Common Android Problems and Fixes

Android smartphones account for the majority of mobile devices in the US. Although Android has many advantages thanks to its flexibility and the fact that there are so many features on offer, users face common problems with their devices due to software continuously dropping network connections, running out of battery, applications crashing, and/or updates not completing successfully. 

This troubleshooting guide will cover the most common issues that Android users experience, discuss the reasons why you are facing issues, and share solutions to fix the problem across all manufacturers. 

Rapid Battery Drain Following Android Software Updates 

Problem 

A large number of Android users in the USA have noticed a “significant” decrease in their smartphone battery life after updating their device to the latest software. Users often comment that they experience the most rapid battery drain when their phone is upgraded to the new Android version, and/or when they upgrade their device to a new One UI version. 

Reasons 

• Re-optimization of background applications following an update 

• New features are running constantly (location services, Bluetooth, AI services) 

• Outdated applications that are no longer compatible with the new version of the operating system 

How to Fix It 

• Restart your mobile device after you perform an update to help with the initial battery drain (many users fail to do this  but it really does help). 

• Check Settings > Battery > Usage for apps that are using the most battery and disable background battery activity on these apps. 

• Make a note of which apps you don’t use often and then turn off all background battery connectivity for those apps. 

• Turn off all continuously running time functions (i.e., Bluetooth scanning, nearby device discovery) for any wireless peripherals that you’re not currently using. 

• Allow a period of “adjustment” time (3-5 days) for your device to learn how to optimally use your battery based on your recent usage. 

Overheating of Android Phones during normal use 

The Issue 

There are many people in the warmer US states (Texas, Florida, AZ/CA) who report their mobile devices overheating when making video calls, playing games, or navigating. 

Reasons 

• High surrounding temperature 

• Heavy apps that require constant use of GPS, streaming or gaming 

• Poor phone signal-requiring the phone to constantly search for network 

Solution 

• Remove thick phone cases when charging or gaming 

• Do not use the phone at the same time it is charging 

• Lower the screen brightness and refresh rate 

• Close out of all open background apps 

• Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data whenever possible 

If after taking these steps the phone continues to overheat, a factory reset and/or battery replacement might be necessary. 

Weak Signal/Dropped Calls  

Problem 

Both dropped calls and weak signal strength continue to be a top complaint of Android users, even in populated metro areas. 

Reason 

• Overcrowded networks in high-density population areas 

• Incorrectly set up network after updates 

• Outdated network settings 

Solutions 

• Toggle Airplane mode off/on for 30 seconds 

• Settings > Network > Reset Network Settings 

• Ensure device has most up-to-date network setting installed 

• Change network mode (5G to LTE temporarily) 

• Call network carrier to confirm network operation in your area 

• Unlocked Android devices need to have APN settings configured manually for optimal performance. 

Apps Crashing or Not Opening 

The Issue  

Certain apps (banking, food delivery service and video streaming) can sometimes freeze and/or will not launch at all.  

Reasons  

• Bad application cache  

• Incompatible application version after you updated the operating system  

• Low available storage space on the device  

• Malfunctioning hardware or components  

Solutions  

• Clear application cache and data  

• Update the application from the Google Playstore   

• Restart your phone  

• Uninstall and reinstall the application  

• Have at least 20% of free storage available on the device  

• Update Android System WebView, especially for crashing all apps.  

Slow Performance and Lag Over Time 

After several months of use, your Android device (especially mid-range and older models) is running sluggishly and/or has delays in the processing of input commands.  

Reasons  

• Accumulated processes running in the background  

• Limited available storage space  

• Old hardware is having trouble keeping up with the newer software present on the device  

Solutions  

• Remove applications and files that are not being used  

• Turn off your Animation from Developer Options  

• Restart your phone once a week  

• Limit widgets to only those that are needed  

• If lagging continues after trying out all other troubleshooting tips, you may have to consider resetting your device to the factory settings.  

Routine maintenance of your device can extend your device’s life and usability for many more months and/or years. 

Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting 

The Issue 

A large number of users in the United States have intermittent WiFi connections in their home networks. This is especially true for those using a mesh router system or equipment provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). 

Reasons 

• The three primary causes of these types of disconnections are as follows:  

• Incompatibility between the router and the devices connected to it.  

• Smart technology that’s enabled on the routers, and/or  

• Out-of-date firmware on the router itself. 

Solutions  

• Forgetting the Wi-Fi Network and reconnecting 

• Disable Switching to Mobile Data or similar settings 

• Power cycling both the router and phone 

• Upgrade the Router Firmware 

• Reset the Network Settings on the Phone 

• If issues continue, contact your ISP for assistance. 

Bluetooth Pairing Issues with Cars and Accessories 

Issue 

Occasionally, Android phones will have difficulty connecting to their car’s stereo system, and at times, they are unable to connect to wireless earbud devices. 

Reasons 

• Old pairing information still exists. 

• The software version is different on the phone and accessory. 

• The Bluetooth versions on both devices are not compatible. 

Resolution 

• Remove the accessory from both Android and the accessory 

• Power off both Android and accessory and then restart 

• Pair the two devices from the beginning as if they were new devices 

• Ensure you are using the most up-to-date version of your Android 

• Reset your Bluetooth settings if the issue persist. If need be. It is common for older model car stereos, to have this issue with the latest versions of Android. 

Storage Full Despite Deleting Files 

The Issue: Users are getting “Storage nearly full” alerts even after removing photos and applications.  

Why It’s Happening: Accumulating cache data, huge media files from messaging apps, and an increase in the size of system files over time.  

Resolution: Built-in storage cleanup tool; either manually clear cache from apps that use a lot of cache; delete old offline content and downloads; back up photos with a cloud storage provider, then delete local copies; and use the Google Files app. 

Phone Not Charging or Charging Slowly 

There are many complaints about the slow charge speed of many devices, especially ones that support fast charging. 

Reasons 

• Damaged cables/adapters 

• Dirty charging port 

• Power consumption by apps running in the background 

Solutions 

• Use original or certified charging accessories. 

• Clean the charging port carefully. 

• Do not charge using a laptop or USB port in the car. 

• Turn the phone off while charging for faster results. 

• If the problem continues then your battery may be deteriorating. 

Android Updates Failing to Install 

The Issue: 

Updates can be unable to download, or they may stop during the download process. 

Reason: 

• Lack of available space 

• Loss of connectivity 

• Corrupted update files 

Solution: 

• Create available space 

• Find a reliable internet connection 

• Try restarting and downloading again 

• Delete the cache for the Google Services Framework 

• If the above steps do not work, please contact the manufacturer’s support team. 

Final Thoughts 

The good thing is that fixing Android problems is very straightforward and can be easily done by users without the need for an expert to do things for them. The way you maintain or update your Android device should also serve to improve its overall functionality and extend its lifespan. 

For users, some common issues include carrier-specific devices, constantly evolving devices, and changing wireless networks, so these common problems will help provide you with a better and more dependable experience with your Android device. 

So, no matter which Android device you own, with the proper care and maintenance of your Android phone, you will continue to get dependable and long-term value from it long after the initial setup is complete. 

FAQs 

References: 

Fix an Android device that’s restarting or crashing

Top 10 Android problems and how to fix them?