Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 issues and how to fix it

Samsung has made its foldable devices better and more durable with each generation. Foldable devices are also now more affordable, with especially the Galaxy Z Flip 3 priced like any other 2021 flagship. Like every other smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is not without its problems. Here’s a look at some common Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 issues and possible solutions on how to fix them.

Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Review


Problem # 1: Display crease / cracks along the fold

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is quite durable. It survived more than 400,000 folds in an intensive durability test, and we found the phone to be well-built in our review. Unfortunately, not everyone shares the same experience. Many Galaxy Z Flip 3 owners have complained about the phone’s screen cracking or creasing next to the fold.

Potential solutions:

  • If you see a crack on the screen next to the fold, the only option is to have the screen repaired. If the screen cracks, you will see a gray streak across the fold, and black spots may start to appear on the screen. This is easier if the phone is in the warranty period and if you have Samsung Care Plus. However, quite a few users said that Samsung denied their warranty claim and said that the crack was caused due to physical damage to the phone by the user.
  • The Galaxy Z Flip 3’s screen crease problem is easier to solve. The screen protector causes the crease or bubble along the fold. It would be best if you still take the phone to an authorized service center to replace the screen protector. More daring users have removed and replaced the screen saver, but remember that this will void your warranty.

Problem # 2: Ghost notifications and ghost vibrations

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 unfolds with home screen

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Some Z Flip 3 owners say the phone vibrates randomly (when muted) or gives alerts, even though they have not received any new notifications. Some also see the orange notification dot on the screen, but see nothing new.

Potential solutions:

  • This could be a problem with the Notice Reminder institution. This is an accessibility setting that sends alerts every five minutes until a notification is checked or rejected. The feature may have an error and may send unnecessary alerts. Until there is a software solution, the best option is to turn it off. Go to Settings> Accessibility> Advanced Settings> Notification Reminders and deactivate it (switch off).
  • You can see which programs sent notifications by checking Settings> Notifications. See if any applications show that they are sending notifications, but you do not see them on the front page screen.
  • See if the issue persists in Safe Mode. If this is not the case then maybe your browser needs fixing. Uninstall any recently installed or updated applications and see if the issue is gone.

Issue # 3: “Control Panel Not Working” Error

Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 with AA left profile

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Some users get the “Control panel does not work” error when trying to use applications in Flex mode that allow you to use the phone when it is supported at a right angle.

Potential solutions:

  • The error occurs when an application does not work well with Flex mode. You can check which applications have been activated by checking Settings> Advanced Features> Labs> Flex Mode Panel and removing the programs from the list that are causing the problem.

Issue # 4: “Topic: No Topic” Appearing in MMS / Group Text Headers

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 unfolded on the couch

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The headline error has affected several Samsung phones, especially if you are on the T-Mobile network. It seems to come and go with updates for the Samsung Messages application.

Potential solutions:

  • The problem appears with the Samsung Messages application which automatically adds the line in MMS or group text messages. You will not see this issue with other messaging apps, so you can switch to Google Messages or other third-party apps in the Google Play Store. The only option is to wait for a software update.

Problem # 5: Freeze and reload

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 tent style on the couch

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Some users say that the phone tends to freeze and recharge automatically. This usually happens when the appliance overheats, even with regular use.

Potential solutions:

  • If your Z Flip 3 freezes and restarts automatically without the phone overheating, a rogue application is a likely culprit. Launch the phone in safe mode and see if the problem persists. If not, remove any recently installed or updated applications and see if the problem persists.
  • Try deleting the cache partition to see if the problem is gone.
  • Only a software update can help overheat the device. Until then, make sure you close all background apps and remove the phone holder if you plan to play games or use the camera.

Issue # 6: Android Auto Issues

Android Auto Apps

Adam Birney / Android Authority

Like most smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is no stranger to Android Auto issues.

Potential solutions:

  • The most common cause of Android Auto issues is due to the way the phone is set up. If you used Samsung’s Smart Switch application to set up your new phone, some settings may not be properly transferred and create problems on the new device. Find the app in the Google Play Store and uninstall it. It will not completely uninstall as it is now a system application. tap on update and reinstall it. Go to Settings> Applications> Android Auto> Storage a tick clear storage and cupboard.
  • Some Galaxy Z Flip 3 owners say that their Android Auto issues are due to an incompatible cable. Some cheap third-party cables only work for charging, but you will need one that allows data transfer. The best option is to get the Samsung USB-A to USB-C cable or USB-C to USB-C cable. There are also some third-party cables that are worth considering.

Problems that do not have a solution and require a software update or replacement

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in hand showing cover screen

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Some Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 issues do not have a simple solution available. If you experience any other issues, do not forget to report the issue to Samsung. Open the Samsung Members application and go to Get Help> Send Feedback> Error Reports.

  • “Tap to wake up” does not work on the screen: Some users say that the tap-to-wake feature does not work as expected on the cover screen. You can check the phone’s always-on-display settings, and users say that a restart temporarily fixes the problem.
  • Microphone does not work with some applications: Users find that the phone’s microphone does not work with certain applications like WhatsApp. However, the microphone seems to work with the camera application and others. This could be a permission issue. Go to Settings> Applications> (find the application)> Permissions for applications and make sure that the problematic application has microphone permission active. However, the permission setting is not the issue for most users.
  • Program icons are missing on the home screen: Many Samsung phone owners say that application icons on the homepage and the application drawer are missing. The applications are installed on the phone and can be accessed by opening and selecting the application page in the Google Play Store Open up. This issue appears to be affecting all Samsung phone users using a third-party launcher. Users say that returning to the phone’s standard One UI launcher solves the problem.
  • Clock app / alarms do not work: AZ Flip 3 user says that their phone only vibrates during an alarm instead of ringing. They cannot repeat the problem when testing the clock app by setting the alarm a few minutes later. This could be a battery saver issue. Make sure the phone’s clock application is not on the list of optimized battery life.
  • Calls do not go through: Some users say the phone does not seem to be able to make calls. Calls are dropped immediately when another number is dialed, even if the phone indicates the network is available. Some T-Mobile and Verizon users have complained about this issue.
  • Slow Wi-Fi speeds on 5Ghz networks: Some Z Flip 3 owners say that the data connection speeds seem slower on their phones than on other devices on the same network.

Directories – Start in Safe Mode, Delete Cache Partition, Factory Reset

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 folded with ports and buttons

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Note: You will first need to plug your phone into your computer to enter the recovery menu to reset the device or delete the cache partition.

Start in safe mode

When the phone is off

  • Press and hold the side key until the Samsung logo appears on the screen.
  • Eleven Samsung appears, and the device vibrates, releases the edge wrench, and immediately press and hold the volume down button.
  • Wait until the phone restarts.
  • Release the volume down button when you see safe mode in the lower left corner of the screen.

If the phone is on

  • Once you have set the side key to act as the power button, press and hold until the power options appear. If the side key is set to Bixby, press and hold the side key and the volume down button.
  • Tap and hold the switch off option until you see Safe mode.

Factory reset

  • Press and hold the volume-up button and side key.
  • Release the side key as soon as the phone switches on, but continue to hold the volume up button.
  • Use the volume down button to navigate Wipe data / factory reset and press the side key to confirm.
  • Choose Yes – delete all user data institutions.
  • Once the recovery is complete, press the side key to select Reload system now.

Delete cache partition

  • Press and hold the volume-up button and side key.
  • Release the side key as soon as the phone switches on, but continue to hold the volume up button.
  • Use the volume down button to move to the Delete cache partition option and press the side key to confirm.
  • Recharge the phone as soon as it is done.

Have you experienced any other Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 issues? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. We will do our best to help.