# Question
Title: Preventing browser redirects on Android (and iOS)
There seems to be an issue occurring with mobile browser apps on Android and iPhone being redirected to advertising sites. This is interrupting the browsing experience.

The problem:

* A user visits a website on their phone in a current and up-to-date browser such as Chrome for Android or Firefox for Android, and a ***mobile ad*** is displayed
* The ad causes a redirect from the currently displayed website to spaces.slimspots.com
* The slimspots server seems to check if Javascript is active and then redirects to another ad, such as a competition webpage

Many users have reported this, both on the Chrome product forum and on the Apple forums, (links in the pastebin below) but nobody seems to understand what is actually occurring. People are doing unnecessary factory resets on their phones and complaining to various webmasters about the ads on their forums.

The behavior can be replicated in a desktop browser by changing the User-Agent to a Nexus 4 and reloading a forum thread on a website (eg. xda-developers) until an offending ad appears.

Since I can't create more than two links here without gaining more reputation, you can find some useful content in this **pastebin**.

Can anybody provide advice on how to suppress these redirects, without resorting to a non-stock browser?

# Answer
First of all: **This kind of advertising should be reported!**

> *Can anybody provide advice on how to suppress these redirects, without resorting to a non-stock browser?*

It looks like they use a bug in JavaScript. Maybe report to ad provider or app owner for blocking.

## How to reproduce this issue:

* If you use the preinstalled browser in Android, the ad site opens "Google Play Store" and show you each time a different App.

How can I sandbox untrusted user-submitted JavaScript content?
> 3 votes

# Answer
I'd almost guarantee that neither is the router infected with malware nor has its DNS setting been changed/hacked.

I have eliminated this issue on sites where we have a MikroTik router by using a Layer 7 protocol filter as shown below. This doesn't help the devices off the WiFi network (obviously) but at least gives them some reprieve when they are connected to home and/or work WiFi networks.

Firstly, create the protocol definition:

```
/ip firewall layer7-protocol
add comment="Frigging javascript redirects on chrome browsers" \
    name=Javascript_Redirect \
    regexp="^.+(spaces.slimspot.com|mostawesomeoffers.com).*\$"

```

Now, to actually filter this traffic out

```
/ip firewall filter
add action=drop chain=forward comment=\
    "Block and log Javascript_Redirect L7 Protocol" layer7-protocol=\
    Javascript_Redirect log=yes log-prefix=JSredirect_

```

Other firewalls that have Layer 7 filtering capacity could also block these redirects in a similar way.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There's nothing wrong with the phone or browser, it's the wifi router. It's infected with malware - the DNS settings are changed to redirect to the malware sites.

1. Try visiting 192.168.1.1 wirelessly - you won't be able to.
2. Connect router via LAN cable
3. Hard reset the router
4. Manually setup the router (consult your service provider if you don't have the details handy)
5. (Important) Change the router admin password from the default "password" to something else. That's how the malware got hold of router.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Install Ad block plus browser, it will solve the issue in Chrome as well. This is the only thing that worked for me
> 0 votes

# Answer
I don't know if it would be of any help for previous posters, but I found a workaround for the numerous redirect I was facing while simply trying to watch videos. You simply disable JavaScript and enable manually only the websites you want to access to. That way I am only getting one opened tab redirecting me to a blank page easily closed instead of dozens of consecutive page asking me if I really want to leave or telling me my phone is infected. It is somewhat time consuming to add exceptions for websites I visit that use JavaScript, but if you are as annoyed as me about redirections it's a small price that greatly improved my browsing comfort. Just remember that if a page isn't loading you probably have to add an exception in your JavaScript site settings.

Just so you know I am nowhere near an expert in computer so this is only a solution I tried when I read here that it was a bug exploit in JavaScript.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, browser, chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Can't change screen resolution of Android-x86_64 installed in UEFI mode
I previously used `vga=ask` and `vga=<num>` in Android-x86 6.0 to set the display resolution in VMWare and now in QEMU/KVM.

Now I downloaded and installed Android-x86\_64 (CyanogenMod 13), in QEMU, in UEFI mode, to a GPT partition, and the option doesn't seem to work anymore. Instead it outputs:

> error: invalid file name 'vga=ask'

There doesn't appear to be much information about this elsewhere. But I could find:

I tried `wm size 1280x720` (in terminal emulator as root) and it *kind of* works. the resolution appears to change, but the display area doesn't and it becomes a pain to read anything. So I had it reverted with `wm size reset`.

I also tried `UVESA_MODE=1280x720` and it also reports "invalid filename 'UVESA\_MODE'".

There's a proposed solution at the 3rd link (`debug.drm.mode.force 1280x720`) but it also didn't work.

So, how to change the screen resolution properly?

**\[Update\]** I tried on a new installation and the `vga` kernel option works in non-UEFI mode.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I got it.

Short answer: This line should go in the bootloader for UEFI mode:

```
set gfxpayload=1280x720

```

Explanation:

> On x86 systems, the kernel will be booted using the 32-bit boot protocol. Note that this means that the ‘vga=’ boot option will not work; if you want to set a special video mode, you will need to use GRUB commands such as `set gfxpayload=1024x768` or `set
>  gfxpayload=keep` (to keep the same mode as used in GRUB) instead. (...) The `linux16` command (see linux16) avoids this restriction.
>
> GNU GRUB Manual 2.02: linux

See also, How Do You Pass VGA/VESA Modes with GRUB2? (Unix.SE).

---
Tags: android-x86, screen-resolution, virtualization, x86-processors
---


# Question
Title: Full backup of only firmware and ROM from non-rooted Android devices (namely Samsung devices)
So, I've been looking around the Web, but haven't found anything conclusive. The closest things I could find were either options after rooting or an XDA post regarding near-full backups via ADB, but nothing regarding ROM/Firmware backup only without root. My question is: "How to back up ROM/Firmware onto a PC from a non-rooted Android device (Galaxy S4 to be exact)?".
Thank you kindly in advance!

# Answer
So, after the discussion in the comments you can backup the phone using the command `adb backup [-f <file>] -all` to backup all of your data, where *file* is you should put a recognizable name for the back up to track it easier when you will need it. Store it somewhere safe.

If you will ever need that you can use the command `adb restore *name of the backup*` after the flashing of the stock firmware and all will be as you wanted it.

There is more: in the case you don't want to backup ALL data, you can leave the `-all` option and use specific selections:

-obb/-noobb: you can save the OBB data of every application

-apk/-noapk: you can save the application themselves

-shared/-noshared: you can do a backup of the SDCARD contents

-system/-nosystem: backup of system apps (stock ones)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, backup
---


# Question
Title: Reinstalling Android after mobile has been erased by DBAN?
I was curious if a Android mobile is erased using DBAN, then can the Android be reinstalled on the mobile or it becomes useless ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
As the question already is answered with the line of comments to it, I'll take the freedom to sum up the details to make them easier to find:

## What is DBAN?

My first point was that I never heard of DBAN before, so I had to look it up. Luckily, my first hit was Wikipedia (which article I linked here), and it answered this question quite compactly:

> The program is designed to securely erase a hard disk until data is permanently removed and no longer recoverable, which is achieved by overwriting the data with pseudorandom numbers generated by Mersenne twister or ISAAC.

So we are not talking about some "remote attack" destroying your device, but a willful wiping of the "drives".

## What could DBAN wipe on an Android device?

This question was answered by eldarerathis and GAThrawn in the comments: Unless there is an Android version of DBAN which can be executed directly on the device, DBAN is limited to the SD-Card and internal storage (the storage devices offered to the computer via UMS). It cannot access e.g. the `/system` partition for two reasons: 1) it is not made available via UMS, and 2) it is mounted read-only (unless the device is rooted, and you explicitely mounted it read-write -- which cannot be done without rooting). Similar reason (not made available via UMS) applies to all other partitions.

## So what about restoring the Android system?

Nothing. No need for this. As described in the previous section, DBAN at maximum can access two of the data partitions. But it cannot access `/system` (where the Android system resides), `/boot` (where Android is bootet from), or even `/data` (where your apps and their data reside). Since nothing is lost from the Android System itself -- there simply is nothing to restore, it's all still there.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You will need to install a custom recovery software TWRP or CWM onto the android device to wipe /System /Data /Boot and other partitions.

---
Tags: internal-storage, system
---


title: Transfer files from Nexus 5 to PC

text:
# Question
Title: Transfer files from Nexus 5 to PC
I recently got a new phone and want to back up the files from my old phone (Nexus 5) before passing it on to a family member.

Using MTP connected to a Windows 10 PC the transfer is unbearably slow (around 10-20 seconds per file, even though a file may only be a few kB). Using MTP connected to a Mac using Android File Transfer is a lot faster, however the app crashes, freezes or gives an error after a minute or two and stops transferring files.

Is there a better way to transfer files, or a solution to the slow transfer speeds on Windows?

# Answer
> 1 votes
When there are many files to be transferred, and small ones at that, this has been reported:

Share Via http is an *open source* app worth considering. It's handy to share with other mobile devices as well

Alternatively, you can consider other File Sync apps from the curated list maintained by Izzy

# Answer
> 1 votes
I recommend you use a different file transfer protocol, preferably SMB or similar, to transfer the files. Somehow, MTP is buggy because speeds get significantly lower when transferring small files and takes a while to peak again.

Try file transfer apps such as ES explorer, Sambadroid, etc (I have used these with no speed issues). Even over Wi-Fi, you still get consistent transfer speeds (1-2 MB/s)

I also have written another post to achieve this using Sambadroid. The same can also be achieved using the former app as outline here (it is the same for Windows).

# Answer
> 1 votes
The probably fastest solution would be using (check with our adb tag-wiki for some background and hints for setup). To ease things up (and not gluing you to the command line), you could use a file manager supporting ADB. As you're being on Windows, my recommendation for that part would be Droid Explorer, written and maintained by our community member Ryan Conrad.

You might consider the effort needed for an initial setup on Windows a bit much. But if you check with above linked ADB tag-wiki for what you'll be able to do with ADB (and with *Droid Explorer,* not to forget) beside the simple file-transfer task, I'll bet you'll find it worth it!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you tried another USB cord ? or if your laptop has a USB 3.0 port, use that instead. If its still the same, try using file Transfer apps from the Play Store like **ShareIT**, **Xender** or **Snappea** etc.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, nexus-5, file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: How do I turn off push notifications in my Vivo Y53?
Whenever my screen is on, and I am connected to network, my Whatsapp messages come directly in the middle of whatever I am doing, which disconnects me and makes me lose all my work. Any solution?

# Answer
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap on three dots on top-right corner of WhatsApp and Select Settings.
3. Goto Notifications.

Under Message Notifications, there is an option called `popup notification`. It have several sub options which is easy to identify by its name itself.

* No popup: never pop-up on any screen
    * Only when screen on
    * Only when screen off
    * Always show popup. Also set the same for Group notifications.

**Note** : If you wish reset to default, tap on three dots on top-right corner while inside Notifications page, which have option to reset notification settings.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, notifications, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Can we screen record without any android app in Android version 4.1?
I search a lot on Play store but did not find any screen recorder app in play store which compatible on Android version 4.1

# Answer
> 0 votes
No it is not possible because in android 4.1 there is no such facilities have been provided

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, android-versions, screencast
---


# Question
Title: How does an Android system application restart after you kill it on Rooted devices?
So to clarify, I would like to know how a system app is able to resurrect itself (auto start) after I issue a kill command. There are ways to remove apps, by using apps-removal apps as well as directly using rm command to physically erase the apk/odex and folders. And there are plenty of answers on this around. My question is related to the auto-starting "mechanism" itself. That is, is there some xml file and some main process running that checks it? Or something like that. For reference, I'm using Android 6.0.1 and MIUI 8.5.3 on a Rooted device.

Basically I'm exploring the possibility that some system apps which you remove (and then they send your phone into bootloop) are not required, but the checking/trying-to-start process is what makes it loop. The reasoning is that, aside from "application stopped working" error, the system seems unaffected. So it's the *message* that's creating the problem and whatever is behind generating it. This answer will enable me to test out this possibility, and post any findings here.

*`Edit1:`* So looks like the answer to *half* of my own question, (assuming no other "black magic" is going on such as another app checking status...) - restarting is most likely achieved via *BroadcastReceiver*.

An app can **Register a Broadcast Receiver for System Events**. The way it works is, when an event happens on the system (USB is plugged in, internet is detected etc) a Broadcast is sent out to all the apps which are Registered to listen for this event. An app can register through its AndroidManifest.XML or pragmatically. But the main part of the question is - *where* is this registry and how is it possible to *alter* it (on a rooted device of course)

*`Edit2:`* A bit more info. If I do ps, the process shows as normal:

```
finddevice [....] SyS_epoll_ 7f83b48c54 S com.xiaomi.finddevice

```

But if I rename a folder of this system process (to disable it), and then kill the process, seems it's binder thread (**binder\_thr**) trying to bring it back to life:

```
finddevice [....] binder_thr 7f83b48d44 S com.xiaomi.finddevice

```

And as soon as I rename the folder back to original, it starts it right back displaying as **SyS\_epoll\_**

# Answer
> 0 votes
I couldn't comprehend this code much but the information about receivers seems to be kept only in memory (no index file in internal storage). You can use the following command to see which receiver is registered for which type of broadcast.

```
adb shell dumpsys package

```

As for disabling a particular receiver, try Elixir 2. You can go into its Applications section, choose your app and then scroll down to find the receivers (static). Next to them would be the option to disable that component.

Another option is to use ReceiverStop Xposed module. Its free version allows disabling receivers for user-installed apps only.

As for command-line, if you know the name of the receiver/component, you could do:

```
adb shell su -c 'pm disable PKG/COMP'         # where PKG is package name of the app and COMP is the component you intend to disable.

```

That said, I did not test whether the said solutions work for dynamically registered receivers.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, root-access, bloatware
---


# Question
Title: What is the cause of a "No network connection" banner?
This banner randomly appears, persists across mobile and WiFi networks, and then randomly disappears, and I don't know where to begin to search for the issue.

# Answer
> 1 votes
In my case the bar is gray and at the bottom. The bar is drawn over all other apps and is always visible.

To check which apps have this capability:

1. Open the **Settings**.
2. Navigate to **Apps** (under the *Personal* section).
3. Open the configuration by tapping on the cogwheel icon in the top right.
4. Open **Special access** (under the *Advanced* section).
5. Open **Draw over other apps**.

This already made it much more apparent which apps are candidates for this issue. The next time the issue appeared, I closed apps one by one until the bar disappeared.

In *my* case, the app causing the bar was **Office 365 Admin**.

---
Tags: networking, google-pixel
---


# Question
Title: How can I get Google Photos app to see old/other photos stored on SD card?
On my wife's LG G5 she uses `Google Photos` as her choice of photo gallery app. She took photos until her device memory filled up, so I bought her a micro-SD card. I went into File Manager and moved all the photos from internal memory to the SD card, then set the camera app to store new photos on the SD card as the default location.

Now when I open the `Google Photos` app it doesn't show any of the old photos. It shows new photos taken since the SD card was installed, but not the old ones. If I look in the `Gallery` app I can see all the photos on the SD card, both old and new.

I suspect the same issue would occur if I wanted to side load photos taken with another camera onto the SD card.

How can I make the `Google Photos` app library find the old files in the new location? Or in other words, rebuild the index of photos, or clear the cache, or whatever I need to do so the app will start looking at the contents of the SD card?

# Answer
> 2 votes
* First check if in Google photos app options under *Device Folders* if you can see the photos on external SD.
* If you can't, from Settings → Apps → show System apps → Media Storage → Clear data (this is the path in Marshmallow ). Don't worry, you won't lose anything
* Reboot and wait for a while for media index to be rebuilt

You should now see photos on external SD

---
Tags: sd-card, google-photos
---


title: Recovery of google contacts

text:
# Question
Title: Recovery of google contacts
my phone was stolen month ago and despite all my contacts were google contacts, I cannot find them in my account. I thought that if I save my contacts as google contacts, they will automatically appear in my new phone. But there is no backup. When I go to contacts.google.com I cannot see them. Nowhere. There are only mail contacts but not my phone contacts. No backup folder found in google disk also. How is this possible?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This means your contacts were not synced properly in stolen phone. While saving contacts you must have saved in google contacts but you might have turned off auto sync of contacts from setting\>Accounts\>Google\>Your\_email\>Contacts.

---
Tags: google-contacts
---


# Question
Title: Android Device Manager lock doesn't prompt for password
My phone stopped taking my normal password all of a sudden, so I'm using Android Device Manager to set a new password. Android Device Manager is working fine and allowing me to call my phone and change the message on the lock screen.

However, the screen won't let me input any sort of password to login. If I hit the Android back button, it takes me to the standard unlock screen, but that screen won't accept my password.

How do I get back into my phone after setting a Lock in Android Device Manager?

(I'm on a Samsung Galaxy S7 if it matters)

# Answer
I never got to the point where I could enter the temporary lock password. However, I later powered-off, waited a few seconds, and powered back on. At that point, my old password still worked.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You have to allow Device Manager to access the phone while you still have access to it (a little like allowing an app to access a feature on your phone).

There is also a Samsung-related program, which, if you have a Samsung account linked on your phone, you can use to get in (via Kies maybe?).

After-the-fact, it seems like the only options are to factory reset, flash new firmware (possibly blocked by bootloader locks), or sideload an exploit in Download Mode.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: android-device-manager, samsung-galaxy-s7
---


# Question
Title: What is this icon that showed up on my android?
Any one has any idea what this notification icon means?

Thanks

# Answer
That looks like the Data Saver Icon, a feature used to reduce your mobile data usage. Note that this is not set by your network provider but by the user (although there may be a default). Go into settings to check!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


title: Mobile Network Problem

text:
# Question
Title: Mobile Network Problem
I am facing mobile network issue in my office only. When I enter in my office my mobile signal problem arises, Is it due to the router or some other electronic devices? And when I go out from my office I again got signal into my mobile what exactly the issue is. I am not getting.

# Answer
If I understand correctly, you are facing signal loss when inside a building?

If so then that is normal. Indoor areas suffer from lower signal reception due to the having to pass through the walls. Whilst modern signal transmitters and phones are usually only marginally affected, all sorts of factors can affect this including how "deep" into a building you are, distance from transmitter, building materials etc.

If you are only facing this issue inside a particular room then perhaps the room is specially screened? You may also be in a signal dead-spot where you just have little signal.

Whilst WiFi and other common wireless systems are on frequencies that should not interfere with your phone signal, you may have some specialist kit in your office however this is very unlikely.

If you'd like to track your signal strength as you move between locations you can use the phone status option in settings.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: mobile-network
---


# Question
Title: Control media player on one phone from another
I recently upgraded by old Wildfire to a Galaxy S2. For an event I'm running, I'd like to be able to hook the wildfire up to a sound system and play music (that's on the wildfire). However, I'd also like to control the playback using my S2. This can be via bluetooth or wi-fi, as I can use the wi-fi hotspot feature if required.

Can anyone suggest any Apps that would allow me to do this? So far a remote-desktop app is the best I've found, but it's a bit awkward to use.

# Answer
> 2 votes
KODI + KORE for those who looking not only streaming but a simple remote control over media player itself (android - to - android) https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/494-android-tv-remote-apps.html#s16

# Answer
> 0 votes
What you are looking for is a Bluetooth HID implementation for Android

The closest that I know of is AndroHID

This turns your smartphone into a bluetooth remote control for any device that supports Bluetooth HID profile.

---
Tags: music-player, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: How to remotely share Motorola Xoom screen
Is it possible to remotely share my Xoom screen over the Internet? For example, say I was at my house and wanted to share the screen with a friend in another town. How would I got about it?

# Answer
You can try Android VNC server on your tablet, it should do the work...
> 3 votes

# Answer
Please look at CatVision.io, it doesn't require rooting of the device etc. Works with Android 5.0+.

*Disclaimer: I'm the author of this software.*
> 0 votes

---
Tags: screen-sharing
---


# Question
Title: How to retrieve an app that's already removed from the play store before factory reset?
I had my phone undergo factory reset because there was some kind of malware and worms but it didn't work so I had it professionally fixed. And when I was going to re-install an app but it's already removed from the play store and I don't want to download from unknown sources. Is there a way to retrieve this? If there's none, what could be a good alternative for Google Play? I'm scared from unknown sources because of what happened to my phone before it was fixed.

# Answer
I think you just type the App name on play store and search. That has been removed or couldn't search, there is nothing you can do. Google play store's Apps are always update with new versions because the security reasons. But you don't worry. **Apkpure** is the one of large App store similar Play Store and you could search that app on it. It is fully trusted and they are always checked with Apps for worms, and malweare. Here is the link https://apkpure.com
> 0 votes

# Answer
The "Library" section of "My Apps and Games" lists all apps that you have downloaded in the past, even if they have been removed from the Play Store.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, recovery-mode, factory-reset, google-apps
---


# Question
Title: Formating and reinstaling OS on Galaxy S4
Someone put CyanogenMod on my T-Mobile Galaxy S4. So I tried to unroot and return to the original by watching this Youtube video and using this method.This is what I have gotten from the phone:

```
Odin Mode
Product Name: SGH: M919
Current Binary: Custom
System Status: Custom
Knox Kernel Lock: 0X0
Knox Warranty Void: 0X1
Write protection: Enable
eMMC Bust: Mode: Enable
Start [224, 1440]                                           in red
SW REV. CHECK FAIL : fused : 4, Binary: 1 in red.

```

On the PC screen, in red, it says **Fail!**

In the message box, the last line read: All threads completed: (succeed 0 / failed 1).

Now I tried to reboot the phone, I got the same Odin Mode thing plus: `CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0X30` minus the two lines in red.

In the middle of the screen, a phone, a yellow triangle with an `!` mark in the center, a PC screen.

Below says: "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."

I have no phone now. I know I didnt reset binary flash. So people told me to format and reinstall the OS. Please help me to go back to stock version.

# Answer
There are 2 ways:

* Get the stock ROM which works with root from sammobile.com. Make sure that Kies isn't running. Then, flash the ROM with Odin, **or**,
* Unroot using the custom recovery by downloading a completely stock normal ROM from sammobile which should get rid of root.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Knox warranty void: `0x1`

You won't be able to flash a Knox enabled firmware anymore, but you can flash other firmware. Go to sammobile, search your firmware and flash it with Odin. You can also find the flashing tutorial from sammobile itself.

Remember: do not downgrade. This will damage your EFS folder.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Go here SamMobile Samsung GT-i9500

Download the one specified for your country

Boot to Download Mode, Flash using Odin
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-4, unrooting, formatting
---


# Question
Title: Do any Android phones support 256GB of storage?
I'd like a phone, preferably Android, with 256 GB of storage.

To the best of my knowledge, no 256 GB microSD cards exist (despite a few scammy Amazon listings). Therefore, the phone would either need to have (1) a fullsize SD slot or (2) dual microSD slots. I don't know of any android phones that have a fullsize SD slot, although there are of course tablets that do. And the only Android phone I know that promised dual microSD cards is the vaporware Saygus V2.

Do any solutions exist that don't involve solder or external devices?

# Answer
A quick search on Amazon gave a bunch of results.

* SanDisk Ultra has a 256GB model (red and pale yellow)
* Samsung EVO+ has a 256GB model (red)
* Samsung EVO Select has a 256GB model (green)
* Other manufacturers also have 256 GB models, e.g. Patriot LX and ADATA Premier
* Lexar has 256GB models but I've heard they're ceasing producing storage products

Oh, there's one more thing that I'd like to note: The "maximum supported storage capacity" actually depends on the SoC (chip) and system. So as long as your phone is running on an SoC later than 2015 and Android 5+ (Lollipop) then it should have no problem supporting a 256GB microSD card.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Moto X Force is one phone that supports cards up to 2TB.

> **Expandable Memory**
>
> With the option to add up to 2 TB of additional storage space using a microSD card, the Moto X Force offers plenty of room to store your favourite pictures, videos, music and apps.

Original screenshot of the device specs

Though currently, I don't see cards with a capacity of more than 256GB.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: sd-card, hardware, storage
---


# Question
Title: On my Note 4, even when I set the lock screen to fingerprint, if I turn it off and then on, I can unlock it by swiping. Please advise
I set the unlocking to fingerprint. I set 3 fingerprints. I activate them. Then I can unlock my phone by swiping. What is the use?

# Answer
Often there is a settings which sets a Timout for a locked phone. By default I think it is set to 5 seconds. That means, that when you turn your screen off your phone waits 5 seconds before activating the lockscreen security. Try searching the settings for this timeout setting.
> 1 votes

# Answer
go to settings- security- trusted agents-and off the google lock
> 1 votes

# Answer
settings》lock screen》secured lock time》instant ....GLHF
> -1 votes

# Answer
Go to settings \> Security \> Trusted agents-and turn off the Google lock
> -1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-note-4
---


# Question
Title: What is this circular icon in my Android status bar?
I'm getting the circular symbol to the right of K/s on my status bar since last few days:

Does anyone know what it is?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's a **GPS in use** icon

From MI forums translated using Google

> This icon indicates that the phone is using the GPS signal, and if you are using the phone navigation it is not wrong. Otherwise it is recommended as soon as possible to close the power consumption, so that mobile phone power consumption too fast.

Someone who can read original can point out errors .

**Edit** From Mi Forums in English

> Google's locator icon, which uses wifi, cell and GPS to locate you. To turn off, go to settings\>Google\>location\> untick Access to my location.
>
> It appears when one or more apps \[you gave permission to\] is asking for your location, hence your phone is transmitting.

OP has provided additional information on getting rid of the icon, which may help others

> What solved for me was that Go to Settings \> Additional Settings \> Privacy \> Location \> Location access. Then in app permissions for each app I disabled Location. Then restarted the phone. The icon was now gone. Then enabled the location for all apps that previously had it enabled

---
Tags: notifications, notification-bar, notification-icons
---


# Question
Title: I have deleted all launcher apps, how to fix?
i have sgh-t989 and i have installed a custom rom beanstalk 4.4.2. mistakenly deleted all launchers now i cant use home, tried to restart phone doesnt fix it. now i cant even on my phone. i cant go to recovery mode because my home button is dead. is there any way i can go to recovery mode using pc because when i connect andriod to pc using usb cable it shows all the data i have so i can reinstall my rom. i tried other methods but nothing works because my home button suks. plz help

# Answer
> 1 votes
You don't have a launcher. That's the problem. But you still have access to status bar, which is a part of System UI. So here comes the 1st solution:

* Boot your phone as normal, then unlock it. You should see a blank screen with only your wallpaper (or black screen) **with a normally-functioning status bar**.
* Drop down the status bar and there should be an entry to your Settings app. Tap it to open settings.
* Turn on USB debugging and connect your phone to a computer.
* From your computer, download an APK of a launcher app of your choice. Place it somewhere and grab an `adb` executable.
* Open a command prompt (terminal) and enter

```
adb push name-of-your.apk /sdcard/
adb install /sdcard/name-of-your.apk

```
* Wait for installation to complete. If it takes more than a minute, reboot your phone and it should be OK. You will be prompted to select the default launcher app with only 1 option.

Alternatively as suggested by *Једноруки Крстивоје*, as a 2nd solution, you can send the APK via bluetooth and install it from the notification bar.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Are you signed into your Google Account on the phone? If so, on your PC go to https://play.google.com/store and find a launcher (I would recommend Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) and click into it, then click the `Install` button, if the button says `Installed` already just click it again, then select your device from the list and click `Install` and your your app should be installed shortly.

Once it completes installing, unlock your device and press the Home key and you should be brought to the first time use screen for the launcher you installed and have access back into your device to enable USB debugging or anything else you need to do to reinstall your ROM.

Note that I believe Nova Launcher is installed with Beanstalk (at least some versions) as it's default launcher, so if you install that from the Play Store you are likely in the same condition as you would be in reflashing the ROM except the launcher will not be installed as a system app (which you could fix with apps like Titanium Backup).

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have google now installed you can easily open app like play store and install a launcher from there

update -

1. speak "ok google"
2. "open play store"
3. search for launcher
4. download any launcher
5. open it and enjoy

if google now is not enabled

1. open notification panel
2. open setting and enable google now hot word
3. proceed with above steps

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: Mount /data partition without losing data
In some new models, when installing a custom recovery, `/data` partition won't mount. To fix that I need to wipe partition. How can I fix without losing data?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Android M added support for **`/data` encryption**, and Android N made it mandatory.

Old custom recoveries' having trouble mounting `/data` is primarily because they aren't capable of decrypting it. Newer recoveries will prompt for a password (or pattern) before they attempt to access `/data` (or nothing if you don't have a locked lockscreen).

Solution: Give up that recovery and get another one, but this time make sure the recovery you're installing **supports `/data` decryption** (like TWRP).

---
Tags: data-recovery, twrp, mount
---


# Question
Title: does my zte model n817 have a built in IR blaster so I can use it as a tv remote for my Sony tv
I have a ZTE model N817 android smart phone. Does it have a built in IR blaster? If not, what do I need to do so that I can use my phone as a remote for my Sony flat screen TV.

# Answer
> 1 votes
According to the spec sheet at http://mobilespecs.net/phone/ZTE/ZTE\_Quest\_N817.html, it says **IrDA = no** which means it doesn't have an IR blaster.

As for using it as a tv remote, you can always get an 'ir blaster dongle' - there are various types, if you don't use the headphone port there are convenient ones that will go into the 3.5mm headphone port and not hang around as wires etc. (easier to carry in pocket).

However, you should check the TV as well; if its a newer tv with bluetooth remote then you just need a bluetooth remote control app.

---
Tags: applications, hardware
---


# Question
Title: How do I tell whether my phone is roaming?
How do I tell whether my phone is roaming, preferably on the lock screen?

# Answer
OP's intention of asking was to know how to identify the mobile is in roaming

It is indicated by **R** (indicating Roaming) , next to the signal strength icon, which was indeed the case
> 2 votes

---
Tags: mobile-network, roaming
---


# Question
Title: Unable to adopt SD card as internal storage on my j7 prime with android marshmallow
I recently upgraded to 6.0.1 Marshmallow on my Galaxy J7 Prime and I would like to adopt an SD card as internal storage. but it doesnt give me an option to this

I formatted the SD card, there is no "Internal" option, only a "Portable" option.

# Answer
Most of OEM's doesn't offer in gui option for adoptable storage. So you have to do it via ADB. Here is how click

Here it is: NOTE all data on your SD card will be lost.

1. Make sure USB debugging is enabled in developer options under settings and then connect your phone to PC via USB cable.
2. Open terminal or command line on PC ( make sure you have ADB installed if not then download minimal ADB and fastboot, you can find it on Google click ) type command "**adb devices**" to make sure phone is detected, then type "**adb shell**" 3.Type '**sm list-disks**' to list the disks available, the result should be something like "*disk:179:160*"
3. To make SD adoptable use command "**sm partition disk:xxx:xxx private**" where *xxx:xxx* is replaced with result from previous command, in some cases there is **_** instead of **:** so watch out for that. If you want to use only half of SD as adoptable then use this command "**sm partition disk:xxx:xxx mixed 50**" and that's it.

If you want to move your data (pictures, videos etc) you can go to settings\>storage\>SD card\>more and you will have there option "migrate data" hit it and let it go.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung, samsung-galaxy-s-4, samsung-galaxy-j7
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to completely block any app from using data (Android 6.0)
I have a problem: my house wifi goes down a lot for some unknown reason, and so I turn on data to continue whatever conversation I was having on my laptop on my phone. Then I forget to turn on wifi when the internet comes back on, and I watch YouTube videos on my phone. This, in turn, eats up 500mb of my 1gb data plan. This has happened three data cycles in a row.

When I select the YouTube app in the data section of my settings, even when I select the "restrict background data" option, and even when I go into YouTube's settings and select "only stream HD video on wifi", it still uses data. It seems like there is absolutely no hope for preventing this app (or any general app for that matter) from using any data at all.

I couldn't even find a good third-party data management app that has this functionality. Every app I've found only allows me to read and analyze my data usage and set 'timers', but no way to completely prevent specific apps from using any data. I decided I would just completely eliminate YouTube, which was annoying in and of itself because it seems there's no way to uninstall a factory-installed app. I ended up just disabling it in my settings, and then blocking it entirely with a third-party app called Boomerang.

Please, is there any simple way to completely block all data usage of only a specific app? Why is this such an unheard-of request?

# Answer
One simple way to manage what application will use your mobile data is using Triangle by Google. Get it on APKMirror or APKPure and install it with ADB. Plenty of alternatives are offered here.

There are also a great number of ways you can save on mobile data usage. You can use less data with Chrome's Data Saver. You can set mobile data usage warning and limit. For example, set the limit at 1 Gb and the warning at 0.618 Gb. You can use Firefox Focus or Firefox with uBlock Origin. If you are rooted, you can get AdAway on F-Droid.
> 0 votes

# Answer
ASUS Mobile Manager https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asus.mobilemanager does (also) exactly what you want: you can control if a specific App is allowed to use WiFi data, Mobile data and Background data.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, mobile-data, data-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: How can I fix muffled sound on my Samsung Galaxy S?
I recently purchased a i9000 and the voice quality over the microphone is horrible. The sound is muffled. Person on the other side of the line cannot make out what I'm saying. Is there a fix?

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Pop off the back cover and make sure there's not a sticker or anything over the speaker or mic.
2. You could try Voodoo Sound. It's a custom kernel for SGS devices but if you don't want to mess around with that you could just try the Voodoo Control app, it can do some improvements without the kernel. (If you do use the kernel you really need the app as well.)
3. Otherwise, I would assume it's a hardware problem and you should get a replacement.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same issue this week. Did the switching off of noise reduction and finally rebooted completely but still same problem. In desperation I stuck a pin in the tiny mic hole at the bottom of the phone and waggled it about... Hey presto! All sorted!

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem and was reading all of these posts about clearing cache, system resets, etc, etc. Then I read your post. Sure enough, there was some gunk over the speaker hole. Cleaned it off and everything was fine.

My husband's S3 keep restarting and wouldn't boot. I took it to two different people and both of them said, hardware failure - you need to replace it.

Since I had pretty much nothing to lose that that point, I took the back off, got into the area where the button was, worked it back and forth a few times, cleaned the case around the button, put it back together and the thing booted up perfectly. That was over a year ago and it hasn't given him a problem since.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, audio, microphone
---


title: How to lock/unlock recovery?

text:
# Question
Title: How to lock/unlock recovery?
If I lose the phone, someone may find it and try to reset the security pattern via recovery. How can I lock / unlock recovery via terminal?

# Answer
You cannot lock the recovery. That's not recovery is intended.

The only chance to do so is locking bootloader.

However, if the bootloader on your device is not locked when it's out-of-the-box, then it can't be locked. Factory Reset Protection won't have much effect in this case.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, recovery-mode
---


# Question
Title: Explain "Don't Downgrade!" warnings when flashing stock firmware
I have a few devices I want to put back from custom roms to stock. On almost every stock rom source, however, there are dire warnings for some devices not to downgrade to stock versions from before your latest installed rooted rom version. For example, from Androidayos:

> **UPDATE**: DO NOT DOWNGRADE back to the old stock firmware version. Once your Galaxy Note 2 already runs on 4.4.2 based rooted ROM you should only revert back to 4.4.2 stock firmware, same as it goes if you are on 4.3 you may install and stay on 4.3 and then upgrade to 4.4.2 KitKat but do not ever downgrade to 4.1.2 or 4.1.1 due to the current secured bootloader on every update.

I wish to really understand that warning. For example, if the bootloaders are secure, how is it so easy for people to flash custom roms for the first time, coming from those 'secure bootloader' stock firmware versions? What would actually happen and what problems would arise if one *did* downgrade just as is proscribed in the warning? If there's a "current secured bootloader on every update," why is it safe to flash the same version that one is currently running rooted, but downgrading is not? And so forth…

I'm doing this to several devices, but the best is example is a Samsung Note II currently running Cyanogenmod 12.1, which is 5.1.1 Lollipop. In that device's case, *every stock firmware* is an older Android version than Lollipop, since no brand pushed OTA updates beyond 4.4 KitKat. If I go back to stock 4.4.2 KitKat, I'm going 5.1 to 4.4—doing what they're warning against. How do warnings like that pertain to devices in this state, and what should I expect?

# Answer
Bootloader itself will get updated with some firmware updates. Take the Galaxy S6 as an example - the firmware `G920FXXU4DPJN` comes with bootloader level `4`, while `G920FXXU5EQF1` comes with bootloader level `5`. Samsung has made it so you can only flash the same or a higher level of bootloader by official means, so as to prevent downgrading and exploiting vulnerabilities in older ones to achieve modifications such as rooting.

This bootloader level is not necessarily tied to the Android version of the firmware it comes with, although on older devices it tends to be the case - every major Android version bump comes with a new bootloader.

> ...why is it safe to flash the same version that one is currently running rooted?

Since bootloader is a rarely updated part, a series of updates will share the same bootloader level. Allowing the same level will let these updates through.

> What would actually happen and what problems would arise if one did downgrade?

Attempting to downgrade will either stop halfway when flashing, or result in an unbootable phone (until you return to a firmware of the original bootloader level).

> ...how is it so easy for people to flash custom roms for the first time?

Bootloader has been unlocked by default on most Samsung phones (except AT&T, Verizon and a few other examples) up until Android 5.x, where the "OEM Debugging" switch has been added in the OS to ask for explicit user consent when they attempt to flash anything. Flashing under unlocked bootloaders are almost always easy and safe, but of course with the price of warranty void.

> a Samsung Note II currently running Cyanogenmod 12.1

By definition you know that's not a *stock* firmware. In fact you probably shouldn't even call it *firmware*, since it only contains updated `/boot` and `/system` partitions - no userdata, no modem, no bootloader. Custom ROMs don't depend on bootloader level as strictly, and when they (rarely) do, they simply halt installation if the check fails, leaving you with an untouched system. More importantly, the bootloader itself is never modified or overwritten, so stock ROM compatibility stays the same - you still can only flash ones with the same or higher bootloader level.

**TL;DR** \- bootloader level matters, Android version doesn't.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, custom-roms, bootloader, samsung-galaxy-note-2, downgrade
---


# Question
Title: Open a new tab in chrome from a shortcut or app
# Problem

Since updating to Android 5.1.1 I started using the new tab switcher merged with recent apps, however, every time I click on chrome I have to wait for it to open the last tab only to open a new one anyways, and if I wanted the old tab I could have opened it from the recent apps.

I tried creating a bookmark to use about:blank, which works except I don't have access to any bookmarks or history as from the new tab page, but when trying to link directly to the new tab page I am unable to find a method which works.

Using "about:newtab" I am given a transparent overlay on my launcher which shows as Chrome in recent apps.
Using chrome://newtab or chrome-native://newtab I receive a toast from the launcher stating "App isn't installed.".

I thought about creating a simple app with no UI which simply opens chrome to a new tab, or using Xposed to change it to open in a new tab on click, but am unsure how to go about this.

# Question

Is there some file in system I could change to add Chrome as a handler for "chrome://" links?

What other method I could try in order to create a shortcut on my launcher to open a new tab for chrome?

### More Info

* Launchers Tested: Nova Launcher, Google Now Launcher
* Chrome Versions: Chrome 45.0.2454.94, Chrome Beta 46.0.2490.34
* Android Version: 5.1.1 LMY48M
* Device: Nexus 5

# Answer
## Solution for Android 7.1 (API level 25) and higher

If you're using a launcher which supports App Shortcuts you can:

1. Long-press the `Chrome` icon to bring up shortcuts.
2. Long-press the `New tab` shortcut and drag to desired location.
3. Use the new shortcut to launch `Chrome` with a new tab.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Try switching off the 'Merge tabs and Apps' in settings. Then you will be able to open a new tab using the + icon at the top of the window. Swipe down the top pane to reveal all of your tabs.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, chrome-for-android, launcher, home-screen-shortcuts, recents-screen
---


title: host file in android

text:
# Question
Title: host file in android
I have a rooted device. I would like to protect my hosts file from being deleted, maybe with a password or something like that. Is this possible?

# Answer
> 1 votes
As is currently stated (revision 4), the answer is **No**.

Your hosts file is located at `/system/etc/hosts`, in a filesystem of (probably) ext4. Since ext4 uses regular Unix permissions and Android does *not* support ACL, you have no chance to do so.

However, I don't think you really *should* protect it as it's protected by default, because **`/system` is mounted as read-only by default**. As long as you don't grant your root access to malicious apps, no one will delete your hosts file.

Moreover, there are alternative dirty approaches but I don't think they're much helpful so I'm not posting them here.

---
Tags: stock-android, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: How can I see all installed packages, including those that have been hidden?
Recently I used ADB to hide a bunch of packages on an old phone (Verizon 2013 Moto X) I intend to use for development. I hid most of the phone-related packages, including the SIM Toolkit and the telephony service, but now a dialog saying that "Phone has stopped" shows up continuously whenever I try to use the phone. I've tried to unhide most of the ones I hid, but hidden packages don't appear in the output of `pm list packages`. Is there any way to see all of these packages and/or unhide them? I'd rather not have to factory reset it.

# Answer
If you run `adb shell pm` you would find many options and parameters for pm. One of the parameter is `-u` to show uninstalled packages. (Hidden packages are treated as uninstalled packages.)

On an unrooted device, make a list of all the packages and then all the packages plus the hidden ones. Compare them and the uncommon entries in the second list would be the packages you are looking for.

```
adb shell pm list packages
adb shell pm list packages -u

```

As for rooted devices, search the string `hidden="true"` in the file at `/data/system/users/0/packages-restrictions.xml`. You would see the corresponding package name.

Tested with Stock Android 6.0.1.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: adb, shell, disable-app
---


title: How do I disable this prompt?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I disable this prompt?
Every time I boot my phone, I get a message about not having a cellular carrier.
I only use my phone for gaming, so I select "No". Selecting "yes" leads me into something where I might select a carrier, but I cannot fill it out, because I do not have a carrier. The app launches automatically but is not obvious what it is called. The phone's OS is Android version 7.1.1. The phone is a ZTE N9560.

How can I permanently disable this message?
Where are applications that start on boot configured / stored?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The files that gets executed during booting process are definitely located in the root folder and also some of the files under system/xbin folder....

You can't access both root and xbin folder unless you have administrative permission (clearly speaking unless you have rooted your phone)

If your phone us rooted you can access the folders using root file explorer or android terminal and delete the files which are creating problems.

---
Tags: applications, boot, auto-start
---


title: How to stop annoying big Notifications

text:
# Question
Title: How to stop annoying big Notifications
I use a Samsung Galaxy 7. OS is Nougat.

Previously notifications used to be small texts in notifications area.

Now I get an annoying small popup window for every app upon notification.

Any ideas how to stop this?

# Answer
I think you're referring to *Heads-Up* notifications (those notifications which pop up on the top of your phone's screen).

The following methods have shown to **completely** disable them for all applications while **maintaining** regular notifications in the status bar. All of these methods are free. Some require a rooted device and some don't.

**Non rooted devices**

1. **ADB method**

* Firstly install minimum ADB/Fastboot setup. You can find more instructions here: New To Adb And Fastboot Guide.
    * After enabling USB debugging, connect usb cable from device to computer.
    * Open command prompt (right click + shift) and enter the commands:

`adb devices`

Check if your device is listed in output, then proceed

```
adb shell settings put global heads_up_notifications_enabled 0

```
* reboot device and thats it!

**Rooted devices**

1. Using terminal

* Install Terminal for Android.
    * Open the application. Use the following commands:

`su`

(The indicator should change from "$" to "#"). Next enter

`settings put global heads_up_notifications_enabled 0`
2. **Using heads app switcher app**

* One XDA developer has generously shared thier 50 lines of code embedded in this app to switch on/off Heads-Up notifications from quick settings for Android N
    * Root required. Reboot not required
    * Download here

Acknowledgements:
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notifications, samsung-galaxy-s7
---


title: How does Samsung Pay work?

text:
# Question
Title: How does Samsung Pay work?
Does it actually activate a magnet field that the payment card terminal reads? It seems like it doesn't use the chip but what are the details?

# Answer
Samsung pay uses NFC or Magnetic Secure Transmission, whereas Android Pay uses NFC only and that's supposed to be the edge Samsung offers to users as also retailers who don't need to invest in NFC hardware

Magnetic Secure Transmission from Samsung website explains

> Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) is a technology that emits a magnetic signal that mimics the magnetic strip on a traditional payment card. MST sends a magnetic signal from your device to the payment terminal's card reader (to emulate swiping a physical card without having to upgrade the terminal’s software or hardware). MST technology is accepted at nearly all payment terminals with a card reader. ...
>
> Your transaction and payment information will be kept private and secure with the use of tokenization. MST is more secure than using a traditional payment card and is as secure as paying with Near Field Communication (NFC).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung, samsung-galaxy-s-8
---


title: Rooting multiple devices

text:
# Question
Title: Rooting multiple devices
let's say I have about 100 old kindle fires to root (or other android devices). Of course I don't want to waste days to root them one by one, is there any way to optimize the process?

Thanks

# Answer
The first step must be done manually, and one extra tap (confirm a prompt) for each device is required.

1. Enable USB debugging (after unlocking Developer Options) for every device
2. Prepare the files. A custom recovery (you should find it by yourself) and a SuperSU flashable ZIP
3. Prepare a script and place the downloaded SuperSU ZIP and recovery IMG in the same directory. Rename the SuperSU ZIP file to `SuperSU.zip` and your recovery image to `recovery.img`
4. Plug in one device and run the script. Tap "Authenticate" if it prompts for USB debugging. It will reboot several times. When the device shows the normal operating system, unplug it
5. Repeat step 4 until all are finished.

Script (Unix version):

```
#!/bin/sh
echo "install /sdcard/SuperSU.zip" > openrecoveryscript
echo "cmd reboot" >> openrecoveryscript
adb wait-for-device
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot wait-for-device
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot boot recovery.img
adb wait-for-device
adb push SuperSU.zip /sdcard/SuperSU.zip
adb push openrecoveryscript /cache/recovery/openrecoveryscript
adb reboot recovery
# You're done!

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, amazon-kindle-fire
---


# Question
Title: How to add new contacts to an outlook.com account in an Android device?
My contacts are all stored in an outlook.com account and I would like to continue storing them there. To access and use these contacts (say to make a phone call), from my Google Pixel device, I have my outlook.com account added to the phone settings \> accounts.

This works as it should. All my outlook accounts are accessible from my phone.

When I want to create and save a new contact, the options exist to create the contact from Google's Phone App and the Contacts App. When I click save, to save the contact, the contact doesn't get saved. No indication is given that the contact is not saved. Only when I check my list of contacts do I know the contact is not saved.

Is there any other way to save a contact to outlook.com from an android device? Alternatively, does the above method I use to save contacts from Google's phone or contacts app work for any one else?

The current workaround I use is to visit the outlook.com website using a web browser, and then create and save new contacts. When Android periodically syncs the contacts, I get to see the new contacts on my phone. This workaround usually works better if the desktop version of outlook.com is used. The mobile version is not very friendly for saving new contacts to outlook.com.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is another workaround which involves a handy third-party tool- Contact Editor Free.

> This editor is a replacement/alternative for your native editor and it's invoked in the same way. It will be started whenever you try to edit or create a contact (and you select "Contact Editor Free")

When you use the regular Contacts app to create a new contact, it gives you the alternative option to use this application, which gives you the option to add either a gmail.com or **outlook.com contact** essentially overcoming android's limitation to add outlook contacts.

One user mentions a minor drawback:

> The only drawback to the Contact Editor Free solution that I've found is that I can't delete contacts from the outlook.com account this way. That's a pretty minor problem, however, since deleting contacts is something I do a lot less often than adding them.

Acknowledgements

---
Tags: contacts, outlook.com
---


# Question
Title: Netflix shows 5.2 error on Samsung when trying to watch series and movies
For some reason, I am suddenly getting a 5.2 error when I try to play videos. I found this on Reddit, but no one found a soltuion. Rooted devices can fix it, so here is my question:

Is there any way to solve the error on **unrooted** Samsung devices?

Checked the Netflix help center, but the 5.2 error isn't listed.

As usual, removing the app, clearing data, restarting device, tried over 4G, restarting netflix app, tried online and offline, previously viewed and unviewed, series and movies and every other suggested solution to different errors.

Nothing works. Any ideas if this is fixable, or if it is a Netflix issue?

---

Checking reviews on Google PLay reviews of the Netflix app and Reddit (see link above) there are a lot of people affected by this (5.2 error). It looks like it is Samsung only, as I can't reproduce it with my tablet (non-samsung)

# Answer
Writing on behalf of OP since they cannot post due to inadequate reputation.

> Even though reinstalling, rebooting, relogging, deleting data and trying different shows, I finally got it working by force stopping Netflix. No clue why, no clue if this is a permanent fix, but I can at least watch shows and movies again. Doesn't look like there has been an update to address this.
>
> Force stopping the app at least worked, even if it isn't a permanent fix. It may not last long, but it at least works now.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I recommend you contact netflix directly. There is an old APK that they will provide to circumvent this problem. its a temporary fix but it works
> 0 votes

# Answer
User hawky11 and nickfury27 on Reddit reported that installing an older version works. The version is quite old (v3.1.xx) and may be having security vulnerabilities, so be on your guard when using it. Nonetheless, here is the link to official source: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24776

Some other users tried v4.13.xx or v4.16.xx but that didn't benefit them much.
> 0 votes

# Answer
We need to wait, this happens since samsung S6 last update, netflix must update there app. until than, wait, wait and wait
> -2 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung, samsung-galaxy-s-6, netflix
---


title: What Does Cached Data Include?

text:
# Question
Title: What Does Cached Data Include?
I have 6.1 gb of cached data on my phone and I would like to clear it, but I'm not sure what is "cached data." Would this reset the games I have on my phone? Other things?

What does cached data include?

# Answer
> 1 votes
CACHED DATA could contain :

* Precompiled applications to make them faster
* Saved databases
* Downloaded images/webpages from your web browser
* Data to be copied by some apps
* Thumbnails (light preview of images for faster rendering)

You can clean it whenever you want. Since you have 6.1GB I bet it comes from your web browser.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Cached data is basically temporary storage for your apps. You can clear it all and nothing will happen. In fact you should be clearing it regularly.

Caching is basically storing already processed information so it doesn't have to be processed again and can just be lifted from the cache when needed. This includes things like Gallery thumbnails, the last opened sites in your browser, etc.

If you want more details just Google caching in android. But to answer your question yes you can clear your cached data with no effect on your apps and games.

# Answer
> 0 votes
What is Cached Data

The Cached data is nothing but files, images, scripts and other media files stored on your devices by the website or app. Data is stored on your devices in a reserved space, so the next time when you are visiting the app or website, information is already available. It makes the process faster as it does not require to load all the files again.

Reference: mobipicker.com

---
Tags: samsung, cache
---


title: Notification Access in KitKat

text:
# Question
Title: Notification Access in KitKat
Can someone tell me where the Notification Access is placed in KitKat. In JellyBean it used to be under Settings -\> Security.

# Answer
It's still in Settings \> Security on my Nexus 5.

This option will only appear if there are apps that register as being able to read notifications. (I have verified this by uninstalling the apps that appeared in the list, and the option was no longer there)
> 2 votes

# Answer
On my Galaxy S5 KitKat, Notification Access is under Sounds and Notifications
> 2 votes

# Answer
I used to get there via apps like Pushbullet
> 0 votes

# Answer
I found it on Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 as follows.

Settings -\> General -\> Security -\> DEVICE ADMINISTRATION -\> Notification access -\> allow for your app.
> 0 votes

# Answer
On my Alcatel pixi3 (4) (don't laugh) it's under advanced network settings. You get to this via the 'hard' menu button from the WiFi network selection screen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, settings, notifications
---


# Question
Title: is it possible to flash supersu on my phone with twrp without unlocking bootloader
I was wondering if you could get supersu somehow on my device, also what is the difference between not flashing supersu and downloading it, becuase I think I saw a article about being able to flash supersu without unlocking the bootloader.

Also if you say just to unlock the bootloader and flash supersu, but I like my phone with everything and I don't want to wipe it.

Also I am on marshmallow 6.0.1

# Answer
There's no chance that you flash TWRP before you unlock your bootloader, not even SuperSU.

A recovery can only be flashed from an unlocked bootloader, or a rooted system. But as you have neither, you can't flash TWRP, which is required for flashing SuperSU.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, root-access, twrp, bootloader, supersu
---


# Question
Title: Issues with SD Card "Reinsert SD Card" for Internal Storage (Adoptable Storage) Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
I have HTC One M8 GPE with Andorid 6.0 Marshmallow installed.

I used my Transcend Micro SD Card as Internal Storage / Adoptable Storage.
At morning I got the message "Transcend SD Card Missing. Reinsert This Device".

I took the card out, inserted it for many times.
Turned OFF and ON the device, etc...
Yet it seems the device won't recognize the SD Card.

If I go into Recovery Mode (I have TeamWin 3.0.01 version) in the Storage Options I can see "Transcend SD Card - Adopted Storage".
So it seems the connector, electricity wise, is working.

Now, few questions:

1. How can I check the SD Card is working without jeopardizing the data in it?
2. Is there a way to extract the data from the SD Card (A lot of personal data I'd like to extract)? Maybe some way to do so from the recovery menu or FastBoot mode?

All I care about now is to extract the data from my Phone.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

Thank You.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I guess it's either sd card dead or sd card slot faulty. However there is way to decrypt adopted sd card but if you factory reset device and wipe key you are screwed here is how to decrypt Btw try to put other sd card in your phone and see if phone is recognize it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Card failure rates increase significantly when used as adopted storage... It's seen in lots of devices. My guess is the card is failing.

Retrieving it is iffy at best, if the card is not defective, you are rooted, are familiar with Linux, and can follow this process which involves retrieving the encryption key and mounting the system in Linux (or making an image of it and mounting that), there is a chance of retrieving the data.

If the filesystem or card is damaged, the chances of data retrieval, even by a professional data recovery company, are as close to zero as you can get.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I post a workaround with no data loss, no root needed, no wiping the phone : https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTO-G-3rd-Gen/SD-Card-Missing-Please-Reinsert/m-p/3751841#M9407

2 steps :

1. Plug the unrecognised SD card to the phone (Moto 3G) through an external SD Card reader and female to male Micro USB. The phone will first recognise a new usb drive and start the process to mount the drive. It will fail and the drive should disappear from the phone memory settings.
2. Then unplug the SD card reader and simply put the SD card into its internal slot. The phone should immediatly recognise it as the "lost" SD card. Everything gets back to normal.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, internal-storage, data-recovery, internal-sd, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Google maps road names too small. Solutions?
My parents can't read the road names the Google maps app, and I can't find a way round it. (Should have gone to spec savers). I have tried using Google maps via Chrome and Firefox and their increase text size features but Google Maps ignores it.

Options are flexible as I have rooted the phone and am willing to load any reasonably well tested custom ROM.

I've tried countless map apps and they're all as hard to read, so I thought I'd ask as Google Maps has probably been hacked around with more than others

# Answer
You can't change the text size in Google Maps, because the whole map, including the labels, is retrieved from Google's servers as an image. (In fact, they're lots of small images called *tiles*. For this reason, using a different app that embeds Google Maps won't help at all: they're all just displaying the same tiles.

If you want a map that looks different, you'll need to use an OpenStreetMap-based app. OpenStreetMap (OSM) is like the Wikipedia of maps: it's a free, open map of the world maintained and updated by volunteers. Since the raw map data are available for anyone to use, there are some OSM apps that generate the map image on your device, instead of downloading tiles from a central server. Such apps have more options for customizing the map to suit your needs, so while I don't know off-hand of one with text size options, this starting point might help you to find one.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Try going into Settings / My Device / Accessibility and turning on Magnification Gestures.

A triple tap on your scree will enlarge what is there including text and then another triple tap will take you back. While it is enlarged, you can scroll with one finger.

That's the best I've found so far.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I also suffer from this problem hence the reason for trying to find a solution. I have just compared the results of Google maps with an app I downloaded a while ago and keep forgetting about. The result is not massively bigger road names / numbers but much easier to read. Bonus is that the maps are used offline, just need a gps signal to show directions instructions. Check out MAPS.ME I think it's really good and definitely reduces eye strain. Enjoy. Osarchos
> 2 votes

# Answer
In my Samsung Galaxy 6 (Android phone), I went into the settings, searched "FONT". Got 2 choices: type of fonts and size. I changed and applied.

Now can see the writings on Google Map.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There is a way to enlarge the map that a lot of people are forgetting. You can take a screen shot and then enlarge the shot just like you can zoom in on any photo. Some people don't realize that you can do a screen shot of your phone by holding down the power and home screen button at the same time. I know it isn't a "fix" but it does show you a copy of the map you can see.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I recognize the issue with Google Maps, l suggest this simple trick: When you find e.g. a road-name hard to read, just TEMPORARILY stretch out the map near the name with two fingers (but do not let go! ) , then easily read the name, and finally (even if just approximately ) draw your fingers back together to see the main map again.
> 0 votes

# Answer
This is an issue with the newer Maps (7 and above). You could try reverting to the version 6, such as 6.14.4
> -1 votes

# Answer
I solved this on my iPad by taking a screenshot and expanding the screenshot as much as I need to read the text and road numbers. Take fresh screenshots anytime, delete the old ones.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: google-maps, accessibility
---


# Question
Title: Undo or reverse YouTube update on my Samsung Galaxy S4
I recently updated YouTube on my Galaxy S4 and I don't like the changes. Can I undo the update or return my android to a couple of days ago? Or do I have to live with it as it is? Thanks for your suggestions. BTW, please give me directions step by step. I'm technologically illiterate.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If it's a system app, you should be able to uninstall updates by long pressing the icon, dragging it to "App Info", tapping the overflow menu at the top right, and tap the "uninstall updates option"

Next, go to settings\>security\>unknown sources and check the box.

Finally, go to APK Mirror, search for YouTube, and download the 2nd most recent apk (choose ARM Varient) and open it.

Enjoy the older YouTube version.

---
Tags: youtube
---


# Question
Title: Phone stucked while booting with moto logo
After all for a game, I've done all the stuff that gets it to play the way i love.

I did the following in the order as it is.

* Backed up my contents
* Unlocked the bootloader
* Flashed TWRP recovery
* Installed elementalX-G4-1.04
* Flashed SuperSU-2.82
* Wiped cache partition

Now my phone was rooted and I restored all the contents and data. All of a sudden Pokemon GO is not working and I got to know that it won't work in rooted devices since it's failing Safety Net tests. After going through some threads, I get to see that installing suhide might bring back life into the game.

I downloaded suhide0.54 and booted into recovery mode, flashed suhide0.54 and tried rebooting. Phone got stuck at Moto logo for a long time. I tried wiping cache and rebooted but still the same.

Tried flashing suhide-0.55, wiped cache partition and rebooted system. Still the same condition. Please help me out on how to get out of this situation.

Model : Moto G4 Plus

Version : Android 7.1.1

# Answer
> 2 votes
You need to uninstall suhide. There is an uninstaller.

Check this post:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/suhide-t3450396

And scroll to the downloads section. Download the file with 'rm' in the name. Transfer it to your phone and flash it in TWRP. Make sure you have the latest version of TWRP. Reboot.

I would suggest buying a cheap phone and experimenting with that. Unroot the G4 plus and do all the stuff with it that you can do unrooted.

In terms of the phone to buy to root etc, I would suggest either a used phone (make sure you can unlock the bootloader before buying) or a new moto e, maybe. If you are in the UK, I would suggest buying a used phone. You can unlock the bootloader on an HTC One M8, which you can pick up for about £90.

https://htc-one.gadgethacks.com/how-to/unlock-bootloader-root-your-htc-one-m8-0154444/

In the US, the new Moto E is $99 on Amazon Prime or $129 normally on Amazon.

Hope this helps!

# Answer
> 0 votes
> *You got bootloop for SuperSu may be.*

Remove SuperSu. You will find super su uninstaller on internet. Flash Magisk. You can hide supersu in magisk menu.

---
Tags: rooting, superuser, supersu, safety-net
---


# Question
Title: A fully featured floating video player which can be minimized to an icon?
I am looking for a video player which has floating support and can be minimized to a floating icon. Ideally it should also have the option to rotate the video. Does anyone know of something that might be suitable? I should add that I am aware of the video player provided in the floating apps collection. However, this video player is rather basic. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lwi.android.flappsfull&hl=en)

# Answer
Try the app **Float Tube Video Player** or **Floating Video Player** or **GPlayer** or **FVPlayer-floating video player** or any other similar app from Play Store.

(All I did was a simple Google search)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, video, media-player
---


# Question
Title: Unable to install .apk from /system/priv-app
I moved my apk file to `/system/priv-app` just as you adviced me in this thread. When I'm trying to install it through clicking this .apk, Android said me that "The application has not been installed". I tried to use `adb install myapp.apk` for this purpose but again ADB gave me an error: `Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_POLICY_REJECTED_PERMISSION]` and I suppose that app requires permission which can be granted only by root. So the only way I see now is to run `adb shell` later `su` next `cd /system/priv-app` and `install [-cdDsp] [-o USER] [-g GRP] [-m MODE] [-t DIR] [SOURCE]... DEST` and that's a point because I totally don't understand this legend:

```
    Copy files and set attributes
    -c      Just copy (default)
    -d      Create directories
    -D      Create leading target directories
    -s      Strip symbol table
    -p      Preserve date
    -o USER Set ownership
    -g GRP  Set group ownership
    -m MODE Set permissions
    -t DIR  Install to DIR`

```

How to set attributes to install this apk as system app?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I think you misunderstand the whole process. You are not supposed to use install command or the likes of it anywhere in the process I mentioned. You simply:

1. mount the system partition in rw mode
2. copy-paste the apk into the location,
3. set the appropriate permissions using busybox's chmod and chgrp or through inbuilt tools:

```
adb shell su -c chmod 644 APK    # replace APK with your apk's absolute location, such as /system/priv-app/xyz.apk
adb shell su -c chown root:root APK   # replace APK as said above

```
4. do a reboot.

Follow those instructions religiously. You can altogether avoid the commands using a file manager app such as Solid File Explorer, ES File Explorer, etc.

During the following boot the Android would detect the apk and install it automatically.

# Answer
> 2 votes
As suggested by @Firelord, you can eliminate the hussle of entering commands (and possibly reduce the likelihood of errors) using a file explorer such as the one mentioned already.

For instance with ES explorer, simply long press the target `.apk` file and choose properties then edit:

Afterwards you get proper permissions i.e `-rw- r-- r--` and owner i.e `root`:

*Disclaimer: the app used above in example is my own-made app, so you won't find it in playstore*

# Answer
> 1 votes
You should move the APK file to `/system/priv-app`, then change its file mode to 0664 (-rw-r--r--) and change its owner to root:root.

```
chmod 0644 your.apk
chown 0.0 your.apk

```

Then it should be fine.

---
Tags: adb, installation, apk, system-apps
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop avoiding poor WiFi automatically?
I have a Motorola G second gen(2014) and I was searching everywhere for a way to stop avoiding poor WiFi automatically by the phone, but I can't find it in my old phone. The option was there in my phone when it was running Kit-Kat 4.4., but I've recently updated my phone to lollipop and I can't find this setting anywhere. Please help.

# Answer
Someone previously posted in this current thread that screenshot showing a device apparently running Lollipop (according to the graphic appearance) with that option present. That indicate that not *all* Lollipop based devices have lost that setting. Unfortunately, the post have been suppressed and I'm a unable to know on which device this was.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Check your WiFi setting for wifi plus. Wifi + switches between wifi and mobile data for the best connection to internet/data.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, 5.0-lollipop, motorola-moto-g, android-versions
---


title: How can I restore /system/bin/toolbox?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I restore /system/bin/toolbox?
I accidentally removed `/system/bin/toolbox` on my Android 5.1.1 tablet. Right now I have temporarily replaced it by a `busybox` binary I had at hand, so the system is somewhat usable but not completely functional (e.g. no network connection).

I have tried to pull the `toolbox` binary from other devices I have, but those are either Android 4 or Android 6, so it didn't work due to unresolved linker symbols. Is there a place where I can get a binary for a specific Android version? Or is there a place on my device where a backup is kept?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can download the stock ROM (or any ROM, but not preferred) **for your device**. For most brands you'll see a `system/` folder in the ZIP. Now you can take the `toolbox` file and send it to your device. Files taken from ROMs for other devices may work, but there's no guarantee.

If unfortunately you've found a `system.img` file in the ZIP, you should convert it first before attempting to extract any files from it. Tools involved are `simg2img` and `gzip`, which either comes with a Linux system or available from the Linux's default package repo (`apt-get install simg2img` or `yum install simg2img`).

---
Tags: adb, 5.1-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: How to disable App Sugestion bar in my App menu?
I searched in lot of places but there are only solution for Marshmallow or lower SDK, I'm looking a solution for 7.1.1

# Answer
> 0 votes
Are you running stock? If yes go to Google app -\> Settings (left panel) then at the bottom there's an option for turning suggested apps on or off.

---
Tags: google-apps, 7.1-nougat
---


# Question
Title: Forgot alternative password for encrypted & fingerprint-protected Samsung Galaxy S5: how to reset it?
So I have an encrypted Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android 6.0 and set fingerprints for its lockscreen (fingerprint is set as lockscreen-type for the setting device encryption). Now it seems like I forgot my alternative password - or at least what I tried didn't work.

I can still unencrypt my phone with my password and unlock it with my fingerprints. I didn't need the alternative password so far.
But I'm not sure if it's possible that this could change - e.g. if I happen to make too many false fingerprint-attempts(?) What would you recommend me to do?

I'd prefer changing / resetting the alternative password only if that's possible.
This page has some info which could be relevant here. However that's not for encrypted phones plus I'd like to make sure that I'm not breaking anything.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Okay so it basically solved itself by now: I tried to enter the passphrase many times. Then I used my phone as always and then I shut down. After reboot it showed a screen with an option to change the alternative password. Great!

I think I might have failed to enter the passphrase correctly because it only accepts 16 characters and iirc the password I had was longer than that. Actually what I thought was my alternative password was shorter than 16 characters.

Follow-up question: "Alternative password has been set as the decryption password"

Another follow-up: now the data on my encrypted SD card has been wiped. Not sure why this was done - the apps still work but the photos on it are just unreadable files. Great.

---
Tags: lock-screens, encryption, password, fingerprint
---


# Question
Title: How do you install your Android Studio app onto an LG Smart Watch Sport?
I am building an application to run on a smartwatch using Android Studio, and I want to install it onto my LG Smart Watch Sport, but I do not know how to do this with this watch. That's because you can't connect it to a computer; the watch itself is charged by placing it on a charging stand, but I don't see any outlets on the watch.

To debug using wifi, all the sources I have found say you need to connect it via USB, and I can't connect it via bluetooth. Does andybody know if it is even possible to install your own Android Studio apps onto the LG Smart Watch Sport? Thanks!

# Answer
> 0 votes
To install your application onto an LG Smart Watch Sport, you must do it either via WiFi *or* Bluetooth because the watch doesn't have a Micro USB port or any port at all. That is why I did it via WiFi.

**How to do this on a Mac**

1. Enable WiFi debugging on your device, using the same WiFi as your machine. Keep in mind the IP Adress of the device.
2. Type `cd Library/Android/sdk/platform-tools` in Terminal to acces the platform-tools directory.
3. Now type in `./adb connect your.ip.adress.here:5555`

The problem for me was that I was always told to type in `adb connect`, and not `./adb connect`. For some reason, that is the only way it works for me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Check this Creating and Running Wearable Apps

From The Google Android Developers website . It provides a walkthrough on how to do it

---
Tags: applications, adb, usb-debugging, debug
---


# Question
Title: Can I use my phone as a bluetooth game controller for my computer?
I've seen BT Controller but I think it only allows users to use their android as remote for other androids. I just want to use my phone as a bluetooth controller with **up**, **down**, **left**, **right**, **L**, **R**, **start**, **select**, **A**, **B** buttons for my computer. Is there an app that makes this a possibility?

Basically, there are generic bluetooth game controllers that can be bought on stores. I was wondering if I can make my Android phone act like such and be used on computers.

# Answer
nJoy is a very good app as well, it uses WiFi but you can just use your own hotspot if you're not using WiFi atm and turn off data if you don't want extra charges.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You haven't mentioned which types of games you need this for but there are several possible options:

Gmote 2.0, which is a client/server type system which would let you use your Android tablet to control your computer.

RemoteDroid, which is similar to Gmote, it also uses a client/server system.

GRemotePro may be the right choice for you as it is but you need to pay for the server software. It is specifically advertised as being for game control.
> 2 votes

# Answer
There are a bunch of apps available on the market. Some examples include...

* BT Controller: "BT Controller allows you to use your android device as a gamepad controller for any other android device." (well, you already saw this)
* Bluetooth Remote PC: "Bluetooth Remote PC is an app which allow you to remotely control your PC. Get access to the computer and use your favourite programs from distance. You can control mouse, keyboard, multimedia, presentation or power system commands."
* PC Remote Controller (doesn't use Bluetooth, but rather WiFi)
* **BlueControl looks like exactly matching your request:** "Blue Control is a basic universal Remote Control for Blue-Tooth enabled serial devices such as Blue Tooth modules connected to a micro-controller. For each button pressed the corresponding ASCII code for the label will be sent. For example pressing buttons A-H will send the charactes "a" - "h". The up, down, left, right, and center buttons will send "U","D","L","R", and "C" characters. Hopefully this will inspire people to create alot of fun Blue-Tooth Controlled devices."

A lot more Remote-Control apps can be found e.g. in this listing at AndroidPIT (Google translated) (original link). Though descriptions are in German, the general groupings and items should be recognizable ;)
> 2 votes

# Answer
There are questions on Stackoverflow and Serverfault regarding the same topic but for regular linux. Some of them may apply, however they're not production ready and definitely need adjustment for Android.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes you can with Wand Player, it is described as **"a console right in your phone that lets you play games on any screen".**

http://www.wanderplayer.com/

You can even email the developers with any questions you may have
> 0 votes

# Answer
Did you try Aio Remote?

It supports controlling PC, another Android device. Supports Windows, Linux, Mac Supports WiFi, Bluetooth Supports custom remote design and share remotes with all users around the world.

What do you need more than that?
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can also try GestureWorks Gameplay. It's a fully-fledged utility for creating controller overlays on touchscreens, but they also have an Android app that's free with the utility - it can use keyboard controls or XInput and is customizable so you can make whatever kind of gamepad you like.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Download "PC Remote" from Play Store. It's free. It can use Wi-Fi but it can also be connected with Bluetooth. It has many types of game controllers in it for different types of games like fighting type, shooting type, racing type and flying type and more. .
> 0 votes

# Answer
The best and most complete program I have used so far (and I've tried many) is called Monect. I can't remember if it is able to connect through bluetooth...but...I had no issues with it when it was connected using wi-fi which, of course, is pretty common technology. There are a vast array of features included. There are two main editions:

```
       1. Monect PC REMOTE(free)  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monect.portable&hl=en

       2. Monect PC REMOTE VIP ($5.28)   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monect.vipportable&hl=en

```

I bought the VIP edition, which included features which utilized my phone's sensors so I could tilt-to-steer in my racing games on my PC. The remote pc control features were buggy from time to time though. All in all...if your looking for an app to control your PC games with...this is the app for you. Note: Some phones may not have the necessary sensor for certain features. Worth a try either way. Good luck!!!
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can try Androg Controller.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, game-controllers
---


# Question
Title: Are lock screen pattern and system start pattern the same?
I have recently bought a Nokia 5 and I am quite new to Android.

I have entered screen lock/and or start lock and entered a pattern. Acutally, I don't know if I did that one or two times but then I was very new to Android.

After some time, I have changed the lock screen pattern. Now I enter that pattern daily many times, but I didn't turn it off for, say, two weeks.

Now, after the installation of an update, the phone restarted and asked for a pattern to start Android. The lock screen pattern did not work.

Since I entered the pattern too many times wrongly, the phone erased all data and I was forced to reinstall everything. Now I have entered a pattern (for lock screen) once again, and upon restarting the phone, the same pattern unlocked the phone.

So the question: **Are lock screen pattern and system start pattern always the same or can the be different?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is only lockscreen pattern that locks the phone for authentication. You don't have a system lockscreen separately. Same applies whether you are using numeric PIN as password based lockscreen.

If your device is encrypted, the pattern or PIN is the basis for encryption of key generated by system

---
Tags: 7.1-nougat, pattern-lock, nokia-5
---


# Question
Title: Can I open Whatsapp backup messages from Nokia C7 on Android phone?
I have a backup files from older phone (`Nokia C7`) where Whatsapp is not supported anymore. These files are stored in `data/wa`: `MsgStore.bak.1, MsgStore.bak.2, MsgStore.bak.3`, and I have there very important message which I would like to open it again. So I was thinking if it's possible to install Whatsapp on Android phone, add those backup files in storage and recover it back to readable state.

# Answer
It's not possible as explained here Whatsapp backup: Unable to move from windows phone to android

You can try the PC software or other methods mentioned here 4 Ways to Transfer Data from Windows phone to Android for Free
> 1 votes

# Answer
As a fellow (die hard) veteran user of Symbian OS, I can tell there is a solution (or a trick) to log in back to WhatsApp in order to access your messages.

> Simply change the date to 1/6/2017 on Symbian phone which will allow it to run WhatsApp without that pop-up.

As we can expect this trick won't last long, so as soon you you log in, get your classified chats send them (or forward them to android device, and save them there. All the best :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup, whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Read sim data in airplane mode

text:
# Question
Title: Read sim data in airplane mode
If I activate airplane mode, then put a sim card in my cellphone. Can system apps and other apps read data from my sim card, like phone number or network provider?

# Answer
Yes.

Aeroplane mode is to only deny access to network. System apps can access SIM information when in aeroplane mode. So can installed apps, if they are granted permissions to access SIM. For instance, install this app SIM card contacts , put your phone in Aeroplane mode, grant permissions to this app and you can transfer information from SIM to phone and vice versa
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sim-card, airplane-mode
---


# Question
Title: Settings > Display > Navigation Bar > Background Color Options Suddenly Limited
Shortly after buying my Samsung Galaxy S8, my Settings \> Display \> Navigation Bar screen looked like this:

I retrieved that image from Android Central. Now, it looks like this:

Notice the significantly limited color selections in the "Background Color" section. Also, the first image has a color picker, but the second image does not. I'm wondering if a recent update eliminated these options. Could any Galaxy S8 owners tell me if their settings are more similar to the first or second image? Also, does anyone have a suggestion how I could bring back the color options from the first image? Thank you.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't own a Galaxy S8 device, but it seems the recent update has removed or limited the background colours option. From this article it is certainly the case:

> Samsung is pushing out a new software update for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ right now, and it looks like the company has decided to limit the customization options for the navigation bar. Well, at least when it comes to the choice of color for the navigation bar’s background, as there is no longer an option to choose a custom color from an RGB scale. In fact, Samsung has switched up the available background colors, and the worst of it is that you can no longer use a fully black navigation bar background.

Again here is the changelog of the update:

You could try other workarounds using apps to extend the range of nav colours as suggested with this app from play store. (NavBar App)

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Tags: samsung, settings, 7.0-nougat, samsung-galaxy-s-8
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# Question
Title: How to change calendar week start day in Android?
I prefer my week view of my calendar to start on Monday rather than Sunday. I already have my Google Calendar set that way (to which I sync).

How can I do the same on my Droid (Android 2.2)?

# Answer
> 4 votes
This is apparently not possible on a Motorola Droid with Android 2.1.

~~FroYo is slated to release next week. Maybe it will also change the ability to set this value. (If it does I'll change this answer.)~~

Sadly, this is still not possible with Android 2.2 either.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I'm not exactly sure whether it's the same on general Android as my have a Hero with Sense but on my phone it's:

Open Calendar/Press Menu Key/ Press More/ Settings/Calendar View Settings/First day of the Week

# Answer
> 3 votes
The popular home screen replacement LauncherPro Plus comes with a home screen widget that does just this and sync's with your Google calendar

# Answer
> 3 votes
I just found the way to change start day of the week in Calendar app. It's related to Language ("Locale" in pre-2.3) settings:

* "English (United Kingdom)" sets Monday as the start day of the week.
* "English (United States)" sets Sunday as the start day of the week.

Where to find this option:

* Android 2.1 Eclair (Samsung Galaxy Spica)

+ at Home screen -\> \[Menu\] button -\> Settings -\> Language & Keyboard -\> Select locale
* Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread, (Sony Ericson Xperia ST25i)

+ at Home screen -\> \[Menu\] button -\> Settings -\> Language & Keyboard -\> Select language

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Uninstall the app.
2. Cange the language of the device to an European one (English UK or Spanish)
3. Go to Play Store and download the Google Calendar app. Install it. Now the week starts on a Monday
4. Change the language of your device back to your previous one (English US)
5. The week starts on Monday.

It worked for me.

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Tags: motorola-droid, calendar
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# Question
Title: How do I flash and prepare an ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser for custom ROM installation?
I am tired of the original ROM on my phone and I'll install the resurrection ROM.

I have the zip, but if I am not wrong I need to first do 3 things:

-get root access

-install TWRP

-and adb

Am I right?

I am still in the process of understanding how it works.

Where do I get these files and instructions? I have found some links, but none of them seems to be easy and well-explained.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 0 votes
You don't need root access on your stock ROM. The step is: 1. Unlock your phone ROM using official APK or other means (ASUS unlock APK was known to be buggy) 2. Install TWRP using ADB 3. Flash custom ROM using TWRP

Your warranty will be void and you might get your phone bricked.

Detailed guide:

1. Install ADB on your PC c:\adb
2. Copy TWRP recovery and ROM zip file to adb folder
3. In your Phone set development option on, enable USB debugging
4. Unlock your phone using official ASUS APK
5. Connect your phone to PC, run cmd on c:\adb ".\adb devices" confirm device connected
6. Run cmd: .\adb reboot-bootloader
7. Run cmd: .\fastboot devices, confirm device connected in fastboot mode
8. Flash TWRP: .\fastboot flash recovery twrprecoveryfile
9. Enter recovery mode
10. Flash custom ROM using TWRP

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Tags: custom-roms, installation, rom, twrp
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# Question
Title: "Sim Empty" and cannot make calls after upgrade
I have a WileyFox Swift which I recently updated to Nougat. Wileyfox runs Cyanogen natively. I have not rooted it or hacked it in any way. I installed the update by clicking on a reminder that kept popping up telling me to update. So everything has been done in the official manufacturer-defined way.

It has two sims. When I reboot it asks for the sim lock PIN for one of the sims (the other does not have one) so I know it is detecting the hardware. Also I am able to receive SMS on one of the sims. But I cannot make calls, receive calls, or send SMS. When I go to "Settings -\> SIM cards" it says both sims are empty.When I try to make a call, instead of giving me the choice of sim, it only offers emergency call.

I have tried rebooting, re-seating the sims, going into recovery mode and clearing the cache partition.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I am in exactly the same situation, Wileyfox upgrade to Nougat, and have not found a good fix.

However what has worked (to a point) is as below:

1. Turn off remove sims and battery for at least 5mins
2. Insert 1st SIM, battery and reboot.
3. At this point 1st Sim should be recognised.
4. Turn off remove battery for 1-2mins.
5. Insert 2nd SIM, battery and reboot.
6. Both Sims should now be recognised.
7. Set and check preferences for Calls, Data, SMS etc.
8. Leave phone on!!!! \<- A new problem

As soon at the phone is turned off and on again its back to square one :-(.

I guess it could be a specific problem with Cyanogen \>\>\> Nougat, and the firmware handling 2 sims on boot up.

For reference my Sims are o2 and EE.

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Tags: dual-sim, 7.1-nougat, cyanogen-os
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