There’s a lot of possible bugs that can happen on any Android device after an update. In this troubleshooting article, we cover a rather uncommon issue as reported by a #GalaxyS8 user. We also answer how to fix a Facebook app crashing issue that has become common for several days now.
Problem #1: Galaxy S8 sensors stopped working after Android update
All the sensors stopped working since the last software update 3 days back.(Only fingerprint works). I already had oreo running a couple of months without a single issue. But now this happened. I have the international version (SM G950FD). My friend experienced the same issue recently on his s8 plus after updating software. Can you help me to fix this issue, would mean a lot. I am from Sri Lanka. — Tharishka Kumarasiri
Solution: Hi Tharishka. We don’t know what sensors you are referring to here but you should try our four suggestions below.
Wipe the cache partition
The first casualty of update gone wrong is usually the system cache. We’ve already seen a lot of devices having all sorts of issues due to a bad system cache before so be sure you refresh it. If you haven’t tried it yet, here are the steps on how to clear the cache partition, which should refresh the system cache:
- Turn off the device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
- 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).
- Press the Volume down key to highlight “wipe cache partition.”
- Press the Power key to select.
- Press the Volume down key to highlight “yes” and press the Power key to select.
- When the wipe cache partition is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
- Press the Power key to restart the device.
- Wirelessly charge your S8 and check for the problem.
Install app updates
Sometimes, Android updates may seem to cause problems but the truth is, another app may actually be the reason behind it. This situation can happen since an Android update does not necessarily mean apps, especially third party ones, are updated as well. To minimize chances of incompatibility issues, make sure that all apps are updated right after you install a system update. If you haven’t done that yet, make sure to do these steps:
- Open Play Store app.
- Tap More settings at the upper right.
- Tap My apps & games.
- Tap UPDATE ALL button if you have multiple updates.
- Make sure to always keep all apps up-to-date in order to minimize the chance of another app causing problems in the system.
If you have apps installed outside of the Play Store, make sure that they are compatible with the current Android version you have. Talk to the app’s developer if you can’t figure out a way to update the app.
Observe in safe mode
As mentioned above, apps can also cause problems after an update, especially if you have one that’s not compatible or optimized to work with a new Android version. There are two types of apps in your device — preinstalled and third party. To check if one of your third party apps may be blocking the sensors or if it’s interfering with the operating system, you need to restart the phone to safe mode.
Safe mode blocks third party apps from running so if your device’s sensors work as they should in this mode, that’s a clear indication that you have a bad app situation.
To boot your S8 to safe mode:
- Turn the device off.
- Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen.
- When “SAMSUNG” 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.
- Open Facebook app and see how it works. To know if there’s a difference, use Facebook app for a few hours.
To identify which of your apps is causing the trouble, you should boot the phone back to safe mode and follow these steps:
- Boot to safe mode.
- Check for the problem.
- Once you’ve confirmed that a third party app is to blame, you can start uninstalling apps individually. We suggest that you begin with the most recent ones you added.
- After you uninstall an app, restart the phone to normal mode and check for the problem.
- If your S8 is still problematic, repeat steps 1-4.
Factory reset
Finally, if the issue continues even after doing all the steps above, you should seriously consider wiping the device. It’s tedious for sure but it has the highest chance of fixing the issue and letting you know if the problem is software-related or not.
Remember, factory reset will wipe all user data so be sure to back them up ahead of time.
Once you’ve created a backup, follow these steps to factory reset your S8:
- 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.
Get professional support
Don’t forget, there’s only so much that you can do when it comes to fixing Android issues. If your problem remains even when you’ve already factory reset the device, you can assume there’s no fix at your level. You should contact Samsung and let them figure out the cause behind the trouble. It may be a coding issue or a hardware malfunction or both.
Problem #2: Galaxy S9 Facebook app keeps stopping
I bought the Galaxy S8 about 6 months ago and I am having trouble with the Facebook app which keeps stopping. I have gone through all the steps including the reboot and reset and it is still not working. It was only in the few days beforehand that I used the app regularly as before that I would have always logged out after use. I was at work a few days ago when, after using a different app, my phone made a strange static-like noise which I had never heard before. Has anyone experienced similar problems? — Conor
Solution: Hi Conor. We’ve been getting a lot of reports lately about Facebook app crashing and already written an article on how to fix it. Kindly visit this page for a resolution:
How to fix Galaxy S9 Plus “Facebook has stopped” bug [troubleshooting guide]
Problem #3: Plants vs. Zombies game won’t play on Galaxy S8
I can’t play the game “plants vs zombie” any version. i can installed in my phone however, when i open the game show as “reset app” and stop the game. How should i do, i have already test in other phone can play this application. Help me please! I have download many version of this game. But is not work… Other game can play…plants vs zombie game only. — Nge nge
Solution: Hi Nge nge. When it comes to an issue like this, the best people that can help you should be the app developers. If you are referring to this Plants vs. Zombies game, the only reason that we can think of why it won’t work on your phone may be because your device is rooted or running an unofficial firmware. We can confirm that it runs and works fine on two Galaxy S8 devices (both unrooted and running official Samsung firmware). If your S8 is not rooted and has official Samsung firmware all along, contact the developer for support. You can use the support details found in the Play Store download page of this app.