When using an Android smartphone, error or warning messages such as
“Moisture or foreign material has been detected in the USB port,”
“App keeps stopping,” or
“Storage space is running low”
may suddenly appear.
Depending on the message displayed, you may suspect that the device is malfunctioning,
but temporary communication problems, increased device temperature,
app malfunctions, insufficient storage, settings, and other factors may also be the cause.
This article provides a list of common errors, warnings, and trouble messages
that may appear on Android smartphones,
along with their “main causes” and “first troubleshooting steps to try.”
Note:
On Android devices such as Google Pixel, Galaxy, Xperia, AQUOS, OPPO, and Xiaomi,
the wording displayed varies depending on the manufacturer and model.
The displayed content may also differ depending on the Android version and mobile carrier.
Representative examples of messages, causes, and solutions are introduced here.
Charging and USB Port
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Moisture or Foreign Material Detected in USB Port |
There may be moisture or foreign material inside the USB-C port. |
Disconnect the charging cable and allow the port to air-dry. If there is foreign material, do not force tools or other objects into the port. |
| Moisture Detected |
There may be moisture on the USB port or charging cable. |
Disconnect the cable and avoid wired charging until it is completely dry. |
| Cannot Charge |
There may be a problem with the cable, charger, USB port, battery, or another component. |
Check the port and try another compatible cable or charger. |
| Charging Slowly |
Charging speed has decreased because of insufficient charger output, cable specifications, or other factors. |
Use a charger and cable compatible with the device’s fast-charging standard. |
| Cannot Fast Charge |
The charger or cable may not support the required fast-charging standard. |
Use a fast charger and cable compatible with the device. |
| Charging Temporarily Paused |
The device temperature may be too high or too low. |
Move the device to a location with an appropriate temperature and wait until the device temperature returns to normal. |
| Cannot Charge Connected USB Device |
The power consumption or connection method of the USB device may not be supported by the smartphone. |
Check whether the USB device is supported and use an external power source if necessary. |
Battery
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Battery Level Is Low |
The battery level is low. |
Connect the device to a charger and charge it. |
| Battery Level Is Very Low |
The battery level has dropped to the point where the device may soon turn off. |
Charge the device as soon as possible. |
| Battery Condition Is Deteriorating |
Battery performance has declined due to long-term use or other factors. |
If the operating time has become extremely short, consider replacing the battery. |
| Check the Battery |
There may be a problem with the battery or charging circuit. |
If restarting the device does not improve the problem, contact the manufacturer or a repair service. |
Temperature and Overheating
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Device Temperature Is High |
The device temperature has increased due to direct sunlight, a hot environment, gaming, video recording, charging, or other causes. |
Stop using the device and allow it to cool naturally in a place away from direct sunlight. |
| Device Is Overheating |
The internal temperature is higher than normal. |
Close resource-intensive apps, stop charging, and wait until the temperature decreases. |
| Some Functions Are Restricted Due to High Temperature |
Functions such as the camera or charging have been temporarily restricted to protect the device. |
Stop using the device and allow it to cool down. |
| Camera Cannot Be Used Due to High Temperature |
The device has become hot due to camera use or the surrounding temperature. |
Close the camera and use it again after the device temperature decreases. |
Storage and Insufficient Space
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Storage Space Is Running Low |
Photos, videos, apps, and other data are using most of the device’s storage capacity. |
Delete unnecessary photos, videos, apps, downloaded files, and other data. |
| Storage Is Full |
Almost all of the internal storage has been used. |
Check storage usage in Settings and remove unnecessary data. |
| No Free Space Available |
There is no remaining space available to save new data. |
Delete unnecessary files and apps to free up storage space. |
| Cannot Save Photo |
Insufficient storage or a problem with the camera app may be the cause. |
Check the available storage and restart the camera app. |
| Cannot Download. Not Enough Storage Space |
There is not enough space to save the app or file. |
Delete unnecessary data and try downloading again. |
SIM and eSIM
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| No SIM Card |
The SIM card is not inserted or is not being recognized properly. |
Restart the device and, if using a physical SIM, check whether it is inserted correctly. |
| Cannot Detect SIM Card |
Poor SIM card contact, a faulty SIM card, or a problem with the device may be the cause. |
Reinsert the SIM card and contact your carrier if the problem does not improve. |
| Invalid SIM Card |
There may be a problem with the SIM contract status or compatibility with the device. |
Check compatibility between the SIM and device and contact your carrier. |
| SIM Card Is Locked |
SIM PIN may be enabled. |
Enter the SIM PIN that you set. Be careful not to enter it incorrectly repeatedly. |
| Cannot Activate eSIM |
There may be a problem with the network environment, contract information, or carrier settings. |
Connect to Wi-Fi and contact your carrier if the problem does not improve. |
| Cannot Add eSIM |
There may be a problem with the QR code, contract information, or device compatibility. |
Check the eSIM information issued by your carrier. |
Cellular Network and Phone Calls
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| No Service |
The cellular signal may not be reaching the device, or a network outage may be occurring. |
Move to another location, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, or restart the device. |
| Emergency Calls Only |
The device cannot connect properly to the contracted cellular network. |
Check signal conditions, the SIM, and carrier outage information. |
| Mobile Network Not Available |
Possible causes include signal problems, the SIM, network settings, or a carrier outage. |
Toggle Airplane Mode, restart the device, and check the network settings. |
| Mobile Data Not Available |
Mobile data may be disabled, restricted by the contract, or affected by APN settings. |
Check the mobile data settings and contract status. |
| Not Registered on Network |
The device has not been properly registered with the SIM or carrier network. |
Restart the device and check the SIM and network settings. |
| Call Ended |
A dropped signal, network problem, or the other party’s status may be the cause. |
Check the signal conditions and make the call again. |
| Cannot Make Call |
There may be a problem with the signal, SIM, contract status, or call settings. |
Check the network status and SIM before making the call again. |
Wi-Fi
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Connect to Wi-Fi Network |
There may be a problem with the router, password, or wireless signal. |
Turn Wi-Fi off and on again and restart both the device and router. |
| Authentication Problem |
This may appear when the Wi-Fi password is incorrect. |
Check the correct Wi-Fi password and enter it again. |
| Incorrect Password |
The entered Wi-Fi password does not match the registered password. |
Check the password and enter it again. |
| Connected, No Internet |
The device is connected to the Wi-Fi router but cannot access the internet. |
Restart the router and check for an internet service outage. |
| Not Connected to the Internet |
Neither Wi-Fi nor mobile data can connect to the internet. |
Connect to another network or restart the network equipment. |
| Saved |
The Wi-Fi settings are saved, but the device is not currently connected. |
Check signal conditions, delete the network settings once, and register them again. |
| Failed to Obtain IP Address |
The router is not properly assigning an IP address to the device. |
Delete and re-register the Wi-Fi connection and restart the router. |
Bluetooth
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Connect |
There may be a problem with the distance from the Bluetooth device, power, or pairing information. |
Move the devices closer together, turn Bluetooth off and on again, and reconnect. |
| Cannot Pair |
The other device may not be in pairing mode. |
Put the other device into pairing mode and connect again. |
| Pairing Rejected |
The other device may not be accepting the connection. |
Delete the registration information from both devices and pair them again. |
| Bluetooth Device Disconnected |
Distance, radio interference, or low battery may be the cause. |
Move the devices closer together and check the battery levels of both devices. |
Google Account
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Sign In to Google Account |
There may be a problem with the email address, password, or network environment. |
Check the entered information and network connection. |
| Authentication Required |
You need to sign in to your Google Account again. |
Sign in to your Google Account again. |
| Identity Verification Required |
Additional authentication is required for security reasons. |
Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity. |
| Incorrect Password |
The entered Google Account password does not match. |
Enter the correct password or reset the password. |
| Account Action Required |
Google Account authentication, acceptance of terms of service, or another action is required. |
Open the notification and follow the on-screen instructions. |
Screen Lock, PIN, and Password
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Incorrect PIN |
The entered screen lock PIN does not match the registered PIN. |
Enter the correct PIN. |
| Incorrect Password |
The entered screen lock password does not match. |
Enter the registered password. |
| Incorrect Pattern |
The entered unlock pattern does not match the registered pattern. |
Enter the correct pattern. |
| Try Again Later |
Unlock attempts have been temporarily restricted because of repeated failures. |
Wait for the displayed amount of time and try again. |
| Device Is Locked |
Access to the device has been restricted by a security feature. |
Unlock the device using the registered PIN, password, pattern, or other method. |
Fingerprint and Face Recognition
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Fingerprint Not Recognized |
Dirt, moisture, or fingerprint registration status may be the cause. |
Make sure your finger and the sensor are clean and dry, then try again. |
| Fingerprint Sensor Cannot Be Used |
There may be a problem with the sensor or system. |
Restart the device and register the fingerprint again if the problem does not improve. |
| Face Not Recognized |
A dark environment, face angle, or dirt on the camera may be the cause. |
Check the camera and try again facing forward in a well-lit place. |
| Face Recognition Cannot Be Used |
There may be a temporary problem with the camera or face recognition function. |
Restart the device and register your face again. |
| Enter Your PIN |
Biometric authentication cannot be used for security reasons, such as after restarting the device. |
Enter the registered PIN or password. |
App Stopping and Crashing
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| App Keeps Stopping |
Possible causes include an app malfunction, corrupted data, or OS compatibility. |
Close and restart the app and check for updates. |
| App Isn’t Responding |
The app’s process may have stopped. |
Close the app and open it again. |
| App Has Stopped |
An error has occurred within the app. |
Restart the app, and if the problem does not improve, try clearing the cache or reinstalling the app. |
| Cannot Open App |
There may be a problem with app corruption, Android compatibility, or storage. |
Update the app and Android and reinstall the app if necessary. |
| This App Is Not Compatible with Your Device |
The Android version or device specifications do not meet the app’s operating requirements. |
Check the supported Android versions and compatible devices. |
Google Play Store
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Download App |
There may be a problem with the network connection, storage, or Google Account. |
Check the internet connection and available storage and try again. |
| Cannot Install App |
Insufficient storage, compatibility, or a Google Play problem may be the cause. |
Check the available storage and supported Android version. |
| Download Pending |
Another app may be updating, the device may be waiting for a network connection, or Google Play may have a temporary problem. |
Check other downloads and reopen the Google Play Store. |
| Download Failed |
A network disconnection, insufficient storage, or a temporary Google Play problem may be the cause. |
Check the network connection and available storage and try again. |
| This Item Isn’t Available in Your Country |
The app or content is not distributed in your current country or region. |
Check the Google Play distribution region. |
| Your Device Isn’t Compatible with This Version |
The device or Android version does not meet the app’s requirements. |
Check the supported devices and required Android version. |
| Payment Could Not Be Completed |
There may be a problem with the payment method, Google Account, or card information. |
Check the payment method in Google Play. |
| Payment Method Was Declined |
Possible causes include card information, spending limits, or restrictions imposed by the card issuer. |
Check the payment information and contact the card issuer if necessary. |
Android System Updates
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Check for Update |
There may be a problem with the internet connection or the manufacturer’s server. |
Check the Wi-Fi connection and try again later. |
| System Update Failed |
There may be a problem with the network connection, storage, or battery. |
Check available storage and the charging status and try again using stable Wi-Fi. |
| Cannot Install Update |
Insufficient storage or a problem with the update data may be the cause. |
Free up storage space and try again. |
| Cannot Download Update |
The network environment or a server problem may be the cause. |
Connect to stable Wi-Fi and try again. |
| Restart to Complete Update |
The update file is ready to be installed. |
Save any necessary data and restart the device. |
Camera
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Connect to Camera |
The camera app or another app may be using the camera. |
Close apps that are using the camera and restart the device. |
| Cannot Start Camera |
There may be a temporary problem with the app or camera function. |
Close and restart the camera app. |
| Camera Error |
There may be a problem with the camera app or camera hardware. |
Restart the device, and if the problem does not improve, check the camera app data and device updates. |
| Another App Is Using the Camera |
Another app is currently using the camera. |
Close the app that is using the camera and try again. |
SD Card and External Storage
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Detect SD Card |
Poor contact, a faulty SD card, or an unsupported format may be the cause. |
Reinsert the SD card and check whether it can be read by another device. |
| SD Card Is Corrupted |
The file system or the SD card itself may be damaged. |
If important data is stored on the card, do not format it and first try reading it with another device. |
| SD Card Needs to Be Formatted |
The device cannot properly read the SD card’s file format. |
Back up any necessary data and then format the card in a supported format. |
| SD Card Removed |
The connection has been lost because of poor contact or an SD card malfunction. |
Turn off the device and reinsert the SD card. |
USB and External Devices
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Detect USB Device |
The USB device, cable, or adapter may not be supported. |
Check compatibility and try another cable or adapter. |
| USB Device Not Supported |
The connected USB device is not supported by the Android device. |
Check whether the device supports Android or USB OTG. |
| USB Device Power Consumption Is Too High |
The connected device requires more power than the smartphone can supply. |
Use a powered USB hub or similar device. |
Location and GPS
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Determine Current Location |
There may be a problem with the GPS signal, location settings, or network environment. |
Enable location services and move to a place where GPS signals are easier to receive, such as outdoors. |
| Location Cannot Be Used |
Location services may be disabled or the app may not have permission to use location information. |
Check location settings and app permissions in Settings. |
| Cannot Receive GPS Signal |
You may be in a location where satellite signals are difficult to receive, such as indoors or underground. |
Move to a location with a clear view of the sky and try again. |
Backup and Google Drive
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Back Up |
There may be a problem with the network connection, Google Account, or storage capacity. |
Check Wi-Fi and the status of the Google Account. |
| Backup Failed |
A network disconnection or cloud-side problem may be the cause. |
Connect to stable Wi-Fi and perform the backup again. |
| Cannot Sync with Google Account |
There may be a problem with the network connection, account authentication, or sync settings. |
Check the network environment and Google Account sync settings. |
| Sync Error |
The device cannot synchronize properly with Google services. |
Check the network connection and perform a manual sync. |
Browser and Websites
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Your Connection Is Not Private |
There may be a problem with the website certificate or the device’s date and time settings. |
Do not enter important information, and check the URL and date and time settings. |
| This Site Can’t Be Reached |
There may be a problem with the internet connection, DNS, or web server. |
Check the network environment and reload the page. |
| Server IP Address Could Not Be Found |
DNS cannot obtain the website’s address. |
Check the URL and network environment and try another network. |
| Connection Timed Out |
The network may be slow or the web server may not be responding. |
Check the network environment and try again later. |
| Dangerous Site |
The website has been detected as potentially dangerous, such as a phishing or malware site. |
Close the page and do not enter passwords or card information. |
Email
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Sync Email |
There may be a problem with the network connection or email account settings. |
Check the network status and account settings. |
| Cannot Sign In |
The email address or password may be incorrect. |
Check the login information and enter it again. |
| Cannot Send Email |
There may be a problem with the network connection or outgoing mail server settings. |
Check the network environment and email settings. |
| Cannot Receive Email |
There may be a problem with the network connection, account authentication, or mail server. |
Check the network status and email account. |
NFC, Mobile Wallet, and Contactless Payments
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| NFC Cannot Be Used |
NFC may be disabled, or there may be a problem with the device or app. |
Check the NFC settings and restart the device. |
| Cannot Read Card |
The position of the card, NFC settings, or a problem with the card may be the cause. |
Check the NFC position on the device and move the card close to it again. |
| Contactless Payment Cannot Be Used |
There may be a problem with the payment app, NFC settings, or card information. |
Check the NFC and payment app settings. |
| Osaifu-Keitai Cannot Be Used |
There may be a problem with the FeliCa function, app, or device settings. |
Restart the device and check the Osaifu-Keitai-related apps and settings. |
Security and Malicious Apps
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Harmful App Detected |
Google Play Protect or another security feature has detected an app that may pose a security risk. |
Check the app identified by the warning and uninstall it if necessary. |
| This App May Be Unsafe |
There may be a security problem with the app’s distribution source or behavior. |
Check where the app was obtained and do not install it if its safety cannot be confirmed. |
| Cannot Install for Security Reasons |
Apps from unknown sources or similar apps are restricted by security settings. |
Check where the app was obtained and do not change the settings if the source cannot be trusted. |
| Blocked by Play Protect |
Google Play Protect has detected that the app may pose a security risk. |
Cancel the app installation and check the official distribution source. |
VPN and Certificates
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Cannot Connect to VPN |
There may be a problem with the network, VPN server, or authentication information. |
Check the internet connection and VPN settings. |
| VPN Connection Disconnected |
A network disconnection or VPN server problem may be the cause. |
Check the network status and reconnect. |
| Cannot Verify Certificate |
The device cannot properly verify the certificate of the destination. |
Stop suspicious connections and check the destination and certificate. |
| Certificate Has Expired |
The certificate used by the destination may have expired. |
Check the device’s date and time, and if there is no problem, contact the destination administrator. |
Tethering and Hotspot
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| Tethering Cannot Be Used |
There may be a problem with the mobile plan, mobile network, or device settings. |
Check the mobile network and contract details. |
| Cannot Start Hotspot |
There may be a temporary problem with the mobile network or Wi-Fi function. |
Restart the device and enable tethering again. |
| Cannot Connect to Tethering |
There may be a problem with the password, number of connected devices, or signal. |
Check the password and connection settings and restart both devices. |
System and Device Problems
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| System UI Isn’t Responding |
The system process that manages the Android screen display has temporarily stopped. |
Restart the device and update Android and the apps. |
| System UI Has Stopped |
An error has occurred in a system process. |
Restart the device, and if the problem does not improve, check the available storage and system updates. |
| Android System Isn’t Responding |
An internal Android process may have temporarily stopped. |
Wait for a while or restart the device. |
| Process Isn’t Responding |
A system or app process has stopped. |
Close the app or restart the device. |
| Please Restart Your Device |
A restart is required because of a system update, temporary problem, or similar issue. |
Save any data you are working on and restart the device. |
Reset and Device Protection
| Message / Symptom |
Main Cause |
Solution |
| This Device Was Reset |
The device has been reset and verification using the Google Account previously used on the device is required. |
Sign in with the Google Account that was used on the device before it was reset. |
| Sign In with a Google Account Previously Synced on This Device |
Identity verification is required by the device protection feature. |
Enter the Google Account that was previously used on this device. |
| Cannot Verify Device |
There may be a problem with Google Account authentication or device information. |
Check the network environment and account information. |
Basic Troubleshooting Steps to Try First
If the cause is unclear,
first restart the Android smartphone
and check the Wi-Fi and mobile network status,
Android system updates,
app updates,
available storage space,
and other basic conditions.
For problems related to external devices such as cables,
Bluetooth devices, and SD cards,
disconnecting and reconnecting them,
or trying another cable or device,
can help identify the cause.
If There Is a Problem with an App
If an error occurs only with a specific app,
close and restart the app,
and update it to the latest version from the Google Play Store.
If the problem does not improve,
clearing the app’s cache from Android Settings,
or reinstalling the app if necessary,
may resolve the issue.
When to Consider Repair or Support
If the same warning repeatedly appears even after restarting the device or checking the settings,
or if problems involving the camera, battery, USB port, fingerprint sensor,
mobile network, or other functions do not improve,
consider contacting the device manufacturer, mobile carrier, or retailer.
In addition, if a physical abnormality is observed,
such as excessive device heat,
a swollen battery,
failure to operate normally after being submerged in water,
or a burnt smell,
it is safer not to continue using the device forcibly.
Even when an error or warning appears on Android,
it does not necessarily mean that the smartphone itself is malfunctioning.
Check the displayed message and examine common causes such as
communication, settings, apps, storage, temperature, and connected devices
one by one to make it easier to identify the source of the problem.