However, it is still quite frustrating when these things happen to you. You have come to the right place though. We are going to discuss some common issues and their solutions.
Problem 1: Note 5 Won’t Even Turn On
This is obviously a show stopper. But let’s make it a temporary one.
Solutions
Force Reboot
Press the Power and Volume Down buttons and hold for about 10-20 seconds.You should feel the Note 5 vibrate and reboot.If you are given booting options, select Normal Boot.
Check Charger
If your Note 5 will charge (i.e. you see the charging icon and/or other hopeful signs of life), let it do so for at least 10-30 minutes.The charger that came with your Note 5 usually works, at least initially. If you think that charger may be the problem, try a different one.If your Note 5 is still under warranty and your charger is faulty, have the company send you a new one.Charging requires a good connection, so you will need to ensure that the plug on the end of the charger fits properly.Sometimes jiggling the plug within its jack may enable a connection, but not if the problem is located more internally. Additionally, jarring this area of your phablet could potentially cause even more damage.If your phone will charge via a USB connection to your computer, the problem is probably your wall or car charger. If nothing delivers a charge to your phone, it could be the port or the phone itself. One way to check this is by trying a wireless charger.If a wireless charger fails, it’s most likely a hardware issue. Use that warranty if you can.
Boot into Safe Mode
If your phone allows you to boot into Safe Mode, your problem could be a rogue app.Power down the phone completely.Press and hold the Power key.When you can see the Note 5 logo, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.Continue to hold the Volume Down button as the phone restarts.You can release the Volume Down button when you see Safe Mode in the lower left corner.
Boot into Recovery Mode
If your phone isn’t in the mood for Safe Mode, see if it will boot into Recovery.Hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons down together.Release the Power key when the Note 5 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the Note 5 logo, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.It’s a good idea to go ahead and Wipe the Cache. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to it and Power to select.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.Seek outside help from Samsung or your provider if none of these things work for you.
Problem 2: Freezing, Resetting, Crashing
If your phablet is being an ice princess; and not a cute one like the character from the movie Frozen, but a cold-hearted one, we can show you how to put it in its place.
Solutions
Soft Reset
A soft reset (Press the Power and Volume Down buttons) can solve any number of Android ailments.If that doesn’t suffice, you can resort to a hard reset, but that is at the bottom of the section because it’s usually a last resort.
Wipe Cache
Especially if this is occurring after an update, wiping the cache partition can solve a variety of ills.Boot into Recovery Mode by holding the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons together.Release the Power key when the Note 5 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the Note 5 logo, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.Use the Volume buttons to highlight the Wipe Cache Partition and Power to select it.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.
Uninstall Apps
Rule out any problem apps, especially one you might have installed recently.See if you experience the same problem while in Safe Mode. If not, you will need to uninstall the app you think is the culprit.To boot into Safe Mode, power down the phone completely.Press and hold the Power key.When you can see the Note 5 logo, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.Continue to hold the Volume Down button as the phone restarts.You can release the Volume Down button when you see Safe Mode in the lower left corner.To uninstall an app, tap and hold the app.Drag it to the Uninstall button and release.Confirm the uninstall.
Minimize Screen Contact
Try a different case for your Note 5 if your current one is causing you to touch the screen inadvertently.Watch how you are gripping the phablet. It’s easy to accidentally touch the screen with a different part of your hand, and when you do, it may seem as though the screen is freezing.
Hard Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the Note 5 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!Some users have reported the Note 5 asking for owner account information.This security feature kicks in when the owner resets their Google Password and then the device is reset.This is why it’s a good idea to keep the seller’s information if you are buying a used phone or phablet.
Problem 3: Issues Sending or Receiving Calls, Texts, or Videos
We still rely on our devices to communicate even though they can now do so much more. This is still essentially a phone, and it should allow you to make a phone call, or send a message. Or upload a video of your latest dance moves. These things are important.
Solutions
Clear App Data
If the problem seems to be with one application and that application alone, try clearing the cache and app data of that app first.For instance, if you can hear your Note 5 ringing, but the call screen isn’t showing itself, try addressing the issue with the Dialer app first.From Settings, go to App Manager.Swipe right to get to the ALL tab.Select the app, then look for the App Info screen.Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Wipe Cache
Especially if this is occurring after an update, wiping the cache partition can solve a variety of ills. Particularly, this usually works to resolve the common problem of having to dial a phone number twice just to make one call.Boot into Recovery Mode by holding the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons together.Release the Power key when the Note 5 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the Note 5 logo, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.Use the Volume buttons to highlight the Wipe Cache Partition and Power to select it.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.
Contact Carrier
Especially if your issue arises after making a switch in providers, contact your carrier to ensure the proper configuration for these services.For instance, if you switch from Verizon to AT&T and suddenly you experience problems sending SMS using the network, contact AT&T.Your account will need to be in good standing, of course. Pay those bills on time.
Turn on Mobile Data
Picture and video files can get quite hefty, and often require the use of mobile data.
Problem 4: S-Pen Snafu
If it’s any consolation, you are not the only one having problems with the S-Pen. Quite often it’s a jam due to placing the pen the wrong direction. The end does not go in first. But that has probably become glaringly obvious if you have done that on accident. So now what?
Solutions
Don’t Use Force
If something is stuck, it might seem like you need to do whatever it takes to get it out.Unfortunately, in the process you can end up doing more damage, even of the warranty-breaking variety.You can also break the detection feature that launches the Quick Note and other options.Don’t be a brute!
Do Use Paper
So now that we’ve discussed what not to do, let’s talk about what you can do.Many people have found it helpful to use a piece of paper to lift up the sensor, freeing the pen and inflicting no harm.Cut a slender piece of paper about the size of the pen itself.Slide it into the space between the pen and sensor.
Prevent
Maintain awareness in the future lest this happen again.Get in the habit of feeling for the tip of the pen before you put it back into place.You could even go so far as attaching something small to the end, such as a piece of tape, so that the pen won’t slide in backwards without resistance.
Contact Samsung
You can try to contact Samsung but they may refer you to the section in the User Manual that discusses that the pen should be inserted pointy tip first, as they have done in the past.
Problem 5: Wi-Fi on the Fritz
If your Wi-Fi disconnects or won’t connect at all, or is simply slow, here are a few solutions.
Solutions
Soft Reset
Power your Note 5 off, then on again.Do the same thing with your router. Leave it off for about 10 seconds.
Forget Network
Tell your Note 5 to forget the existing network.Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, then select the network with a long-press.Choose Forget Network, but remember your password, because you are going to need it.Start fresh.
Come Close
If the signal seems weak, it could be due to other items blocking it or distance.Move your Note 5 closer to the router.Other devices can also create interference. Move home appliances away.
No Power Saving
Ensure that Power Saving is turned off.Get there through Settings.
No Sleeping on the Job
Power on Wi-Fi during sleep.Just in case your Wi-Fi is too busy dreaming to stay connected, visit Settings> Wi-Fi> More, and select Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.Choose Always.
For Bluetooth
If your Bluetooth is acting out, remove the paired devices and start over.
Problem 6: Forgetful Fingerprints
It’s as though your Note 5 doesn’t even know you, and after all this time you have spent together. Refresh its memory.
Solutions
Clean Sensor
Keep the sensor clean of any dirt, oil, etc.Do the same thing with your finger. It can be rather sensitive to change, so even something as simple as a wet fingertip after a bath can cause an issue.
Re-add Fingerprint
Go to Settings, then Lock Screen.From Lock Screen, go to Security, then Fingerprints.Re-add the problematic fingerprint.
Problem 7: Wireless Charging
Wireless charging may help to negate problems with the plug or port, but it has its quirks as well.
Solutions
Monitor Charging
You will have to find the sweet spot. Your phone should help guide you there, but you will want to check it twice just in case it stopped charging and is now dying at perhaps an even faster rate.You should see a battery icon while it’s charging, informing you of your Note 5’s progress.
Without Case
If you are experiencing difficulty charging with the case, try it without.
Reboot
Troubleshooting is never complete unless you have unplugged something and plugged it back in again or tried rebooting.Try these things respectively with your charger and Note 5.
Different Charger
Wireless chargers may seem too modern or futuristic to fail, but it’s possible. Try a different charger to confirm.
Fast Charging Facts
Fast charging does have an ON/OFF switch, so ensure it’s on.You will need to use the Samsung charger and cable that says Adaptive Fast Charging.
Problem 8: Blasé Battery
Solutions
Determine Cause
If the problem is that your battery drains quickly, or your phone charges too slowly, identify problematic apps through your Battery Usage statistics under the Settings menu.If you have used an app recently that was acting a little funny or you really don’t need anymore, you can long press its icon in the app tray and it will should give you the option to uninstall.Drag it to the Uninstall section.
Battery Apps
You can also use an app like Disabler Pro or GSam Battery Monitor.
Disabler Pro GSam Battery Monitor
Problem 9: FRP Lock Error
This is for when you get a Custom Binary Blocked by FRP (Factory Reset Protection) Lock Error. Flashing firmware is for advanced users, but you might have reached this point because you were trying to flash a custom ROM.
Solutions
Disable
Go to Settings, then Search.Select Reactivation Lock.Login to your Samsung account.Disable.
Factory Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the Note 5 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Flash Stock Firmware
Enable Developer Settings.Turn on OEM Unlocking.Ensure your phablet has adequate charge. 100% is best, but mainly, you don’t want it to die during the process.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!Download and extract the stock firmware to your PC that matches your device model only! See link below, but you must check your model.Open Odin and extract the file onto your PC (see link below) and run as administrator.Go into Download Mode.Connect your phablet to your computer.Click AP in Odin and find the firmware file you extracted earlier.Press Start.
Odin Firmware
Conclusion
While these are some of the most frequent complaints, this list is by no means exhaustive. So please post a comment about any Samsung Note 5 issues you are struggling with or have solutions that others could benefit from. We also have articles for troubleshooting Lollipop and Marshmallow if your problem is OS-related. If you have a serious problem, especially involving hardware, the best solution might be to contact a Samsung Service Center or your service provider. Featured Image Credit
