Moto G6 common issues, and how to solve them

Moto G series are the real contenders for the ”best bang for the buck” Android phones. They come in 3 models usually, and that’s the case with the latest iteration, 6th. Besides the Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus, we also have the more affordable Play version. And, of course, even the quality build and clean Android OS won’t save you from certain isolated issues.

For that reason, we searched for the problems users are experiencing with Moto G6 (Moto G6 Plus and Moto G6 Play included) and provided you with the solutions below. And, at the bottom, you can find the detailed instructions for more complex steps.

Sound issues

Let’s start with the most prominent problem we run into during the research. The sound issues cover all fronts. From the low ringing volume to overall bad audio playback performance and reaching to in-call noise. For some users, the front speaker completely died out, which is almost certainly a hardware issue. In that case, we suggest asking for the replacement.

Here are some solutions we gathered along the way:

• Disable absolute volume in Developer options. Open System settings > About phone and tap 7 times on the Build number to unlock Developer options. Once you can access them, toggle “Disable Absolute volume” on.
• If the sound issues emerge in video streaming apps (e.g. YouTube), reset the app to factory settings and try again.
• Use a medical alcohol and cloth to clear the mic and speaker. After that, you can use a compressed air to remove all debris.
• Boot your device in a Safe mode and test the speaker both with media files and in calls.
• Perform a factory reset.

Lags and freezing

in spite of more than capable chipset and RAM (for its price range, of course), the Moto G6 users reported lots of freezes, lags, and stutters both during the standard use or while gaming. Taking into consideration that the Moto G series comes with an almost clean iteration of Android, this comes as quite a surprise. However, don’t forget the updates and how they tend to break devices left and right.

We made sure to provide you with some solutions to the problem. Here’s the list of things you can try:

• Clear cache from the app which freezes the most.
• Disable apps from working in the background. Greenify should serve the purpose.
• Update your device for a possible update fix.
• Reset app preferences.
• Clear the cache partition.
• Reset your device to factory settings.

Display issues

Display issues are not uncommon, as well. Users reported various problems. Some users had a hard time with the unresponsive touchscreen, while others had trouble with the glitchy behavior in some third-party apps.

Here are some solutions you can try out:

• Boot the phone in Safe Mode and look for changes.
• Uninstall recent third-party apps.
• Reset app preferences.
• Wipe the cache partition data.
• Reset the device to factory settings.

The fingerprint sensor is broken

Certain users had a hard time with the fingerprint sensor. For some of them, it was rather slow in unlocking the device. Others, on the other hand, had a hard time using it in the first place and some of them got the “Fingerprint hardware is not available” message.

These are some solutions you can apply and try and fix it:

• Re-configure the fingerprint.
• Try booting into Safe mode and, if the fingerprint performs better, uninstall all recently installed apps.
• Remove the tempered glass or cases which may cover the fingerprint scanner.
• Clean the fingerprint sensor from a debris and greasy dirt with a wet cloth.
• Reset your phone to factory values. In most occasions, we suggest restoring your device from a backup afterward. In this case, we suggest starting clean.

Of course, if the fingerprint still won’t work, we suggest asking for a replacement.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Data issues

A stable wireless connection is a must and that’s exactly what some of the Moto G6 users were lacking. Namely, we found multiple reports about issues concerning connectivity, both with Wi-Fi and Mobile Data network. Either users are unable to connect or the Wi-Fi is turning off and on constantly. These are usually easy to address and a simple restart should work it out.

However, if you’re stuck with the failing Wi-Fi or Mobile Data connections, follow the steps we enlisted below:

• Delete all networks and try reconnecting.
• Disable Always On for Mobile Data in Developer options.
• Restart your router.
• Reset App preferences.
• Reset Network settings. Open Settings > System > Reset Network Settings
• Wipe cache partition.
• Reset the device to factory settings.

Service coverage issues

The Moto G6 series come with the dual-SIM option. However, what’s the use of two SIM cards if you don’t have the network coverage? Allegedly, some users were having a hard time with the network coverage, as one or even both SIM cards had no service network or only emergency service was available.

If you’re not sure what to do in this scenario, some of the below steps might help:

• Enable the Airplane mode and disable it after a minute or so.
• Reset Network settings.
• Check whether the SIM card is in properly set in the compartment.
• Reset SIM card settings.

Battery drains fast

Fast battery drainage is one of the most annoying negatives to the user’s experience. The SoT for the Moto G6 should be around 7-8 hours, depending on your activity. However, lots of users noticed a downgrade to a battery life. The battery started depleting much faster after updates, which is not uncommon.

Here’s the list of possible solutions to resolve the battery drainage issue:

• Check the Location services settings for individual apps.
• Disable Always On for Mobile Data.
• Disable background apps. The update will most likely reset all kinds of your options in regards to background apps. That’s why you need to configure this again.
• Update the device firmware.
• Reset app preferences.
• Perform a factory reset.

Camera issues

The problem most manufacturers have is the lack of proper software to meet the hardware. That’s the main reason why Pixel makes great photos and midrange devices passable photos. Well, we expect some updates for the Moto camera, which should improve the photo-taking capabilities of what’s an already great handset. Besides that, there are some minor camera glitches. Even though camera-related problems are scarce, we still decided to put them on the list.

Furthermore, we provided you with some solutions, as well. So make sure to check them out below:

• Boot into Safe mode and test the camera.
• Clear Camera app’s data.
• Update the device.
• Reset the device to factory settings.

Phone overheats

What goes for the camera, goes for overheating when it comes to the Moto G6. There are some scarce reports of overheating during charging or while using Wi-Fi or Mobile Hotspot. But, all that falls in the standard behavior. Especially if you’re using the full potential of CPU.

Nonetheless, here are some precautionary measures you can take to reduce overheating:

• Don’t use your handset while charging. Or, at least, don’t use it for the CPU-intensive activities.
• Remove the casing while charging.
• Update the firmware.
• Reset your device to factory settings.
• Try an alternative charger if that’s possible.

Moto Voice doesn’t work

As you’re probably aware, the Moto Voice is the integration of a personal assistant in Moto handsets. That way you can choose between Google’s and Motorola finest. However, this option is sadly either unreliable or won’t work for some users.

Follow these steps to try and resolve the problem at hand:

• Clear the cache on Google app and Moto Voice app.
• Reset app preferences.
• Reinstall Moto Voice.

Moto G6 how-to’s

• Reset app preferences.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap the 3-dot menu.
4. Choose Reset app preferences.

• Disable Always On for Mobile Data.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap About phone.
3. Tap 7 times in succession on the Build number to unlock the Developer options.
4. Open Developer options in Settings.
5. Under Networking, disable “Mobile Data always active”.

• Safe Mode

1. Press and hold the Power button until the Power menu appears.
2. Now, press and hold the Power button again until the “Reboot to safe mode” message appears.
3. Tap OK.
4. If the device works without restarting for some time, we suggest following the next steps.

• Cache partition wipe.

1. Shut down your handset.
2. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down key until the device starts.
3. Use Volume keys (Up and Down) to navigate through the menu until you reach Recovery mode.
4. Press the Power button to choose the Recovery mode.
5. Once you see the Android with the exclamation mark, press and hold the Power button and, while holding it, single-press the Volume Down key.
6. Use Volume keys again to navigate through the Recovery menu and highlight ”wipe cache partition”.
7. Press the Power button to select it and confirm if asked.
8. The procedure should start and it will last for approximately 10 minutes.

• Reset your device to factory settings.

1. Backup your data on PC or cloud.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Open Backup & Reset.
4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Choose Reset Device.
6. Select Erase Everything.
7. The device will restart and all your settings will be restored to default values.

With these general instructions, we can call it a wrap. If you have any alternative issues to share or might be a solution or two, make sure to post them in the comments section below.