[Solved] S-Pen Dead Spot - Sprint Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, I noticed a dead spot about the size of a nickel on the right hand side of my screen while using the s-pen this morning. I did a search and decided that I would have to exchange the phone (and hope not to get a refurbished one return). Decided to show my wife and suddenly realized the problem (and the solution). I have the phone in a wallet case with a magnetic clip. Well it turns out that if you fold the magnetic clip around to the back side of the phone to get it out of the way then the s-pen will not work on top of it (duh).
So take this as a heads up. Careful with magnets near the screen while using s-pen.
PEACE!
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app

Thank you so much for posting this. Been trying to figure this out for days and was going to return the phone. This was my exact issue.

Beherrschen said:
So, I noticed a dead spot about the size of a nickel on the right hand side of my screen while using the s-pen this morning. I did a search and decided that I would have to exchange the phone (and hope not to get a refurbished one return). Decided to show my wife and suddenly realized the problem (and the solution). I have the phone in a wallet case with a magnetic clip. Well it turns out that if you fold the magnetic clip around to the back side of the phone to get it out of the way then the s-pen will not work on top of it (duh).
So take this as a heads up. Careful with magnets near the screen while using s-pen.
PEACE!
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH i can't believe i missed that. Thank you sir, i've been factory restoring my device for a month now repeatedly as, in between some restores, the screen becomes active. Turns out that was because i took off the cover at those times!!! This is lovely! All fixed now, Note EDGE BTW.

You know, there should a fund for people like you! I had almost the same problem, but for added stupidity, the manufacturer of my case had hidden a magnet inside of the back of the phone, to keep the flip lid in place on the back. Took me a lot of effort and a lot of insulting conversations with the cellphone store clerk where "sometimes it works" being an ingredient.
I have how completed the easy part; using a scalpel to open the side of the case to remove the magnet.
Now to swallow my pride and go down to the phone store and explaining that "you were right, there is nothing wrong with the phone, this cheap knock-off case that I bought online is the problem". She should bill me for the hours spent trying to satisfy me, so that I could forward the bill to the online store.
God I feel stupid. And arrogant! And thankful!

Thank you. Explains some random things I see, depending on how I'm using my case. Had magnets I didn't even know about...

wow thanks.

Rectangular S Pen dead zone near bottom of screen-different, but similar cause fixed
This feed led me to the cause of my issue but it wasn't a magnetic case. I experienced this issue after installing a new battery from Energy Pal (extended life and NFC). I was able to correct my issue by placing a few strips of electrical tape and folded piece of aluminum foil between the battery and the upper part of the battery compartment (covering that raised rectangular area). I was super pleased to be able to use the entire screen area again.

Well done!
I haven't used the spend much since I got my new Note. Just laying in bed playing around with it and noticed the big deadspot in the center of the screen.
Just starting to get angry and decided to do a quick Google.
Never would have occurred to me it was the Steelie magnet on the case causing the issue!
Well done XDA. Saved the day again.
Beherrschen said:
So, I noticed a dead spot about the size of a nickel on the right hand side of my screen while using the s-pen this morning. I did a search and decided that I would have to exchange the phone (and hope not to get a refurbished one return). Decided to show my wife and suddenly realized the problem (and the solution). I have the phone in a wallet case with a magnetic clip. Well it turns out that if you fold the magnetic clip around to the back side of the phone to get it out of the way then the s-pen will not work on top of it (duh).
So take this as a heads up. Careful with magnets near the screen while using s-pen.
PEACE!
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Related

Wear marks on the top and bottom edges

Now I know that Samsung is not renowned for the build quality but still...
I've had my Nexus for a week now and have already noticed some wear marks on the top and bottom (attached pictures).
It has no pouch/case yet as none of the mobile shops I've went to sells such a thing and I didn't think I might need one in the very first week anyway so to rush and get it online.
As I like this phone very much, I've taken good care of it, never putting it in the pocket with change or keys, always placing it nicely on the desk, never bumping it against other objects (except for NFC testing).
At this moment I have no idea what caused them but I'll pay more attention to my habits for sure.
Did anyone else notice this problem on their phone as well?
I've had the phone for just over 2 weeks now and don't have that issue. I keep it in my pocket with no case/pouch.
I use mine naked while at home or at the office and I put a TPU case on it when I'm traveling. Even after popping the case on and off 20+ times and taking it in and out of my pocket without the case, I do not have any wear at all.
No wear on mime either and had it two weeks now.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
opa0opa said:
Now I know that Samsung is not renowned for the build quality but still...
I've had my Nexus for a week now and have already noticed some wear marks on the top and bottom (attached pictures).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got no idea what those pictures are supposed to show.
But since I got the phone I've been exceptionally careful with it because it's clear that there are going to be "hot points" due to its unique curved design. Those spots are definitely going to get worn.
I've even gone so far as to place it down on a padded surface.
This may be the first phone that requires a case to keep it in reasonable shape. Which stinks because case and dock are mutually incompatible.

Back cover won't snap in at the bottom left corner

It's only been 1 week and the poor quality, flimsy back cover is showing wear and tear. It won't get into its allocated slot, and by the looks of it, seems that it became a fraction shorter.
It always seems click in better for me if I start at the bottom and work up.
TareX said:
It's only been 1 week and the poor quality, flimsy back cover is showing wear and tear. It won't get into its allocated slot, and by the looks of it, seems that it became a fraction shorter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not putting it in correctly. Gotta make sure the bottom tabs are before you start snapping the rest. I have more success getting the right tab in first and messing around till the other tab falls in and the bottom of the cover kisses the phone.
My grandma beat me down and took my nexus. Sent from a jitterbug with beats by dre.
SOLVED: Thanks to this guy from androidcentral:
"Originally Posted by DBVille: And, make SURE the hooks aren't bent up. I am betting the hooks have been bent up, at least on one side, from trying to push it closed. (dont ask how I know). Look very closely at the hooks. Put your finger nail under them and pry them up/apart from the back if they are too close to the cover to engage the clips on the phone. When done right, it just snaps on. But, you must get the bottom done first."
The hooks were bent up... fixed them with my nails. Now it snaps back on. Still pretty cheap though.
Or user error?
My grandma beat me down and took my nexus. Sent from a jitterbug with beats by dre.
you're not supposed to snap in the bottom hooks, you lock them in first, then snap in the ones rest...
wonshikee said:
you're not supposed to snap in the bottom hooks, you lock them in first, then snap in the ones rest...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 this is how I do it...common sense...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Happen to me too the first week. I'm a pro now.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
God, the build quality and camera are a real disappointment on this phone. thanks for the tip on bending up the tabs.. worked for me..
never the OP's fault that he doesnt know how to put the back cover on.. always Samsung's fault for not making it tard proof.
Zepius said:
never the OP's fault he doesnt know how to put the back cover on.. always Samsung's fault for not making tard proof.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Admittedly the back cover of the GN is one of the more complicated ones to put back onto the phone.
Do not force it on - if you do it right, it will go back on with just a little pressure. Like others said before you have to start at the bottom latches and work your way up from there. Note that the bottom latches are different from the others and do not snap in like the rest.
I'm extremely pleased with the build quality of this phone! A product feels VERY well build when you can't make it flex slightly or make the battery cover creak by squeasing the phone a certain way! Looking at you, HTC! The DInc, Thunderbolt, and Rezound that I've had all suffered from that. (Though I couldn't make the Thunderbolt flex)
And anytime you drop an HTC phone, first the battery door flies in the air, then the battery pops out -.-
Samsung on the other hand, the Nexus is VERY solid, battery door doesn't creak nor does the frame. No creaking sounds at all. I cannot flex the phone. What is it with people dissing Samsung for making plastic phones, what do you want them to do? Engineer a new compound? Geez
As so many have pointed out, the cover doesn't snap at the bottom; you start there by inserting the bottom hooks, then snap the sides and top.
In fact, I've found the easiest, most effective way to do it is laying out face down, insert the bottom hooks, then zip up both sides together with my thumbs, finishing with effortlessly snapping the top in.
As for the build, I couldn't disagree more strongly. The back design is brilliant. The phone overall is rock solid, and has solved the common back pop-off battery pop-out of most phones today.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I was at a Verizon store last night. Picked up the phone from the display they had it in. The back cover fell off along with the security device. Does the cover have issues staying on? Would a case solve this issue?
Tisosview said:
I was at a Verizon store last night. Picked up the phone from the display they had it in. The back cover fell off along with the security device. Does the cover have issues staying on? Would a case solve this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no issue if you put it on correctly.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Careful because our store model had a broken back cover since day one. Two sided take is holding it together at the moment.
Tisosview said:
I was at a Verizon store last night. Picked up the phone from the display they had it in. The back cover fell off along with the security device. Does the cover have issues staying on? Would a case solve this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happens at all the stores. Some have ziptied the backcover back on . However, it really is a non issue. In the case of the store phones, the heavy security device that is glued onto the back cover, pulls very hard at the back cover and it creates issues. In reality, given that it is a completely flat piece of plastic that is sitting flush against your phone with no handles, there is no way to exert even remotely the same amount of outward forces on the back cover.
While removing and putting on the backcover doesn't feel great, the cover does a great job, helps keep the phone slim and light, and looks pretty damn good. The store model did put me off due to this same issue with the security device, but I have had absolutely no issues with the backcover, or the phone feeling flimsy (and I came to the GN from the OG!).
LOL the back cover is well built imo. Just because it is thin does not mean it is of poor construction.The people who are having problems just aren't bothering to learn how to put it on. You don't just snap the whole thing on. Put any backcover on incorrectly and you risk damaging it.
I remove my back cover regularly to swap SIMs and although I've had it since release day not only does it look the same as it did when I bought it but it functions perfectly too (stays on nice and tight).
TLDR; If your tabs are bent you're doing it wrong. Don't blame design for your lack of intelligence.
Thank you for the replies. It is reassuring.
I found it funny that the security really didn't work for this device. Since the alarm didn't go off when the back fell off.
Bottom tabs get bent up
I've had my GN for a little over a week. The problem that I have, and I assume the others have, is that the tabs at the bottom get bent up so that they can't hook in.
I bent them down with my fingernail so that they are horizontal again, and it clicked in fine.
My concern is that this is already a problem after a week, and plastic can only take so much bending and fatigue before it totally breaks, which will eventually occur. I would imagine that at least some people who have had their GNs since launch have already experienced this.
Frankly, I think this is a manufacturing issue that Samsung should ultimately address.

Creaking phone?

So a few days ago I began to notice that the back of my phone is now creaking, I first heard it when i went to pick my phone up the other morning and it sounded like an old hardwood floor creaking sound, it's progressively gotten worse to where now when i hold my phone during a call if i shift my hand at all the person on the other line can hear it. I was wondering if anyone else had this problem. The creaking seems to be isolated to (if you're staring at the back of the phone) the left half of the phone just below the power button and stops creaking above the phone model number beneath the glass.
parham.derick said:
So a few days ago I began to notice that the back of my phone is now creaking, I first heard it when i went to pick my phone up the other morning and it sounded like an old hardwood floor creaking sound, it's progressively gotten worse to where now when i hold my phone during a call if i shift my hand at all the person on the other line can hear it. I was wondering if anyone else had this problem. The creaking seems to be isolated to (if you're staring at the back of the phone) the left half of the phone just below the power button and stops creaking above the phone model number beneath the glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is as solid as day 1
Same problem here.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
I've noticed this too but after putting my diztronic case over it, the creaking stopped.
My phone rattles when a tap my fingers next to the lens or put the phone down. No creakng yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Ive noticed mine on the camera. Whenever i try to tap the back of the phone, it seems like its not perfectly fit or something.
Sent from my LG-LS970
They have a similar thread on the international optimus g page with the same complaint. I wonder if the Nexus owners do to.
Edit: the Nexus has the same issue. Just Google nexus 4 and rattle. Seems pretty wide spread.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
kc_exactly said:
They have a similar thread on the international optimus g page with the same complaint. I wonder if the Nexus owners do to.
Edit: the Nexus has the same issue. Just Google nexus 4 and rattle. Seems pretty wide spread.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this makes me curious as to what other defects its going to have, but I'm on to a different issue, phone dropped about 2" and the digitizer broke, so when my new screen comes in i will do a walk through tutorial on how to replace it... starting to wish i had gone with the GS3...
Mine is also doing that. Just started to notice it today. Kinda makes my opinion of the build quality a little less. But still love the phone. Minus the messaging bug. LOL.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
If I use my shoulder to hold the phone to my ear I get a creaking sound too. That's the only time I've heard it though. I imagine it has to do with the glass back.
Here, too. It's the camera side, right below it, that creaks. Fortunately, it's only noticeable when I deliberately squeeze it.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
solid here....this msg bug you guys are talking about, is it when your typing the sceen jumps and your back at the start of the msg?
Hey, so I just noticed that if I flip the phone over and orient it so the camera is on top, then it will creak when I push on the left side. You can also see the casing move in slightly. It's almost as if it's broken somewhere but you can't see any crack.
I thought the people at Best Buy had said the back was glass but it's looking more like cheap plastic at this point. Is it different on AT&T maybe?
parham.derick said:
So this makes me curious as to what other defects its going to have, but I'm on to a different issue, phone dropped about 2" and the digitizer broke, so when my new screen comes in i will do a walk through tutorial on how to replace it... starting to wish i had gone with the GS3...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dropped mine from chest height and nothing happened to it. That really sucks for you. How much was the replacement screen?
cthedogg said:
I dropped mine from chest height and nothing happened to it. That really sucks for you. How much was the replacement screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The replacement screen was $130 went with 2 day shipping (Digitizer/LCD Assembly). Just the digitizer was only $60 but it's a good thing I went with the whole assembly because when i was trying to pull the glass out of the housing some of the shards came off by themselves, and revealed that LG "fusing" the glass to the lcd is literally glue covering the entire LCD making it damn near impossible to just replace the digitizer and make it look nice.
Also a few warnings to those disassembling their phones:
1) The battery isnt solid, more like cased in an extreemly soft metal so it will dent if not carefully removed (it's glued into the housing)
2) The chrome edge dent's very easily, have a small ding where i got impatient, TAKE YOUR TIME!
3) When removing the back cover don't cross over the volume rocker, power button, or USB port with the spudger. for the top of the back removal gently push the back cover forward dont try to shove your spudger in their, it wont work lol.
I'm going to be doing a full disassembly guide that's a lot easier to follow than the "engrish" version korea put out for us english speaking techs when my new roll of 3m tape comes in. =P
This cracking is caused by a small piece of sticky under the back cover you can either remove the sticky or ad some more this would prevent the cracking...
I posted a service guide here on XDA search my name for it... It will show how you can remove the back cover... just when taking it off remember the back can crack easy and the plastic can ding or dent rather easy and make sure you don't mess up the power button or the volume buttons
ruthlessbeatle said:
solid here....this msg bug you guys are talking about, is it when your typing the sceen jumps and your back at the start of the msg?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Heck..don't take the back off

Just got my Verizon Note 4 yesterday and of course had to take back off to put battery in....for the life of me I cannot get all the snaps to close on the back cover...If I get them all at the top..I have one two not snapped at the bottom and vice versa...
How in the hell you get the darn back plate to close and snap securely all the way around...? Is there a pattern or tick one needs to follow?
TIA
parcou said:
Just got my Verizon Note 4 yesterday and of course had to take back off to put battery in....for the life of me I cannot get all the snaps to close on the back cover...If I get them all at the top..I have one two not snapped at the bottom and vice versa...
How in the hell you get the darn back plate to close and snap securely all the way around...? Is there a pattern or tick one needs to follow?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Insert the bottom tabs 1st. Make sure they're engaged properly then work your way up.
wtherrell said:
Insert the bottom tabs 1st. Make sure they're engaged properly then work your way up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
trying my darndest to follow these directions but i have a stubborn clip on the bottom right corner of the back cover. it refuses to house properly, and it's to the point where i've tried forcing it and put a little dent in the cover. it seems like shoddy work, and i'm getting rather frustrated at the fact that i have a back cover that just won't sit properly on the phone.
samshin said:
trying my darndest to follow these directions but i have a stubborn clip on the bottom right corner of the back cover. it refuses to house properly, and it's to the point where i've tried forcing it and put a little dent in the cover. it seems like shoddy work, and i'm getting rather frustrated at the fact that i have a back cover that just won't sit properly on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree....PIA getting mine back on and its still not all the way on!
parcou said:
Totally agree....PIA getting mine back on and its still not all the way on!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know this thread has been knocked back a good amount of pages and i'm not trying to bump for the sake of spamming, but this is definitely an issue for at least two of us on here. nobody else is finding that the back plate doesn't fit properly? i've narrowed it down to being an issue of the bottom two snaps on either side being too close together, most likely from the backplate becoming somewhat deformed. i went into a small local retailer and they made it sound like it was my fault, as though i had removed the backing improperly and caused the issue. i'm going to stop by a larger store later today to see if they'll take a look, but before i go in i want to get some idea of how common this issue is for other people.
so again, is anybody else having trouble closing the phone back up after opening the back cover? is it just me and parcou here who can't seem to get it to fit?
No issue here. I remove my back twice a day and it goes back on with no problem. I just lay it on the device and push it on both sides up near the heart rate monitor until it snaps in place then just go around the edges to make sure it snaps all around. I don't try to line up the top or bottom at all.
Same here
I had the same prob but with a little force an what sounded like a bone break it went on. I have not taking the back off since.
The tab at the top, in the corner, next to the headphone jack will not snap on mine. The back creaks when I squeeze it there, but the gap between the back and the phone just opens back up when I stop squeezing. Does this sound like something I should mention to Verizon? The gap is definitely big enough to allow dirt or moisture to get into the phone.
No problem with mine. placed the battery on and snapped it back together. I had to be showed how to pull the back off. Like they said use the top right corner to do that. - If I remember that right for the side ...
I had the a couple of the clips never seem to click into place. I thought I would break the glass pushing so hard.
I got a black replacement back from Ebay, much more tacky feeling that my original white back. It clicked right into place.
parcou said:
Just got my Verizon Note 4 yesterday and of course had to take back off to put battery in....for the life of me I cannot get all the snaps to close on the back cover...If I get them all at the top..I have one two not snapped at the bottom and vice versa...
How in the hell you get the darn back plate to close and snap securely all the way around...? Is there a pattern or tick one needs to follow?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no issue here either.
This totally sounds like a back plate problem tho.
Were you able to get your hands on a new back cover or maybe test out a back cover of a display model at a Verizon store?
parcou said:
Just got my Verizon Note 4 yesterday and of course had to take back off to put battery in....for the life of me I cannot get all the snaps to close on the back cover...If I get them all at the top..I have one two not snapped at the bottom and vice versa...
How in the hell you get the darn back plate to close and snap securely all the way around...? Is there a pattern or tick one needs to follow?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about that issue. This is weird since I have no problems. I purchased a battery charger and a second battery and I change batteries everyday and have no issues... thank God.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I've been having that same problem, with both the original backing and the book like car that Samsung makes. The $50 case from Samsung is going back until they're cheaper and I'm just getting something for the back from eBay to cover the open spaces.
Hello,
It's September 2017 - I just got my new old stock Verizon Note 4 and I'm seeing the same back cover problem. Out of the box it was not seated at the bottom edge. I could seat it at the bottom, or top - but not both.
The solution for me was to start by seating the bottom edge and the first clip up both sides. Then I left the rest of the side clips unseated and used my thumbs pressed in the center of the cover to slide it towards the top. I alternated this with working on the top clips and and got one and then the rest seated. I snapped the rest of the side clips in place last.
I hope this helps!
Pete

S Pen way too easy to lose!

So, I've owned every single version of the Note. Prior to owning the Note 4, I've only lost on S Pen and that was the one on the original Note 1. To this day I have no clue how I did it, but I lost it. Never came close to losing another since. However, in the five months I've owned the Note 4, today marks the second time I've lost the damn S Pen to this device! It seems like the enclosure for the pen on this version of the Note is really shoddy and much less secure than other versions. Many instances of my pen randomly popping on with a slight fall and such.
The first time I lost the S Pen, it was because—as stupid as this is—I had taken my case off the phone and somehow, the process of taking the case off slightly dislodged the S Pen from its housing. I had no idea this had happened. I was on the subway train preparing to exit and AFTER I had exited the train with the phone in my hand, my S Pen alert went off. That's when I realized the expensive S Pen was MIA! Apparently it fell completely out of its housing once I started walking, How absurd! I was able to purchase new OEM S Pen for cheap during the holidays, and I've been paying close attention to it ever since. As stated, there's been several times since that I've had to push the pen back in its housing because it had loosened itself. Very concerning.
Today, I had existed a vehicle with bags and I forgot I had my Note on my lap. When I got up, the Note fell on the ground face up. I didn't realize anything was wrong until I walked about 10-15ft then my S Pen alert went off. That's when the elusive S Pen was once again missing in action! I searched everywhere and could not find that damned thing! I don't know if someone actually picked it up in that short amount of time or what, but it is gone! Has anyone else had or noticed this problem?? Never had my S Pen dislodging itself on the Note 1, 2 or 3. This has me pissed! Now I have to spend money I really don't have at this time to purchase another one of these damn pens because I really do use mine quite often.
ive only had my note 4 for about 2 months but my s pen has yet to fall out yet. knocks on wood.
Both scenarios are have happened to me on all of my notes...and the pen has sometimes come dislodged/fallen out.
NEVER has the pen ever fallen out during normal use.
Sorry you've had such issues but i can say that I've dropped by Note 4 a few times from pretty high up and the pen has never fallen out.
Edit: the only thing I can think of is maybe people who use the pen more, will cause more wear on the sides of the pen so it doesnt stay as snug in the holder? I dont use my pen nearly as much as other people so the pen stays nice and snug.
Interesting. Never had issues with the S Pen. One thing I noticed and want to confirm with you guys... on the Note 3 you could push the S Pen in slightly and it clicks out on a spring. Push it back in and it locks in place. On the Note 4 it doesn't seem to have a spring in it. Is that normal?
svengalis said:
ive only had my note 4 for about 2 months but my s pen has yet to fall out yet. knocks on wood.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, usually it has to be (for me) some sort of abnormal circumstance. In just normal use, I've never had an issue. But if I drop the phone or like I said... taking a protective case off, I've noticed my S Pen easily becomes dislodged.
erick161 said:
Both scenarios are have happened to me on all of my notes...and the pen has sometimes come dislodged/fallen out.
NEVER has the pen ever fallen out during normal use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same with me except this issue has only arisen for me using the Note 4. I've never used a case on any of my other Notes, so I'm sure that's one big reason why this issue has been foreign to me until now,
nyydynasty said:
Sorry you've had such issues but i can say that I've dropped by Note 4 a few times from pretty high up and the pen has never fallen out.
Edit: the only thing I can think of is maybe people who use the pen more, will cause more wear on the sides of the pen so it doesnt stay as snug in the holder? I dont use my pen nearly as much as other people so the pen stays nice and snug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could be an issue too. Normal wear from more usage. Still, it's very concerning. Seems like my pen dies to pop out whenever it can.
heXacode said:
Interesting. Never had issues with the S Pen. One thing I noticed and want to confirm with you guys... on the Note 3 you could push the S Pen in slightly and it clicks out on a spring. Push it back in and it locks in place. On the Note 4 it doesn't seem to have a spring in it. Is that normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to me like the s pen on the Note 3 was much more secure. I seem to remember a more of a "clicking" into place on that phone. On the Note 4, seems like it just slides in but it's not really "locked" in, not that it ever was, just more-so noticeable on the Note 4.
Dr. Evo said:
It seems to me like the s pen on the Note 3 was much more secure. I seem to remember a more of a "clicking" into place on that phone. On the Note 4, seems like it just slides in but it's not really "locked" in, not that it ever was, just more-so noticeable on the Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. What I mean is on the Note 3 you push it and it clicks out a little bit for easier retrieval. Kind of like a regular ballpoint pen. When you push the button on the top down once the ballpoint appears. Push it again and it slides back inside the pen. That's what the S Pen on the Note 3 did. On the Note 4 it doesn't do that. That's what I'm trying to figure out if that's normal and made like that or do I have a defective spring?
Dr. Evo said:
AFTER I had exited the train with the phone in my hand, my S Pen alert went off. That's when I realized the expensive S Pen was MIA!
...
I didn't realize anything was wrong until I walked about 10-15ft then my S Pen alert went off. That's when the elusive S Pen was once again missing in action!
...
Has anyone else had or noticed this problem??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had a problem with the S Pen falling out on its own (though I've only had my phone a short while), but I have noticed that the S Pen alert barely ever fires. I think the alert could be a great feature, but I don't trust it based on my experiences so far. Interestingly, if I walk away with the S Pen in-hand, the alert never fires. If I walk away with the phone in-hand, it sometimes fires. I don't know if that behavior is intentional, or if its just random and I'm seeing a pattern that's not really there. At any rate, I think that the S Pen alert would be better if it was more sensitive. It might have helped you find yours in the two scenarios that you described above.
On a related topic, I was thinking of proactively getting a second S Pen, with the expectation that I'll probably lose the original at some point (or, more likely, break it from chewing on it; it's pretty flimsy). I was going to use the discount code that Samsung emailed me when I registered my handset, but the bloody thing is $30! I know that I can get one cheaper elsewhere but, Just out of curiosity: Is there some magic in the S Pen that makes it expensive, or is the cost pure hype?
Sounds like your problem is your case. I had the pen fall out when I remove the back cover on occasions. Other than that it's in there and doesn't pop out.
Don't know if I'd call it magic, but I tried two different oem (NOT Samsung) s pens. Garbage. I finally knuckled and shelled out for the real thing as a backup. The cheap ones either didn't fit in the holder, didn't react with the phone correctly, or both.
Dr. Evo said:
So, I've owned every single version of the Note. Prior to owning the Note 4, I've only lost on S Pen and that was the one on the original Note 1. To this day I have no clue how I did it, but I lost it. Never came close to losing another since. However, in the five months I've owned the Note 4, today marks the second time I've lost the damn S Pen to this device! It seems like the enclosure for the pen on this version of the Note is really shoddy and much less secure than other versions. Many instances of my pen randomly popping on with a slight fall and such.
The first time I lost the S Pen, it was because—as stupid as this is—I had taken my case off the phone and somehow, the process of taking the case off slightly dislodged the S Pen from its housing. I had no idea this had happened. I was on the subway train preparing to exit and AFTER I had exited the train with the phone in my hand, my S Pen alert went off. That's when I realized the expensive S Pen was MIA! Apparently it fell completely out of its housing once I started walking, How absurd! I was able to purchase new OEM S Pen for cheap during the holidays, and I've been paying close attention to it ever since. As stated, there's been several times since that I've had to push the pen back in its housing because it had loosened itself. Very concerning.
Today, I had existed a vehicle with bags and I forgot I had my Note on my lap. When I got up, the Note fell on the ground face up. I didn't realize anything was wrong until I walked about 10-15ft then my S Pen alert went off. That's when the elusive S Pen was once again missing in action! I searched everywhere and could not find that damned thing! I don't know if someone actually picked it up in that short amount of time or what, but it is gone! Has anyone else had or noticed this problem?? Never had my S Pen dislodging itself on the Note 1, 2 or 3. This has me pissed! Now I have to spend money I really don't have at this time to purchase another one of these damn pens because I really do use mine quite often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you need to stop dropping your device... Problem solved..
Android300ZX said:
Sounds like your problem is your case. I had the pen fall out when I remove the back cover on occasions. Other than that it's in there and doesn't pop out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the case was the problem because I replicated it more than once to troubleshoot the first incident. Afterwards, I decided not to use a case. The Note 4 is beautiful and I couldn't stand having it hidden under plastic. However, as I've stated, the pen has became dislodged on numerous other occasions when it really shouldn't have. That's the concern. I guess I wanted to know if any one else had a similar issue.
Thread cleaned. Everyone is entitled to share their opinion on any thread discussion as long as it is not attacking or insulting to any other individual. Please watch what you post and how you post it or thread will be shut down. Thank you all for your continued contributions and attention to this.
Edfunkycold
Have a great day!
mcmannion said:
I haven't had a problem with the S Pen falling out on its own (though I've only had my phone a short while), but I have noticed that the S Pen alert barely ever fires. I think the alert could be a great feature, but I don't trust it based on my experiences so far. Interestingly, if I walk away with the S Pen in-hand, the alert never fires. If I walk away with the phone in-hand, it sometimes fires. I don't know if that behavior is intentional, or if its just random and I'm seeing a pattern that's not really there. At any rate, I think that the S Pen alert would be better if it was more sensitive. It might have helped you find yours in the two scenarios that you described above.
On a related topic, I was thinking of proactively getting a second S Pen, with the expectation that I'll probably lose the original at some point (or, more likely, break it from chewing on it; it's pretty flimsy). I was going to use the discount code that Samsung emailed me when I registered my handset, but the bloody thing is $30! I know that I can get one cheaper elsewhere but, Just out of curiosity: Is there some magic in the S Pen that makes it expensive, or is the cost pure hype?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think even Samsung has a great deal of faith in that s pen alert based upon the way they describe it. I too have had iffy results on getting it to alert so a gave up on it. Also fearful of eventually laying it down and losing it I bought a spare and it sits in a drawer.
As for the cost.. You hit it on the head.. Pure hype. Accessories are almost always marked up 60-70%. But it's essential to those of us who really use it, so they feel safe in charging that much for it.
I too had the same problem. One day i dropped my phone and it hit the edge of the dresser & dislodged the pen only half way out befire it hit the floor and broke the pen in half at the S-pen button. The pen still worked though, so i put a piece of scotch tape about 2" long vertically up the pen to keep it together until i got a new one. I carefully wrapped the piece of tape centering it over the pen button and the 1/2 wide tape went around the pen 1 layer thick almost perfect. Low and behold the pen works perfectly and it always stays in without any issues ! .... Hope you try it : )
---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:26 PM ----------
I too had the same problem. One day i dropped my phone and it hit the edge of the dresser & dislodged the pen only half way out befire it hit the floor and broke the pen in half at the S-pen button. The pen still worked though, so i put a piece of scotch tape about 2" long vertically up the pen to keep it together until i got a new one. I carefully wrapped the piece of tape centering it over the pen button and the 1/2 wide tape went around the pen 1 layer thick almost perfect. Low and behold the pen works perfectly and it always stays in without any issues ! .... Hope you try it : )
erick161 said:
Both scenarios are have happened to me on all of my notes...and the pen has sometimes come dislodged/fallen out.
NEVER has the pen ever fallen out during normal use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend has lost several on all of his phones. He's very rough with stuff. I've had every note and still do to this day. Never had a pen pop out or lost, except my note 2 pen is gone. I loaned it to the friend and he lost it. Maybe change the settings to make a sound when it comes out.
Fixed loose pen with clear nail polish
I'd forgotten about this thread; thanks to the recent posters for bumping it.
Since my original post last year, in which I stated that I hadn't had problems with the S Pen falling out of my Note 4, the S Pen has become progressively looser to the point that it falls out on its own. I tried a variety of solutions to get it to stay in, and finally found one that works, and that seems to be durable, after about a month of usage:
I painted the tip of the pen with a few coats of clear nail polish.
Let me define what I mean by "tip" in this context. I specifically painted the:
o Sides of the pen (i.e. the smooth narrow edges, not the textured wide edges);
o Starting at the little grooves that hold the pen in the phone, and;
o Ending at the point where the body of the pen starts to curve towards the nib
I applied four, thin coats of nail polish, following the drying/recoating instructions on the bottle. Furthermore, I let the whole thing dry for two days before inserting it back into the phone, just to make sure it was fully cured. Lastly, I used a small file to clear any residue from the original grooves. I don't think that I actually got any nail polish in there, but I wanted to make sure that they were nice and sharp so the little hook inside the phone would catch the pen firmly.
So far, so good. The pen stays in firmly - at least as firmly as when the phone was new. The nail polish is intact and unscathed; it doesn't seem to be scratching or otherwise coming off inside the phone.
HTH, and good luck.
I must be lucky. In December this will be my daily phone for 2 years. My S-Pen has been tight and snug since the day I bought it. As far as dropping the phone, I've only dropped the phone really good once. Incidentally it was right after I stopped using a case because I had just purchased an extended battery. Alas, after that drop it crumpled my s-pen slot slightly making it even more snug. No luck at life, but by god this S-Pen is here to stay.
I fastened a 2 ft chain between my spen and phone. Biker wallet style! Haha j/k

Categories

Resources