Hide tags are now fixed! You should now see the guide as it was written!
Hi guys and gals!
I am building a FAQ-style thread to reference the more common questions revolving around our new device, in an effort to cut down on repeat questions. If you wish to contribute, by all means, please do! I ask that we keep the replies in this thread relevant. As much as I would appreciate people posting how useful this is, I would like to keep the clutter to a minimum. The format will be: 1) The question 2) the answer and 3) the source thread (if applicable).
Let's begin!
This is a forum-member generated FAQ to help people solve issues with their phones. The most commonly asked questions are highlighted in RED.
General help and information sources:
Generic Troubleshooting Steps:
Section 1 - Switching to the Galaxy S3 from a previous phone?
1.01) How do I transfer stuff from my old phone to my new Galaxy S3?
1.01a) Need to transfer your contacts and calendar information?
1.02) I have another Android device with Google Authenticator, how do I move it?
Section 2 - General Galaxy S3 issues:
2.00) What is the difference between the International version and the North America version?
2.01) What are some battery saving tips?
2.02) The Talkback feature, how to I enable/disable it?
2.03) I'm having trouble with SmartStay!
2.04) What is the "1" on my weather widget?
2.05) I want to move from iTunes to having my music on the Galaxy S3
2.06) I can't move apps to SD!
2.08) Is the 16 GB going to be too small for apps and things?
2.07) My device keeps vibrating when playing audio
2.08) Can I use a generic MHL connector?
2.09) My Galaxy S3 cannot see the 5 GHz Wifi channel!
2.10) My Galaxy S3 WiFi drops out or runs slow
2.11) What is AllShare?
2.12) I keep getting random notifications!
2.13) Google Wallet says I need to update, but I did!
2.14) I keep getting odd messages in my notification bar
2.15) My wifi keeps turning on!
2.16) Bluetooth in my car doesn't work when I have a line out plugged in!
2.17) There seems to be some lag when I push the home key or change homescreens!
Hi guys and gals!
I am building a FAQ-style thread to reference the more common questions revolving around our new device, in an effort to cut down on repeat questions. If you wish to contribute, by all means, please do! I ask that we keep the replies in this thread relevant. As much as I would appreciate people posting how useful this is, I would like to keep the clutter to a minimum. The format will be: 1) The question 2) the answer and 3) the source thread (if applicable).
Let's begin!
This is a forum-member generated FAQ to help people solve issues with their phones. The most commonly asked questions are highlighted in RED.
General help and information sources:
1) Samsung's Official page
2) http://androidforums.com/android-ap...explained-security-tips-avoiding-malware.html - Something every Android user should read.
3) http://androidforums.com/faqs/535180-general-android-phone-faq-updated-21st-may-2012-a.html
4) 2-step verification, protect your Google account with another layer of security!
5) http://androidforums.com/android-applications/335110-why-you-dont-need-task-killer.html. If that was hard to follow, here's a thread with multiple references with why they unnecessary.
2) http://androidforums.com/android-ap...explained-security-tips-avoiding-malware.html - Something every Android user should read.
3) http://androidforums.com/faqs/535180-general-android-phone-faq-updated-21st-may-2012-a.html
4) 2-step verification, protect your Google account with another layer of security!
5) http://androidforums.com/android-applications/335110-why-you-dont-need-task-killer.html. If that was hard to follow, here's a thread with multiple references with why they unnecessary.
Generic Troubleshooting Steps:
1) See if your issue is covered in this FAQ. A plethora of topics are covered here and will be covered in the future as issues arise. Your contribution is also welcomed.
2) Toggle off then toggle on the feature that is not working. If it is an app, exit out of it and reload it. You may have to clear data on it to get it to work. To do this, open the app tray and then go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications. You may have to switch tabs to find the application you're looking for. Then push Clear Data. Then try the app again.
3) Try pulling the battery out of the unit for at least 30 seconds, but 60+ seconds is recommended.
4) If you downloaded the app, try to re-install it.
5) Hard reset the phone. In open the app tray and then go to Settings > Settings > SD & phone > Factory reset.
2) Toggle off then toggle on the feature that is not working. If it is an app, exit out of it and reload it. You may have to clear data on it to get it to work. To do this, open the app tray and then go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications. You may have to switch tabs to find the application you're looking for. Then push Clear Data. Then try the app again.
3) Try pulling the battery out of the unit for at least 30 seconds, but 60+ seconds is recommended.
4) If you downloaded the app, try to re-install it.
5) Hard reset the phone. In open the app tray and then go to Settings > Settings > SD & phone > Factory reset.
Section 1 - Switching to the Galaxy S3 from a previous phone?
1.01) How do I transfer stuff from my old phone to my new Galaxy S3?
There are many ways.
Connect a USB cable to your old phone and transfer files from it using the USB Mass Storage Mode, which is standard on most Android devices and may exist on other platforms. You will have to download the files you wish to transfer to your harddrive. I would recommend a new folder. You can copy all the files, but you don't have to. When all the files are transferred over, you can remove the USB cable and attach the cable to your Galaxy S3 and transfer your files back over.
Using Bluetooth: Most phones have a Bluetooth connectivity option. To do this, you have to find the Bluetooth connectivity option. Where the setting is will vary depending. I am using a Samsung Reality (SCH-u820) for this walkthrough. There should be some sort of menu or settings option that will list Bluetooth. Now, make sure Bluetooth is on and make the device Discoverable. Now to go your Galaxy S3 and open the app tray and then go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Bluetooth settings. Check on Bluetooth and then "Scan for devices". You may have to put your old phone back into discover mode, because discover mode times out for security and battery purposes. Your two devices should appear and you have to follow the prompts to pair them. This may include entering in a code. Now you can select your Galaxy S3 on your old phone and send files, contacts, and whatever else you need to send.
Connect a USB cable to your old phone and transfer files from it using the USB Mass Storage Mode, which is standard on most Android devices and may exist on other platforms. You will have to download the files you wish to transfer to your harddrive. I would recommend a new folder. You can copy all the files, but you don't have to. When all the files are transferred over, you can remove the USB cable and attach the cable to your Galaxy S3 and transfer your files back over.
Using Bluetooth: Most phones have a Bluetooth connectivity option. To do this, you have to find the Bluetooth connectivity option. Where the setting is will vary depending. I am using a Samsung Reality (SCH-u820) for this walkthrough. There should be some sort of menu or settings option that will list Bluetooth. Now, make sure Bluetooth is on and make the device Discoverable. Now to go your Galaxy S3 and open the app tray and then go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Bluetooth settings. Check on Bluetooth and then "Scan for devices". You may have to put your old phone back into discover mode, because discover mode times out for security and battery purposes. Your two devices should appear and you have to follow the prompts to pair them. This may include entering in a code. Now you can select your Galaxy S3 on your old phone and send files, contacts, and whatever else you need to send.
Coming from another Android device? Just log in with your Google account and all of your contacts should sync automatically during the setup, according to the check boxes you select when setting up your device.
Coming from a device that is not an Android?
Welcome to Android!
First try to transfer your contacts using the Transfer app that is on the Galaxy S3. If your device isn't supported:
Most phones have a Bluetooth connectivity option. To do this, you have to find the Bluetooth connectivity option. Where the setting is will vary depending. I am using a Samsung Reality (SCH-u820) for this walkthrough. There should be some sort of menu or settings option that will list Bluetooth. Now, make sure Bluetooth is on and make the device Discoverable. Now to go your Galaxy S3 and go to Menu (button) > Settings > Wireless & networks > Bluetooth settings. Check on Bluetooth and then "Scan for devices". You may have to put your old phone back into discover mode, because discover mode times out for security and battery purposes. Your two devices should appear and you have to follow the prompts to pair them. This may include entering in a code. Now you can select your Galaxy S3 on your old phone and send files, contacts, and whatever else you need to send.
The second option is to transfer contacts via microSD card. Most phones have a microSD card. You can export your contacts to the SD card. Now, turn off both devices. Take the SD card out of your Galaxy S3 and put it to the side. The SD card is in the battery compartment and you have to remove the battery before you can remove the SD card. Put the SD card from your old phone in the SD card slot and boot the phone. Now you need a file browser to view files on your SD card. I recommend ES File Explorer. Find your contacts (probably at the bottom of the list) and open them. The phone will save your contacts. Now, turn off your phone and swap the SD cards back and reboot your phone. I recommmend you sync your phone with Backup Assistant.
Coming from a device that is not an Android?
Welcome to Android!
First try to transfer your contacts using the Transfer app that is on the Galaxy S3. If your device isn't supported:
Most phones have a Bluetooth connectivity option. To do this, you have to find the Bluetooth connectivity option. Where the setting is will vary depending. I am using a Samsung Reality (SCH-u820) for this walkthrough. There should be some sort of menu or settings option that will list Bluetooth. Now, make sure Bluetooth is on and make the device Discoverable. Now to go your Galaxy S3 and go to Menu (button) > Settings > Wireless & networks > Bluetooth settings. Check on Bluetooth and then "Scan for devices". You may have to put your old phone back into discover mode, because discover mode times out for security and battery purposes. Your two devices should appear and you have to follow the prompts to pair them. This may include entering in a code. Now you can select your Galaxy S3 on your old phone and send files, contacts, and whatever else you need to send.
The second option is to transfer contacts via microSD card. Most phones have a microSD card. You can export your contacts to the SD card. Now, turn off both devices. Take the SD card out of your Galaxy S3 and put it to the side. The SD card is in the battery compartment and you have to remove the battery before you can remove the SD card. Put the SD card from your old phone in the SD card slot and boot the phone. Now you need a file browser to view files on your SD card. I recommend ES File Explorer. Find your contacts (probably at the bottom of the list) and open them. The phone will save your contacts. Now, turn off your phone and swap the SD cards back and reboot your phone. I recommmend you sync your phone with Backup Assistant.
You have to configure it to work with your new device. Go to your 2 step authorization settings in Gmail, remove your old device and add your new one. It only takes a few minutes.
2.00) What is the difference between the International version and the North America version?
The International has a Quad-Core Exynos processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, and no LTE capabilities. It is a GSM phone.
The North American version has a Dual-Core Krait (S4 Snapdragon) processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, and LTE capabilities. Both GSM and CDMA versions exist.
The North American version has a Dual-Core Krait (S4 Snapdragon) processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, and LTE capabilities. Both GSM and CDMA versions exist.
There are a number of battery saving options for the Galaxy S3.
There is a power saving mode in Settings. It lists a number of options to change the way your Galaxy S3 operates in order to reduce power consumption. Like remove haptic feedback and change color configurations so that the display uses less power. Brightness and Color in the Display option also has multiple power saving modes.
There is also this great thread by matttye: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/563008-battery-saving-tip-really-works.html
There is a power saving mode in Settings. It lists a number of options to change the way your Galaxy S3 operates in order to reduce power consumption. Like remove haptic feedback and change color configurations so that the display uses less power. Brightness and Color in the Display option also has multiple power saving modes.
There is also this great thread by matttye: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/563008-battery-saving-tip-really-works.html
First take a look at Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack to make sure it's set the way you want it.
If you want to simply disable it and the first option was unsuccessful, you could try to disable Google's TTS (Text to Speech) feature. You will find this by going to Settings > Apps > All > Google TTS Engine.
If that does not improve your experience, or you want another alternative to look for, then check other features in the Accessibility section. Some have noted that LiteFlow (an LED control app) has interfered with proper TalkBack operation. Others have noted it is an Ice Cream Sandwich bug.
Thanks to all of the people who have participated in these threads:
http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...help-s3-saying-everything-i-do-aaarrgghh.html
http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/564374-sgs3-talkback-freaked-me-out.html
If you want to simply disable it and the first option was unsuccessful, you could try to disable Google's TTS (Text to Speech) feature. You will find this by going to Settings > Apps > All > Google TTS Engine.
If that does not improve your experience, or you want another alternative to look for, then check other features in the Accessibility section. Some have noted that LiteFlow (an LED control app) has interfered with proper TalkBack operation. Others have noted it is an Ice Cream Sandwich bug.
Thanks to all of the people who have participated in these threads:
http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...help-s3-saying-everything-i-do-aaarrgghh.html
http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/564374-sgs3-talkback-freaked-me-out.html
The Eye icon will only appear in the notification bar for a second when the phone's time out would have normally started to dim the display. So, if you set the screen to time out for a minute, after a minute of inactivity, SmartStay will check to see if you're looking at it and will keep your display active if it detects you are. The eye icon will not be on all the time.
If it's not working for you properly, here are some things to consider:
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/561706-smart-stay-feature-not-working.html
If it's not working for you properly, here are some things to consider:
- SmartStay should be off by default. If you want to enable it, please go to Settings and enable it (Specifically how is coming soon)
- SmartStay has difficulty operating if you are in a poorly lit area.
- Corrective glasses will not affect operation, sunglasses will.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/561706-smart-stay-feature-not-working.html
The consensus is that it indicates that you are in daylight savings time.
Thanks to everyone who contributed in http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/560354-number-1-weather-widget.html
Thanks to everyone who contributed in http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/560354-number-1-weather-widget.html
There are a number of tools to do this. Most of them are listed in here: http://androidforums.com/android-media/139655-how-sync-itunes-android.html
It's because the Galaxy S3 utilizes a larger internal memory than typical smartphones to install apps. Installing apps to SD card should be a thing of the past now, at least it will be with our Galaxy S3s as it is unnecessary.
Thanks to NZtechfreak!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/557964-apps-cannot-moved-sd-card.html
Thanks to NZtechfreak!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/557964-apps-cannot-moved-sd-card.html
Ok, I hope this will help those of you with anxiety of getting a 16 GB and thinking it will be too small. I have a 32 GB tablet. I have 235 apps downloaded and installed on it. Here's the proof:
So, if I moved my NANDroid backups to a SD card, I would have 16 GB free. So, we can deduce that if I have over 16 GB free on a 32 GB device, I could then fit all of my 235 apps onto a 16 GB device, assuming similar amounts of space are given to /system and other partitions. Even if it doesn't exactly fit all of them, you could still get over 200 apps and have some of them be Gameloft games. As per my picture, I was using less than 2.5 GB for apps.
Oh, and for those of you who don't know: /data is where your apps are kept. /system/apps is where the system apps are kept, so the 235 tally does not include apps that I did not download. NANDroids are backup of entire system and data files of a device. Rooters use these to back up their system so they can modify things and not worry about screwing something up, so those can be moved to the SD card without any impact.
Hope this helps
BTW, the app used for this is Disk Usage
Thanks to me!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...ase-date-discussion-thread-3.html#post4521580

So, if I moved my NANDroid backups to a SD card, I would have 16 GB free. So, we can deduce that if I have over 16 GB free on a 32 GB device, I could then fit all of my 235 apps onto a 16 GB device, assuming similar amounts of space are given to /system and other partitions. Even if it doesn't exactly fit all of them, you could still get over 200 apps and have some of them be Gameloft games. As per my picture, I was using less than 2.5 GB for apps.
Oh, and for those of you who don't know: /data is where your apps are kept. /system/apps is where the system apps are kept, so the 235 tally does not include apps that I did not download. NANDroids are backup of entire system and data files of a device. Rooters use these to back up their system so they can modify things and not worry about screwing something up, so those can be moved to the SD card without any impact.
Hope this helps

BTW, the app used for this is Disk Usage
Thanks to me!

Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...ase-date-discussion-thread-3.html#post4521580
Typically these music/audio apps have an "auto-haptic" feature that needs to be disabled in the sounds settings for the S3.
Thanks to multiple people in these threads: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...-galaxy-s3-vibrating-headphones-plugged.html; http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/564196-sgs3-haptic-buzzing-when-audible-app-plays.html
Thanks to multiple people in these threads: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...-galaxy-s3-vibrating-headphones-plugged.html; http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/564196-sgs3-haptic-buzzing-when-audible-app-plays.html
Unfortunately, no, you must buy the official Samsung MHL cable.
Thanks to NZtechfreak!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/557353-non-s3-official-mhl-adapters-not-working.html
Thanks to NZtechfreak!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/557353-non-s3-official-mhl-adapters-not-working.html
Try changing the channel on the 5 GHz band.
Thanks to matttye for the solution!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...alaxy-s-iii-gt-i9300-5-ghz-wifi-problems.html
Something that Android Forums user Covart suggested is that cordless phones also use the 5 GHz range and may be conflicting. Try disconnecting/powering them off to see if that causes a conflict. If it does, then you should change the channel again, to avoid the phone's interference.
Thanks to matttye for the solution!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...alaxy-s-iii-gt-i9300-5-ghz-wifi-problems.html
Something that Android Forums user Covart suggested is that cordless phones also use the 5 GHz range and may be conflicting. Try disconnecting/powering them off to see if that causes a conflict. If it does, then you should change the channel again, to avoid the phone's interference.
AF User AeroSign found a post over on XDA that shows how to disable Wifi Power Save mode, and found it to be the problem:
Thanks to AeroSign and Muskstick (from XDA) for the solution!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/566171-wifi-issues-disconnects-etc-fixed-me.html
Basically what user 'Muskstick' suggests is going into service mode (*#0011#), hit menu button, select wifi and disable the power save mode
Thanks to AeroSign and Muskstick (from XDA) for the solution!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/566171-wifi-issues-disconnects-etc-fixed-me.html
It's a sharing service that you can wirelessly transfer pictures and other files between your phone and any computer (and some TVs) that are AllShare enabled. For more information, check out the official Samsung page
It's because you have a free app that uses AirPush (or similar) ads. These ads appear in your notification bar, regardless if the app is being used or not. You can detect them with an ad detector and remove the app responsible. You can use this app to detect and remove: Addons Detector
Thanks to Doit2it!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/570030-play-store-sending-notifications.html
Thanks to Doit2it!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/570030-play-store-sending-notifications.html
crow11ad found a solution on another forum:
1) Go to Settings -> System Update -> Update Samsung Software 2) Press "check now" 3) Back out, to Settings -> Application Manager -> Wallet 4) Force stop 5) Try wallet again
Thanks to crow11ad!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/575624-no-google-wallet-after-update.html#post4605075
1) Go to Settings -> System Update -> Update Samsung Software 2) Press "check now" 3) Back out, to Settings -> Application Manager -> Wallet 4) Force stop 5) Try wallet again
Thanks to crow11ad!
Source: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/575624-no-google-wallet-after-update.html#post4605075
This is a form of advertising that uses the notification bar to display ads instead of being in the application itself. To remove it, use Addons Detector to detect what app is giving you the ads and remove it.
It's a feature of the Sprint variant. Go to Settings > (Wireless and network) More settings > Mobile Nettwork > Automatic connections > Uncheck the top option.
You cannot use the headphone jack and bluetooth audio simultaneously on some variants of the Galaxy S3. You can get a USB audio out connector that will use the USB Audio pinouts to do this, though. A car dock like the Infuse 4G will fit the Galaxy S3 and has USB audio out.
I recently got a PM from acjohnson55 saying how to fix this:

Thanks for the submission!acjohnson55 said:Some people have noticed that the S3 can seem laggy, especially when switching apps. This has two main causes: S Voice home button activation and window transitions. When you tap the home button, by default, the phone waits for a possible second tap, which would activate S Voice. If you don't use this feature, turn it off by doing the following:
Open S Voice app -> hit Menu button -> hit Settings -> uncheck "Launch S Voice"
Additionally, the window transition causes a little bit of lag when switching apps. I find this not to be much less significant, but you can disable/reduce it by doing the following:
Go to the launcher -> hit Menu button -> hit Settings -> hit Developer options -> hit Window animation scale -> choose either "Animation is off" or "Animation scale 0.5x"
