Develop Bugs

[Q] Fully Bricked Epic 4G

I just tried to odin back to stock on my epic because my rom kept randomly restarting my phone. Now my phone is fully bricked for some reason. Cant turn on or go into download mode. If some one might have some suggestions it would really help. If I cant get this fixed my wife is going to kill me for having to spend money to get it replaced!

Take out the sd card and battery, then plug your phone in and try to get into download mode
Sent from my CM7.1/*Apocalypse-Talon* v3.2.1 NS4G

There is a thread at the top of development to tell you how to try and fix it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Isn't there something about a magic button to the bottom left of the camera (back removed)?
Thought someone said they removed their battery once and pressed it, and it magically worked.
Snake oil?

jnadke said:
Isn't there something about a magic button under the camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turns out there was no button there...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

jnadke said:
Isn't there something about a magic button to the bottom left of the camera (back removed)?
Thought someone said they removed their battery once and pressed it, and it magically worked.
Snake oil?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The magic was that there isn't actually a button - we also call this "coincidence" - at one point in human history, this was the basis for what we now refer to as "religion"
Sent from my CyanogenModded Epic

styles420 said:
The magic was that there isn't actually a button - we also call this "coincidence" - at one point in human history, this was the basis for what we now refer to as "religion"
Sent from my CyanogenModded Epic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1042746
Though, the reports of success are kinda funny:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1204601&highlight=brick
Just press it and pray!
In all honesty, do as others have been told. Remove the battery. Let the phone sit for 10-30 minutes. Put battery back in. Make sure you're holding the '1' key during the entire time you're holding the 'Power' button (and before).
If that doesn't work, repeat the above, but leave the battery out and plug the phone into the wall/computer perhaps just in case the battery is dead.
Also, make sure you shout "Praise Odin!" three times before you do all that. The Android voice recognition is really good.

jnadke said:
Also, make sure you shout "Praise Odin!" three times before you do all that. The Android voice recognition is really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the real magic - the rest is just ritual that never served a purpose but won't die, lol
Sent from my CyanogenModded Epic

jnadke said:
In all honesty, do as others have been told. Remove the battery. Let the phone sit for 10-30 minutes. Put battery back in. Make sure you're holding the '1' key during the entire time you're holding the 'Power' button (and before).
If that doesn't work, repeat the above, but leave the battery out and plug the phone into the wall/computer perhaps just in case the battery is dead.
Also, make sure you shout "Praise Odin!" three times before you do all that. The Android voice recognition is really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 lolz
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

plaboy87 said:
I just tried to odin back to stock on my epic because my rom kept randomly restarting my phone. Now my phone is fully bricked for some reason. Cant turn on or go into download mode. If some one might have some suggestions it would really help. If I cant get this fixed my wife is going to kill me for having to spend money to get it replaced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remove the back and the battery. Next hold down the one button on the keyboard while holding down one put the battery back on the phone. Next odin back to stock.
This worked for me when I thought that I bricked mine. Good luck

I'll buy it from you for $50, need a new screen for my wife's one that I broke...

D`Nyed said:
I'll buy it from you for $50, need a new screen for my wife's one that I broke...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GET OUT. We need a bricked one for adam, pretty please. Lol
sent from my cm7-ified epic

ugothakd said:
GET OUT. We need a bricked one for adam, pretty please. Lol
sent from my cm7-ified epic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he was smart he would send it to Adam and get it up and running in no time, and helping the community, instead of selling for parts lol.
Sent from my SPH-D700

I had a friend at work that had to "jump start" his battery since the charging port is software controlled, and something went wrong with his ROM when upgrading.

If all else fails OP, just send your Epic over to Adam. He'll unbrick (or in other words apply the unbrickable mod) your Epic while also helping our community by having Adam check and make any last minute changes to make sure this is 100% compatible with our device
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Ceelos09 said:
If all else fails OP, just send your Epic over to Adam. He'll unbrick (or in other words apply the unbrickable mod) your Epic while also helping our community by having Adam check and make any last minute changes to make sure this is 100% compatible with our device
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Adam Outler gets an epic to unbrick for us we need to basically just confirm its bricked status then just give his address to mail it to. Seriously its getting fixed for free!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

sounds like a no brainier.

bricked epic 4g
Did the battery/sdcard pull work?
I bricked my Epic 4G Galaxy S installing the EL13 firmware. I had it rooted with CWM 5.0.2.7 (or whatever) with CleanGB 1.03 and the Samurai kernal (think it's 1.06, whichever is the latest). I was flashing it through Odin3 and it abruptly aborted and failed the transfer. I'm thinking it may have been a bad USB cable. I pulled the battery since it didn't reboot or take any button commands.

emtee40 said:
Did the battery/sdcard pull work?
I bricked my Epic 4G Galaxy S installing the EL13 firmware. I had it rooted with CWM 5.0.2.7 (or whatever) with CleanGB 1.03 and the Samurai kernal (think it's 1.06, whichever is the latest). I was flashing it through Odin3 and it abruptly aborted and failed the transfer. I'm thinking it may have been a bad USB cable. I pulled the battery since it didn't reboot or take any button commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pulling sd card and battery worked for me. I have trouble w/ getting errors on Odin from time to time, altough it could be the usb cord (esp if it's Sammy's "cheap" usb cord), but I've found that when i close Odin and "re-load" the .tar and necessary .pit files, everything was peachy smooth.

Full on brick
So odin + adhd = epic FAIL. I have used odin many times, and have run several roms. While i was pushing an eco5 it got unplug at the top of the transfer and now is a total brick no power, no how, no way. Who is Adam and does he want this phone? I already ordered a new one. Tried the little hole reset, usb power, battery. Nothing its a real brick

Sleep of death?

Anyone having issues with the phone going to sleep and not waking up? Happened last night and I had to remove the battery
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I've had this twice now. Both times after using Spotify, probably purely coincidence though. Battery pull and everything is OK.

Evostance said:
Anyone having issues with the phone going to sleep and not waking up? Happened last night and I had to remove the battery
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely something that you have installed on your phone isnt liking ICS. Hard to narrow down if you have alot of apps installed.
I have had mine for 6 days now and not had a single Sleep of Death and I havent seen too many comments about it so I dont think its a problem with ICS directly.
Mark.

mskip said:
Most likely something that you have installed on your phone isnt liking ICS. Hard to narrow down if you have alot of apps installed.
I have had mine for 6 days now and not had a single Sleep of Death and I havent seen too many comments about it so I dont think its a problem with ICS directly.
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.
Wonder what app it is

Happened to me too! My phone was ultra hot too! I had charged it over night with my computer. can anyone who had this issue confirm it was through computer charging?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

SweetPAIN225 said:
Happened to me too! My phone was ultra hot too! I had charged it over night with my computer. can anyone who had this issue confirm it was through computer charging?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah was via wall power.
Wonder if its SetCPU stalling my phone as ive got it to drop the CPU speed right down when screen is off

Thanks! I made a wrong assumption!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Evostance said:
Nah was via wall power.
Wonder if its SetCPU stalling my phone as ive got it to drop the CPU speed right down when screen is off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez man you think you might wanna test that out before you post that there's an issue with your phone?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

matt2053 said:
Jeez man you think you might wanna test that out before you post that there's an issue with your phone?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, it is way way too likely that turning your CPU down will result in 'Sleep of death'

matt2053 said:
Jeez man you think you might wanna test that out before you post that there's an issue with your phone?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well its still worth noting. SetCPU never did this on my DHD

I had exactly the same thing last night, I even made my own thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1360847&page=2
I even wrote a simple app for logging the battery temperature and time, so I'll leave it on next night and I'll see what happens. Because I'm pretty sure my phone switched off due to overheating, as it was really,really hot in the morning, after I switched it on the battery was at 46C.

I'm afraid I can confirm that I have experienced the same "sleep of death" problem twice now. I can't remember what I was doing the first time, but the second time I was only browsing and I know I didn't have any apps installed because I had previously reset my phone. I've only had the phone for two days now and if it does it again I might have to send it back.
I expected a glitch or two, but with the volume bug and other annoying things like the lack of flash and poor camera quality, I'm beginning to regret my purchase. Although I love the ice cream sandwich experience, I'm now thinking of getting the Galaxy Note instead, and waiting for ICS to arrive on that next year. At least then I will be able to watch iPlayer in the meantime.

Mines done it about 4 times. Pre installed Movie maker seems to induce it.

Rawkode said:
I've had this twice now. Both times after using Spotify, probably purely coincidence though. Battery pull and everything is OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a sleep of death for the first time yesterday - the only "different" thing I did during the day was use spotify so there maybe something in that!

Same again last night, woke up this morning and phone was on but wouldn't wake. Notification light was on solid. Was plugged in at wall all night, didn't seem too warm when I held it.
Time to start debugging I guess

I've had this issue twice too.
I do not have spotify installed, and the phone was NOT hot at all. Not even warm!
I was just in gmail, sent a mail, then pressed the home button, and black.... gone.
Had to pull battery.
Thinking of having phone replaced by Handtec. I know this is probably a software glitch, but the volume bug, and the fact my unit was one that handtec had "tested" etc, I might just ask for a brand new one from the new flashed batch due next week.

Wtf! Just how wide spread is this??? Seems like too many people are having this issue.
Phone hasn't even arrived yet and I'm already starting to question my purchase.

1 more bug and im cancelling my order !

Well, it's the first device with ICS so I expect there will be a few bugs in the future which will need to be fixed. That's the reason why I'll go for the Nexus ... it's a nice piece of hardware but even more important is that it will be the device which gets the fixes first.

Did anyone check to see if you've had an OTA for the volume ghost fix and this problem has spawned instead? Seems like a fairly new problem if you have followed the forum.
Sent from my X10i using xda premium

Lesson Learned

I've had the Nexus for about 2 weeks now and been impressed with it overall.
Which comes to the biggest mistake I've made now. I left the phone on the table and my sis's kids were in the house. Before you get any ideas they did not drop it. However, when I caught my nephew with the phone it was rebooting. I was wondering how he managed to do that considering I had screen lock enabled with a PIN.
In any case, when restart completed everything was blank. Somehow he managed to do a factory reset. All my programs were gone. All local data wiped out.
Good thing most of my apps were back in a few minutes but lost quite a bit of other stuff.
Lesson: Never leave phone unattended.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Welcome to XDA.
I guess he found his way into recovery and wiped? lol.

I bet he hit one of those magical bottom combinations which only kids know that happen to be the right one for factory reset lol
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App

Thanks for the welcome.
It's either a combination or perhaps too many tries on the PIN?
I'm guessing the latter because I've got office email sync and it required permissions on remote wiping etc.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

He probably hit Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A.

Have you considered deliberate intention?

DaSheikh said:
Thanks for the welcome.
It's either a combination or perhaps too many tries on the PIN?
I'm guessing the latter because I've got office email sync and it required permissions on remote wiping etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was probably too many improper PIN attempts.
Man, I never leave my phone out of arms reach of me lol. Couldn't stand the thought of some little kids molesting it!

Valynor said:
Have you considered deliberate intention?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Can we get a background check on the kid? Maybe past criminal records??
Kidding of course

I'm pretty sure it was me. I pressed the button - the remote self-destruct button. It didn't work.

Too many incorrect PIN attempts will force a factory reset? If that's true it is a HUGE design/security flaw.

sn0warmy said:
Too many incorrect PIN attempts will force a factory reset? If that's true it is a HUGE design/security flaw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How??? that's a security FEATURE. You want someone to not get at your data if they get ahold of the phone...

sn0warmy said:
Too many incorrect PIN attempts will force a factory reset? If that's true it is a HUGE design/security flaw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how blackberries are.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Accord281 said:
He probably hit Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xD is'nt that the bouncing puck in Ice Hockey?
Edit: I googled it and it is apparently the so called Konami Code, used in many of their games.. awsome memories anyway
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

That's the famous code that worked for quite a few Konami games waaay back in the day.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.

joshnichols189 said:
That's how blackberries are.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sister had a friend get locked out of their iPhone for 9,999,999,999 (or something like that) minutes. Lol.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Accord281 said:
He probably hit Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fatality!!!
Verstuurd van mijn Galaxy Nexus met Tapatalk

martonikaj said:
How??? that's a security FEATURE. You want someone to not get at your data if they get ahold of the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I want to piss someone off I can just grab his phone when he's not around it and enter a wrong pin several time until his phone gets wiped? Awesome!

gabster21 said:
So if I want to piss someone off I can just grab his phone when he's not around it and enter a wrong pin several time until his phone gets wiped? Awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really want to piss someone off, you can take his phone when he's not around and simply throw it out of the window.
So, we should not leave our phones in a place where someone may wanna piss us off.

Does your kid by any chance works for apple? He might be trying to destroy one android phone at the time. Got to start them young

exceleth said:
If you really want to piss someone off, you can take his phone when he's not around and simply throw it out of the window.
So, we should not leave our phones in a place where someone may wanna piss us off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would only make sense in this context if the phone was somehow attached with a lock, and after repeated failed attempts to pick the lock the phone would catapult itself out the window.

[Solved] Best way to get Sprint to fix a phone that locks up or reboots?

I have TEP.
Here's my problem.
I have an Epic that, on multiple ROMs (SyndicateROM Frozen, CleanGB MTD, and even stock at EC05, EI22, and EL30), sometimes enters a state where the capacitive buttons (menu, home, etc.) stop responding. They flash when you touch them, but I get no haptic feedback or response from the phone's OS. I have to slide open the keyboard and use the hard buttons (which DO work). Also, the capacitive touchscreen works perfectly.
I've owned the phone for over a year, and this just started happening.
My guess is that it's a hardware problem and that there's something wrong with the capacitive button controller or related circuitry.
But how in the heck do I prove this to Sprint?!?!?
I wiped it back to EB13 and took it OTA up to EI22. I verified I was still getting the button lock.
I took it in, but they couldn't reproduce the lockup. They calibrated the touchscreen for me and rewiped it. I took it home and was still seeing the problem.
What do I do next?
If the phone isn't malfunctioning while I'm at the store, how am I going to get them to replace any part of the phone?

gawd where's a camcorder when you need one LOL I'm not entirely sure but id say hang around a tech store for a while and wait for it to happen and then run and be like " LOOK LOOK ITS DOING IT ITS DOING IT!" In all seriousness make sure you can reproduce it or video tape it
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Biggoron said:
gawd where's a camcorder when you need one LOL I'm not entirely sure but id say hang around a tech store for a while and wait for it to happen and then run and be like " LOOK LOOK ITS DOING IT ITS DOING IT!" In all seriousness make sure you can reproduce it or video tape it
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great idea. That definitely gets a thumbs-up! I'll just walk around with my camera in my pocket.
I realize that this may take a few trips to the store, but at least I can show evidence on my schedule.

Biggoron said:
" LOOK LOOK ITS DOING IT ITS DOING IT!"
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too funny!!!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Apparently, things went easier than I thought.
I started getting reboots on the phone today (EL30 trouble?). I took it in, and they wiped it. I picked it up after work and sat in my car for a few minutes. The phone rebooted. I took it back in, and they ordered a replacement.
EDIT: And not once did they need to see my video. The whole repair setup was very smooth. I was impressed!

IBNobody said:
Apparently, things went easier than I thought.
I started getting reboots on the phone today (EL30 trouble?). I took it in, and they wiped it. I picked it up after work and sat in my car for a few minutes. The phone rebooted. I took it back in, and they ordered a replacement.
EDIT: And not once did they need to see my video. The whole repair setup was very smooth. I was impressed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good that means you have very cool tech reps where you live. Glad to hear you got a replacement
Sent From My "epic" SPH-D700 via XDA Premium

HELP: Ghost Menu

Hey guys so I'm having an issue with a phone, it used to happen once in a blue moon, but now it's happening all the time to the point the phone is almost unusable. It acts as if menu keys are being pressed, when I'm not even touching the phone! This video is a great example, someone has to have seen this. What's the fix?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JdsrgVJM9k
Galaxy Epic SGII - SPH-D710 JellyBean 4.1.2 GB27

nim6us said:
Hey guys so I'm having an issue with a phone, it used to happen once in a blue moon, but now it's happening all the time to the point the phone is almost unusable. It acts as if menu keys are being pressed, when I'm not even touching the phone! This video is a great example, someone has to have seen this. What's the fix?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JdsrgVJM9k
Galaxy Epic SGII - SPH-D710 JellyBean 4.1.2 GB27
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read it happens in low signal areas. Here's a thread that may be helpful.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23032612
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

There is a way to disable the menu key and use the search key as menu. It's somewhere in the general forums buried somewhere.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 4

Dypraxxx said:
There is a way to disable the menu key and use the search key as menu. It's somewhere in the general forums buried somewhere.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes here it is
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39466458
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Oh you guys are awesome.. big thanks for suggesting it, and then finding it

Dypraxxx said:
There is a way to disable the menu key and use the search key as menu. It's somewhere in the general forums buried somewhere.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that fix for a while, but over time, the problem actually gets worse and the search key will start phantom pressing, too. If you're one of the unlucky E4GT owners who have this problem, eventually ALL the capacitive buttons start randomly phantom pressing. Just a heads up from experience.
I suggest running a custom ROM with a Navbar (softkeys) you can enable, and then disable all the hardware buttons.

sasokutenshin said:
I used that fix for a while, but over time, the problem actually gets worse and the search key will start phantom pressing, too. If you're one of the unlucky E4GT owners who have this problem, eventually ALL the capacitive buttons start randomly phantom pressing. Just a heads up from experience.
I suggest running a custom ROM with a Navbar (softkeys) you can enable, and then disable all the hardware buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for a custom ROM. I have a tutorial for any rooted TW JB build using multiple ways to get it done.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2201012
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium

This is how I fixed my fantom menu button, maybe not a good idea but I was tired no to be able to use my phone, so far no problems at all, I opened my phone and placed a piece of magnet sticker on top of a connector that goes to the bottom of the phone, the the piece of magnet is from a business card that I had on the front of my refrigerator so I cut a little piece of it and put it on top of the connector with the plastic side to the connector to make sure not to touch anything, here are some pictures of what i did, if you want to do it (it is on you) , I am just giving my results so far 3 weeks with no problems.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

jc.m said:
This is how I fixed my fantom menu button, maybe not a good idea but I was tired no to be able to use my phone, so far no problems at all, I opened my phone and placed a piece of magnet sticker on top of a connector that goes to the bottom of the phone, the the piece of magnet is from a business card that I had on the front of my refrigerator so I cut a little piece of it and put it on top of the connector with the plastic side to the connector to make sure not to touch anything, here are some pictures of what i did, if you want to do it (it is on you) , I am just giving my results so far 3 weeks with no problems.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not experiencing the issue but for the record, does it affect the button presses in any way after placing the magnetic piece there? Does all 4 of the hardware keys work without any hiccups?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Everything works normal, just like new, I did removed the magnet and the menu bottom gets crazy so I did place it back and works like it should. I know it is no something that people should do but I did not care about my phone anymore.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

I can also back you up that this works!!!! Thanks sooo much works sooo much better!! Never woulda thought of it on my own. But did you notice any kind of signal issues after you did this
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

1 month and no fantom menu, signal is normal.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

still going?
jc.m said:
1 month and no fantom menu, signal is normal.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is this working out still? I was contemplating doing it with a piece of rf shielding but that would've short circuited everything:laugh: That is totally genius on your part!
I loaded a custom ROM on mines and went back to EL26 modem (check my latest post to see the logic behind it)
If this works it's good for those who don't want to go the route I did :good:

I can say my problem with the Ghost menu is completely gone, and I totally forgot I had it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jc.m said:
I can say my problem with the Ghost menu is completely gone, and I totally forgot I had it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I added your solution to my post and thanked you. I hope more people will benefit from your findings :good:

jc.m said:
This is how I fixed my fantom menu button, maybe not a good idea but I was tired no to be able to use my phone, so far no problems at all, I opened my phone and placed a piece of magnet sticker on top of a connector that goes to the bottom of the phone, the the piece of magnet is from a business card that I had on the front of my refrigerator so I cut a little piece of it and put it on top of the connector with the plastic side to the connector to make sure not to touch anything, here are some pictures of what i did, if you want to do it (it is on you) , I am just giving my results so far 3 weeks with no problems.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you confirm that this fix is still working?? There is a guy on Youtube that does a similar fix but he removes the motherboard and sandwiches in some aluminum foil where you have the magnet on this side. I like your fix a lot more since it is obviously a lot easier. Please let us know if this fix is still working. Thanks!

CentralVAHere said:
Can you confirm that this fix is still working?? There is a guy on Youtube that does a similar fix but he removes the motherboard and sandwiches in some aluminum foil where you have the magnet on this side. I like your fix a lot more since it is obviously a lot easier. Please let us know if this fix is still working. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot. I believe the symptoms manifests in low signal environments, with the mobile network running. Turn off mobile data to test.
Some swear by it, but I lack the knowledge to validate it, as I am not an electrical engineer.
Much of this comes down to your tolerance for pain. I just bought the Note 3 due to this exact issue. Others have returned their phones because of it. Some replacements end up with this same problem, or busted power buttons.
If you have the desire to keep your phone and the ability to try the fix, then back up everything on it, and execute the procedure; or find someone who can.
Other options are turning off mobile networks whenever possible, trying to get a replacement, or...
Get another phone. The used marketplace is teaming with good deals on S3s, use an upgrade, get a granny phone. You have choice.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Good luck!
Sent from my SM-N900P using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

The only REAL fix that I was able to get is sending it back to Sammy and they replaced the PBA(motherboard). This is after sending it back to them two other times and they replaced the LCD screen and mini-jack. I just got it back and gave it to my wife when I got the S3, and immediately she said that in 3g areas it did the phantom menu. After calling and telling them two returns is unacceptable, they expedited the repair, fixed the RIGHT thing this time, and in over a month, there's been zero issues. Not sure if this is an option for anyone as you may be out of warranty, just passing on what finally worked for me. Good luck.

I have had this issue, non-stop, for the past year. It has gotten worse so I contacted samsung and sent my D710 to them to have it repaired.
They replaced the screen, sent it back but immediately (while trying to activate with Sprint) my phone began the phantom menu button. Not only the menu, but I also get phantom search & back key presses. I sent the phone back to samsung, again, and this time they replaced the PBA and still, i have the phantom issue. I called samsung but wont send the phone back a 3rd time. So I visit the sprint store after finding these threads, and the sprint tech replaces my screen again (free of charge) and before I even start my car to leave the parking lot... phantom key presses all over again.
I am convinced there is no fix for this, other than a hardware hack. I tried the magnet trick you guys speak of, but it did not change a single thing. I can trigger the phantom key press by simply sending (or receiving) a text message. It makes it near impossible to have a text-conversation with anybody.
My last resort is to sell the phone on ebay or craigslist to some unsuspecting fool, and replace it with a HTC or some other brand who actually understand RF interference and how stupid it would be to place the 3G antenna anywhere near such a sensitive chip.

Jared King said:
I can also back you up that this works!!!! Thanks sooo much works sooo much better!! Never woulda thought of it on my own. But did you notice any kind of signal issues after you did this
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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So Jared is your "fix" still working???