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Android KitKat problems and how to fix them

androidpit Kitkat vs Marshmallow
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Android KitKat has its problems. We've had more experience with many of these Android KitKat issues than anyone really deserves, but we learned some valuable lessons in the process. So we've compiled this list of the most common KitKat problems and how to fix them. Join us for a walk down Android KitKat troubleshooting lane.

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All Android versions have their problems. Today we deal with KitKat. / © ANDROIDPIT

Shortcuts:

Android KitKat battery drain

Battery issues following a firmware update are pretty much par for the course, so don't despair. KitKat battery drain was the first KitKat problem we encountered too back when we downloaded it long ago. It tends to settle down after a short while, but you can help this particular issue disappear more quickly. Give our tried-and-true solutions a go:

  • Assess the apps that are causing the problems by checking your battery usage stats in settings (either reinstall them in the new firmware or remove them).
  • Clear your system cache. This is done through Recovery Mode, specific to your device.
  • Finally, the only remaining option, but the one that always works best, is a factory reset. Do not reset your phone until you have backed up all your important data though.
androidpit battery low 1
Prevent battery drain on your device. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android KitKat 'Unfortunately Gallery has stopped'

Troubleshooting the problem of 'Gallery has stopped' is simple. Just clear the cache for the Gallery app. Go to Settings > Apps > Gallery and clear the cache. If the problem persists you can also clear the data for the app, but make sure you have all your photos safely backed up before you do so.

You can check out our article on how to transfer photos if you need to back up your photos. It would be a good idea to do anyways. 

If you continue to have problems, you can also try uninstalling the app and re-installing it – or another one – if things are still crashing.

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A constantly crashing gallery is a massive pain. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android KitKat random reboots

A random reboot is when your phone just crashes and restarts without you doing anything and it is an annoying Android KitKat problem. Sometimes it happens regularly, sometimes it happens because of a particular action or app, but it's never cool. There are a million reasons why random reboots might occur, but the easiest way to clear them up is to just wipe your device.

Copy your important files over to your computer with a USB cable and use a backup app or cloud service to keep everything safe. You can also use a computer-based solution like Helium that doesn't even require root for a full system backup.

Once you have your backup, just go to the Backup and Reset section of your device's settings and follow the steps. It's much simpler to just restore your data on a fresh device than to spend weeks tinkering to find out how to fix the Android KitKat reboot problem. If you need help saving your stuff, follow our guide on how to backup up everything on Android.

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If backups sound too technical you can always do it the old fashioned way. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android KitKat SD card access broken

A broken SD card on Android KitKat is sadly there by design, but there are ways around the problem. You can read our tutorial on how to save to the SD card on KitKat, or you can grab one of a number of 'save to SD card' apps in the Play Store.

The only issue is that you will need to have root access to make this happen. This comes with a warning: you will void  the warranty on your device if you root your phone. Check out our guide on how to root Android for further help.

You can also check out how to fix KitKat SD card write problems

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SD card problems are unfortunately a design flaw with KitKat. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android KitKat wake-from-sleep lag

There are a few issues here and different ways to solve them. The first fix could be a simple as going to your settings and lock screen widgets and switching from personal message to clock (or clock to personal message and back again). Alternatively, you can turn off your lock screen effect.

Various manufacturers issued patches for just the Android KitKat wake-from-sleep bug, so go to your Settings > About Phone > Software Update screen and make sure you have the most current version of KitKat for your device. If that still hasn't fixed the problem, you should ask your carrier how to fix it on their support site.

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If you continue to have issues with wake-from-sleep lag you should contact your carrier. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android KitKat mobile data and LTE issues

If mobile data fails, or it doesn’t automatically connect when turning off Wi-Fi or leaving a Wi-Fi area, there are a couple of things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. The first is to simply toggle Airplane Mode on to disrupt all connections – and failed attempts – and then turn it off again. This fix will frequently result in the connection being made. 

The next thing to try is to restart your phone. If that doesn't work either you might want to call your provider and ask for network assistance. It's probable that the problem is not related to KitKat.

androidpit airplane mode
A quick toggle of Airplane Mode fixes lots of connection problems. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android KitKat GPS problems

GPS issues are another regular update bug and not just for KitKat. To fix this issue, go into Settings > Location and ensure that Location Access is turned on and switched to High Accuracy.

Toggling through different settings can occasionally fix the problem, but if it doesn't you might want to download an app from the Play Store to diagnose your Android KitKat GPS problem. Give GPS Status & Toolbox (linked below) a shot. It's definitely worth a try if you feel like your GPS isn't up to par.

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Get your GPS working so you can get where you need to go. / © ANDROIDPIT

Any Android KitKat troubleshooting you need help with? Have you fixed these KitKat issues differently?

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Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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11 comments
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  • 1
    karen mumford Oct 6, 2018 Link to comment

    I am having trouble going into settings on my KitKat tablet can't set date or time


  • Jordan Train 1
    Jordan Train Feb 9, 2017 Link to comment

    Thought I had a broken GPS after trying several GPS fixer apps. Finally found one that worked. GPS Reset COM is the one that did it for me.


  • Stuart Mack 1
    Stuart Mack Dec 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Hi, I have a MK902 Android 4.4.2 Tv Box, the clock at the top right of the screen keeps freezing randomly and without displaying any error message. I have factory reset the device numerous times in an effort to fix this problem however the problem always returns. When I enter settings to reset the time once it freezes I find that the system knows the correct time and it is only the time on the screen that has frozen. Any advice to fix this issue would be appreciated.


  • 1
    Luis Fonseca Jul 20, 2016 Link to comment

    I have the GPS problem. I switched the setting several times and installed GPS Status & Toolbox but the problem is still not solved. The device still doesn´t receive the GPS signal and the app is stuck in "a procurar localização gps" wich translated means "looking for gps localization" any other tips to solve this problem?


  • Manju Nath 2
    Manju Nath May 31, 2016 Link to comment

    Really I started hating this shit Android. After upgraded to KitKat, solutions are not solving the problem. Play store doesn't work.


    • 1
      Souvik Jul 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Try installing and updating the 'google play services'. Apps of google or google verified apps crash down without this app.


  • Tommy Welsh 1
    Tommy Welsh May 14, 2016 Link to comment

    iv had my android kit kat 4.4.2 tablet 2 months i can only get on the internet at my home through my bt home hub 5
    iv tried several places with wifi to no avail


  • 12
    Emma William May 7, 2016 Link to comment

    Time to install MM


  • Marianne P. 1
    Marianne P. Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    I have a problem with my kitkat 4.4.2 where i cant update my applications and when its downloading it will stucked or stopped to 98% 50% or just installing. Especially the google playstore. Ive done everything from clearing datas or caches up to wiping caches using system recovery but none of them fixed the problem. I am using ASus Zenfone 5, T00j-D. I actually did a factory reset amd backup and recovery, it fixed the problem temporrily, but when i updated all my apps after a while it started the same problem again. I hope you can help me with this. Thank you in advance.


  • 2
    Peggy Todd Aug 9, 2015 Link to comment

    I have an android kitkat tablet. it was dropped..crack in right hand corner..works with some things but not much..is there any thing i can do to fix it..this is just the tablet...thank you


    • 2
      ibrahim faydali Sep 12, 2015 Link to comment

      If a part of your screen does not respond than you have to replace the digitizer which is not expensive though. Good luck

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