Galaxy S8 internet connection is very slow, how to create a backup, other issues

Hello everyone! Our latest post for today addresses issues for the #GalaxyS8, Samsung’s latest flagship. We choose to answer at least 2 connection-related issues below so keep reading. Hopefully you’ll find our advice helpful.

If you are looking for solutions to your own #Android issue, you can contact us by using the link provided at the bottom of this page.

When describing your issue, please be as detailed as possible so we can easily pinpoint a relevant solution. If you can, kindly include the exact error messages you are getting to give us an idea where to start. If you have already tried some troubleshooting steps before emailing us, make sure to mention them so we can skip them in our answers.

Below are specific topics we’re bringing for you today:

Problem 1: Galaxy S8 mobile data connection not working

Cannot access internet using mobile data access. I can access internet with WiFI. Is there a setting on the phone to do this that I can’t find or is this a carrier issue? I have Tracfone and have been working with Tracfone support on a data access issue in my zip code 80117. I now have data access for zip 80117, but can’t access internet. I also now cannot access internet in other zip codes either, I previously could do so. — Ron

Solution: Hi Ron. Most phones automatically configure mobile data service once the right SIM card is inserted. If you have a GSM device and mobile data does not work automatically when you insert your SIM card, there must be a problem either with your device or your carrier that prevent this service from working. Because device settings vary by carrier, we strongly recommend that you continue working with Tracfone to resolve your issue.

Keep in mind that mobile data access may not be available in some locations. Since mobile data require your network’s signal to work, the simplest way for you to know if you’ll have internet access via mobile data is by checking the signal bars. If 4G or 4G signals are weak (showing only 1 or 2 bars), mobile data service may be slow or non-existent at all. Contact your carrier and see if they have good service where you are.

Since your phone can access mobile data in one area but not in others, the most likely reason for your trouble is poor signal quality. Unfortunately, there’s really nothing much that you can do about it. Your carrier may be able to offer some workarounds or remedies though so be sure to ask them for such. For example, some carriers may be able to provide equipment to boost their signal in a home for additional fee. If that’s being offered in your area, it may be the only way for you to have decent mobile data connection.

This is not a phone problem so we can’t help you at all. Again, you should work with your carrier instead to to improve your connectivity experience. If the current carrier can offer a good internet service, consider switching to a different one.

Problem 2: Galaxy S8 internet connection is very slow, keeps switching to roaming mode

My phone is really messed up. I don’t know what is happening. It’s lagging so bad and extremely slow at loading pages on internet. It starts roaming all the time. It will not get 4G LTE anywhere I go. And Straight Talk will not help me. I’ve been going thru this with them for over a few months now and they have not fixed my problem. I’ve also noticed that my phone is getting really hot. It’s absolutely frustrating to talk to them over and over again and again and nothing is accomplished. This phone is horrible. It also keeps saying that I’m in Troy, IL, when I’m in Lockwood, Mo. I pay for the 12GB data and my data is always so slow and never gets signal. I’m losing my mind trying to fix this. Please help. — Tiffanie Miller

Solution: Hi Tiffanie. With such a new and powerful phone, lag should never be an issue unless there’s something that causes it to. Since you’re experiencing a number of issues at once, we suggest that you do a factory reset at once. This will force the phone to return all software settings to their known working defaults and delete apps that may be causing some problems. Here’s how to do that:

1. Back up data on the internal memory. You can use Smart Switch to create a copy of your irreplaceable files. If you have signed into a Google account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Google credentials to finish the Master reset.
2. Turn off the device.
3. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
4. When the Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
5. Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.
6. Press Power button to select.
7. Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
8. Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
9. When the master reset is complete,Reboot system now is highlighted.
10. Press the Power key to restart the device.

Now that you’ve factory reset the device, the phone is expected to work normally again. Let it run for a few hours without installing anything to confirm. If all the problems you mention here are gone, that means that you have just eliminated the cause. It can be an app, a malicious software (virus), or an operating system glitch (which, unfortunately is beyond your ability to fix). Since you have a new phone here, we don’t think there’s any hardware malfunction issue at all. However, if the problems return after a factory reset and without any apps installed, that can mean there’s a phone issue that we don’t know of. In this case, you’ll want to contact Samsung so your S8 can be repaired or replaced.

Keep in mind that factory reset can only fix the problem if the cause is an app or a bug that has developed over time. If the problems return after installing your apps, that’s a confirmation that one of them is problematic. To identify which one, you should invest time and effort by uninstalling them one by one. Make sure that you let the phone run for some time so you can observe it after every uninstall. This is the only way to know where the problem lies. If you have hundreds of apps, it may take days for you to complete it.

Slow mobile data connection

Since you did not indicate it, we are assuming that you’re referring to your mobile data service when you say that your internet connection is slow. If a factory reset won’t fix the problem, the cause is probably service-related. This means that you will want to talk to your carrier so they take a look into it. You can also refer to our advice for Ron above.

Problem 3: Galaxy S8 not recognizing SD card, how to create a backup

I don’t know why it’s not recognizing my SD card. It says things are on it, however original storage is full so I cannot take anymore pics or get it emptied or removed. I bought a 32GB card. Shouldn’t it be up top in storage? it’s not and i’m sick of Not being able to get apps or pics. Can you help?

Also don’t know how to backup phone on PC.Kies stopped working AND PC doesn’t open a window recognizing phone UGHHH! Went to Developer options. it only says transfer files after I plug cord in and pc, however it NEVER does anything. So upset right now!! — Hippy94

Solution: Hi Hippy94. In a lot of cases where a phone fails to read an SD card, it’s not a phone issue at all but of the latter. To check if that’s the case, try to insert the SD card to another phone and see it can be detected or read. If it can’t by detected by a second device, you should consider reformatting it to see if it can still work normally again.

In creating a backup, Samsung now offers Smart Switch instead of Kies. if you have a computer (Windows or Mac), be sure to install the Smart Switch app to it first. Then do the steps below to back your files up:

1. Open the Smart Switch app on your PC or Mac.
2. Connect your Android device to your computer via USB cable.
3. Make sure your phone is unlocked.
4. On the Smart Switch app click on MORE at the top right.
5. Click Preferences.
6. Click Backup items tab. In this tab, you will be able to customize what items to copy and keep as back up. All items are selected by default by if you want to speed up the copying process, you may want to select the important boxes only.
7. Once you’ve selected what items to include in your backup, click OK. Otherwise, simply click Cancel.
8. Click Backup.
9. Tap Allow on your phone if Smart Switch asks for permission.
10. Once the backup is complete, you get a breakdown of all the data that was successfully backed up. Click OK to finish.

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