Exact model-family answer directory
Samsung Galaxy Note20 troubleshooting
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (SM-N980/SM-N981*): the last Note in its slot; what owners run into; how to approach a fault; finding your model and software; the S Pen; battery and plastic back, and a fix for each symptom below.
- The last Note in its slotThe Note20 was the last of the line in its original form, a large flat phone with a plastic back and the S Pen housed in a slot at the base. It is out of support, and owners mostly ask about the pen and the battery.
Battery drainNot chargingOverheatingWi-FiNo serviceBluetooth
Samsung · app crashing
Samsung Galaxy Note20 app keeps crashing, freezing or will not open
Open record Samsung · biometric unlockSamsung Galaxy Note20 biometric unlock is not working
Open record Samsung · camera blurrySamsung Galaxy Note20 camera is blurry, shakes or will not focus
Open record Samsung · callsSamsung Galaxy Note20 cannot make calls or send messages
Open record Samsung · overheatingSamsung Galaxy Note20 gets hot or shows a temperature warning
Open record Samsung · Wi-FiSamsung Galaxy Note20 will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting
Open recordConfirm the model first
Which units this covers, and how to tell yours is one of them
- Model numbers and patterns
- SM-N980/SM-N981*
Published specification
What is true of this model and changes how you fix it
- What owners run intoThe S Pen is the focus: a pen that does not register, one that is not detected after reinserting, or a phone that no longer shows the Air Command menu. The battery is also exhausted on most units and the phone is past its update window.
- How to approach a faultClean the pen slot, reinsert the pen firmly and restart. For battery faults, replacement is the real cure.
- Finding your model and softwareSettings, About phone shows the model number SM-N981 for the Note20. It is past its update window.
- The S PenThe pen sits in a slot at the bottom and charges there. If the phone does not detect it, clean the slot, reinsert the pen firmly and check Settings, Advanced features, S Pen. Replacement pens are sold by Samsung, and a pen tip that wears out can be replaced.
- Battery and plastic backThe Note20's back is a plastic Glasstic panel that scratches more easily than glass. The battery, now several years old, is the first thing to replace if the phone shuts off early.
- S Pen problemsIf the S Pen does not work, remove it and check the tip for wear, clean the slot and reinsert it firmly. Restart the phone and check that Air Actions and the pen are on in Settings. A pen that does not charge may need replacing, and Samsung sells genuine ones.
- Pen and screenThe Note20's flat screen and S Pen make it a good note-taker even now. Protect the screen with a protector, replace a worn pen tip and keep the pen's slot clean. If handwriting lags, restart the phone and check that Samsung Notes is up to date.
Manufacturer support for this product line. Samsung Support — Mobile device support. Official Galaxy model manuals, diagnostics, updates and repair support.
Also read for this model. Samsung Support — Samsung Support.
Exact questions
Questions that only have an answer for the Samsung Galaxy Note20
Where does the Note20's S Pen live?+
In a slot at the bottom of the phone.
Is the Note20 still updated?+
No, it is past its window.
Where is the Note20's S Pen charged?+
In its slot.
Does the Note20 have a glass back?+
No, a plastic one.