# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy J1 will not play music from my SD card
I have purchased a Samsung Galaxy J1 and it will not read any of my music from my SD card. My photos show up but no music. SD card worked okay in the last phone.

I have tried to download music players and MP3 conversions but nothing works. Staff at Spark said that they have no idea what to do.

Please help.

# Answer
Copy the songs to your SD card, while connecting your mobile to the PC and try to play these songs. Also try using TTPod music player as the inbuilt Samsung music player won't support the different formats.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem and it turned out to be the file format of my music which is not supported on the Samsung Galaxy J1.

I installed the PowerAmp app from the Play Store and I can now play my music. PowerAmp plays just about every type of music file. There is a trial version which lasts two weeks so you can test to see if it works for you. The full version costs £2.99 when you are satisfied that it works, and want to buy the full app.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, external-sd, music
---


# Question
Title: How do I get rid of mysterious stuff displayed on my cellular's screen?
There is tiny writing listing currently running systems and a red frame around my screen and a white dot wherever I touch the screen and a thin white and red line blocking my notification bar with writing that looks like stock market listings. How do I get rid of all these items?

# Answer
You most likely switched on several feedback settings in *Settings→Developer Options*:

Developer Options (Source: AndroidAdvices.Com)

In these screenshots the reason for the "white dot" wherever you touch the screen is already marked. Additionally, you probably have enabled "Show CPU usage" as well (right screenshot, lower third). Just turn everything off here which you don't know what it's for; by default, nothing is checked in this menu.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Settings → Developer options → *Uncheck* Show layout boundaries.
> -1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


title: Cannot write files to sd card

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot write files to sd card
A few days ago, my sd card became unusable. I tried to copy a few mp3's from my laptop (win 7) to my phone (Samsung S2 plus, running android 4.2.2) and the load bar didn't even move an inch. Eventually I got an error saying "This file cannot be copied. 1) Try again 2) Abort".

The most annoying part is that I backed up and deleted all files (to clean the sd card) an hour earlier, and now nothing works. I tried writing files using usb cable over both MTP and camera mode, without any results. I tried apps on the phone, and still the same error. The sd card is inserted correctly and does not appear to be damaged.

I have heard about the kitkat not being able to write files to sd card (like this forum post) but I think that is only for android 4.4. I have been running 4.2 for a while now, and have never faced this issue before. Phone works perfectly except sdcard.

EDIT: My phone actually tried to launch a software update, but since I wasn't connected to a WIFI nothing happened, no loading bar and no update was started.

# Answer
## How to find out what's going on

As this problem can have many causes, it's important to first figure out the real culprit. Without knowing that, attempted solutions are nothing but guesswork, and the process nothing but try-and-err. So here are a few steps:

1. **Is it a hardware error on the card?**
Put the card in a different device. It the same problems occur there, we can rule out your problem is with the device, and it's rather the card.
2. **Is the card corrupted?**
You can put the card in a card reader, attach it to your computer, and have it checked there. With a terminal app, you could try the same from within your device, using the `/sbin/fsck.vfat` tool – but on your computer, graphical tools might assist you.
3. **Check the Android logs for related errors:**
Our logging tag-wiki gives you some hints on how to do this. Especially useful might be our question on How can I view and examine the Android log?

The third step lead directly to the cultprit(s) in your case: corrupted files. Deleting those made the card usable again. So next, let's check a few possible causes:

## What could be possible culprits?

1. **the card could be physically corrupted.**
In this case, the same errors should occur on other devices, and as well on your computer when using a card reader. Only solution for this is to replace the card with a new one, as a "physical repair" is not possible.
2. **there might be problems with the contacts.**
Here a few things could be tried, like cleaning the contacts of the card. If the same problem occurs with any card you put in your device, it's rather the device itself – in which case you'd have to send it in for service.
3. **logical corruption of the cards :**
The file system can get corrupted. This e.g. happens when you disconnect the card without cleanly unmounting it first. While in such a case the same problems should show up in any device using the card, some might be "more tolerant" on errors than others. So it doesn't hurt to check the file-system for errors – see step 2 in "How to find out" for checking. If there are errors found, the same tools usually can solve them. Re-Formatting the card would be a last resort for this as well.
4. **corrupted *files* on the card:**
The card might be physically perfect, and have no issues in the file-system. But in some cases, corrupted files might led to problems as well – especially if occuring on "central files" Android is always looking for on the card when it's mounted (in the `/Android` subdirectory, or while scanning for media). If you can read the card using a card-reader on your PC, you can make a backup there and then format the card – copying the files back one-by-one until the error occurs again, and then skip those corrupted files. Easier approach is the one you've taken on my recommendation in the comments: check Androids logs (see step 3 on "How to find out"), and simply delete the culprits (again, via a card reader – as you cannot do so on the device itself, which doesn't correctly mount the card anymore).

## Possible solutions

have already be mentioned along the lines, together with the related causes:

* cleaning the contacts of the card
* checking the card for file-system errors and, if there are any, have them repaired
* formatting the card1
* checking the Android logs for other hints (e.g. corrupted files, which then should be removed)

---

**1:** remark: switching to an alternative file-system type does not affect whether formatting helps, but rather might lead to additional issues – as not all file-system types are supported by Android. Which are, differs from device to device, and depends on the used: VFAT is the default shipping with most cards, and hence always supported. EXTFS is mostly supported as Android uses it internally (but might not be automatically detected, as it's not expected here). Other types such as NTFS or HFS are very unlikely to be supported
> 2 votes

# Answer
If partition is formatted as ext2 and mounted as ext4, then you can only read partition. Check your mounting script!
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try your SDcard with other mobile or a card reader. Make sure its properly working.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, sd-card, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: How do I discover the latest Android OS available for a device on a carrier?
How do I discover the latest Android OS version available through standard support channels (no manual rooting or reflashing) for a device? In particular, I am interested in the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for Verizon. Note, I am not interested in actually installing, just in finding what is available.

# Answer
If you're not rooting or manually flashing, just call Verizon, they'll tell you the latest version they have available. It's almost certain to be the same that's already there, unless the device has been stored for a good while and thus kept from getting a pushed upgrade.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, ota-update, android-versions, operating-system
---


# Question
Title: How to watch photo sphere taken on another device offline on android?
# Short

I have taken several photo spheres on my old Nexus 5.

Now I have migrated to the new Nexus 5x, how can I watch the photo spheres offline?

# Detail

Since the mobile internet is really limited (something like 2 gigs per month if you're lucky, my private account has 500 megs) I don't want to use a large part of this contingent just for viewing one single sphere. And W-Lan isn't always available.

Furthermore: The downloading time is really annoying, it takes so long even with a fast (100 mbit) internet connection via wlan - I'd like to zap through the spheres just like I did on my old Nexus 5.

I only use google's own "Photos" App and google's cardboard app for viewing a photo sphere. They don't seem to chache anything, as soon as I switch off wlan and mobile data spheres that I have just opened a moment ago using wlan are not available.

I found no matching entry in the preferences of the "Photos" App and the "Help and Support" pages are just as helpful. This is getting really frustrating and I'm starting to wonder how stupid an app can be :-(

There is an option to "Download" the spheres but all that this would give me is a plane image.

# My Motivation

Actually I'd like to show my family these spheres using the pretty decent card board vr :)

# Answer
In answering my own question, got the answer on https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/photos/SbXGsiE7HLE Pasting it here anyway so anyone else stumbling over this post gets it as well :-)

Downloaded Photo Spheres will be opened by the card board app as spheres rather than plane images.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: photos, google-plus-photos, google-photos
---


# Question
Title: Hard Reset and Factory Reset is not working anymore
When I am trying to do factory reset, my phone only restart. And I cant perform Hard reset because if I want to go to recovery mode, it will restart only. I seems like the recovery mode is destroyed. Is there any solution in this problem? .

phone specs(According to CPU-Z)

;ChinaPhone

:Hardware: MT6572

:Android 4.4.2

:Root Access: Yes

. -\>recently, I can perform this two methods and I can Access recovery mode(power+volume up), but suddenly it goes like that. PLS HELP!!

# Answer
although I'm not sure but try pressing the power button the home button and the volume down at the same time after you've turned off your cellphone and then use the volume up and down keys to select factory reset but you have to remember the gmail synced to your device and the password to be able to re-use it
> 0 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, hard-reset
---


# Question
Title: Revenant folders on my Nexus 7 (flo) - how to track down the culprit?
This may have been going on for a while, but I have only noticed a few weeks ago.

There are some folders **inside** the `Downloads` folder (i.e. subfolders and subsubfolders) which originally contained documents meant for a particular period and thus were named after year and month (e.g. `2014-05`).

They contained documents which I have read in apps like *Moon+ Reader*.

I deleted those (sub)subfolders many times now, but they keep coming back.

My first hunch was: "oh, somehow *Moon+ Reader* must have registered them in its DB and keeps recreating them". So I decided to use the rudimentary file browser included in that app and removed the folders there. Yet, after every reboot they keep reappearing.

How can I track down the culprit? Is *Moon+ Reader* perhaps known to behave like that?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have now been able to confirm without doubt that indeed *Moon+ Reader* is responsible for the folders reappearing after deletion.

The problem is that I've come up empty-handed when looking for a database or text file related to *Moon+ Reader* which contains the names of those folders.

Meanwhile I have moved my books into the `Books` folder instead of leaving it in a subfolder of `Download`, but now the whole folder hierarchy inside `Download` which was used by *Moon+ Reader* keeps reappearing.

Unfortunately even rating the app requires a Google+ account which I will not create and there is no support contact given. So no way to report this issue back. But I am thinking about extracting the app and trying to find the offending code to add more details here.

---
Tags: nexus-7, moon-reader
---


# Question
Title: Where is Emulator settings is Android Studio 1.5.1?
I take on-line course https://class.coursera.org/androidpart1-011/ and have many troubles with setup.

IDE (on Linux host) uses `/opt/android-sdk-linux/tools/emulator` which after some checks run `emulator64-x86` which doesn't work! 32-bit version work great.

Also PulseAudio code in Emulator purely written and leads to 100% CPU load.

Also official docs suggest add `-qemu -enable-kvm` options.

So I need a way to change path to `emulator` executable and/or pass additional options:

```
-force-32bit -noaudio -qemu -enable-kvm

```

Intellij have special tab for this settings: https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/help/run-debug-configuration-android-application.html

But I can't see Emulator tub in Android Studio 1.5.1:

Where is Emulator settings is Android Studio 1.5.1 (shame Google for frustrating GUI)?

**PS** Can any high score user add `android-studio` tag to question?

# Answer
Hm... I need to downgrade to version 1.4:

or wait for fix to:
> 1 votes

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Tags: pc-studio
---


title: Android/HTC One screen anomaly?

text:
# Question
Title: Android/HTC One screen anomaly?
I was wondering what has happened to my HTC One. Is it a hardware issue or an Android/software issue?

The screen has usually moved half way between when I enter and exit any app. Since a picture speaks a thousand words:

Notice in the picture/screenshot from my phone, that I have a partial view of both screens. That is strange and I am not sure what the problem is.

# Answer
It most certainly is not a hardware related issue. I would begin by rebooting the device.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Change your font size, that fixes the same problem for me.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: screen, htc-one
---


# Question
Title: Transfering my contacts from old phone to a new phone
How do I copy all my contacts and messages from my old Android to a new Android phone?

I downloaded Wondershare but the trial version only transfers 1st 5 numbers. Linking the phone to my PC only the SD card details are shown. Contacts and messages may be in the phone memory which I can't access.

How do I go about it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
When you add a new contact, your phone asks you where to store it (Phone, SIM, Google account). **You can store your contacts in your Google account so when you sign in on another device, it will import your contacts.**

For backing up SMS messages you can use **SMS BackUp+** or a similar app.

For more detailed explanation you can refer to HowToGeek's article on SMS backup.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go to phone dialer menu-\> import/export-\> export to storage. After this is done, you can find a file with VCF extension on the SD card. In the new phone, import the file and select that file from the stored location and that's it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sign in to your Google account enter your Gmail account on your new phone and all your contacts will appear. Or just import contacts from the SD card on the phone dialer menu

---
Tags: contacts, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: My Phone Installed a Duplicate System on Top of Existing One. Uninstall How?
My phone has been randomly restarting by itself and after its last restart, the screen showed the "New Phone" setup wizard like what you'd see when you get a new phone.

I went through the setup process since it wouldn't go away despite force restarting or removing the batteries. Now my media files from my then existing system are invisible when you check gallery, but the internal storage still says it's fully occupied.

It's a Note 4 T-Mobile Lollipop 5.0.1 N910T and it installed/duplicated that same OS version I currently had on top of my existing system (not Note 4's factory android version of KitKat). It installed a duplicate new clean slate of the phone with only the native apps it came with, while the memory still seemingly has my files but are **hidden (or encrypted?)** and not classified as anything else but just "Others" when you check it in the My Files app. It's no longer asking for **my then screenlock password or fingerprints since it's booting the duplicate install.**

How do I uninstall only this duplicate system and **recover** my files? I had some files not synced in the cloud when it happened so I didn't want to do a factory reset yet. I've tried Kies and SamsungSwitch to explore the phone and **all the folders would just show up empty yet still say the internal memory is fully occupied (~23GB out of the 24 usable GB).** The external microSD's files can be read just fine. Tried calling Samsung and they don't know how either. Screenshot below shows that the phone can see its memory is full but couldn't classify the files in it so it just says "**Others**" (gray bar; the "SD Card" in the graph stands for the External MicroSD)

When explored via PC (Win), folders are empty (pointing to that duplicate install, while the existing files seem to be hidden:

Screenshot of My Files app showing internal HD is full but could not distinguish what those invisible files are, Gallery is also empty. The "SD card" stands for the external MicroSD files which had no issues and I can access just fine:

Screenshot (click to enlarge)

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'd try to do a full backup of your entire phone contents as is with Kies, save to your desktop computer, then factory reset and start over and use Kies to try and selectively restore the data you're trying to recover.

According to a thread on xda here when using Kies Restore it extracts all contents of the .sbu backup file to `C:\Users\{LogonName}\Documents\samsung\Kies\sbu\temp\{NumberID}\{Files Extracted}` which you could try to explore and see if you can access the data from there.

---
Tags: data-recovery, encryption, restore, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: Acquire Android image using flash drive OTG
In Linux, the `dd` command is used to pull the image from the smartphone to computer. And of course, the smartphone need to be rooted before the `dd` command launched.

1. Is there any specific command or script to be put on the flash drive, to acquire image of Android smartphone and store the acquired image to the flash drive On-The-Go?
2. How to make it the operation automatically run after the flash drive is inserted? For example: Once I insert the flash drive into Android smartphone, the `dd` command run automatically and the acquired image stored to flash drive.

Edit : For Forensic purpose, i would like to minimize footprint process such as installing any apps before the flash drive inserted.

# Answer
> Is there any specific command or script to be put on the flash drive, to acquire image of Android smartphone and store the acquired image to the flash drive On-The-Go?

Nope. No special command or script is needed other than `cat` or `dd`, the binaries thankfully Android comes with.

Often, the auto mount point of a flash drive is `/mnt/usbotg` (may differ for your device), so the command would be

```
dd if=/dev/block/BLOCK_DEVICE of=/mnt/usbotg/FILENAME.img

```

Replace `BLOCK_DEVICE` with the block file's name (the partition you want to copy). It may start with `mmcblk`.

If required, see How to list all major partitions with their labels?

> How to make it the operation automatically run after the flash drive is inserted? For example: Once i insert the flash drive into Android Smartphone, the dd command run automatically and the acquired image stored to flash drive. (*sic*)

Unless you're planning to inject a BadUSB into the Android device, you would need an app. I found Tasker and Automagic suitable for the job. Both are paid apps with free trial version available on their site.

# Tasker

Here is a simple complete profile:

* Profile: State → Hardware USB Connected → Mass Storage
* Task: (Actions):

+ Code → Run Shell:

    - Command: `dd if=/dev/block/BLOCK_DEVICE of=/mnt/usbotg/FILENAME.img`
        - check Use Root

This should be enough but I prefer to add some glitters here and there. I would wait for 10 seconds after flash drive is mounted before executing the command. I would also give visual indication to myself that Tasker is running the countdown.

All of this can be done by following this simple procedure:

+ Set a variable to maximum length of countdown (Variables → Variable Set)
    + Wait for 1 second (Task → Wait)
    + Subtract 1 from the remaining of variable (Variables → Variable Subtract)
    + Cancel any Tasker notification (Alert → Notify Cancel)
    + Give visual indication of countdown (Alert → Notify → include variable in Title or Text)
    + Repeat the said steps (exclude variable set) for countdown (Task → Goto → Action Number: 2)
    + Run the command (Code → Run Shell)

This would work. However, the moment you plug your flash drive into your device, Tasker would seek confirmation whether to continue with this flash drive or not. It can remember the device for future correspondence.

# Automagic

Automagic would introduce you with a mandatory *know-how*, so details are not important here. The basic flow would need:

* Trigger: Storage Media Event; Event: Mounted
* Action: Execute Root Command → fill the details

Activate the flow and Automagic's service, and test the flow.

There is one major caveat here. There is no differentiation between the type of storage connected, hence, your flow may trigger if you inject SD card too.

**Note:** Rather than keeping the command inside the apps, you can keep it under a script and place it in your flash drive. Configure your automation app to confirm whether the script exists in the mounted flash drive and if yes, execute it. For confirmation, Tasker already has Read File action. Else, `ls "YOUR_SCRIPT"` should help.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: linux, usb-on-the-go, command-line, scripts
---


# Question
Title: Application transfer from internal memory to SD card in Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360
How to move applications from internal memory of Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360 to SD card without adding any applications?

# Answer
Format the SD card as ext2. Move folders to the SD card with a file manager. Make symlinks in the original location so that the OS can still see the files there. Would be easier to let an app do this for you...

*Edit* yes you will definitely need root access to do this.

I have done it using apps aparted and link2sd.

I think the OP should give more info about why the use of apps is unacceptable, because it does make life more difficult. In fact, if OP does not already have a terminal Emulator installed, then I think it will only be possible at all if OP can get shell access through adb shell.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, app2sd
---


# Question
Title: Can HTC Thunderbolt's LTE not be turned off?
I'm going to buy a Thunderbolt and I've heard that you can't turn LTE off on it. Is that true? If so, is there any workarounds for it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
\** This tip should no be used if you're afraid of access phone features not advise by your carrier\**

How to toggle LTE on your thunderbolt (the hard way) This solution will allow you to toggle LTE because those if us with LTE are experiencing horrible battery life. This method will allow you to turn off LTE use and scanning which has increased my battery life 4 fold (8+ hours on a fufull charge with regular use while not using an app for battery effiency)

1. Access your dialer
2. Enter the code "*#*#4636#*#*"
3. Select "phone information"
4. Scroll down to "set preferred network type"
5. Select 'EvDo only" or "CDMA only" it "CDMA auto" This will disable the LTE radio.

To reactivate LTE:

1. Steps 1-4
2. Select "LTE Mode"
3. Open the menu again and select "CDMA+LTE/EvDo auto"

thanks to this forum

---
Tags: 4g, htc-thunderbolt
---


# Question
Title: Android Composite ADB Interface Windows 8 driver for iRulu U2?
I downloaded and installed via Android SDK Manager (rev 24.2) the latest Google USB Driver (rev 11).

`adb devices` works well with my `Nexus S G4` (Android 4.1.2) and is able to list it without any problem.

`adb devices` cannot detect my `iRulu U2` (Android 4.4.4).

On my PC's Device Manager it shows up as `MT65xx Android Phone`:

iRulu's website is of no help: The list on http://www.irulu.com/DownLoad/driver is cryptic and when I finally guessed a search term *"driver"*, it found one item:

`MTKDriver_Auto_Installer_EXE_v1.1236.00`

I downloaded it but upon attempt to install it, Device Manager's wizard complains that it is unsigned.

Any idea where I can find a USB driver that works with the `iRulu U2`?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Answering my own question:

After much search I found this post by Koushik Dutta who kindly shared his own developed `Universal ADB Driver`.

In there I found the installer (UniversalAdbDriverSetup6.msi) and the source code for it.

After running it, my iRulu U2 is now recognized by Device Manager as `HTC Android Interface`:

# Answer
> 0 votes
Can't comment (need 50 points) so I am posting this as an answer complementing the OP:

These specifications state that the iRulu U2's SoC (system on chip) is `MediaTek MT6582V/X` and its CPU is ARM Cortex-A7, 1300 MHz (4 Cores).

This phone looks like a clone of "something more supported" (LG G3?), so to find a compatible driver, perhaps one has to look for a well known brand phone with specs similar to this:

* **Dimensions**: 69.2 x 135.2 x 8.5 mm
* **Weight**: 143 g
* **SoC**: MediaTek MT6582V/X
* **CPU**: ARM Cortex-A7, 1300 MHz, Cores: 4
* **GPU**: ARM Mali-400 MP2, 500 MHz, Cores: 2
* **RAM**: 1 GB, 533 MHz
* **Storage**: 8 GB
* **Memory cards**: microSD, microSDHC
* **Display**: 5 in, IPS, 540 x 960 pixels, 24 bit
* **Battery**: 2000 mAh, Li-Ion
* **OS**: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
* **Camera**: 4128 x 3096 pixels, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 30 fps
* **SIM card**: Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM
* **Wi-Fi**: b, g, n, Wi-Fi Hotspot
* **USB**: 2.0, Micro USB
* **Bluetooth**: 4.0
* **Positioning**: GPS, A-GPS

More specifically, look at this Wikipedia list:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_devices\_using\_Mediatek\_SoCs#MT6582

And even more specific to the MediaTek MT6582**V/X**:

e.g. Gionee Ctrl V5, Gionee Pioneer P4, Intex Aqua Life, Obi Boa S503, Fly Evo Energy 4. All "no name" brands, just like the iRulu U2.

---
Tags: adb, usb-drivers
---


# Question
Title: How to remove login popups when connected to a wifi network?
At my school there is a wifi network that blocks most websites. You don't need to log in, you simply connect and start browsing. But periodically a login page pops up. The problem is, this login page is also blocked by the network. So, all I can do is go back out of that page, and it will reappear every now and then.

Is there any way to disable the login page?

# Answer
I don't think there is a method for doing this (though I stand to be corrected). I believe that Android only shows this page when it detects a login request from the network. Maybe your school network frequently refreshes its login keys whether it requires a login or not which causes Android to react by bringing up the page?
> -1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, proxy
---


# Question
Title: Android device manager - remote erase phone's data
I'm accidentally press the remote erase, and my phone memory and SD card memory data has gone. is there any way to restore my erased data?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sorry but you've remotely performed a factory reset on your phone. The only data that can be recovered is that which you've manually backed up off the device (to PC or cloud) or has been backed up automatically.

---
Tags: samsung
---


# Question
Title: Is power consumed from battery to run the phone when charging?
I want to download torrents while keeping the device plugged to charge. My device is made by Samsung.

Is the power consumed from charger, or battery, to power the device when charging? Will my battery take a hit?

# Answer
Of course your device requires power to run – whether you've set it for charging or not. Question is: Does it use more power than it gets by charging? Which depends on multiple factors:

* Your "power source". USB only charges with 500 mA (USB2) resp. 900 mA (USB3), A/C with up to 2 A.
* Your devices power consumption. Depending on what it's doing. Display turned on max brightness already uses more than USB can provide, recording/playing HD videos takes bit bites, and even a WiFi download might exceed that (see the table in my answer here for some example values).

So in your case, all depends on the power source. If it's USB, it might just "hold the charge", get a "trickle" or lose "a trickle" or more when downloading on WiFi – or probably constanly lose charge when on mobile data.1

Btw: Your device might get quite hot in either case :)

**Edit:** Reading your question again after the discussion in the comments, it looks like I've missed a major part of it. Asking whether the "battery will take a hit", you most likely wanted to know if "torrenting while charging" causes any harm to your battery. Hard to say absolutely, as it depends on device an battery; but a good indicator is "temperature". Batteries used today are mostly Lithium Ion (LiIo), seconded by Lithium Polymer (LiPo). Both have in common not to like "extreme temperatures". So if in the process the device gets hot, that's an indicator your battery might not like that for long.

For details, please also see our tag-wiki and tag-wiki. Both give general information on them.

---

**1:** Note that the values in the linked post are exemplary only; your device might differ, but relations will be comparable.
> 18 votes

# Answer
Tests done to arrive at the answer posted below were correct but the interpretation of results was erroneous on my part. This was validated by two sources including Battery University and based on the correct interpretation and additional inputs a separate answer has been posted. This also helps in readability and understanding

---

Power is consumed by the phone from the battery when charging, if in use, as in your case.

Point to understand here is that two simultaneous processes are happening, of topping up and draining. If the battery charging algorithm and implementation in OS is not well designed and implemented, there's a possibility that this situation ends up "confusing" the charger process into thinking it is supplying less charging current when it is not.

Hence a safe practice is NOT to use the battery when it is being charged. While I cannot talk authoritatively about your phone battery being hit, better to stick to safe practices in interests of battery life

Quoting from Charging Li ion batteries, which gives a view of three stages of battery charging and current/ voltage behaviour in these stages (emphasis mine to highlight)

"Some portable devices sit in a charge cradle in the on position. The current drawn through the device is called the **parasitic load** and can distort the charge cycle. Battery manufacturers advise against parasitic loads while charging because it induces mini-cycles, but this cannot always be avoided...."

"A portable device should be turned off during charge. This allows the battery to reach the set voltage threshold and current saturation point unhindered. A **parasitic load confuses the charger** by depressing the battery voltage and preventing the current in the saturation stage to drop low by drawing a leakage current. A battery may be fully charged, but the prevailing conditions will prompt a continued charge, causing stress."

Link posted from "Battery University", has many other informative articles on battery charging which may help

**EDIT**

Want to add diagram from Battery University link above and explain the impact of "parasitic load":

Three stages of charging (click image to enlarge)

In this typical example, charging completely is shown to take little over 3 hours with "saturation stage", accounting for 2 hours.

In the saturation stage, the voltage add to the battery is not increasing and the current is steadily decreasing.

Now, when you are downloading a torrent , assuming through WiFi, it takes 550 mW (for Samsung Galaxy S3), which is heavy duty. Thanks to @izzy for pointing out the source in his answer here.

This load will definitely divert a part of current towards torrent download (am trying to determine how much ). Whatever be the exact value of that current, it will continue as long as downloading happens and the tapering of current as shown will not happen. This is the first detrimental effect

Next, because of this current, the voltage, instead of being flat, will increase and more threatening aspect is towards the end of saturation stage. Here, the voltage is expected to fall sharply once the maximum voltage is reached, but will not happen since the parasitic load (torrent load) current is not tapering. This would result in battery staying at maximum voltage, which increases the temperature internally and creates stress in battery, damaging it.

A related aspect is that cell phones are designed to discharge rapidly from 100 to say 90%, which may be noticed say compared drop time between 80 to 70%, with same usage. This is designed so that cell temperatures internally are kept at maximum for least time. More on this Your battery guage may be lying...not a bad thing

**EDIT 2**

I carried out tests using Honor 6 , and results to my mind conclusively point to saying don't use the battery while charging.

These test results are on the sister SE electrical site and am hoping to get their view on that as well. Would update here once I get more inputs

Till then,

**Don't use the phone while charging, at least for downloading or uploading or any other heavy duty (high power consuming activity).**

This appears to be better approach, since using the phone while charging can't be avoided

While I suspect device manufacturers would have catered for minimal loads or usage while on charge- I haven't been able to investigate this as it is not documented AFAIK.
> 10 votes

# Answer
Yes. Phone does use power from battery when recharging. Although thats something which would more likely depend on how phone is designed, so it may not always be true... but most phones are this way.

I am basing my answer on a test I did. I reduced the charging voltage while at the same time making my phone (my old *Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300*) use high battery by turning on wifi video streaming, full brightness, volume etc. The battery started discharging more than recharging, and gradually decreased to zero. Soon after battery reached 0, my phone automatically shut down as if the recharger was not connected (it was connected and it started recharging normally after turning off).

Not to mention I wasn't able to run while plugged in without battery.

Again, results may vary.

As for downloading torrents, there will be a slight impact. Because nothing hardware intensive is really going on. You can probably use Android's built in battery monitor to judge if your phone will make it till the download completes or not.
> 6 votes

# Answer
**Short Answer**

* *Is the power consumed from charger or battery to power the device when charging?*"- Power is consumed from the charger.
* "*I want to know if my battery will take a hit* \[while downloading torrents\]"- No

**Long and Technical Answer**

In continuation with my earlier answer quoting Battery University BU-409 Charging Lithium-ion

Noticed that there were other other questions on this site, which directly or obliquely touched upon this aspect of using mobile device /tablet while on charge

Majority of answers leaned towards saying, "it's safe", very few advocating cautious use / advising against using mobile devices at all while on charge. Answers were based on experience and / or technical factoids but lacked an in depth technical justification.

So, here's what I did to try and see how the bad guy "parasitic load"(as explained in my previous answer) troubles us:

1. Ran tests on using my device (Huawei Honor 6) while on charge with a couple of load conditions to simulate usage (more about this later)
2. Posted these test results on sister SE Electrical site with a bounty to validate interpretation of results by electrical experts.
3. Mailed **Battery University**, requesting their views on the test results. I am extremely thankful to **Bruce Huang** of Battery University who went through the test results and offered valuable insights and also for permitting me to quote his mail

### Test Setup

Airplane mode activated and running apps minimised. OEM charger and charging cable used.

Thanks to @Izzy for the table provided here, used values corresponding to Samsung Galaxy S3, since OP has a Samsung device and results may bear a closer resemblance than testing with Motorola values.

First test was charging, with cell phone kept on (ideally, it should be off as advocated but then how do I test?) and measurements taken using 3C Toolbox. 3C Toolbox was configured to record changes at every 1% change in battery status. More frequent sampling is possible but that would have drawn more power, possibly distorting test results.

Screen brightness was kept at 0% or minimumcorresponding to 567 mW from table.

Second test was with keeping screen brightness at 50% and enabling "Screen will never sleep while charging", in developer options. Reason for choosing this and not downloading follows.

a) Screen on (should) give a stable, continuous load and help catch the "parasitic load" in action.

b) WiFi download consumes 549 mW. Display at minimum brightness is 567 mW and maximum brightness is 1568 mW. Since testing is done at 50% brightness, we can perhaps average it and consider screen load to be 1058 mW, which is nearly double of downloading by WiFi and approximately equal to UMTS download (refer table), since downloading torrents was OP's concern.

### Test Results

As can be seen in the linked site having the test results voltage graph looks very different in both cases and I was sure of having nailed "parasitic load" in action. Based on this, logical interpretation was that using the device while on charge for downloading was harmful to battery.

**I was wrong in reaching this conclusion, while the tests were correct**. I had erred in not looking at the scale (Y-axis) of the graph in both cases, while concentrating on the min and max values, as pointed out by **Bruce Huang of BU and @ericnutsch** on his answer at the linked site. What this means is that both graphs are pretty much similar and not skewed as it appears.

But this exercise gave good understanding which is covered below.

### Conclusions

1. As brought out in answers on electrical site quoting technical literature of 2008 vintage, it has been the best practice to **electrically "isolate" battery and load. what this means is that the charging circuit differentiates between battery and load** (here screen power or downloading) and meets their needs separately. 8 years is a long time in electronics and I am pretty sure all major OEM device manufacturers have implemented this if not improved on it as also suggested in the answers of linked site (does this explain why devices are shipped without a warning saying " Don't use the phone while charging ?). And if the load is significant enough, it could impact charging time. Quoting Bruce Huang verbatim

> Since the charge current is smaller with screen on, it should take longer time to charge the battery. From the chart provided, I can't tell if the "Constant current charge time" is longer or shorter (he is referring to the current charts in the test results).

To further verify this, I ran a third test. This was also charging with the screen on but the brightness was reduced to the lowest level permitted by ROM. This renders the screen almost opaque. This was to ensure that device is on while consuming least power possible. Pro version of Darker(Screen Filter) permits you to do this . Results:

a) Charging took 5 minutes less than earlier two tests.

b) Voltage and Current graphs were similar to previous tests.

An easy analogy (not technically rigorous) to understand - consider a tap (*Charger*) connected by a pipe to water a flower bed (*Battery*). Now you want to fill a cistern (*load or using the phone while charging*). So you fit a contraption to the tap using which two pipes can be connected independently (*electrical isolation*). Depending on the size of cistern, it may be filled before the flower bed is watered or may delay the time taken to fill the flower bed.

This **answers first part of OP question** "*Is the power consumed from charger or battery to power the device when charging?*"

2. "**Parasitic Load and Current drop**". Battery University says

> "A parasitic load confuses the charger by depressing the battery voltage and preventing the current in the saturation stage to drop low by drawing a leakage current."

Quoting Bruce Huang verbatim (emphasis mine)

> I don't think the parasitic load is going to prevent the current drop forever. I guess the parasitic load only delay the current drop for a period of time. **In this test, the parasitic load may be too small (turning on screen with 50% brightness is not huge load)** to create a significant delay to the current drop.

This fully explains why the current drop is similar in both cases and not different since parasitic load was not significant enough.

This answers **second part of OP question** "*I want to know if my battery will take a hit* \[while downloading torrents\]"

3. Does this mean we can do anything with the cell while it is on charge? **I am afraid not**. Implementation of charging circuit, their tolerances, characteristics etc would vary from device to device and among OEMs. This does not imply you can pretty much do anything when charging. Device specific details being proprietary, are not likely be available on public domain nor provided on request.

Hence, I would not recommend using the cell while on charge for intensive, power hungry applications (just to be on the safer side) using Izzy's table as a guide, if you really care for your battery. Besides keeping your hands off the cell for a couple of hours a day would give you a break too :-)
> 6 votes

# Answer
I had some phones that I connected to the charger and then removed the battery, and the phone would still work normally as if the battery was inside.

At best, it is possible that you can sustain your whole phone only from the charger, but that is device dependant I think.

Regarding device getting hot while charging and being in use - theres a chip that regulates the current inside, so it's not the battery that is getting hot, its the chip that has to handle charging + discharging at the same time.
> 1 votes

# Answer
One word answer : "Yes"

Yes smartphones use your battery while in use even when on charging,

> But it is not a good practice to use mobile while charging because it Slowly kills your battery life.
> 0 votes

# Answer
There are lots of answers that are right and go into depth. But IMO it can be put really simply in a formula:

Battery = Charger - Phone

I.e. if the charger is putting more current in than the phone is drawing then the battery will still charge (albeit slower than if the phone was off). If the phone is using more current than the charger is putting in, then the battery will drain (and not charge).
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to preemptively block a non-contact on whatsapp
I read this QA but it didn't specfically address my question. I also only found how to block a contact or someone that already sent you a message.

Say I have blocked numbers on my phone. They are not contacts. I don't want to hear from them. I don't want them to message me - ever.

How can I block someone when there's no chat between myself and them? (avoid potential harassment)

Or, alternatively, can I make it to only receive messages from people on *my* list?

# Answer
> 2 votes
**No.**

On Whatsapp you can't block people just by their usernames. You must open the chat between you two and block the person from the right-top menu. However, you can add that number as a contact, open the Whatsapp chat screen (you don't have to chat them. Just open their chat screen.) block them and then delete them from your contacts again.

And **no** again.

Whatsapp doesn't support a feature like *"Receive texts from my contacts only."* But you can reduce what people who aren't in your contacts can see about your profile (Last seen, Profile photo, Status)

# Answer
> 1 votes
I am worrying over a similar concern (stalker at work) and what I have done is this: I save his number on my phone. Then I open WhatsApp and go to Settings \> Account \> Privacy \> Blocked Contacts \> and then I add this person, who appears on my WhatsApp list, to the blocked list.

I use a different number for my professional network and another number for family & friends (also WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.) and so far haven't received any WhatsApp text from this creepy coworker. However recently my private mobile number was accidentally leaked to him, so if I do hear from him on WhatsApp I will update this entry.

Also, I set my WhatsApp settings so that only my contacts can see my status and my photo. To do the same, go to Settings \> Account \> Privacy \> Who Can See My Personal Info \> change your preferences there. You can also set it so that nobody can see your status and photo.

Hope this helps.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, privacy
---


title: SOLVED - Invalid IMEI - lenovo a7000

text:
# Question
Title: SOLVED - Invalid IMEI - lenovo a7000
So, I recently bricked my A7000. Found a rom somewhere online and flashed it with SPTools. Now it boots fine but I get the "INVALID IMEI" error.

I rooted it gain, got into engineer mode with MTK Engineering Mode and run the command `AT +EGMR=1,7,"blabla"` but it's still not working. I get `AT command is sent: ERROR`

Please help...

# Answer
> 2 votes
Solved it. I rooted with SPTools and used Chamelephon to enter the IMEI's (if you have dual sim, enter both at the same time!).

---
Tags: rom, imei, lenovo
---


title: Connection Oriented Channel for L2CAP

text:
# Question
Title: Connection Oriented Channel for L2CAP
Does Android support Connection oriented Channel for L2CAP in BLE? What about in Android M ?

Thanks !

# Answer
answer from Texas Instruments can be found here

> neither of the major smart device OS's support L2CAP CO channels

meaning iOS and Android. posted Oct 7, 2015, after the launch of Marshmallow.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth-le
---


# Question
Title: google play store says "check your connection and try again"
Yesterday I got a Xiaomi Redmi 1s and I updated the phone to the latest OS version. First I created a new Google account and then opened the Play Store. It just shows "Check Your Connection and Try Again". Other sites said to try clearing the data, but I had never used the Play Store before.

# Answer
> 16 votes
Hey I had the same problem but now I know how to fix it. Set the device's date and time to Manual and 4 years in the future, then open the Play Store and you won't get anything. Go back to settings and reset this to Automatic, then everything is okay!

# Answer
> 4 votes
I usually resolve by removing /etc/hosts file (use an app like Root Explorer to access the file, Xiaomi phones are rooted OTB so you shouldn't have any problem). Sometimes I have to reboot the phone, sometimes it works straight away.

Better, instead of removing the file rename it to something else, so that you can restore it back if needed.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is happening more and more. If the time trick does not help, try to enter Google Maps (invoke something that makes heavy use of the Google Services API) and try Google Play again - this has fixed it for me in the past.

---
Tags: google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: CyanogenMod install failed on Samsung Galaxy S II, phone now shows boot screen and then a black screen
I was trying to install CyanogenMod on my un-rooted Samsung Galaxy S II using this installer.

* I installed the app on the phone and the PC;
* downloaded the data for the program;
* plugged the phone and it started downloading;

I followed the instructions thoroughly and the phone restarted and started installing the ROM. First, it showed the "Downloading" with the green Android then showed the blue CyanogenMod man for a long while, then the app on the PC said it failed and I should try to restart my PC or disable the antivirus (already did).

So I restarted my PC. Now it said "If you tried all these things, it's safe to restart the phone". So I turned off the phone and now when I try to turn it on it shows the splash "Samsung Galaxy" then shows a black screen (not off).

I tried booting in Download mode ("Vol. Down" + "Home" + "Power" button) but the result is the same as turning it on.

Resuming the install process fails every time.

How can I revert back to the stock Android or continue the installation?

---

System info (before the attempt):

* Model number: GT-I9100P
* OS : Android 2.3.6
* Baseband version : I9100P
* Kernel version 2.6.53.7-I9100PXXKL1-CL761356 root@DELL131 #2

# Answer
> 3 votes
**Note**: Keep in mind, Samsung Galaxy S2 has infamous **Superbrick** bug. Every flash can result in permanent brick (only board changing or maybe JTAG unit can recover device). You can learn more about it here.

**Note2** : Last resort to enter Download mode is to get USB JIG. There is plenty of this on Internet and it's very cheap. Also there is tutorials on Internet to make it yourself, if you can't get it shipped in your country.

---

You can try to:

1. return to stock ROM
2. install custom recovery, wipe data/cache/dalvik/system partition and reflash custom ROM

### Steps for returning to stock ROM:

1. Download ODIN.
2. Download Stock ROM from Sammobile site.
3. You will probably get zip file with one `dll` and one `tar.md5` file. You need to unpack only `tar.md5` as it is the file you need to flash.
4. Put your device in download mode - Pull off battery, insert it again, push "Vol Down" + "Home" + "Power" button.

Now connect it into PC using USB cable (check if you have install Samsung USB driver, search on Google for it)
5. **Only check auto-reboot and F. Reset time! Repartition must stay unchecked.**
6. Put unpacked `tar.md5` in PDA section (if you downloaded Odin v3.07, can be different on other versions).
7. Click Start. **Do not unplug your phone or it will result in a brick**.
8. Phone will reboot and if everything went OK it will finally boot.

### Steps for recovery solution:

1. Download ODIN.
2. Search XDA-Developers for CWM flashable file (I will try to post it in a comment, I cant post links anymore - reputation) and download it.
3. Search for Recovery-flashable file of CM that you need - usually just zip file. You will need to put it on External SD-card and insert that SD-card in the phone.
4. Put mobile in download mode, make sure you have Samsung USB drivers, and that in ODIN you have only checked Auto-Reboot and F. Reset Time. (Also connect your phone into PC).
5. Put recovery `tar.md5` in PDA section and click Start.
6. Now pull off battery, insert it again and press "Vol Up" + "Home" + "Power".
7. Wipe `/data`,`/system`,`/dalvik`,`/cache`.
8. Go to flash and select zip file that you downloaded from SD-card.
9. Flash it.
10. Reboot device, and check whether it works.

---

**Note3** : Be aware that following anything involves flashing can result in permanent brick of the device. Maybe it is even smarter to take in to service so they can better fix it.

Also, I or others (including this website) shall not be held responsible for any damage that may be caused to your device by using the aforesaid instructions.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You might want to check the Samsung web site. I found a tool called "Simple Download Tool" or there is also "Simple Upload Tool." As soon as I loaded the correct driver and my device was recognized, then a few clicks and the tool did all the work.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 2.3-gingerbread, samsung-galaxy-s-2, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: How can I set my external keyboard to use a Dvorak layout?
Tested in Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Samsung Galaxy S4 in \>= Android 5.0.1 with Logitech Bluetooth keyboard and Apple Wireless keybord 3rd generation without rooting the phone and without external applications. Also tested in the CyanogenMod versions of the corresponding Androids.

I found a bug in Android main system's Dvorak in Lollipop \>= 5.0.1, 11.1.2016. Connect Bluetooth keyboard to your system. Choose some keyboard Dvorak. Go to SMS. Double tap Space and Select English US Dvorak. Type with your Wireless keyboard (I use Apple Wireless keyboard 3rd gen). It types Qwerty put shows physically Dvorak in the screen. This is a bug in Android, which bug report is here with the issue number 198665.

---

How can I set my external keyboard to use a Dvorak layout without hacks?

# Answer
You can use External Keyboard Helper Pro to do it. No need for rooting. From version 2.7, the app supports Dvorak out-of-the-box.

**Disclaimer**: I'm the developer of this app.
> 7 votes

# Answer
You can use the Root Explorer to change the keyboard layout file in `/system/usr/keylayout/`

For the details, XDA forum explains it well.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This can be set by the "Language and Input" menu in the "Physical Keyboard" sub-section.

Touch the name of your paired keyboard, and touch the "Set Keyboard Type" button. Scroll down to "English (US), Dvorak Style" and touch it.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, external-keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Decrease the text size or button size in notifications area
I'm using Samsung Galaxy S6 running Android Lollipop. As you see in this picture, there is a button "Reply" (Svara) and then a button "Mark as read" (Markera som L...). But the buttons are so large, it causes the third button "Delete" to be hidden to the right, e.g. after the "..." shown.

How can I decrease the text/button size in the notification area?

# Answer
> 0 votes
What you are asking most likely cannot be done (at least easily, anyway). Those buttons might be controlled by the system UI or the app creating the notification. You can try your `System Settings` \> `Display` \> `Font size`, but this will alter the font size on everything.

Alternatively, here's an easier fix- **tilt the phone to landscape to widen the notification window**.

After installing the K-9 App for Android, I find that my notifications on my Galaxy S3 are a bit different. Can you confirm that you have the `Delete` button set to show in the settings?

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

---
Tags: settings, notification-bar, samsung-galaxy-s-6, fonts, k9-mail
---


# Question
Title: How to remove app shortcuts from default opening types?
I like to remove some of my app shortcuts from default opening types, such as some app I already removed like browsers (some Chinese browsers I downloaded when my Chrome had some issue in China) but still would show up when I click on a web shortcut (and it prevent me from selecting Chrome as my default browser). And some duplicated shortcuts like wifi assistance (when I want to open wifi setting it will show two of them). And some shortcuts I don't even think they are in the correct category like Taobao (a Chinese shopping app) would want to be open when I open a web link or a photo.

P.S., looks like Chinese app makers really mess up your Android system with tons of random default app shortcuts.

# Answer
You normally cannot adjust default applications individually once they have been set. The best option would be to navigate to the app in the `Application Manager` and press they `Clear Defaults` button. You will need to set other default for the app again, but it will clear out the defaults you don't want as well.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: default-applications
---


# Question
Title: How to be sure that you are not tracked with anti-theft software or similar when using tab previously owned by someone?
I have seen the amount of pictures and personal data an anti-theft software can dig on person using a stolen phone. How can one make sure that he is not tracked through similar software when using a previously owned tab/phone? I understand that a factory reset is not enough in most cases.

# Answer
> I understand that a factory reset is not enough in most cases.

A factory reset is usually enough if performed through Settings, which removes Factory Reset Protection from the device (a reset from Recovery does not do this). This will also unlink Android Device Manager and remove most other tracking tools.

If you are concerned about apps that may have been integrated into the system image, then yes you should flash a custom recovery and then a ROM (selecting the wipe option). Unless there is a malicious bootloader installed (unlikely) then this will more than suffice. You might also want do delete anything from `/sdcard` and format any external SD cards just to ensure that no malicious files are left there that you might accidentally use.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: samsung, privacy, anti-theft
---


# Question
Title: How do I tell if a given Android phone is vulnerable to CVE-2012-4221, CVE-2013-2596, CVE-2013-2597, CVE-2013-6282?
I want to determine if a given Android Phone + OS is vulnerable to a set of CVEs.

What process do I need to do to do to determine if a given Phone is vulnerable?

# Answer
CVE-2012-4221 has a patch, which you could examine to determine how to exploit the unpatched code — and then write code to exploit it, and run it on your phone. You could probably do this with many such issues.

You are not likely to find any kind of complete suite ready-made for this kind of testing, since it would just be making things easier for those with malicious intentions.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: security
---


title: Entering safe mode from adb shell

text:
# Question
Title: Entering safe mode from adb shell
My question is similar to this one, but I don't necessarily have a powered off device.

How can I enter Android' safe mode (or make it boot into safe mode the next time) from within my recovery image?

I suppose it is possible to mimic the actions the actual Android system would do when you select safe mode from the reboot menu. However, I don't even know what selecting safe mode actually causes Android to do with the system.

# Answer
> 14 votes
**Note:** The solution is tested on Android 4.2.1, 5.0.2 and 5.1.1.

---

The value for the system property **persist.sys.safemode** determines whether the phone should boot into safe mode or in normal mode.

When booted into Android OS, provided root access, the value can be changed as

```
adb shell su -c 'setprop persist.sys.safemode 1'
adb shell su -c 'echo "1" > /data/property/persist.sys.safemode' #alternative

```

When booted into a custom , given the data and optionally, system partition are mounted, do

```
adb shell busybox printf "1" > /data/property/persist.sys.safemode         #works if recovery has Busybox. If Android OS has busybox then system/xbin/busybox would work
adb shell echo "1" > /data/property/persist.sys.safemode                   #alternative
adb shell chmod 600 /data/property/persist.sys.safemode                    #required; changes the permission of file to rw-------, identical to rest of the files under /data/property

```

It is to be **noted that**, if you've never booted into safe mode since last factory reset, the file `persist.sys.safemode` wouldn't be found.

Android resets the content of said file at every reboot, so you need not to worry about getting stuck at safe mode. However, for the purpose of fail-safe requirement, change the value to `0` or empty the file (NULL), should you ever get stuck.

In a nutshell, the property that you set is stored in a file, hence it remains persistent when you shutdown the device. You can see your value inside the file from recovery mode, provided that you've not booted into Android again after editing the property. Now, once you begin to boot into Android OS, Android *et al* reads the file, and based on the content, prepares the safe/ordinary mode for you. After reading the file, it resets the content of the file, so the next time you reboot, it would always be in ordinary mode.

I, in my experiments, noticed that Android would boot into safe mode even if the value is any positive or negative integer or even a decimal value.

I got a good hint from source code of ShutdownThread.java that safe mode requires a system property to be set. However, I reached the final conclusion using a comment by pylerSM and a post from ZiT777.

---
Tags: adb, recovery-mode, safe-mode
---


# Question
Title: How to start a bootlooping phone in Safe Mode
Exactly a week today, I updated Podcast Addict on my Alcatel One Touch M'pop 5020D. It shut down immediately I opened it. And then other apps started shutting down too. So before going to bed I restarted the cell. I woke up at dawn to realize it was stuck in bootloop. I've tried wiping the cache partition and performing a factory reset in Recovery Mode, but that hasn't helped. Fortunately or unfortunately (I'm currently in a state of confusion as to whether or not this was a good decision after all) my phone is not rooted. I therefore can not apply several options in fixing this. I'd like to know if there's any way, any medium at all, that I can boot into Safe Mode so I can uninstall the Podcast Addict. Thanks for the help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sorry for the disappointing news, but there is no way to boot into safe mode without USB debugging enabled and already authorized by Android, and root access or a custom recovery.

The content of the file named `persist.sys.safemode` must be set to `1` for the device to boot into safe mode. The file is located under `/data/property`, is owned by root user and is part of root group only. If only the root privileges are granted, the file can be edited.

---
Tags: boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: How to block texts received from numbers that are longer than n digits?
In South Africa, we are plagued with SMS spam, and it's practically impossible to get rid of it.

All the numbers that the spammers use are usually 13 or 14 digits - much longer than the standard 10 digits.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge it)</sub>

The thinking behind this is that they cycle through literally millions of disposable numbers, so that if you block one of them, they'll still be able to spam you from all the others.

However, this thinking would then (hopefully) also be flawed. Surely there is a way to intercept an SMS, count the number of digits in the number and if it's longer than 12 (10 for the number, 2 for the country code), simply delete it, or even better add to blocked list.

Does anyone out there know of a way? I have Tasker, which I'm thinking is the way to go, but not sure where to start.

# Answer
The first step to this would be detecting the length of the phone number.

This can be done by passing `%SMSRF` to *Test Variable* \> *Type: Length*. Test Variable can then output the phone number length as an integer which you can do checks on with an **If**.

Once Tasker decides if the message is spam or not, you can then have it hide the notification, etc. (but not delete the message, as Tasker does not have this capability yet)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, tasker, spam
---


title: Where should I install Toybox?

text:
# Question
Title: Where should I install Toybox?
I own a rooted Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G running stock Android 4.1.2.

If you have Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" or better, then you have Toybox. This is a package of command-line tools, handy for advanced users who sometimes use a terminal emulator. Unfortunately, Android 4.1.2 does not include Toybox. Instead, it includes some other tools which aren't as nice to use.

Sometimes I use the terminal emulator written by Jack Palevich; other times I use `adb shell` from a laptop.

1. Would it make more sense to install Toybox to my system partition, or to my data partition? Both partitions have far more than enough free space.
2. When a command is provided both by Android and by Toybox, I want the Toybox version to win. On Linux, I might install Toybox to `/home/unforgettableid/bin` or `/usr/local` or `/opt`. Could you please suggest a sensible place for me to install Toybox (and its large collection of symlinks) on my phone?

\[**Edit**: I wonder what the various BusyBox installers do. Also, I wonder how Android sets the PATH environment variable. As well, I also wonder whether or not there's a way for me to change that variable and to make my change persist across reboots. Finally, I wonder whether or not putting the Toybox tools first in my PATH would be likely to break things in non-obvious ways.\]

---

Possibly related: "Android Folder Hierarchy".

# Answer
If your Android version ships with Toybox and some Toybox symlinks, you can leave those in `/system/bin`. But, if you're installing Toybox yourself, it might be wisest to put the freshly-installed Toybox, and all its symlinks, in `/system/xbin`.

Let me explain why.

As Firelord points out in his answer: `adb shell` starts an interactive shell. But commands such as `adb shell ls` start a non-interactive shell. For performance reasons, non-interactive shells never read any config files. Because they don't read any config files, their search path is hardcoded.

It's nice to have Toybox available even to non-interactive shells; in fact, if it's unavailable to such shells, it can be confusing. So you definitely want to install Toybox to a location which is on the search path.

But you might not want to put the Toybox symlinks any earlier in the search path than Android's `cp`, `ls`, and other basic utilities. I've never checked, but I theorize that your version of Android might include apps which depend on quirks of the stock Android command-line utilities. To learn more, see this post, in which the Android command-line tools maintainer explains why Android had to stick with its non-Toybox `ls` for some months.

Most of the stock Android command-line utilities are in `/system/bin`. The only directory which falls later in the stock Android shell's search path is `/system/xbin`.

That is why you may want to put Toybox and all its symlinks in `/system/xbin`.

---

**Tip:** If you want, you can create a shell script which simply passes all of its parameters to Toybox. You can give this shell script an ultra-short name such as `t`. This makes it easier to request that your device should run a Toybox toy instead of a stock Android command. For example, to run Toybox `ls`, simply enter `t ls`.
> 0 votes

# Answer
# Where should I install Toybox?

> Would it make more sense to install Toybox to my system partition, or to my data partition?

Depends. If you don't plan to factory reset the phone ever again, you can choose data partition, else, choose system partition.

> When a command is provided both by Android and by Toybox, I want the Toybox version to win.

The PATH variable contains the location of the directories containing executable binaries. Should you decide to keep a separate directory for your symlinks, configure $PATH to search for a command into your directory first. If it finds one, it will execute it.

> On Linux, I might install Toybox to `/home/unforgettableid/bin` or `/usr/local` or `/opt`. Could you please suggest a sensible place for me to install Toybox (and its large collection of symlinks) on my phone?

All those locations don't exist for Android. Since you're using Android 4.1.2, I suppose you would be having your external SD card formatted with a FAT filesystem. Symlinks don't work on FAT filesystems (not on FAT32 or vfat at least) so your best bet is to install under `/data` or `/system`.

Alternatively, you can make an image under your external SD card, format that image with a filesystem supported by your Android's kernel (often EXT2 | EXT3 | EXT4), then mount it in the device anywhere in loopback mode. I've not tried this method though.

> I wonder what the various BusyBox installers do

Busybox (by Stericson) places the *busybox* binary into `/system/xbin` and creates symlink for its applets to its binary under the same directory.

> Also, I wonder how Android sets the PATH environment variable. As well, I also wonder whether or not there's a way for me to change that variable and to make my change persist across reboots

I do not know when Android sets up $PATH. However, the shell you're using would most likely be having a configuration file.

* *mksh* (MirBSD Korn Shell; the default shell on Android) has a configuration file `mkshrc` in `/system/etc`. You can set $PATH there and the change would be persistent across reboots.
* For *bash* shell, the configuration file is `bashrc` located under `/system/etc/bash`.

It appears that both files are meant for interactive sessions only, so if you attempt to use adb for accessing a Toybox or its symlink which is not placed under `/sbin`, `/vendor/bin`, `/system/sbin`, `/system/bin` or `/system/xbin` (the default locations in $PATH), you would receive a "COMMAND: not found" error. This is because the default $PATH would be used instead.

I've not found a solution for this problem yet, but see the comments below this answer.

Anyhow, let's install Toybox for now.

---

# How do I install Toybox on an Android device?

**Note:** the solution assumes that your Android is rooted, that is setup in PC, and that your device is connected to a PC with USB debugging enabled.

## Installation into system partition

No change in $PATH is required if you choose a standard location. Busybox prefers `/system/xbin`.

* Remount the system partition in *rw* mode. If required, see Can't remount /system in rw
* Copy the *toybox* binary to `/system/xbin/` and give executable permission to it. (The default permissions set for other binaries is `rwxr-xr-x`.)

You can do so using chmod

```
adb shell su -c "chmod 755  /system/xbin/toybox"

```
* Create symlinks for various tools accessible by *toybox* binary. It is up to you how you create them.

I used a very simple method, but it requires a \*nix system

```
adb shell toybox | sed 's/\ /\n/g' | head -n -1 | tr -d '\r' | while read line; do adb shell su -c 'ln -sf /system/xbin/toybox "/system/xbin/$line"'; done

```

All I'm doing here is executing the *toybox* binary, replacing the white-spaces with a new line so that each tool shows up in a new line. Later on I'm removing the last line (it was blank in output), removing carriage return conveniently put by adb, and then for each line of output I'm creating a symlink to *toybox* binary with the name of the tool, in the same directory.

You can **use this method if you don't have a \*nix OS in PC:**

```
adb shell
su
toybox | toybox sed 's/\ /\n/g'| toybox sed '$d'| while read line; do  toybox ln -sf /system/xbin/toybox /system/xbin/$line; done

```

Done! Your Toybox and its applets are ready to be executed.

## Installation into data partition

1. Create a directory under `/data` (`/data/my_bin` henceforth)
2. Copy the *toybox* binary to `/data/my_bin` and give executable permission to it. (The default permissions set for other binaries is `rwxr-xr-x`.)

```
adb shell su -c "chmod 755  /system/xbin/toybox"

```
3. Create symlinks for various tools accessible by *toybox* binary. It is up to you how you create them.

I used a very simple method, but it requires a \*nix system

```
adb shell su -c "/data/my_bin/toybox" | sed 's/\ /\n/g' | head -n -1| tr -d '\r'| while read line; do adb shell su -c "ln -sf /data/my_bin/toybox '/data/my_bin/$line'"; done

```

Only the location has changed, the rest of the procedure is alike to one followed for installation in system partition
4. Edit your default shell's configuration file and add

```
PATH=/data/my_bin:$PATH

```

This would cause the shell to look into `/data/my_bin` first and execute the binary, if available.

Done! Enjoy your Toybox and its applets.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: installation, file-system, command-line
---


# Question
Title: How to replace KingrootSU with Superuser Elite?
Just rooted my new Chinese tablet - an adventure for me. I used Kingroot apk. It uses KingrootSU app as GUI manager for superuser permission. I want to use my Superuser Elite instead though. How can I do so?

# Answer
Just use this tool and this guide. I used it myself on LG G3, because Kingroot was my last resort for rooting.

It definitely worked, but there was one Kingroot app left over, called Purify, which I guess was added to Kingroot after the script was made, so I would suggest adding the following lines to the script:

```
am kill com.kingroot.purify
pm uninstall com.kingroot.purify
rm /system/app/purify.apk >/dev/null
rm -r /system/app/purify>/dev/null

```

Or, what I did was once I had supersu installed, to be totally sure that Kingroot was gone, I installed TWRP, then completely erased the normal partition and installed Cyanogenmod 13.0.

good luck!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, tablet, superuser
---


# Question
Title: Send WhatsApp message to all WhatsApp contacts and text message to the rest of the contacts
I want to send a message to all my contacts, but I want to send a WhatsApp message to those who use WhatsApp and a regular text message to the others. How do I do it?

(I have 1,140 contacts, out of which 662 also use WhatsApp, doing it manually will take a lot of time)

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could do this using hike(Best way to do this),whereas hike supports sms by the hike number....

Any how you need it in the whatsapp... so all you need is to create a broadcast list with all your contacts in it (broadcast messages will be sent to only the contacts who have saved your number in their contact list).

But to send the messages to those who dont have whatsapp you will need some contact app with specific filter...(search in play store)

---
Tags: contacts, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How to check if a particular user has downloaded my android app?
We have users using both website and android app. I want to know if a user on my website has downloaded the app also(even if he has not started using it). I have user's email address and phone number.

# Answer
> 0 votes
you can not do any such user specific metric collection as for as i understand. You may need to refer this Campaign

---
Tags: google-play-store, downloading
---


title: How do I back up my samsung S5 data.

text:
# Question
Title: How do I back up my samsung S5 data.
I have a Samsung S5 and without no reason the screen has stopped working, its totally black the lights are still active. I have taken it to the mobile retailer and they have tried to reset it by taking the battery out etc but with no joy its not fixed the problem. They have said it needs to go for repair. But I have photos on the phone that I would not want to loose. I was advised by the shop to download Kies onto my lap top and then I could back up my phone data. Having downloaded the software today and plugged in my phone I am still left with the problem of unlocking the phone with a totally black screen I cannot see the keyboard on the screen to type in my password. Therefore my question would be how can I unlock the phone with a totally black screen?. And is there a way to save my data and my photos?

# Answer
You can definitely back your data up. Even if the screen is broken or black.

First, boot your S5 into recovery mode like this:

* Switch your Samsung Galaxy S5 completely.
* Boot into Galaxy S5 recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power keys at the same time.
* Release all three buttons when Samsung Galaxy S5 screen flickers and the main screen of Recovery mode appears.

Your phone should now be in recovery mode. If your phones' screen doesn't show any signs of life during this process like some sort of flicker, repeat the process and check through adb with

```
     adb devices

```

until it shows your device id.

Once it shows your device id, enter the following in the command prompt

```
    adb shell
    echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1" >>/system/build.prop
    echo "persist.service.debuggable=1" >>/system/build.prop
    echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mass_storage,adb" >>/system/build.prop
    reboot

```

Once you've completed that, you can download a free software that when run on your pc allows you to control your android device. Including touch response and swipe for screen unlock or password entry. The software is available at the link provided. I've personally tested this with multiple android phones including s3, s4, and s5 and it does work. (kids can be dangerous around phones :/).

Hope all this helps

## References

Boot S5 into Recovery

Control device with broken screen
> 1 votes

---
Tags: screen, photos
---


# Question
Title: Why are apps slowing down my phone just by being installed?
I have about 50 apps installed on my phone (not counting system apps). And my phone is absolutely unusable this way. Everything lags so bad that I can barely even enter my lockscreen pattern. I assumed this was because the apps can magically run in the background as services or whatever, but after freezing about 40 of them and making sure that only a very few services were running like whatsapp, my alarmclock app and my firewall app. My phone is still extremely slow.

Why is that?

Back when I only had these 10 apps installed that are running right now, everything worked pretty smoothly.

So what is wrong? A frozen app shouldn't have an impact on performance in such a way. Is there any way to get it fast again?

I've already removed as much preinstalled apps/bloatware as possible and cleaned the system using SD-Maid and used Autorun Manager to disable a ton of receivers that could start some apps. But it is still really slow.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Phones use Solid State Drives (SSDs) for storage instead of traditional Hard Drives (HDDs). This is because carrying and jostling HDDs can cause hardware problems.

Solid State Drives, however, get slow as you fill them up. So when you start to fill up your phone, its storage gets slower. This means that it takes longer to read the code from storage into RAM to execute.

It should also be noted that the description on Autorun Manager says that some apps will just attempt to restart themselves after it kills them. This constant restarting-killing behavior could possibly be even harder on system resources that just letting the background app run, so be careful which apps you kill.

Some background tasks help apps start-up faster too. I can start up a heck of a lot faster if I've already updated my app while you weren't using it. Instead of waiting for my app to get all of the data it needs when you open it, it grabs it in the background and can just display it when you open the app.

Also, if your device has very little RAM, then it can only hold a couple of apps in there at a time. If the apps you're opening have been erased from RAM, you phone has to erase another app from RAM and use that space for the new app.

Basically, there are a ton of reasons why your phone could be acting slow, and it's probably a combination of them that's causing your phone to act so poorly.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You might be having lots of data, including pictures and videos, and others that is media from social apps, including WhatsApp and FaceBook .. get a back up of that data, free some space,

also delete unnacesiry apps, like those used for cleanups,

hope this helps you run the phone acting smooth again,

# Answer
> 0 votes
As you install apps, they are allowed to run in the background. This takes up quite a lot of ram, and will slow down your phone. Do not use a task killer, as the apps use even more ram to restart themselves. The only solution is to delete some of the apps. To find the ones using a lot of ram go to

> Settings-\>Apps-\>Running

Look for the high ram usage apps, and delete them. As a last resort, factory reset your phone.

---
Tags: performance
---


# Question
Title: How to "completely" delete Xposed Framework and modules?
I did two things to install Xposed. Firstly, I flashed `xposed-v75-sdk21-x86.zip` and then installed the .apk file. I can now uninstall the app itself but how can I erase the flashed file of the .zip?

Also, where are the modules stored? How to delete the modules completely?

Device is LG G3 D855. Running on Cloudy G3 ROM.

# Answer
**Note:** provided that you end up at this post in search of solving the bootloop issue caused by an Xposed module, my answer here would better help you .

---

# For any Android Lollipop

> I can now uninstall the app itself but how can I erase the flashed file of the .zip?

See the attached files in the first post of this thread. In relevance to your device's CPU architecture, download the uninstaller archive and flash it from the custom recovery. It would undo the changes the installer archive made.

In essence, the installer archive keeps the original system files but appends in their name `.orig` or convert them into archives (unofficial installers do). It then places its modified files at their location. All uninstaller does is remove the modified and extra files and change the backed up files back to their original self.

Relevant section from the uninstaller script

```
echo "- Restoring/removing files"
rm -f /system/xposed.prop
rm -f /system/framework/XposedBridge.jar

restore_link   /system/bin/app_process32               0 2000 0755 u:object_r:zygote_exec:s0
restore_backup /system/bin/dex2oat                     0 2000 0755 u:object_r:dex2oat_exec:s0
restore_backup /system/bin/oatdump                     0 2000 0755
restore_backup /system/bin/patchoat                    0 2000 0755 u:object_r:dex2oat_exec:s0
restore_backup /system/lib/libart.so                   0    0 0644
restore_backup /system/lib/libart-compiler.so          0    0 0644
restore_backup /system/lib/libart-disassembler.so      0    0 0644
restore_backup /system/lib/libsigchain.so              0    0 0644
restore_backup /system/lib/libxposed_art.so            0    0 0644
if [ $IS64BIT ]; then
  restore_link   /system/bin/app_process64             0 2000 0755 u:object_r:zygote_exec:s0
  restore_backup /system/lib64/libart.so               0    0 0644
  restore_backup /system/lib64/libart-compiler.so      0    0 0644
  restore_backup /system/lib64/libart-disassembler.so  0    0 0644
  restore_backup /system/lib64/libsigchain.so          0    0 0644
  restore_backup /system/lib64/libxposed_art.so        0    0 0644
fi

```

If you've the knowledge of setting the appropriate SELinux context for a file in Android from recovery mode, you can simply map the files the installer would've changed, revert the changes using command-line and set the correct context. No uninstaller would be required.

**Note:** If you're not using the official Xposed Framework then the uninstaller may not work for you. It may even cause unforeseen issues. Best is to search the web for the uninstaller.

> Also, where are the modules stored?

* Xposed Installer app downloads the modules under `/sdcard/Download`.
* They may be called modules but they simply are apps to Android, hence the APK would be found under `/data/app` or the locations covered here by Izzy. Alike every app, there data directory would be found under `/data/data`.

> How to delete the modules completely?

Deleting an Xposed module is no different than removing any user installed app from Android. So, you can use any technique that you would use to remove an ordinary app.

Note that the file `XposedBridge.jar` under `/system/framework/` is what provides modules the necessary APIs to interact with the modified framework.

---

# For Android 4.2.x - 4.4.x

Use the file `Xposed-Disabler-Recovery.zip` located at `/sdcard/Android/data/de.robv.android.xposed.installer/files`. Flash that file from recovery mode (requires a custom recovery) to disable Xposed Framework. If you don't have such file, download it from the first post of the official thread.

That archive, in essence, changes `/system/bin/app_process.orig` to `/system/bin/app_process` i.e. it removes the modified `app_process` and brings the original file back to its glory. It doesn't delete the Installer app. You can make those changes on your own too using adb in recovery mode.

The concept of modules here is no different from what is covered in the above section.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Until KitKat, to disable the framework you need to flash this zip (stored on your `/sd` at installation **Xposed-Disabler-Recovery.zip** .

As far as uninstalling the modules goes, selecting *Modules*, (from installer), long pressing the module(s) to be removed does it in KitKat. Of course, changes take place after reboot, and I am assuming the same holds for higher versions of Android. Modules reside as per Izzy's comment for KitKat.

Quoting extracts from How to Uninstall Xposed Framework on Android Lollipop Guides Aug 21, 2015:

> Xposed Framework on Lollipop needs to be installed manually through a Custom Recovery unlike in Jelly Bean and Kitkat where the Xposed installer apk file would install the framework on your system automatically. So uninstalling Xposed Framework on Lollipop would require you to flash an **Xposed Uninstaller Script using a Custom Recovery like TWRP or CWM.**... Take note that **Xposed Uninstaller are different for different devices like arm, arm64, x86.** Find the Uninstaller Script for your device in the Downloads section. Also, Uninstaller Scripts are different for Android versions 5.0 (SDK 21) and 5.1 (SDK 22).

It further provides uninstall instructions and scripts.

I am on KitKat and have no way of testing this. It was a coincidence reading this and later seeing your question.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: xposed-framework
---


# Question
Title: Will wipe request from Android Device Manager affect replacement device?
I had a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 stolen, so a remote wipe was sent from Android Device Manager. I have a spare tablet of the same model that I need to set up with the same account as the stolen one. When I sign into the Google account on the new device, will the pending remote wipe command affect it, or is that request somehow tied to the specific device it was originally issued to? I'm only concerned because the device is only identified by model number in ADM, rather than MAC or serial, so I want to be sure ADM won't send that command to the next thing signed in to with that Google account. Thanks!

# Answer
> 2 votes
## Short answer

No.

## Some background

As you can have multiple devices associated with the same account (even if they're all of the same brand and model) and still target them separately, there must be an identifier. Logical conclusion is that identifier being the GSF1 `android_id`. When you register your "replacement", a new `android_id` will be created for your specific installation2, and stored with the device's configuration. This serves as device identifier for all related operations/interactions between your device and Google services, e.g. for GCM3 and Google Play (apps).

Hence I'd say it's safe to assume the same is used by ADM4, as it's part of Google Services as well. So as long as you don't restore a full backup of your old device, but register e.g. via the setup assistant, your replacement will get a new `android_id` and thus not receive the "wipe request" addressed at a different `android_id`.

Another proof to that I've just found on Reddit: Someone had setup multiple devices using the same Nandroid backup taken from a fully configured device, and hence with the same `android_id`. Result was ADM seeing them all as one device, always "communicating" with the last-used device.5 The issue was solved by resetting the ID.

## References for further investigation

---

**1:** Google Services Framework
**2:** This is done whenever you register a device, i.e. associate it with your Google account
**3:** Google Cloud Messaging, e.g. used in the SE app to notify you that you've been mentioned or got an answer to your questions
**4:** Android Device Manager
**5:** Quote: *it seems like the last device booted is recognized online, the other one isn't*

---
Tags: google-account, android-device-manager, samsung-galaxy-tab-4, remote-wipe
---


# Question
Title: Rooted Android Phone - Add Latest Google Play Store to System App for future factory reset
I rooted my Android Phone and deleted some unwanted apps with google play store, google play services and google text to speech.

Now how to add these apps again (latest version) as a system app for future factory reset?

# Answer
Download Google Play store here \[ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996995 \]. Install it from file manager by clicking APK file. Convert to System app via TitaniumBackup if you've already bought it as this feature is only available in PRO version. Or use this app \[ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.j4velin.systemappmover \] which is free. You can also move to /system/app folder manually and then set the right permission \[and generate odex file\] but using app to convert app to system app is safer option.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Download file for Play store and then download and install the Link2SD from Google play store. Now open Link2SD app and go to App file which you want to convert to system files and long press you will see the option to convert file as system. Press ok and reboot.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Not receiving WhatsApp messages unless I open the app when on 3G (on WiFi there is no delay)
I have recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S4, Android version 4.4.2, and for some reason I only receive my WhatsApp messages when I open the app. This only happens when I am on 3G. When connected to a WiFi network, there is no delay at all.

I have uninstalled and re-installed, I have checked the restricted data setting (it is not ticked).

What did I miss?

# Answer
Samsung phones have an option to sync data in the background, disabling it, saves data, as updates are only checked for when an app is open (email/im/whatsapp etc). You need to enable that (see green icon in image below) to let your apps periodically check for data.

Screenshot (click for larger variant)
> 5 votes

# Answer
Could this also be in your "Smart Manager". When you click on "Battery", it says "Optimising". When your apps are selected, it will only updates when you actually opens the app. And it can also be your "power saving mode" problem in smart manager. Once you click on power saving it shows you restrict all background data, this should be disabled.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: samsung, whatsapp-messenger, mobile-data
---


title: Problem downloading a game

text:
# Question
Title: Problem downloading a game
I'm trying to download Clash of Clans from Google Play, as I always did. My phone is a Samsung Galaxy Core 2, and the Android version is 4.4.2.

The download starts but when it is done appears a message like this:

> Application cannot be installed in the default install location

# Answer
> 2 votes
I think you set default install location to SD card and clash of clans can not be installed on SD Cards , change the default path for installing apps in settings and try again .

Update 1 : May be you have not enough disk space in Internal Storage . Try to remove some apps and install again . sometimes a restart after clean up is necessary .

---
Tags: google-play-store, clash-of-clans, samsung-galaxy-core-2
---


# Question
Title: How can I force my device to pull more watts from charger?
I have three devices, Nobis nb7022 s, droid mini, asus memo pad 7 (me170cx). I am using a charger that has a rated out put of 2000ma. The nobis draws 8 to 10 watts from the wall outlet. the droid mini and asus can only pull 3 watts from the same charger and cord. the asus is only a few weeks old while the droid and nobis are a about a year old.

What is the reason for the difference in power draw? the droid came with a 2 amp charger. Is there anything I can do to make the droid and asus draw more power and charge faster?

Additional information:

I believe the problem may be that the Droid Mini and Asus may think they are connected to a computer.

# Answer
> 2 votes
**Short Answer**

1. Devices mentioned have different battery capacities. They are *meant* to be charged with different *rated* current and therefore different power ( Asus device is 3950 mAh, Nobis is 2500 mAh, Droid Mini 2130 mAh capacity).
2. OEM proprietary charging methodology can also significantly vary current. For instance, Note 2 charging current is 1600 mAh while Xperia charging current is around 600 mAh for similar size battery
3. You *can* force higher current for faster charging but not advisable (unless OEM offers a way)
4. What you can do to ensure *rated* current is delivered is covered

**Long Answer**

I do not know how you are measuring power in watts directly , but power is given by this equation (ignoring power factor or efficiency of charging)

`P (Watts) = Voltage (Volts) x Current (Amps) (or corresponding milli units)`

> Reasons for difference in power drawn

Voltage supplied by a standard USB wall charger is 5V. That leaves us only current to be varied to obtain varying power

1. Typically, current drawn by the charger is dependent on

a) **Charging Rate** Charging rate is a measure that governs at what current a battery is charged and discharged. At 1C, a battery rated 1,000mAh charges at a current of 1,000mAh. In an ideal world the battery would be fully charged in 60 minutes. At 1C, the same battery discharges at 1,000mA. Ideal charging rate is accepted to be around 0.5 to ,0.8 C for maximum battery life (battery life is measured in discharge cycles). This rate is decided by the OEM and coded in the charging algorithm implanted on ROM and varies

b) **Battery Capacity (mAh)** or size as commonly referred. Charging rate is varied dependent on this by OEM. Battery capacity of your Asus device is 3950 mAh, Nobis is 2500 mAh, Droid Mini 2130 mAh

c) **Battery Type** Not really relevant since most mobile devices and tablets use Li-Ion or Li-Po batteries

2. **Li-Ion or Li-Po charging** When you charge a battery at charging rate decided by OEM, it goes through four stages of charging (Constant Current Charge,Saturation Charge and Ready No Current and Ready), see Figure 1 of BU-409 Charging Li-Ion. As you can see from graph voltage and current vary so if you are measuring current using an app like Ampere and derive wattage from current reading, ***you could end up in wrong comparison*** if you are not measuring in the same stage of charging
3. OEM proprietary charging methodology can also significantly vary current. For instance, Note 2 charging current is 1600 mAh while Xperia charging current is around 600 mAh for similar size battery

**You are comparing Power between Asus (3950 mAh), Nobis (2500 mAh), Droid Mini (2130 mAh), which by itself is not an apple to apple comparison and in conjunction with factors above**

Droid and Asus power drawn is similar owing to capacity of battery being similar, whereas Nobis capacity is nearly double compared to Droid,so it seems fine and there is no need to "force" more current to be drawn. Doing so will result in poor battery performance. Simply put, **forcing the battery to charge faster by increasing the current will result in a battery that discharges faster**. This is covered in my answer and in the Battery University link above

However, to answer your question

> How do I increase power drawn?

1. Using apps from play store which claim to charge faster
2. Using "fast chargers"
3. By flashing a kernel which permit you to alter charging current, if your device is rooted

\** I do not recommend options 1 and 2 for reasons mentioned in my answer. Option 3 is safer by comparison but needs to be cautiously tweaked and you need to understand the risks.

> How to ensure getting maximum (rated) current

1. Don't use power intensive apps while charging. Reasons
2. Get the right combination of chargers and charging cables by measuring current with Ampere or 3C Battery Monitor Widget to rule out charger cable problems resulting in low charging current.
3. If you are replacing charger cable, go in for a shorter thicker cable (24/ 28 awg) rather than longer, thinner cables as the former offer less resistance to current
4. Cleaning the charging port of your device by blow drying it to dislodge lint or dirt that does accumulate when your phone is in pocket or outdoor usage (they cause poor connection and increase resistance )

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Tags: 4.4-kitkat, battery, charging
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# Question
Title: Connecting to COM serial port through USB with Putty
I am trying to use my android phone connected to my PC as an SMS gateway by executing AT commands.

I have attached the phone to the PC (Windows 7), and device manager shows that it is in COM4 port. I opened PUTTY in administrator mode and tried connecting to COM4 but it just shows a black screen with the green cursor but won't let me type anything.

I tried playing around with the values of "Local Echo" and "Local Line Editing" as I found in one of the suggestions in another question here, but the best I can get (set both to "Force On"), I can type stuff on Putty but it doesn't really do anything.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can only do that on phones or 3g devices that are recognized as modems by the os.

I had one Nokia communicator that I used for that and controlled this using at commands. Also I had a Sony laptop with a 3g card that could be controlled with at commands and inclusive enable the hidden gps :)

That Sony still sends his coordinates to my Web server so I know where he has been :) if stolen :)

You need to check if your hardware is compatible and the OS has the correct driver implementation.

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Tags: usb
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