K-3 III image sync bluetooth woes [Solved - Samsung settings issue]

TheLastMan · 10-11-2021, 12:43 PM

Hi folks, I am having problems with bluetooth and my K-3 III.
I have the latest version of Image Sync on my Samsung S11 (latest Android update) and latest firmware on the camera.

I successfully paired the camera to the phone using Bluetooth.I had "Automatic Bluetooth Connection" enabled in the settings of image sync. I tested that it was storing the GPS data for photos and it was.

Turned off the camera and an hour later went back to it. I went back to image sync on the phone and turned on the camera. The phone and the camera will no longer connect using Bluetooth.

Turned phone on and off again, nothing. Turned camera off and on again, nothing.

So, deleted the pairing information on both devices and then went through the pairing procedure again - which worked.

Tested it and everything was fine.

Turned the camera and image sync off again. Went back to image sync, gave it a minute or two then turned on the camera. Again, no connection between the camera and the phone would establish. This time after about 3 minutes of attempting to connect, image sync asked if I wanted to try and pair the devices again.

Any clue from anybody what is going on? Samsung is notorious for disabling app functions for battery saving reasons, so will investigate that - meanwhile any help gratefully received

Last edited by TheLastMan; 10-11-2021 at 02:18 PM.

Paul the Sunman · 10-11-2021, 12:49 PM

Have you set the "Background location information transmission" duration in ImageSync? I have it set to 6 hours.

TheLastMan · 10-11-2021, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

Have you set the "Background location information transmission" duration in ImageSync? I have it set to 6 hours.

No, not sure how that makes a difference if the two devices won't communicate in the first place, but have now set it for 6 hours and will see what happens. Having no joy with the Samsung settings.

---------- Post added 10-11-21 at 09:14 PM ----------

OK, so tried it with my iPad and it all works fine, reconnects no problem and GPS data is tagged on all photos. So it is, as I suspected, a Samsung phone problem. I have an old iPhone 8 somewhere. I will re-activate that, and use it as my Image Sync / GPS device. No need for a SIM card as won't be using it for calls, just BT and WiFi. Actually it makes a lot of sense as that will free up the Samsung for all its main communication duties.

Paul the Sunman · 10-11-2021, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by TheLastMan

No, not sure how that makes a difference if the two devices won't communicate in the first place, but have now set it for 6 hours and will see what happens. Having no joy with the Samsung settings.[COLOR="Silver"]

You said it paired and transmitted GPS information, but then "turned off the camera and an hour later went back to it" and it was no longer paired. Hence my point about setting duration.

I have an LG phone, which should be pretty similar to the Samsung. Have you checked that ImageSync is not restricted on the Samsung? If it is, it will drop out when sleeping. I believe on some Samsung phones you need to explicitly set "Apps not optimised" to include ImageSync.

TheLastMan · 10-11-2021, 02:16 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

You said it paired and transmitted GPS information, but then "turned off the camera and an hour later went back to it" and it was no longer paired. Hence my point about setting duration.

I have an LG phone, which should be pretty similar to the Samsung. Have you checked that ImageSync is not restricted on the Samsung? If it is, it will drop out when sleeping. I believe on some Samsung phones you need to explicitly set "Apps not optimised" to include ImageSync.

Thanks! Took some digging around in the menus, Samsung really did not want me to find this!
Settings - Apps - Image Sync - [scroll down] Battery - Optimise battery usage
Item at the top labelled "Apps not optimised" with arrow indicating drop down menu, select "All", lists every single app in the phone including all Android processes. Scroll down for ages to Image Sync and move the slider to disable battery optimisation. Phew!

De-optimising fixed the problem and it now reconnects automatically and happily labels all photos with GPS location data.

So beware using a Samsung phone with Image Sync folks, if you want to take advantage of the GPS tagging function.

I have found the old I phone and I still think I will try using that. It will be useful to have a dedicated mobile device to go with the camera. I can keep it in the camera bag as part of my kit

**Pål Jensen** · 10-11-2021, 03:06 PM

Thanks. Had the same problem.

RobG · 10-11-2021, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by TheLastMan

Settings - Apps - Image Sync - [scroll down] Battery - Optimise battery usage
Item at the top labelled "Apps not optimised" with arrow indicating drop down menu, select "All", lists every single app in the phone including all Android processes. Scroll down for ages to Image Sync and move the slider to disable battery optimisation. Phew!

My Samsung phone (A71) works fine without changing the battery optimisation, but in the app settings the slider for "Allow background activity" is set. I just have to remember to start the app before I begin taking photos, after which it will connect to the camera and GPS location is recorded.

clack · 10-12-2021, 12:54 AM

Originally posted by TheLastMan

De-optimising fixed the problem and it now reconnects automatically and happily labels all photos with GPS location data.

Yes indeed - had the same problem with my Samsung S20+. Works like a charm after disabling the battery "optimisation" - thank you very much!

fifescapes · 10-26-2021, 12:12 AM

Originally posted by TheLastMan

Thanks! Took some digging around in the menus, Samsung really did not want me to find this!
Settings - Apps - Image Sync - [scroll down] Battery - Optimise battery usage
Item at the top labelled "Apps not optimised" with arrow indicating drop down menu, select "All", lists every single app in the phone including all Android processes. Scroll down for ages to Image Sync and move the slider to disable battery optimisation. Phew!

De-optimising fixed the problem and it now reconnects automatically and happily labels all photos with GPS location data.

So beware using a Samsung phone with Image Sync folks, if you want to take advantage of the GPS tagging function.

I have found the old I phone and I still think I will try using that. It will be useful to have a dedicated mobile device to go with the camera. I can keep it in the camera bag as part of my kit

This might be a general Android issue. I'm having problems with a Pixel 4a phone, and I've just turned off battery optimisation for the Image app. I'll try again with some test shots maybe later today - if it stops raining!

And thanks for the details on how to change it. You are right, it's very wll hidden.

fifescapes · 10-28-2021, 03:26 AM

Originally posted by fifescapes

This might be a general Android issue. I'm having problems with a Pixel 4a phone, and I've just turned off battery optimisation for the Image app. I'll try again with some test shots maybe later today - if it stops raining!

And thanks for the details on how to change it. You are right, it's very well hidden.

OK after updating the firmware, deleting & reinstalling the app and re-pairing the phone and camera it seems to work properly. This is based on a very short walk as the weather is dreich to say the least.

angerdan · 10-31-2021, 03:39 AM

User tomcook did write an Image Sync Instruction and uploaded it as PDF here

K-3 III and Image Sync Instructions - PentaxForums.com

fifescapes · 11-01-2021, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by angerdan

User tomcook did write an Image Sync Instruction and uploaded it as PDF here
K-3 III and Image Sync Instructions - PentaxForums.com

Yes I am aware of that.

10-11-2021, 12:43 PM	#1
TheLastMan New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London, England Posts: 15	K-3 III image sync bluetooth woes [Solved - Samsung settings issue] Hi folks, I am having problems with bluetooth and my K-3 III. I have the latest version of Image Sync on my Samsung S11 (latest Android update) and latest firmware on the camera. I successfully paired the camera to the phone using Bluetooth.I had "Automatic Bluetooth Connection" enabled in the settings of image sync. I tested that it was storing the GPS data for photos and it was. Turned off the camera and an hour later went back to it. I went back to image sync on the phone and turned on the camera. The phone and the camera will no longer connect using Bluetooth. Turned phone on and off again, nothing. Turned camera off and on again, nothing. So, deleted the pairing information on both devices and then went through the pairing procedure again - which worked. Tested it and everything was fine. Turned the camera and image sync off again. Went back to image sync, gave it a minute or two then turned on the camera. Again, no connection between the camera and the phone would establish. This time after about 3 minutes of attempting to connect, image sync asked if I wanted to try and pair the devices again. Any clue from anybody what is going on? Samsung is notorious for disabling app functions for battery saving reasons, so will investigate that - meanwhile any help gratefully received Last edited by TheLastMan; 10-11-2021 at 02:18 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-3 III and iPhone Bluetooth Not Connecting	FozzFoster	Pentax K-3 III	10	04-14-2023 10:43 AM
K-3 III and Image Sync Instructions	tomcook	Pentax K-3 III	11	04-02-2022 03:00 AM
Image Sync update: Remote, Bluetooth and more with GR III	JPT	Ricoh GR	17	11-05-2021 02:18 PM
Image sync 2.0.5 bluetooth bug	dicki	Pentax News and Rumors	1	08-14-2019 10:29 AM
GR iii won't connect via bluetooth to iphone	streighty	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	05-08-2019 08:50 PM

10-11-2021, 12:49 PM	#2
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	Have you set the "Background location information transmission" duration in ImageSync? I have it set to 6 hours.

10-11-2021, 12:52 PM	#3
TheLastMan New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London, England Posts: 15 Original Poster	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Have you set the "Background location information transmission" duration in ImageSync? I have it set to 6 hours. No, not sure how that makes a difference if the two devices won't communicate in the first place, but have now set it for 6 hours and will see what happens. Having no joy with the Samsung settings. ---------- Post added 10-11-21 at 09:14 PM ---------- OK, so tried it with my iPad and it all works fine, reconnects no problem and GPS data is tagged on all photos. So it is, as I suspected, a Samsung phone problem. I have an old iPhone 8 somewhere. I will re-activate that, and use it as my Image Sync / GPS device. No need for a SIM card as won't be using it for calls, just BT and WiFi. Actually it makes a lot of sense as that will free up the Samsung for all its main communication duties.

10-11-2021, 01:28 PM	#4
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	Originally posted by TheLastMan No, not sure how that makes a difference if the two devices won't communicate in the first place, but have now set it for 6 hours and will see what happens. Having no joy with the Samsung settings.[COLOR="Silver"] You said it paired and transmitted GPS information, but then "turned off the camera and an hour later went back to it" and it was no longer paired. Hence my point about setting duration. I have an LG phone, which should be pretty similar to the Samsung. Have you checked that ImageSync is not restricted on the Samsung? If it is, it will drop out when sleeping. I believe on some Samsung phones you need to explicitly set "Apps not optimised" to include ImageSync.

10-11-2021, 02:16 PM - 1 Like	#5
TheLastMan New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London, England Posts: 15 Original Poster	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman You said it paired and transmitted GPS information, but then "turned off the camera and an hour later went back to it" and it was no longer paired. Hence my point about setting duration. I have an LG phone, which should be pretty similar to the Samsung. Have you checked that ImageSync is not restricted on the Samsung? If it is, it will drop out when sleeping. I believe on some Samsung phones you need to explicitly set "Apps not optimised" to include ImageSync. Thanks! Took some digging around in the menus, Samsung really did not want me to find this! Settings - Apps - Image Sync - [scroll down] Battery - Optimise battery usage Item at the top labelled "Apps not optimised" with arrow indicating drop down menu, select "All", lists every single app in the phone including all Android processes. Scroll down for ages to Image Sync and move the slider to disable battery optimisation. Phew! De-optimising fixed the problem and it now reconnects automatically and happily labels all photos with GPS location data. So beware using a Samsung phone with Image Sync folks, if you want to take advantage of the GPS tagging function. I have found the old I phone and I still think I will try using that. It will be useful to have a dedicated mobile device to go with the camera. I can keep it in the camera bag as part of my kit

10-11-2021, 03:06 PM	#6
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Thanks. Had the same problem.

10-11-2021, 03:29 PM	#7
RobG Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canberra Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,902	Originally posted by TheLastMan Settings - Apps - Image Sync - [scroll down] Battery - Optimise battery usage Item at the top labelled "Apps not optimised" with arrow indicating drop down menu, select "All", lists every single app in the phone including all Android processes. Scroll down for ages to Image Sync and move the slider to disable battery optimisation. Phew! My Samsung phone (A71) works fine without changing the battery optimisation, but in the app settings the slider for "Allow background activity" is set. I just have to remember to start the app before I begin taking photos, after which it will connect to the camera and GPS location is recorded.

10-12-2021, 12:54 AM	#8
clack New Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Kevelaer, Germany Posts: 15	Originally posted by TheLastMan De-optimising fixed the problem and it now reconnects automatically and happily labels all photos with GPS location data. Yes indeed - had the same problem with my Samsung S20+. Works like a charm after disabling the battery "optimisation" - thank you very much!

10-26-2021, 12:12 AM	#9
fifescapes Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 27	Originally posted by TheLastMan Thanks! Took some digging around in the menus, Samsung really did not want me to find this! Settings - Apps - Image Sync - [scroll down] Battery - Optimise battery usage Item at the top labelled "Apps not optimised" with arrow indicating drop down menu, select "All", lists every single app in the phone including all Android processes. Scroll down for ages to Image Sync and move the slider to disable battery optimisation. Phew! De-optimising fixed the problem and it now reconnects automatically and happily labels all photos with GPS location data. So beware using a Samsung phone with Image Sync folks, if you want to take advantage of the GPS tagging function. I have found the old I phone and I still think I will try using that. It will be useful to have a dedicated mobile device to go with the camera. I can keep it in the camera bag as part of my kit This might be a general Android issue. I'm having problems with a Pixel 4a phone, and I've just turned off battery optimisation for the Image app. I'll try again with some test shots maybe later today - if it stops raining! And thanks for the details on how to change it. You are right, it's very wll hidden.

10-28-2021, 03:26 AM	#10
fifescapes Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 27	Originally posted by fifescapes This might be a general Android issue. I'm having problems with a Pixel 4a phone, and I've just turned off battery optimisation for the Image app. I'll try again with some test shots maybe later today - if it stops raining! And thanks for the details on how to change it. You are right, it's very well hidden. OK after updating the firmware, deleting & reinstalling the app and re-pairing the phone and camera it seems to work properly. This is based on a very short walk as the weather is dreich to say the least.

10-31-2021, 03:39 AM	#11
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,642	User tomcook did write an Image Sync Instruction and uploaded it as PDF here K-3 III and Image Sync Instructions - PentaxForums.com

11-01-2021, 09:20 AM	#12
fifescapes Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 27	Originally posted by angerdan User tomcook did write an Image Sync Instruction and uploaded it as PDF here K-3 III and Image Sync Instructions - PentaxForums.com Yes I am aware of that.