LG Nexus 5: Top 10 Encountered Issues and Their Fixes Including Overheating, Tethering and Camera Bugs
LG Nexus 5 is the pride of Android 4.4 KitKat and currently sold with an affordable price of $350. But it doesn't come bug-free like the rest of other smartphones out there. Here are the common solutions to Nexus 5 bugs, errors, glitches and many annoyances.
Dead Pixels
Your Nexus 5 may have dead pixels which can a single spot or spots on the display screen. It may be a hardware issue due to trapped dust inside or a defect on the display itself.
Solutions:
1. Download a free application called Dead Pixel Test to confirm any dead pixels.
2. Once confirmed, go to your network carrier or contact Google immediately for replacement.
Rattling Power Key
Some owners have complained the annoying rattling sound of the power key whenever the device is shaken, button pressed or during vibration. One possible cause is the camera module called Optical Image Stabilisation installed on the device.
Solutions:
1. Buy a casing for the Nexus 5 to help the power key and even optimise its durability against daily wear and tear.
2. Contact Google or your network carrier to get a replacement unit.
Wi-Fi Connection Problems
Another problem with Nexus 5 is the dropping of Wi-Fi connection and it can be caused by various factors.
Solutions:
1. Turn on the Airplane Mode then turn it off again.
2. Toggle the Wi-Fi control on the notifications bar and see if the on/off fixes the issue.
3. Reboot the device which may solve the temporary setback of the Wi-Fi.
4. Download the Wi-Fi Analyser app to check if the crowded channel causes the problem.
5. For technical causes, turn off the router for 10 seconds then start it again.
a. Go to Settings > Wireless and networks > Wi-Fi > Forget the Wi-Fi. Reconnect again with correct details.
b. Update the firmware of the router by contacting your Internet service provider for Web site referral.
c. Change the frequency band on the device. Go to Settings > Wireless and networks > Wi-Fi > Menu key > Advanced > Wi-Fi frequency band > Try 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz only rather than Auto.
d. Make sure that the Avoid poor connections is unchecked on the Wi-Fi settings or the wireless radio will disconnect from Wi-Fi with low signal.
Weak or Too Loud Vibration
Defective vibration motor on the Nexus 5 can cause either weak or too obvious vibrating scheme which can be annoying. This problem is not very common and probably due to a faulty mechanism inside.
Solution: Contact your retailer or Google to return the handset and get a replacement unit.
Poor Audio Quality
Some owners of Nexus 5 find the speaker too weak or produce some reverb and muffling at times. But before any complaints, make sure that you know where the speaker is which can be found at the bottom-left of the smartphone - the right one is the microphone.
Solution:
1. Download other music apps and play tracks to know if the speaker or software caused the issue.
2. Turn on the Equaliser on the Google Play Music app. Go to the app > Settings > Equaliser on.
3. Turn of the Virtual Surround Sound inside the settings of Play Music.
4. Software update may fix the problem which you need to wait till Google releases one.
Battery Drain or Unable to Recharge
This is one of the frequently complained issues on Nexus 5 - the battery drain or mediocre battery life. Some got the worst version of unable to recharge the smartphone which may be caused by hardware problems.
Solution:
1. Recharge the device using its AC adapter or get another compatible charging unit.
2. If the charger doesn't work, use a USB cable then plug it to a computer.
3. Purchase a battery extender or portable battery charging accessory.
4. Contact Google or your retailer for possible replacement unit.
Poor Camera
Nexus 5 features an Optical Image Stabilisation camera module but complains with poor camera performance such as blurry captures, shutter lag and more bloated online.
Solution: Nexus 5 camera performance issues are only fixable via software update which you need to patiently wait for Google's release.
Google Now Bugs
Some Nexus 5 aren't able to access Google Now feature which probably caused by bugs from the service.
Solution:
1. Check for Google Search update on the Play Store.
2. Clear data and cache of the app. Go Settings > Applications > Google Search > Clear Data and Cache.
3. Reboot the smartphone which may fix the problem.
Tethering
Nexus 5 T-Mobile users may encounter Wi-Fi hotspot or Bluetooth tethering issue which a prepaid plan prevents the function.
Solution: A post at the XDA developer forum found tweaks that can resolve the issue.
Overheating Issue
A report indicated that intense gaming experience on Nexus 5 can cause temperature rise of up to 60 degrees centigrade which may put the phone into flames.
Solution:
1. Overheating means too much activity on the processor and graphics chipset and it is recommended to play intense games in a well-ventilated area or in air-conditioned room.
2. Avoid stressing too much the Nexus 5 to prevent overheating injuries. Take a break sometimes and have a KitKat.
3. Remove any casing whenever you are playing high-graphical games to let heat escape.
4. It is recommended not play games while the phone is being charged unless your room is very cool.
5. Contact Google or retailer to have the phone replaced due to persistent hardware problems.