Common Samsung Galaxy S20 Problems and How to Fix Them


    Even today, the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are three very powerful smartphones. They boast muscular processors, highly versatile cameras, and delicious screens. That said, even the most exceptional new releases come with a collection of bugs, issues, and problems. If you’re staring at your Galaxy S20, wishing it would function as it should, then continue reading as we explain simple fixes to some of the most common problems that you might experience with the new Galaxy lineup.

    Issue: Galaxy S20 WiFi doesn’t work properly

    Samsung Galaxy S20 Selfie Cam
    Andy Boxall/DigitalTrends.com

    Some users have complained that their S20 Ultra has Wi-Fi connectivity issues, often failing to download web pages and content even though the phone indicates that it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network. Updating to Android 11 appears to create this problem, while other users have noted it for the other phones in the S20 series.

    One fix proposed in the Samsung Community forum is to go to Settings > Location > Google Location Accuracy Off. Taking this route can solve most occurrences of this issue, although your best bet is to check for a new software update and download/install it.

    Also, one solution for a similar problem with the Galaxy 10e is to wipe the cache partition on your phone (our article on Android’s recovery mode explains how to do this). This may be worth trying if the two steps above don’t work. It’s also worth resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General Setting > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

    Issue: Galaxy S20 Ultra screen displays a green tint

    Green Tint on Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra screen
    Ram_Nunna

    After Samsung’s April 2020 update, a few Galaxy S20 Ultra users have pointed out that their screens display a green tint. One user posted a photo, revealing how severe the issue could manifest. The problem seems most prevalent when the display’s refresh rate is at 120Hz and brightness drops below 30%. Samsung has begun to roll out a firmware update (version G98xBXXU1ATD3) to affected devices. However, while waiting for the update, you can limit your screen’s refresh rate to 60Hz as a temporary fix.

    1. Open the Settings app on your device.
    2. Scroll down to Display.
    3. Select Motion Smoothness.
    4. Select the lower 60Hz Refresh Rate.
    5. Tap Apply.

    Problem: Always-on display constantly waking device

    Riley Young / Digital Trends

    The Samsung Galaxy S20 features a screen that will automatically wake when lifted. If you find your device waking up when it isn’t supposed to, such as in your pocket or backpack, you may wish to disable this feature. Alternatively, if the function doesn’t switch on when you want it, you may want to make sure it is enabled. Check the current settings by following these steps:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Advanced Features
    3. Select Motions and gestures
    4. Next, enable or disable the Lift to wake function

    Issue: Fingerprint scanner not recognizing fingerprints

    If you are having an issue with the fingerprint scanner on your device, first be sure that you have removed the included plastic screen protector as it may cause problems. If you have already removed the protector, begin by cleaning the glass on your screen, then, if necessary, re-register your fingerprint using the instructions provided below. Be sure to move your finger around slightly when registering a print so the S20 can recognize it from different angles.

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Biometrics and security
    3. Select Fingerprints
    4. Enter your current security code
    5. Next, delete any old fingerprints
    6. Re-register your fingerprints with Add fingerprint

    Bug: Camera not autofocusing properly

    Riley Young / Digital Trends

    Having issues with your Galaxy S20 camera? You aren’t alone, but all you may need is a quick update. When the Galaxy S20 line of smartphones was released, customers reported issues with autofocus, but the company has now released an update. Follow these steps to update your S20 to the latest version of Samsung software:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Software update
    3. Select Download and install
    4. If a new update is available, your device will obtain it

    Problem: Accidentally launching apps or edge panels

    As smartphones grow more substantial, our hands seem to touch them accidentally increasingly; the Samsung Galaxy’s S20 Ultra and its 6.9-inch screen is no exception. If you find edge panels or apps opening because of accidental touches, Samsung includes a feature to prevent these mistakes from being detected. Follow these steps:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Display
    3. Enable the Accidental touch protection toggle

    Issue: Battery life depleting faster than expected

    John Velasco / Digital Trends

    All of Samsung’s latest smartphone sport larger batteries than ever before, but with new features on board, it can seem as though their juices are draining just as fast. Check the status of your battery by heading to the Battery Usage graph located in the Settings app under Device Maintenance, then the Battery option. Check to see which of your apps is having the most significant effect. If you are losing a lot of battery due to the Always On Display, follow the steps below to disable it:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Lock screen
    3. Tap to disable Always On Display

    Alternatively, you can reduce the display’s refresh rate from 120Hz down to 60Hz, sacrificing smoother animations in the attempt to increase battery life — again, follow the steps below:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Display
    3. Select Motion Smoothness
    4. Select the lower 60Hz refresh rate
    5. Tap Apply

    Bug: Unable to acquire GPS lock in maps and other apps

    With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S20, individuals immediately began complaining of issues with the GPS in their device. Luckily, Samsung has acknowledged the issue and has already issued a fix in a recent update. Follow these steps to update your S20 to the latest version of Samsung software:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Software update
    3. Select Download and install
    4. If a new update is available, your device will obtain it

    Problem: Bluetooth devices not connecting properly

    Sometimes it seems as though no matter how far we advance smartphone technology, Bluetooth continues to have its hiccups. If you’re expensing issues with Bluetooth on your Galaxy S20, begin by simply toggling the setting off then back on again. Otherwise, follow these steps to reset your Bluetooth cache, while clearing out any existing devices:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to Apps
    3. Find the Bluetooth app and select it
    4. Tap Clear Cache

    Problem: Galaxy S20 doesn’t respond to troubleshooting

    Samsung Galaxy S20 held in hand
    John Velasco / Digital Trends

    In some cases, you may need to perform a full factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S20. If all other options seem to fail, wiping a device clean to its factory settings might solve your issue. Note that a factory reset is not a guarantee that a problem will be fixed and is best used to deal with unsolved software issues.

    It is critical to make sure that your data is fully backed up before proceeding with a factory reset. All data will be lost from your smartphone, including but not limited to text messages, photos, videos, and application data. To perform a factory reset in an attempt to solve your issue, follow these instructions:

    1. Open the Settings app on your device
    2. Scroll down to General management
    3. Tap the Reset option
    4. Next, tap Factory data reset
    5. Scroll down and press the Reset button
    6. Confirm your passcode, then tap Delete all

    General tip: Contact Samsung customer support

    Sometimes even the best of us need to ask for help, especially if your device requires hardware or warranty support. If your specific Galaxy S20 problem isn’t on our list, or the provided solutions weren’t successful, the next best action may be to contact the manufacturer directly. You can contact Samsung via online chat, telephone, or in person at a Samsung store.

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