Android was developed by Google and has become the most popular operating system for cell phone users around the globe. According to statcounter, Android has more than 72 percent of the market share for operating systems. The Android operating system is used by Google, Asus, Samsung and other brands of smartphones and devices.
Like all tech, though, the Android-based operating system can experience glitches and other problems. Smartphone owners who use this operating system might find that their phone is overheating, won’t stay charged or that apps are slow to load. What is the best Android cell phone diagnostic software when users need to pinpoint the problem with their Android device?
While some Apple iPhones include a tool within the phone to check some of the diagnostic data of the device, Android users might assume that their phone doesn’t offer this internal-based option. However, according to XDA Developers most Android phones include a hidden diagnostic tool.
Within Huawei devices (that use Android), the site explains that users can open a diagnostic tool that tests the cameras, battery, speakers, light sensor, microphone, etc. XDA Developers includes a tutorial on how to access the diagnostic tool and use it to help pinpoint any issues.
For basic users, Phonecheck Pro also is available for free via Google Play. Phonecheck Pro lets users run a basic diagnostics check on their phone to help pinpoint any issues. Download the app to check the phone without plugging it into a PC or Mac. The app will check a variety of functions on the phone.
While diagnostic apps can help users understand the functionality of the different aspects of their phone, these apps might not allow the user to troubleshoot and remedy these issues. If the battery is draining quickly and unable to stay charged or if the phone keeps shutting down, there could be a more complex underlying problem.
In-store diagnoses might be the solution to a phone that keeps glitching, that won’t hold a full charge or that has other operational issues. A tech at a store associated with the cell provider can assist users in assessing the issues with their phone, diagnosing the problems and, hopefully, make the necessary repairs.
For example, if the speakers on the phone aren’t working, the tech might need to clean the device or utilize a hard restart to reset the speakers. If apps are running slowly, the tech might discover that the phone has been infected with malware or a virus.
As technology ages and becomes obsolete, though, some problems might cost more to repair that the phone is worth. Owners might decide that the issues with their phone are not worth the cost to repair and they might decide to swap it out for a new model.
Phonecheck lets businesses who have many different smartphones (for resale) will need to check each device for functionality. Phonecheck can be downloaded to a PC, Mac or tablet to run a 60-point+ inspection to check all the phone’s different components.
Phonecheck analyzes the phone for any locks associated with the carrier, manufacturer or software. In addition, the software runs a full diagnostic assessment on the phone to assess wifi connectivity, the speakers, light sensors, vibrations, glass condition, GPS/location services and other functionalities.
The software also checks the battery health and determines if the battery can fully sustain and receive a charge. Some phones have been repaired by previous owners, and Phonecheck also will determine if replacement parts are authentic. Phonecheck also can erase and reset the phone.
Those who are selling refurbished or pre-owned phones also need to assess if the phones are on a blacklist. Every phone has a unique IMEI number—this stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. If a previous owner reported the device lost or stolen, the IMEI number on the device can show up on a blacklist. A phone that is included on these lists cannot be connected to cell phone service and used by another individual.
There are other reasons why a phone’s IMEI could be included on a blacklist. The previous owner could be in arrears with their cell phone provider; the service could have been disconnected because of unpaid bills. Again, the phone cannot be connected to another provider if it’s included in a blacklist.
Phonecheck will check the phone’s unique IMEI number to ensure that the device isn’t among the blacklisted phones. In addition, the software also can determine if the phone was ‘jailbreaked’ or hacked. Jailbreaking is a term used for a phone that has been modified to remove restrictions associated with a cell phone carrier, manufacturer, etc. Once a phone is ‘jailbreaked,’ the owner can install software not aligned with the manufacturer or make other changes.
The problem with ‘jailbreaking’ is that it can cause issues with the phone. In the past, jailbreaking wasn’t legal, and many cited that jailbreaking and the changes caused from this ‘hack’ violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA). However, according to Norton “…it’s legal to jailbreak or root a phone if you’re doing it to use legally acquired apps, for a smartphone. The same is not true for illegally acquired apps.”
When a smartphone is exhibiting problems, the user might want to know the underlying cause. Unfortunately, there could be many reasons for why an app is running slowly, the battery won’t stay charged, the phone is overheating or the speakers won’t seem to work.
Diagnostic software like Phonecheck can enable owners or resellers to check the status and functionality of every aspect of their device. The app can help the user determine the issue associated with their phone.
Some ‘glitches,’ though, can be common with smartphones. These common issues might not necessarily require diagnostic software or even a trip to a store for a thorough analysis. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the more basic phone issues.
An overheating phone can have a number of causes. The most obvious is that the phone has been left in direct sunlight or outside when the temperature is extremely hot. If a phone overheats, it will automatically shutdown. To quickly cool off the phone, the owner can try to put it in the refrigerator or the freezer; however, be careful not to forget the phone.
When going to the beach, keep the phone in a cool shady area to help protect it from overheating. Users also could decide to shut it down until they need to use the phone.
Viruses and malware also could cause apps to run slowly and overheat the phone. To properly remove viruses or malware, the owner might need to schedule an in-store diagnostic assessment.
Users also could find that a long gaming session can result in an overheating phone. Be sure to give the phone a break to cool off. When the phone is running hot, users should close out of the app to take some of the heat off the phone.
If an Android-based phone won’t stay charged, there could be a few issues. The charging cable used to charge the phone could be faulty, the charger could be broken or the outlet could have issues. To test each of these potential causes, users might need to use a different cord and charger and then plug into a new outlet. If the phone still won’t hold a charge, there could be an issue with the phone’s charging port or the battery might need to be replaced.
Apps are sometimes a work in progress. If an app is running too slow or is suddenly glitching, the user might close it and then reopen it. If the app continuously exhibits problems, it might need to be deleted and reinstalled. If all apps are running slowly, there could be a virus or malware that has infected the system.
While some smartphone problems are common, not every issue can be remediated. Sometimes a device has lived its life and it doesn’t make sense to repair it. Technology changes every year; manufacturers release a new phone that becomes the ‘must have’ device. As new and improved smartphones hit the market, older models become obsolete.
Some sites claim that a smartphone will only endure for about 2.5 years; other sites claim they can last for five years. Some owners might hold onto the phone for as long as they can, but eventually the phone might not be able to run the newest software updates and the performance could become sluggish.
While every smartphone will reach its endpoint, owners who invest in a new model that is suddenly having issues will likely want to fix that new model. Some Android devices include hidden internal diagnostic tools, but, for devices without this option, owners can use Phonecheck to assess their phone and discover any underlying problems.
