[Q] Question on S5 GPS - Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I currently have an S3 and will be upgrading in two months. The one fault I dislike the most on the S3 is the faulty GPS. It will fail to lock on my location. I can fix it by opening up the back and tightening the screws. It will then work for anywhere from a few days to a few months and then it needs to be redone. Of course it fails when I am in an area I don't know and don't have a screwdriver. This is a hardware fault and I was wondering if any of you S5 owners are having this problem, or has Samsung finally fixed it.

I've never experienced any GPS issues.
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iresq said:
I've never experienced any GPS issues.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Same here. Instant lock, no issues whatsoever.

joekiv said:
I currently have an S3 and will be upgrading in two months. The one fault I dislike the most on the S3 is the faulty GPS. It will fail to lock on my location. I can fix it by opening up the back and tightening the screws. It will then work for anywhere from a few days to a few months and then it needs to be redone. Of course it fails when I am in an area I don't know and don't have a screwdriver. This is a hardware fault and I was wondering if any of you S5 owners are having this problem, or has Samsung finally fixed it.
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Click to collapse
I did a bit more than tightening the screws on my sister's phone a while back... this is a bit more dangerous because you can risk breaking the contact altogether... just a fair warning, but basically pry the contact slightly upwards so that it will stand out more, and then when you screw it back in (maybe even use loc-tite if your screws just end up unscrewing too quickly) you'll see that it works very well and should get an instant fix. Just the screws fix wasn't enough on the phone that i took a look at, so I did that extra measure.
That being said, no issues with my S5 (or my gf's) so far on GPS.

vacaloca said:
I did a bit more than tightening the screws on my sister's phone a while back... this is a bit more dangerous because you can risk breaking the contact altogether... just a fair warning, but basically pry the contact slightly upwards so that it will stand out more, and then when you screw it back in (maybe even use loc-tite if your screws just end up unscrewing too quickly) you'll see that it works very well and should get an instant fix. Just the screws fix wasn't enough on the phone that i took a look at, so I did that extra measure.
That being said, no issues with my S5 (or my gf's) so far on GPS.
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Click to collapse
Thank you, for the info. I was aware of the extra steps just haven't done it yet. Good to know that your two S5's aren't having that problem.

joekiv said:
Thank you, for the info. I was aware of the extra steps just haven't done it yet. Good to know that your two S5's aren't having that problem.
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Click to collapse
I have 3 S5's on my account ant they all work great. Unlike the Note 3 I had these lock on just about instantly.

I had the same problems on my S3, my S5 always locks on instantly.
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Related

GPS Problems? Poor Reception? Accessories to Blame?

Just a heads up to anyone experiencing GPS and or reception issues, if you have any aftermarket accessories, be conscious that they may be the cause of your problems.
I've had GPS not been able to lock for a while now, and it turns out that the sole cause of this was an aftermarket metal battery cover. As soon as I put back the stock plastic one, I got a full 8 satellite lock within 20 seconds.
Any metal case, cover, bumper, etc could be having a negative impact on your reception and or GPS. This was definitely the case for my I9100
Yes! can confirm this I had the same issue a while back.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
akaleshnikov said:
Just a heads up to anyone experiencing GPS and or reception issues, if you have any aftermarket accessories, be conscious that they may be the cause of your problems.
I've had GPS not been able to lock for a while now, and it turns out that the sole cause of this was an aftermarket metal battery cover. As soon as I put back the stock plastic one, I got a full 8 satellite lock within 20 seconds.
Any metal case, cover, bumper, etc could be having a negative impact on your reception and or GPS. This was definitely the case for my I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, general thing.
Had the same thing happening on the HD2 just like alot of other people who bought the rubber like protection things when they just came out.
Actually it just not only blocks GPS but also wifi and mobile signal a bit which results in a bigger battery drain too.
lukesan said:
Yup, general thing.
Had the same thing happening on the HD2 just like alot of other people who bought the rubber like protection things when they just came out.
Actually it just not only blocks GPS but also wifi and mobile signal a bit which results in a bigger battery drain too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was quite annoying to realize that I've gotten lost a few times the past few months all due to an accessory I paid money for
Makes sense why early iPhone 4's had problems with reception, due to the metal housing
So it's just the metal cases? I've a gel case for my SGS2 and it works great with it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Yes, my plastic case works fine.
akaleshnikov said:
It was quite annoying to realize that I've gotten lost a few times the past few months all due to an accessory I paid money for
Makes sense why early iPhone 4's had problems with reception, due to the metal housing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the iPhone's fault brother, like 'he' said; "You're holding it wrong."
On a serious note, the case definitely have impact to signal and heat dissipation. Once upon a time, my HD2 was plagued by signal+heat issue due to some crappy case.
Hello everyone could you please help me? I can not send messages with gmail is always sent, I tried to restart but the problem persists, what can I do? Thanks
karolain said:
Hello everyone could you please help me? I can not send messages with gmail is always sent, I tried to restart but the problem persists, what can I do? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get you cand send e-maild but sms', no. . Since I don't know where you are from, go to your local network operator store and ask someone to give you the right number for message centre. This should be stored on your SIM card but it seems to be a little problem.

[Q]Strange swelling under the back of my Nexus 10

My Nexus 10 has strange "swelling" under the plastic back (above the letter "E"). It looks like something lifts that part of the back. I can feel it under my fingers. And because of that Nexus 10 plastic back is not aligned with the removable part of the cover.
What might that be? What is located in that part of the back? Unfortunately, I do not have the tools necessary to remove the cover.
I'm going to guess your Lithium battery is going bad and puffing up. I'd recommended turning it off and not charging your device till you can get the back cover off and inspect it. They can exoplode.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Are you sure? I have this tablet for a week. It was like that since the beginning.
I know someone who could disasamble the device. But I have no idea if he will be able to asamble it. Does it require some special tools (heating etc.)?
Bukary said:
Are you sure? I have this tablet for a week. It was like that since the beginning.
I know someone who could disasamble the device. But I have no idea if he will be able to asamble it. Does it require some special tools (heating etc.)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, but I'd definitely see what's going on with it before I continue to charge it. Could be a defective battery from the factory. Could be it just wasn't assembled properly. If you've only had it a week I'd exhange it.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Well, it was not the battery. The plastic back of my Nexus 10 was not properly assembled with the display. It was necessary to take it off and... assemble again. That's all. It's fixed now. :good:
How on earth this device could pass any quality check before leaving the factory is a mystery to me.
omg nice one
​
BackDaws said:
omg nice one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm lucky that in my town I found someone who was brave enough to dismantle this device. (BTW, he needed 30 minutes to "fix" this).
Otherwise I would have to... well, I certainly would not try to send it back to Samsung in America and wait several weeks to receive the same device with (probably) more issues.

S-PEN feels loose

I'vehad the Note 4 for a few days and the S-Pen feels quite loose to me. It can even move around a 1mm when in its silo.
I compared it to my friends Note 3 and it felt very tight. It also feels much more tight when inserted with no movement.
Anyone with the same problem?
I'm just concerned that it will get only worse.
My note 4 have no problem with spen
Try factory reset
Sent from my SM-N910L using XDA Free mobile app
I had that problem this morning. I took my case off and reinsert the pen and now it's nice and sturdy again. Maybe the pen wasn't inserted all the way?
I double checked and it's all the way in. If I'm the only one I guess I got a defective one ...
honhan0904 said:
My note 4 have no problem with spen
Try factory reset
Sent from my SM-N910L using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Why would a factory reset do any help? lol. The pen is loose whilst in the phone!
Oh sorry i think it not responsive when touch on the phone
Sent from my SM-N910L using XDA Free mobile app
samxxx99 said:
I double checked and it's all the way in. If I'm the only one I guess I got a defective one ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try putting the pen in with the button facing down. Seems if it's facing up, it does jiggle a little.
It actually feels more firm with button facing down. But it doesn't solve the problem completely in my case
lol, same story here. just wanted to create a tread...
i have 3 note4's at the moment (due to display problems): 2 of them have loose spen, at one device it sits tight like on my note3!
a solution is to put one or two layers of transparent tape around the silver end of the s-pen, although i do not prefer this method
as it looks not good...
I decided to return my device on Thursday since it was actually bothering me, but funny thing is Samsung is still claiming it is not a defect and studying my case. They even went as far as show me another unit with the same problem.
I really hope upcoming batches will have it ironed out.
Does anyone know a solution in fixing the loose s-pen? The one with tape doesn't work out well, and is not really aesthetic...
Have you tried comparong inserting the S-Pen with the button facing up and facing down? I had the same problem on my 10.1 2014 and it was much tighter when the button was facing down in the case. I know it's not a solution, but it might help.
iR¡[email protected]!* from i9505 via Tapatalk 4
Do about 20 jumping jax with phone in hand. If the spen slips out of place its a defect.
You could then argue it has s heath and should allow you to run with device.
Mine is snug, my Note 3 was a bit loose but it never fell out or anything. I guess if it's inside the silo and doesn't slip out with normal usage it's not a defect.
i added now one layer (one wrung around) of clear tape (which i do not like aesthetically!!), and now the spen sits tight.
button up or down didn't change anything for me...
now, with the pen tight, the device feels a lot more "solid", so for me the loose pen is a defect...
maybe adding a point of glue would also do the trick, i will experiment a little with that...
TML1504 said:
i added now one layer (one wrung around) of clear tape (which i do not like aesthetically!!), and now the spen sits tight.
button up or down didn't change anything for me...
now, with the pen tight, the device feels a lot more "solid", so for me the loose pen is a defect...
maybe adding a point of glue would also do the trick, i will experiment a little with that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't use glue in your brand new device. Get it exchanged!
Can someone define 'loose s pen'? I put mine in pressed in all the way. If I wiggle my finger on it, it slight jiggles, but not to the point where it falls off. I have never noticed this on any note before. I wouldn't say its a defect, but more of an annoyance.
MattMJB0188 said:
Can someone define 'loose s pen'? I put mine in pressed in all the way. If I wiggle my finger on it, it slight jiggles, but not to the point where it falls off. I have never noticed this on any note before. I wouldn't say its a defect, but more of an annoyance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds exactly like mine, I can wiggle it a bit, but it still feels like sits there and won't fall out anyway..
gabrymr said:
Sounds exactly like mine, I can wiggle it a bit, but it still feels like sits there and won't fall out anyway..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you put it in the other way its snug. Or at least mine is.
S Pen included with my Note 4
Hi i have 2 seperate questions about the S Pen. 1st. Has anyone removed the button on the pen to try to adjust the potentiometers for sending the pen thinner or thicker? I saw a pic of a note 4 S Pen with the button removed on this forum somewhere 2 days ago & it showed the pen having 2 round very small adjustable screw like things & they where explaining which way to turn the front one to adjust it, but I removed my button just to look at it & in my S Pen there is no adjustment mechanisms at all & there's only one round thing total so I'm just curious to see whether it's the same for all note 4 buyers or not?
2nd. I thought I heard something about Samsung developing & very soon making available for sale a newer updated S Pen for the note 4 & note edge to include Rotation & Tilt which was originally supposed to be included with both phones on release days of each. Does anyone know any info at all about this?

Apparently a really reliable/unexpected fix to GPS woes found on Reddit...

GPS issues on the Note 4 are well known and not limited to carrier. You will find all sorts of crazy fixes out there, but I will tell you what finally worked for me.
I noticed that every time I went to take a screenshot the GPS would suddenly snap back to working. After some messing around I realized that holding it by the sides with a little pressure gets it working. Basically hold it the way that Steve Jobs told you you shouldn't hold an iPhone and squeeze a bit. That always gets my GPS to work within a few seconds. It sounds crazy but for me I've confirmed it absolutely works.
Basically Samsung sucks at GPS in general, and especially with the Note 4. I think the receiver is using a poorly manufactured antenna that is the wrong size or something, and by attenuating the signal a little bit you can get it to clear up. It's like adjusting you rabbit ears and having them only work when you stand in a certain position... if you are old enough to remember doing such things.
Give it a try and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://np.reddit.com/r/galaxynote4...le_maps_is_so_bad_all_of_a_sudden_its/ct4p5ih
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Have never had a problem with GPS on my Note 4.
ReggieTee said:
Have never had a problem with GPS on my Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of folks have though.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Interesting. I'm really glad I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have any issues.
Is the hardware part of it loose or something?
I've yet to try it but I do believe it is an antenna issue. Maybe made worse by cases?
If I place the phone in the dash cubby of my car, it will lose gps signal.
But even when I have it on the seat next to me, it sometimes can't locate me directly and jumps.
I thought GPS status calibration would fix but I guess you have to do that every time you reboot?
It is my only complaint regarding the phone honestly.
MajorTom_ said:
Interesting. I'm really glad I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have any issues.
Is the hardware part of it loose or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will Rickards said:
I've yet to try it but I do believe it is an antenna issue. Maybe made worse by cases?
If I place the phone in the dash cubby of my car, it will lose gps signal.
But even when I have it on the seat next to me, it sometimes can't locate me directly and jumps.
I thought GPS status calibration would fix but I guess you have to do that every time you reboot?
It is my only complaint regarding the phone honestly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to think for the most part I was one of the lucky ones but just yesterday morning I was using the navigation. It found me and plotted my route but when I started moving nothing happened. I squeezed the top of the device and it kicked in. The only thing I have been doing different is not using my case when the issue happened. Of course as tight as my case it it could be simulating the same situation as me pinching it. Or it could have been the initial cause for needing to pinch it.
Probably loose hardware indeed.
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Yes, it's almost certainly a hardware issue... check out this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61755100&postcount=272 and the thread that it links to.
squeeze the sides and tighten the screws... it really works
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Yup. The GPS test app would show 20 satellites in view, and none in use. No lock ever. I pushed on the back of the phone and it locked right on. It world's every time my gps flakes out.
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Happy to report my GPS on Note 4 gets instant lock every time. Use a Samsung flip cover that is also a back replacement.
I have HORRIBLE gps signal... and the thing that sucks is I need it for work alot.. sometimes I'm using it and the signal starts blinking because it lost signal..and I won't get it back I leave an area or I just won't get it at all!! I hope the 5 has a much better antenna build..
Like others I'm having terrible luck with my GPS but it's only been over the last 3 weeks or so. No updates, no damage to the phone it just loses the lock on the satellites. I've tried every trick in the book with no luck. I need to call T-Mobile but haven't been in the mood to hear "we haven't seen this problem before" and wasting time on the phone with them.
rsacipher said:
Like others I'm having terrible luck with my GPS but it's only been over the last 3 weeks or so. No updates, no damage to the phone it just loses the lock on the satellites. I've tried every trick in the book with no luck. I need to call T-Mobile but haven't been in the mood to hear "we haven't seen this problem before" and wasting time on the phone with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install "GPS Test" to see. I have Samsung Alpha and it get lock inside the buidling while the N4 sees nothing. I am mad. I hope N5 will be better on the GPS.
It's not a fix but what I do since I use gps for my work I put the phone SIDEWAYS in my cluster area and it almost instantly picks up gps.. it's what I have to do to get service if not it will be almost unusable. .hope that helps
I was reading about putting pressure on the back on another post and once I do that my phone starts working great... what can cause it to do such a thing?
chong67 said:
Install "GPS Test" to see. I have Samsung Alpha and it get lock inside the buidling while the N4 sees nothing. I am mad. I hope N5 will be better on the GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using it and I will get the coordinates then I will loose signal without moving. It's very inconsistent. The frustrating thing is it seems to be only over the last few weeks it's been happening.
I also had trouble with my GPS. I constantly get the "GPS signal lost" message, however this past weekend I tested and it seems that I get the problem when I put the phone in a certain position -on my lap for example or facing down. I have a Galaxy S5 and I don't have any issues at all.
Once I put the phone in the car mount, I don't have any problems. I guess is an antenna issue as others mentioned.
Mr. Clown said:
I also had trouble with my GPS. I constantly get the "GPS signal lost" message, however this past weekend I tested and it seems that I get the problem when I put the phone in a certain position -on my lap for example or facing down. I have a Galaxy S5 and I don't have any issues at all.
Once I put the phone in the car mount, I don't have any problems. I guess is an antenna issue as others mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my problems didn't start until I stopped using my caseology case.
Completely fixes my problem (as long as I'm holding it). WTF Samsung? Do I even warrantee it or switch brands is the question. Tweet #squeezegate at Samsung, let's see if we can get some attention to this manufacturer defect.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Where exactly are you guys squeezing to get it to work?

i9506 GPS not working at all

Hi All,
I have an i9506 previously stock 4.42 (Hungary I9506XXUCNI1 firm), later switched to I9506XXUBNA2 then 9506XXUDOJ2 which now serves base for kyasu's 13.0-20160323-SNAPSHOT-ZNH0E-ks01lte.
A month ago I realised that the GPS finds position really-really slow - if it finds any after 25 km ride.
Even if it is able to find the position, it looses quickly.
Waze and iGO Primo are unable to work / navigate.
I shortly switched back to stock ROM but the problem stayed.
Do you think that a custom ROM could have something to do with the GPS problem?
Any tips how to narrow the root cause possibilities?
Maybe the GPS hardware is faulty? In 1,5 years the phone had no more than 5 ground hits. In theory this could cause a faulty GPS...
That is caused by the GPS not making contact with the antenna on the chassis of the phone.
I managed to fix it myself by unscrewing the back and removing the whole back panel off (by carefully I clipping the frame). The GPS antenna is located on the top left corner. Carefully using a flat screw driver bend it up and then put the back plate back in and screw it in tightly ensuring that you don't over tightened and crack any of the plastic.
After that, the phone would get a GPS lock within seconds.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yeah, exactly. In the meantime I asked Samsung support for a repair. They replaced the whole middle plastic part of the phone (including the antenna).
It seems that problem is solved.
Thank you!
Zephael said:
Yeah, exactly. In the meantime I asked Samsung support for a repair. They replaced the whole middle plastic part of the phone (including the antenna).
It seems that problem is solved.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it free repair?
MrAndroid12 said:
Was it free repair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. However, the Knox bit was not checked. I put back the original firmware, with T-mobile logo.
Zephael said:
Yes. However, the Knox bit was not checked. I put back the original firmware, with T-mobile logo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's great seeing the phone is well over 3 years old.
tbh, I don't think many people even use that knox crap
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
MrAndroid12 said:
Oh, that's great seeing the phone is well over 3 years old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is 1,5 years old. Extended warranty ends in november. So I still have some time

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