# Question
Title: Backup data with broken screen and empty system
Device details:

* Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9300) with broken screen
* No System (was running CM13.0 with GAPPS)
* Currently flashed with TWRP 3.1 with Odin (was CWM)
* /data | /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 | Size: 11622MB Used: 5540MB Free: 3440MB Backup Size: 5540MB

System details:

* Windows 10
* adb-1.0.39

I need to make a valid nandroid or adb backup for Titanium Backup Pro on my new device. What I've tried so far:

* adb backup --twrp data (also with --compress option) to my laptop but it's currently unrestorable. #1011
* adb backup without --twrp, results in 0KB file. Tried using adb-1.0.31 as described at question 83080 but didn't work (no password set)
* backup with CM Recovery v6.0.4.6, but seems to fail on system (not sure). The backup folder only contains boot.img and recovery.img
* adb uninstall package to create space/reduce backup size. /sbin/sh: pm: not found

Any other ways I can try without losing apps+data?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Restored system with what was running before by doing:

* twrp wipe system (it was already empty, but for good measure)
* twrp wipe cache
* twrp install /sdcard/Download/cm-13.0-20160113-UNOFFICIAL-temasek-i9300-V2.9.zip
* twrp install /sdcard/Download/open\_gapps-arm-6.0-mini-20171004.zip
* twrp install /sdcard/TWRP/SR4-SuperSU-v2.78-SYSTEMMODE.zip
* twrp fixperms
* twrp wipe cache
* twrp wipe dalvik

Aftwards it got stuck in a bootloop. I had Android Studio open to watch the logcat and somehow managed to **adb shell pm uninstall** packages, just before the Fatal signal 11 (SIGSEGV) error, with the intention to fix the bootloop.

I uninstalled CM 13 themes first as they where appearing before the Fatal signal 11. It got to a point where it was unclear what was causing the bootloop and remembered I had activated a custom bootanimation with one of those themes. Deleted the /data/system/theme/bootanimation.zip, but did not help. Tried adding debug.sf.nobootanimation=1 to the /system/build.prop, but did not help either.

Then I decided to uninstall packages I don't need backing up, as I was planning to try and create a backup again with CWM Recovery when enough space was available. To my surprise I was able to get out of the bootloop! Probably one or more apps were the cause of the bootloop after re-flashing the ROM.

I am now able to use Vysor to backup apps+data I need with Titanium Backup to transfer to my new device.

Alhamdulillah..

I hope this may be of use to someone else who may be experiencing a similar problem.

Options are:

---
Tags: adb, data-recovery, twrp, clockworkmod-recovery, broken-screen
---


title: Get Nexus 7 tablet out of reboot loop?

text:
# Question
Title: Get Nexus 7 tablet out of reboot loop?
Nexus 7 tablet running Android, everything up to date a few months ago.

I was trying to cut down on those annoying auto-updates and all those extraneous apps I never use, and apparently did something stupid. I disabled (may not be the exact name for the button) a few apps that I have no interest in, never use, and didn't think the OS needed.

Apparently I was wrong about the OS needing at least one of them. I shut down the machine completely, and did a reboot. After a few minutes, the OS comes up, and says it's "optimizing" app xx out of yy. After it gets thru that, the tablet immediately reboots and starts this process all over again. There seems to be no opportunity for user intervention anywhere there, other than shutting it off completely. YY can be different on successive reboots.

Is there some way to recover and make the tablet usable again? Did I irreversibly brick it? Help!

## Added

> Was usb debugging enabled in the device? Or, do you have a custom recovery installed or bootloader unlocked? You would have to factory reset the phone if the answer is "no" for all of my questions

Yes, USB debugging was enabled on this tablet (it's not a phone) a long time ago. However, if I remember right, a factory reset was performed since then.

I don't know what a "custom recovery" nor a "unlocked bootloader" is, so I'll assume I have neither of those. Yes, I would love to factory reset the tablet. It won't come up to the point where there are menus and I can do that though, hence the question here.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You should be able to power it on and immediately hold the volume down button to get to the bootloader. You should get a menu with "start" being the defualt; use the volume keys to select "recovery", and then press "power". You should get an Android with an exclamation mark; press power + volume up. Wipe data/factory reset should be an option there (volume up/down to select, power button to activate again).

This will of course erase all your data.

There are YouTube videos showing the procedure; here is one (unfortunately overly-long) video I found: Nexus 7 Hard Factory Reset Fastboot Bootloader Recovery Mode.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Apparently, you can enable apps using adb: Enable and disable system apps via ADB

Maybe you can quickly do this while the phone is still booting. (I don't know how soon adb is loaded.) Maybe it works through the newest versions of twrp, which support adb!

Good luck!

---
Tags: boot-loop, nexus-7
---


# Question
Title: How to put Android phone into "deep sleep" using Tasker?
I have a Sony Xperia Z running factory Android 5.1.1 I'd like to use in my car for navigation/ music.

I've installed Tasker & configured it to start Spotify playing on power & turn off Spotify when power is switched off.

However this still leaves the phone active & using it's battery while the car is not being used. We don't use our car that much so the battery runs flat over a couple of days.

What I'd really like to do is have Tasker shut down as much of the phone as possible - wireless, mobile data, location services. Ideally I'd like the phone doing absolutely nothing & waiting for power to start playing Spotify again.

Options for "Airplane Mode", "Mobile Data" & "Power Mode" are all unavailable/ red in Tasker. The phone is not rooted but am I correct that these aren't available in Android 5.1?

The Sony Xperia Z has got Ultra Stamina mode that would be perfect. But I can't work out how to activate Ultra Stamina via Tasker (I don't think it's possible) & the phone might need a reboot to come out of Ultra Stamina - which isn't great if I've just stopped the car/ turned off the phone for 5 minutes.

What is the best way to put the phone into "deep sleep" while the phone isn't receiving power where it uses as little services/ battery as possible in Tasker?

# Answer
> Options for "Airplane Mode", "Mobile Data" & "Power Mode" are all unavailable/ red in Tasker. The phone is not rooted but am I correct that these aren't available in Android 5.1?

On recent versions of Android, **restrictions have been put in place** that prevent lot of previously easily toggleable settings (e.g. location, mobile data, night mode, more) and are no longer available without root.

As expected there are workarounds to help toggle many settings without root.

Conventional methods employed involve circumventing Android's security policy on this permission (`android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`) and declaring the appropriate permission for toggling secure settings explicitly on the target app/plugin that will be used to toggle these "secure settings" via Tasker.

---

1. **Using a plugin**

It is possible to get most of the "power toggles" switched off using Tasker and an additional plugin Auto Tools.

* Autools offers built-in options to toggle **location mode** (off, device only, battery saving, high accuracy), **mobile-data** (on/off), **battery saver** (enable/disable), **notification listeners** etc.
* Additionally you can **toggle flight mode** using any of the methods listed here (without root).

Setup

In tasker create a new action:

Plugin \>\> Auto Tools \>\> Secure Settings

---

2. **Pseudo plugin**

> You will have to create an app using Tasker and declare the appropriate permission for toggling secure settings. You will then need to explicitly grant permission to that app.
>
> This is to workaround Android's security policy on this permission. Ordinarily, you wouldn't want to grant this level of permission to other apps, but since this an app you're creating yourself, you don't need to worry about it. The actual toggling is done with Java calls.

* The app you created works as a sort of pseudo-plugin. In a task, use the Launch App action and choose your new app.
* In the Data field, you will specify the setting to change and the value to change to. The format of the Data field should be as such: `[setting name space]|[setting name]|[value]|[value type]` .

**Important!**

In both cases remember to explicitly grant the app(s) two extra permissions added called

`android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS` and `android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS`.

* Connect your device to your computer, and open up a command prompt.
* Run the command `adb shell pm grant [your package name] android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`

E.g `adb shell pm grant [com.joaomgcd.autotools] android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`

**Acknowledgements**
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery-life, tasker, power-on
---


# Question
Title: How did the WhatsApp support team knows I have a rooted phone?
I emailed WhatsApp support team, via the built in Help feature. It automatically generated a ticket which I emailed in. Seems that they have "detected" that my phone is rooted, and they do not support that. How did they "detect" that my device is rooted? Is it from the Build? The Kernel? The Diagnostic Codes? Or the missing permissions? How will a "passable" debug email will look like? Will apps that "hide my root" fix this debug email to be passable?

Here is my email that was sent, (removing personal info):

```
--Support Info--
Debug info: <REMOVED PHONE NUMBER>
Description: 2.17.351
Version: 2.17.351
LC: US
LG: en
Context: settings/about
Carrier: T-Mobile
Manufacturer: OnePlus
Model: ONE A2005
OS: 7.1.2
Socket Conn: UP
Radio MCC-MNC: 310-260
SIM MCC-MNC: 310-260
Free Space Built-In: 34432339968 (32.07 GB)
Free Space Removable: 34432339968 (32.07 GB)
FAQ Results Returned: 10
FAQ Results Read: 0
Smb count: 0
Ent count: 0
CCode: <REMOVED PHONE NUMBER>
Target: release
Distribution: play
Product: OnePlus2
Device: OnePlus2
Build: OnePlus2-userdebug 7.1.2 NJH47F b4eb8634d4
Board: MSM8994
Kernel: 3.10.107-perf+ #1 SMP PREEMPT Sat Sep 30 23:53:43 PDT 2017
Connection: M.O.B.I.L.E. (L.T.E.)
Device ISO8601: <REMOVED TIMESTAMP>
Phone Type: G.S.M.
Network Type: L.T.E.
Missing Permissions: android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, android.permission.CAMERA, android.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT, android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE, android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO, android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS, com.sec.android.provider.badge.permission.READ, com.sec.android.provider.badge.permission.WRITE, com.htc.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS, com.htc.launcher.permission.UPDATE_SHORTCUT, com.sonyericsson.home.permission.BROADCAST_BADGE, com.sonymobile.home.permission.PROVIDER_INSERT_BADGE, com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS, com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS, com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.CHANGE_BADGE
Architecture: armv8l
Diagnostic Codes: <REMOVED CODE>
Network metered: 100:true
Network restricted: 100:false
Data roaming: false
Tel roaming: false
ref: <REMOVED NUMBERS>
Video transcode: supported
No log file to attach.

```

And here is their auto response:

> Thanks for your message.
>
> It appears that your device is rooted. We are sorry, but we don’t support rooted devices and don't answer tickets from rooted devices. We understand the reasons behind rooting a device, but please be aware that any new configuration that is a result of rooting may conflict with WhatsApp.
>
> To add to this, rooted devices don't allow the WhatsApp security model to function as intended and your messages will not be protected by end-to-end encryption.
>
> If you wish to receive further assistance, please remove root access from your device. Then, contact us again from inside the app (WhatsApp Settings \> Help \> Contact us).
>
> Responses to this email will not be read.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I, as a programmer, will try to describe how the root is determined on the user's device.

Programmers should check some signs on your software which definitely show "is your device rooted" or not.

For example: I wrote a sample app which checks a few signs in user's device. You can see here(my repository). To be honest, I would not want my answer considered as spam.

**As a programmer I should do in my application next checks**:

* TEST KEYS
* DEV KEYS
* NON RELEASE KEYS
* DANGEROUS PROPS
* PERMISSIVE SELINUX
* SU EXISTS
* SUPERUSER APK
* SU BINARY
* BUSYBOX BINARY
* XPOSED
* RESETPROP(EXPERIMENTAL)
* WRONG PATH PERMISSION
* HOOKS

You can download this app from google play(without any ads or analytics) or compile it yourself from the repository.

# Answer
> 3 votes
From your build version OnePlus2-**userdebug** 7.1.2 NJH47F b4eb8634d4 , one can easily say that you are using a rooted build.

> userdebug like "user" but with root access and debuggability; preferred for debugging

For more info about build type see this

In this case any root hide app will not work. You can try to edit build name along with root hide.

---
Tags: root-access, whatsapp-messenger, unrooting
---


# Question
Title: Bootloop using Sony Xperia Arc S (LT18i)
Hey guys so I'm in boot loop. Yes I know there are many guides all over saying how to fix it but I have tried many of them and they didnt work.

What happens is I start the phone, it shows the boot image and then restarts after a time.

I can boot into the Recovery mode by spamming the back button when the Logo comes. And can install zip files from the SD card. I also have tried flashtool to restore it to stock but when i try flashing it detects my device "Device connected in flash mode" but when i try toflash it, it gives an error "Error flashing. Aborted".

Any help?

# Answer
I have just repaired the boot loop of my Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc (LT15i, boot loop caused by activating Bluetooth !!) just by unlocking the bootloader of my phone - by following these steps:

1. I retrieved the IMEI-Number of my phone. It's on the sticker under the battery - it's the 15-cypher-number beside the serial number.
2. I went to http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/ \- selected my phone type, input an email address, and received a unique link from Sony by doing so.
3. Following this link I could type in my IMEI number (without the last cypher !! - that means only 14 cyphers - and without the hyphen).
4. The website emitted a code and a software line like this one:

```
fastboot -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

```

(All the T's stand for the code, the rest has to be typed in like this.)
5. I copied the above line in the program fastboot (check elsewhere to learn how to work with this program and your phone). I typed in the above line given from the Sony website. After a few seconds the bootloader was unlocked.
6. I restarted the phone, and then Android 4.0 was working again !!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Download flashtool and the phone firmware. Start application and press lihtning button. Choose your downloaded firmware and press flash button. Follow instructions and wait untill flash finish.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try reflashing your custom ROM and clear Dalvik and Cache and do a factory reset after that . And make sure you are flashing a ROM compatible to your device.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Repair via SUS.

1. Install SUS
2. Connect your phone
3. Select your phone from SUS
4. Follow the instruction
5. website no longer avalibale
> -1 votes

---
Tags: boot-loop, sony-xperia-arc
---


# Question
Title: Weird Octopus icon, Joy Launcher on Alcatel
this weird thing happened today, an octopus icon appeared on screen. Alcatel. It's annoying. Linked to Joy Launcher, which can't be disabled. Any idea how I can turn it off? Not the same as other question about Joy Launcher

# Answer
> 2 votes
I went into Settings → Apps → Joy Launcher, and then pressed a little cog in the top right which resets Joy Launcher back to its default (original) state. But it also resets your home page back to default.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Happened to me too and I couldn't get rid of it. When I went in to the settings I didn't see/have the cog that was mentioned above so there was no way to change any of the settings. I tried to force stop it but it would immediately start back up.

What I did to get rid of it was to install a different launcher. There are several Ad free ones including: Cheetah, Arrow, and Nova.

That got rid of it. The Octopus was really annoying and there should have been some warning before they did that.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I too was the victim of the rotten Joy Launcher. I think I have now stopped it and now we have a happy Alcatel cell phone. I did a lot of things, but basically - sorry do not have the cell to hand. I uninstalled Joy Launcher (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop. Then I uninstalled Updates (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop. Within Play Store, I selected 'do not install when connected to Wireless' and 'manual install'. There is one last 'manual install' option which I think is within settings. The octopus is gone and Joy Launcher doesn't bug me anymore. Yippee!

# Answer
> 0 votes
try these steps :

1. Go to Setting-\> Apps
2. Tap on Joy Launcher

inside joy launcher, select uninstall updates then, select storage and clear data,it will work 100%

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yeah Alcatel really screwed up a lot of the factory apps. IDK who the dev is now but they need to fire him or her. To return joy launcher to the factory version (which is called onetouch) go to settings, apps, and scroll down to Joy launcher. Go ahead and click it then in the upper right hand corner there are three dots. Push the dots (menu) and uncheck the box to uninstall updates. That will bring it back to the way you bought it. Make sure you disable the automatic updates for Joy Launcher aka Onetouch. Hope this helps you.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Factory reset disable auto updates was my solution, not the best but was so freaked out that it had to be done.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Apps \> Settings \> Launcher and it allowed me to uninstall updates back to factory version. That got rid of it and all the other nonsense that showed up on my Alcatel yesterday.

# Answer
> -1 votes
I disabled my Wi-Fi first just to be safe, then uninstalled the "updates" (the three dots in the top right), thus restoring the app to factory settings.

---
Tags: joy-launcher
---


# Question
Title: SOLVED: S7 Edge SM-G935S Soft-bricked: Unable to mount all partitions
The problem is solved, the solution is posted in the answer:

Problem

* The device is unable to mount every partition, this includes:

/efs

/persdata

/system

/data

/cache

The credit goes to member greenman of sammobile forum.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The solution to this problem is as followed:

Following the guide here to flash the stock firmware and Repartition the device.

Here is a full write up of the Repartition process, taken straight from the Sammobile forum website by the member *greenman*. This is for in case of the website is not available.

```
"Here is how to install an S7 firmware

In the S7 firmware Samsung are now providing 5 files.

Phone preparation:
To avoid any issues with FRP (Factory Reset Protection) go to Settings > About device > build number > Tap 7 times to activate Developer options.
Now go to Developer options > OEM unlock

FRP LOCK and OEM LOCK are now both OFF.

1. Download and install Odin on your PC

    [Download Odin v3.11.1][http://dl.sammobile.com/Odin3-v3.11.1.zip]

2. Choose your FIRMWARE by putting in your phone Model version
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares

3. Download and unzip your firmware (do not use WinRAR as it can give errors)

4. From your download put these files into Odin:

BL
AP
CP
CSC (not HOME_CSC)

5. Now look at the Odin Settings (for this select Options)

F.reset time
Auto reboot

6. Installing another country CSC or a network CSC will need the system partition size changing.
For this select Options and add this setting

Re-partition

NOTE:
1. You will get a WARNING from Odin.
You can ignore this.

2. If you are installing a multi csc firmware, and your existing CSC is in that firmware, then DO NOT select Re-partition.
You can check if your firmware is multi-csc by installing this app:
[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en]

3. To receive OTA updates, after installing the firmware, put phone into Recovery Mode to wipe cache then wipe data/factory reset.

A video guide here
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SK3IMprKVQ]
In the video guide the csc is not being changed and so Re-partition is not selected

Hope that helps."

```

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-7-edge
---


# Question
Title: How do I make multiple output connections in Automate?
I'm using the Automate app to adjust my screen brightness when the phone is charged as well as alert me when the battery is full.

From the above screenshot, I want to connect the `YES` from `When power source plugged in` to the `IN` of `When battery level >= 100`. But when I try to do it, the line that connects `When power source plugged in` to the `IN` of `Is screen brightness` gets broken. I can only connect either `Is screen brightness` **or** `When battery level >= 100`.

How do I solve this?

# Answer
You can use the `Fork` block.

Connect `YES` of your `when power source plugged in` to `IN` at the fork block. Then connect `Is screen brightness` to `OUT` and `When battery level >= 100` to `NEW` and it should work.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: automate
---


# Question
Title: how to keep internet connection active when in sleep mode android marshmallow'
I noticed app background service not working that, when I would use my device after it had been sleeping, wifi wouldn't be connected using marshmallow .

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go to Settings, then click on WiFi. A somewhat similar screen will be shown:

Click on More.

Select "Keep WiFi on during sleep". If any option comes after that, choose "Keep **always** on during sleep". That's it.

This only happens with WiFi. Mobile data is never switched off by default unless you specifically ask the phone to do so by changing settings to conserve data.

---
Tags: background-process
---


# Question
Title: Is WebView localStorage stored in the app cache?
I am writing a hybrid app (Cordova 6.5, Angular 1.5, Ionic 1.3, HTML5) that will run on Android. This kind of app works in WebView.

My app has a few images bundled with the app and most of the data will be called via HTTP and some of it will be stored in localStorage for offline mode.

I have seen that it's possible to manually write images etc. into the app cache (https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/data-storage.html), but I am not doing this myself in my app.

I am wondering what kind of data does the Android OS store in the app cache by default. I hope this does not include the html5 localStorage.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The app cache helps the app run faster. Every time an app loads some data (like images and so on) it gets stored in the app cache. If the user opens the app again, this data is not reloaded. It is taken from the app cache instead. This makes the app faster. App cache though does not persist and is erased every time you restart your phone.

In the localStorage though, you store things that the app will need to remember even when the phone restarts. For example what is your progress in a game, some app parameters etc.

See more about app cache here.

---
Tags: storage, cache
---


# Question
Title: Lost android phone, shows no active devices
Lost an android phone. This is what shows:

I tried getting the map at android.com/find

This is what is shows:

Help please.

# Answer
As per Google account support,

> **Make sure your device can be found**
>
> After you sign in to a Google Account on an \>Android device, Find My Device is on by default.
>
> To use Find My Device, a lost Android device must be:
>
> * Turned on
> * Signed in to a Google Account
> * Connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi
> * Visible on Google Play
> * Location turned on
> * Find My Device turned on
>
> Lost Android Wear devices must also be running Android Wear 2.0 and up.

Unfortunately, if any of these settings are turned off you might not be able to locate your device. Given that you do not have access to your device my best guess is one of these is not on.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lost-phone
---


title: broken boatloader, moto x play

text:
# Question
Title: broken boatloader, moto x play
I have a new moto x http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-Moto-Z-Play-XT1635-03-64GB-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-5-5-3GB-RAM-Black-White-/202006426506?var=&hash=item2f0885738a:m:m4lAgEM6Gyne3vodvWp9W-w

I just purchased and trying to get rooted.

There appeared to be no lock on the device as indicated ROM

So I uploaded the TWRP image

```
# fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-0-addison-eng-modified.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'recovery' (14020 KB)...
OKAY [  0.055s]
writing 'recovery'...
(bootloader) Image not signed or corrupt
OKAY [  0.201s]
finished. total time: 0.256s

```

And then boy, was I surprised to find out that I should of uploaded a copy of the image to the sdcard "first", before I wiped it clean.

Now I can only get to the ROM image splash screen w/menu or the TWRP setup. TWRP ask for that image file locally. There is no externally accessible standard sized sdcard slot on the device (onboard 64gb or 2 nano sim slots only) Note: I have no nano sized sdcard to attempt

I tried to push the image up to the device

```
# adb get-devpath
usb:2-2

# adb push -p /home/Downloads/twrp-3.0.2-0-addison-eng.img  mtp://[usb:2-2]/
error: device '(null)' not found
# adb push -p /home/Downloads/twrp-3.0.2-0-addison-eng.img  mtp://[usb:002,038]/
error: device '(null)' not found

```

The file system appears to be in write protect, but I can write a test txt file to the sdcard via TWRP shell and vi.

note: in the TWRP shell, I can see SELinux is active

How do I push the proper image file via USB to my Moto X play 1635-3, or any other recovery method?

Update:

```
adb push -p /home/brads/Downloads/twrp-3.0.2-0-addison-eng.img  /sdcard/

```

got the image uploaded to the onboard sdcard. Now my file system is not 'write only' as well. Since the push, I can use the GUI to transfer image files back and forth like cake. The push must of unstuck something I guess.

Image failed to load when I tried to install to /boot partition from TWRP.

Trying suggestion from below now.

# Answer
> 1 votes
First, that version of TWRP is ancient, upgrade to twrp-3.1.1-1-addison.img from Alberto97 here. Be aware that in Android File Host, the newest file is not at the top normally, it is at the bottom of the page(s). Once you have the correct file, flash and/or boot from that.

After that, you have two options...

You can use ADB Sideload and "push" the ZIP image of your ROM directly to the device.

* In TWRP go to Advanced - ADB Sideload
* On your PC, enter "adb sideload customrom.zip" (replace with actual filename)
* Repeat for Gapps (if needed)
* Reboot and enjoy

The second option is to go into TWRP Mounts, and mount Internal Storage, then make sure MTP mode is enabled, connect USB cable and you should be able to copy the files to the phone and flash like normal in your GUI.

The biggest issue you are having is your TWRP is old and does not support the latest bootloader.

For issues beyond that, I would recommend going to XDA's Moto Z Play forums and start a thread in the Q&A section for help specific to your device from people who are intimately familiar with it.

---
Tags: root-access, twrp, unbricking, moto-x
---


# Question
Title: HP Slate 21 Won't Boot and Recovery Doesn't Work
My stock HP Slate no longer boots. It stops at the HP logo / Powered by Android splash screen. I've tried all of the solutions typically available to this device like resetting with the power turned off button combination. I've tried all the options (start, Recovery Mode and Restart BootLoader) but they all freeze on the same splash screen.

I now have a really nice brick. Any suggestions / recommendations on what I can do to restore or recover this device?

# Answer
I've found that if you unplug it, plug it back in and hit the power button it will boot. But, any time you shutdown again and try to restart, same boot issue persists. Unplug, plugin, power on, repeat...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, recovery-mode, bootloader
---


title: What data is included in Auto Backup?

text:
# Question
Title: What data is included in Auto Backup?
On my Android 7.0 phone, I see that I can set auto backups for the phone data.

<sup>(click image for larger variant)</sup>

For apps, it says that it will back up app data. I see that Android apps have both cache data and app data.

Android/data/com.myapp.app/cache Android/data/com.myapp.app/files

Is cache included in the auto back up data?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Backup will **never** contain cache data.

Cache data is CPU specific and instance specific. For the same app, different CPU may create different cache depending on what part of the app is running as a process. Moreover, even the same CPU running at different instances may have different app cache. If you open an app, keep it running in the background, but never open it in foreground, the cache created will be different from the one created if the app has been running in foreground. Moreover, once the app has been closed and its process has been killed, then cache space for that data is allowed to be overwritten by new incoming data. So, cache data is never constant.

---
Tags: backup, storage, cache
---


title: android battery usage graph is like 1/x

text:
# Question
Title: android battery usage graph is like 1/x
Can some1 explain this? can i fix this problem with calibrating battery? basically it lasts almost as long as ever, but the percentages make it impossible for me to know how long do i have till it dies. it is now 10hrs on 1% battery...(samsung s6 nougat OS)

# Answer
> 0 votes
> **How to calibrate an Android device battery without root access**
>
> The old 'fully charge and discharge' approach stands as one of the simplest ways to 'recalibrate' your Android battery. But if your phone battery is causing you real problems, it's worth taking the risk.
>
> Method 1
>
> 2. Turn it on again and let it turn itself off.
> 3. Plug your phone into a charger and, without turning it on, let it charge until the on-screen or LED indicator says 100 percent.
> 4. Unplug your charger.
> 5. Turn your phone on. It's likely that the battery indicator won't say 100 percent, so plug the charger back in (leave your phone on) and continue charging until it says 100 percent on-screen as well.
> 6. Unplug your phone and restart it. If it doesn't say 100 percent plug the charger back in until it says 100 percent on screen.
> 7. Repeat this cycle until it says 100 percent (or as close as you think it's going to get) when you start it up without being plugged in.
> 8. Now, let your battery discharge all the way down to 0 percent and let your phone turn off again.
> 9. Fully charge the battery one more time without interruption and you should have reset the Android system's battery percentage.
>
> Remember that it is not recommended to perform this process all the time. Even when your battery is so dead your phone won't even turn on, your battery still has enough reserve charge to avoid system damage. But you don't want to poke the tiger with a stick. Perform this process once every three months at the most. If it is required more often than that you have bigger problems at hand.
>
> Put plainly: fully discharging a battery is bad for it. Trying to overload a battery is also bad for it. The good news is that charging batteries automatically shut off when their safe limit is reached and there's always a little in reserve even if your phone won't start. But again: do this only when really necessary, because it does have a negative impact on battery life.
>
> **How to calibrate Android device battery with root access**
>
> Even though I'm not convinced that clearing the batterystats.bin file has any meaningful effect on how the Android system reports remaining battery charge, there are those who swear by this method.
>
> So in the interests of fairness, we've included the process for you here (it is true that different manufacturers use the batterystats.bin file for different things). It's basically the same process as above but with the added step of a root-enabled app.
>
> Method 2
>
> 1. Discharge your phone fully until it turns itself off.
> 2. Turn it on and let it turn off again.
> 3. Plug your phone into a charger and, without turning it on, let it charge until the on-screen or LED indicator says 100 percent.
> 4. Unplug your charger.
> 5. Turn your phone on. It's likely that the battery indicator won't say 100 percent, so plug the charger back in (leave your phone on) and continue charging until it says 100 percent on the screen as well.
> 6. Unplug your phone and restart it. If it doesn't say 100 percent, plug the charger back in until it says 100 percent on screen.
> 7. You want to repeat this cycle until it says 100 percent (or as close as you think it's going to get) when you start it up without being plugged in.
> 8. Now, install the Battery Calibration app and, before you launch it, make sure your battery is at 100 percent again, then restart.
> 9. Immediately launch the app and recalibrate your battery.
> 10. Once you've calibrated your battery, discharge it all the way down to 0 percent and let your phone turn off again.
> 11. Fully charge the battery one more time without interruption while it's switched off, and the Android system's battery percentage will be reset.
>
> That's it. Have you tried any of these methods? Do you know an alternate way to fix battery problems? Let me know in the comments.

Source

---
Tags: samsung, samsung-galaxy-s-6, 7.1-nougat
---


# Question
Title: Will "Contacts" permission allow reading contacts list on SIM?
I denied "Contacts" perm of obvious reasons for an app. It won't work. I reached its developer and he said I am paranoid, that "Contacts" means just basic info about phone owner, like name and email, not contact list. But it says "Contacts", not "Basic owner info". Who is right? How to give app "Contacts" permission but hide contacts list from it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
> Who is right?

I think you are right because "Contacts" permission - quote:

> Allows an application to read the user's contacts data.

You can write an abuse to Google about this application if you think they use "Contacts" permission unreasonably and Google may check that application more accurately.

---
Tags: security, permissions
---


# Question
Title: Saving contacts to SIM / view SIM contacts
I've just bought a new Android phone (Wileyfox Swift 2X) and updated to Android 7.1.2.

Up until now I have always saved my contacts to my SIM card, which saved me a great deal of trouble with past Android phones that had broken screens, as I only had to insert my SIM card in a new device and voila, all my contacts are there.

However, on Android 7.1.2, I am unable to view SIM contacts or save new contacts to the SIM card. My only option is a Gmail account (linked to the device) - which is not what I want. I am even unable to save new contacts to the device itself.

In the 'Contacts' app, the 'Contacts to display' menu item has 3 options:

* WhatsApp
* Google (....@gmail.com)
* Customize (no SIM options here either)

I'm pretty sure that in all my Android phones up until now I had a 'device' and 'SIM' option.

In the 'Contacts' app, I do have the option to import/export:

* Import from .vcf file
* Import from SIM card
* Export to SIM card
* Export to .vcf file
* Share all contacts

So for now, I imported my SIM contacts (to the GMail account), so I can use my device for now. However, I want to only store my contacts on the SIM card.

---

I've checked out some apps in the Google Play Store that read the SIM contacts and they work fine (although with ads) so this is not ideal.

Did they remove the SIM contacts option? Is there a way to enable it?

Thanks in advance!

# Answer
I cannot specifically tell with your device, as I've never used it, but I can surely tell on **Samsung Galaxy Edge 7**, which runs on Nougat.

There, this option **available** under More options in Contacts, as per this video.

It may have been possible that your manufacturer has developed the User Interface in such a way that this is not supported, but Nougat OS clearly supports it.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Can't say anything specific to your device but in my Moto G5+ even i dont have any option of viewing or managing sim contacts but i did find a app that does so
It also have add/delete multiselect etc options

SIMcardToolManager
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sim-card, 7.1-nougat
---


# Question
Title: How do I check bad sector on my android with ADB recovery mode?
I am finally able to install CWM on my asus. I suspected the asus didn't do well and there could be too many bad blocks on it's NAND.

So Now that I can do fast boot and recovery and adb, I think I would scan the whole NAND memory and see if something is bad and then mark it.

You know, like chkdsk or fdisk

How would I do so?

# Answer
You can follow these steps to check your Android NAND chip partition which checks bad blocks:

1.for your data safety,backup your data to pc or cloud first.

2.boot to recovery.

3.unmount all partition in recovery.

4.connect your phone to pc.

5.execute `adb shell` .

6.use `cd` command go to your partition directory,usual in:

```
/dev/block/platform/soc.0/<chip ID>/by-name

```

or like:

```
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name

```

for example:

```
cd /dev/block/platform/soc.0/12345678.sdhci/by-name

```

after enter directory,you can execute `ls` command show all partition name,like system,cache,userdata,etc.

7.execute `e2fsck` command with `-cfv` parameter and partition name,for example,you want check userdata ( /data ) partition with check bad blocks:

```
e2fsck -cfv userdata

```

or system partition:

```
e2fsck -cfv system

```

Additional Information:

The `-c` parameter for `e2fsck` is check for bad blocks and add them to the badblock list, you can execute `e2fsck -h` get more information.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: adb
---


title: LENOVO Z2 PLUS VOLTE ISSUE with jio

text:
# Question
Title: LENOVO Z2 PLUS VOLTE ISSUE with jio
In my lenovo Z2 Plus handset with jio , currently jio volte stopped working . I was not able to make calls , but internet is working sometimes and sometimes not .

I restarted the device many times but no luck ?

Is there any solution to this .

# Answer
> 1 votes
First check, if the SIM card on which VoLTE service to be used is placed in SIM 1 slot. Only SIM 1 slot is enabled for HD(VoLTE) voice capability as per my observation.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I got the solution ,

In some regions and cities Reliance puts limits on the speed so if it doesn't work for you that means in your area Jio speed is limited by Reliance itself does not matter what you do so keep that in mind. So folks here is the settings. Go to Settings -\> Cellular Networks -\> Advanced Options -\> Access Points Names -\> Internet In APN you have to change the following, rest all remains the same:- 1) APN Protocol: ipv4/v6 2) APN Roaming: ipv4/v6 3) Bearer: LTE Save, restart and enjoy..

---
Tags: mobile-data, lenovo, apn
---


# Question
Title: Sony Xperia Z1 - problems with voice sound after update to Android 5.0.2
After update Android to 5.0.2 there is a problem in my Sony Xperia Z1 compact. When I make or receive phone calls the caller does not hear me (or hears, but poorly, with noise). After restart these problems disappears for some time, but later appears againg. Are there any known workaround for such issues?

# Answer
I've found the workaround - to turn off the noise suppression. It fixed the problem for me.

To do that, press `Settings -> Call -> Microphone noise suppression (off)`
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have read the article about Sony patch, hopefully it is coming. Meanwhile, I press audio output selection button on the screen twice, that fixes the issue for the call I receive and have audio issue as described above.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, calls, sony-xperia-z
---


# Question
Title: Translation of RIL_PreferredNetworkType terminology to human speak?
In Android's source code, I see

```
typedef enum {
    PREF_NET_TYPE_GSM_WCDMA                = 0, /* GSM/WCDMA (WCDMA preferred) */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_GSM_ONLY                 = 1, /* GSM only */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_WCDMA                    = 2, /* WCDMA  */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_GSM_WCDMA_AUTO           = 3, /* GSM/WCDMA (auto mode, according to PRL) */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_CDMA_EVDO_AUTO           = 4, /* CDMA and EvDo (auto mode, according to PRL) */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_CDMA_ONLY                = 5, /* CDMA only */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_EVDO_ONLY                = 6, /* EvDo only */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_GSM_WCDMA_CDMA_EVDO_AUTO = 7, /* GSM/WCDMA, CDMA, and EvDo (auto mode, according to PRL) */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_LTE_CDMA_EVDO            = 8, /* LTE, CDMA and EvDo */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_LTE_GSM_WCDMA            = 9, /* LTE, GSM/WCDMA */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_LTE_CMDA_EVDO_GSM_WCDMA  = 10, /* LTE, CDMA, EvDo, GSM/WCDMA */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_LTE_ONLY                 = 11, /* LTE only */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_LTE_WCDMA                = 12,  /* LTE/WCDMA */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_ONLY            = 13, /* TD-SCDMA only */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_WCDMA           = 14, /* TD-SCDMA and WCDMA */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_LTE             = 15, /* TD-SCDMA and LTE */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_GSM             = 16, /* TD-SCDMA and GSM */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_GSM_LTE         = 17, /* TD-SCDMA,GSM and LTE */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_GSM_WCDMA       = 18, /* TD-SCDMA, GSM/WCDMA */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_WCDMA_LTE       = 19, /* TD-SCDMA, WCDMA and LTE */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_GSM_WCDMA_LTE   = 20, /* TD-SCDMA, GSM/WCDMA and LTE */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_GSM_WCDMA_CDMA_EVDO_AUTO  = 21, /* TD-SCDMA, GSM/WCDMA, CDMA and EvDo */
    PREF_NET_TYPE_TD_SCDMA_LTE_CDMA_EVDO_GSM_WCDMA   = 22  /* TD-SCDMA, LTE, CDMA, EvDo GSM/WCDMA */
} RIL_PreferredNetworkType;

```

The problem is, I don't know what the terminology maps to.

"LTE" is obviously just 4G LTE, but what are TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, and EvDo?

I'm assuming at least some of them must map to 2G (GPRS), 2G (EDGE), 3G, "3.9G" (HSPA+), but which is which? And which ones are actually CDMA (Sprint, Verizon, etc.) rather than GSM?
(I'm a little confused because it seems GSM LTE phones also have modes like WCDMA?)

# Answer
> 3 votes
I figured them out thanks to here and here.

* GSM is 2G (on GSM networks)
* WCDMA is 3G (HSPA)
* CDMA is 2G (on CDMA networks)
* EvDo is 3G (on CDMA networks)
* TD-SCDMA is 3G (UMTS)
* LTE is 4G (LTE)

**This PDF** (page 16) explains the evolution of the different technologies.

Warning: A lot of this terminology is conflated (e.g. "CDMA" can refer to both the channel access method as well as mobile phone standards, "3G" and "4G" can refer to lots of different things, etc.) so take these with a grain of salt.

---
Tags: mobile-network, 3g, 4g, gsm, gprs
---


# Question
Title: How to send a flag/data as an input to installed android app?
Is there a way to send a flag or a single number or character to my app running on a device using android developer console or by using any other way, without touching the mobile device ?

**Example :**
Say I have a mobile. I install my app-test.apk in the device by downloading it from google play or by transferring it to the sd card.
Now the app is running in my mobile.
What I want is to send a message/a flag/a number/a character or anything to the app **so that the app identifies it and perform some action**, some sort of a trigger for some condition. *Like app shows a toast messages saying "I am running"*. All this without touching the device.
If it is not possible how can I achieve this by just shaking the device or pressing the volume button with device in locked state or by minimal touching the device ?
Is this possible ?

Thanks !

# Answer
Yes, this is exactly what ADB is for. Part of the Android SDK, it's designed for developers but useful for any user. After you turn on "USB Debugging" in the device's developer options, it can connect to the device via Wi-Fi or USB. Depending on the particular app you want to control, you might control it by:

* sending an *intent* the app understands, using `am start`
* copying a file to the device using `adb push`
* sending fake keyboard or touch-screen inputs using `adb input`

Find out more about ADB on the official site or the tag on this site: .

Another option is to use an app such as or . With these tools, you can visually create something like a "script" of actions: changing system settings, and sending intents to apps. Many apps integrate with these tools, offering special intents to control them and even a nice menu to choose them from. You can set this script to be triggered directly by a single touch on the screen, or indirectly by a change in some other state: e.g. when the phone sees a particular Wi-Fi network, when it's in a geofence, or when it connects to a Bluetooth device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: automation, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: unknown error when i try to verify my google account
I have a Samsung 7 and I factory reset it for a family member to use now i have it back and they reset it for m now i cant pass the verification page?

I sign in with password and it comes up with unknown error and takes me back to sign in my gmail emailed me that a Samsung tried signing in and I confirm its me but still no access

Help Please

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try to set right date and time on your phone.

**For clarification:**

An authorization is usually done through https requests. Https requests do not pass if the device has an old enough date that does not correspond to the actual date. This usually happens after resetting the device to the factory settings. Therefore the first what needs to do - setup correctly date and time on the device.

Wrong date and time are a typical reason of problems with authentication after factory reset.

---
Tags: factory-reset, google-account
---


# Question
Title: How to recover data from corrupt SD Card formatted as Internal?
My mother has been using the Moto G3 Turbo Edition for almost 2 years now. The device has 16GB of internal memory, but she is using an external Samsung Evo 32GB class 10 memory card as her **INTERNAL MEMORY** (Thanks to the memory-switching feature of Marshmallow). She has been using the phone with Evo as her internal memory since the phone was first bought. Today while she was using WhatsApp, suddenly she noticed that she was not being able to download any media (music, videos, songs). And when she checked her gallery, she found it empty! Out of nowhere! After further checking it was discovered that the G3 Turbo was not detecting the Samsung Evo at all, eventhough the card was **still inside the device**. It was showing "No Internal Memory Detected". I tried various solutions like switching off and turning the device back on, cleaning the memory card, clearing cache...nothing works! This has led me to doubt that the problem might be with the SD card. I inserted it into my PC and it wasn't getting detected. The Card has lot of important files in it. What should I do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, using an SD card as internal (adopted) memory is very hard on the card itself. TBH, I am surprised you got 2 years out of it. Most 3rd Gen Moto devices are lucky to get a year or maybe 18 months and we have seen cards fail in as few as 30 days. The way adopted storage works puts incredible amounts of stress on the card itself with constant read and write operations, even Moto staff on their official support forums recommends NOT using adopted storage if at all possible. SD cards like many types of flash storage have a finite number of write cycles, they will fail, the question is when.

What can you? Reboot and see if it shows up again, then copy it off immediately and replace the card as soon as possible.

Other options are pretty limited and the adoptable-storage tag may give you some options, but in general once adoptable storage gets messed up the data is not recoverable due to the encryption used by Android.

Otherwise, there isn't much UNLESS the phone is already rooted and you are pretty handy with Linux. If it isn't already rooted, then it doesn't matter because of the rooting process requires wiping the device. If you are rooted you need to access the \*.key file in /data/misc/vold and you can mount the volume as shown here and attempt normal data recovery in Linux.

BTW, Android has tools to mitigate these situations by maintaining backups in online storage... for example, tools like Google Photo will automatically backup pictures and videos to your Google account for free. What is the old saying? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

---
Tags: external-sd, data-recovery, encryption, internal-sd, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Why does Android OS data usage not count?
I have noticed that "Android OS" consumes a lot of data on my phone (LineageOS 14.1; Samsung Galaxy SIII GT-I9300; rooted). However, this data seems not to count for the overall data usage. As you can see in the picture below, Android OS consumed 36.72 MB so far. But that is more than the total data usage at the top (28.11 MB). This determined total data usage is the same as my provider says. Is there a particular reason why the data usage of Android OS does not count? Has it something to do with Nougat or even LineageOS?

---

On the other hand, My Data Manager, for example, seems to take Android OS into account:

Does someone know the reason for this issue or does somebody have an assumption at least?

# Answer
> 4 votes
As far as I can tell, **Android OS** (sometimes called **OS + others**) is not actually a real application to say. Basing this on one data application I've used it is explained;

> It is a "catch all" pseudo-application accounting for the difference between **global usage** (displayed in the main screen) and the **sum of all installed applications usages**.

* Initially it will be **equal to global usage**, but discrepancies can easily be noted in case when an application which previously had access to data connectivity is uninstalled.
* On the other hand, the value can stay as a very small value (few MBs) perhaps if the applications that occasionally use data are not affected (remain intact).
* The other reason, I can think of is, data used in some minor updates (to Android itself), connectivity checks etc can be assigned to Android OS in data usage counter such that there is always a reading for such in data counters.

I don't think this has something to do with Lineage OS or Nougat but just a conventional way for counting data usage accross apps (regardless they were uninstalled in that particular usage period)

---
Tags: mobile-data, data-monitoring, lineageos, 7.1-nougat, background-data
---


# Question
Title: Cannot flash Android IoT image for Pico Pro Maker Kit
I got a Pico Pro Maker kit and use a Windows 10 PC. I followed the flashing instructions here. Device Manager detects the kit this way:

The device is in fastboot mode, but when I execute the flash-all script, an error message is returned (cannot load 'u-boot.imx'):

```
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.15063]

```

(c) 2017 Microsoft Corporation. Minden jog fenntartva.

C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools\>adb devices

List of devices attached

C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools\>fastboot devices

000000e5f4439b02 fastboot

C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools\>C:\F\_Android\_Things\_NXPPico\flash-all.bat

error: cannot load 'u-boot.imx'

Does anyone have an idea what's wrong?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Finally I came trough. Looked int flash-all.bat script which says:

> The fastboot executable must be in your path to run this script

I copied all the Android Thing image, generated by the AndroidThingsConsole into the C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools\ subdir, and run the script flash-all.bat again. Result is here:

C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools\>flash-all.bat

target reported max download size of 209715200 bytes

sending 'bootloader' (479 KB)...

OKAY \[ 0.017s\] writing 'bootloader'... OKAY \[ 0.397s\] rebooting into bootloader... OKAY \[ 0.009s\]

finished. total time: 0.457s

\< waiting for any device \>

target reported max download size of 209715200 bytes

sending 'gpt' (33 KB)... OKAY \[ 0.006s\] writing 'gpt'... OKAY \[ 28.856s\]

rebooting into bootloader...

OKAY \[ 0.006s\]

finished. total time: 28.876s

target reported max download size of 209715200 bytes

Creating filesystem with parameters:

```
Size: 2009071616
Block size: 4096
Blocks per group: 32768
Inodes per group: 8176
Inode size: 256
Journal blocks: 7664
Label:
Blocks: 490496
Block groups: 15
Reserved block group size: 119

```

Created filesystem with 11/122640 inodes and 16088/490496 blocks

sending 'boot\_a' (32768 KB)...

OKAY \[ 0.886s\] writing 'boot\_a'... OKAY \[ 1.222s\] sending 'boot\_b' (32768 KB)... OKAY \[ 0.883s\] writing 'boot\_b'... OKAY \[ 1.235s\] erasing 'system\_a'... OKAY \[ 7.114s\] sending sparse 'system\_a' 1/2 (203704 KB)... OKAY \[ 5.909s\] writing 'system\_a' 1/2... OKAY \[ 8.516s\] sending sparse 'system\_a' 2/2 (204764 KB)... OKAY \[ 6.189s\] writing 'system\_a' 2/2... OKAY \[ 11.602s\] erasing 'system\_b'... OKAY \[ 6.999s\] sending sparse 'system\_b' 1/2 (203704 KB)... OKAY \[ 5.993s\] writing 'system\_b' 1/2... OKAY \[ 8.500s\] sending sparse 'system\_b' 2/2 (204764 KB)... OKAY \[ 5.818s\] writing 'system\_b' 2/2... OKAY \[ 11.603s\] erasing 'userdata'... OKAY \[ 26.163s\] sending 'userdata' (33356 KB)... OKAY \[ 0.903s\] writing 'userdata'... OKAY \[ 1.252s\] Setting current slot to 'a'... OKAY \[ 0.030s\] finished. total time: 110.864s target reported max download size of 209715200 bytes sending 'gapps\_a' (72040 KB)... OKAY \[ 1.929s\] writing 'gapps\_a'... OKAY \[ 2.570s\] sending 'gapps\_b' (72040 KB)... OKAY \[ 1.938s\] writing 'gapps\_b'... OKAY \[ 2.467s\] finished. total time: 8.917s target reported max download size of 209715200 bytes sending 'oem\_a' (1096 KB)... OKAY \[ 0.036s\] writing 'oem\_a'... OKAY \[ 0.139s\] sending 'oem\_b' (1096 KB)... OKAY \[ 0.036s\] writing 'oem\_b'... OKAY \[ 0.123s\] finished. total time: 0.344s

Successfully flashed your imx7d. rebooting...

finished. total time: 0.001s

C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools\>

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


# Question
Title: Does migration of whatsapp images and videos from google drive preserve file modification date?
According to this Android Stackexchange answers file modification dates aren't restored upon restoration. So videos and images restored from Google Drive backup of whatsapp won't work leading to incorrect sorting. This is an error in the filesystem drivers called FUSE and won't be fixed till Android O.

Is this correct?

# Answer
Whilst the file system modification date is updated to the current date somehow whatsapp whether through the EXIF date picture taken tag or database it keeps the original date thus preserving sort order.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup, whatsapp-messenger, google-drive, date-and-time
---


title: What does tether_dun_required do?

text:
# Question
Title: What does tether_dun_required do?
I see lots of mentions of this option on Android sites, including Android.StackExchange.com, but I don't see any technical exploitation for what it does. What does this option actually do?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Tells telephony manager dial up networking emulation not required, not sure if thats actually required if you use net.tethering.noprovisioning=true in build.prop you can see the telephony and tethering code in the links below

https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/base/+/master/telephony/java/android/telephony/TelephonyManager.java

https://github.com/android/platform\_frameworks\_base/blob/355dbae680994002c48d7a66cb276a65393ecbbb/services/core/java/com/android/server/connectivity/Tethering.java

# Answer
> 0 votes
Not exactly sure what it does, but a lot of people seem tho think this in `adb shell` gets them free tethering.

```
su
settings put global tether_dun_required 0
exit

```

---
Tags: system
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S5 SM-G900F soft-bricked & stuck on Samsung logo screen
Hi may can someone to help here. Today i restart my phone don know why will stuck on SAMSUNG screen like the picture. I see a lot tutorial say have to factory reset. Is that anyway I can make backup now?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You need to install stock Firmware into your mobile using Odin. You can find the Odin and Firmware for your Galaxy S5 from https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/. I don't think you can backup your mobile at this stage.

---
Tags: backup, samsung-galaxy-s-5
---


# Question
Title: How do I turn off Messenger's default browser?
About a month ago, Messenger implemented an in-app browser, similar to the one on the main Facebook app. It's terribly slow, and I'd love to load links in Chrome (or Tumblr, or Twitter, or whatever app is actually meant for the link). I've looked all over and cannot figure out how to disable it - all help I find is for Facebook's in-app browser, not Messenger's. I'm using a Oneplus 3 with the default Oxygen OS. Thanks!

# Answer
> 4 votes
Not sure if you figured this out or not, or maybe they fixed it, but I figured it out. Open messenger. In the far upper right corner, tap the silhouette icon that takes you to your profile. Scroll down and check "open links externally"

# Answer
> 16 votes
Go to messenger, go to Photos & Media and switch on: "Open Links in Default Browser"

(Click to enlarge)

# Answer
> 5 votes
While this is a feature of the Facebook app itself, it appears there is no feature to do this with the current version of Facebook Messenger as of this answer (version 100.0.0.29.61).

The only current method in order to use the Android assigned default application for the URL is to *Click the Menu Icon and click Open in ...*

However if you are noticing that your in-app browser is slow, you may need to head into your Settings -\> Apps and clear cache for Android System WebView and Google Chrome. (You may have to turn on Show System in the three dot menu.)

---
Tags: facebook
---


# Question
Title: How to install ADB drivers on Windows 10 (OPO)
**Problem:** Install ADB drivers (google\_usb\_drivers) on a Windows 10 client in order to enable debugging for my OnePlus One (OPO).

**What I have tried:** After some Googling I found several guides telling me to add the devices hardware id to googles driver "android\_winusb.inf" under `[Google.NTx86]` and `[Google.NTamd64]`.

```
;OnePlus One
%SingleAdbInterface%        = USB_Install, USB\VID_05C6&PID_6765
%CompositeAdbInterface%     = USB_Install, USB\VID_05C6&PID_6765&MI_01

```

After manually selecting this file as the driver using Device Manager, I get this error message: `The hash for the file is not present in the specified catalog(...)`

Googling this error, I found many references to similar problems with Windows 8.1. They all suggested to (scarily I might add) turn off signature checks on drivers using the command:

`bcdedit.exe -set loadoptions DDISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS`

This however, seems to have no effect - I get the same error as before. Have this feature been disabled or changed since Windows 8.1 maybe?

**Question:** Does anyone know how to get ADB up and running on a Windows 10 machine? If so which steps did you take? Am I completely off with what I've tried so far?

# Answer
> 12 votes
Try the 15-seconds ADB/drivers all-in-one installer. You could also install the Samsung drivers rather than conventional OnePlus drivers.

I installed these drivers and I've had mine working since the upgrade.

You could also try following this guide on how to set it up.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I couldn't update the ADB driver on Windows 10. When I tried installing the generic Google ADB driver by clicking on "Browse my computer for driver software" and choosing the driver folder, Windows ignored the drivers, saying there were no drivers found.

I finally found the solution in this article, Manually installing Android ADB USB Driver.

The missing step is to continue guiding Windows after clicking on "Browse my computer for driver software". When selecting the folder with the driver, click on the "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer". Select "Show all devices", then "Have Disk". This defaults to drive `A:` --- navigate to the folder with the extracted USB drivers, probably named `usb_driver`. You'll then be able to choose "Android ADB Interface" and install the driver.

This allowed me to connect OnePlus One to Windows 10 for debugging. I could navigate in Chrome to `chrome://inspect/#devices` and see my device.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had similar problems, adb devices didn't list any devices once I'd upgraded to Windows 10. I happened to have an Intel-powered Android phone connected over USB. I ended up removing the Intel-specific Android Driver (downloaded yesterday, version 1.9 which doesn't explicitly support Windows 10) and then used the universal Android USB driver https://github.com/koush/UniversalAdbDriver following the steps described in the following article (using Device Manager and removing the previous driver). For good measure I disconnected and reconnected the USB cable after removing the previous driver and before selecting the replacement driver.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/android-wont-connect-windows-adb-fix-it-three-steps/

My computer has several possible matches in Device Manager when I selected choose the driver manually. I checked each one until I found what seemed to be the relevant one i.e. the Universal Driver, then from the list I picked the Android USB Driver. As you have a different device, you may need to pick a different device driver from the list.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google's adb driver works fine with any Android phone. It's Microsoft policy to forbid class drivers so each vendor is required to provide same driver with different hardware ID and to pay money for Windows Logo® program and signing process.

As it is in Linux ))

To temporary disable integrity/signing enforcement, run as Administrator:

```
bcdedit /set testsigning off

```

reboot, install driver and then:

```
bcdedit /set testsigning on

```

and make final reboot (can be done later).

You can follow my blog post on subject Connect to Android via USB by adb in Windows

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


# Question
Title: Conflicted internal SD card because of casing/capitalization?
I'm using two Tencent apps. One of them likes accessing `/sdcard/tencent` and the other likes `/sdcard/Tencent`. Somehow the `/data/media/0/Tencent` folder is empty and `/sdcard/Tencent` has exactly the same contents as `/sdcard/tencent`, so they worked fine for a while.

Recently I did something unrelated but eats a lot of RAM, and most of the background apps were shut down including the two mentioned above. To my surprise, `/sdcard/Tencent` was no longer mapped to `/sdcard/tencent` but they have reversed! I checked `/data/media/0/tencent` and everything that was there is still there, but `/data/media/0/Tencent` is no longer empty.

A reboot **has a chance(!!)** to fix the issue. Now I would like to know the cause of this strange behavior, and a possible solution.

---

I quickly merged `Tencent` into `tencent` in `/data/media/0` and created an empty *file*, and to my surprise `/sdcard/Tencent` is still showing up as a directory, not the file.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have a dirty fix but I still want a better solution.

Just delete the unwanted variant and re-create it, then both names would be mapped to the other (desired) one. However, this needs to be done once per reboot.

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


title: Restore Google Search to home screen

text:
# Question
Title: Restore Google Search to home screen
How do I restore the Google search bar to the home screen of a Motto z?

# Answer
> 1 votes
open your lock screen .

* long click on your home screen
* click on widget section
* select google search
* drag it to your desire location on screen.

---
Tags: google, search
---


# Question
Title: android contacts sync with google+ facebook
I'm using Pixel (XL), Phone by Google (1st generation) with Android 8.0.0, when I tap on `Contacts` app, some of my contains has photo and some do not(.

How does one sync my existing contacts against Google+ and/or Facebook to get photos? I don't want to sync entire Facebook against my phone...

Please advise.

# Answer
first of all do these things ..

* Run App permission management in your phone .(Some device has its own inbuilt app , or lots of apps available on play store.)
* You can go to your setting \> security \> permission \> deny all contact permission
* go to setting \> Account \> Google \> Your Account \> untick contact no sync with google.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, facebook, google-contacts
---


# Question
Title: Why is my Android phone off by 3 seconds only a few minutes after I set it to the Atomic clock time?
I have a Huawei Mate 9, and just set it to the atomic clock time a few minutes ago. The ClockSync app reported it was off by 0.06 second at that time.

However, a few minutes later when I picked up the phone and check again, it was already 3.2 seconds behind. How come it can be off by that much in a few minutes time? Doesn't the phone has an internal clock which should be only off by a few seconds in a day?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Time on devices is an approximation based on the molecular activity of the components it is constructed of, especially mineral vibration. Some components and the software that estimates from it is better than others. Better phones with better components, or, better phones with better software are necessary for best time estimation. If the estimation is off for you, leave the setting for synchronizing time from the network. The responsibility of your device to perform flawlessly is reduced or eliminated.

See this article online which details how clocks on devices work.

---
Tags: clock
---


# Question
Title: How to use different keyboards in different apps without paid software?
Is there a way to use different keyboards in different apps? I want to use GBoard for every app except for my Terminal, in which I want to use Hacker's Keyboard. I want to do this because GBoard is a great keyboard, but I can't use arrow keys, ctrl+c, etc.

How could I use different virtual keyboards for different apps without using paid software?

This is different from Use fixed keyboard for a given app because the answer includes paid software.

---

I am using the OnePlus 5 with OxygenOS 4.5.10 (Stock ROM) (Based on Nougat 7.1.1)

Using this kernel: https://build.nethunter.com/nightly/3.20-20170903-2143/kernel-nethunter-oneplus5-oos-nougat-3.20-20170903-2143.zip

Rooted with Magisk tiny.cc/latestmagisk

Using the Kali Nethunter terminal: https://github.com/offensive-security/kali-nethunter/blob/master/nethunter-installer/update/data/app/Term-nh.apk

Kali Nethunter installed with this Magisk module: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software-hacking/kali-nethunter-magisk-t3676681/page1

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try Macrodroid

Steps :-

1. Download, install and launch
2. Go to Marcos
3. Add new Marco
4. In trigger select the app launched and select the terminal app
5. In actions select Keyboard switch(i guess this would cause the keyboard list popup so you will need to tap once on hakers keyboard)
6. Repeat same for App closed trigger (add both trigger in same macro)

Hope it gets the job done

Do report back

**Update:**

Try putting constraints of app running or app in foreground on app closed action

And app not running or not in foregroung on app launched action

I would also suggest to try to keeping 2 different macros for launching and closing and also it should work without legacy support

---
Tags: applications, keyboard, gboard
---


title: Remove infinity wallpaper only from AOD

text:
# Question
Title: Remove infinity wallpaper only from AOD
Just got my very first android today, being the S8 and am wondering how to remove any form of wallpaper from the AOD so its just black with the clock, but retain the wallpaper on the home screen.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use an external wallpaper app like Google's wallpaper app. Set the home and lock screen with a wallpaper. Then set the Infinity wallpaper you want, only for the home screen. This worked for me.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-8
---


title: Storage space in SD card

text:
# Question
Title: Storage space in SD card
My phone is Samsung galaxy j2 prime, Android 6.0.1. When I try to move app from internal storage to SD card, it shows 'Not enough storage' even there is 4.6 GB free in my SD card. Anyone please help me.

# Answer
Try this: temporarily put in a new sd card.

If the problem stops, then the old sd card has a problem.

If the problem still continues with this new sd card also, there may be a problem in Android system. You may try apps which help in moving apps to sd card **without root access**. If they too fail, take your phone to a service centre.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: Enable USB Debugger on a phone with a broken screen
I have done my research on how to enable the debugger, but most of them seem to be useless or missleading.

Now I do not need any backup, my phone is empty and I use that broken Samsung s6 for testing my apps etc.

I had USB Debugger on but I thought I will reset the phone and I did the factory reset (stupid me) and I assume USB debugger got disabled as I can not access my phone, nor Vysor is working for me.

Simple question, is it even possible to ENABLE debugger on a phone with a broken screen (cant controll or do anything with the phone)?

If the answer is yes, please provide any proper tutorials of how to use shell.

# Answer
I don't think this will help, but anyway. If you could somehow execute following command on the phone, you should be able to just make it work:

`setprop persist.service.adb.enable 1`

This will enable USB debugging on the device and persist across reboots. The phone might need to be rooted.

Maybe connect a wireless keyboard and do some key combinations to reach command input. I have no idea how to do that though.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-debugging, broken-screen
---


title: What app needs iipsrv.fcgi?

text:
# Question
Title: What app needs iipsrv.fcgi?
My Samsung Galaxy Note 8 downloaded three copies of a file called iipsrv.fcgi. I have the apps Gamedia Browser, uTorrent and VLC Media player on my phone and am wondering if this download is related to o e of these apps. Should I be concerned about this being malicious files?

# Answer
I found the answer. These were actually images I saved from Gamedia Browser, which I was able to open like regular images.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: malware, downloading
---


title: Share Menu Sort Order

text:
# Question
Title: Share Menu Sort Order
I make frequent use of the Share menu. Most frequently I share URLs to Pocket so I can read them later, though less frequently I'll share to email, SMS or Facebook Messenger. Since I've upgraded my Samsung S6 Edge to Marshmallow, I've noticed that when I open the Share menu, frequently there's about a 1 - 2 second delay where Android re-sorts the order of the items on the Share menu. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of this behavior is that more often than not, Pocket, my most frequently used target is moved from the first screen of the Share menu to the second while a Hangouts chat with a friend that hasn't been active in over a month is moved to the first item in the list.

My question is this: Is there any way I can control the sort order of items on the Share menu?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Had the same issue, it was very annoying. Did not want any share menu replacement apps. So now found the trick: when the share menu opens, long press on the app - a menu popups with an option to pin it.

Your post is a year old, I guess you might have figured out it already :)

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, share-menu
---


# Question
Title: 3g network connection Problem while using data
For last two months or so, the situation in my two years old international HTC One X is that the data is not connecting when it is on 3g network but it is working absolutely fine with 2g network. when its connected to 3g, the mobile network fluctuates, data works with 3g speed for only few minutes and signal drops out. In simple terms, on 3g it fluctuates in data access and network access whereas on 2g it works absolutely fine.

I have changed two 3g enabled sim of different carriers they are also performing the same way in my HTC one x. I have changed the location of the phone, the problem persists. My sim also works fine with another handset in 3g as well as in 2g. So the conclusion is that there is fault with my HTC one x but the question remains what is the fault. Whether software or hardware. I have also done the factory reset but to no avail and I have also switched to custom rom but the problem is still there.

Any solution would be of great help.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In your mobile network settings ensure that data in roaming is enabled and working. Secondly, the data channel option will be there in the mobile while addressing the APN and advanced settings. In that option you choose your service provider channel.

# Answer
> -1 votes
It seems like the problem has to be with Hardware. On the software side, everything is fine. Might be the hardware of the phone and ROM are not in Sync and thus you are not getting the desired performance for 3G service. Consult official HTC service providers and tell them to address this issue.

---
Tags: networking, 3g, mobile-network, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: Strange image orientation with all camera apps
I've just noticed that on my *Wileyfox Swift* there's something strange going on with image orientation:

* taking a landscape image, everything is fine: the resulting JPG is in landscape, and Exif has `Orientation:0` – as one would expect.
* taking a portrait image however also has `Orientation:0`, and the resulting JPG is in portrait – while on all my other devices, the JPG would remain landscape but have e.g. `Orientation:6` (rotate 270°) in its Exif.

I've tried with multiple camera apps, including the integrated one. Two other camera apps I use on other devices as well, where they work as expected.

What might go on here, and how to fix it up? I need it the "standard way" for post processing scripts etc. Though the results "look the same" in image viewers, the technical details/differences are relevant in my case, so I wish the Wileyfox to adhere to the standards :)

# Answer
I'm afraid you don't have any chance to make the image be in landscape mode when taken, if you don't have the source code of your ROM. But you can surely post-process it by yourself.

Termux provides some helpful (and famous) utilities like `jhead` and `imagemagick`. It's possible to write shell scripts that rotate portrait images into landscape and add a "Rotation" in the EXIF to "rotate" it back.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: camera, exif
---


# Question
Title: Update won't install. How to fix (or should I bother)?
I got a tablet from a friend. It's a Nexus 7 running Android 6.0.1. The first thing I did was reset to factory settings. After setting up, I saw there was an update to install. But it won't install.

Currently going to "System Updates" in settings shows "Android System Update Downloaded and verified..." and states, "This software update will improve the security of your Nexus 7 with the February 2016 patches. Downloading updates over a mobile network or while roaming may cause additional charges." And also, "Update size: 1.5 MB".

When I tap "RESTART & INSTALL", that button changes to "CANCEL INSTALL" and I see "Rebooting to install in 10 seconds..." which counts down. Then it shows, "Rebooting now..." but nothing happens.

If I wait for the screen to turn off, and press the lock button to light up the screen, I see it hasn't shut down. Unlocking it I find the screen with the "RESTART & INSTALL" button just as if I didn't tap it already.

---

I'm completely new to Android (though I am a Linux sysadmin if that matters or helps).

How can I get the update installed? Alternatively, is this even something to worry about?

---

Googling around turned up nothing useful, although I did find a forum thread from 2012 showing a similar issue with 4.2.1—but no solution.

(Note that as I'm *completely* new to Android, if there is some "default" advice I should know about such as there is for Mac, "if you can't figure it out take it to the Genius Bar," then please tell me as I don't know it.)

# Answer
> How can I get the update installed?

It is possible that the device has been rooted or tampered with by your friend, such that it no longer passes the integrity check before OTA updates. Whether this is the case is trivial; if you want the update regardless, you will have to resort to flashing a factory image which requires you to unlock your bootloader and lose data on the tablet in the process.

However...

> Alternatively, is this even something to worry about?

Nexus 7, even the 2013-released version you have, is long obsolete as seen by Google, and therefore misses out on a large amount of security patches since its last official update in 2016. Updating it to a Feb. 2016 patch will not change how vulnerable it is by much.

To get an up-to-date security patch, unlock your bootloader, flash a custom recovery then a recent custom ROM such as LineageOS, which would bring you to both a newer Android version and security patch at the same time (Android 7.1.2 and patch set Oct. 2017 at time of writing).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, reboot
---


# Question
Title: Is there a an app for recording voice notes that syncs to cloud storage?
I have been using Note Everything for making text and voice notes.

However, the problem with it is that it stores everything locally, and if the phone dies, like mine recently did, I lose all the notes. It does have a backup function, but I have to take steps to save the backup files which I often forget to do.

What I really want is an application that will always sync every voice and text note with a server somewhere, so that it doesn't matter if the phone is destroyed.

I do not need to share these notes with anyone else, and I would rather that whatever service I used the default was that all my notes were private. However, if I could also access my notes via the web, that would be ideal. Critically, though, it needs to have both **voice** and **text**.

Are there any applications like that?

# Answer
Use Evernote. It features cloud sync and it lets you access your notes from almost all platform. You can create audio notes directly from homescreen using its widget, too.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I'm using Catch Notes for this functionality: notes saved offline and synced, when internet connected (and some notes I'm editing from my PC via web browser, their synced later).
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can configure *Note Everything* to do regular backups of all your notes (they will be stored on SD card then). If you additionally want to have those data sync'd with "the cloud", you might want to take a look at specific synchronization apps, like e.g. FolderSync. This way you can keep the app you are already used to (and which is wonderful, by the way -- I use it myself), and still have your data secured on a) SD card and b) some other machine (be it "the cloud", or your local computer at home).
> 1 votes

# Answer
Evernote is the most versatile you'll find. You can save and sync voice, text, images, and almost everything else, all for free. (Providing you use under 60mb per month, and even using it frequently as I do, I rarely exceed 10mb)

Evernote also crosses platforms and will work on your android, windows ios and other devices, and allows for web access for any other device with internet.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I use the notes recorder app. It's free and does the job as an audio recorder well. All sound files are immediately uploaded into the cloud where it becomes accessible on other platforms.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notes, voice-recording
---


title: Access "locked" phone storage

text:
# Question
Title: Access "locked" phone storage
I was given an **Archos Diamond S** phone to repair. The phone can't boot after an OTA update, it's stuck on the booting screen (no boot loop).

When it's stuck on the boot logo I can access the files however this is really slow and make explorer.exe crash everytime I want to perform an ation. Furthermore I want to access the root of sdcard **so I can backup some apps data**.

The only think I can do is boot in factory or in recovery mode. However in recovery mode I can only use adb in sideload mode and can't pull anything. I could try to force the OTA update via adb but I **can't find the firmware for this model**.

I then wanted to install a custom recovery that would enable android debug mode (like TWRP) and pull files with adb but I didn't find any for this model.

***Do you know any way I could access the phone storage and create a backup of thoses files before wipe data/factory reset ?***

Thanks

# Answer
> 1 votes
Use ADB.

1. Connect your device to PC/Mac in Recovery mode.
2. Test connection. Type `./adb devices` (MAC) OR `adb devices` (WINDOWS).
3. Assuming you want to download DCIM folder, type `./adb pull sdcard/DCIM <optional_dir>`

Use `./adb` on Mac and `adb` on Windows.

You can also download the complete `/sdcard` folder as a full backup.

---
Tags: adb, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Someone PLEASE help me get rid of my startup pin. I've done everything and I'm at wits end with this
I own an axon 7 with TWRP and I flash noms pretty regularly. recently I installed a new rom and accidentally ticked the "secure start up pin" feature or whatever (this also created a pin on TWRP for some reason. but with that I noticed it took my device almost twice as long to boot it seemed so I disabled it in the settings, but that did nothing.

I've wiped system, data, cache, Dalvik, everything and NOTHING will get rid of the pin. I've gone into the file manager in TWRP, DELETED THE KEY FILES, AND THEN WIPED AND FLASHED AND IT STILL HAD THE DAMN PIN on startup.

Please someone help me. if this is related to encryption I'd also like to learn how to disable that as well.

thank's in advance for your help, I know you don't have to give it :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's `/data` encryption. You must format your whole `/data` partition to decrypt it. Backup **everything** first, your photos, musics, etc. will be gone.

**YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR DATA, INCLUDING INTERNAL STORAGE IF YOU PROCEED. THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE**

---
Tags: twrp, encryption, rom
---


title: What is 'Launcher3' in Android Nougat?

text:
# Question
Title: What is 'Launcher3' in Android Nougat?
I was recently trying Microsoft's Arrow launcher and it was then I saw that the default launcher on my phone is called 'Launcher3'. Its icon resembles 16-bit icon.

From what I read, it is the name of default Google launcher. Is it?

Does my phone why virus or this is the default launcher from Google? I am using Moto G5 Plus.

# Answer
> 11 votes
Launcher3 is the default launcher in AOSP Android, and is the base behind many customized launchers - even Google's own Now Launcher (obsolete) and Pixel Launcher. Some manufacturers would leave the default name and icon in, but customize its appearance and behaviour nonetheless.

If still unsure, verify the package ID using one of the methods listed in this question.

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, launcher, motorola-moto-g5
---


title: Setting up an HTTPS proxy

text:
# Question
Title: Setting up an HTTPS proxy
I use proxifier to connect to an HTTPS proxy on the PC, what should I do in order to connect similarly on my Android smartphone?

My Android version is 4.3, Jelly Bean.

# Answer
Use Drony. You change type in settings from default http to https. Be careful about HTTPS proxy certificate. If it's self signed there is option to trust all certs in settings. But then you can have mitm so it's not very secure. There is nice blog about setting up whole configuration. http://blog.habets.pp.se/2014/09/Secure-browser-to-proxy-communication---again

by Drony support
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you are connecting over Wi-Fi, and are concerned only about connections from Chrome and not from other applications, then you don't need any third-party software to redirect HTTP and HTTPS connections to a proxy. Just go into the Wi-Fi settings, find your network, long-press on it, choose Modify Network, show advanced options, and set the proxy there.

Whether this gets used by non-Chrome applications depends on the application. You could try it and see if your applications honour it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, 4.3-jelly-bean, proxy, https
---


# Question
Title: How do I stop Google Play Services from being automatically installed?
I've an old rooted Android 2.3 phone which comes with "Android Market" that is obviously updated with latest "Google Play Services". There is no "Google Play Services" installed on phone and strictly speaking I don't need it. But recently I've found that "Google Play Services" is automatically installed when connected to internet!

The problem is that phone becomes very slow (no issue with free space but I don't know why it becomes very slow after having play services). So, I've to uninstall "Google Play Services" but it is not the solution as it is automatically installed without prompting (say *secretly*).

As far as I know it is the "Google Play Store" which can do this as it has power (aka back door).

So, How do I stop or prevent "Google Play Services" from being automatically installed? Or I've to uninstall "Google Play Store"? Or you can suggest the work around for the issue of phone's being slow down with "Google Play Service".

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can check this thread over at XDA-developers. You'll want patched GSF to skip self-updating.

Please note that sticking to older GMS versions (or not having them at all!) might prevent some "modern" applications from working correctly.

p.s. your slowness issue is more likely about low free *RAM* than disk space.

---
Tags: google-play-store, 2.3-gingerbread, google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: Changing Screen resolution on Samsung Tablet S2 or S3
I am preparing to buy my first tablet. It does happen I am shortsighted. In my PC I change the screen resolution to enlarge fonts. I have windows 7. Is there a way to change screen resolution in Samsung Tablet S2 (Android 5) or Samsung Tablet S3 (Android 7).

Alternatively are there other ways (or apps) - to enlarge fonts ?

# Answer
Absolutely, you could try out some accessibility features that serve almost a similar goal (as changing resolution in Windows)

You can easily *enable large fonts* or display scaling under *accessibility* in Settings.

Depending on the Android version in question, you can enable large font for example by going to **Settings \>\> Accessibility \>\> Large text** e.g on my device

You can also tweak related settings like enabling or disabling *high contrast* text (varies with android version)

**Settings \>\> Accessibility \>\> High contrast text**

> High contrast makes text easier to read on your device. This feature fixes the text colour as either black or white, depending on the original text colour.

Another option to enhance readability of text on your device is using *magnifying option* (in Accessibility) allowing to zoom in or out certain parts of display.

If you looking for third-party applications to do the job try these:

Big Font (change font size)

Or

Big Font (change font size & display size)

I'm not associated with the above mentioned applications but doing a quick googling showed these are most used :)
> 1 votes

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Tags: screen, screen-resolution
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# Question
Title: Cannot boot to twrp recovery after rooting second time
I have rooted my Redmi 1s one year ago, and installed TWRP using Twrp Manger, and flashed custom ROM (Cyanogenmod and then Lineage Os). And, now I returned back to stock MIUI ROM. Again, I rooted my device and tried to install TWRP. TWRP got installed (I tried different versions of img and zip of twrp), and I cannot boot to TWRP recovery mode. I also tried fastboot methods to install TWRP which also got failed while booting.

I followed the same steps for rooting that I have done for the first time. Rooted using Super Su (source from miui forum). Checked using root checker, shows status as rooted. Tried to install twrp using, twrp manager(success but can't boot to recovery), twrp official app(success but can't boot to recovery) and rashr (got failed, it tells I have installed twrp already). I flashed Philz clockworkmod using fastboot, and booted to recovery mode. I have less experience with CWM. so, I need to set twrp as my recovery. How to solve?

# Answer
It was a firmware issue. TWRP requires latest firmware/ROM to be installed. Otherwise twrp get stuck at teamwin logo.

I installed latest MIUI ROM (MIUI 8.2.1) on my device and rooted it and installed latest TWRP image(3.1.1) using fast boot. It booted to twrp recovery successfully.
> 0 votes

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Tags: rooting, recovery-mode, custom-roms, twrp
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# Question
Title: Is there a stylus-based notepad app for Android?
One of the things I assumed the Android OS could do was let me use a stylus and just record notes in my own handwriting (without handwriting recognition). The goal being that I could remove the need for a notepad and mechanical pencil on my desk.

I found that the Samsung Galaxy Tab sells a cheap stylus that does exactly what I need, but I need to know what app is out there (even if I have to pay for it) that lets me store long notes in my own handwriting. Have you heard of any?

# Answer
> 7 votes
Sparx's suggestions seem pretty good. Here are a few more (also untested):

1. Genial Handwriting
2. MyLetter (this one seems if-y)
3. Graffiti for Android (very cool if it works because it converts the handwritten notes to text)

# Answer
> 4 votes
Untested by me, but check out:

Finger Letter handwriting

There's also HandwritingNote, but it seems a bit limited.

QMemo also seems like an alternative, based on what you require.

# Answer
> 2 votes
**Old question, but still an important** question out there and all these answers aren't satisfying (anymore). I searched for apps for a couple of hours (october 2017) and this is my list (roughly sorted, first ~= better):

***Edit***: I improved/sorted/group the list according to testing

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***Edit2*** (Feb 2019): OneNote has improved - it now has a lasso tool. Also now Nebo app is in play store. The list should be still pretty complete, but i don't guarantee anymore for that, because i cannot exclude, that there aren't any other newcomer like nebo (i heared from none).

I myself now switched to OneNote as it is the only good crossplattform app (Nebo is following another concept -\> ocr). I would really like to see MS word improved for digitizer/pens. But as ow now OneNote is *the* crossplattform solution.

*Short comparison*: **What does android app imo really lack in comparison to onenote uwp app and onenote 2016** (last version with local storage saving)**:**

* No Forms (also no recognition)
* No math formulars (also no recognition)
* No Tables
* No "insert space"
* Only for 4 customizable pens (+2 markers)
* Paperbackground quad paper size and color cannot be changed

Many things of that are nice to have. But with lasso tool android app now gives you basic editing features, which are sufficient for me (i first wanted to switch to surface only for better onenote software) as I need crossplattform (and lecturesnotes doesn't provide that).

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My **best apps for keyboard and handwritten** mixture:

If **your focus is on handwriting**, this apps might be very relevant for you as well:

* HandWrite Pro Note & Draw
* Quill
* INKredible

Still **other relevant apps**:

* Squid
* Evernote
* Genial Writing 2
* Handrite Lite

I believe this list is very likely pretty complete to this date and contains the best apps for stylus-based (and maybe keyboard mixed) notes (if you nevertheless think you found a better app, leave it in the comments, I'm curious to get as best as it gets :D). Btw. surprisingly microsoft onenote is not part of my list. Stylus support is a joke. (oneNote for windows is good, but for android...).

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Tags: applications, notes, stylus
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# Question
Title: What to do if my samsung tab keeps on resetting itself?
My Samsung Tab keeps on resetting itself upon powering on, it goes to home screen and after a while (about 10 seconds) restarts itself. This keeps on and on until i shutdown the Tab.

My Tablet has been drained of battery charge due to excessive playing of games of my nephews. So I Charged my Tablet for a while and left to get something in the kitchen. I Didn't see that one of my nephews immediately turned it on upon Minutes after I plugged it on the charger and this is what happened next, my other nephew accidentally unplugged the charger of my tablet. I saw what happened as I was returning in the living room. I heard 3 beeps and the tablet shut itself down immediately after.

I tried to charge it again and tried to open and this is what happened it keeps on restarting and restarting. I have not taken my tablet to a technician yet. What should I do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
We also had this problem with our Samsung Tablet. Leaving it charging for over 48 hours untouched seemed to make it stop restarting.

Try leaving the device charging for a long time and see what happens. Eventually the device should have enough charge to prevent it from restarting.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It might be some hardware issue try changing the hardware buttons to software buttons or interchanging the buttons for power and volume

thismight help

# Answer
> 0 votes
* Did you rooted your tab,If not try clear cache on recovery menu?
* To go to recovery menu while powering on press and Hold POWER + VOLUME up BUTTON, when the Samsung icon comes up leave the buttons.
* If this method not working, Try below method
* Root your tab then clear/wipe dalvik cache on Recovery menu.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Same issue i have, but after read a lot of forum this problem because of battery, just plug in to charger and its back to normal. after that i turn off the tab and keep charging for long hours. I also notice this happen because i use Samsung s7 edge fast charger to charge my tab. the battery become not stable. So do not ever use fast charger for your tab it will ruin your tab battery

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Tags: tablet, shutdown
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title: Droid Turbo Won't Receive Texts

text:
# Question
Title: Droid Turbo Won't Receive Texts
I have a Motorola Droid Turbo with Verizon as my carrier. Earlier this week (May 30th), my phone began to receive text messages intermittently. I now go hours without receiving any text messages and then all of a sudden tons of texts will come through that I had missed. Even when I receive the giant dump of texts at that time, not all of the texts will come. I've missed a bunch of texts this week that have never shown up. This is more apparent in group messages. Also, most of the time when I send a text message to someone it will tell me that it failed to send even if they actually received it.

Here are some of the things I've done to try and fix it:

* Turn my phone on and off (many times, and for long periods of times)
* Turn my WiFi on and off
* Turn my bluetooth on and off
* Backed up all of my texts on to Google Drive and then deleted them all off my phone
* Switched from using Textra to using Google Messenger
* Switched from using Google Messenger to using Verizon Messages
* Switched from using Verizon Messages to using the stock messaging app

I've read a bunch of different forums, but nothing seems to be working. I don't think it's the carrier because no one else on my plan is having problems, and I will often get a notification on my phone saying "MMS Timeout - click to retry" and then I click and it doesn't do anything.

I don't really want to reset the phone, especially since it might not fix anything. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

# Answer
I went to this Verizon troubleshooting page: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/motorola-droid-turbo-troubleshooting/#/main/device/&MOTXT1254&8617/troubleshooting\_steps/17893&17885&&&&Troubleshooting&&/step/

The step that finally fixed it was sending a text to myself. I have no idea why that does anything, but it is now working fine. Hopefully it stays that way. I posted the link here in the answer so that anyone with the same problem can go there and walk through the steps.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I switched from the android Messenger app to the Verizon Messenger app and that loaded a bunch of messages I hadn't received, and started sending to people who weren't getting my messages. so that appears to have fixed it.

Some folks on the verizon boards indicated it may be the latest android update causing the issue, and based on the fix I'm inclined to believe that.
> 1 votes

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Tags: sms, mms, motorola-droid, verizon
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# Question
Title: When does WhatsApp show that someone on the other end is Typing?
WhatsApp has two status options shown under the name of the person in chats, namely *Online* and *Typing*.

I understand that the *Online* option is shown if the person is on WhatsApp at that moment.

But, what does the *Typing* mean? Does it mean that the person is **replying specifically to me**, or replying to me **or someone else**?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have to admit this is an interesting question considering a variety of responses raised here:

Personally the version that deem to be more accurate is

> The text *“typing…”* appears specifically under the **name of the person sending you a message** when that person **starts typing a message to you**

The exact instance at which it appears raises debates, but from several chat applications I've used (currently Disa), the occurence is when the **keyboard appears and occasionally vanishes if no key is tapped after a few seconds**.

To support this sometimes when the chat window goes out of focus, and then reopened the *typing status* reappears when the keyboard pops up again (with or without key press)

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger
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