Galaxy S20
The Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra are some of the best flagship smartphones you can get your hands on. Unfortunately, these phones are not without their fair share of issues, and these are especially jarring when you dropped more than a thousand dollars on a device. Luckily, software updates and simple workarounds help alleviate some concerns. Here’s a roundup of some Samsung Galaxy S20 series problems, workarounds and fixes, and useful how-to guides.
Problem #1 — Push notification issues
Battery-saving features and aggressive RAM and task management that are baked into every smartphone nowadays are an excellent way to keep the phone running smoothly for as long as possible. However, this can also cause some problems for your Samsung Galaxy S20, particularly with delayed app notifications.
Potential solutions:
If you notice delayed notifications, you will have to ensure that these apps are not on the “battery optimization” list, so they keep running in the background while you need them. There might be a ding in battery life, but that’s worth it to make sure that you don’t miss anything important.
- Go to Apps > Configure apps > Battery optimization > All apps. Find the apps you see this problem with and disable them.
- If you want to make sure that an app keeps running in the background, you can “lock” the app. Open the app. Then launch the Recent Apps page. Tap the app icon and select “keep open for quick launching.” Once done, you can remove it by tapping on the lock icon at the bottom right of the app on the Recents page.
Problem #2 — The refresh rate keeps changing
The Samsung Galaxy S20 series of phones come with impressive 120Hz displays. Something to keep in mind is that not every app supports that high refresh rate though. In this case, the phone automatically switches back and forth between 120Hz and 60Hz (if you have 120Hz selected as default).
The refresh rate will also drop to 60Hz if the device temperature exceeds 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 F). You might find this to be the case after taking a lot of pictures, prolonged gaming sessions, and other processor-intensive activities. Things will be fine once the temperature drops below that threshold. The refresh rate will also drop once the battery level goes below 5%.
Some users have come across an unfortunate bug as well, where the switch doesn’t happen automatically. In most cases, the only option is to go into the display settings and manually set the refresh rate to 120Hz. A software update issued by Samsung addresses this problem, so make sure that you keep the phone updated.
Problem #3 — Problems with Smart Unlock
Some users find that despite having Smart Unlock set up through the Settings menu, the feature doesn’t seem to work most of the time with the location set accurately. This problem occurs when using Smart Unlock based on location, like a home or office.
Potential solutions:
- For some, this problem might have been related to the rampant GPS connection issues the Samsung Galaxy S20 devices faced. This has since been fixed with a software update, so the Smart Unlock feature might work as expected.
- If not, you might be better off setting up a Bixby routine. To do so, go to Settings > Advanced features and tap on Bixby Routines. You will also find a Bixby Routines toggle in the Quick Settings section of the notification dropdown. Tap on the name and not the toggle. Once the page opens, tap on “Details.” You will find “Smart Unlock” on the list of existing presets in the “My routines” section.
Problem #4 — Android Auto issues
Problems with getting Android Auto to work are common across most new smartphones. Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S20s are no different.
Potential solutions:
- You might be running into Android Auto connection issues if you used the Smart Switch feature to set up your new phone. If that’s the case, find the app in the Google Play Store, uninstall it, and download it again.
- You may notice that you don’t see the Android Auto app in your app drawer anymore (also, the reason why you can uninstall it only by finding it in the Play Store). If there’s a problem with app settings, you’ll find them baked into the phone settings. Go to Settings > Google > Device connections > Android Auto. You will find all the settings here.
- This might also be a hardware problem if you find frequent disconnections. Check the cable that you’re using in the car and replace it if needed.
Problem #5 — Random reboots
Quite a few users are facing a problem with their Galaxy S20s randomly restarting. In some cases, it isn’t actually that random and seems to occur every five minutes. For others, this seems to happen every time they unplug wired headphones.
Potential solutions:
- An app might be causing this problem. Boot the phone into Safe Mode (you can find the instructions on how to do so below) and check if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, the cause is a rogue app. Uninstall the most recently updated or installed apps and see if the phone works as expected.
- You can also try wiping the cache partition. The instructions are in the guide below.
- Software updates have fixed this problem for many. If you’re still coming across it though, getting a replacement is probably the best option.
- Go to Settings > Device care > … > Advanced and tap on Disable Auto Restart.
Problem #6: Edge lighting doesn’t work properly
David Imel / Android Authority
Some users find that the edge lighting feature doesn’t work properly. The edge of the screen doesn’t light up as expected when a notification comes in, even with all the settings enabled.
Potential solutions:
- First, make sure that the proper settings are enabled. Go to Settings, search for Edge Lighting, and select Choose Apps. Go through the list and pick the apps you want to receive notifications for. Only the Messages app is selected by default.
- Adjusting the Duration slider seems to have worked for a few users. If it is set to max, change to a middle setting, and edge lighting should start to work as expected.
- Others are seeing this problem because they’ve turned off animations in the Developer Options. If you’ve done so, set the animations to at least 0.5x.
- Until a software update is available to fix this issue, a third-party app might help. Try Edge Lighting+ in the Samsung Good Lock Suite or AODNotify which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Problems where the only option is to wait for a software update or get a replacement
A hardware issue will require a replacement. Most problems are software-related though. If a workaround isn’t available, an upcoming software update will likely address it. Some major bugs like the green tint problem found with the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and GPS issues have already been fixed for most users.
- Wi-Fi randomly slows down — Some users have found that the internet speed, when connected through Wi-Fi, seems to slow down significantly after a few minutes. Toggling the Wi-Fi setting on the phone off and on helps, but only for some time. Keep in mind that you will notice some throttling if the phone overheats, but this problem is mostly unrelated.
- Microphone problems — A few users have reported issues with the microphone seemingly cutting in and out when using a chat app and during a phone call. This is likely a hardware problem, and the best option is to get a replacement.
- Overheating — There have been numerous reports of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra overheating (a problem for many Samsung phones), and this seems to affect the Exynos version in particular.
- 5G doesn’t work — Users find that 5G causes the network signal to drop completely whenever the phone switches to the 5G network. For now, simply switching the mode to 4G LTE seems to do the trick. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take advantage of blazing-fast 5G speeds until a software update is available.
- Slow-motion video lagging: Quite a few users are facing issues when trying to record slow-motion video. The video ends up looking choppy and has missing frames. This problem seems to affect the Exynos versions of the Galaxy S20 series, and some Galaxy S21 users are reporting the same.
One UI 4/Android 12 problems
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
The software update for One UI 4/Android 12 started rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy S20 series in January 2022. Unfortunately, it brought with it a slew of new bugs and issues for the phones. Here’s a roundup of some of the common Galaxy S20 One UI 4 problems that users have come across and those that have been fixed already.
- Home and back buttons not working: Galaxy S20 owners are complaining about how a recent update has broken the home and back buttons. A workaround that has worked for some is to go to the navigation settings and change it to gesture navigation. Restart the phone and go back to button navigation. In more extreme cases, users say that the only option is to perform a factory reset.
- Videos not playing: Some users say that videos aren’t playing on their phones, whether through the browser app or YouTube. Samsung hasn’t acknowledged this problem yet, and the only workaround, for now, is to restart the phone. This problem appeared after the March 2022 One UI 4 update.
- A green or purple line on the screen: Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus users report a green or purple line down the screen since the One UI 4 update. There is no fix or workaround available for this problem.
- Auto-rotate not working: Users say that the February 2022 security patch update has broken the auto-rotate function on the phone, and standard troubleshooting doesn’t seem to help.
- Gmail and VPN apps not working with Microsoft Intune: Samsung has provided a solution that Microsoft is currently checking. Until then, Microsoft has listed potential workarounds for this problem that has worked for many users.
Fixed problems
- The first software update in December 2021 included a lot of bug fixes. Samsung fixed problems like fingerprint authentication issues, display brightness problems, rapid battery drain, improved connection with Windows, and Galaxy Watch 4 compatibility problems, to name a few.
- Samsung fixed the green screen bug when using the camera in portrait mode with the January 2022 update.
- A February 2022 update addressed battery drain issues again. Users say that the phone’s battery life has improved significantly since the update.
- OpenGL emulations are now working as expected following an update in February 2022.
Guide — How to enable fast charging
Most Samsung phones come with some form of fast-charging capabilities. The Galaxy S20 takes things up a notch and introduced “super fast” charging as well. If your phone isn’t charging as fast as expected, the setting is probably disabled. Make sure that you’re using approved chargers and cables to charge the phone.
- Go to Settings > Device care > Charging.
- Tap on the toggle next to “Fast charging” to enable the feature.
- Do the same to enable “Super fast charging” as well.
Guide — How to soft reset, hard reset, boot into Safe Mode, and wipe cache partition on Galaxy S20
Soft reset
- If the screen is responsive:
- Press and hold power and volume down buttons, then tap Power offtwice.
- You can also swipe down to open the notification panel, tap thePowericon next to theSettingscog, and tapPower off.
- If the screen is unresponsive:
- Press and hold power and volume buttons for about 10 seconds.
Hard reset
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold the volume up and power buttons.
- Release both buttons when the green Android logo appears.
- Press the volume down button to toggle the selection toWipe data/factory reset.
- Use the power button to select Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press the volume down button to toggle the selection toYes – delete all user datasetting.
- With the power button, select Yes – delete all user data.
- Once the reset is finished, press the power button to select Reboot system now.
Boot into Safe Mode
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold the power button past theGalaxy S20 name that appears on the screen.
- OnceSamsungappears, release the power button and immediately press and hold the volume down button.
- Continue to hold down the volume down button until the phone finishes restarting.
- Let go of the volume down button when you seeSafe mode on the screen’s bottom left corner.
Wipe cache partition
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold the volume up and power buttons.
- When the Android logo appears, release the volume up and power buttons.
- You will see anInstalling system updatemessage for anywhere between 30 and 60 seconds.
- Press the volume down button in the system recovery menu options to toggle the selection to wipe cache partition.
- Press the power button to selectwipe cache partition.
- Use the volume down button to get to toggle the selection to yes.
- Tap the power button to select yes.
- Press the power button to restart the device once theReboot system nowoption appears.
Looking for help with other problems? If your issues and bugs aren’t specific to the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones, check out our roundups for Android OS problems and fixes, as well as some useful tips and tricks to get the most out of your phone’s battery.
Guides
Samsung Galaxy S20
FAQs
Problems with the Samsung Galaxy S20 series and how to fix them? ›
Galaxy S20 users are reporting abnormal battery drain, installation issues, notification issues, problems with first and third-party apps, UI lag, charging issues, data issues, gesture issues, issues with biometrics, Wi-Fi problems, volume problems, and more.
What is the common issue with S20? ›Galaxy S20 users are reporting abnormal battery drain, installation issues, notification issues, problems with first and third-party apps, UI lag, charging issues, data issues, gesture issues, issues with biometrics, Wi-Fi problems, volume problems, and more.
Why is my Samsung S20 not working? ›An excessively low battery may be causing your phone to remain unresponsive when holding the power button. To fix the issue, simply charge your phone for at least 10 minutes before attempting to turn the phone back on.
Can a Samsung S20 be repaired? ›Self-Repair service now available
For those interested in making their own repairs, Samsung and iFixit are offering a Self-Repair solution for fixing many common device issues. Samsung genuine parts are now available for Galaxy S20, S21, S22, Tab S7+, Galaxy Book Pro 15 inch and Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 inch models.
Navigate to and open Settings, and then tap General management. Swipe to and tap Reset, and then tap Reset all settings. Review the information, and then tap Reset settings. Tap Reset to confirm.
What is the lifespan of S20? ›And yes, regular s20 will do 3 years with no problems, s20 5g with 12 Gb will do 5 years.
Why did Samsung stop selling S20? ›Sales started slow and never really picked up like Samsung's previous devices did. Now with the Samsung Galaxy S21 range available at a reduced price compared to the S20, the Korean phone giant could be looking for a fresh start.
Which Samsung update is causing problems? ›The phone manufacturing company's latest update (Samsung One UI 5.0 OS) upgrades eligible Samsung phones to Android 13, and is reportedly causing user devices to crash upon installation.
How do I fix an unresponsive Samsung phone? ›- Restart your device. On devices with a Power key: Press and hold the Power key, and then tap Restart. ...
- Check your charger. ...
- Check for Software updates. ...
- Optimize device performance. ...
- Disable Touch sensitivity. ...
- Reboot the phone in Safe Mode. ...
- Back up and Factory Reset.
If the touchscreen isn't not working at all, you can restart your device by pressing and holding the Volume down key and the Power key/Side key simultaneously for 10 seconds.
Is S20 still a good buy? ›
It is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance and features an in-display fingerprint sensor for added security. With its high-quality display, powerful processor, and versatile camera features, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was considered to offer good value for its price in 2021.
How long is the Samsung warranty? ›The warranty period is one year following the purchase to cover parts and labor. Any parts that are found to be defective will be replaced or repaired during the warranty period.
Can you take the battery out of a Samsung S20? ›This guide shows how to remove and replace the battery for the Samsung Galaxy S20. The battery is held in place with strong adhesive. High concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol is necessary to loosen and release this adhesive. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions and do not heat your phone.
How long is an S20 waterproof? ›Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G / Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G - Prevent Dust / Water Damage. The Galaxy S20+ 5G / Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is rated IP68, using the Ingress Protection rating system. The dust rating is 6 (highest level of protection), and the water resistance rating is 8 (water-resistant up to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes).
Does the S20 overheat? ›Overheating Concerns
The Galaxy S20+ 5G / Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G supports Adaptive Fast Charging and therefore is likely to get warm during charging. This is expected, especially if the device is being operated while it's charging. If the device gets warm during normal use, see the tips above.
The Galaxy S20 is expensive, but it's stacked with features that work effortlessly. Dip down to other high-end Android phones and you'll start having to deal with compromises, like how the OnePlus 7T isn't protected against water damage and doesn't support wireless charging, or how the Pixel 4 has subpar battery life.
Which is better Samsung S20 or Samsung S21? ›Overall, if you're looking for something more up-to-date then we'd recommend going with Samsung 21 as it offers better specs overall compared to its predecessor - including higher storage capacity (256GB) and faster processor speed (Exynos 2100).
Is Samsung Galaxy S20 the same as Samsung S20? ›The main difference among the models is size. The Galaxy S20 has a 6.3-inch display, the Galaxy S20+ measures 6.7 inches, and the S20 Ultra is the biggest of the bunch at 6.9 inches. Pixel density varies a bit between models, but you almost certainly won't be able to spot the difference with the naked eye.
Why upgrade from S20 to S22? ›However, if you're holding an S20 in your hand and don't see anything wrong with it, it does make sense to stick with it. The S22 offers a better design, an upgraded camera setup, longer software support, and a slightly brighter display, but none of these upgrades scream, "Oh, I've got to get this phone!"
Is Samsung having issues today? ›Our service is currently operating as expected at the location you provided.
What happens if you don't update your Samsung software? ›
Eventually, your phone manufacturer will stop supporting your device. That means no updates, including security patches. At that point, if not earlier, you should seriously consider upgrading to a new phone.
Should you always update your Samsung phone? ›New features gained through updates improve the phone's stability and usability. However, the most important reason to update your phone is that this practice can constantly enhance your phone's security features and help keep you safe from cybercriminals and viruses.
What is Ghost Touch? ›In ghost touch, your smartphone responds to some touches that you have not made. Such touch could be a random touch where a part of the screen or the whole screen gets frozen. Usually, this issue occurs when you have put your phone on charging and, in between, you are using it.
What causes a phone to be unresponsive? ›A smartphone touchscreen can become unresponsive for several reasons. For example, a brief hiccup in your phone's system could render it unresponsive; a screen may also become unresponsive after incurring water damage. Other factors may include debris, app glitches and viruses.
How do I reset an unresponsive phone? ›If your Android phone is frozen or unresponsive, restart the device by pressing and holding the power button until the phone reboots. If that doesn't work, you can force restart the phone by simultaneously pressing and holding the power button and volume down key.
How do you troubleshoot a Samsung? ›- Issues with your mobile phone can result from a variety of factors. ...
- Soft Reset (Force Restart) ...
- Clear Your App Cache. ...
- Software Update. ...
- Reset Settings. ...
- Use Safe Mode to Troubleshoot. ...
- Factory reset.
Today's Used Samsung Galaxy S20 Market Value Breakdown:
Today, a used Samsung Galaxy S20, the average trade-in value or resale value is $162.44. You can find these devices in a price range that spans from $115.00 through $205.00, depending on the quality of the buyback stores you deal with.
However, you must be wondering, is the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE worth buying in 2023? The answer is yes! One of the best reasons is that it is getting the latest Android 13 update, which means you will be able to enjoy new features.
Is the S20 still being updated? ›Galaxy S20 May 2023 security update is now available. The latest software update for the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra comes with firmware version G98xFXXSGHWD4 for the 4G versions. The update for the 5G versions of the phones comes with firmware version G98xBXXSGHWD4.
Do Samsung phones come with free warranty? ›All Samsung products come with a manufacturer's warranty. Below you'll find an overview of what's covered in your warranty for your mobile device. If you need to make a warranty claim, it's best to contact us, so we can help guide you through the process.
Does Samsung give free warranty? ›
Product warranty
All Samsung products come with a manufacturer's warranty. Samsung also offers optional extended warranty offers including our 5 year home appliance warranty and 2/3 year microwave oven warranty.
To obtain warranty service for your Samsung product, call Samsung's Customer Care Center at 1-800-Samsung (1-800-726-7864) have your Model Number, Serial Number, and a copy of your receipt on hand when you call. For complete warranty terms and conditions, visit Samsung Warranty and Policy page.
How much does a S20 battery cost? ›| Battery Replacement Cost (Swappa Repair Network) | Phone Replacement Cost (Swappa Marketplace) | |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 5G | $92 | Starting around $151 |
| Galaxy S20 Plus 5G | $92 | Starting around $209 |
| Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G | $87 | Starting around $244 |
| Galaxy S10 | $77 | Starting around $137 |
Put simply, you can safely charge your devices overnight without having to worry about damaging their internals. Modern electronics automatically stop pulling current once their batteries reach 100% charge.
Can I leave my S20 charging overnight? ›Probably not, but there is a very small chance that the fast charging option MAY shorten the battery life. It might also use a tiny bit more power, but the difference will not be measureable.
Is S20 worth buying? ›It is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance and features an in-display fingerprint sensor for added security. With its high-quality display, powerful processor, and versatile camera features, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was considered to offer good value for its price in 2021.
Does the Samsung S20 have an overheating problem? ›Overheating Concerns
The Galaxy S20+ 5G / Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G supports Adaptive Fast Charging and therefore is likely to get warm during charging. This is expected, especially if the device is being operated while it's charging. If the device gets warm during normal use, see the tips above.
Both devices possess identical designs, a 6.2In AMOLED screen, an in-screen unlock fingerprint sensor and a 120Hz refresh rate. The only notable difference is their camera, weight, and pixel density. The S21 feels heavier than the S20 and has a lesser pixel density of 421ppi than the S20's 563ppi.
Is Samsung S20 phone good? ›Overall, our top pick among Samsung's new Android phones is the Galaxy S20 Plus, because it offers a larger display and longer endurance. But for that you'll have to step up to $1,199. If you prefer a smaller device, you should be very pleased with the regular Galaxy S20.
Which model of Samsung S20 is best? ›Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra at a glance
If you want the best phone in the series, the Galaxy S20 Ultra (launch price: $1,399 in the US) is for you. It comes with the largest display at 6.9-inches, the biggest battery at 5,000mAh, and the best camera setup with a primary 108MP sensor.
Is it worth upgrading from S20 to S22? ›
However, if you're holding an S20 in your hand and don't see anything wrong with it, it does make sense to stick with it. The S22 offers a better design, an upgraded camera setup, longer software support, and a slightly brighter display, but none of these upgrades scream, "Oh, I've got to get this phone!"
Can the Galaxy S20 get wet? ›The Galaxy S20+ 5G / Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is rated IP68, using the Ingress Protection rating system. The dust rating is 6 (highest level of protection), and the water resistance rating is 8 (water-resistant up to 5 feet for up to 30 minutes).
How do I fix my S20 from overheating? ›Disconnect the charger, and close all running apps. Wait until the device cools down, then start charging again. If the problem persists, try charging with another Samsung-authorized charger and USB cable.
Why is my Samsung phone overheating and draining battery? ›Conflicts between running apps may cause the device to heat up. Restart the device. Deactivate the Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth features when not using them. Close apps that increase battery consumption or that run in the background when not in use.
Which phone is better the Galaxy S21 or the Galaxy S20 to? ›Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21: verdict
Overall, if you're looking for something more up-to-date then we'd recommend going with Samsung 21 as it offers better specs overall compared to its predecessor - including higher storage capacity (256GB) and faster processor speed (Exynos 2100).
The thing is, curved displays cost more to make and by ditching that, Samsung was able to cut cost. Also, the FHD+ resolution of the S21 and S21 Plus is lower in comparison to the QHD+ display on the S20 and S20 Plus.
Does S20 have SD card slot? ›Every device in the S20 range has a hybrid SIM tray. Hybrid SIM trays have one SIM card slot and a second slot that takes a second SIM or a microSD card. This gives you the flexibility to choose whether you would use your phone with dual SIMs or have extra storage.
How much is the Samsung S20 5G worth? ›How much does a Galaxy S20 5G cost? Galaxy S20 5G prices start at $148 and cost $251 on average as of June 2023.
Is Samsung S20 better than iPhone? ›The S20 charges faster than the iPhone (15W wireless charging vs 7.5W wireless charging). It also boasts 'Wireless PowerShare', which allows you to use your phone's battery to wirelessly charge other compatible Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy Buds Live. The S20 wins the battle of the batteries by a whisker.