Galaxy Note 4 randomly reboots, other power issues
The #Samsung #GalaxyNote4 has been a solid hit for Samsung and has proven its reliability since its release in last October 2014. Just like any electronic device though, the Note 4 is not immune from power-related problems and, in this post, random reboots issue.
Below are the Galaxy Note 4 random reboots problems shared by some of our readers over several weeks:
- Newly unboxed Samsung Galaxy Note 4 restarts on its own
- Galaxy Note 4 reboots from time to time, during calls
- Multiple Galaxy Note 4s having random reboots issue
- Galaxy Note 4 boot loop issue
- Galaxy Note 4 freezes up when typing
If you have #Android issues, you can share them to us by using the link provided below.
Problem #1: Newly unboxed Samsung Galaxy Note 4 restarts on its own
Hi there DroidGuy. I’ve been having experiences of the unwanted kind south my new out of the box Samsung Note 4. I just got it today. Below you’ll read my findings & all the options I’ve tried to resolve the problem.
Hardware: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 N910F Black
OS: Android version 5.0.1 (stock version, came with it)
Problem: My brand new mobile reboots at random. It’s been doing that since the very first boot up (I. E. During set up). Mind you that was just with my SIM (without SD CARD). That tells me that the SD CARD is not an issue.
What I’ve noticed: the reboot issue takes place at random, at times when I’m using the mobile, or at other times when I’m not actively using it. Also at times it’ll reboot suddenly after an hour whereas the meet set of reboots could virtually be a continuous cycle (read: 2 or 3 reboots back to back). No particular pattern according to me.
What I’ve tried: I did a factory reset after the reboots kept occurring. Unfortunately, NO difference. Reboots still happening. Then I tried clearing cache partition via the hardware button no difference. I’ve read on the Internet but cannot find any solution for the issue yet.
Conclusion: nothing seems to help resolve the issue. I’m pulling whatever few hair I still have left. Please help before I get bald…
Hoping you can help me out…Regards. — Sonny
Solution: Hi Sonny. Identifying the real cause of the issue, after doing all the standard software troubleshooting (wiping the cache, performing a factory reset), can be tricky without physically checking the phone and running more hardware checks. We are as perplexed as you are why such a brand new phone restarts on its own. As it stands, you are left with only a few things to do.
Boot the phone in safe mode
Since you did not mention this procedure above, we are assuming that you haven’t tried it yet. Restarting the phone in safe mode is a good thing to do if you suspect that a third party application may be to blame. While in this mode, third party applications will be prevented from running so if the problem fails to occur, our suspicion is probably right on. If you haven’t tried this before, here are the steps:
- Turn the device off.
- Press and hold the Power key.
- When ‘Samsung Galaxy S5′ appears on the screen, release the Power key.
- Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume Down key.
- Continue to hold the Volume Down key until the device finishes restarting.
- Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Release the Volume Down key when you see Safe Mode.
After rebooting in safe mode, you can do either of these tricks:
- start uninstalling third party apps starting from the most recently installed until the issue has been eliminated, or
- perform a factory reset again and use the phone for at least 48 hours without installing any third party apps.
Any of these tricks can help you confirm if you installed problem apps.
Replace the battery of your Note 4
Before replacing the battery itself, try to check if the battery is not loosely connected. This can sometimes happen to phones with a removable battery pack so even a slight jab or movement may cause the phone to power off. This may be the reason why there seems to be no pattern when your phone reboots.
We know that you have a new Note 4 but try to check if the rear cover is slightly bent. If it is, that’s probably the reason why the battery is not being help properly in place.
If the rear cover looks normal, try using another battery.
Get a replacement Note 4
You deserve a good working phone the moment you unbox it. Consider asking for a replacement from Samsung, retailer, or your carrier to save you from more trouble.
Problem #2: Galaxy Note 4 reboots from time to time, during calls
Dear DroidGuys. 6 days ago I’ve received a brand new Note4 (SM-N910F) from my provider, Telenor (Hungary). Within 2 days my phone started to reboot/restart randomly, sometimes during active calls. I’ve read your article about random restarts of the Note 4, so, I decided to follow your instructions. The phone was restored to factory defaults, the (Samsung 128GB) micro SD was removed, the pre-loaded applications were refreshed and my own applications from the Google Play store were reinstalled. Within 2 hours the same restart was discovered (still without SD). In this moment I decided to return the phone to the dealer.
Yesterday afternoon I called the dealer mentioning the problem and requesting a replacement phone. As there is a 3 working days replacement warranty, I got my new SM-N910F (the ‘old’ one was restored to factory defaults), and for the dealer’s advice the (1 year old) SIM card was replaced, too.
Since this morning – after the refreshment of the factory preloaded softwares and reinstallation of some of my originals – the 1 day old phone is playing the same game, restarting randomly. The SD card is not inserted, the SIM card is brand new. Is there any idea for a reliable solution? Your help would be highly appreciated.
Hoping to have your respond, best regards. — Laszlo
Solution: Hi Laszlo. If the problem returns after getting a replacement Note 4, the issue is most likely due to installed apps. Try wiping the cache partition to see if that will make any difference. Here’s how:
- Turn off the Galaxy Note 4 completely.
- Press and hold the Volume Up and the Home keys together, then press and hold the Power key.
- When the Note 4 vibrates, release both the Home and Power keys but continue holding the Volume Up key.
- When the Android System Recovery shows on the screen, release the Volume Up key.
- Using the Volume Down key, highlight the option wipe cache partition and press the Power key to select it.
- When the wiping of the cache partition is finished, highlight Reboot system now and hit the Power key.
If deleting the cache partition won’t fix the issue, try to follow out suggestion for Sonny above.
Problem #3: Multiple Galaxy Note 4s having random reboots issue
I have been experiencing for some time along with other friends that all of a sudden my phone, will just freeze up, like if I’m typing scrolling or playing and game or are in the settings, I have not installed any app that could be doing this as it is happening with my friends who own other Samsungs, example ( while typing this my phone all of a sudden froze up and it registered I hit each letter, but you couldn’t feel the buzz until you all of a sudden feel a buzuzuz real quick, and the letters appear one after the other quickly) I have no idea what could be causing this, please help me and my friends resolve it. — Noah
Solution: Hi Noah. If random reboot issue happens on multiple phones, we recommend that you try the suggestions given above to other readers. In general, doing a factory reset and observing the phone for at least 2 days without installing any third party app usually yields results (and still goes back to apps being the cause). If you are 100% sure that apps are a non-issue, try doing these things:
Verify if the phones are getting warm or overheating
Samsung and most Android phones are designed to shut down automatically when the internal temperature reaches a certain level. If your device is overheating, it usually manifests in random reboot. Overheating in turn can only be a symptom of something deeper like a malfunctioning hardware, poor ventilation, exposure to direct heat, to name a few.
To address possible overheating issue, make sure that these things are taken cared of:
- Make sure that your operating system version is up-to-date
- Ensure that the device is not busy by minimizing running apps
- Place the phone in a cool, dry place and away from direct heat source
Check the battery
This is mentioned above but the battery can potentially cause random reboots anytime. Make sure the phone’s battery is okay and there is no discernable bulge (telltale sign of a bad battery).
Check for malware or viruses
This should be the least of your worries if you are careful with apps you install but it’s always good practice to ensure that your phone’s security is updated. You can either install a mobile antivirus app or simply perform a factory reset.
Get a replacement
If there appears to be no software-related cause for the problem, the most likely reason is a defective hardware.
Problem #4: Galaxy Note 4 boot loop issue
Left on while in its waterproof/dustproof case, tightly inside bag without breathing space and left inside closed car into the early afternoon while very hot. Phone was extremely hot and was in a boot loop.
It gets warm real quick when charging and going through the boot loop.
I am unable to get into the boot recovery. The blue lettering shows for it but the phone just boot loops.
I was able to get into download mode with no boot loops. Hope this is the way to fixing it.
The phone is not rooted although I tried to unbrick it with ODIN and trying to install a complete stock. I went through that process and it appeared to be successful yet the boot loop was still there.
I am almost ready to open up the phone and pretend to know how to fix it.
Please help. Thanks. — Jay
Solution: Hi Jay. If boot loop issue continues even after flashing to stock firmware, consider doing a factory reset after doing our suggestions above for other readers.
Problem #5: Galaxy Note 4 freezes up when typing
My phone freezes up every few minutes no matter what I’m doing. It has frozen multiple times while trying to type this paragraph. I use swipe to type and it keeps freezing which then causes weird words to be predicted. I’ve tried regular typing, but it doesn’t matter. It has frozen the number keys while I’m on a call and has caused me to have to have start the automated call all over again. The microphone randomly pops up and interrupts anything in doing. I was doing a nursing practice test online that was all multiple choice and it froze a bunch of times during the session causing me to run out of time for the test. I’m very frustrated. It just freezes every few minutes no matter what I’m doing. — Heather
Solution: Hi Heather. Try wiping the phone’s cache partition (steps provided above) first. If you the problem remains, do a factory reset. Here’s how:
- Turn off the Galaxy Note 4 completely.
- Press and hold the Volume Up and the Home keys together, then press and hold the Power key.
- When the Note 4 vibrates, release both the Home and Power keys but continue holding the Volume Up key.
- When the Android System Recovery shows on the screen, release the Volume Up key.
- Using the Volume Down key, highlight wipe data / factory reset and press the Power key to select it.
- Now highlight Yes — delete all user data using the Volume Down key and press the Power key to begin the reset.
- When the master reset is complete, highlight Reboot system now and hit the Power key.
- The Note 4 will restart but it will be longer than usual. When it reaches the Home screen, then begin your setup.
An issue like you have is due to faulty app or software so these two procedures should work in your favor.
Keep in mind that doing a factory reset becomes useless if you re-install the same set of apps afterwards. If the issue persists after the reset, consider uninstalling third party apps or boot the phone in safe mode.
Alternatively, you can also try to delete the cache and data of whatever app you are using when typing. These may include the stock Messaging app, keyboard app, or any other app. To delete a particular app’s cache and data, just follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Proceed to Applications.
- Select Manage Applications.
- Tap the All tab.
- Choose the name of the app in question.
- From there, you will see the Clear Cache and Clear Data buttons.
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