KitKat update
BobK406
Enthusiast - Level 3


After installing the KitKat 4.4 update to my Samsung galaxy s4, my advice to anyone who hasnt updated to it is DO NOT DO IT.  My 4g data periodically stops working, meaning NO internet connection.  This is all happening in places which before the update were in very good coverage areas.  After updating about 6 days ago, I have spoken to verizon tech support on 4 different occasions.  I have also visited the store.  Their potential solutions to fix the problem did not work.  I tried a soft restart, a new SIM card, a total factory reset, and switching from global network to lte/cdma.  None of these worked.  Their options to me were after this: wait for an update from google and hope they fix it; get a new (certified used) phone and hope that one works; buy a new phone at full price.  I chose the best worst option and got the certified used phone, and I will post again if that solution comes up short.  Some other issues with the new update: battery drains quicker than before the update and the phone runs very hot at times.  You have to be very active in closing out Apps all the way, turning off Apps, forcing stop Apps.  Before this update, the phone worked perfect and I really enjoyed it.  Now with the update, I am a very unsatisfied customer.  Verizon and Google should be ashamed of themselves for this update.  Once again, if you have not updated your Samsung galaxy S4 to KitKat 4.4...DO NOT DO IT!

Labels (1)
Re: KitKat update
schtefan
Contributor - Level 1

Of course your phone worked perfectly...and again VERIZON decides what is BEST FOR YOU.  This update is a FORCED UPDATE -

My phone battery life lasts about 30% less thanks to the update..and the device runs hotter.  WHY?

Re: KitKat update
japetty
Specialist - Level 1

Good Luck to you sir with the phone VZW sends you.  It is as much gamble as receiving the VZW update.  If you in the end buy a new phone don't purchase that new phone from VZW!  Purchase the new phone anywhere but from VZW.  You don't get any support that works from VZW anyway, so what is the point to purchase from VZW?  None that I see.  Once again Good Luck with getting your phone working again by getting the refurbished phone which VZW sends you.

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Re: KitKat update
BobK406
Enthusiast - Level 3

Like I said, the refurbished phone is really my best worst option.  I am not happy that verizon is forcing this update on us, and not at all happy with which they handled my situation.  I am finding that when my data connection decides to work, it is almost always the 3G.  Verizon's famed 4G is almost non existent with this new update.  My galaxy S4 has mostly been downgraded to the equivalent of an iPod touch, truly only connected to the internet when I am on wifi.  Hopefully google comes out with an update soon to address these problems, and verizon decides to let us have that update quickly.    

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Re: KitKat update
OToughOne
Newbie

3rd party applications can cause conflict with the 4G network.  prior to the last Samsung Galaxy s4 update may 2014 my phone worked correctly.  After updating the 4 the 4G went erratic and would continue to drop signal.  After Verizon support had me take the phone back to factory pull the battery and then replace the sim card the phone was replaced and still had the same issue.  The lesson here is don't restore your data and application until you verify operation.

In my case a data compression program call Onavo extend was causing the 4G to be interrupted.  Try removing data related applications and see if that helps.

A secondary affect of the 4G constant searching is the battery will be drained.  Good Luck

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Re: KitKat update
BobK406
Enthusiast - Level 3

Would apps like Facebook, ESPN, Amazon, be considered data related applications?  Thanks

Re: KitKat update
Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader

BobK406 wrote:

Would apps like Facebook, ESPN, Amazon, be considered data related applications?  Thanks

Yes

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

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Re: KitKat update
JBHall2012
Enthusiast - Level 3

Just got the Kit Kat update processed through Verizon. So far so good. I had some concerns based on some of the posts here, but it all seems to be okay. I'll watch out for the 4G issues, but from my house the 4G and cellular service is iffy anyway (on the border of two cells), so that will not be a good test.

The funny thing is that I upgraded to the Edge program and I am getting an S5 today.

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Re: KitKat update
BobK406
Enthusiast - Level 3

Received verizon refurbished S4, and my issues remain the same.  The update auto downloads when you connect to wifi unfortunately.  Same issues, different phone.  My 4g mostly does not work, I am either on 3g or no internet connection.  And this is in an area that had all 4G before the update, I was never on 3G, and always had an internet connection.  Verizon has failed me again.  Good luck to anyone who updates

Re: KitKat update
japetty
Specialist - Level 1

I wonder how many refurbished phones they will send you until they figure out something else is wrong gut I am sure you would like your service and be able to use your phone the way you once was able before VZW provided your failed update.  Sorry to hear about your problems.  Have you tried a reset or anything else as yet on the refurbished phone sent to you by VZW?

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