Android/ATT Users- Tech help needed

[sam_gordon]

I have a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (thank you former employer). In February, we switched service from Verizon to ATT. Over the last month or two, I've had intermittent display issues with my phone. While looking at the display, it will "glitch". Sometimes part (or all) of the screen will show "colored static". Sometimes it will show different images at the top or bottom of the display. Many times I can't get the phone to come out of screen saver. All of these things last anywhere from 5-30 seconds. Once the phone returns to "normal", it's fine.

I did reboot into "safe mode" at one point and let the phone sit for a while with no issues. BUT, there's VERY little that can be done in safe mode, so I couldn't give it a true test. So I'm thinking this is a software problem. I know ATT put software on the phone, but I can't figure out what, how to disable it for testing, or can even say for sure that's what the problem is.

Anyone have suggestions on what to try or resources to explore? I've thought about going into an ATT store for help, but A) this is an intermittent issue and I can't replicate it at will and B) I'm not sure the "run of the mill" store will really be able to help.

So, thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

TIA.

 

[_19disnA]

I think going to an ATT store is your best option. It sounds like some sort of software issue or perhaps an issue with the actual hardware. If that is the case, you are probably not the only person having this problem and the store will likely have already seen others reporting the same thing. Usually I find the tech people at phone stores to be very helpful and they can either update and/or reload whatever software runs the phone. They might also have some sort of test software they can use to diagnose whatever is actually wrong.

Doubt this is something you can fix on your own.

Compared to those annoying tech people you can call who never have any idea how to fix issues, the people in those stores seem like they have actually been trained for the job the do.

 

[sam_gordon]

Good news & bad news (or bad news and good news...)

I found some software that CLAIMED it will fix issues with Samsung phones. It cost $30, and has a "60 day money back guarantee". OK, I have time to kill this afternoon, let's try it. I follow the instructions and it "soft bricked" (I learned that term) the phone. Wouldn't boot. Doing some online research, you just need to "flash" the firmware back on the phone. So I try that. About 6 hours later (these firmwares are very large files and finding the right firmware took some doing), I finally get the phone to boot!

However, the PIN has changed. Grr. So I do a factory reset. That works and I can get into the phone, AND it looks like my last "backup" was three days ago, so I'm currently waiting on all my apps to download again (either Samsung or Google knows what they are), and then try to rebuild my screens. But, at least my phone works!

We'll see if it actually fixes the problem I was having with getting it out of "sleep" mode and strange display issues.

I know no one really cares, but I just had to type this all up. Already called DW to make sure the phone truly worked.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This would drive me absolutely insane.

 

[DLgal]

At this point, I'd take advantage of AT&Ts promotion to take ANY Galaxy phone and get $800 off a new one.

 

[robert chapman]

So we recently had a problem with a Z-Flip 4. I also used to own a Note Ultra 20 until about a year ago. I too am on ATT. I will tell you this probably isn't a software issue. It maybe a screen or board issue. Normally with any electronics hardware the failure rate is higher in the first year. If you get through the first year you usually don't have a problem after that. If I were you I would request a service on Samsung's website. They usually have authorized repair centers in and around many cities. They will be able to see if there is a bigger problem. If your phone doesn't look like it's been abused (dropped, water damage etc) then the fix should be covered under warranty. I have one of these places replace a cracked screen on my Note and never had an issue so they mostly know what they are doing.

Also, never do anything like you did with the software. Those programs are usually to get your money and even send information from your phone to a 3rd party.

 

[_19disnA]

^^ I agree. If some sort of software reflash/refresh/update was the issue, the AT&T store would have probably done that for no charge and had the technical expertise to do it at the store. If hardware related, they could have advised you of your options. Most likely AT&T won't be responsible for dealing with your phone issues once you have tried to rewrite/fix software on your own.

 

[sam_gordon]

I appreciate the tips, but I replaced the phone the following week.

As far as contacting Samsung or ATT, that post was a Sunday evening, all the nearby stores were closed, I was on a business trip and expected to be at work from 9-5 each day.