Problem 1: Poor Call Quality
It is very frustrating to try to carry on a conversation with someone you can’t hear, and the opportunities for miscommunication skyrocket. Adjusting call volume is usually easy, and there are a few tricks to try for problems with echoes or noise.
Solution
Try Again
If there is echoing or noise, or if your caller’s voice sounds like an ewok gargling maple syrup, you are most likely experiencing issues with network link quality. Try hanging up and dialing again. Hopefully you will be switched to a better network link.
Turn Up the Volume
Use the volume buttons on the side of your phone to make an adjustment, even during the call.Try holding the phone in various positions next to your ear to find the right spot.If all else fails, try an app like Ultimate Volume Booster.
Ultimate Volume Booster
Problem 2: Baffling Battery
One downside to the ZTE Axon is that it does not have a removable battery.So if the phone won’t hold a charge it’s sometimes an all or nothing solution if the battery is really defective. But sometimes the problem actually lies elsewhere. The Axon does offer 3000 mAh of battery life, though, which really isn’t bad if the battery is working normally.
Solution
Check Your Charger
If your ZTE Axon will charge (i.e. you see the charging icon and/or other hopeful signs of life), let it do so for at least 10-30 minutes.The charger that came with your ZTE Axon should work, at least initially. If you think that charger may be the problem, try a different one.If your phone is still under warranty and your charger is faulty, have the company send you a new one while you can.Charging requires a good connection, so you will need to ensure that the plug on the end of the charger fits properly. Sometimes jiggling the plug within its jack may enable a connection, but not if the problem is located more internally. Additionally, jarring this area of your ZTE Axon could potentially cause even more damage.If your phone will charge via a USB connection to your computer, the problem is probably your wall or car charger. If nothing delivers a charge to your phone, it could be the port or the phone itself. One way to check this is by trying a wireless charger.If a wireless charger fails, it’s most likely a hardware issue. Use that warranty if you can.
Contact the Dealer
If your phone won’t hold a charge, it’s most likely one of two things—-the battery itself, or the charger. If your phone is still under warranty, you might as well take advantage of that while you can.
Happy Medium
Especially while the phone is charging, pay attention to its environment. You don’t want it to be too hot or too cold. The phone’s temperature should never dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 113 degrees. In high temperature environments, the battery life will be depleted.
Uninstall Apps
Rule out any problem apps, especially one you might have installed recently. See if you experience the same problem while in Safe Mode. If not, you will need to uninstall the app you think is the culprit.To uninstall an app, tap and hold the app.Drag it to the Uninstall button and release.Confirm the uninstall.
Optimize Battery
Use an app to reduce battery energy drain. One such app that will assist you is called Greenify. The download is below.You will have to accept the Terms and Conditions, but then you can determine which apps you want to hibernate. Simply press the +Long-press an app until it turns green, and then select all of the other apps you wish to put to sleep.Click on the checkmark icon located in the upper-right hand corner. If your device is not rooted, you will want to read the popup window.Press Force Stop on the App InfoTap OK to finally hibernate the app(s).
Greenify
Problem 3: Nano-SIM Card Error
If you are unable to connect to the network, it could very well be a problem with your SIM.
Solution
Contact Service Provider
If the SIM card is invalid, damaged, or malfunctioning your best bet is to take it into your service provider for further testing or replacement.Your account must be in good standing.
Check Placement
Ensure that the card is inserted correctly. If not, properly insert the card. The contacts side faces downward. Ensure that the card fits securely in the tray before you shut the tray.Make sure that you are using a standard nano-SIM. Otherwise, damage can ensue.When you eject the tray, only use tools intended for that purpose, such as a SIM removal tool. A small bent paperclip will also suffice without inflicting any damage.
Clean SIM
If there is any sort of debris present, especially on the contacts side of the SIM, use a soft dry cloth to remove it.
Problem 4: Fixed Storage
32 GB may suffice for some, but heavy users may find themselves wanting more than what this phone inherently has to offer.
Solution
Restart Regularly
If you are experiencing problems with speed, rebooting usually does the trick.
Use MicroSD
Use the micro USB to attach a microSD card reader.You can also use a full size USB drive if you have a USB OTG (On the Go) cable. This adapter cable is usually really cheap, but some devices experience compatibility issues.Place heavy-hitting apps on external storage.
Limit Widgets, Wallpapers
Also limit greedy apps. Uninstall any apps you don’t use.
Use Cloud Storage
Not only can you use external storage, but you can actually use someone else’s physical storage. You should really consider this option for media files, like photos.
Set a Limit
Set a limit on the number of text messages stored in your inbox. From the app itself, go to Menu>Settings>Delete Old Messages.Then tap on Text Message Limit. Set the maximum number of messages your inbox is allowed to hold.
Clear System Cache
Power down your ZTE Axon.Press the Power button for a few seconds.Without releasing the Power button, press Volume Up.When you can see the Select Boot Mode menu, release both buttons.With the Recovery Mode option highlighted, press the Volume Up key to make that selection.When you see the Android robot with a yellow triangle, press and hold Power and Volume Up Now you should be in the Android System Recovery menu.Use your volume keys to navigate to the Wipe Cache Partition option, and Power to select it.Reboot if the phone doesn’t do so automatically.
Factory Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the ZTE to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Problem 5: Weak Wi-Fi or Data Connection
If you are sure you have a good signal from the cell towers or the Wi-Fi, you could have a problem with the device.
Solution
Soft Reset
Power your ZTE Axon off, then on again.Do the same thing with your router. Leave it off for about 10 seconds.
Forget Network
Tell your ZTE Axon to forget the existing network.Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, then select the network with a long-press.Choose Forget Network, but remember your password, because you are going to need it.Start fresh.
Come Close
If the signal seems weak, it could be due to other items blocking it or distance. For example, if you are next to a tall building or in a basement, you might need to relocate.
Also, you could be too far away from the service tower.
Move your ZTE Axon closer to the router.It’s possible for other devices can also create interference. Move home appliances away.
No Sleeping on the Job
Power on Wi-Fi during sleep.Just in case your Wi-Fi is too busy dreaming to stay connected, visit Settings>Wi-Fi>More, and select Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.Choose Always.
Turn off Bluetooth
There can be a conflict between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Some users have reported that Wi-Fi improved almost twice as much when Bluetooth was turned off.
Try Again Later
If you are attempting to connect at a peak time of the day, it may be more than the network can handle. Wait 5-10 minutes and try again.
Problem 6: Launcher Crashes
This problem has a very strong linkage to the Marshmallow 6.0 update, unfortunately. Users have also reported problems with Dolby Sound afterward.
Solution
Try a New Launcher
There are many home screen launchers out there:Nova Launcher is lightweight, but still allows for customization.LauncherPro is fast.For more intuitive app organization, try Aviate.
Nova Launcher LauncherPro Aviate
Clear System Cache
Power down your ZTE Axon.Press the Power button for a few seconds.Without releasing the Power button, press Volume Up.When you can see the Select Boot Mode menu, release both buttons.With the Recovery Mode option highlighted, press the Volume Up key to make that selection.When you see the Android robot with a yellow triangle, press and hold Power and Volume Up Now you should be in the Android System Recovery menu.Use your volume keys to navigate to the Wipe Cache Partition option, and Power to select it.Reboot if the phone doesn’t do so automatically.
Take a Step Back
You could always roll back to Lollipop. Altering the OS yourself can be dicey, so always take the normal precautions and charge and backup your phone. Use only the stock firmware that matches your model exactly.After you have completed the above preparations, you will need to connect your Axon to your PC via USB cable.Transfer the stock ROM zip file from your PC to the root folder of the ZTE’s internal memory.Go into Recovery Mode and select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition.Install the zip file.Reboot.
Problem 7: The Phone is Heavy, Awkward
The screen itself has a lot to do with it. One-handed usage is difficult on this phone. This problem is compounded if you are left-handed or have small hands. However, the Elite comes with a built-in solution and Pro users can get some assistance from an app(s).
Solution
Mi-Pop
Mi-Pop is a little onscreen widget intended to make one-handed usage easier for you. You can have quicker access to virtual Back, Home, and Menu buttons, as well as Recent Apps. You start out with just the Back button when you launch the app, but when you slide your finger on the Back button the other navigational keys appear. You can situate them wherever you please by long-pressing and dragging.If you are working with the Pro, there are several similar apps that can be found on Google Play. Many require root, but below is an example of one that does not.
Mi-Pop
Problem 8: Liquid Damage or Broken Screens
No smartphone, or electronic device for that matter, does exceedingly well with liquid or with being dropped. Some are built to display a little bit more tolerance for these conditions (i.e. Samsung Galaxy S7) but none are totally impervious. This phone is no exception. Yet these things happen anyway.
Solution
Use Warranty
The Pro’s ZTEUSA Premium Protection plan does boast of offering coverage for drops and minimal liquid damage. The term minimal can be subjective. You will probably be biased toward thinking your incident is minimal, while the company will probably tend to lean the other direction.
The plan is free of charge to you as long as you are the original owner and your claim is within the two-year term. It is subject to a $79.99 USD deductible and exclusions do apply.
Minimize Damage
Remove your phone from water as quickly as possible.Don’t turn it on immediately.Don’t plug it in to charge immediately.Don’t press any buttons immediately, unless it’s to turn your phone off.Don’t take your phone apart unless you know what you are doing. If you have never done it before, odds are you don’t know what you are doing.Do remove your phone’s case.You can submerge your phone in a bag of uncooked rice to help absorb the moisture.There are companies that specialize in removing water from smartphones. One such company is DryBox.You can also use a cloth or paper towel to dab the phone dry.
Screen Workarounds
Control your phone from your PC with this tool.Unlock your phone using ADB.Unlock your phone using USB OTG.Use [email protected] to display your screen on your PC.
Problem 9: Overheating
If your phone is getting too warm, there could be underlying problems. Overheating can cause a lot of damage to the internals of the phone and shorten the life of the battery and the phone itself.
Solution
Avoid Usage
Don’t use your phone while it’s charging.
Optimize Battery
Use an app to reduce battery energy drain. One such app that will assist you is called Greenify. The download is below.You will have to accept the Terms and Conditions, but then you can determine which apps you want to hibernate. Simply press the + icon.Long-press an app until it turns green, and then select all of the other apps you wish to put to sleep.Click on the checkmark icon located in the upper-right hand corner. If your device is not rooted, you will want to read the popup window.Press Force Stop on the App Info screen.Tap OK to finally hibernate the app(s).
Greenify
Happy Medium
Especially while the phone is charging, pay attention to its environment. You don’t want it to be too hot or too cold. The phone’s temperature should never dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 113 degrees. In high temperature environments, the battery life will be depleted. Your body is susceptible to its exterior environment, and so is your phone’s.
Factory Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the OnePlus 2 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Conclusion
Obviously, this phone has great potential, but like a boyfriend or a child who needs guidance, it might require a little extra patience and effort. We also have articles for troubleshooting Lollipop and Marshmallow if your problem is OS-related. If you have a serious problem, especially involving hardware, the best solution might be to contact your dealer and/or service provider. Featured Image Credit
