I want to start this off with a quick thanks to those of you who repeatedly give updates to this thread. This captivate is my first smartphone and this has been a very aggravating issue that I'm just starting to tackle. I bought my phone on vacation in Ohio (8/20), and the closest AT&T store here in AZ is about an hour away so I would like to minimize the number of trips I have to make there.
It has been 10 days. This auto-off problem seems to be progressive to me. No incidents for the first few days, one or two over most of the next week, and in the last 48 hours it has shut off over 15 times with a concentration up to 5 times in one hour after I got off work today.
It has shut off shortly after disconnecting charger almost every time it gets plugged in. I have not had it power down with a charger plugged in, and so I ignore the message to unplug it if I'm relying on an alarm. It also turns off at random many other times.
I have gone somewhat crazy on downloading apps (making up for lost time), and am clinging to the prospect that these don't have anything to do with the issue.
I have just now altered the settings as suggested by Jack45. Power saving off, wifi sleep off, and auto-sleep set to max time so as to turn the display off by my button press every time. O, and I'm crossing my fingers.
I have a couple questions about the return/exchange process for those who have gone through it one or more times. From reading the thread it seems to be a 30 day window for store exchange. Does that renew every time you do an exchange? One post suggested that and it would seem appropriate. If you miss that window, what are the other options? Has anyone exchanged their phone at a different store location than the one you purchased it from?
I'll be tuned in. Thanks Jack45 and others for keeping us posted.
Welcome! Sorry about your problem, but if it continues exchange it ASAP. It's worth the drive to get a unit that is trouble-free. Plus, you can spend the time bonding with a manager or assistant manager. I hope he/she has an empathy gene and is willing to work with you should you need more time. Humble yourself but, of course, not to the point of grovelling. Only you will be able to determine what approach is most effective.
I have absolutely no idea whether my suggestions are worthy of any credit. It's very possible that I simply got a phone that doesn't have the problem (third time was the charm).
I don't believe the 30 day window auto-renews. I have been able to create the additional buffer - again, because of zeroing in on a helpful store decision-maker. Fortunately my exchanges occurred within the first 30 days so I haven't had to test the relationship.
If you miss the window I was told that AT&T warranty folks
may direct you back to the store for another exchange if it's soon after the 30 days. The other alternative would be for warranty to send you another unit. The sooner the better if you have an aversion to refurbs. That said, some people believe in refurbs as they supposedly have been looked after with greater care by repair people. Who knows.
Regarding exchanging at a different store...for sure. As long as it's an AT&T corporate store. If you have more than one store in the radius of your one hour trip seek out a "friendly." Once again, not a salesperson but an assistant manager / manager.
In summary. Don't wait...exchange if my "tips" fail to work for you. And, most importantly, begin relationship-building in earnest. As silly as it may sound, dress well. Human nature dictates that clothes do make the man. Is it a game? Sure...but why not play it the best way you can?
I will say that having a unit that doesn't shut down randomly is a great feeling. Something for you to look forward to.
Keep us in the loop.
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