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Help Nexus 5 randomly Powering off possibly Lollipop issue

I finally purchased a new battery and put it in my Nexus 5. Here's my video of installing it.
After 24 hours there has not been a single shut down and I've added many apps and used the phone a lot. It's also amazing how much better the battery life appears to be so far. My thought is my battery had been going down hill for awhile.
 
Hi guys. I have had my Nexus 5 about 18 months now and it is on 5.1.1

Since yesterday it has been randomly shutting off. The first time it did it, when I powered on (80% battery) it optimized all the apps before it went on. It does it when plugged in or not. I did notice that I could not switch it back on if it was plugged in though. I updated to 5.1.1 ages ago and it has only started happening in the last 24hrs.

Going to try the gravity app but wonder why it suddenly happened too. I have had no battery issues up till now and it still holds a charge well so I don't really think its battery related.
I have noticed when I press the side button it comes up with the option to power off right away so don't know why that is doing that.

It has just done it again whilst typing this :( very frustrating.
 
That is exactly the problem I have been having, if it's not plugged in when it optimises the hundred plus apps it goes off again. Been doing it for days and days, software update last night and it hasn't done it since so fingers crossed. Software still 5.1.1 but maybe this has been a fix?
 
I found a thing on another forum as my phone had a total meltdown. If it was plugged into charger it just buzzed, came up with the word google, off then buzzed and google. This was a continious loop. Took it to a shop he said it was just one of thise things and the phone is gubbed basically. He wasnt very helpful.

I went to google about it and found loads with same issue. loop when on charge and nothing when no charger. It had a full battery so it wasn't the problem. I tried going into recovery boot and it came up with the word START and switched to the word power off and that was it.

The forum guy said this crazy thing helped him and noticed loads tried it and had similar success. It was bang the phone on the corner of a desk/table. Hitting the power button on the corner. Do this a couple of times and try to switch on.

Low and behold the fecker switched back on!

Was in a local THREE store and chatted to the guy and he said it sounds like something internal is jamming the power button as it didn't feel stuck. He said the phone had 2 years warranty and it was shipped for repair.

Until I went into the shop the phone ran for 3 days without a problem.

Not sure what will happen as they don't make the phone anymore. I was told I may get given a different phone but will wait and see...
 
I only want it to last until next month when the new 5 comes out, was like most put off by the 6 as it was a portable television disguised as a phone. Thanks.
 
Three Ireland wont be doing the Nexus and I have a contract phone so will have to get something else when I upgrade in November. Didn't realise there was a new 5. Just looked it up there.
 
Hi all,

I have a Nexus 5, which I bought new from Tbooth in late May 2014. It has been running fine up until Sunday (two days ago), when it started having the random shutdown issue. Sometimes the "Power Off" option will show up on the screen when I press the power button to turn on the screen, or sometimes when I'm just not using it. Not (as far as I've noticed) when it's plugged in to a charging or data cable.

I updated to 5.1.1. a few days ago, but from reading through this entire forum, I think the issue is with the power button. I installed the Gravity app, but the phone was still shutting down randomly. I'm considering replacing the battery and seeing if that helps. So far today, my phone has shut down on its own probably 10 times.
I am potentially buying a used N5 for $75 (CAD) from someone today, and will see about replacing the battery. I also need to replace the rear camera, so I may see about doing a couple hardware replacements at once.

EDIT:
22/09/2015 - 7:08 pm
Decided not to purchase the used phone yet, as other reading of forums of this same issue suggest that my problem is almost definitely just a software issue and that replacing the battery may only resolve the issue for a little while. I will be taking my phone back to where I got it from and if that does nothing for me, I'll go to Google and see what I get.

23/09/2015 - 8:42 am
I did a factory reset and full restore on my N5 last night, and the shutoff issue hasn't happened yet. I'm hoping that this issue doesn't persist, but if it does, I'll deal with it later. I'm far too busy personally to deal with fixing or getting a new phone right now.

I'll update if anything changes; if it starts happening again.
 
Last edited:
LoobsterB said:
22/09/2015 - 7:08 pm
Decided not to purchase the used phone yet, as other reading of forums of this same issue suggest that my problem is almost definitely just a software issue and that replacing the battery may only resolve the issue for a little while.
Click to expand...

In my case definitely not a software issue. Had 5.1.1 a long time before I started having the random shutdowns. I replaced the battery (see video in above post) about a month ago and have not had the issue again.
I've also suspected that the battery failure has been gradual for several months until it finally started doing the shutdowns. I base that on the amount of battery life I'm now seeing. 2 - 3 days vs. 1 day.
Seems that replacing the battery would be a cheap try at fixing the issue. A battery and tools was <$30 for me. Then if that doesn't work, then get a new phone. That's what I would have done if the battery hadn't fixed it (I was leaning towards a LG G4).
 
csiemers said:
In my case definitely not a software issue. Had 5.1.1 a long time before I started having the random shutdowns. I replaced the battery (see video in above post) about a month ago and have not had the issue again.
I've also suspected that the battery failure has been gradual for several months until it finally started doing the shutdowns. I base that on the amount of battery life I'm now seeing. 2 - 3 days vs. 1 day.
Seems that replacing the battery would be a cheap try at fixing the issue. A battery and tools was <$30 for me. Then if that doesn't work, then get a new phone. That's what I would have done if the battery hadn't fixed it (I was leaning towards a LG G4).
Click to expand...

Hmmm...I might try changing the battery as well. My phone just did a shutdown on its own this afternoon. The difference between my issue and yours is that the battery status on mine is fine. It doesn't decrease drastically between doing a shutdown and being turned on again. However, the battery life isn't as good as it used to be. Perhaps I will buy a battery from a nearby store and give that a shot. Where did you get the tools?
 
An update after a few weeks with the new battery. Now I'm not a heavy phone user, but I'm easily getting 2 1/2 - 3 days per charge on my phone. I wasn't impressed when Android 5 arrived on my phone as it was touted at improving battery life. Now I'm wondering if the battery had started it's downward spiral and I just didn't realize it. Running 5.1.1 now and battery performing great. Hope it lasts.
 
An update from my end; probably not too helpful for all, though...

I was going to either buy a used Nexus 5 from someone and see about just putting my stuff on that, or getting a new battery and repairing it myself (I noticed that my screen was starting to separate from the actual phone frame, at one side. Plus, my rear camera had been providing poor quality for a few months now.
And then Friday of last week my phone got really bad and several times when rebooting, it "optimized" all the apps, which made it take 20 minutes to boot up.
Before buying, I figured I'd ask at Tbooth Wireless to see what they could do, since that's where I had bought my N5 just last May.
I figured it would cost me something both for a new phone and to pay off my remaining phone balance of $135 (2-year contract).

I explained the problem, and the rep there just offered me a brand-new LG G3 phone (in the box, all accessories, etc.) for no charge, $100 credit towards my $135 phone balance, and then gave me a great deal on getting a case, tempered glass screen, and extra MicroUSB cable.

Basically costing me $60 for a new phone, same plan.

So while I didn't fix the Nexus 5 problem itself, I'm much happier with this situation, as I was hesitant to stick with the Nexus 5 if the problems have been so widespread.
 
i've also got a Nexus 5 (running 5.1.1) and it seems to randomly shut down with no warning. Google chat suggested I put it in safe mode, which I did and it shut down again. Has anyone contacted LG to get their take on it? The only consolation I'm taking is I'm not alone.

Might downgrade to Kitkat to see if that solves things.
 
greedoe said:
i've also got a Nexus 5 (running 5.1.1) and it seems to randomly shut down with no warning. Google chat suggested I put it in safe mode, which I did and it shut down again. Has anyone contacted LG to get their take on it? The only consolation I'm taking is I'm not alone.

Might downgrade to Kitkat to see if that solves things.
Click to expand...
Most probably issue is with power button. If you press power button for screen lock, after sometime it shuts down. You can install Gravity app and avoid hitting power button. In LG service centers, they are replacing power buttons for nearly 500 INR.
 
anil2381 said:
Most probably issue is with power button. If you press power button for screen lock, after sometime it shuts down. You can install Gravity app and avoid hitting power button. In LG service centers, they are replacing power buttons for nearly 500 INR.
Click to expand...

My shut down isn't really related to the power button. i can be doing anything - reading facebook, or email, or anything else and then the screen goes dark.

I can only turn it back on if it's plugged in as well. if it's not plugged in and i try to turn it back on, i get to the android updating apps screen and it shuts down again. :(
 
greedoe said:
My shut down isn't really related to the power button. i can be doing anything - reading facebook, or email, or anything else and then the screen goes dark.

I can only turn it back on if it's plugged in as well. if it's not plugged in and i try to turn it back on, i get to the android updating apps screen and it shuts down again. :(
Click to expand...

I had the same issue. Tried the Safe Mode and still would shut down randomly and would only come back up when plugged in.

My solution, I replaced the battery. All is working as it should now. It's been a couple months and there has been no shutdowns.
 
i'm having the same issue with safe mode. can't access half my apps, but still turning off.

I'll look into the battery replacement. Thanks LG and Google for taking GOOD (i.e. no) care of us!
 
greedoe said:
i'm having the same issue with safe mode. can't access half my apps, but still turning off.

I'll look into the battery replacement. Thanks LG and Google for taking GOOD (i.e. no) care of us!
Click to expand...
before that I would suggest you to use gravity app for some days and avoid touch power button. If it works, then issue might be with power button.
 
greedoe said:
My shut down isn't really related to the power button. i can be doing anything - reading facebook, or email, or anything else and then the screen goes dark.

I can only turn it back on if it's plugged in as well. if it's not plugged in and i try to turn it back on, i get to the android updating apps screen and it shuts down again. :(
Click to expand...
I would suggest you to use gravity app for some days and avoid touch power button. If it works, then issue might be with power button.
 
anil2381 said:
I would suggest you to use gravity app for some days and avoid touch power button. If it works, then issue might be with power button.
Click to expand...

I'll do so. i'm rather hesitant about battery replacement. the changing looks ok (based on the YouTube videos) it's just that the batteries themselves seem to be rather hit and miss, given the comments on Amazon.
 
My experience is that if it's a power button issue then you'll see the Power Off screen. If your screen just goes black then I'd guess bad battery is more likely the culprit.

My phone went through a fit two weeks ago where the power button was stuck or something. It started with a random shutdown every so often, but then it got to the point where the power button was permanently being pressed. It would keep restarting before reaching the startup screen. I took the cover off to get to the button, massaged it pretty hard, and it's been working since (knock on wood).
 
I had same issue and read somewhere to bang my phone few times with power botton down... it actually worked! it freaks out once in blue moon, i bang again and it works. Dont hit too hard so you wont crash the display but give good kick!
 
prashanthbrk said:
Hi Guys this is Prashanth from India. I have been suffering from this random power off issue. After seeing all your posts I visited a lg authorized service center. They said Nexus 5 has some issues and they received such complaints before. He said it may be software issue but after thoroughly checking my ph he said the power button is gone and that I need to replace the entire mother board. It would cost around 7500. I had already replaced my screen for 8500 just last month so I asked him some other option. He suggested me to go to a normal mobile service center. I went there and got my power button replaced for rs 800 only. About 14 dollars. Now I don't have any problem. Just wanted to share this info
Click to expand...

Hi Prashanth, Is there a way I Can talk to you over the phone or Chat. I am in USA and LG is asking $ 100 + to fix this phone. Please message me
 
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