Hello Android Fans! This troubleshooting article will address some issues reported for the #GalaxyNote8. The main topic that we would like to answer is regarding Hello Google feature. Many Note8 users are reporting that the feature sometimes fail to heed commands or voice inputs. If you’re one of those looking for ideas how to rectify this voice assistant, check our solutions below.
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.
Problem #1: What to do if Galaxy Note8 won’t install updates
My Note 8 won’t install software updates. It says something along the lines of ‘Unable to install update. The downloaded file is invalid. Try again later.’ I tried it several times before finally doing the wipe cache partition, update using smart switch, and a factory reset but it still failed to update. Are there any reasons why it’s happening to my phone? My internet connection seems fine so I don’t think that’s an issue.
Solution: One of the reasons for devices failing to download or install a system update is incompatibility. This happens if a carrier-branded device is used in another network different from the one it was originally built for. For example, using a T-Mobile Note8 in AT&T network prevents the phone from installing or even getting an update notifications. Carrier-specific firmware can cause problems when installed in a device it’s not supposed to be installed in the first place. If this is your case, the only way to install the latest Android version to your phone is via manual means — by flashing it.
If your Note8 is part of your carrier subscription plan (provided by your current carrier), there may be a bug that blocks the update from being installed. Make sure to report the issue to your carrier so they can either fix it via a patch, or replace the unit entirely.
Problem #2: Galaxy Note8 Anti-theft feature is missing
Hello Team. I have recently purchased new Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in United Arab Emirates country. I have setup the mobile with all the details and have added security lock features too. I know that there is anti theft password option when we turn off the phone as it will prompt to type the password. On my Note 8 I don’t see that option coming while I power off my phone. I have removed and added my Google account thrice but still no luck. Can you please check and advise.
Solution: Samsung’s Anti-theft feature is set up automatically when you add a verified Google account to the phone. It’s also activated automatically if you add a Pattern, Pin, Password, Fingerprint or Iris lock to the device. So, what you’re missing is actually not missing at all. It’s already there.
To sign out of your Google ID:
- From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
- Tap Settings > Cloud and accounts.
- Tap Accounts.
- Tap Google.
- Tap on your Google ID email address if multiple accounts are setup. If you have multiple accounts setup, you will need to repeat these steps for each account.
- Tap 3 dot icon.
- Tap Remove account.
- Tap REMOVE ACCOUNT.
If you want to turn off anti-theft to check, sign out of your Google ID and make sure not to sign in to any Google services.
Again, anti-theft feature is not something that you need to enable separately. It is activated in together with your Google device security.
Problem #3: How to fix Galaxy Note8 Hello Google issue: Hello Google not following voice instruction
Samsung Note 8. I say “Hello Google” and the appropriate screen comes up. I say “Send SMS to Marie Do you need anything from the store?” Marie is my wife. This worked yesterday. Today I get a message “Sorry, I can’t send emails from this account.” I have replaced SMS with “message” and “text”. I’ve rebooted my phone. It doesn’t have a replaceable battery, so I cannot take it out for 10 seconds.
Solution: To force reboot your Note8, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons for approximately 10 seconds or until the device power cycles. Allow several seconds for the Maintenance Boot Mode screen to appear.
- From the Maintenance Boot Mode screen, select Normal Boot. You can use the volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the lower left button (below the volume buttons) to select. Wait for up to 90 seconds for the reset to complete.
Force reboot is the equivalent of disconnecting the battery from the device in order to restart it.
If the problem is not fixed by doing a reboot, try wiping the cache and data of Google apps and services like:
- the main Google app,
- Google Services Framework,
- Voice Service, and
- Voice Service Framework.
Below are the steps on how to delete the data of an app:
- Open Settings app.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap on More settings at the upper right (three-dot icon).
- Select Show system apps.
- Find and tap your app.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap Clear Data button.
- Restart your S9 and check for the problem.
If both solutions fail to resolve the issue, you can also wipe the phone and return all software information back to their defaults.
To factory reset your Note8:
- Create a backup of your files.
- Turn off the device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
- When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
- Press the Volume down key several times to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset’.
- Press Power button to select.
- Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
- Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
- When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
- Press the Power key to restart the device.