - however, a couple of times I've help the power button trying to boot it and it boots into ODIN MODE but then where its says start and points to the power button, I press it and nothing. It's totally irresponsive about 99.99999% of the time:/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it boots into ODIN mode and you're _just_ pressing power, that means you probably have an error where it thinks your VOLUME DOWN button is being pressed, not the power button.
You have to do a battery pull to get out of ODIN mode, btw.
Let us know: what happens if you boot into ODIN, pull the battery, and then just boot up pressing power....
No one else sees the trend ?
All of the people having this issue are running AOKP (or a kang of it(blackice)).
Funny how that works eh ?
n2ishun said:
No one else sees the trend ?
All of the people having this issue are running AOKP (or a kang of it(blackice)).
Funny how that works eh ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I saw that too subscribe should submit to there bug tracker
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk 2
m.is.for.michael said:
If it boots into ODIN mode and you're _just_ pressing power, that means you probably have an error where it thinks your VOLUME DOWN button is being pressed, not the power button.
You have to do a battery pull to get out of ODIN mode, btw.
Let us know: what happens if you boot into ODIN, pull the battery, and then just boot up pressing power....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never been able to replicate this boot, and holding VOLUME DOWN doesn't do anything either

Constant reboot

My phone will not turn on, only for 3 seconds then reboot, and then just vibrate every 3 seconds,cannot enter dl mode or recovery, running cm9.1 with twrp, any ideas?
Sent from my rk30sdk using xda app-developers app
stephen31686 said:
My phone will not turn on, only for 3 seconds then reboot, and then just vibrate every 3 seconds,cannot enter dl mode or recovery, running cm9.1 with twrp, any ideas?
Sent from my rk30sdk using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do before it happened? Flash twrp?
I was browsing web, then put it on the charger. Happened as soon as I put on charger, have had twrp for at least a month. I have feeling its a hardware issue, because I was able to boot once restore a back up and use again, until it happened again, have been unable to boot since the second occurance.
Sent from my rk30sdk using xda app-developers app
My old SE X10 did the same.
Turn your phone off. Get the battery out and put the phone and the battery in the fridge (not in the icebox).
Wait 10 min.
Test it again. If the Phone works a few hours (or minutes), so you have certainly a hardware defect.
You can test some "stresstest" apps.
kingbizlip4u said:
My old SE X10 did the same.
Turn your phone off. Get the battery out and put the phone and the battery in the fridge (not in the icebox).
Wait 10 min.
Test it again. If the Phone works a few hours (or minutes), so you have certainly a hardware defect.
You can test some "stresstest" apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I high moisture environment isn't recommended for a lithium-ion battery that goes into a 350 dollar piece of electronics. If you think its the battery, get a different one. If it's overheating, check the temperature and replace the unit.
Also check the micro-usb connection for debris. This has happened to me several times and its always some kind of crap in the connector. I have gotten it out with compressed air a couple times but once I had to use a toothpick to dislodge something that was particularly stubborn (and apparently conductive!).
You probably have a bad power button. Seen this a lot lately
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
For testing odin to stock and reroot, see if your problem persists. In the event it does just warranty exchange it. Saves a lot of hassle plus if its hardware they should grant you the warranty without any hassle. On another note if its the battery giving you issue, Ebay has them for sale for a very decent price.
zxrider06 said:
You probably have a bad power button. Seen this a lot lately
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^ +1 I would check into what this guys has just mentioned and I say that because this is not the first thread of its kind that I have seen in here and the results of those threads were the people had a bad power button. May or may not be your issue
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1690759
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1769183
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1679492
There were more but I figure if you take some time and read these threads maybe you would find a solution... Got to remember 99% of the problems we have we are usually not the first to have it..
Thanks guys, warranty replacement on the way, don't think its battery because plugged in charger wo batt and it vibrates, I only worry bc if you attempt to boot into recovery twrp flash screen shows for less than a second, I know I voided warranty but has got to be hw issue not caused by me, fingers crossed that samsung aknowledges that!
Sent from my rk30sdk using xda app-developers app
This worked for me
stephen31686 said:
My phone will not turn on, only for 3 seconds then reboot, and then just vibrate every 3 seconds,cannot enter dl mode or recovery, running cm9.1 with twrp, any ideas?
Sent from my rk30sdk using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing was happening to me. I found that i could only get it to boot up when it was connected to my computer via usb and had the battery installed. I was on ICS 4.0.4 and not rooted. As soon as i got it to boot up, i did a factory reset, and everything is working perfect now.

Power Button stopped working?

Just wondering if anyone's run into an issue where the physical power button stops working with their GNex? Phone is getting close to a year old for me, but is no longer wake/sleep off of it suddenly and long press won't access the menu either.
Tried a reboot with battery pull in case it was some weird software glitch, but same problem persists.
And apparently Samsung (canada) is no help, said that purchasing it off of Amazon voids the warranty.
Though Amazon is willing to RMA for me -- just need to figure out how to get things sorted since I've changed continents since purchasing.
Yes, my power button stopped working at about the same time frame (a little less than a year). I figured out a routine that worked for me to boot the phone without the power button:
Plug the phone into a charger without the battery
Wait a few seconds after the charging icon would appear (sometimes the icon would flash at the right moment, but sometimes not)
Stick in the battery
Verizon replaced my phone.
i had an unresponsive power button on my htc liberty after a year of use. Which is why one of the first things i did when i got my nexus was to install smart screen on. Now im looking at docks to preserve usb.
Happened to me too on Sprint's galaxy s 2. i just got nexus recently and power button sometimes does get unresponsive but i hope it doesn't get worse.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Phone died?

Hello everyone.
I have been using Tasks ROM for a while now. Last night my phone had a random reboot and other than that, no troubles.
Well about 20 minutes ago, my phone just turned off and will NOT come back on at all. I have done nothing different, cant get in to get a logcat or lastkmsg. It will not even boot up to the samsung screen.
It will vibrate when I plug it in or take out the battery and reput it in.
The only response I am getting is taking everything out (batter/sim/sd) and plugging it into my comp. The response is a Red light in the notification LED and a short vibrate, then nothing.
I get a Samsung logo if I just pull battery and reinsert.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
So you can't get into CWM or TWRP? And what Galaxy S3 Variant are you using?
axel4401 said:
Hello everyone.
I have been using Tasks ROM for a while now. Last night my phone had a random reboot and other than that, no troubles.
Well about 20 minutes ago, my phone just turned off and will NOT come back on at all. I have done nothing different, cant get in to get a logcat or lastkmsg. It will not even boot up to the samsung screen.
It will vibrate when I plug it in or take out the battery and reput it in.
The only response I am getting is taking everything out (batter/sim/sd) and plugging it into my comp. The response is a Red light in the notification LED and a short vibrate, then nothing.
I get a Samsung logo if I just pull battery and reinsert.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks[/QUOTE
Ii it possible you may have a bad battery? How new is it?(not that age of it matters) Also, do you have a case on the phone? Check to make sure the power button is not stuck. If you can get to boot logo, then its not dead-dead. If you've had your phone for awhile, double check the battery terminals are not oxidized. Unlikley, but worth checking and maybe check battery wih voltage meter if you have access to one. Then charge it overnight and check it again. One last thing to try is plug it in with the battery out and see if that does anything. Have you flashed anything lately? Modem? Scripts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have taken the battery out and plugged the phone straight into the computer and all that i get is a red light where the notification light is and then it disappears.
As for age, its a little over a year old.
I wasnt doing any flashing at the time, it just went kaput right after a phone call.
I had a mophie case on it, but not right now. I guess ill take it a part when i can and throw som alcohol on the battery button to see if it loosens it up. But other than that, I'm at a loss.
Not trying to pay $80 for a craigslister either.
Bubba Fett said:
axel4401 said:
Hello everyone.
I have been using Tasks ROM for a while now. Last night my phone had a random reboot and other than that, no troubles.
Well about 20 minutes ago, my phone just turned off and will NOT come back on at all. I have done nothing different, cant get in to get a logcat or lastkmsg. It will not even boot up to the samsung screen.
It will vibrate when I plug it in or take out the battery and reput it in.
The only response I am getting is taking everything out (batter/sim/sd) and plugging it into my comp. The response is a Red light in the notification LED and a short vibrate, then nothing.
I get a Samsung logo if I just pull battery and reinsert.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks[/QUOTE
Ii it possible you may have a bad battery? How new is it?(not that age of it matters) Also, do you have a case on the phone? Check to make sure the power button is not stuck. If you can get to boot logo, then its not dead-dead. If you've had your phone for awhile, double check the battery terminals are not oxidized. Unlikley, but worth checking and maybe check battery wih voltage meter if you have access to one. Then charge it overnight and check it again. One last thing to try is plug it in with the battery out and see if that does anything. Have you flashed anything lately? Modem? Scripts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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Click to collapse
Man, I don't know. Sounded like a charging issue at first, but looking I'm not so sure now. Anything stuck in your power slot? Maybe try leaving battery out overnight and see if it clears anything. If it starts to boot I would go right to recovery and try flashing something. I would be concernedabout going straight to download mode and using oOdin cause of it does during the flash that is really bad...
Can you get into download mode? Pull battery plug in USB and hold volume down and home buttons I think... when you plug USB in to computer does Odin recognize it at all?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
I just started having the same issue. I have a an ATT S3 running the newest Hyperdrive. Mine wasnt doing a random reset, but it seemed like it has been turning itself off. Totally intermittent, i couldnt pinpoint the cause.
Then just today when i went to see if i had any messages and the phone was off again (i had about a 60-75% charge) I hit the power button a few times and now i am getting the symptoms described above.
When i try to go into TWRP, i get the blue text at the top left of the screen, sometimes i make it to the first hyperdrive screen, then it goes black.
When I go to download I can get to the hit up or down screen, i hit up to go into download, i get to the next screen then it goes black again.
I did leave the battery out for about 15minutes and no dice. I even tried to leave it on the charger thinking i lost all charge or something.
I am just a mere user, but i have always been able to tinker around enough not to bother the devs and get my way out of these situations, but I think i am stuck. Anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!
nightwulfss said:
I just started having the same issue. I have a an ATT S3 running the newest Hyperdrive. Mine wasnt doing a random reset, but it seemed like it has been turning itself off. Totally intermittent, i couldnt pinpoint the cause.
Then just today when i went to see if i had any messages and the phone was off again (i had about a 60-75% charge) I hit the power button a few times and now i am getting the symptoms described above.
When i try to go into TWRP, i get the blue text at the top left of the screen, sometimes i make it to the first hyperdrive screen, then it goes black.
When I go to download I can get to the hit up or down screen, i hit up to go into download, i get to the next screen then it goes black again.
I did leave the battery out for about 15minutes and no dice. I even tried to leave it on the charger thinking i lost all charge or something.
I am just a mere user, but i have always been able to tinker around enough not to bother the devs and get my way out of these situations, but I think i am stuck. Anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe a stuck power button? Try cleaning it out a little. .. sounds like it's rebooting itself.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
blaker13 said:
Maybe a stuck power button? Try cleaning it out a little. .. sounds like it's rebooting itself.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying that, it doesn't seem like there is anything in there, but you never know.
If the power button was stuck on, wouldn't the phone keep trying to restart? Or no?
nightwulfss said:
I am trying that, it doesn't seem like there is anything in there, but you never know.
If the power button was stuck on, wouldn't the phone keep trying to restart? Or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe so, unless you pull the battery. In fact pull battery plug into usb and go into down load mode and see if it restarts. Or go into recovery without holding power button, and if you can then that means the power button is stuck on.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
blaker13 said:
I believe so, unless you pull the battery. In fact pull battery plug into usb and go into down load mode and see if it restarts. Or go into recovery without holding power button, and if you can then that means the power button is stuck on.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried that as well. Whenever it goes into download mode the screen goes black after a couple of seconds. And it doesn't boot into recovery as well since it seems to go dead too quick.
I mainly just want to recover my pictures at this point. I am leaving the battery out of the phone for the day and see if that makes a difference this evening.
I am out of ideas, lol
nightwulfss said:
I have tried that as well. Whenever it goes into download mode the screen goes black after a couple of seconds. And it doesn't boot into recovery as well since it seems to go dead too quick.
I mainly just want to recover my pictures at this point. I am leaving the battery out of the phone for the day and see if that makes a difference this evening.
I am out of ideas, lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take the six acres it and open her up, Take out button off and clean it and where it goes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
blaker13 said:
Take the six acres it and open her up, Take out button off and clean it and where it goes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure the flex cable on you're power button is not working as intended, could be a short from a rain drop or just everyday wear and tear another issue could be that the battery is fried and can't hold a charge, but this seems unlikely given you're circumstance.
I always tell people to utilize pie controls to save you're everyday use from wearing out our precious hardware buttons, My power and home only get pressed to wake the device, everything else is pie control via LMT launcher
That happened to me a few months ago. I was at work when it happened. The phone would just continually restart, vibrate, restart, back and forth. I ended up taking the battery out so it wouldn't get drained. Had it out for about four hours. Once I got home, I put it back in and never had any more problems. It was just a random thing, so try keeping the battery out for a while.
I'll keep my fingers crossed. I took the phone apart last night to clean it out and it was pretty spotless. But It keeps shutting off after trying to boot after a few seconds. I just hope I can get to a point where I can get my pictures off of it now.
nightwulfss said:
I'll keep my fingers crossed. I took the phone apart last night to clean it out and it was pretty spotless. But It keeps shutting off after trying to boot after a few seconds. I just hope I can get to a point where I can get my pictures off of it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello all, as an update, I did nothing to my S3 over the weekend haping something magical could happen.
Today I went through all the normal steps again, and still a dead soldier. Now it wont ever SHow the Samsung logo however - just a short vibrate then nothing..
Still get a red light and a short vibrate when plugging into the comp without battery in though.
I have NOT taken it apart yet, but I will tonight most likely.
Thanks for all the suggestions and Ill keep this updated.
axel4401 said:
Hello all, as an update, I did nothing to my S3 over the weekend haping something magical could happen.
Today I went through all the normal steps again, and still a dead soldier. Now it wont ever SHow the Samsung logo however - just a short vibrate then nothing..
Still get a red light and a short vibrate when plugging into the comp without battery in though.
I have NOT taken it apart yet, but I will tonight most likely.
Thanks for all the suggestions and Ill keep this updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again,
Some news, I am able to get it into download mode for about 1 second then the phone shuts off - just like the other person in this thread with the same issue.
I took the phone apart and used a Qtip with 91% isopropyl Alcohol to try and clean the power button (which looks surprisingly clean). Still the same thing happening.
I'm running out of ideas here, so please chime in if you have any.
Thanks
axel4401 said:
Hello again,
Some news, I am able to get it into download mode for about 1 second then the phone shuts off - just like the other person in this thread with the same issue.
I took the phone apart and used a Qtip with 91% isopropyl Alcohol to try and clean the power button (which looks surprisingly clean). Still the same thing happening.
I'm running out of ideas here, so please chime in if you have any.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to try the alcohol tonight, but I am afraid that I will have same results. I am going to try a new battery from another s3 tomorrow. I will post the results.
nightwulfss said:
I was going to try the alcohol tonight, but I am afraid that I will have same results. I am going to try a new battery from another s3 tomorrow. I will post the results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Final update (hopefully)
I got the qtip and scrubbed anything to do with the battery, pressed the power button, got more alcohol in by the button (not a lot) scrubbed some more terminals, and the battery terminals, etc. waited about ten minutes and put the battery in...
Low and behold, something worked and now the phone comes on.
I dont know which part of the scrubbing actually did it, but something worked.
All in all I have no idea what actually fixed it, but the point is that it works.
Thank you for who those that insisted that it was a power button issue - you were most likely right.
So here are my results as of today, and what I have tried to get to this point:
After my S3 died and wouldn't boot up into recovery i tried cleaning all the internals with alcohol. I cleaned thoroughly, and focused on the charging port, the power switch and battery terminals. The phone acted exactly the same.
I then tried putting it in a bowl of rice for about 24 hours. I was thinking that it might have been caused by some condensation. No success.
I was thinking since the power would turn on whenever i plugged the battery in, that maybe the switch was stuck. I took it apart again and tested the switch with a multi-meter. The switch seemed fine. It was responding when i pushed it, so i figured that wasn't the problem.
I kept reading that apparently this is an issue with the mother board. I tried the broken PS3 method of heating up the motherboard with a heat gun in hopes to re-seat something that may be loose. This did not work either. After this, I figured i was SOL since I was out of ideas and out of warranty (which didn't really matter anyway since I am running Hyperdrive).
Earlier today I figured the best tool in your toolbox sometimes is a hammer. I started tapping the phone on the side of my table, especially around the power button, while trying to turn it on. It didn't seem like it was doing anything either. I then plugged the phone into the charger since i thought the battery was totally dead.
A few minutes after i walked away from the phone, I came back into room and the red charging light was on. I tried turning it on, and holy cow it works...wtf...
I have no idea what made this work. It could be a complete coincidence. But, this phone has not worked since last Saturday. I just kept messing with it and may have just gotten lucky. I don't think banging your phone will fix this, but if truly was a hardware issue, maybe something in the phones mother board is becoming loose from the extreme heat they endure at times. I know my S3 has gotten pretty hot when I use it to navigate and leave it in the case.
I don't know if any of this will help anyone, but this is my experience so far of my S3 having what I think is the sudden death failure. I will followup with any updates if it decides to act up again.

Help! Screen broken? Phone dead?

Okay ladies and gentlemen, please take the time to help me out, as I've never had this happen before...
I should state that I am on Slim Bean weekly (4.3) and BionicSheep kernel.
Today I went to the gym, used my bluetooth headset as usual. I turned off my bluetooth when I got home and rebooted my phone (bluetooth won't turn off without a reboot). I laid my phone down (I didn't check to see if it rebooted), took a shower and played video games for about an hour.
When I checked to see if I had any texts, I noticed my phone wouldn't wake (I figured it had a hardboot), so I tried holding down the power button to reboot, which didn't work. I pulled the battery and saw the Bionic Sheep splash screen, then nothing. Tried the power button again, nothing. Now when I pull the battery, I see the Bionic Sheep splash screen about 50% of the time, if that... usually I feel a little vibrate, then see nothing. I have the USB Jig for download mode, which I used and it went into download mode, but then the screen disappeared...
What can this be? Dying phone, breaking screen? HELP!
EDIT: Just tried recovery. I see the blue writing in the upper left that says "Recovery Booting..." then nothing, just a black screen
Then you're not booting download mode, thats recovery trying to boot. Hold home, volume DOWN and power. When it starts to boot/vibrate release power only.
If you can get here flash stock/root66 firmware via odin and report back.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
DocHoliday77 said:
Then you're not booting download mode, thats recovery trying to boot. Hold home, volume DOWN and power. When it starts to boot/vibrate release power only.
If you can get here flash stock/root66 firmware via odin and report back.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Sorry I meant recovery, not download. Sorry for that. I tried download too as stated earlier.
Do you happen to have the links for odin and stock recovery? If not, i'll take a look in a sec.
EDIT: Just downloaded odin from your sig, I'll check for stock firmware in a sec.
But a new problem, like I said before my phone goes into download, but it only stayed on the screen for a few seconds, then turns off. Odin isn't recognizing the phone at all...
I just tried to do it again, download mode only stays on for about 3 seconds. Odin recognized it for the few seconds its on, then it disappears... any ideas?
Does the phone power on by itself if you remove and replace the battery?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
DocHoliday77 said:
Does the phone power on by itself if you remove and replace the battery?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
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Yes sir it does, don't have to touch the power button at all.
I've tried download and recovery mode dozens of times now, the phone just powers off after a few seconds and won't turn back on until I pull the battery.
doubleohseven said:
Yes sir it does, don't have to touch the power button at all.
I've tried download and recovery mode dozens of times now, the phone just powers off after a few seconds and won't turn back on until I pull the battery.
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Click to collapse
So i've ruled out the screen at this point. Even though im 99% sure it was over 75% charged, im letting it sit/charge for a few hours an try again.
Been googling about similar problems... could this be "sudden death syndrome"?
doubleohseven said:
So i've ruled out the screen at this point. Even though im 99% sure it was over 75% charged, im letting it sit/charge for a few hours an try again.
Been googling about similar problems... could this be "sudden death syndrome"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it powers on without having to press the button, then I am 95% sure that is the problem. The power button is perpetually pressed. It could be the switch is loose or jammed, which I believe is usually the case. It is possible that there could be a short, but I doubt it as this has been happening more and more frequently lately. Some have reported being able to fix it themselves by opening it and either replacing or reseating the button, while others opt to take it to a local shop and have it fixed. (if you do, do not let them attempt to flash anything or they will brick it).
You can try to tap on it to jiggle it unstuck, but if you get it working again, this will certainly only be temporary.
DocHoliday77 said:
If it powers on without having to press the button, then I am 95% sure that is the problem. The power button is perpetually pressed. It could be the switch is loose or jammed, which I believe is usually the case. It is possible that there could be a short, but I doubt it as this has been happening more and more frequently lately. Some have reported being able to fix it themselves by opening it and either replacing or reseating the button, while others opt to take it to a local shop and have it fixed. (if you do, do not let them attempt to flash anything or they will brick it).
You can try to tap on it to jiggle it unstuck, but if you get it working again, this will certainly only be temporary.
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Click to collapse
Okay ill give the power button a try before calling the insurance later today. Thanks for your help.
Do you happen know how t mobile insurance works? I'm really low on cash so i'm hoping there isn't a deductible for first time "offenses"...
EDIT: Quick question though, if it was in a constant boot loop with the button pressed, wouldn't I feel it vibrate multiple times and/or see the screen flash multiple times? I only feel/see it do these things once, then its gone.
I just took it apart and the power button was fine, so i'm now guessing this is something more serious...
Well I went through T mobile and am getting my phone replaced for $5. It's on backorder though so I have to wait 5-7 days before they even ship it, which kinda sucks.
Anyways I am hoping they don't see that I flashed a custom ROM. The once in awhile it does show the splash screen, it shows a little sheep on the bottom (due to the Bionic Sheep kernel), and the DL mode that stays on for about 2-3 seconds shows a flash count of 1. I am hoping they don't see it, or don't take the time to check after realizing that it's not functioning properly...
So did you get a warranty replacement then? (Insurance requires a $150 deductible, but it doesn't matter if it's been rooted) If so, they might see that and then charge you, I'm really not sure... I've heard of them doing that and also heard they don't even bother looking.
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DocHoliday77 said:
So did you get a warranty replacement then? (Insurance requires a $150 deductible, but it doesn't matter if it's been rooted) If so, they might see that and then charge you, I'm really not sure... I've heard of them doing that and also heard they don't even bother looking.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
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I called T mobile tech support, and they only charged me $5, not $150. The refurb should be here on Thursday, I guess I'll find out soon enough if they charge me for the rooting (im pretty sure they won't notice since the screen is on for less than 3 seconds, but who knows).
I can always try the 'when in doubt, deny deny deny' technique. Lol
I've been with them for awhile and sent back multiple rooted phones and have never been charged
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Supamike88 said:
I've been with them for awhile and sent back multiple rooted phones and have never been charged
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
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Thank you for the words of comfort. Lol
doubleohseven said:
I called T mobile tech support, and they only charged me $5, not $150. The refurb should be here on Thursday, I guess I'll find out soon enough if they charge me for the rooting (im pretty sure they won't notice since the screen is on for less than 3 seconds, but who knows).
I can always try the 'when in doubt, deny deny deny' technique. Lol
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Click to collapse
How long have you had the phone? If it's still under warranty then it's just the $5. But in my case where it is a year and a half old and there is physical damage, I seriously doubt they'd go for that!
That also means I might still just get a refurbished T999. Insurance claims go through Asurion, while warranty goes through T-Mobile. And unless I'm mistaken, Asurion has their own stock of refurbs...
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