The Nexus 5X, a favorite among Android enthusiasts, was celebrated for its smooth performance and pure Android experience when it launched. Yet, as with any device, Nexus 5X users have encountered their fair share of common problems.

Over time, smartphones can face issues like random reboots, battery drain, and Wi-Fi connectivity problems—annoyances that can disrupt daily life and even make a once-reliable device feel like a burden.

If you’ve noticed your Nexus 5X slowing down, lagging, or acting up, don’t worry—many of these issues are fixable with some easy troubleshooting!

This guide covers all you need to know to solve common Nexus 5X problems. From boot loops and battery issues to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth troubles, we’ll walk through simple yet effective fixes so you can get your phone back to peak performance.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to keep your phone running smoothly, this troubleshooting guide is your go-to resource for keeping your Nexus 5X in top shape.

Nexus 5x troubleshooting

Let’s dive into practical solutions and get your device working like new!

1. Nexus 5X Boot Loop Issue

One of the most frustrating issues Nexus 5X users face is the dreaded “boot loop” problem. This occurs when the phone gets stuck restarting over and over again, usually due to hardware issues.

Solution Steps:

  • Power Cycle the Device: Try turning off the device by holding down the power button. Leave it off for a few minutes and then turn it back on.
  • Enter Recovery Mode: If your device keeps looping, try booting into Recovery Mode:
    1. Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until you see the fastboot menu.
    2. Use the volume buttons to navigate and select “Recovery Mode” with the power button.
    3. Once in Recovery Mode, select “Wipe Cache Partition” to clear temporary files.
  • Factory Reset (Last Resort): If the issue persists, a factory reset can sometimes help. This will erase your data, so make sure to back up before trying this:
    1. Enter Recovery Mode (as above).
    2. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.”
  • Visit a Repair Service: Unfortunately, if these steps don’t fix the boot loop, the device likely has a hardware defect. Visit an authorized repair center.

2. Slow Performance and Lag Issues

A slow phone can be a real headache, and over time, the Nexus 5X may begin to lag. The good news is, with a few simple tweaks, you can boost its speed.

Solution Steps:

  • Clear Cache: Sometimes, an overload of cached data slows things down. Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data, and clear it out.
  • Update Android: Regular updates bring performance improvements and bug fixes. Go to Settings > About phone > System updates and make sure you’re on the latest version.
  • Disable or Remove Unnecessary Apps: Go to Settings > Apps and review the apps that you don’t use. Disabling or uninstalling unused apps will free up memory and improve speed.
  • Turn off Animations: This can make the device feel faster:
    1. Go to Settings > Developer Options. If Developer Options isn’t visible, unlock it by going to Settings > About phone and tapping on Build Number seven times.
    2. In Developer Options, set Window Animation Scale, Transition Animation Scale, and Animator Duration Scale to 0.5x or off.

3. Battery Draining Quickly

If you notice your Nexus 5X battery depleting faster than usual, it could be due to a combination of background apps, old battery health, or power-hungry settings.

Solution Steps:

  • Check Battery Usage: In Settings > Battery, you can view which apps are using the most power. If an app you rarely use is draining a lot, uninstall it or limit its background activity.
  • Reduce Screen Brightness and Sleep Time: Lower your brightness and set the screen to sleep after a shorter time.
  • Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi when not in use.
  • Use Battery Saver Mode: Activate Battery Saver in Settings > Battery > Battery Saver to extend battery life.
  • Replace the Battery: If your Nexus 5X is older, the battery may be deteriorating. Consider visiting a repair shop to replace it.

4. Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems

Wi-Fi issues can be disruptive, but these fixes should help restore your connection.

Solution Steps:

  • Restart Your Router and Device: Often, Wi-Fi issues are temporary. Turn off your router, wait for about a minute, then turn it back on. Restart your Nexus 5X as well.
  • Forget and Reconnect to the Network: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, select your network, and tap “Forget.” Then reconnect by entering the password.
  • Change DNS Settings: In Settings > Wi-Fi, press and hold your network, tap “Modify Network,” and set DNS servers to a public DNS, like Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
  • Check for Interference: Keep your device away from sources of interference (like microwaves or cordless phones), and make sure your router is positioned well.

5. Camera Not Working Properly

If your camera is lagging, failing to focus, or not working at all, these steps can help.

Solution Steps:

  • Restart the Camera App: Sometimes, just closing and reopening the app can fix minor issues.
  • Clear Camera App Cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage > Clear Cache.
  • Disable Background Apps: Close any unnecessary apps that might be using system resources, especially ones with camera or photo permissions.
  • Try Safe Mode: Restart in Safe Mode to see if a third-party app is causing the issue:
    1. Press and hold the Power button.
    2. Tap and hold “Power Off” until the Safe Mode prompt appears.
    3. Tap OK to enter Safe Mode. If the camera works fine in this mode, the problem likely lies with a third-party app.

6. Overheating Issues

Overheating can make the Nexus 5X uncomfortable to hold and even damage components over time.

Solution Steps:

  • Remove the Case: Cases trap heat. Remove the case temporarily to cool down the device.
  • Close Power-Hungry Apps: Apps like games, GPS, and videos can generate heat. Close them if you’re not actively using them.
  • Avoid Charging While in Use: This can increase temperature. It’s best to let the phone rest while charging.
  • Check for Software Updates: Updates often come with fixes for power management issues. Update the phone in Settings > System > System Updates.

7. Bluetooth Connection Issues

Bluetooth issues can be a hassle when connecting to wireless earbuds or other devices. Here’s how to troubleshoot this.

Solution Steps:

  • Turn Bluetooth Off and On: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
  • Forget Paired Devices: Clear your list of paired devices in Bluetooth settings and try pairing again.
  • Clear Bluetooth Cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Bluetooth > Storage > Clear Cache.
  • Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth. Note that this will reset all network settings, so you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks.

8. Touchscreen Not Responding

Touchscreen issues are critical but often fixable.

Solution Steps:

  • Remove Screen Protector: Screen protectors can sometimes interfere with sensitivity. Remove it and see if that helps.
  • Restart the Device: Sometimes a simple reboot can fix unresponsive screens.
  • Adjust Touch Sensitivity: In Settings > Display, try adjusting touch sensitivity if the option is available.
  • Calibrate the Screen: Some apps on the Google Play Store offer screen calibration features which can help improve responsiveness.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting the Nexus 5X can be a rewarding experience, letting you unlock the full potential of this classic smartphone. From fixing the frustrating boot loop issue to speeding up performance and resolving battery drains, small tweaks can make a big difference.

The Nexus 5X is beloved for its clean, intuitive Android experience, but like any device, it’s prone to wear and tear over time. With the solutions covered here, you have the tools to tackle common problems on your own.

Taking a proactive approach to regular maintenance—like clearing caches, uninstalling unused apps, and managing battery settings—can also help prevent future issues.

While some issues may require professional help, particularly hardware-related problems, many users find that these DIY fixes keep their devices in top shape.

Remember to back up your data regularly, keep software up to date, and use settings wisely to extend your Nexus 5X’s life. By following this guide, you can enjoy a smoother, more reliable experience with your Nexus 5X, keeping it ready for everything you need.