[holden190]

So on my S6, the Recent Apps button is no longer working or even lit. When I open several apps, I'm unable to use that button.

I cleared cache, etc. VZW is offering me a new phone, but it's "factory reconditioned" and I'd like to keep this one.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[systemofadown1]

it does sound like a hardware issue to me, best bet might be to take the replacements even if it is a refurb I know that sucks oh and just my opinion...

[holden190]

it does sound like a hardware issue to me, best bet might be to take the replacements even if it is a refurb I know that sucks oh and just my opinion...

I might just live with it. Don't like used ones.

[systemofadown1]

It could always be an app causing trouble, that's just a guess hoping for the best case scenario. don't give up hope yet someone here might just come along with the answer you need

might be a worthwhile shot to clear your cache in recovery. See if that helps.

[razza1987]

It could always be an app causing trouble, that's just a guess hoping for the best case scenario. don't give up hope yet someone here might just come along with the answer you need

might be a worthwhile shot to clear your cache in recovery. See if that helps.

Or factory reset the phone?

[systemofadown1]

Or factory reset the phone?

that is an option I'd save it for last but it's worth a shot to before you have to accept a used phone.

[holden190]

that is an option I'd save it for last but it's worth a shot to before you have to accept a used phone.

Reset to factory settings and still not working. Argh!

[systemofadown1]

Dang...
Probably hardware...

[jcp007]

Go to Settings/Display/Touch Key Light Duration/. Check the setting.

[droidguy1964]

Reset to factory settings and still not working. Argh!

Factory settings or FDR? It sounds like hardware but before you call it a day at least try an FDR.

Posted via the Android Central App

[holden190]

Go to Settings/Display/Touch Key Light Duration/. Check the setting.

Hmm, don't see that option. I'm on Verizon.

[holden190]

Factory settings or FDR? It sounds like hardware but before you call it a day at least try an FDR.

Posted via the Android Central App

It was FDR. Think I'm screwed.

[jcp007]

Device reset should be a last resort. Like taking a machete to perform delicate surgery.

Try clearing the cache partition.

Turn the device off.
Volume up+home+power
Use volume rocker to select clear cache. Power to accept.
Toggle to reboot. Power to accept.

Please,let us know what happens when it boots up.

[droidguy1964]

It was FDR. Think I'm screwed.

unfortunately yes.

Posted via the Android Central App

[holden190]

Device reset should be a last resort. Like taking a machete to perform delicate surgery.

Try clearing the cache partition.

Turn the device off.
Volume up+home+power
Use volume rocker to select clear cache. Power to accept.
Toggle to reboot. Power to accept.

Please,let us know what happens when it boots up.

Nope, same issue. It has to be the hardware.

[droidguy1964]

Device reset should be a last resort. Like taking a machete to perform delicate surgery.

Try clearing the cache partition.

Turn the device off.
Volume up+home+power
Use volume rocker to select clear cache. Power to accept.
Toggle to reboot. Power to accept.

Please,let us know what happens when it boots up.

These dramatic posts always make me think of something that captain kirk would say......he said that he did an FDR. If an FDR didn't work then clearing the cache wont do a thing.

Posted via the Android Central App

[holden190]

These dramatic posts always make me think of something that captain kirk would say......he said that he did an FDR. If an FDR didn't work then clearing the cache wont do a thing.

Posted via the Android Central App

Refurb arrives on Tuesday.

[jcp007]

Nope, same issue. It has to be the hardware.

Now get out the machete...if nada, time for exchange....

[droidguy1964]

Refurb arrives on Tuesday.

I'm sure the refurb will be like new. Good luck!! And please never hit your phone with a machete....could be dangerous.

Posted via the Android Central App

[mdsr]

My samsung s6 does the same. Recent apps soft key has stopped working. Can not access recent apps. Saw elsewhere on the net that Google updates has deleted the function. Don't know what is actually going on. Very frustrating. My phone is only 6 weeks old. Brand new, not refurb.

[DonovanEdge]

Here is a "solution" that has worked for me. My S6 is the Verizon variant, but I think these steps will work on any Service Provider.

Settings > Accessibility > Dexterity and interaction > Assistant menu

From here, toggle the switch to "ON". This will create a hovering circle with a window with four panes inside it. If you interactive with the hovering circle it will open a new window in which you have access to the back and recent apps buttons via an onscreen button.

Not sure what has disabled the hardware buttons, but this should give you access via onscreen software.

I know it's not a true fix, but a work around.

If someone finds a true fix, please post it! But in the meantime ...

I hope this helps!

[Aliyanto Thio]

I Have Trouble like u are...
press call *#0*# and then press grip sensor and then press recents key.......... it work, I think it's not hardware but software that unable the key..

I have already 2times trouble like this.
I also want to find the answers

hope we can get it..

[Abegheer]

I have the same problem. Since a week, my recent apps button is no longer working. However, if I press the Home or Back button, the Recent Apps button is still lit. But if I press the recent apps button, nothing happens.

I tried clearing the cache partition as suggested by jcp007, but no result. The workaround suggested by DonovanEdge works nice, but is not as good as using the Recent Apps button itself.

If someone has another suggestion...

[holden190]

I have the same problem. Since a week, my recent apps button is no longer working. However, if I press the Home or Back button, the Recent Apps button is still lit. But if I press the recent apps button, nothing happens.

I tried clearing the cache partition as suggested by jcp007, but no result. The workaround suggested by DonovanEdge works nice, but is not as good as using the Recent Apps button itself.

If someone has another suggestion...

I was unable to fix this. It was maybe only a month old at the time, so , so Samsung sent me a (refurbed) replacement for free.

[Tazio Nuvo]

Thanks, Donavan, that worked for me and the button is fine to work with, since the normal Recents key is gone.