6 problems with the LG V10 and how to fix them

LG’s new V series of smartphones is the company’s latest attempt to capture the premium smartphone market. The first offering in the series, the LG V10, features a beautiful design, a durable body, gorgeous display, high-end specifications, and a fantastic camera experience, along with a second screen experience that is quite unique. Overall, the LG V10 makes for a very compelling flagship option, especially for those that expected more from the LG G4.

• LG V10 review
• LG V10 best cases

However, as is the case with any current generation smartphone or tablet, the LG V10 is not without its issues. Which is why, we’ve rounded up some of the common problems that LG V10 owners face, and offer potential solutions on how to fix them.

Disclaimer: The LG V10 is one of the best flagship smartphones of 2015, and it is more than likely that you won’t come across any of the problems mentioned below. 

Problem #1 – Screen flickering

Quite a few users have found their device displays to flicker intermittently while using the phone. The screen will dim, like just before it turns off, and then brighten once again.

Potential solutions:

• Oddly enough, some users have found the Paypal application to be causing this problem. If you have the Paypal app installed, remove it to see if the problem goes away. Hopefully, a future update of the app will address this issue, and you can install it once again at that time.
• If you find the Paypal app to not be at fault, another rogue application may be the cause of concern. Boot the device into Safe Mode (you can find the instructions on how to do so below) and see if this issue occurs. If it doesn’t, a recently installed third party application is the problem. Uninstall any apps that were installed just before the issue showed up, and see if that fixes it.

Problem #2 – Protective case stops fingerprint sensor from working properly

The fingerprint scanner of the LG V10 is otherwise accurate, but users have found the accuracy to drop dramatically when there is a case on, or that the scanner stops working entirely.

Potential solutions:

• This is a problem that has been acknowledged by LG, and improvements to the fingerperint scanner will be made available in a future software update. Basically, the problem now is that contact with the metal sides is necessary when using the scanner to have it work properly. Taking off the case makes the scanner work properly again.
• Some users have found the setting up the fingerprint scanner again, this time with the case, helps a little bit.

Problem #3 – Icon at the top left of the screen stops working

Many users have found that the icon at the top right corner of the screen, such as the back arrow or the three dot menu button, stops working after a while, regardless of which app they are in.

Potential solutions:

• This is another well known problem, and seems to be caused by the Facebook Messenger application. Users have found that uninstalling the app solves the issue right away. Hopefully, a future update of the app will address this problem.
• If you find the FB Messenger app to not be at fault, another rogue app may be the cause for concern. Boot the device into Safe Mode and see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, remove any recent applications you may have installed before the issue showed up, and see if that fixes it.

Problem #4 – Device automatically switching from Wi-Fi to Cellular networks

Many users have found their devices automatically switching to cellular network connectivity for data while being connected to Wi-Fi. The device makes the switch because it assumes the signal strength of the cell network is better.

Potential solutions:

• This seems to be an issue with the smart network switch settings. You can go into Settings – Wi-Fi settings – Advanced and turn off settings like “Avoid bad Wi-Fi connections,” or “automatically switch to mobile data.”
• Unfortunately, some users found this to be a hardware issue, and had to pick up a replacement device, with the new phone not suffering from the same problem, so that may be the best solution for you.

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Problem #5 – Screen not waking after calls

Many users have found the device display to remain turned off after a call, making it difficult to end a call, or access anything else on the phone while on a call.

Potential solutions:

• This seems to be a problem with the proximity sensor, and is generally faced by users that use generic screen guards, especially of the tempered glass variety. Screen guards made specifically for the LG V10 come with an L shaped cut at the top that keep the proximity sensor uncovered, and using this helps avoid the problem.
• You can also check if there is a problem with the proximity sensor itself. Download an app like Aida64 from the Google Play Store. Go to the Sensors section and look for the Proximity sensor. Hold your hand over the sensor, and the value should switch between 5 cm and 0 cm for far and near respectively.
• A rogue app may also be the cause of concern. Boot the device into Safe Mode and see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, uninstall any apps that you may have downloaded before the problem started, and see if that fixes it.

Problem #6 – Connectivity issues

As is the case with any new device, you may find yourself facing some connectivity issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth issues seem to be especially prominent with the LG V10.

Potential solutions:

Wi-Fi issues

• Turn the device and the router off for at least ten seconds, then turn them back and retry the connection.
• Go to Settings – Power saving and ensure that this option is turned off.
• Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer to check how crowded your channel is, and switch to a better option.
• Forget the Wi-Fi connection by going to Settings – Wi-Fi and long tapping the connection you want, then selecting “Forget”. Re-enter the details and try again.
• Make sure the router firmware is up to date.
• Make sure the applications and software on the device are up to date.
• Go into Wi-Fi – Settings – Advanced and make a note of your device MAC address, then make sure that it is allowed access in the router’s MAC filter.

Bluetooth issues

• With issues when connecting to the car, check the manufacturer’s manual for the device and the car and reset your connections.
• Ensure that you are not missing a vital part of the connection process.
• Go to Settings – Bluetooth and ensure nothing needs changing
• Go into Settings – Bluetooth delete all prior pairings and try setting them up again from scratch.
• When it comes to issues with multiple device connection, only a future update will be able to address this problem.

Guides: Soft reset, Hard reset, Wipe cache partition, and hardware control mode

Soft reset

• When the screen is not responsive, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, until the device restarts.
• Alternately, you can also pull the battery to shut down the phone.

Hard reset

• Turn the device off.
• Press and hold the power button and the volume down key simultaneously, and when the LG logo is displayed, release only the power button, and then immediately press the power button again, and wait till the factory reset menu comes up.
• Press the power button to continue, or the volume keys to cancel.

Booting into Safe Mode

• Turn off the phone and restart it. When the LG logo appears, press and hold the volume down key until you see the home screen, which should take it into Safe Mode.
• When the phone is on, press and hold the power button till the shutdown options appear. Press and hold the “Power off” option till a confirmation pops up and tap OK. This will boot the device into Safe Mode.

Hardware control mode

If the display of the phone is broken or damaged, you can still perform some basic functions using the hardware buttons.

• Turn off the phone.
• Press and hold the power button and both volume keys together for more than 10 seconds to enable the hardware key control mode.
• Press the volume keys to scroll to the option you want, and press the power button to confirm.
• To answer a call, you can now press both volume keys at the same time to do so.
• to end a call, press the power button during the call.
• To stop the alarm, press and hold the volume keys together when the alarm rings.

So there you have it for this roundup of the common problems that LG V10 owners face, and potential solutions on how to fix them. We will continue to keep this list updated, so if there are any other issues you may have across, do mention it in the comments section below.

However, if you are planning to pick up the LG V10, don’t let these problems change your mind. Most of these issues are software-based, and future updates will likely address them. The LG V10 is still one of the best Android smartphones out there, and if you are looking for features like durability and a great camera, this smartphone is certainly a great choice.