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3rd party accessories not working after KitKat update on Samsung Galaxy Note 3

posted by Michael H. / Jan 22, 2014, 8:04 PM

3rd party accessories not working after KitKat update on Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Bad news for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 users. It seems that the new Android 4.4 KitKat update that Samsung has made for the device has a nasty side effect: any 3rd party accessory that doesn't feature an official Samsung identification chip will no longer work with the device. We can't help but wonder if this is one of those changes that will be reversed because of user backlash.

Apparently, the KitKat update has begun checking for the ID chip, and if it isn't there, the accessory won't work. A number of reports from XDA have said this even includes the Spigen S-View flip cover. Likely, the problems are going to extend to other accessories, and could cause big problems for a lot of users. There is a way to restore functionality if you have rooted your Note 3, but otherwise it looks like you're out of luck.

There had been rumors a while back that Samsung would be instituting a policy to only allow accessories with the ID chip, and for some reason it seems Samsung has decided that this is the best time to begin that policy. One would assume it would be better to start a policy like this when launching a device, so accessory makers don't make useless products, and users don't buy products that will stop functioning.

Presumably, accessory makers will begin licensing the ID chip from Samsung to create working accessories, but there will definitely be some annoyed users until then. Just a side note: if you are directly effected by this, we'd suggest contacting Samsung directly, because the company doesn't monitor our comments section.

source: SamMobile

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19 Comments

1. Teja171 unregistered

Bad news for Galaxy owners :(

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:07 PM 1

2. Dingy_cellar_dweller

Posts: 339; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

Apple is right, Samsung is following in it's footsteps.

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:11 PM 5

3. E.S.1

Posts: 308; Member since: Sep 14, 2013

That's definitely an Apple move... So sad.

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:17 PM 6

4. RaKithAPeiRiZ

Posts: 1488; Member since: Dec 29, 2011

its the stupid id chips , Note 3 was the trial run , i guess they will block out wireless chargers and cables in the future

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:23 PM 1

5. NoFanboy

Posts: 300; Member since: Nov 18, 2013

Sup Apple

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:32 PM 2

6. buccob

Posts: 2968; Member since: Jun 19, 2012

Way to pull an "Apple"...

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:47 PM 4

7. Jeradiah3

Posts: 1149; Member since: Feb 11, 2010

Not a good look Samsung

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:55 PM 3

8. Doakie

Posts: 2478; Member since: May 06, 2009

Well as the owner of a Note 3 now I question if I should just sell my Note 3 and get a Nexus 5. If Samsung is going to be a jerk that makes me not want to buy their products.

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 8:56 PM 4

9. E.S.1

The next move maybe making a Note or Captivate and selling it to other countries like apple

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 9:14 PM 0

10. Andrewtst

Posts: 696; Member since: Jan 25, 2009

Solution is out and it is working for root user only. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2620399

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 9:21 PM 1

11. skymitch89

Posts: 1453; Member since: Nov 05, 2010

Well, the only real accessories that I'd be using is a bluetooth earpiece/speaker & bluetooth enabled car stereo; aside from a basic protective case & auxiliary cable to my surround sound system. Therefore, I don't really care about the ID lock, at least for now.

posted on Jan 22, 2014, 9:46 PM 0

12. AfterShock

Posts: 4146; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

Cheap tactic Sammy. It may be same camp of android, but I like them the least.

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 1:22 AM 1

13. kabhijeet.16

Posts: 891; Member since: Dec 05, 2012

Not Fair Samsung.. This move will bite Samsung.. People would start preferring other brands like LG, HTC, Sony..

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 2:23 AM 0

14. boosook

Posts: 1442; Member since: Nov 19, 2012

LOL! Buy the Samsung crap...

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 3:53 AM 0

15. bnick25

Posts: 38; Member since: May 05, 2013

Im happy with my lg g2 made the right move

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 4:21 AM 0

16. shuaibhere

Posts: 1986; Member since: Jul 07, 2012

Samsung's official statement on this: http://www.sammobile.com/2014/01/23/samsung-offers-official-statement-on-third-party-accessory-incompatibility-on-galaxy-note-3-and-kitkat/ it's more like quality check...not like what you guys think..

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 6:34 AM 0

17. AfterShock

On cases too? You swallowed.

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 7:36 AM 0

18. shuaibhere

not on cases i think

posted on Jan 23, 2014, 7:52 AM 0

19. IT_Architect

Posts: 3; Member since: Oct 08, 2014

"There had been rumors a while back that Samsung would be instituting a policy to only allow accessories with the ID chip...Presumably, accessory makers will begin licensing the ID chip...directly, because the company doesn't monitor our comments section." Perhaps this will be temporary because the EU is known for not putting up with restrictions like this. However, until that happens, Samsung makes money. You can bet Samsung monitors these comments.