# Question
Title: What will happen if I flash the Pixel Android P Device image on my Nexus 6P?
I just finished watching the Google I/O 2018 keynote and boy did it get me hyped up about Android P! For the last half hour or so I've been scouring the internet looking for some way to flash the latest preview using the Pixel system images here: https://developer.android.com/preview/download

Only problem? I don't own a Pixel device. All I've currently got on my hands is a Nexus 6P which Google recently dropped support for and made no mention of during the keynote.

Which leads me to my question: What will happen if I flash the Pixel Android P preview device image on my Nexus 6P? Will this brick my phone, or will everything still run ok? Now, realistically, I'm not trying to find out if someone has already tried this (duh), but I was hoping someone with a bit more knowledge could tell me if this is even remotely possible.

# Answer
> -2 votes
This is the easiest way to flash Android P to your Nexus 6p. Although it is possible to keep all your files, I recommend a backup in case something goes wrong.

1. Install Nexus Root Toolkit on your PC. This will allow you to flash anything you want.
2. Next, download an image of Android P for the Nexus 6p onto your desktop. All images for the 6p are available for download there.
3. Now connect your 6p via USB.
4. Click on "Flash Stock + Unroot" on the toolkit. Select the image you just downloaded (not the images the toolkit offers since those are outdated) then choose whether you want to factory reset the device or not.

Now the toolkit will automatically flash the image you chose onto your machine.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, android-beta-program, 9.0-pie
---


title: Where is the "Search" menu coming from?

text:
# Question
Title: Where is the "Search" menu coming from?
On my Pixel 2 XL, select some text in Chrome. I get a Web Search option that uses Google. However I also get a "Search" option that uses Bing.

I don't have any Bing apps installed. I've got Google as my default search engine. Where is this Bing search option coming from?

# Answer
Figured it out. I installed the Microsoft Edge browser. That was inserting the menu item in Chrome. Once I uninstalled Microsoft Edge, the menu went away.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, google-search
---


title: Wi-Fi Video Conferencing

text:
# Question
Title: Wi-Fi Video Conferencing
My daughter will be in Japan soon, studying abroad. And she just got a Macbook Air. Meanwhile, I have Android 2.2 and a Samsung Galaxy Tab. I don't mind paying for an app, but am not too keen on monthly service bills. I want to be able to have video conferencing with her on Wi-Fi only. I imagine SIP would be the way to go.

So what is the best app out there for Android right now for doing Wi-Fi video conferencing between a Mac and a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and which lets me do unlimited calling, not charged by the minute? I don't mind paying even up to $50 for the app on each system, just to not have to pay the monthly fees. I looked at the Tango app, but it said it only installed on iPhone and Android. I didn't see a Mac or PC version for it.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Another option will be ooVoo.

The free version allows 2-way video chat between Android and Mac (plus many other platforms)

They are expected to release a version for the Galaxy Tab in February according to this http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736\_1-20025684-251.html

# Answer
> 2 votes
I'd check out Yahoo Messenger. I haven't used it but it's the only video chat app that I'm aware of that can communicate with a computer. I believe Fring and Qik only go phone to phone. Also, keep an eye on Skype, unfortunately at the moment their Android offering is very limited.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Am using Facebook Messenger. It's safe and quite helpful and easy for me.

---
Tags: wi-fi, samsung-galaxy-tab, video-conference
---


# Question
Title: Forced RTL Layout option not showing up on my Huawei phone
I have a Huawei phone. When I searched the "Forced RTL Layout" option, it shows up. When I click on it, it leads me to the top of Developer Options. But nowhere on the list do I see the Force RTL option.

This is very frustrating and I can't seem to find anyone talking about it online. My old phone was also a Huawei and the same problem happens. Both my parents have Huawei phones and neither of them has the option either.

How can I get the Force RTL option out and apply it?

# Answer
RTL Layout and Huawei... I don't think you can change the layout yourself unless you're a software developer. Well yes, this is a software issue;

I talked to a salesperson from Huawei and he told me that it should be possible to integrate this option with a software update. He promised to tell the people who are developing Huawei software about RTL layout.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: huawei, developer-options
---


# Question
Title: Batch remove entries from Multiling dictionary
In the Android dictionary, there are hundreds of abbreviations and all-caps combinations that are hardly ever used. However, when typing, these words keep popping up instead of the intended words.

The system in question is a non-rooted Android 7, and the keyboard is `Multiling O Keyboard`. Since apps cannot write to the built-in dictionary, I assume that Multiling stores user dictionary entries (like the addition or removal of words) in a separate file, and compares this file to the built-in dictionary.

Where does Multiling keep its word lists (for each language)?

Is there a way to remove all of these abbreviations and all-caps words, e. g. by batch-processing a list or by replacing a database file?

# Answer
You can edit the file in the preferences (gear symbol), then Misc, then Import/Export and there you find the user dictionary.

I’ve written this down, because I’ve been searching so long to find how to backup my user dictionary of the Honso Multiling O Keyboard.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: dictionary
---


title: Screen flicker only on gray backgrounds

text:
# Question
Title: Screen flicker only on gray backgrounds
I have a Sony z5 premium, and have had many problems with the screen flickering on gray backgrounds. It's fine on white colors, so it may be something software?

I am using android 7.0

Thanks

# Answer
this is hardware fault, check the LCD belt or the LCD
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, screen, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Languages that an App is available for, on Play Store?
I am not sure when it changed but as of right now I am unable to see what language an App is available for on Play Store.

I wanted to compare size of some Apps on App Store vs Play Store and was wondering if the significant size difference can be attributed to a language support. For ex, WhatsApp on AppStore is around 158MB(https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997?mt=8) but on Android, if you try an App downloader service like, ApkPure, it shows around 32MB(https://apkpure.com/whatsapp-messenger/com.whatsapp)

This is baffling considering its WhatsApp and you would expect to be available in multiple languages and at least as many as there are on the iOS platform. For that matter, you can clearly see the supported languages for WhatsApp on the Apple platform.

So, how can I find the languages an App supports?

# Answer
You can not compare iOS and Android Apps. They are written in different programming languages, they contain different libraries and they are executed on totally different runtime platforms.

Furthermore an iOS is a fat binary containing one app multiple times - currently usually two times: One 32bit binary and one 64bit binary.

On Android side only native libraries are contained for each platform. For WhatsApp you mentioned it looks a bit different: There are different APK files, one for each platform. The APK files from ApkPure only contain the libraries for ARMv7a (ARM 32 bit). Their size is about 4MB - this makes the APK again smaller.

Conclusion: Multiple languages are most likely not the reason for app binaries to get large.

Regarding the supported languages the iTunes link clearly states the different supported languages.

For Android the info is not available on a website. You have to download the app and the use the `aapt` tool from Android SDK:

Windows: `aapt dump badging "WhatsApp Messenger_v2.18.122_apkpure.com.apk" | find "locales"`

Linux: `aapt dump badging "WhatsApp Messenger_v2.18.122_apkpure.com.apk" | grep "locales"`
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, apk
---


# Question
Title: My screen lock is set to "PIN", and I can't change it to "Swipe". Why not?
I have tried to do the fix as suggested on here however my swipe option states it was disabled by administrator or something like that. Not sure how I even set a PIN in the first place. How do I change this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check if you have added VPN connections.

Usually VPN connection requires minimum Pattern/PIN/Password active, and while you have VPN connection created you can't disable it.

To check does you have it, and to delete it go to Settings -\> More under Wireless & Networks-\> VPN. *Keep in mind, this can be different on other Android version, you can search Google for your device.*

If there is present connection, after removing them you should be able to change Lock screen settings.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go to settings-security and clear credentials.

---
Tags: settings, lock-screens, security, device-administrator
---


# Question
Title: Android mail client using Exchange Web Services?
I'm looking for an Android e-mail client that connects to a hosted Exchange 2010 server via Exchange Web Services (EWS). I know there are several mail apps (including the stock mail client) that can work with Exchange through ActiveSync and/or WebDAV, but my server supports neither of these.

# Answer
Here's what I've found:

* AquaMail
    + "Support for standard Internet email protocols: IMAP, POP3, SMTP; Exchange: **EWS**" (reference)
* Blue Mail
    + "Support for … Exchange (ActiveSync, **EWS**, 365)"
    + cloud-involved
* Email TypeApp
    + "Supporting … all Exchange protocols including **Exchange Web Services (EWS)**"
    + probably cloud-involved
* MailCal for Exchange
    + "email and calendar client that uses **EWS**/OWA/Webmail"
* MailDroid
    + various forum postings discuss EWS support
* MobiMail
    + "**Exchange Web Services (EWS)** is required on the Exchange server"
* Newton Mail
    + "Supports Calendar for Gmail, Google Apps, and Exchange (**EWS**)"
    + cloud-involved
* Stack Mail, a.k.a. Ginger Mail, a.k.a. Squash Mail
    + "Please make sure that **EWS (Exchange Web Services)** is enabled on your Exchange server"
    + this says Google was refunding purchases

Honorable mention:
> 3 votes

# Answer
JWebServices for Exchange is Java API for Microsoft Exchange 2007/2010/2013 and Office 365. The API offers complete Exchange Web Services functionality including the ability to create/update/move/copy items and folders, search items and folders, send messages, send meetings requests and more. Supports JDK 1.5+ and Android 1.6+.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can use Microsoft's EWS API which is Open Source for Android by doing the following steps:

1. download the source code available in the URL: http://archive.msdn.microsoft.com/ewsjavaapi **EWSJavaAPI\_1.1.5.zip**
2. Make the changes to above API to work for JDK 1.4 in Eclipse like remove override annotations, etc.
3. Download source code of javax.\* package available in below URL http://www.java2s.com/Code/Jar/j/Downloadjsr17310srcjar.htm **jsr173\_1.0\_src.jar.zip**
4. Download source code of stax API available in below URL, http://dist.codehaus.org/stax/distributions **stax-src-1.2.0.zip**
5. Keep all the sources under the single Java project in Eclipse
6. Open the project explorer and select the package which are starts with "**javax**" and rename to your company name (e.g., **com**). *Note:* Eclipse will ask for all the naming contexts will change then click OK.
7. Export all the Java sources to one single jar file.
8. Then You good to go to use the jar in Android application with out any problems.

I used the same way explained above and it worked in Android application 100% perfectly.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: email, exchange
---


title: Android DHCP Port Redirection

text:
# Question
Title: Android DHCP Port Redirection
I am working on a MirrorLink implementation for the Google Pixel (Android 8.1.0). I must implement a DHCP server; however, Android applications cannot listen on reserved ports.

The Android application is listening for DHCP DISCOVERY broadcasts on UDP port 6700. My intent is to port forward the DHCP traffic to 6700 so my application can handle the DHCP request.

I cannot find a combination of iptables rules that result in DHCP traffic reaching my application. If I send a DHCP DISCOVERY directly to port 6700 I receive the traffic.

```
# iptables -S

-P INPUT ACCEPT
-P FORWARD ACCEPT
-P OUTPUT ACCEPT
-N bw_FORWARD
-N bw_INPUT
-N bw_OUTPUT
-N bw_costly_rmnet_data0
-N bw_costly_shared
-N bw_costly_tun0
-N bw_data_saver
-N bw_happy_box
-N bw_penalty_box
-N fw_FORWARD
-N fw_INPUT
-N fw_OUTPUT
-N fw_dozable
-N fw_powersave
-N fw_standby
-N natctrl_FORWARD
-N natctrl_tether_counters
-N nm_mdmprxy_doze_mode_skip
-N nm_mdmprxy_iface_pkt_fwder
-N oem_fwd
-N oem_out
-N st_OUTPUT
-N st_clear_caught
-N st_clear_detect
-N st_penalty_log
-N st_penalty_reject

# iptables -t nat -S

-P PREROUTING ACCEPT
-P INPUT ACCEPT
-P OUTPUT ACCEPT
-P POSTROUTING ACCEPT
-N natctrl_nat_POSTROUTING
-N oem_nat_pre

```

I have tried various combinations of the following rules:

```
iptables -A INPUT -i ncm0 -p udp --dport 67 -J REDIRECT --to-port 6700
iptables -A FORWARD -i ncm0 -p udp --dport 6700 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -i ncm0 -p udp --dport 6700 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A PREROUTING -t nat -i ncm0 -p udp --dport 67 -j REDIRECT --to-port 6700

```

I suspect either a dire misunderstanding of iptables configuration (likely), special considerations for DHCP traffic, or Android/device specific conflicts.

I would appreciate any help getting this to work. It's the last barrier to achieving the MirrorLink implementation.

I have root access to the device if that wasn't clear already.

For absolute clarity - the MirrorLink device sends a DHCP DISCOVERY request (UDP port 67) to the Android device over a USB ethernet connection (CDC-NCM). The Google Pixel and probably most AOSP devices expose this interface as **ncm0**. Android applications can't listen on IANA well-known reserved ports, hence the need for internal port redirection to the 1024 - 49151 range. The Android device is reponsible for operating a DHCP server and returning a DHCP offer to the MirrorLink device.

# Answer
I solved this problem using DNAT redirection instead of port redirection, due to some limitations of REDIRECT involving broadcast traffic.

```
iptables -I INPUT -p udp --dport 67 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I INPUT -p udp --dport 6700 -j ACCEPT
iptables -I PREROUTING -t nat -i ncm0 -p udp -src 0.0.0.0 --dport 67 -j DNAT --to 0.0.0.0:6700

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: networking, iptables, dhcp
---


# Question
Title: Notification icons did not appear on status bar in Oppo F1s
I am using the oppo f1s 3gb 32gb in Pakistan. I recently update my mobile to Marshmallow from lollipop 5.1. Now the problem is that i receive notifications but but their notification icon did not shown on status bar.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here i confirmed from Official customer care office of oppo mobiles that recent update of marshmallow in oppo f1s have this issue . and can't be resolved in marshmallow. They suggest me to downgrade your phone back to lolipop 5.1 to remove this issue. So i personally suggest that don't update your oppo f1s to mashmallow .

# Answer
> 0 votes
First, make sure whatsapp notifications are on. Go into WhatsApp settings, notifications, and make sure all notifications are on.

There are a few possibilities as to why whatsapp shows that you received a message, but there was no notification.

First, if you have muted a contact or a group, and deselected "show notifications" then WhatsApp will still show that number on the app icon, but no notification will come.

Anther reason could be, that you simply cleared notifications. In that case the number on the app icon will still stay

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: How can I make two Android devices show the same video simultaneously?
I would like to attach two Android tablets to the back of my car head rests so that my two children can watch films on long journeys.

I want them to be watching the exact same video at the same time, and I want them to be as in sync as possible, because the sound will be played over the car's speakers.

I am open to any solution: whether it's having a separate machine as a streaming server running Windows, Linux, or another Android tablet. Another solution might be that the two devices have both have the files on them, but control data is being sent from one device to another - master/slave style. In a truly ideal world, it would be controllable by a device by someone sitting in the front, but that's a nice to have.

My question is - are there any apps that allow any of these scenarios? I have been looking for about three hours myself and haven't found anything.

nb: Pressing play simultaneously on the two devices is not a viable option, and neither is getting the children to wear headphones.

# Answer
> 2 votes
VLC works perfectly for me :) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.codejugglers.android.vlchd&hl=en

Did you tried this link? It uses Moboplayer and ES file Explorer. http://apcmag.com/how-to-stream-video-to-an-android-device.htm

Davy

# Answer
> 2 votes
GarethD I know that your original question was posted over five years ago but, I have been looking for same solution and so far I have found just one that works for me.
You need to download two apps.
No ROOT required!
On master device install: Mirror
On slave device install:AllCast Receiver
That is pretty much all. Start AllCast Receiver on slave, then start Mirror on master, choose receiving device from the list and you should see the master screen on slave device. Exit the app on master, choose your video player, start playback, sit back and relax ;)
I have master device connected to car stereo so audio is played over the car's speakers.
:NOTE:
1. Both devices have to be connected to same network for this to work.
2. Mirror app in free edition is casting watermark. If you watch films with black bars at top and bottom this is not too obtrusive. It will get in the way for full screen videos. Or you can just upgrade to the full version.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It took me ages to work this out, but to play one movie in sync on two tablets download an app called gplayer. After that:

1. hold down on video you want to play and click "add into share list"
2. go across to share and select the second device also do this on the second device but obviously select the the other device
3. on the second device click the shared video and let it download.
4. go it setting from the drop down menu on the right scroll down to the "group media sharing settings" and tuck the box that says "enable group media sharing service" do this on both devices
5. ensure both screens are on and in the share section and open on either device and it should play in sync on both screens

# Answer
> 0 votes
try http://www.mirrorop.com does what you need.

check this up.

http://clintonmann.com/blog/software-for-mirroring-a-display-across-multiple-android-devices/

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can use upnp monkey for android. it can stream to multiple devices

---
Tags: video, streaming
---


title: android.process.media issue

text:
# Question
Title: android.process.media issue
Off late I have been seeing the *`android.process.media`* error frequently on my android device. Find the screenshot below containing the java.lang.OutOtMemoryError:

Not sure what causes this.

**Some other observations:**

1. Data usage by System Apps sees a 80% rise approximately
2. Most of the times this error pop-up comes up while launching apps.

**What I have tried:**

1. Cleared All data by going to Apps --\> Google Services Framework
2. Opened Google Play Services from Apps --\> Google Play Services
3. Cleared All data and Force stop Google Play services
4. Cleared All data and Force stop Google Services Framework
5. Device Reboot

It didn't work! I know there is an option to format the device. But I am wondering if there is a better way to do it.

# Answer
The error clearly tries to write a JSON file and chokes on it. The question is now where the JSON file is located and to which app it belongs.

My first guess would be to clear the data and cache of the system app "Media storage" (`com.android.providers.media`). Hopefully the JSON file belongs to this app and clearing the data resets it so that it can start again from zero size.

BTW: The "memory" here means RAM - not flash memory. Therefore clearing data/caches of unrelated apps will not help in this case.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, processes, redmi
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to use 2 Bluetooth Unidirectional devices simultaneously?
Is it possible to pair (and use) both a microphone-only and a speaker-only Bluetooth devices so that they can be used instead of the built-in mic/speaker in the phone?

If so, can you point to where I can find more information about how to accomplish that?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I haven't tested this specific case myself. The answer might depend on what you might want to do with the mic-only and speaker-only bluetooth device.

**How multiple bluetooth devices work with a single android phone:**

The android phone provide you with two types to bluetooth profiles to connect to - Phone and Media. Long press on the device listing in the 'Bluetooth Settings', click on options and you can select which profile your bluetooth device should connect to.

The mono hands-free bluetooth headsets can connect to just the phone audio. The mono headset's options in android will not even list the 'Media' profile. The stereo bluetooth headsets can connect to both phone and media profiles. You will find both 'Phone' and 'Media' options for stereo headsets.

An android phone can be actively connected at a time to maximum of 2 devices. One device(Device1) will be connected to the 'Phone' and the other(Device2) will be connected to the 'Media'. All your phone calls will be routed to Device1 and all your music will be routed to Device2. But 2 devices cannot be connected to the same profile at the same time. I have tested this with my 2 stereo bluetooth headsets.

**Your request**: Connect a mic-only and a speaker-only device to the phone at the same time.

**What will not work:** If you want to use it in a phone call so that you can speak through the mic-only device and hear through the speaker-only device, it will not work. Only one device can be connected to the 'Phone' audio at any point of time. For both devices to work together in a phone call they should both be using a phone audio which is not possible.

**What might work:** A mic-only device to 'phone' audio and a stereo bluetooth headphone to the 'media' audio might be possible, since both these devices would be connected to 2 different profiles.

**Caveat:** I don't know if a mic-only device can be connected to an android device, in the first place. Since devices can either connect to the 'Phone' profile or 'Media' profile and both require speaker output at the other end, I am not sure how it would work. I am specifically curious about how a phone call would work when a mic-only device is connected to the phone profile. May be android would receive audio input from the bluetooth mic and send the audio output to the phone's speaker. Maybe android will show a different profile for the mic-only bluetooth device. The problem is in android I don't see a place where one can choose 'Audio Input' and 'Audio Output' devices like we do in a desktop OS. Mic-only bluetooth devices are used with cameras as shown in this video. I don't know how they would connect and work with android devices.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It should be possible to do what you want. Try this: pair both of the devices with your phone, then go to Settings -\> Wireless & networks -\> Bluetooth Settings, and long-press on the paired device and select "Options". From there you can choose which service you'd like for this particular device.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have just done this. I have a bluetooth compatible stereo on my Road Glide (Harley) and I like to stream my music through those speakers. But, I also want to be able to use google assistant voice commands, and take and make phone calls as needed, and I do not want the phone call to go over the bike speakers.

I set the H-D radio to media only, and set my Produtrend bluetooth device to phone call only. I connect to my bike first, then turn on the Produtrend device. The produtrend device has a 3.5 mm jack for connecting speakers (which i have in my helmet) or ear buds. I was able to listen to pandora on my bike, and then make a phone call which was heard through my in-helmet speakers. Worked perfectly.

I hope this info can be adapted to your situation Cheers

---
Tags: bluetooth, bluetooth-pairing
---


# Question
Title: WiFi hotspot turns off by itself + WiFi turns on by itself
My honor 8 lite (Android 7.0) started to do strange stuff:

1. While WiFi tethering works, and my PC is connected, the tethering turns off after a few minutes.
2. Even after turning WiFi off, it turns on by itself.

**Apps permissions:**

**Additional permissions**

# Answer
> 1 votes
A rogue app is turning the Wi-Fi ON. Look into the Permissions.

In *Change Wi-Fi Connectivity*, you can find list of all apps which can create such problem. Disable all of them or do trial & error.

**Edit:**
If you can't find this list in Settings, install this tiny app, go to Permissions tab and tap `CHANGE_WIFI_STATE` to get the list. This app doesn't let you remove permission, but after knowing the information about an app, you can disable its permission through app's *App Info* in Settings.

---
Tags: wi-fi, wifi-hotspot, huawei
---


title: Enable “USB Internet” for Android 6.0

text:
# Question
Title: Enable “USB Internet” for Android 6.0
With earlier versions of Android, there was the option to connect your mobile phone via USB cable with your Windows PC and enable "USB Internet" to share the internet connection from your PC with your phone (in case you don't have Wi-Fi nor Mobile Data). But with Android 6.0, this option is no longer available from the settings.

Is there a way to a) enable this setting again or b) share the internet connection (reverse tethering) via additional mirroring apps (all without hacking/rooting the phone)?

# Answer
> 1 votes
*Not* using Reverse Tethering NoRoot, there are two ways to make reverse tethering.

### Method 1:

It requires Android 5.0+, a 20KB .apk to install, and a command-line PC program (1MB).

You can use Gnirehtet (It is similar to Reverse Tethering NoRoot, but uses less space and has no usage limit), which can be downloaded here on GitHub. You will also need the ADB tools in the same folder.

### Method 2:

It works with all versions of Android (without ADB), but requires Windows 10. It, again, will require a program on your Android device *and* PC.

This article explains how to create reverse tethering using OpenVPN. It will take much more space on your devices (and much more time setting up everything), but it also works.

---
Tags: internet, windows, usb-tethering, reverse-tether
---


title: What is Windows animation scale?

text:
# Question
Title: What is Windows animation scale?
My **Samsung J3 (2016)** running **Android 7.1** used to sometimes lags while playing games (And also, FPS is bad). I read many posts and articals about speeding up my phone. I saw that you can improve its performance by going to **Developer options \> Windows scale animation** and replace x1 with x0.5 or Off.

***Question is***, what those that affect? Those a higher setting make it run smother, better FPS? What happens when its at a lower or higher setting? That setting helps my phone, but I would like to know more about that setting.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This article at howtogeek explains it a bit (rather indirectly). As you may already know or have guessed, animations take up CPU cycles. How much, depends on this value.

Think of a flip book: If you want to make the animation look smooth, you need many pages. If you don't care, you skip some – but still take the same time from the first to the last page.

That's about what "animation scale" is about: the higher the value, the more "pages" will be used. Thus, when you lower the value, less CPU cycles are used – leaving more of them to "other stuff".

---

Other resources explaining this include androidtipsandhacks:

> The Window animation scale, Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale all control the duration of the animations that appear as you open windows and switch between screens. The longer the duration the smoother they appear, but if you set them to be shorter (or even off altogether) the device feels much snappier.
>
> Set the Window animation to 5x then tap the Transition animation button to see its immediate effect. We recommend .5x for all.

(see, they also recomment 0.5x). LiveHacker even recomends to turn them off altogether.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-j3
---


# Question
Title: Android video and audio playback speed is nearly double
Yesterday I was showing a video to a friend of mine and something weird happened. As he went to grab my phone while I was holding it he had a few fingers on the screen and something flashed up and flashed away in the time span of about half a second so I wasn't able to exactly read what popped up. Although, since that happened it seems all my video and audio is being played at a high playback speed, I'd say around x2 the normal playback speed.

This isn't just limited to one app either. This occurred in an app called BuzzVideo, but the playback speed is global, in the YouTube app, YouTube Red, etc. I tried a combination of gestures on the screen while on that BuzzVideo app, but nothing seems to change the playback speed.

Do you have any suggestions?

What I've tried:

* Restarting the phone
* Rebooting the phone
* Resetting the data & cache for the app that caused the issue

# Answer
> 0 votes
I ended up accidentally wiping it (factory reset) while attempting to clear all app data, which in turn, fixed it (just not the way I was hoping for).

Now I've gotta manually remove the bloatware from my telecommunications provider and from the phone manufacturer and restore all those nice settings & applications I had.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go back to the same video through the same app and hold it again the way you were- perhaps the dialogue will pop up again and you can catch it this time. I imagine you simply long-pressed for an options menu to come up. Just be ready to let go (or not) when you see it. Should fix your prob.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, audio, video
---


# Question
Title: Does the average cellphone battery protect against overcharging or deep discharging?
It's known that Lithium Ion batteries are damaged by overcharging or deep discharging. While I've seen an Xposed module which prevents the phone from charging the battery above 90%, I'm wondering if it helps at all, since if the battery circuitry takes care of it itself (meaning, showing 100% when really it's charged to 90%), then there's no point in charging to 80% of the real capacity. But obviously, if the battery isn't that smart, then it's worth it to prevent the phone from overcharging.

# Answer
It's just not the battery but battery and the processing logic that takes care of extremities in charging

* **Higher side :** This is well explained here XDA thread
* **Lower side:** This is an built in Android feature from Lollipop onwards (Izzy referred to this in comments) . This is to prevent the battery getting into Sleep mode

The reason for recommendations despite these protection features is the theory that a) higher voltages at high battery levels are damaging and b) increase longevity of battery life by charging well before it reaches critical low levels. For more details, see this Ideal charging / discharging percentage for maximum battery life?

This theory has it's opposition but AFAIK jury is still out

Related, for other methods of limiting charging How to limit charging to 60%
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: android phone not connecting to the internet
My phone does not connecting to the Internet – it's saying "connected,no internet":

When I open a web browser, all I get is the same message ("no connection").

Can some one help me please I am begging. I have tried so many things and nothing work.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Can you see The SSID of available network's. When you click on the SSID does it say connect but no internet? Press and hold the SSID and select forget this will disconnect then reconnect make sure the password is correct if no password the you may need to agree to the terms

# Answer
> 0 votes
The message "connected, no internet" usually indicates a captive portal. In short that means you are connected to the router, but without your first "identifying" to it it won't "let you out" but rather "holds you captive".

In modern Android versions (Android 6 and up at least), Android detects this situation by itself (hence the message) and offers you to "identify" to the portal (it shows you a notification to tap on):

<sup>"No Internet" / Captive Portal (source: Wikimedia, click to enlarge)</sup>

If that does not happen, simply open your web browser and try to open a page, e.g. `www.google.com`. Your browser then should automatically take you to the login-page of the portal first.

---
Tags: wi-fi, connection-issues
---


title: Using LineageOS native SSHD over ADB

text:
# Question
Title: Using LineageOS native SSHD over ADB
Ive got most of the way to getting native sshd working over usb (mainly for shell and winscp), but very murky and not quite there yet. I want to use the built-in sshd, not download an app for it.

Lineageos has a built-in SSHD and ADB allows forwarding from local host:XXXX to the phone on port 22. I've got a `sshd_config` file ready (password for now, RSA later), and Terminal + su all working. By trial and error I've found the sshd-start or start-sshd files and I'm probably most of the way there. But its hard to reproduce a trial and error approach and I haven't actually got it there yet.

The furthest I've got is that I can run ssh (client) on the phone and it'll at least try to connect to itself (in another terminal window), but doesn't yet fully reach a shell prompt. It gave errors on /var/run/etc and on missing an 'empty' dir which I manually created and seem to help but I don't really know if that's the right or best way to do it.

Assuming I have a valid config file and a clean install with no changes, what are the basic steps from the start, so.I can enable native sshd, start/stop it manually (not started with system), and access it across adb?

I would like to use /sdcard/sshdata for any keys/config, so they are preserved across installing, and for the moment, password over adb via usb only (not WiFi). I'm happy to mod some sshd-related files in /system and probably need to, but I don't know which I need to change.

What is the simplest recipe to get sshd available so that I can fire it up and connect when needed?

# Answer
> 5 votes
AFAIK with LineageOS 14.1 (I have a **rooted** FairPhone 2), `sshd` is enabled by default and ready to use. Its config file is `/system/etc/ssh/sshd_config` which points to `/data/ssh/` for keys storage. I guess you can reconfigure it to use `/sdcard/`. In *theory*, `/data` should be preserved across system updates, though I have not much experience to confirm it. The daemon needs to be started manually (this also generates the server's key pair; note that the `start-ssh` doesn't launch `sshd` in the background, hence the `&`):

```
$ adb root
phone # /system/bin/start-ssh &

```

Alternatively, you might want to configure another `sshd` instance as explained here.

To have `sshd` start at each boot (I still haven't tried), one option is to use Termux:Boot. Be aware that having a daemon always running might drain your battery!

As for running ADB and SSH, you say

> ADB allows forwarding from local host:XXXX to the phone on port 22

It is my understanding that this is not correct (unless you mean forwarding from a dev machine to another host which the phone is tethered to), as I don't see how `adbd` can handle encrypted connections. A quick sniff test with `ngrep` shows that my Wi-Fi connection on port 5555 is clear text.

Otherwise, make sure (I guess you already know it, but *repetita iuvant*...) that on your phone

1. `Developer options` are enabled
2. `Developer options -> Root access` is set to "ADB" or "Apps ADB"
3. `Developer options -> ADB over network` is enabled

Then, on your computer terminal, the following command should get you on the go:

```
$ adb connect <your-android-host-name>
$ adb shell

```

...expect an excruciatingly slow, *not encrypted* connection :-(

---
Tags: adb, shell, ssh, services, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: How can I find out if my device uses FBE or FDE?
Assuming that I have full access (root if neccesary) to a device running vanilla Android 8.1, how can I know if it is using Full Disk Encryption or File Based Encryption?

# Answer
> 21 votes
There are three ways to identify which encryption type is used:

# Identification by device behavior

As a user you should be able to identify what encryption scheme is used by the behavior of your device when it boots (e.g. because you restarted it).

If the classic Full Disk Encryption is active your device will boot for some time and then present a special password enter dialog. If you enter the correct password and confirm it the device will continue to boot which will take some seconds. Then after some time Android will be started and ask again for your password or PIN using the common dialog you should already know when you unlock your device.

If you don't get such a password request in the middle of the boot process you have most likely File Based Encryption (or no encryption at all).

# Read property via Termux

The terminal app Termux provides a command-line you can use for identifying which encryption mode your device uses.

Start Termux and enter the following command: `getprop ro.crypto.type`

If the output is `file` your device uses File Based Encryption and `block` if it uses Full Disk Encryption.

# Read property via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

If you have activated the development and ADB mode on your device you can connect it to your PC via USB and use the following command on your PC:

```
adb shell getprop ro.crypto.type

```

If it returns `file` your device uses File Based Encryption and `block` if it uses Full Disk Encryption.

---
Tags: root-access, encryption, 8.0-oreo, disk-encryption, 8.1-oreo
---


# Question
Title: Installed app is deleted from Play Store. How to download it from my mobile to PC for backup?
There is an app that I have on my phone that is VERY USEFUL to me. The problem is that soon I'll have to change phone or reset to Factory settings and this app is no longer available on Play Store for download after losing it.

Is there some way to download the program/app from within my phone and copy it for backup on my laptop? Then I'd like to put it back on my phone and be able to re-install it myself (ticking install from unknown sources I guess?) after the reset.

Can it be found on my phone and be saved?

Thanks :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Our backup tag-wiki mentions what might help you: ADB backups. You can check with our adb tag-wiki to get an idea on it, learn more on ADB backups via these answered questions.

Then, once you've got ADB up and running, `adb backup -f myapp.ap -apk com.my.app` will backup the app including your data, so you can even transfer it to another device.

Not that some apps do "opt out" of this backup method. In that case, you'd lose your data, but could still extract the installation file e.g. using an APK extractor. Or if you'd not be afraid to root your device, you could use a full-fledged backup app like Titanium Backup – which not only would allow you to backup all your apps and their data, but also your settings, SMS and more.

---
Tags: applications, backup, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: How do I rid my Xperia phone from grey right leaning bell like shape in chats on WhatsApp
This symbol keeps two names at the top of my chats list on WhatsApp.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This feature is called 'Pin Chat'. It pins your chat to the top most and the grey pin icon implies that 'that' chat is pinned. To unpin the chat from top , simply press and hold the chat in the CHATS screen. Now an option bar will show up on the title bar. Select the first icon to unpin the chat from top. Hope it helps.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Can't install game through apk and obb file
I can't install a game through apk and obb file in my Android 6.0 Marshmallow. I have Samsung Grand Prime Plus and I have recently tried rooting my device several times but it failed. I'm wondering if it might somehow be relevant to this problem.

I installed the apk file, put the obb file in the respective folder and the game looks like it's been installed, but gets stuck on the startup screen. I think it's not picking up the obb file since the startup screen is probably part of the apk file. I have tried this with both the internal and external memories. I'm sorry for the awkward terminology. I'm new to this stuff.

# Answer
> 1 votes
* Accept/Check the App Permission
* Check if you Place the obb file to android/obb
* Check if the App is Compatible with your Phone

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, apk
---


# Question
Title: How can I sync a folder *to* android using syncthing?
I have installed syncthing on my Windows desktop and on my android 2.3.3 based phone. The nodes are talking and I see that I am connected to the windows desktop. I successfully sync'd a folder from my mobile phone to the desktop, so I believe the connection is working. The Android UI shows the connection as present to the desktop.

I selected the mobile phone device in the "Share With Devices" section of the desktop folder' configuration from the desktop syncthing localhost web UI, but I can't figure out how to add the Windows directory to be sync'd onto the phone.

In the Android syncthing UI, how can I sync an entire folder from the desktop machine to the mobile phone?

*Meta:<br>I hope this is on-topic. The on-topic blurb seems to suggest that it is:*

> *If your question generally covers...*
> *\[...\]*
> *Using a particular app on your Android device*

# Answer
> 5 votes
Here's what I did.

Firstly I was in the same situation - devices were visible to each other, windows had the files, android did not.

I created a folder on android with syncthing and gave it the same name as my folder on the PC ( not essential ) but crucially, I used the same folder ID as the folder on the server.

Then I selected the server ( slide switch on ) and saved my folder in android. Now they are syncing files.

Summary make sure your folders have the same folder ID (on the general tab).

Hope this helps. Please give it approved answer if it solves.

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Firefox Quantum for Android - backup profile without root?
On Firefox Quantum for Android (on a non-rooted phone), how do I back up my profile to another place? This would be easy if my phone was rooted (just go access the folder directly and copy it elsewhere), but it isn't rooted.

I've tried numerous different things, some of which have gotten very frustratingly close, but nothing has worked:

* Using an app like Helium Backup that uses adb to backup app data. This works for some apps, but for Firefox it gives me a "Backup Disallowed" dialog box with the message "Firefox has disallowed backup of application data. Please leave a comment with the developer of Firefox and ask them to allow application data backup."
* Using the browser to navigate to the profile directory and attempt to download items from there. I can clearly see my profile by going to file:///data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla/r3dact3d.default/, and theoretically individual files could be downloaded over enough time. But attempting to open anything just navigates to it. This 'works' for text files like .ini since I can manually copy+paste out the contents, but not for binary files (like the all-important browser.db) which always open a blank page.
* Doing the above, but using USB debugging and opening up WebIDE on my laptop's Firefox to poke around. I can run arbitrary Javascript on the page that shows me my profile directory, but nothing here lets me download the files it's showing me. The closest I can get is if I modify the anchor tags to add a download attribute (so they'll download instead of navigating), but then all the links pop up an "Unable to download file" error message in the footer (versus "Download started..." which I would expect). I have no clue what this particular error message means, and Googling doesn't help.
* Doing the above, but holding down on each link and choosing Open With an App (vs. Open Link in New Tab, etc.). If I can get a file explorer app to come up, it always gives me a similar error message "This item cannot be saved."
* Attempting to tell Firefox (through about:config, perhaps) to save or move my profile to a different place that wouldn't require root to access. Apparently Firefox does not allow such a thing.
* Trying to find some feature of Firefox Sync that backs up a profile on mobile. This feature doesn't seem to exist.
* Finding an add-on that will copy the profile to another place. Before Firefox Quantum, there was an add-on named Copy Profile that did this exact thing. The add-on isn't compatible with Firefox Quantum anymore and I can't find any replacements.
* Using adb to manually downgrade Firefox so Copy Profile will work again. At least one user has tried something similar already, and the result is that the app data between Firefox Quantum and Firefox non-Quantum is set up differently enough that the newly downgraded app immediately crashes on open.

I find it hard to believe that a task as important and straightforward as backing up my Firefox profile is impossible on unrooted Android. Has anyone else run into this problem or a similar one? Any solutions or suggestions?

Thanks!

# Answer
I had the same problem and got inspired by your idea to use WebIDE. It turns out it is possible to access the profile files throughout JavaScript at least in my Firefox for Android version 59.0.2, but this only helps partially to back up all profile data.

## Principle

The file contents can be accessed using Ajax (see here), also if they are binary (reference). It however seems like you can only access files that are in your current directory or that are in a subdirectory.

For example, the contents of `browser.db` can be accessed by navigating to `file:///data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla/XXXXXXXX.default/` and then executing in the console via WebIDE:

```
var xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();
xmlhttp.open("GET", "browser.db");
xmlhttp.responseType = "arraybuffer";
xmlhttp.send();

```

The result will then be stored in `xmlhttp.response` as an arraybuffer. If the data is non-binary, `"text"` can be used instead of `"arraybuffer"`.

For small, non-binary files it can by sufficient to copy them to the clipboard with `copy(xmlhttp.responseText)`, but for larger files this can throw an out of memory error.

The same technique can be used to get a listing of files and directories. The problem is that this (for me at least) worked only for the directory the browser was navigated to, but not for subdirectories. The returned data is a list of files as plain text:

```
300: file:///data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla/XXXXXXXX.default/
200: filename content-length last-modified file-type
201: AlternateServices.txt 0 Thu,%2010%20May%202018%2015:33:20%20GMT FILE
201: OfflineCache 0 Thu,%2009%20Nov%202017%2018:28:54%20GMT DIRECTORY
...

```

## Backing up

For completeness, here are two scripts I used to backup the files. Both are only quick&dirty and minimal scripts. The data is transferred to a Python server running on the computer, which then stores them.

**Important:** They only backup the *files* in the current directory, but not the directories (See the limitation above). However since most of the profile is in the root directory this might be sufficient. If you want to store the files in the subdirectories as well you need to paste and run the JavaScript again for each directory. The neccessary directories will be created by the server.

**Python server** (save this as `server.py` and then run e.g. with `python3 server.py 2222` depending on the port you want to use)

```
import os
from http.server import BaseHTTPRequestHandler, HTTPServer

class FileReceiveHandler(BaseHTTPRequestHandler):
    def _set_headers(self):
        self.send_response(200)
        self.send_header('Content-Type', 'text/plain')
        self.end_headers()

    def do_POST(self):
        content_length = int(self.headers['Content-Length']) # <--- Gets the size of data
        post_data = self.rfile.read(content_length) # <--- Gets the data itself
        print(self.path)

        # Store file
        relative_file_path = os.path.join('received_files', self.path.lstrip('/'))
        directories = os.path.dirname(relative_file_path)
        os.makedirs(directories, exist_ok=True)
        with open(relative_file_path, 'wb') as f:
            f.write(post_data)

        self._set_headers()
        self.wfile.write(b'received')

if __name__ == '__main__':
    from sys import argv
    port = int(argv[1]) if len(argv) == 2 else 80
    server_address = ('', port)
    httpd = HTTPServer(server_address, FileReceiveHandler)
    print('Starting server')
    httpd.serve_forever()

```

This is the source I used as a reference for the server.

**JavaScript source for the browser**

Adapt the first two lines to your own profile path and local IP address and port. Then paste this script directly in the console of WebIDE with the browser navigated to the profile directory.

```
var profile_basepath = "file:///data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla/XXXXXXXX.default";
var server = "http://<your_local_ip>:2222";

function send() {
    var list_xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();

    // Get files
    list_xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function() {
        if(list_xmlhttp.status == 200 && list_xmlhttp.readyState == 4){
            itemslist = list_xmlhttp.response.split('\n');

            for (var i = 0; i < itemslist.length; i++) {
                if (itemslist[i].startsWith('201:')) {
                    parts = itemslist[i].split(' ');
                    if (parts[4] == 'FILE') {
                        handleFile(parts);
                    }
                }
            }
            console.log(itemslist);
        }
    };
    list_xmlhttp.open("GET", window.location.href, true);
    list_xmlhttp.responseType = "text";
    list_xmlhttp.send();
}

function handleFile(parts) {
    var filename = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(parts[1]));

    // Get file content
    var file_xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();
    file_xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function() {
        if(file_xmlhttp.status == 200 && file_xmlhttp.readyState == 4){
            // Send file
            var filepath = window.location.href.substring(profile_basepath.length) + filename;
            var send_xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();
            send_xmlhttp.open("POST", server + filepath, true);
            send_xmlhttp.send(file_xmlhttp.response);

            console.log(filepath + " sent");
        }
    }
    file_xmlhttp.open("GET", window.location.href + parts[1], true);
    file_xmlhttp.responseType = "arraybuffer";
    file_xmlhttp.send();
}

send();

```

It might take some time until the script has finished.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: backup, firefox-for-android, profiles
---


# Question
Title: Google Maps not working offline even though I already have maps downloaded
My phone is a Nexus 4, running Android 5.1.1. I am getting this error when I try to go to a postcode in London.

> No network connection
>
> Can't connect to the network. Check your data connection and try again.
>
> `Cancel` `Try again`

But I have downloaded offline maps of London and surrounding areas.

e.g. if I go to "My Places", I can see 3 offline maps, including London\*

>

@Czar points out that the map files seem rather small...Maybe that is the cause, though I have an issue there too. It doesn't give me a box to draw around what I want to download, it gives me a screen where I zoom out to how much I want, but if I zoom out too far it says it's too big. It is only letting me save areas that are quite small like around \< 30MB.

\*Note- in this question, I stated that I clicked 'My Places' to see offline maps that was the case in the version I had, where I had the issue. The current Google Maps has offline maps in the menu. Google Maps can be updated from the Google Play Store.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Firstly, make sure your Google Maps is up to date.

After that, double-check and make sure your "bounding box" is large enough to encompass the desired offline area.

Here's an image for reference:

My first clue was the fact that your downloaded offline maps data size seemed rather small. For reference, my average size US city offline map on my Pixel 1 device clocks in at around 300MB.

The larger the area needed for offline use, the larger the data downloaded to your device. I believe the cap in terms of a single offline map chunk is around 1.5GB.

---

**Note added by barlop:**

> The Google Maps version I had which seemed to be an earlier version, was limiting the size of the map I could download, and with that earlier Google Maps version, I wasn't getting a box either, just an area to zoom in and out of. The solution for me was to update it which can be done from Google Play Store and taping update. Then I could draw a box to a preferred size and offline maps worked.

---
Tags: google-maps, offline, offline-map
---


# Question
Title: Can't connect to local server in any internet app?
I have a local server set up on my network at `192.168.1.9`

All of the other computers on my network can connect to it fine.

It's definitely on the same wifi network, and I've tried disabling mobile data to make sure it's only using the wifi.

When I try to connect to it on my phone, it just says 'This sit can't be reached. `ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE`

I've tried Firefox and Chrome, and nothing is working. Is there some setting I don't know about that is preventing my android from connecting to stuff on the local network? I've also had trouble playing multiplayer mobile games in the past, which may or may not be related.

It's a Google Pixel 2.

# Answer
Some Wi-Fi routers have by default an option enabled that prevents communication between each other Wi-Fi devices (or sometimes even prevents communication to all LAN devices).

You should check your router if there is such an security option and disable it if it exists.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internet
---


# Question
Title: Using Android Emulator's Root Shell via Command Line
I want to get a root shell since my adbd crashes. But the `-shell` option does not work. Meanwhile, I found out, that you can get a shell by using `-show-kernel`. But I would like to communicate with the root shell by TCP. There's also an open issue at google: https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=202760

When starting an Android emulator (SDK 24.4.1) on Linux by command line, you should be able to get a root shell by using the `-shell` command-line option. At least that's what the manual says

> Create a root shell console on the current terminal. You can use this command even if the adb daemon in the emulated system is broken. Pressing Ctrl-C from the shell stops the emulator, instead of the shell

But when starting the emulator like

```
emulator -netdelay none -netspeed full -avd nougat-x86_64 -gpu off -no-window -shell

```

I do see the shell output of the Android emulator booting, but I cannot send any commands to it, i.e. `ls`.

Also, opening a TCP port for the shell and communicating via telnet shows the same behavior.

```
emulator -netdelay none -netspeed full -avd nougat-x86_64 -gpu off -no-window -shell-serial tcp::4444,server,nowait
telnet localhost 4444

```

There's not much information about this topic on the internet, but perhaps someone already dealt with this topic.

# Answer
> 0 votes
From Android source line 698, seems the `-shell` option is as same as `-logcat` option, thus I think the documentation is not described well and of course the `-shell` option won't bring you an interactive root shell from the virtual serial. Maybe I'm wrong, I only tested this on macOS.

With a further test, as same as this guy's post, the `-show-kernel` will actually get you the kernel log and an interactive rootable console.

---
Tags: shell, android-emulator
---


# Question
Title: How do I export Telegram contacts to my phone?
I'm new here.

My little brother **accidentally** touched the **"reset factory"** button in settings, and now I don't have my contacts on my phone! I have 1500 (**almost 400 business**) contacts with more than 670 profile pictures!

I rooted my phone and used recovery tools in W7, but nothing worked for me! I just recovered 10 old contacts, so God bless the Telegram app because I saw my contacts there, but there are no contacts in my phone app. Is there any way to import contacts from the Telegram app to my phone app?

If possible please tell me how to fix this issue. Any guidance also in programming issues like linux terminals will be accepted in my way.

(Note: I used search in this site but there was nothing for my issue, just found a link that a buddy wrote there:

> "Just install a contact backup software from google store like "+contact backup" and after that make a back up from your contacts."

But there's no app in the app store with that name!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just go to your accounts menu and select telegram\ accounts and then tap the current account and turn on Sync contacts. This way you can have all your contacts whom they have an telegram account.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Use 'ExportTelegramContacts' software on github. https://github.com/salarcode/ExportTelegramContacts

Read the readme file and follow the instruction. when it comes to "export contacts without phone numbers" press "No".

---
Tags: contacts, backup, factory-reset, data-recovery, telegram
---


# Question
Title: "Cold boot: snapshot doesn't exist" when running the Android SDK Emulator for the first time
I am just new to Android Studio and I tried to run the emulator from the SDK for the first time. When I click on the Run button, the emulator opens with an error:

> Cold boot: snapshot doesn't exist.

How to solve this problem?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try to uninstall Intel HAXM in SDK tools and then reinstall it. you'll solved your problem.

---
Tags: android-emulator, avd-manager
---


# Question
Title: How do I enable USB tethering without turning off the WiFi?
I want to tether my phone's WiFi connection to my computer via USB.

There's a setting for USB tethering, but when I enable it there is a message

> Wi-Fi is turned off when USB tethering or Mobile HotSpot is active. To turn on Wi-Fi, please turn off USB tethering or Mobile HotSpot.

But what's the point of tethering if the Wi-Fi is turned off? I have no connection to share with the computer if the Wi-Fi is not on.

If I turn off the Wi-Fi before I try to enable USB tethering, it shows the message

> Unable to connect
>
> You need a network connection to use this application. Please turn on mobile network or Wi-Fi is Settings.

So...it needs Wi-Fi to tether, but when I turn on the tether, it turns off Wi-Fi? I don't understand. How do I keep the connection from being turned off when I try to enable the USB tether?

I'm using an HTC One phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I resolved this. The solution seems a little bit hacky, but it worked.

I unplugged the USB cable, turned on the Wi-Fi, enabled the USB tether option, then plugged in the USB. When I plug it in, it shows the message

> Wi-Fi is turned off when USB tethering or Mobile HotSpot is active. To turn on Wi-Fi, please turn off USB tethering or Mobile HotSpot.

and then after a few seconds

> USB tethering is ON

If I turn on the Wi-Fi after the first message but before the second message, the Wi-Fi is not turned off automatically and my computer is able to successfully connect.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I know this is a little old now, and neither the question nor the answer was ever clarified, but I just encountered this issue and found a workaround I wanted to share.

I'm using Joshua Wise's HoRNDIS to tether my HTC 10 (Verizon, 'Android O' OTA update, unrooted, USB C) to my 2017 MacBook Pro (USB C/Thunderbolt). The tethering works fine, if only in a slightly undesired way: my phone demands that WiFi must be shut off in order to tether. I want my phone to bridge the WiFi to my MacBook (i.e. I've forgotten the WiFi password).

Furthermore, trying to turn the WiFi on through the system UI while tethered gives two options, either continue tethering or stop tethering and turn WiFi on.

My solution was to make a Tasker widget on my home screen with the action "Wifi Set On". This Tasker action turned the WiFi on, and my MacBook didn't lose internet access. I verified WiFi usage by turning mobile data off and browsing on my MacBook for a while. It's my suspicion that every UI option to turn the WiFi on is linked the dialog box to turn tethering off, but getting around the normal UI to change your WiFi settings may work (Tasker may not be required.)

---
Tags: wi-fi, htc-one, usb-tethering
---


# Question
Title: What is the DNS entry for the Google Play store?
What is the DNS entry for the Google Play store?

I ask because I could not get anything to update or install. After trying everything, I could not get anything to work. Then, I turned off wifi, and it updated on the 3g/4g connection.
I found a post about DNS entry.
After changing the DNS server, it now downloads. So, what is the DNS name of the Play store?

# Answer
The Google PlayStore app mainly the following URL:

https://android.clients.google.com

Additional servers may be used for login or downloading the description and images shown within the PlayStore app.

Also the actual download URL points to one of a large number of servers in the Google Content Delivery Cloud (actually you can say it is more or less random from your point of view).
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to export annotations from mobi/epub files?
So I use FBreader for mobi/epub ebooks and I highlight lots of text.

How can I export all the highlights I've made into another file (or share them all with the Internet)?

# Answer
OK, this might not be really relevant to this post, but for other FBReader users who are stuck at the same, I'll share my (rough) solution:

Note: This should be specially relevant to Icarus eReader users! Icarus e-ink readers come with a modified version of FBReader 2 which is pretty stable on that device but unfortunately very basic too. And you can't even update it! I don't know if newer versions of FBReader can do this by default - sorry if this is obsolete information to most of you.

1. Using a file manager with root access on your ereader (I use Solid Explorer) , navigate to `/data/data/org.geometerplus.zlibrary.ui.android/databases/`
2. Select the `books.db` file and copy it to a non-root directory (like for example to `/sdcard/`) that you can later access from your computer.
3. On your computer, open `books.db` with SQLiteBrowser (you can't just open a .db file with a text editor, you'll see unreadable code). I guess you can perform this step directly on Android with Sqlite Viewer for Android, but I haven't tried that yet.
4. In SQLiteBrowser, go to the `Annotations` table of your database and you'll see all your highlights. SQLB is not the best app for editing text, but there's a few export options.

There you go!
> 2 votes

# Answer
http://ebookfriendly.com/evernote-tips-for-booklovers/

Check Tip #3, exporting through email to evernote with an IFTTT recipe (man, those are cool).

IDK if this works for FBreader, but its worth a shot. Should work for Moon+, most people online seem to be recommending that app for exporting notes.

I'm having so much trouble with this kind of problem. Don't trust when Play Books says it will export your highlights/notes to your Google Drive (a new feature) - I haven't gotten it to work once!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Go to settings in FB Reader on your device. Set it to synchronize. Go to https://books.fbreader.org/. View the book. Click on bookmarks. You can export them as text.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: ebook-reader
---


# Question
Title: Android 4.3 external and internal sdcard
I am new in `Android` so please be gentle. I have the problem, that my phone doesn't use the external sdcard and try to save everything on internal 2gb storage.

So I rooted the device and get a shell on my device. then I checked the mount point and saw that the /dev/fuse is used everywhere

```
   /dev/fuse /mnt/shell/emulated fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0
   /dev/fuse /storage/emulated/legacy fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0
   /dev/fuse /storage/emulated/0 fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0
   /dev/fuse /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0

   /dev/block/vold/179:33 /storage/sdcard1 vfat rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,uid=1000,gid=1015,fmask=0702,dmask=0702,allow_utime=0020,codepage=cp437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro 0 0

```

my idea is to change the mounts everywhere and change /dev/fuse to /dev/block/vold/179:33

is there any special program technically location in Android to edit and save the new mount points? Thanks!!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try the SDFix application (for KitKat Writable MicroSD) on Google Play, which simply adds a line to the platform.xml permissions file (at /system/etc/permissions) to allow writing on the extSDCard.

---
Tags: 4.3-jelly-bean, mount
---


# Question
Title: Can the WhatsApp group icon or title be locked?
Is there a way for a WhatsApp admin to lock the group icon and title? As of this time, any group member can change the group icon or title.

# Answer
No. It is impossible using the standard app.
> 3 votes

# Answer
**2018 and it's possible!**

WhatsApp admins can stop the members from editing group info. The feature appears to be recently added to WhatsApp. While searching, I found that it is functional since version 2.18.135. What I have installed right now is 2.18.141. So, it should be rolled out to everybody by now.

1. Open group info.
2. Look for the new option "Group Settings".
3. Change the **Edit group info** setting from *All participants* to *Only admins*.

I can also read some sites reporting that WhatsApp beta also has a new option where all members can be muted. So, essentially working like a telegram channel where only admins can send messages. Good times ahead!

PS: This question was asked long ago. However, it still ranks well in the search results and I believe that it needs to be updated for the changes WhatsApp has made recently.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Is Google Allo supposed to capable of being the default SMS app?
On a Moto G5 Plus with Android 7.0 (Nougat), Google Allo was installed from the Google Play Store.

Going into `Settings > Apps > (gear icon) > SMS app` the list shown does not include Allo. Is this universally the case, or is this something 'wrong' with my situation? Is it correctable?

# Answer
> 4 votes
**It's not possible** \- it's universally the case:

> First off, Allo isn't a Hangouts replacement. **You can't set the messaging service as the default SMS client on your phone**. It does offer the ability to message a contact that doesn't have Allo installed through Play Services, but that's about it. You can also talk to contacts over SMS, with the message itself routed through Google's servers, but Allo isn't an SMS service by design. **In this regard, it has more similarities to WhatsApp than iMessage**.

 Emphasis added by me.
(source)

Note: It seems that Allo is going to be discontinued.

---
Tags: sms, google, chat
---


# Question
Title: Send message to telegram bot via Google Now voice command
When I tried to use Google now (OK Google) and told them "Send message via telegram to Home" (Home is my telegram bot name). Google didn't find bot contact name (see picture). When I use regular contact it worked well. I tried creating contact with a bot name but it also didn't work ... Maybe someone can help?

# Answer
It's not possible out of the box\[1\]. When you tell Google to send a message via some app, it looks for the contacts in your contacts list - where bots doesn't exist.

\[1\] Maybe it's possible with some extensions, such as those apps that let you set more voice commands for some actions. Haven't tried it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-now, voice-command, telegram
---


# Question
Title: Auto forward sms to Telegram messenger Group
I'm a volunteer firefighter and I receive emergency calls and at the same time an "emergency SMS". I'd like to forward those incoming SMS to a group in Telegram/WhatsApp, so my family and friends know I went to an incident.

I know there's the "Share" option in Android's SMS App. (Not using Hangouts for SMS)

**But is it possible to forward all SMS from one contact automatically to a WhatsApp/Telegram group?**

Searching the Google Play Store I found "Autoshare" (*com.joaomgcd.autoshare*) but I'm not quite sure if this would do the trick and after the watching the video I was even unsteadier...

# Answer
# IFTTT to the rescue!

You can set IFTTT to forward an SMS from specific number to specific chat.

### Steps:

1. Create you IFTTT account if not already exists.
2. Start the @IFTTT Telegram bot and authorize your IFTTT account.
3. Add the @IFTTT bot to you Telegram group as admin.
4. Choose `/connect_group` from the bot commands, and follow instructions.
    * If your group isn't public, you can give it a public (meaningful) name just for the connection to IFTTT and then change it back to private. You'll see the group public name and group title in IFTTT, so before connecting check that the name is understandable.
5. Go to `My Applets` and choose `New Applet`
6. For the `+this` \- choose **Android SMS** and then **New SMS received from phone number**
7. Enter the phone number from which you recieve the relevant texts.
8. For the `+that` \- choose **Telegram** and then **Send message**.
9. Configure the Telegram message to be sent, you'll have some options there (Target chat, message text, web preview).
    * The message text supports basic HTML and have some parameters from the SMS connection (such as sender, text, time etc.).

I'm using it to automatically forward my post office message to my Telegram.

**Important note:** You said you're a firefighter, so I believe the messages are urgent. You should do some tests and check in IFTTT F.A.Q or docs about whether it's immediate or has some delay, or what they guarantee. I just tried and it around half a minute, and so it was in previous times.
> 8 votes

# Answer
check out my app autoforwardsms.com. The Android app is built specifically for this purpose and your scenario was the inspiration behind the app's development.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: sms, whatsapp-messenger, share-menu, telegram
---


# Question
Title: How to resize the Android partition on an SD card for the Asus Tinker Board or other SBC
So, I have an Asus Tinker Board, and as of today, I have a stable running build of Android with Google Play that runs nicely, except for one thing. The img file I used does not expand out when writing it to my SD card, and thus I'm left with a paltry 5.69GB total from my 32GB SD Card.

My question is this: How can I expand the storage on the SD card?

Windows cannot recognize my SD card partitions for android at all, and apps like AParted from Google Play just seem to crash my TinkerBoard. Any suggestions? Or should I just live with the joys of a lovingly stable build, and add a USB thumb Drive for additional storage? (Admittedly, I'm only using 1.4GB of the 5.69GB after installing my crap so, it's livable, but still a bit disappointing.)

# Answer
The tinker board SD card size issue when installing Miker´s Android with PlayStore pre installed: One has to perform a factory reset from the Android Settings /Backup&Reset. Wait 5 min to reboot and once it´s ready update Google Play Services.

For more details see this thread: https://tinkerboarding.co.uk/forum/thread-1204-page-2.html
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, partitions
---


# Question
Title: Stay connected to WiFi that requires sign-in
I recently upgraded my Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini to Kitkat (4.4.2), and I noticed a new behaviour that I'd like to disable: when I'm connected to a wifi network with a captive portal that requires sign-in, and I don't actually sign in, the phone will disconnect from the network after a while, and I have to reactivate that wifi network manually.

That's normally a useful thing to do, in order to maintain some kind of connectivity, but less so when the wifi network in question is the one in the London Underground, where there is no mobile phone signal. While using a normal web browser requires sign-in, there are some apps that work without it, such as Opera Mini and Facebook Chat, and sometimes I'd rather not spend my time on dealing with the sign-in page. Disconnecting from the wifi network will in this case only make connectivity worse.

Some googling suggested that I turn the option "Smart network switch" off, but it is already off and I still see this behaviour. Is there anything else I can do to make the phone keep the wifi connection regardless of whether I'm "signed in"?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could disable captive portal detection altogether. On Android \<= 7.1.1 that is done by:

```
settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0

```

For later versions:

```
settings put global captive_portal_mode 0

```

For more details please see: Captive Portal parameters.

# Answer
> 0 votes
go to a site that updates constantly, keeping the connection alive. Something like "chaturbate" ;-) funny but true

---
Tags: wi-fi, 4.4-kitkat, captive-portal
---


# Question
Title: Is there a maximum number of devices allowed on a Google Play Account?
Many schools are looking at using Android tablets in classrooms. Some have classroom sets of 35-40 tablets. As a means to manage apps, having them tied to a single Google Play account would be ideal. Is there a maximum number of devices allowed?

This setup would also be cost effective, if the school uses any pay apps, as the app is linked to the account, not the devices. Does anybody have any experience or knowledge beyond, "I have 5 devices in my family all synced and it works."?

# Answer
This applies to Music, but seems it also might generally apply to all Google accounts regardless if they use Google Music or not.

> Any user can associate up to 10 devices to his or her account.
> ...
> We limit the number of times you can swap out new devices at the request of some of our music partners in an effort to limit abuse.

But you may also run into an issue if there is a credit card associated with the account used to purchase apps - any student could purchase whatever from the market.

If you're serious about doing this, and you didn't make it very clear what *you're* actually wanting, you might want to consider contact a device manufacturer and setup a contract to create tablets specifically for your needs.
> 4 votes

# Answer
If you have more than 100 devices per account it seems like you will get logged out on previously signed in devices.

In the Google Dashboard I also can only see 100 devices at a time.
> 3 votes

# Answer
As for the app management, another approach would be using Aptitude. Unfortunately, the app is gone from the playstore, but the concept should still work: Set up a central repository on a server, maintain all apps there, and have the clients on the devices configured to (solely) using this. As for paid apps, it would surely be possible to find an agreement with the devs.

For details, also see the Aptoide article on Wikipedia:

> Aptoide is an Android (operating system) distributed Marketplace for Android applications driven by the community. In Aptoide, there is not a unique and centralized store but each user manages their own store.

Further links:

There were also scripts somewhere to maintain your own repo (on your own server), I just cannot find them currently.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Currently have upwards of 100 devices associated with a single Google account for test purposes. Came here for this same reason.

No issues with this number.

Edit: Just noted the date tag....
> 1 votes

# Answer
ElefantPhace provided an answer for Music.

Here's for Books:

> You can access your books on different devices, including compatible Android devices, iPads, iPhones and iPod touches, or on the web on your computer. No matter where you read your books, when you're connected to a network (via Wi-Fi or a data connection on your device) we'll automatically keep track of your reading place, so you can pick up right where you were last reading the next time you open your ebooks
>
> Note: **In rare occasions when a user tries to access books on a number of devices at the same time, our system may temporarily block them from opening new reading sessions.** This can happen when too many readers are open on different machines or browsers. If your other reading sessions are closed or inactive, you will be able to read in this browser after a short delay. If you believe this is an error please contact our support team.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The limit is 10 devices, it is a known issue: https://support.google.com/googleplay/known-issues/1335215?hl=en
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-account, multiple-devices
---


# Question
Title: How can I download the zip file directly to sd-card?
How can I download the CM 12 zip file directly to sd-card?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can Download the Cyanogenmod Zip file using any Web browser.

Locate the Downloaded file using File Manager App like (**Ex File Explorer** or **Fx Explorer**)

Search for file using the search option in File Manager App.

If your File is in Internal Storage, Long Press and select the option **Move/Cut/Copy** to **Paste** into **SD Card**

If the File is already in **SD Card** then use the above steps to **Copy/Move** it to other folder.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: How does Google Maps estimate my location without GPS?
I was wondering how Google Maps on my Android phone can locate me with a good accuracy when my GPS is disabled.

At first I though it was with the cell tower but I'm not sure it can achieve this precision and it is way better when the wireless is enabled (the accuracy go from 1600m to 100).

What I don't understand is that I have a dynamic IP - it's not supposed to be linked to my address. For example wolframalpha locates me with a very bad precision (the country is correct) and it's the same for all other IP location services.

How does this work?

# Answer
Google and others like Apple and Skyhook build a Database which links WLAN BSSIDs to a geographic location. A BSSID is like the MAC Address of a access point that gets broadcast by that access point. It is therefore "publicly viewable" if the BSSID broadcast is enabled, which is the default for most access points. The BSSID operates on a lower layer than the IP stack; you don't even have to be connected to an access point to receive these broadcasts.

Every time you run Google Maps or Navigation with GPS and WiFi enabled and if your device is able to get a good GPS fix, the currently visible WLAN networks and your current location (the GPS fix) are uploaded to Google to build and update the database. This technique is sometimes called crowdsourcing. Every Android device acts therefore as data collector.

Since most access points are static in their position and only cover a small area - the coverage radius is approximately 100m - they are ideal anchors for a good location fix without GPS.
> 28 votes

# Answer
I think they use mainly cell towers in that case. They locate three towers (which provide your cellphone's calling/receiving connection) that are close to you, and then use the respective distances from the towers to you to calculate your exact location. That was how location of cellphones were done before the wide spread of GPS and WiFi technology.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I don't have a plan for a phone number and the cell tower is farther then 100m. It maybe determines your location by the location of the router. Its radius is 5m - 1km.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-maps, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: How can I set Tasker to change "Network Operator Settings"?
I have a "femtocell" in my house due to poor signal quality. I am living in Japan now. I have to change the Android setting manually each time I get home as described below. There is a auto changer application provided by the carrier, but unfortunately it is not compatible with my smart phone (Xperia Sol 22).

**When I get home**

1. Change network mode to "Japan CDMA".
2. "Airplane mode" On
3. "Airplane mode" Off

Japan CDMA is under *Settings → Other Settings → Mobile Network → Network Mode*

**When I leave home**

1. Change network mode to "Japan LTE/CDMA".
2. "Airplane mode" On
3. "Airplane mode" Off

Japan LTE/CDMA is under *Settings → Other Settings → Mobile Network → Network Mode*

I have *Tasker* application in my Smartphone. But I have no idea how to set the tasker program.

Please advice me on this.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I don't believe there is a way tasker alone can do this.

The fastest way you'll be able to get this done is going to be using a plugin to allow you to recreate your interactions with android.

The AutoInput is popular choice to do this since the developer is responsive and just took over the Tasker app. Root isn't required for this to work but will most likely have it work more efficiently. Read the instructions provided to you by the app and it will tell you how to record your interactions.

You'll need to make two recordings, once for enabling these setting and once for disabling the settings. I'm not sure if this will work when your screen is off but having root should improve your chances.

---
Tags: applications, tasker
---


# Question
Title: How to make sure that screen lock really locks and doesn't allow to do anything?
I've recently switched from Lenovo A328 (Android 4.4) to Samsung SM-A320F (Android 8.0, not rooted). On Lenovo I had screen lock set to "pattern", and that let me get rid of the misfeature of opening global menu dropdown (don't know what it's called) which allows to do almost anything.

After switch to Samsung I discovered that "pattern" locker no longer protects from this gesture. After pulling down the global menu I can, for instance, turn on WiFi, toggle flash light, change brightness settings, even change sound mode. There are some things I can't do from there, but this doesn't help much: I can even reboot the phone* trying to extract it from my pocket!

I've managed to remove the Phone and Camera shortcuts from the lower left&right corners, but I still can do any other harmful things while lock is on.

So, how can I make sure that screen lock **really locks** the *screen and keys* until I trigger its unlocking? Only emergency calls should be possible while locked.

---

* or whatever it was: holding volUp+volDown+power pressed for several seconds resulted in some sort of restart

# Answer
The soft reset by key combination is an important requirement for modern smartphones. Most phones now ship with inbuilt batteries. So, the key combination which stimulate a battery pull is definitely needed. I don't see any reason for it to be disabled. Rather you should be more careful and not press those keys for too long.

As for the access to quick toggles from lockscreen, yes that's a problem for some. Android developers just went with a setup which works for most people. Most would want to turn on the flashlight, WiFi, change sound profile; etc without having to unlock the phone first. The flashlight toggle for example is very handy when you need it suddenly.

I don't know of any way to disable access to toggles. Also, so far I haven't had a wrong press on toggles because the phones come with a "Pocket mode" something which blocks the touch functionality when most part of the screen is covered. That said, I do wish that they bring in an option to disable access to all toggles and leave it to the will of the user. It can be useful for some.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: How to restore files from a WhatsApp group deleted by administrator
A WhatsApp group was deleted by the administrator (first remove all participants, then remove the group). Can I restore files in the WhatsApp group that was removed by the administrator?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you were a group participant, then the group should still be in your phone. Although it would show that you are not a member, you should start still be able to access the old chats and media.

If you cannot find the group, then:

If you have downloaded the files, then you should be in your WhatsApp folder:

```
Internal storage/WhatsApp/Media

```

WhatsApp organizes media in different folders based on the type i.e. Audio, Video, Images, Documents.

You should be able to find the group media in one of these folders. However, this is a combined collection of all the media and you'll have to dig your way through it to find what you're looking for. There's no way to filter this media by group name.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Unlock PC from Android

text:
# Question
Title: Unlock PC from Android
I was pretty sure this question wouldve been already asked, and I tried hard to find a solution but couldnt find much.

I'm trying to lock/unlock my PC from my Android device. I dont want to use BTProximity to do this because even if I'm in another room in the house, it would be able to detect my phone and unlock the computer. I want finer control over the event that triggers the lock/unlock, instead of relying on proximity.

I would be very happy to use tasker to achieve this, although I'm unable to find any way for my PC to lock/unlock with anything tasker can do.

The solution can either be for Windows or Ubuntu, or both.

# Answer
> 5 votes
The best integrated solution with your Android phone and PC is to use Autoremote and EventGhost. The general idea is that you use AutoRemote to send a message to Eventghost which then unlocks or locks your PC. The task will look something like this:

```
AUTOREMOTE MESSAGE
     DEVICE: NAME OF COMPUTER OR CHROME EXTENSION  <----Addressed at the end
     MESSAGE: Unlock (Really could be anything)

```

Next is the EventGhost side. Eventghost doesn't always respond especially if your not on the local network but you can get around this with AutoRemote's Chrome ExtensionIf you have any trouble with AutoRemote, the developer has a great website and is very active in his google group. The direction to install the AutoRemote plug into Eventghost can be found here. Here are the steps to create the Eventghost trigger:

1. Create a Macro but don't worry if you can't find the AutoRemote Plugin. This is really a fancy folder
2. Add an event from the toolbar which will trigger the eventghost macro. It should look like this: Autoremote.Message.unlock
3. Next are your actions. This will unlock your work station

If you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments and I'll do my best to quickly respond.

If my answer solves your problem please don't forget to mark it ask the answer and upvote it for it's usefulness. I'm new and trying to build my reputation here.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You can use an NFC phone to unlock your PC from the LAN, aka scan an NFC tag and login to Windows. On your Android phone, install the following software: NFC Tools, NFC Tasks, Tasker, Unified Remote (all from the play store). On your PC, install Unified Remote server.

1. Configure Unified Remote app on your phone to connect to your pc, communication should set to encrypted
2. Use Tasker to create Unifed Remote (via Tasker's integrated UR plugin) click, tab and stroke events, to automatically type your password for you at the lock screen (list of commands in the proper order that matches your lock screen). You have to play around with it to configure it properly, test tab orders, arrow strokes etc.
3. Use NFC Tools & Tasks to write Unified Remote commands executed by Tasker on any compatible NFC tag.

It will take some time to make it work, but it does and you have to pay a few dollars for some of the apps, they are not all free. The process it's safe if you protect Tasker with a PIN and secure Unified Remote communication. First logon has to be performed in the classic way (keyboard), to allow the Unified Remote server to start.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have actually implemented this in a similar manner to The3rdIcon. Use his answer to get the framework, and I can provide details. Note that the unlocker program he links doesn't work for Windows 7 and up, but this trick will. For my particular case I used a bluetooth device attached to my workstation for proximity detection but you can do whatever is applicable. Here are the actual details.

Since the PCs I'm working with are behind a firewall, I'm using AutoRemote's Chrome extension redirect which works very well.

**Tasker Bluetooth Near profile**

*Notes:* Ignore the %WorkHint bit, it's for something else. This profile does require that you be paired to the device, but not connected. It isn't terribly responsive (for battery saving reasons) but will detect near/far within a few minutes. Additionally I use a couple other profiles that can trigger an unlock so that it's more responsive but this should get you started. My example sends to an AutoRemote channel (Work) so that it can lock/unlock 2 computers for me.

```
Profile: BT Work Near (166)
State: BT Near [ Name:yourbluetoothdevice Address:* Major Device Class:Audio / Video Standard Devices:On Low-Energy (LE) Devices:Off Unpaired Devices:Off Toggle BlueTooth:Off ]

Enter: Anon (167)
A1: Variable Set [ Name:%WorkHint To:true Do Maths:Off Append:Off ]
A2: AutoRemote Message [ Configuration:Recipient: Group
Message: Unlock
Channel: Work Package:com.joaomgcd.autoremote Name:AutoRemote Message Timeout (Seconds):200 ]

Exit: Anon (168)
A1: Variable Clear [ Name:%WorkHint Pattern Matching:Off ]
A2: AutoRemote Message [ Configuration:Recipient: Group
Message: Lock
Channel: Work Package:com.joaomgcd.autoremote Name:AutoRemote Message Timeout (Seconds):200 ]

```

**EventGhost Lock Macro**

*Notes:* These use a little trick to accomplish lock/unlock. It essentially disconnects from the console session and later reconnects to it for the unlock. It still displays the CTRL-ALT-DEL screen and someone seeking to use the PC would actually have to log in. Note that the reconnect trick will not work if you use the EventGhost lock workstation action or an actual WIN-L lock.

```
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<EventGhost Version="1700">
    <Macro Name="Lock Workstation" id="6" Expanded="True">
        <Event Name="AutoRemote.Message.Lock" />
        <Action>
            System.Execute(u'c:\\windows\\system32\\tsdiscon.exe', u'', 0, False, 2, u'', False, True, u'', False, False, False)
        </Action>
    </Macro>
</EventGhost>

```

**EventGhost Unlock Macro**

```
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<EventGhost Version="1700">
    <Macro Name="Unlock Workstation" id="9" Enabled="False" Expanded="True">
        <Event Name="AutoRemote.Message.Unlock" />
        <Action>
            System.Execute(u'C:\\Windows\\System32\\tscon.exe', u'1 /dest:console /password:yourpassword', 0, False, 2, u'', False, True, u'', False, True, False)
        </Action>
    </Macro>
</EventGhost>

```

I do use a couple other macros to send a notification to my phone when the PCs are locked or unlocked either automatically or manually. I can post those as well if there is any interest.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This program for Windows does both lock and unlock, allows to adjust the distance (as you requested), notifies your phone if anyone tries to steal your laptop, allows to lock/unlock with your phone fingerprint reader and blocks the screen saver when you are within Bluetooth range.

You'll need to install the program in your Windows PC, an app in your Android phone/smartwach and select a Credential Provider in the lock screen. It is free but has ads on the phone.

The site also has a program for Mac.

---
Tags: tasker
---


title: Gmail Recording in Chrome

text:
# Question
Title: Gmail Recording in Chrome
For a couple days now, Gmail unexpectedly gets its red "using microphone" circle on the tab even if I wasn't using hangouts or my microphone. Any idea why this is happening? This is on a laptop running on Windows 10 (From what I found on the meta, this was the best place to ask questions about Gmail, so sorry if I asked on the wrong SE.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you considered seeing if an extension has access to your microphone on Google Apps? If it's not a clean install of chrome and you've previously installed chrome extensions the microphone may be in use by one of these extensions.

The only other thing I could think of is if you have a Google Voice or Hangouts conversation open that you are unaware of... but I highly doubt this would be the case with your issue.

---
Tags: gmail
---


# Question
Title: How does Google know what apps I've installed if I login to gmail via browser?
I logged into gmail using Microsoft Edge and Google immediately sent an email saying that my device doesn't have the latest Google apps.

How did Google come to know which apps I have installed and if they are latest or an older version? It would make sense if i was using the gmail app. But in my case, I logged in using the browser.

Or is it just a generic notification because I am accessing gmail via browser and Google assumes that I don't have the latest apps?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The login to Gmail is the very same you use for Play Store – so in fact Google knows it's you. The browser sends a user-agent string, by default identifying your device (brand and model). The history of your activities in Google Play Store tell which apps you've installed in what versions *on this device.*

So yes, that would be an easy thing to do for Google. I cannot say if that's really happening (or if your guess of not using the native app triggering such message is what's done) – but it's technically possible.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You've most likely received the notification since you accessed a Google Service (Gmail) through a non-Google Service (Microsoft Edge).

They probably assumed you bought a new Microsoft Device and sent out a default notification to remind you to install Chrome instead of relying on their competitor's browser. This happens to me on occasion when I log in to a new device at work, usually when it's been set up out of the box and I try to sync my Google Account.

---
Tags: gmail, google
---


title: Privacy of WhatsApp messages

text:
# Question
Title: Privacy of WhatsApp messages
My husband has taken over my Android since he's the account holder. I'm wondering can he get any call or text information from my WhatsApp off of the T-Mobile printout of my phone activity?

# Answer
> 2 votes
No, he shouldn't be able to, as far as I know WhatsApp encrypts the calls and messages that are sent through your carrier's data service.

Anyways usually if you ask a phone carrier to produce a call and message log for a line they'll show you the calls and messages you've made and received through actual SMS messaging and cellular calls. Since WhatsApp passes the encrypted data from your device as data calls there would be no way for T-Mobile to show the contents or recipients of the calls or messages.

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


title: Volume Panel Android 7.1.1

text:
# Question
Title: Volume Panel Android 7.1.1
Ever since Android 7.1.1 I am unable to find the page (activity screen) to set, on one screen, the volume for the various audio outputs, such as notificatios, media, etc. Is there such a screen inherent in Android 7, or do I need to find an app for that. Thanks for your help.

# Answer
Yes this is found under *Settings → Sound* i.e

If for some reason you can't find it or is hidden, then just grab a third-party activity launcher application from playstore e.g Quick shortcut to access `com.android.settings/com.android.settings.Settings$NotificationSettingsActivity`

1. Install Quickshortcutmaker from Playstore
2. Select normal search - under input box type **sound** and click search

3. In search results it will show Settings click it, and expand the list you will find "Sound & Notification" then click **try** (or create shortcut by pressing create).
> 2 votes

# Answer
I had "Volume" under "Settings/Sounds", but it looked like a heading, so I never clicked it. Not smart I suppose, but now I can set the volumes for "Notifications", "Media", and "System". Great answer from @xavier\_fakerat. Thanks.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 7.1-nougat
---