# Question
Title: Stock Google Music app does not scan subdirectory in Android 4.2.1
Is it a bug in Jelly Bean 4.2.1 that subdirectories within the Music directory are not scanned for music files?

UPDATE: I just verified that copying using `cp` or using `Nautilus` on Ubuntu or `Windows Explorer` works just fine. They are scanned immediately by the player. But if I use `rsync` they are not! This is very strange. I also checked file permissions and they are the same in both cases.

I am trying to sync the music collection on my desktop to my Nexus 4. On my desktop my music is organized as follows.

```
    Artist1/
        Artist1/Art1_Track1.mp3
        Artist1/Art1_Track.mp3
    Artist2/
        Artist2/Art2_Track1.mp3
        Artist2/Art2_Track2.mp3
    ...

```

When I copy the same directory structure into the Music directory the stock music player does not scan the music in subdirectories. It works fine for files in the base Music directory though.

FYI, I use rsync to sync the music collection to the Music directory. I am using Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean on the LG Nexus 4. The device is mounted using `go-mtpfs` on a Ubuntu installation.

---

### Update: Some summary from the comments (by Izzy)

* the problem only exists when files are transferred using `rsync`. While `rsync` is in progress, files get a temporary file name extension like e.g. `.test.mp3.xdGHsk` -- but they are correctly renamed to `.mp3` once the transfer is finished (normal behaviour for `rsync`)
* there are no `.nomedia` files in the affected directories
* Rescan Media is used to force the Media Scanner to update the library *after `rsync` completed its job*

### Update: More summary from the comments and correction (by Srinath)

* USB connection mode is MTP, on the Linux PC the device is mounted using go-mtpfs (MTP file system implementation in Go language)
* The files transferred using `rsync` can be viewed and played using a file browser app like `ES File Explorer`

# Answer
If the problem is really that rsync renames the files, try rsync --inplace.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Try and clear the app data. Settings \> Play Music \> Clear data. This should re-scan your whole SD card for music. If this doesn't work, uninstall Google play music, remove your MP3 files, the reinstall Google play music. If that still fails, try another app like DoubleTwist.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, nexus-4, google-play-music, rsync
---


# Question
Title: How did my device know where I am located even though my GPS was turned off?
So I was testing some functionality levels with Facebook Check-In feature on an Android device (Galaxy S2) and I noticed something strange. Even though my GPS was turned off, When I Checked-In on the Facebook App it showed my current location (along with a pop-up asking me to turn on GPS for more accurate reporting).

Why and more importantly how did my device know where I was located with my GPS being turned off?

# Answer
> 0 votes
either through trianglation or through Wifi if you where connected

trianglation - sends ping requests to Access Points

Wifi - In window 8 it can give a location based on surrounding Wifi network althought I am not awear of android using this

---
Tags: gps, facebook, geolocation, location-services
---


# Question
Title: Can I transfer pre-installed apps from a device with a broken screen to a different one?
So I have an Ematic Funtab Mini running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS that now has a broken screen that is totally unresponsive. I also have a Craig 7" TouchScreen Tablet running Google Android 4.0, Flash 11.1. I can't access anything on the Funtab, or find any place that can replace the screen. It came with a bunch of kids apps including a full versions of Angry Birds, Cut the rope, Where's My Water and a few more. Is it possible to transfer those apps (and maybe the data, but particularly the apps) to the Craig? I didn't have the Funtab long enough to use Google Play to back up the apps. So, any help in finding out if it's possible to transfer the apps would be greatly appreciated!

# Answer
You can't transfer system apps (that is, the apps that came preinstalled) to another device or back them up. The apps will be built into the Funtab's ROM (or *system image*), and even if you could extract the files, they almost certainly will have copy protection to stop you using them on a different device.

To make an analogy, imagine you bought a PC and it came with PowerDVD. Now imagine you were to break the PC and buy a completely different one from a different manufacturer. You wouldn't have an install disk for PowerDVD, and the old installation would have copy protection so you can only use it on that specific model of PC. If you wanted to install PowerDVD on your new PC, you'd have to go out and buy it. Preinstalled apps on Android are no different.

If you'd downloaded Angry Birds from Google Play (or most other marketplaces), you'd be able to install it on any device with your account. You wouldn't need to back it up: Google would know that you'd bought it, so they would let you download it again for free. Preinstalled apps don't work that way, though.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, backup
---


# Question
Title: Google Play authentication required error
I'm using Android on a Samsung S3. I was initially trying to upgrade WorldMate, but was getting authentication errors. Then I tried to purchase something via Google play, and was given an authentication required error.

I have removed my Google account and re-added it, deleted updates and tried to stop apps being updated automatically but they do no matter what setting I use. I have created a new account and tried via that, but no luck.

How can I stop apps being updated? Is there a service I can stop and put on manual? Or is there another way to purchase apps/music? All I want to do is upgrade WorldMate but their support staff have been useless so far...

# Answer
I think it's better inform it to the Google Play store support.

1. Go to this page:- https://support.google.com/googleplay/?hl=en
2. Then click top right "Contact US" button.
3. Follow its on screen instructions.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: Prevent entering PIN code before lockscreen
I have a Samsung Galaxy Mini. I'd like to know if it is possible to prevent the user from entering the PIN code before unlocking the normal pattern, since it recently happened to me that someone got access to my phone while it was charging and almost locked up my SIM completely by entering incorrect PIN and PUK codes.

Thanks

# Answer
There is no way I am aware of for doing what you want. But why you need the pin unlock, just remove it from settings and stick with the unlock screen,, in this way you will not have your sim locked
> 2 votes

# Answer
Unfortunately, there is no possible way to do as you described. I recommend the best thing to do is choose a strong pattern, or use a code instead.

Smudges show up while moving your finger across your screen and anyone can just hold it up to the light to see the pattern and easily get in.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Isn't there a separate option for the "SIM card lock" under the System-Settings\>\>Security&Screen Lock tab? Try unchecking that, or resetting your security settings so that when you set up your new settings, you can leave the SIM card lock option unchecked.

Other than that, there are plenty of alternate launchers with their own versions of the Screen-Lock mechanism; I'd suggest browse through the app-store and see what's available.

\**I forgot to ask, what Android version are you running? I'm referring to JellyBean (4.1.2)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, lock-screens, sim-card
---


# Question
Title: Will a license check fail if I am in a foreign country?
I have an app that performs a license check and will not work if a check doesn't succeed within *x* amount of time since the last successful check. Will this license check fail if I am connected to the Internet in a foreign country?

The app in question is Final Fantasy III (com.square\_enix.android\_googleplay.FFIII\_GP). However, most other paid apps perform license checks, so this is a question of broader scope.

# Answer
Usually no - however, it's my opinion that this is a rather vague question that can't be accurately answered without knowing the app developer's policy or whether the app is locked to a particular region.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, drm, localization
---


# Question
Title: Why alarms in "To-do" applications are shown as notification
I am not sure whether my understanding about alarms is wrong, so I thought of posting this question. I keep forgetting tasks so I thought of installing the best "To-Do" android app. What I simply wanted from the application is this:

If I want to set a reminder, say on May 19th 2013, at 9.00 A.M and I want a a loud alarm that will keep ringing until I dismiss it or snoop.

Every famous app that I tried (Astrid, Wundrelist etc), provide a reminder feature to be associated with Tasks, but these reminders to go Notification area. Some of the "to-do" apps takes the reminder date/time as alarms, but they again send these alarms as notifications. The problem with notification is that, it only makes a very simple sound (as if a message has arrived), that too only once. I want these reminders to ring as alarms not as notification. Do you know any apps that does this?. For example, the alarm that we can set in clock.( but clock doesn't provide a specific date/time)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Astrid has this functionality. Add a task by giving it a title and then clicking ADD A DUE DATE if you wish. This opens a page where you can tap a due date + time. Click OK after making the necessary changes. Click the blue + sign on the right to add the task to your list.

Now tap the task to edit it - Scroll down if you need to and select DETAILS and then REMIND WHEN DUE & OVERDUE

Choose the options as you see fit and ensure that the RING/VIBRATE TYPE is set to UNTIL I DISMISS ALARM.

Click ADD AN ALARM and choose when you want to be reminded.

To avoid this rigmarole in the future, you can choose to set by default that reminders should ring constantly until you dismiss them. Click SETTINGS \> NEW TASK DEFAULTS \> DEFAULT RING/VIBRATE and then select UNTIL I DISMISS ALARM

Also see REMINDER SETTINGS where you can choose a ringtone of choice.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich
---


# Question
Title: Use Tasker to swipe lock the screen for 10 mins then require password thereafter
i'm looking for a way where i can use the power button to turn off the screen and activate the swipe lock. If the phone is left untouched/unswiped for 10 mins the password lock should come on.

There is one difference between this and similar posts i have seen, my Phone is encrypted so i cannot turn off the password as part of the method of doing this.

At the moment the power button turns off the screen but can be unlocked at the push of any button which often results in unintended phone calls in my pocket, after a certain amount of time left untouched the password lock kicks in.

I've heard an app called Tasker can do something like this, will it also work with encrypted devices?

All i would need it to do is activate a swipe lock on pressing of the power button

Thanks

# Answer
> 0 votes
You are correct: an app called Tasker can do this. The feature you want to turn off/delay is called *Keyguard*: turning this off disables the password/PIN lock screen. So you could setup a task turning that off on the condition the screen is turned off, then wait 10 min, and re-activate it again.

Additionally, you might want to take a look at the Secure Settings addon for *Tasker*, which gives you some more fine-grained options towards this (and plenty of other benefits). Using this addon, you could e.g. have your device require the PIN/password unlock only once, and then not asking for it anymore (useful e.g. at home).

---
Tags: lock-screens, encryption
---


# Question
Title: Huawei G300 not fast enough for Google Racer
So on my Nexus 7 (currently clocked at 1300mb RAM) Google Racer works fine. However, when I use it on my Huawei Ascend G300 (only clocked at ~30mb less RAM) it says it is too slow.

This doesn't really make any sense? They have almost identical RAM?

# Answer
The amount of RAM is not the main factor that determines how smoothly a game runs. The other items on the spec sheet are just as important:

* What model of CPU it has (ARM 11, Cortex-A8, Cortex-A9, Cortex-A15, &c)
* How many CPU cores there are (some games benefit more from having multiple cores than others)
* What clock speed the CPU runs at (measured in GHz)
* What model of GPU it has (e.g Mali-400MP4)
* What clock speed the GPU runs at (measured in GHz)

and there are many other important factors you probably won't find written down anywhere, such as the clock speed of the RAM, what kind of memory controller it has, and the size of the CPU and GPU caches. The software makes a big difference too: for example, if the power management driver (supplied by the manufacturer) is inefficient, the CPU and GPU may spend most of their time running more slowly than the rated clock speed.

In addition, the pixel size of the display makes a big difference. For example, if you made a tablet with the exact same hardware as a Nexus 7 but a 1080p display instead of a 720p display, you'd find many games would run much slower on this device, simply because there are more than twice as many pixels to process and store in memory.

One of the reasons that unbranded devices are so cheap is that the manufacturers often invest in the 'headline' specs, but then skimp on the other components, or use inefficient software. For example, it's commonplace to use a GPU that looks good on paper, but cripple it by only giving it a very slow connection to the device's RAM, through a cheap memory controller.

The only way you can really tell how smooth your games will run is by measuring on the device: ideally with the game you're interested in, but more commonly using a *benchmark* such as GLBenchmark that represents an 'average' game. That's why review sites like to include benchmark figures as a big part of the review of a new device.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Running a game smoothly does depend on RAM as well as the capability of your processor and more significantly the graphics chipset employed on your device. Compare all three of these factors and you'll understand hopefully why your Huawei G300 doesn't run the game of your choice as well as your Nexus 7.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: performance, ram, huawei-g300
---


title: Live folders for Contact groups?

text:
# Question
Title: Live folders for Contact groups?
Does anyone know of an app which will allow you to place live folders on your home screen which are tied to a specific contact group? That is, when setting it up you would choose a group from your address book, and it would then show you all the contacts in that group, when opened.

I tried this app: Groupie, but it has a number of problems. The groups it lists are NOT the groups that are in my contacts (it seems to only list some common groups, but not the ones actually in my contacts). Even for a group with the same name as one in my contacts, it does not actually show any contacts when I clicked on the folder. Plus, *while admittedly minor*, the icon for the folders is dorky. ;) Ideally would like one that uses a variation on the standard live folder icons (like **All Contacts**, **Contacts with Phone Numbers**, **Received from Bluetooth** and **Starred Contacts**)

Running on a Galaxy S Captivate, unrooted.

# Answer
Okay, ... there was no app that I could find that would do this. So, I wrote one. It actually uses home screen shortcuts, not live folders, due to the way they are implemented and the complexity of coding them.

If anyone should be interested, I've since rewritten it... you can find the new one here: Live Groups.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Dunno if this has gotten answered, but had to deal with this today and the app Groupy is great. you can even hide groups so it lists only the ones you want, it handles multiple accounts setup on the phone just fine, and I know for sure if you drop a shortcut to the app itself it will open right up once you tap the 1x1 shortcut on the desktop right to the listing of the groups.

It also has some nice shortcut buttons to send an Email, SMS \[or MMS\] right from that listing screen \[the icons are right across the bottom of the screen when the app is open.

I didn't see any widgets listed under widgets for it, but I haven't gone extremely in-depth with it yet. I don't see a major need for them as when you tap the app shortcut the app opens right to a list of all the groups you have on the device \[be they system, or created by you the user (if done via google contacts website be sure to either wait for the sync or go in to settings accounts and tap the account you modified contacts on and tap to clear then tap to add the checkmark back as that will cause it to sync right away \[or of course hit sync now button if you have that available instead if you prefer\]).
Of course if you go through and choose to hide any groups when you open the app it will only list that groups that have not been hidden.

You can even choose multiple groups to send messages to by tapping the checkboxes found on the right hand side of the screen for all the groups you want to send your message to.

**PLEASE BE AWARE FOR BOTH EMAIL AND SMS OR MMS:** Some carriers/providers do put limits on how many contacts you may send any one message to in attempts to curtail people from spamming too many people at once. You will need to review the limits with your carrier in the case of SMS/MMS messages OR you provider for your email account for emails.
So if your groups \[or groups\] contain too many people your message may either fail to send at all or only send to soo many people \[depending on how your carrier/service provider choose to handle the limit\]
> 3 votes

# Answer
I don't know of any way to do this automatically, aside from some app I don't know of, but you can do it yourself by adding a new blank folder and then adding shortcuts to your contacts in it however you like.
> -1 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem as You. I don't remember how I resolved it on my Wildfire S. I only know, that I installed something like "Group manager", but couldn't find it anymore, and missing it after factory reset of the phone. But I'm not sure, if advantage of making "group shortcut" was made by this APP, because I've tried some other APPs. There was one file manger and so.... And about Your App. Not bad, usefull. But on my Wildfire S is slow. I think it's because of pic thumbnails. App I've used before showed only names and numbers. If You will rewrite Your App, I can write You some hints. Or if You want, please write me how did You make it. I'm older, but have young son, which can continue or make it with You.

Regards
> -1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, home-screen-folders
---


# Question
Title: Update Samsung s5300 to android Honeycomb 3.2
Is it possible to update Samsung s5300 to Honeycomb? I've only found that it can't be updated to Android 4.0.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Honeycomb was actually meant for devices with large screens like tablets etc.., There is no Official update for S5300. So you'll have to root your phone and install a custom ROM(such as CyanogenMod) on your phone. Keep in mind that rooting your phone will void your phone of any warranty. Also beware that any error made while flashing ROM could brick your phone and make it unusable.

---
Tags: updates, samsung, 3.2-honeycomb
---


title: Sharing files between users in 4.2.1

text:
# Question
Title: Sharing files between users in 4.2.1
I have a Google Nexus 7, unrooted, running stock 4.2.1. I have set it up for two user and we seems to be enjoying it.

Recently I ran into an issue about sharing files. In User1's account I copied few PDFs into `\sdcard\PDFs` folder and was able to use it well.

When I switched to User2's account, I could not see the folder `\sdcard\PDFs` at all. Surprisingly, I could not see it even when through computer when Nexus 7 is connected as Portable media player.

I guess this can be achieved by granting sufficient access by escalating to root, which needs rooted device - but I am not sure.

**My questions:**

1. Are there any way I can share files between users of the same tablet without using Internet (like using email, dropbox etc) or transferring to some repository like PC etc?
2. If I root, can I change the permission to such user created folders and access files from other user's account or elevating as root?

Update: Found a link that asks same question - but the answer given is not applicable for files rather works for apps, not useful.

# Answer
/data/media contains a number of folders including legacy and obb, neither of which appear to be shared between users, at least not on my Nexus 10. It also contains a 0 folder which is the emulated sd card of the first user, then 10, 11 & 12 for the sd cards of the first three other users of the device.

I know you said your device isn't rooted and you seem to be able to use obb (which I can't) but if you root, you will be able to access any sd card image this way.

Hope this helps in some way.
> 1 votes

# Answer
After a lot of trial and error, I discovered that the `Android/obb` folder is automatically shared among users.

It's not ideal, but it's better than a cloud storage option for large files.
> 10 votes

# Answer
It's a different user account is why you can not see the files and the user files are stored on the system partition

When the user accounts were set up it's assumed the the first account to 'activate' the device is the master account, all other ones created from that are user accounts, much in the same way you have user accounts on a pc you will have your `C:\Users\youusername\Downloads` that isn't viewable by other users that log into the machine

If you want to share things possibly use a cloud storage system like Google Drive or Dropbox but that a bit of a pain having to share individual documents so maybe set up a shared folder you will be able to add a short-cut to that to access them maybe?
> 1 votes

# Answer
Ok

1. Download PAW SERVER and run it on first user.
2. Run it
3. Go to 2nd User
4. go to localhost:8080
5. Login with user admin with password paw
6. go to Media \> File Manager
Done!
Or code your own PHP Script.
> 1 votes

# Answer
it's probably mounted only for one user and unmounted when you switch to another user which explains why it's in the same place (directory /sdcard) but with different users the content change
> 0 votes

# Answer
This has nothing to do with permissions. To verify, switch to account 1 and see if the folder is visible. I think you have unintentionally deleted the folder yourself.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Run Paw server on user 1 Use the built-in file manager
> -2 votes

---
Tags: file-system, 4.2-jelly-bean, multi-user
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S4, weird model, can I custom ROM?
I just got my S4, on a Canadian network. While everyone seems to have I9500, I have the M919V. It's next to impossible to find any useful information on Google regarding this model. Can I use the same custom ROMs as the I9500 users?

There is a way! Read my answer below!

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have found out more about this variant! Hopefully this helps people in my situation.

This device is on a Canadian network called Wind Mobile. The model M919V can use the same roms as the T-Mobile variant, which is M919.

I have flashed CyanogenMod nightlies on it, it runs awesome, and even for a nightly it is very battery efficient and stable.

Strongly recommend it to anyone.

I had to use ouhds instead of ClockWorkRecovery (they re the same things though). It still goes through Odin, but you will have to follow the instruction online. There are a few sets of instructions that can be found through Google.

These are the instructions I followed:

http://droidviews.com/2013/root-and-install-cwm-recovery-on-sprint-galaxy-s4-sph-l720-and-t-mobile-galaxy-s4-sgh-m919/

\*I am not responsible for any damage you cause to your device, just sharing my thoughts/ experience.

# Answer
> 1 votes
No, since your model number differs - meaning you have a carrier bound device - ROMs meant for standard i9500 devices won't be suited to your device.

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


title: Transfer everything to new phone?

text:
# Question
Title: Transfer everything to new phone?
I am changing from one Galaxy S3 to another S3. How can I transfer ALL my stuff? (I am not rooted.)

# Answer
> 8 votes
Your apps will be synchronized with your Google account. You can see what apps are synchronized by going to the web-based Google play/android market site and going into account settings.

Your contacts as well are synchronized by default but to make sure, go to account settings on your phone.

Your pictures, downloads, and any other files you may want to transfer can be uploaded to your computer temporarily and then from your computer to your new phone.

Alternatively, you could do this last bit a number of ways:

You get the idea: File Transfer Apps

You would need to root your phone to be able to access or copy the application data to your new phone.

# Answer
> 5 votes
There's an app that can do this, un-rooted, called DroidCopy

It transfers everything across via Bluetooth.

***Disclosure:*** I am associated with the app.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Helium - App Sync and Backup (previously Carbon) will sync all your app data, such as settings and so on:

> Helium lets you backup your apps and data to your SD card or cloud storage. With Helium, you can sync app data from your other Android devices-- even if they are not on the same network \[...\] Helium does NOT require root. All Android users can use Helium to backup and sync Android applications.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, data-transfer
---


title: Asked to set PIN for credential storage

text:
# Question
Title: Asked to set PIN for credential storage
I've never had a smart phone before. Now, I'm being asked if I want to set a pin or pasword for my "credential storage" before using it. I'm not even sure what this is. It looks like I do not have much storage left and I've had this phone only a few months.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's for installing VPN and SSL client authentication certificates that you use to access VPNs or web servers that use certificates as logon credentials. It's fairly rare to need to use credential storage for the majority of Droid users. If you don't possess any digital certificates that identify you,it has no value to you.(found in some forum)

---
Tags: storage
---


# Question
Title: How does the Android OS estimate remaining battery time?
**Is it known how the Android OS estimates time to failure / remaining battery charge?** I am doing a school project about battery estimation on mobile devices but have not been able to find any information about which techniques are used in the industry.

Several people have written articles about how time to failure can be estimated on an Android device, but I have not been able to locate any official information about how it is actual done.

The optimal answer I would like is a link to a scientific article or tech-spec that describe it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
In the API it is described that the battery percentage is calculated by dividing the current level with the maximum level. This can be seen in the quote below.

This leads me to believe that BatteryManager.EXTRA\_LEVEL is either measured in Milli amps Hour (mAh) or a value between 0-100. This is a simple approach and not the answer that I hoped to find but it is an answer never the less. Now I just need a official source that states the answer. :)

> ## Determine the Current Battery Level
>
> In some cases it's also useful to determine the current battery level. You may choose to reduce the rate of your background updates if the battery charge is below a certain level.
>
> You can find the current battery charge by extracting the current battery level and scale from the battery status intent as shown here:
>
> `int level = batteryStatus.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_LEVEL, -1);`
>
> `int scale = batteryStatus.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_SCALE, -1);`
>
> `float batteryPct = level / (float)scale;`

---
Tags: battery-life, battery
---


# Question
Title: Chrome shows black screen when playing video, but performs well when full screen
I have a tablet and an Android TV stick. Both are on Android 4.1 JB.

I have an MP4 video file. On my tablet, the MP4 plays well inside the Chrome browser. But on my Android TV stick, it shows a blank black screen! I could only view the video when it's in fullscreen mode.

I suspect that it's the size of the video or the display. Perhaps it was too small to see in normal mode.

Does anybody have a clue how to deal with it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If every video behaves this way, it could be a bug in the display driver for your TV stick. When a video plays full-screen, the video decoder writes the decoded video directly into the *framebuffer*, a special part of memory that holds the image being displayed. When a video is played inside another window, it instead uses an *overlay*, which is a way of combining the video output and the rest of the screen.

If playing videos works fullscreen but not inside another window, this could be a symptom of a error in the part of the display driver that handles overlays. You could check with the manufacturer to see if an updated ROM fixes the error.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It has to do with the resolution you are trying to play is too high to play in normal mode and hence the blank screen.

Anyways rather than using Google Chrome for videos I'd recommend MX Player which is a very capable media player and supports most videos.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, chrome-for-android, video, android-tv
---


# Question
Title: Unlock when sliding out physical keyboard
I got a Xperia Mini Pro with a physical keyboard. When I slide out the keyboard, it still have to slide on the screen to unlock it. Can I get to the password prompt with the keyboard movement alone?

# Answer
Yes it's possible with tasker + secure settings plugin.

I dit it in a harder scenario (altough I'm an sk17i owner too) I used the above combination to unlock, force landscape, and wake up an alcatel dual sim phone paired with a Nuu minikey sliding bluetooth keyboard.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, lock-screens, sony-xperia-mini-pro
---


title: Samsung GT B5330 won't turn on

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung GT B5330 won't turn on
My Samsung GT B5330 doesn't want to power on. I charge it and when I try to turn it on it just vibrates (short vibration) and doesn't start. I let it charge for 2 hours and then it still did not start. What should I do?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I suggest you take it to a repair shop, as it sounds like a hardware issue.

Most likely something has happened to the hardware, and the device will no longer power on.

You may also want to try removing the battery for a while, and then reconnecting it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Problem fixed by pulling out the SIM card, starting the phone without it, then reinserting the SIM card after turning the phone off, of course.

---
Tags: power-on
---


# Question
Title: Google Play Services taking more and more storage
I'm using HTC Desire A8181 with Android version 2.2.2. I'm currently running out of free internal space. Besides of some applications growing bigger from release to release, the greatest space consumer is **Google Play Services**. It is currently using 13,55MB and is automatically upgraded, taking more and more space. Soon I'll be forced to deinstall some of the apps because of that :(

Is there anything I can do with that Google Play Services? For example, can I safely uninstall it, install older version or tell it to move to external storage? My phone has barely 2 years and it's in danger of running unusable, while normally I'm using electronic devices 5 to 10 years...

# Answer
> 8 votes
What Akas refers to is using the Link2SD app, which is "kind of" App2SD, but much more flexible: You can get the entire app moved out (not just parts), and can even move apps you otherwise couldn't. But Akas missed one important part: your device **must be rooted** in order to use this special way.

As to the other part of your question: Sure you could uninstall the updates of *Google Play Services* -- but that wouldn't help you in any way, as the app will automatically update itself again. Furthermore, there might be dependencies, as other apps use this service (e.g. *Google Play* to access the playstore, and others). So newer versions of those apps might rely on newer versions of the *Play Services*.

Maybe someone digged (or will dig) a little deeper into all those dependencies and what can be done about them. It might end up in using some "legacy apps" -- like e.g. the Legacy Playstore (original post), while the original ones could be frozen/removed. Maybe all this is possible -- it again would require you to root your device, as these apps need to be installed as system apps.

While we all wish our devices might have a long life: if you look at the specs of your two-years-old, and compare it even with todays low-end devices, you will see the difference. And if you compare app sizes from two years ago ("What? 1 MB app size? Too big!") with todays ("Unfortunately, the play store has a limit of 50 MB app size, were we cannot fit our app into"; with my own words the summary of *LibreOffice for Android*), you see were it goes. And while I fully agree that core services/apps should be kept slim, there's nothing we can do about that...

Enough theory: if your device is rooted, or rooting it is acceptable (and doable) for you: Akas recommendation seems the best way out for you.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If your phone is rooted, you can partition your SD card and move Google Play Services app on to your SD card. That could free up a lot of space. You can use this method to safely transfer all your apps(except the system apps) to your SD card. The procedure for partitioning and transferring can be found here. http://www.aroundandroid.com/tag/how-to-increase-android-phones-internal-memory-with-link2sd-app/

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, htc-desire, internal-storage, google-play-services
---


title: How do I mount my phone?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I mount my phone?
I'm super puzzled because my phone used to just appear when I plugged it in. It doesn't anymore and The development options are definitely set to allow USB debugging. The phone is charging via USB but doesn't appear in `lsusb`:

```
[0 amanda@luna android-sdk-linux_86]$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 006 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 007 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 008 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 17ef:4807 Lenovo UVC Camera
Bus 003 Device 012: ID 413c:1003 Dell Computer Corp. Keyboard Hub
Bus 003 Device 003: ID 08ff:2810 AuthenTec, Inc. AES2810
Bus 003 Device 013: ID 413c:2010 Dell Computer Corp. Keyboard
Bus 003 Device 014: ID 046d:c001 Logitech, Inc. N48/M-BB48 [FirstMouse Plus]

```

`adb devices -l` shows nothing.

Based on some instructions on the internet, I also went into my Wireless and Network settings and changed the USB connection settings to "Mass storage" -- they were set to "Ask on connection" though I definitely wasn't getting asked. I don't get any Click here to connect via USB alert either.

I wouldn't be surprised if I clicked some "stop asking me" button at some point, but I don't see how to undo that. What else should I be doing to mount my phone?

# Answer
I asked the same question over on Ask Ubuntu and someone suggested it was a dodgy USB cable. I'm kind of speechless, but indeed, swapping the cable solved my problems. Now when I plug my phone in to a USB port, I get a little notice that the USB is connected. Onward.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, usb-connection-mode, usb-debugging, mount
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to open SketchUp models on Android?
I have a model designed in Google SketchUp, I want to be able to show it on my Android device (Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Tab) - is there any way to do that?

I did try DAE View 3D from Afanche Technologies - but it is not working on the exported dae model and also registers for every intent.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can try exporting from SketchUp to other formats such as DXF (tutorial to do this in the free version here) for which there are viewers for Android. More information here.

---
Tags: applications
---


title: Swype remove special characters?

text:
# Question
Title: Swype remove special characters?
Is there a plugin or any other way to use swype but force it to auto-replace special characters like `č` with `c`, `ž` with `z` etc. ?

As currently Swype is predicting words - for example: `"Španija"` and it would be great if it would be replaced with `"Spanija"` as it would then have 160 characters in SMS message instead of 70, like when using special characters.

# Answer
Enter the message application, click the menu button and enter Settings, select "Text input mode" and change the option from Automatic to GSM Alphabet. When you type in the message it appears as special characters but when the message is sent it is automatically converted to normal text.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: swype
---


# Question
Title: How do I enter the Safe Mode on a HTC Desire?
This is for those of you who need to enter what is known as "safe mode" on HTC Desire. There may be several reasons why one needs to enter this mode. It is usually because the phone is not working properly.

One such reason can be that you have flashed your phone with a custom ROM and you are stuck in what is known as a "boot loop". If you manage to boot into safe mode you may be able to backup your data to a safe place before you attempt to rescue the phone by data destructive methods such a re-flash.

# Answer
This applies to the original HTC Desire, codename Bravo. The instructions have been tested to work on the GSM version of the phone with Android 2.3.3.

**How to enter Safe Mode**

1. Power off the phone.
2. Press and hold down the menu button, and then press and let go of the power button, but continue holding the menu button. The phone will power on and start booting.
3. The phone will vibrate when it enters safe mode. Let go of the menu button when you get past the HTC logo with "quietly brilliant" animation, or when you feel the phone vibrate. You will see the text "Safe mode" in the lower left corner of the display if the phone has entered safe mode properly.

**How to leave Safe Mode**

To leave safe mode, follow these instructions.

1. While in safe mode, press and hold the power button until you see the power options menu.
2. Tap the option "Power off". The phone will now leave the safe mode and quickly reboot into normal mode. Note that it will not actually do a power off. If you want to power off repeat these steps once more (while in normal mode).

**Important notes about Android 2.3 and Fast boot**

If you have upgraded to Android 2.3.3 then you should have "Fast boot" disabled. If Fast boot is enabled the phone will not do a complete power off. This has the advantage that the phone boots more quickly. But to enter safe mode the phone needs to be completely off. You can achieve this by either disabling Fast boot first, and then powering off the phone. Or you can power off, with Fast boot enabled, and then take out the battery to disconnect the power source, and then put it back in. Then you can enter safe mode as described above.

You will find the Fast boot option by pressing menu button, then going to Settings, Applications, and then check or un-check the option "Fast boot".

If you have Android 2.2 or below, then you don't need to worry about Fast boot. You can check which version you have by pressing menu button, then going to Settings, About phone, and then Software information.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: htc-desire, safe-mode
---


# Question
Title: Microsoft Exchange Active Sync issue when roaming
I bought new Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Last week I went to a different state ( roaming). During roaming my office outlook mail is not syncing. Whole purpose of having Email on phone is gone. I don't think it's problem with the device/service provider. Gmail ,yahoo or internet is working without any issues. I was able to read emails on my other phone (iphone 3g) without issues (when roaming).
Can someone help me on this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is a known bug in the Android OS. A senior AT&T engineer let me know that this is a problem and hopefully it will be fixed soon.

it is not a AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile issue. it is a problem with Android :(

edit: he let me know that there is an app on the google store called "Touchdown" that is a workaround for this issue.

---
Tags: sync, outlook, roaming, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: How do I delete a Non - primary Gmail account from Gmail app 4.3.1?
This was easy to do before the upgrade, now it doesn't do this. It doesn't make sense to have to do a factory reset! It's less intuitive!

# Answer
> 2 votes
I believe you'll need to remove the associated Google account on your device. Go to Android's SETTINGS \> PERSONAL \> ACCOUNTS & SYNC. Tap on the account you want to remove. Next, tap the overflow/menu icon and choose REMOVE ACCOUNT

http://support.google.com/android/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1663649

---
Tags: gmail, google-account
---


# Question
Title: Setting custom permissions per-application
I want more granular control over permissions. I’m fine with applications having some permissions, but I want to be in charge and have more granular control.

Can this be done on Android? I know iOS has this for some things like contacts and calendar data. The user is prompted before the application gets access to these sensitive datasets.

Technically, I can see this working by denying API access when the application tries to access it.

# Answer
Adding to Chahk's answer: Yes, it's true that "natively" permissions are an "all-or-nothing". The "standard user" is expected to either accept *all* permissions an app requests -- or to refrain from its installation.

And yes, it's true: using an app like Permissions Denied, which simply "denies" an app certain permissions, apps might force-close as they don't expect this.

But there's a third way where apps are simply fed "fake data". This is done e.g. by *LBE* and *PDroid* (see Other apps to manage permissions? and how to fake my personal information for details). App wants the contacts? Ooops, address book is empty. IMEI? OK, how about "1234567890"? Internet? Sorry, but we're in a tunnel -- neither WiFi nor mobile data available. So all returned data make sense to the requesting app: It does not get a simple "exception", so it doesn't crash. And what it makes up from the fake data -- who cares? :)

Needless to say: root is required here as well...
> 4 votes

# Answer
Each app will present a list of permissions it makes use of during installation, at which point a user can either accept them and install the app, or deny and stop the installation. The permissions model in Android is an "all or nothing", meaning that you either accept everything the app asks for, or not install it.

Out of the box, after that initial acceptance, stock Android doesn't provide ability for users to deny specific permissions. However, if your phone is rooted, there are 3rd-party apps that enable this functionality. Some custom ROMs have this as well. Keep in mind that the vast majority of apps are coded to assume that all of their declared permissions are available (since you have to accept them in order to install said app.) Therefore they won't bother checking for the conditions where permissions were denied via non-standard methods. This means that apps will most likely become unstable and may crash or hang.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You may get what you want, but you need to alter or flash an aftermarket firmware onto your device.

There's CyanogenMod 7's permission management, but it's only capable of revoking permissions. API requests fail then. Eventually this is the same as if the developer forgot to declare the permission in the first place and apps often don't check that condition and fail.

Then there's the Privacy Droid (pdroid) extension patch set. It's been originally developed for Android 2.3 and consists of a closed source (Management App on Google Play and an open source patch for the firmware (see the link on the play store).

Because development has stalled, others ported the system patches to newer Android versions and open source management apps were also written. Some custom Roms include all necessary changes already, for those who do not (CM, et al.) there's the autopatcher project to modify firmware images to include all necessary bits:

AutoPatcher thread on XDA
> 1 votes

---
Tags: permissions, privacy
---


# Question
Title: How to install Gmail apk on emulator (from Android Development Tools, ADT)?
I'm working on an email app for Android, and I'd like to install the Gmail apk on my emulator in order to test it.

How can I do that?

I have seen tutorials on how to do it on windows, but I'm working with Linux.

# Answer
Sync your Google account in emulator, and go to Play Store.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Steps:

Go to sdk/platform-tools with the command `cd /home/android-sdk/platform-tools` you should copy the `.apk` you want to install in this directory and add the path of it to environment variable in variable PATH "you might need restart"`(PATH=$PATH:path to apk)`

List the devices with the command ./adb devices

You can install your file with ./adb install .filename.apk Example for step 2 :

> ./adb devices
>
> List of devices attached
> emulator-5554 device

Example for step 3 :

> ./adb install AndExplorer.apk
>
> 1083 KB/s (338651 bytes in 0.305s)
> pkg: /data/local/tmp/AndExplorer.apk
> Success
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gmail, linux, apk, android-emulator
---


# Question
Title: If I charge Nexus 4 with a wireless charger will it charge considering red LED error
I've had a red LED error in my Nexus 4 for a week and it won't turn on or charge. I've tried everything, pressing the power button for 60 seconds, etc. I even opened it up and removed the battery and plugged it back in. It just won't help. I think it's due to very low power levels in the phone and it won't even charge. I was thinking that if I charge with a wireless charger will it charge or not?

Also if I charge it with an iPad charger the LED becomes stable red otherwise it's blinking using LG's original charger. So what's the issue and how can I resolve it?

# Answer
If you have the red LED and the device won't charge from the wall, using the original charger, then it's faulty. Send it back for a replacement.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: charging, nexus-4
---


# Question
Title: How Can I Pass Bootloader (Huawei Y200 stuck logo/ Boot-Loop)
I have recently learnt a few things about Android and its system. I have a Huawei Ascend Y200, and I flashed it with ClockworkMod specifically for Y200 with a computer and it worked.

I rooted my phone by flashing it and was able to install Superuser.

When checking for swap partition I found out that my ROM doesn't support it. I got ROM Manager it prompted me with a message:

> ClockworkMod must be installed, do you want to insall it?

and I mistakenly tapped **Yes** .

Now I can't get past the bootloader (Huawei logo) - it freezes there.

I tried to reboot into recovery mode by removing the battery and pressing the UP + Power Buttons. I tried reflashing the first ClockworkMod. I was able to see the device on `adb` lists. I also tried factory reset.

None of this has helped. I still couldn't get my phone to pass the logo (before reflashing)

**Further info:**

* I had access to the device's adb somehow. I reflashed it and now I can only see the adb device when in recovery mode and is stated "recovery" beside the device number and can't reflash, or access adb anymore (cmd promt says `waiting for device` forever).
* Now that I don't have access to the adb device in bootloader (stuck) image, I can't do anything like reflashing ClockworkMod. Every time I plug it in the cmd prompt says `device not found`. When the phone is in recovery mode, the process in cmd prompt gets stuck at `waiting for device`, because now it shows as "recovery" beside the device number in the list, so as the device isn't responding to the process and won't restart as before.
* Whenever the phone is off, if I plug the USB cable into the phone (with other end connected to PC) it does not charge, and goes directly into recovery mode. I don't see the charging indicator small lamp on.
* I can press both UP and Down buttons + Power and I get a pink screen. I haven't really got much info about it.

Some, on the internet, say it's a never ending bootloop. And I've heard I can flash it to skip the bootloader screen and go into fastboot, but couldn't find proper instructions and won't be able to flash it anyway (can't see the device anymore unless in recovery mode but device will respond to any process).

I really need help; how can I pass the boot-loader again?

PS: Now, I've learnt that my phone is in boot-loop and needs to be flashed into a new ROM, or maybe get past the boot-loader also by Flashing.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same problem with my y200.

* Go to huaweidevice.com and download the firmware.
* Extract the folder downloaded and copy it to the SD card.
* Insert the sd card into the phone.
* Press vol up & down key at the same time + power button, then a message installing package comes up.
* Then wait until the phone reboots.

That's how its done

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you can get into the bootloader, you can issue a `fastboot -w` command which will erase all data - this normally solved boot loops.

If not, you should be able to install a new ROM using the same bootloader (fastboot), you just need the system.img file (make sure you issue a `fastboot -w` command before you flash, however).

I believe that this pink screen you talk of could be the fastboot/bootloader mode you need to issue the above commands - you just need the fastboot.exe file, as well as the .dll files that come with adb.exe.

---
Tags: fastboot, bootloader, unbricking, boot-loop
---


title: What does power saving do exactly?

text:
# Question
Title: What does power saving do exactly?
What changes happen in functioning of the phone after you turn it on?

My device: Samsung S3 Mini

# Answer
I have a Samsung Note and the power saving will lock the max cpu to 1ghz (the cpu is meant to run a 1.6) in your phone would be somenthing similar
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Google Play Store gives error "No Connection"
I have an HTC Desire HD. I am having trouble connecting to the Google Play Store. Every time I try to connect it just come up with an error "NO CONNECTION". I really want to download some apps (in particular Words With Friends). I know I am connected to the Internet; I can access my mail and Facebook, etc.

I have uninstalled Play Store and re-installed it but no luck!

How can I fix this?

# Answer
> 12 votes
**Solution 1**
You need to uninstall(*only after force stop it & clear data and cache*) Freedom app in your mobile phone if you have. There are some reports that Freedom App causes "No Connection" error.

**Solution 2** -
Check your Gmail / Google account password. Have you recently changed it? If yes, then you will need to re-enter your password on your Android device to get all your Google services back. As soon as you change your Google account password, your device gets a notification to enter the new password. Do it or your Google Play Store or any other Google service will not sync or work properly.

**Solution 3** -
Clear the Play Store cache. The Google Play Store app on your Android device stores some cache data on your device which could be one of the reasons why you are not able to connect to Google servers using the app and keep getting the “No connection – Retry” error message. How to fix it?

*Read the quick and easy steps below:*

1. Go to Settings \> Apps.
2. Scroll to All apps and then scroll down to “Google Play Store” app.
3. Open the app details and tap on the “Force stop” button.
4. Then, tap on the “Clear cache” button.

That’s it. Now start the Google Play Store app on your phone / tablet and it should load and work absolutely fine!

**Solution 4** -
Check the date and time of your device. Yes, this was the problem with majority of users complaining about this error message in their Google Play Store app. If your date and time are not correctly set, you will again the “No connection – Retry” error message.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Make Sure that **Background data** is enabled on your Phone.

For 4.0 (ICS), check it in `Settings > Data Usage > Menu > Uncheck Restrict Background Data`.

For any other Android flavor, look for `Backgound data` in Settings, and try enabling it.

It might help you.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The other answers did not work for me, but I did find a potential work around.

I opened my `/etc/hosts/ file` in a text editor and added a `#` in front of Google's IP address, commenting it out. After that, I was able to connect again. You'll need to be root in order to do this.

---
Tags: google-play-store, connection-issues, htc-desire-hd
---


# Question
Title: Google Talk on Android only syncs one-way with gTalk on Desktop?
I use both gTalk on Desktop and Google Talk on Android (phone) - at the same time. However, it only seems to sync from Desktop to Android and not the other way round?

At the start of the conversation and providing I stay on the Desktop, messages are received to both devices. Messages I send on gTalk (desktop) appear instantly on Google Talk on Android. The chat history with gTalk (desktop) is automatically emailed to my gmail address. This is good, and means I can instantly pick up the conversation on my phone as I go mobile.

HOWEVER, messages I send from the Android app do **not** appear in the gTalk client on my desktop and neither are these messages included in the chat history email to my gmail address. Also, once I continue the conversation in the Android app, the desktop client no longer receives the messages sent to me - they are now only received to my Android device. Is there anyway of "fixing" this?

**EDIT:** I have since come across the following question from 2½ years ago, "How do Gmail (desktop) and Talk (Android) chats interact?" - this goes someway to explain *why* this happens, but that is an old question and I struggle to believe that this behaviour has not been updated in this time. Is there really no other workaround?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The new Google Hangouts (that replaces the talk app on Android and is available as a Chrome Extension) appears to resolve this issue. You can move freely between the Android app and the desktop and continue the conversation, with the full chat history visible.

Hangouts isn't quite a separate application on the desktop, as it is installed as a Chrome Extension, but it uses the Chrome API and runs as a background app (when Chrome isn't running) and appears as an icon in the system tray (optional).

I've only just started using it and reviews are mixed, but it seems pretty good so far.

---

Incidentally, you do need to be using "Hangouts" on all devices. I first updated the Android Talk app (the "Talk" app is replaced with "Hangouts"). Whilst this communicated OK with a remote user on gTalk, I still had the issue of the local gTalk desktop client not being updated.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I believe it uses some kind of push messaging that doesn't trigger when you send the message. I believe that after you type a message the desktop gTalk, the ones sent from the phone show up too. Am I right ?

---
Tags: sync, 4.2-jelly-bean, nexus-4, google-talk
---


# Question
Title: Can't I change the sound volume with the screen locked?
When I'm listening to my podcasts, with the screen locked and turned off, isn't there a way to enable change the sound volume (with the physical volume buttons)?

**--update**

I'm on a Motorola Razr D3.

# Answer
That most likely depends on what phone and interface you have. On, say, a Galaxy S3 with the stock TouchWiz UI, when music is playing in the Samsung player or in Google Play Music, the volume control is enabled at the lock screen. On some other devices, it may not be possible. May I suggest editing your post to include which phone model you have?
> 3 votes

# Answer
In CM they have a hack (or implementation) so that you can change the volume over the lockscreen by pressing the volume up/down key. Also pressing it multiple times will seek/change the track. Now I had two cellphones Optimus one from LG (GB) and another mobistel clone (running ICS) and the CM rom worked for both of them. Firstly requesting, include the model of your phone here and if possible check for some GB/ICS rom to have this feature by default.

**EDIT**: Is this device the same you have? http://get.cm/?device=solana In case you are - cheers ! you are going to be a cyanogener shortly :) Try for a nightly build. I must not say they are super stable but you can get a feel of it, assuming you are running a root device.
> 1 votes

# Answer
VLC supports such a feature. It is the official Android version of the world-famous VLC media player. You can change the volume of what you are listening with it while your phone screen is locked. It is available for free on the Google Play Store. VLC is still in Beta status however it is quite stable and it works well.

It should be noted that VLC is only available for devices with a ARMv7 hardware architecture. And it is the case of the Motorola RAZR D3. ;-)
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you are wearing a headset when listening to your podcasts (which I assume), and those are wired and provide a physical button for play/pause, there might be an additional option using physical controls:

The playstore offers a bunch of headset control apps -- some of them manufacturer specific, others explicitly manufacturer independent (in praxis, both mostly work manufacturer independently -- it just might take you a while to find the one working best with your headset). Those utilize the single button most headsets offer to perform different tasks. For volume control, with most of them long-pressing the button increases volume, while a short press followed by a long one decreases volume (in both cases, until either you let go of the button or the volume reaches the end of its scale, whatever happens first).

I personally tried two of them: first I used JAYS Headset Control, which worked fine for increasing, but failed in 90% for decreasing volume -- which I address to the fact that I don't have a Jays headset. So having a Philips headset, I tried Philips Headset next, and as expected it worked perfectly.

JAYS Headset Control, the rather device independent HeadsetButton Controler, and Philips Headset (Source: Google Play; click images for larger variants)

As you can see by these example screenshots, "command sequences" seem to be almost standardized (for combinations up to 3 presses, that is -- the "quadruple click" seems to be an added speciality of *HeadsetButton Controller*). So if you want/have to switch at a later time, you do not even have to change your customs regarding this :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, audio, volume-control, podcast
---


title: Protect music player from being killed?

text:
# Question
Title: Protect music player from being killed?
I am using an SGS+ with 512 MB RAM (which leaves about 380M for the OS) running the CyanogenMod 10.1 Beta build 2013-04-15 (Android 4.2.2 on Linux `3.0.73-rc1-PhenomKernel-V3`) and as soon as firefox has to load a page with a couple more gifs or large images the music player (Apollo) is being killed. I'd rather have the front app being killed than having to stop listening to music.

I tried the App *RAM Manager Pro* on setting *Hard Multitasking* without any success.

So, how do I protect the muisc player from being killed?

# Answer
Couple options :

1. Use the swap file feature of your RAM Manager. That'll give you more (up to 256MB more) memory to play with and might be enough to stave off the music player kill.
2. Toss the RAM Manager and use something (Like MinFreeManager or manually edit the values in `/sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree`1) that will let you manually specify the Low Memory Killer's parameters.

For the latter, since your priorities aren't the usual ones (kill foreground before killing background, rather than the other way around), you want to toss the presets (which assume "the usual priorities") and set the values as such. Specifically, you want to set the VISIBLE\_APP (an app that is not on screen, but is doing something, in this case, cranking out tunes) value to be lower (and thus lower on the kill list) than the FOREGROUND\_APP (exactly what it says on the tin) value.

Further information on what the LMK does and what all these values mean can be found on my answer to this question, which is probably more relevant to your question than the one it was an answer to.

1As I mention in my other answer, values in this file are in pages, which are 4KB. 8192, for example, is 32MB.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, music-player, ram, task-management
---


# Question
Title: What Android versions have captive wifi detection?
A *captive Wi-Fi* or *captive portal* being a Wi-Fi network that redirects all websites to a page, usually with a form to log in, enter a code, or accept some T&Cs.

My can detect when I've connected to a network with this behaviour, and brings up a to tell me, but my old can't. When was this feature introduced?

# Answer
As best as I can tell on GrepCode, functionality relating to walled gardens (captive portals) was added to `WifiWatchdogStateMachine.java` in 4.0.1. I can't find it listed in the Android API reference to confirm exactly when it was added, but that would seem to match with your Nexus 10 having the feature but not your HTC Desire.
> 7 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, captive-portal
---


# Question
Title: Downgrade Samsung 2 7.0 from CyanogenMod 10.1 (Jelly Bean 4.2.2) to stock ICS
I recently updated my Samsung Tab 2 7.0 (GT-P3100) to Jelly Bean 4.2.2.

But I after successfully installing, I see that there's too many things that I don't like with the update.

1. Alphabetic Indexing is not present.
2. Confusing settings (unlike previous version)
3. Hate Apollo. Music suddenly stop. Shuffle always default to OFF whenever using the player. Liked more the default samsung music player.

Is there a way to restore back previous OS version provided by Samsung? Previously, it's 4.0.4 if my memory serves me right.

I was also trying to "Restore" in Samsung Kies but the software always cannot detect my tab. Tried uninstalling/reinstalling Kies with the same outcome.

How can I go back to stock ROM?

# Answer
It’s very important to make sure you perform a backup of all your data before attempting to install this!

Follow the steps below:

1. Make a backup of your all data.
2. Download the stock firmware for your device here. (Stock ROM is also on 4.2.2)
3. Download it and then unzip the file. (Do not extract the `tar.md5`)
4. Open Odin 3.04 (If you don’t have it you can download it here)
5. Restart your device into download mode, to do this press the `Power` and `Volume Down` button on your device.
6. Connect your phone and wait until you get a yellow/blue color with port number in Odin software interface. (If your system didn't detect the device, re-install the USB device driver/Kies)
7. Add the **firmware\_name.tar.md5** to PDA, verify re-partition is NOT ticked, Start flash, don’t touch anything and wait a few minutes.
8. Your device should now reboot.

**NOTE**: **Do it on your own RISK**
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, 4.2-jelly-bean, downgrade
---


title: Cursor positioning in SMS editor

text:
# Question
Title: Cursor positioning in SMS editor
I bought an Android phone (Philips w632) and I'm unhappy with the text editor used when I SMS because when I want to edit a letter in the middle of a word I need to keep tapping the letter until the cursor gets there. When I tap and hold on, a magnifying glass appears and this shows clearly where the cursor is and it appears as if I can change its position, but the moment I let go the whole word gets highlighted with two tabs on either side.

When I'm typing something in the browser however an orange tab appears under the cursor and I can move this which in turn moves the cursor to the correct position.

I did download Swype with the hopes of changing this situation but unfortunately it has the same issue.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't know for sure as I haven't seen a Philips phone, but it sounds like Philips have put in their own SMS app which doesn't use the standard text entry field. The little tab to help you position the cursor accurately is part of that, not part of the keyboard.

If this is the case, then using a third-party SMS application instead will make it easier to use. There are many on Google Play, so just try one out and see if it helps.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Are you sure you have Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)? Because I think this is a feature that was added in this version of Android. I know I got this when I upgraded my HTC Desire from Android 2.2 to 2.3. You can see some images below showing this feature in action. *Click the images for high-res.*

The first four images show this feature in my SMS messaging app, and the last one shows the same feature in my browser. I use the stock apps for SMS and web browsing that came with the phone. But like I said, I didn't have this until I upgraded to Android 2.3.

Now from what I understand this is probably what you get when you try to do the same on your phone.

Something like that? And maybe a magnifying window?

You need to make sure you have Android 2.3 (or higher) also known as Gingerbread. If you do have Android 2.3 (at least) then it probably has to do with your SMS messaging app. In that case you need to try a different SMS app.

Here are some SMS messaging apps you can try out.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, sms, keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Android phone file structure seems corrupted when connected via USB
so I have a Sony Xperia Play, and it's worked for awhile, but now I'm finding that sometimes when I plug it into my MacBook through USB, and try to copy files from the EasyVoiceRecorder folder onto my computer, I will get

"unknown" -39 errors \- Sometimes the file I copy is starts to copy over but then replaces itself. Example: Copying Recording 256. You see Recording 256 start to put itself on the desktop, but at the last second it becomes Recording 44 that's ACTUALLY put itself on the desktop. To fix this (SOMETIMES THIS WORKS) I put Recording 44 on the desktop and THEN copy the Recording 256, and it works.

* Other things like that.

What's happening and how can I fix it? Do I need to reinstall the app maybe?

Also, I modify/delete the audio files in EasyVoiceRecorder directly from the directory, not from the phone. Could that've messed with the structure?

Thanks!

# Answer
> 0 votes
I'm not sure about doing this on a Mac, But if you have a windows PC, preferably a windows 7, try the following:-

1. Connect your phone via USB to the PC with the SD card. Turn on file sharing.
2. Go to My Computer, find your SD card "drive", right click \> properties.
3. Go to Tools tab, under "Error Checking", click on "Check Now".
4. Any SD card related file system errors should get automatically fixed.

---
Tags: file-system, file-management, system-error
---


title: use wifi for data but not phone?

text:
# Question
Title: use wifi for data but not phone?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 and figured out how to connect to WiFi, but I want only the data to go through WiFi, not the telephone calls. (I have had trouble w/ phone over wifi; the data is fine though + it saves me money going through WiFi.)

Is there a way to do this?

# Answer
aha, found it:

under apps -\> settings -\> connections, I can turn overall use of Wi-Fi on or off.

Then if I select "More networks", I get this screen:

and I can turn on or off "Wi-Fi Calling".

Tmobile has a note about it here: http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-5864
> 1 votes

# Answer
All the telephone calls go through Mobile network not Wifi. If you have any VoIP application like Viber or Skype installed. Then while making call, it asks whether you want to use Phone or Viber/Skype. I guess you might have selected one of these apps with "Always" settings.

In this case, go to Application Settings & Clear Defaults. And next time be sure of selecting Phone Always.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, 4.2-jelly-bean, samsung
---


# Question
Title: What is the differrences between Talk and Google+ Messenger?
Both are the chatting tools of Google.

I use Talk since I use Gmail to chat with my friend and when I see Google+ Messenger, I just thought it is Talk but the two are NOT the same at all - i.e. chatting with one person on Talk and he/she will NOT receive it Google+ Messenger.

This is so confusing. What is the differences then? Why there are two chat tools like this?

*Update* The funny thing is that Google+ Messenger is used for chatting with Google+ users from Android phone. But when I log in my Google+ page, I can ONLY talk with Talk friends !?!? I want to continue my last chat with a friend on Google+ from my PC, but now I cannot. So funny!

# Answer
**Google Talk** syncs to your Gmail account. This offers free instant messaging to all your Google contacts that you have invited to “talk” with. You can use the services within the Gmail web page, or download Google Talk and install it on your computer or smart phone.

**Google+ Messenger**, originally called “Huddle”, is a sub service to Google+.

The big difference between the two is that Google+ Messenger is the instant messaging service that is synced to your Google+ account, not your Gmail account. People who are added to your “circles” are the ones that are able to be messaged with. Another difference is that Google+ Messenger allows people to have group chats.

Source: difference-between-google-talk-google-messenger-and-google-hangouts
> 5 votes

# Answer
Google have now integrated all of their chat and messaging services into one app on Android, Google Hangouts *(not Babble as was previously rumoured)*.

From the app's description:

> Use Hangouts on computers, Android and Apple devices.
>
> Hangouts stay in sync across devices so you can start or continue them anywhere.

In particular Google Talk, GMail Talk, Google+ Messenger and Google+ Hangouts (group video chat) are all integrated in this.

Google Voice isn't fully integrated yet (in particular SMS integration may be "coming soon"), and you can opt out from receiving incoming calls through Hangouts but as Voice is still only available in the US it shouldn't affect too many people.

You may need to upgrade your Gmail Chat to the new Hangouts experience by:

> Hangouts works right inside Gmail, where Chat did before. You can upgrade Chat to Hangouts by clicking on your photo icon in Gmail's chat list.

You may need to set up your Google+ circles to allow members to message you.

More info on the main Hangouts page and in the Hangouts help.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-talk, google-plus, chat
---


title: Help with internet on Samsung Galaxy S3

text:
# Question
Title: Help with internet on Samsung Galaxy S3
I have just got a Samsung S3 and am having trouble getting it working on the internet properly, I've put in all the settings required from the giffgaff site and checked the network coverage link on giffgaff website and it says the area I am in has a strong signal strength. I've sent an agent on giffgaff an email to ask if my SIM has a bar on it as couldn't access the internet very good either in my iPhone just before I got this Samsung. So I know it's probably something to do with the SIM and the settings and apn all entered.

I am unsure if the phone is locked to only one network but when I brought it in the title it said it was unlocked to all networks. Can anyone else suggest anything else before I have to put in a new SIM card and have a different number?

# Answer
> 2 votes
What do you mean by having a "a bar" on the SIM card? I don't fully understand your situation but I'll try to give you an answer you can work with. I've checked out Giffgaff and apparently this is a pre-paid network in the UK.

Let's forget about Internet for a second. Can you make calls with the Giffgaff SIM card in the phone? If you can, then you know your phone is not locked.

1. Get a Giffgaff SIM card.
2. Unlock your phone (if not unlocked already).
3. Activate your SIM card online.
4. Top it up.

Check out the joining giffgaff guide.

When you're done with all that you need to receive and apply the MMS and Internet settings. I believe Giffgaff will send you a special SMS message as soon as you activate your SIM card. This is a special kind of SMS that holds your Internet and MMS settings. The phone will usually prompt you to save the settings.

If you don't get this prompt you need to check the phone user manual. If you don't receive the SMS you need to re-send it from the Giffgaff website (if possible) or contact Giffgaff to have them send it to your phone number.

This covers the automatic method of setting MMS and Internet settings. This can be also done manually (recommended only for experienced users). In that case you will need to configure the APN and MMS settings.

These are the details you will need to put in the phone.

**For Internet:**

```
APN - Access Point Name: giffgaff.com
Login - Username: giffgaff
Password: password

```

**For MMS:**

```
APN - Access Point Name: giffgaff.com
Username: giffgaff
Password: password
Server - http://mmsc.mediamessaging.co.uk:8002
Port - http://mmsc.mediamessaging.co.uk:8002
MMS proxy: 193.113.200.195
MMS port: 8080

```

You can find a more complete guide here.

For settings these values in Android, you will find a guide here.

Android might ask you for details like MNC and MCC. The details above are usually enough, but here are the more complete details you will need for manually configuring MMS and Internet access on Android.

```
Access point name: giffgaff
APN: giffgaff.com
Proxy Server Address: 193.113.200.195
Proxy port / MMS port: 8080
Username: giffgaff
Password: password
MCC: 234
MNC: 10
Server / MMSC: http://mmsc.mediamessaging.co.uk:8002
APN type: mms

```

You will find a step by step instruction here. For instructions specific to your Samsung device you will need to see your user manual for the phone. You should have received a printed copy with your phone, but if you didn't receive it or have lost it you can find it online here.

For further assistance please contact Giffgaff here. You will need to log in with your username and password. There is also a community forum here. Same thing here, to ask questions you need to log in with a username and password.

You're probably better off presenting your problem to the Giffgaff community than asking here at Android SE, as these are Giffgaff users who probably better understand how this network works and what the requirements are than any average user here at Android SE would know.

If you still need Samsung specific instructions for setting up Internet and MMS, drop a comment here below. Good luck!

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Download and Install (aka sideload) Facebook Home APK
I'd like to try out Facebook Home however I don't have an approved device to install it from the Google play store.

I've tried googling this to not avail...where can I download the latest version of the APK released on May 10, 2013 and how can I install it.

# Answer
There's actually no need to "black hat" or sideload the app. If you can't find it in your Google Play search, or if clicking on "Download" from the http://facebook.com/home page lands you in the Google Play install page but it says your device isn't compatible, then don't worry, there's another way.

I have a Sony Ericsson Xperia P and I googled hard for a solution; then I read that Facebook pushed an update recently which (in addition to adding support for 2 more phones) let's you "Use Home anyways". So how to install Home in the first place, you say? Head on over to 1 Mobile Market (http://www.1mobile.com) and download their app. Once installed (make sure you enable "Allow unknown sources" in your phone's Security settings), look for Facebook Home in the 1 Mobile marketplace and install (again, make sure you can install from unknown sources). It should run automatically once installed and you should see the "Use Home anyways" option.

Facebook Home the legal and official way. Worked great for me! Enjoy!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: facebook, apk, side-loading, facebook-home
---


# Question
Title: How to connect 3rd party tcp/ip device to Nexus7
I have a wired tcp/ip based device that I need to access from an android app running on a rooted nexus 7.

There is only one hard-requirement
1. The tablet's primary internet connectivity must **NOT** be affected (3g and wifi).
and a couple of preferences...
2. Preferably the device would be accessed wirelessly.
3. Preferably this would be accomplished without additional hardware physically attached to the tablet.

The options as I currently see them...

* **Bluetooth**

obviously this would require some sort of ethernet to bluetooth gateway. I would rather not pay more than the price of the table for an industrial device which has significantly more capability than what I would need. So does a consumer version of this even exist? If it does would the resulting bluetooth connection on the tablet interfere with the 3g/wifi internet connectivity or is that something I can workaround with special routing rules or just coding the app to use bluetooth rather than sockets?
* **Wifi**

Is there a way to accomplish this while still meeting requirement #1? Maybe attaching a USB dongle via the tablet OTG connection and running two simultaneous wifi connections with special routing rules?
* **Wired**

USB RJ45 dongle via tablet OTG connection? This is similar and possibly simpler than the wifi option yet has the same potential issues regarding having two network connections active concurrently.

Any thoughts, suggestions, creative solutions?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The obvious solution would be to use a device that has both ethernet and Wi-Fi as a router or a bridge. If it joins the same Wi-Fi network that the Nexus 7 is on, then the Nexus 7 will be able to make a connection through the router/bridge to your mystery device, while also talking to the Internet through the same Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, if the Nexus 7 is on 3G, switch on its Wi-Fi hotspot and have the router/bridge connect to that.

I don't know if any commercially available special-purpose Wi-Fi routers have the ability to act as a client rather than an AP, but this would be easy to rig up with a Raspberry Pi or similar small Linux machine.

---
Tags: wi-fi, bluetooth, networking, root-access, usb-on-the-go
---


title: How to find files related to a process

text:
# Question
Title: How to find files related to a process
I was using `adb shell` to have a peek at what's going on a Sony Xperia Z phone. I've noticed a few services (e.g. `com.sonymobile.socialengine.plugins`, `com.google.android.youtube`, etc.).

I'd like to know more about, like where would such a service live and what files it uses.

So far I've using `find` or other typical linux commands, but the phone isn't rooted so I'm a bit stuck.

Is there a way to do that ? If so, how ? If not, what are my options ?

# Answer
> 2 votes
That's a broad topic, and hard to answer in short -- as it involves many aspects. As DevOfZot already pointed out, apps store their "private data" below `/data/data/<package_name>` -- a place usually only accessible by the app itself and root. But there are some other places as well, where apps e.g. save their cached data, temporary data, downloads, and more.

Some good places to start your investigation include:

As you can see, here at *Android Enthusiasts* (and on other stacks as well), tags are a good place when looking for general information:

1. From the navigation bar on top, follow the Tags link. On the page that leads you to, you can filter the pretty long list to find those tags which might be of interest to you.
2. Move your mouse over the tag-of-interest, and from the popup select "info". This brings you to the wiki of the corresponding tag, which often contains first-aid and other useful information.
3. From there, use the navigational links to discover most-frequented, highest-rated, and otherwise sorted questions using this tag.
4. You'll easily find your way from there, using further links -- be it "Amazon-style" links like "Questions tagged this were also tagged that", related questions (automatically selected by our friendly droids -- ahem, robots), or questions manually linked by users.

Enjoy your research! Btw: If you want to dig even deeper, a good book is Andrew Hoog's *Android Forensics and Mobile Security*. It not only explains file structures and how apps work, but also shows weeknesses, attack vectors, and more -- using good examples and a Linux VM :)

# Answer
> 2 votes
Applications normally store their data in /data/data/com.foo.bar but you won't have access to that via adb on an unrooted device, by design. I don't think there's a way around that without rooting the phone.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, adb, file-system, shell, processes
---


title: Disable camera's lockscreen shortcut

text:
# Question
Title: Disable camera's lockscreen shortcut
How can I prevent the camera app from opening directly from my Nexus 4's lockscreen? It opens frequently and easily when the lock screen slides from right to left, even if the phone is locked with pattern. My phone is running Android 4.2.2.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I'm not aware of any native settings for this, but there is an app that was built to bridge the gap: Lockscreen Policy. When you first launch it, you'll need to hit the "Activate" button to give it device administration permission, then you simply toggle the camera to "Off":

One caveat to this app that the author notes on the Google Play page:

> Does not work on TouchWiz Android 4.2.x firmware (such as Galaxy S4)

However, this does not apply in your case, since the N4 is not running TouchWiz.

---
Tags: lock-screens, 4.2-jelly-bean, camera
---


title: Google Now for GingerBread?

text:
# Question
Title: Google Now for GingerBread?
Is it possible to get Google Now on old phones ? It really sounds amazing.I would love to try it out :)

I found this for ICS. - http://techzei.com/get-google-now-on-android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich/

# Answer
Unfortunately Honeycomb and below is "dead" development, people are focused on doing more on ICS than anything. When Eclair rolled out, development stopped on Cupcake and Donut, and now its quite hard to imagine someone still working on those old versions of Android. There may be around it involving rooting your phone but I doubt it. Look at your link, the third requirement: **Deodexed ROM**. That is part of what is holding older phones back. My suggestion would just be to upgrade your phone but i realize that is not an ideal solution. Sorry man.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, 2.3-gingerbread, google-now
---


# Question
Title: How to extend the timespan of Google's calendar widget?
Or in other words: **How to show more dates in Google's calender widget?**

The next date I added to my Google calender is an appointment I have in eight days from now. The Google calender widget does not show this appointment. Right now there are no other dates added to this calendar.

So the problem is not, that there are to many dates. The problem is that the widget does not look into the future far enough. I want to see my next date, even if it is still a month to go.

1. How can I make the widget display dates that are scheduled farther in the future than it does now?
2. Is it possible to display all future dates?

Of course the display of regularly repeated dates must be limited, but I would like to see at least the next scheduled of each one.
3. What is the reason, that this is not already the case?

This seems really odd to me, because it does not look very complicated to find all the appointments in a database or sync them. To me it seems to be more work to limit those features this way.

P.S.: I just saw that the "date-list-view" of Google's calendar app (not the widget this time) does show dates, weeks ahead. I don't see any limitation. I would like the widget to behave the same way.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just downloaded off widget from Google Apps called simple calendar. once you install the widget on to your home screen then you go to the apps area and single tap on the simple calendar icon. takes you into the settings for the simple calendar widget and you will be amazed to see how many different ways you can customize the calendar. you go into one area where you can select how many days to see on your calendar. you can even mix items from several gmail accounts.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I lost *S. Planner Agenda* when upgrading to Jellybean. Can't find it anywhere at Playstore.

Just download Agenda Widget for Android. I spent a few hours during some downtime mucking around with it, because it was addictive just working with the settings. It's free at the store. Can display up to 150 lines of future dates / events. "everybody all the time" is listed as the creator.

They have a paid version too; less than $2 AUD. I still can't work out the paid version benefits. I just wish they also brought back Google Calendar Sync, it synced my home computer Outlook calendar with Gmail calendar, my wife's iPhone calendar, and my Galaxy S2 now running Jellybean.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, calendar, app-widgets, google-calendar
---


title: Vibration- Samsung Galaxy Ace

text:
# Question
Title: Vibration- Samsung Galaxy Ace
Can anyone guide me or advise on how to disable the in-built vibration for holding down on the screen whilst copy/paste to the clipboard?

Have searched in Settings and cannot find it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've checked the settings in my devices as I knew I've seen it somewhere.

* On my Tabbies with 4.1.1: nothing found.
* My Wildfire with 4.0.4 running CyanogenMod 9.1 has it in the Audio/Tone menu as *Vibrate on touch*
* my Milestone 2 (CM7.2/Gingerbread) has it at the same place as *haptic feedback*
* LG Optimus 4X (aka LG-P880) running stock 4.0.3: Again same place, *Vibrate on touch*

So the location of this setting seems to be quite clear -- but some manufacturers seem to have the setting removed/hidden. If your device belongs to that group, take a look at Spare Parts Plus! (no ads), which offers this setting at the end of its main screen as *haptic feedback* (the app is free and has no ads).

# Answer
> 0 votes
On my Galaxy S3, the Haptic Feedback (Vibrate when soft keys are pressed and on certain UI interactions) is part of the Sound Settings. I never have them on, but to test for this question, turned it on, and performed a copy/paste operation to encounter what you felt. It was successful, so undo it by going to sound, and disabling Haptic Feedback.

# Answer
> -1 votes
If you dwn load the nq smart booster app when using the app to optimize the battery ,the haptic appears and u can enable or disable it accordingly, its does not appear in d settings.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace, haptic-feedback
---


title: How to sync Nexus 4 and Nexus 7?

text:
# Question
Title: How to sync Nexus 4 and Nexus 7?
I have the both Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 devices. I want them to have the same (at least similar) list of installed applications and their settings. How can I synchronize them, so that I do not need to install and set everything up two times?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Android lets you backup settings & data for installed apps, but doesn't have a straightforward way to sync the actual installation of them. If you prefer not to manually search/install each app from the device itself (it gets really tedious) you can do what I do:

1) Go to https://play.google.com/apps to view the apps which are already installed on one device. Select the app you want to transfer over to view it's details page.

2) If the app is compatible with both devices (most probably will be but not all) click the button that says `INSTALLED`.

3) Select the other device where you want to install it and click `INSTALL`.

You'll still have to repeat this for each app you want to carry across, but I've found it to be much easier to do it with a mouse in a web browser than searching/installing

---
Tags: sync, nexus-7, nexus-4
---


title: Very long boot time on my Galaxy Nexus

text:
# Question
Title: Very long boot time on my Galaxy Nexus
My Galaxy Nexus 4.0.2 takes over three minutes to boot. Is this normal? Is it supposed to take this long to boot? Why does it take so long?

# Answer
My Galaxy Nexus (I9250, GSM version) with Android 4.02 definitely doesn't take that long to boot.

Just switched mine off to test, and from off it takes just under a minute to get to the SIM card PIN unlock code screen (and after entering my PIN it goes straight to the pattern lock with my normal wallpaper).
> 2 votes

# Answer
You may have encrypted your phone contents. Both of my phones take a lot longer to boot since having to decrypt on start-up.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, boot
---


# Question
Title: How do I get offline voice detection on my tablet running JB (4.1.1)?
I just got myself a budget tablet (Halo Value) from "Swipe Telecom", and I was wondering how I can get offline speech recognition on it, since JB should support it.

My language is set to English (US), and I can't seem to find any option to download offline voice recognition files. I looked under `Settings > Language & input > Google voice typing settings` and it has just one option, to block offensive words. Under voice search settings, I have "speech output", "block offensive words" and "Hotword Detection".

Any ideas how to get offline voice recognition on the tab?

# Answer
> 4 votes
There's a tutorial on How to Activate Offline Voice Typing on Jelly Bean which you could follow. Here's an excerpt:

1. Open the *system settings* of the device.
2. Go to *language and placing.*
3. Make a tap on *voice search.*
4. Now do a tap on *Download ricon. VOC. offline.*
5. With a swype moved *All* tab and select your language, it will begin the download of the package.
6. Eventually the card *INSTALLED* will appear.

Now you should be able to use voice input in offline mode.

Just in case, here are several additional howtos:

.

---

From the first "additional link", the description looks a bit different:

1. Go to *Settings*
2. Go to *Languages and Input*
3. Check if the language is selected as *English(US)*. If not, then set it.
4. In the *Inputs*, look if the option *Google Voice Typing* is checked. If not, then check it.
5. Select the *gear icon* beside the Google Voice Typing. This will take you to the voice typing settings.
6. In the *Choose Input Language*, uncheck automatic and select *English(US)*.
7. Below, in the *Download Offline Speech Recognition* option, select *English(US)*.
8. After the download completes, close the settings.
9. Go anywhere for typing, like Messaging.
10. Select the little *gear icon* in the bottom left area. This will give the option of selecting Voice Typing.
11. Speak out your words clearly and the device will type it out even if Internet Connection is Inactive.

You should be able to do this with other languages as well (e.g. *English(UK)*) -- just make sure they match in all places.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, voice-recognition, offline
---


# Question
Title: My HTC One X seems to be self destructing after Jelly Bean update
I upgraded to Jelly Bean on my AT&T HTC One X last month, and ever since then it's like my phone has just given up on life.

I had to upgrade through the installer package from the HTC Website and was walked through the process by HTC tech support.

Things that have been happening:

* **HD Widgets** would stop working off and on, the widgets I've had on the screen would simply disappear
* **Tasker** crashes constantly and profiles don't work. I have used this app on my last 2 phones as well as on the HTC One X since I got it back in Nov.
* **Swype** is no longer my keyboard and no matter what I do I can't seem to get it back.
* *most importantly* : My microphone quit working on phone calls. It still works on speakerphone, but no longer works normalls.
* *Other various weird happenings here and there*. I swear it's like my phone is haunted or has become sentient and given up on life.

These are all apps I have used for a very long time and have never had issues with. At least 2 of them are very popular and respectable apps. (I would link to them, but Google Play is unfortunately blocked at work)

My phone is **not** rooted. I have not dropped my phone in water or even dropped it on the ground. Literally nothing major has changed in the past 2-3 months except the Jelly Bean update about a month ago.

If you need any more information to help me get pointed in the right direction to resolve my issues, please let me know.

# Answer
If those problems started right away after the update: did the update process include a factory-reset? If not (and nothing else helps), this might be your chance:

Backup all things you can backup (luckily on JB that's not too big an issue, see Full Backup of non-rooted devices -- but I recommend to have all your apps into separate packages, as otherwise a full restore might bring back your problems). Then do a factory-reset.

Before restoring anything, check if your problems are gone. Then restore your apps one-by-one (just to make sure to not bring back the problem).

As for the backup process: check with Helium - App Sync and Backup, this is the easiest way to go. You can mark all your apps, make sure to check that `.apk` files are included (by default, *Helium* only backups data), and give it a go. *Helium* creates separate backup archives per-app, so you can restore them separately. Make a copy of the backup folder to your PC, just in case -- if restoring via *Helium* should fail for any reason, this still gives you the chance to use `adb restore` via USB.

**Background:** It might very well be that some settings got messed up on update. A will erase all your apps and data, plus the Dalvik-Cache (optimized app code -- this might be the culprit if it doesn't 100% match the new Android version), so all settings revert to "default". Your Android system ROM (JellyBean) will not be reverted to what you had before, so no worries for that :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, htc-one-x
---


# Question
Title: How to automatically connect to a wiFi network and turn off 4g LTE
I'd like my Samsumg Galaxy S4 verizon phone to be able to connect to my preferred wifi networks (office and home) automatically, while at the same time turn off the 4G LTE data plan.

As of right now, I have it set up such that it'd connect auto to wifi, but when I am connected to wifi I still see the 4g LTE active. I could deactivate the 4G LTE and activate it later, but I am looking for a way to do this automatically, no user involved.

Any ideas?

# Answer
Usually, mobile data should be turned off automatically by the system when WiFi is connected. If you're sure it's mobile data which is on, you could try some tools to handle this, e.g. Tasker (Condition: WiFi connected, Task: mobile data off), or Llama - Location Profiles (here I don't know the steps, but it can do that as well).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, data-connection, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: Can I use the internal storage in the Wildfire S to store music and photos?
I have a Wildfire S for a couple of weeks while my actual phone is off for repair. I can't use the camera or anything like that because it just says "Insert SD Card". If I look at the storage I can see there is plenty available.

I don't want to buy an SD card just for this temporary phone - my Galaxy S2 has never had this problem.

Can I use the ample internal storage available or will I have to shell out?

# Answer
The Wildfire S only has 512MB of internal flash. None of this austere allotment is allocated to a user storage partition like is done on the Galaxy S2, S3, etc.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: camera, storage, htc-wildfire-s
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S3 requesting network security key when tethering
My S3 (Jellybean) was suddenly no longer recognised by my PC when plugged in via USB. I solved that by debugging using *Developer Options* as advised in another thread, which allowed the driver to be installed... again (thank you).

But now if I try to use it as a hot-spot via USB tethering, I'm prompted to enter a network security key.

Previously it just connected without the need for this and furthermore, I don't know where I would find such a key since I didn't set it up in the first place.

Help anyone?

# Answer
Go to `setting > more settings > tethering` now enable tethering. On same screen tap tethering again, not to turn off, so tap to the left of the tether on switch. A screen opens, go to bottom left corner and tap configure. Scroll down you will see a password field, tap the show password then copy and paste the password to notepad or write it down. When your laptop asks for a security key enter password. I did this for the first time in ten minutes.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Once you have activated tethering you can select the "Portable Wifi hotspot" row on the *left side* in the tethering menu to get an information page. From the information page there is a configuration menu to add specific allowed devices to connect, and to configure the SSID and password of the tethering Wifi Hotspot.

I find this is confusing/misleading because in the same row there is also the tethering activation/deactivation button on the *right side* so to me it is counter-intuitive that other elements in the same row would also have actions associated with them.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I don't think you can use hotspot through USB. May be it is asking for your wifi hotspot password. Which you can find in 'Tethering and Portable hotspot' settings.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, usb-tethering
---