# Question
Title: find: multiple "-exec" for list of files not working?
I am trying to figure this out on an Android phone running Oreo / 8.0, with toybox 0.7.3-android.

I am trying to get a list of files inside a folder and their respective mtime. I am running this command:

```
find . -type f -exec stat -c %n {} \; -exec stat -c %Y {} \; -exec stat -c %y {} \;

```

or

```
find . -type f -exec stat -c %n "{}" \; -exec stat -c %Y "{}" \; -exec stat -c %y "{}" \;

```

In both cases I am only getting the result from the first invocation of "stat". Am I overseeing something or is this the way toybox works on Android?

The output file should look like this:

```
./file1.txt
1553516120
201903251315.20
./file2.txt
1549678694
201902090318.14
./file3.txt
1553541066
201903252011.06
./file4.txt
1553515882
201903251311.22
./file5.txt
1585138731
202003251318.51

```

EDIT: This is apparently a bug in toybox. I reported it and the working fix is currently awaiting to be merged into the source code of toybox.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This should work:

```
find . -type f | xargs -I {} stat --printf='%n \n %Y \n %y \n\n' '{}'

```

But Android's limited `toybox stat` doesn't support `--printf` formatting. So either use `stat` binary with full options e.g. from Termux or statically built, or you need to do one step extra:

```
find . -type f | xargs -I {} stat -c '%n--%Y--%y--' '{}' | sed 's/--/\n /g'

```

---
Tags: shell, scripts
---


# Question
Title: Why is Amazon Shopping app showing 'null' after the product price?
I've heard that if a website or an app appears in a weird way, it means that your device might have been hacked. I have Android 8.1 Oreo, and below is the Amazon Shopping app showing 'null' after the product price.

>

What is the cause? Is my device hacked or infected with malware?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Seems like an issue on Amazon's side, I would guess that the app was coded to add a currency symbol like $ or € to the end of the price tag. Since the currency currently used is on the beginning not the end, seems like the app is also searching for something to add to the end, but adds an unset variable instead causing it to display "null". That is my theory tho. On the other side if you are worried about getting malware, use a scanner to scan for malicious apps. But it is unlikely that you got Malware if you haven't downloaded any shady apps from outside sources or sometimes Play Store. There is no known way of bad people simply getting into your phone without running malicious code first, either packed in a "shady" app or using an exploit of another app...

---
Tags: applications, malware
---


# Question
Title: Notification icon text background has changed
If you see the image for ex the wifi name's background has changed to white. I might have unknowingly changed something, but I don't know how to change it back. This problem is there for other situation also. If you see second image you can get an idea.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This setting is called **"Show button shapes"** and you can turn it off from the "Settings \> Accessibility \> Visibility enhancements" menu.

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: Can I flash magisk on encrypted HTC10?

text:
# Question
Title: Can I flash magisk on encrypted HTC10?
Phone in question is european HTC 10 with Oreo.

Here is what I did:

* Unlocked the bootloader following procedure from htcdev.
* Flashed TWRP.
* Sideloaded SuperSu.

Then I figured that I don't want SuperSu because of SafetyNet. (fails both basicIntegrity and ctsProfile)

* I didn't changed anything on system partition manually.
* Did full unroot in SuperSu.

Now basicIntegrity passes, but ctsProfile fails. I think its because bootloader is unlocked.

* Now I want to flash Magisk, but TWRP can't mount data partition because disk is encrypted(password doesn't work). This makes me unsure if it is possible to flash magisk.
* Can I ADB sideload Magisk? or flash it with fastboot?

Ideally I want to end up with rooted phone that passes both cts and basicIntegrity.

# Answer
It turns out it doesn't matter data is encrypted(click cancel on password prompt), I just put zips on microSD and flashed them via TWRP (install option), everything passed.

Safety net passes completely and root works.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: magisk, htc-10
---


# Question
Title: How to set up a socks5 with Android cli?
I found articles how to set up a http-proxy. But can't find any info, how to set up a socks5 proxy. My goal is to route all traffic from apps, etc throught this proxy. Is this possible? How then programs like Drony work?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Android does have `HTTP(S)` proxy support built-in that can be set through `Settings` UI and/or command line, but it isn't global, so regarded by ***proxy-aware*** apps only. However there is no built-in support for `SOCKS`. So if an app - unlike web browsers - cannot be configured to use SOCKS proxy, there is no way to set SOCKS5 proxy from `adb shell` or terminal emulator without using a third party tool / app. See details in How to set Wi-Fi HTTPS proxy, not HTTP, via adb shell?

## HOW PROXY WORKS?

See this answer for HTTP(S) proxy.

SOCKS proxy - a complete handshake protocol - creates a tunnel at lower level than *application proxies* (`http/s`) in OSI model, so UDP traffic can also be transported. However the connection isn't secure like `https` and the security depends on initial authentication during handshake. `socks` can be used by individual clients or can be set system-wide i.e. to transparently forward all traffic. A common application of latter case is encrypted SOCKS tunnels like SSH dynamic forwarding, Tor, `shadowsocks`, `stunnel`, `ssf`, `sshuttle`, `obfsproxy` and so on. A VPN is also an encrypted tunnel but it operates even below SOCKS, therefore able to carry all IP traffic and forward every port.

## HOW TO SOCKSIFY:

Apps force all traffic towards a SOCKS proxy in two parts:

1. Establish a connection between client device and proxy server

Proxy can be a standalone server or secure tunnel. In latter case the proxy is running usually on the client device itself or on local network. E.g. **Ki4a** has a builtin interface for SSH login to create a `Dynamic Forwarding` tunnel that acts as a local SOCKS proxy. **Shadowsocks** and **Orbot** (Tor) are two more examples of encrypted tunnels. Both listen on SOCKS5 as well as transparent proxy ports. **Drony** and **Postern** can also create `shadowsocks` tunnels. And the list goes on.
2. Redirect traffic from whole device or specific apps towards proxy

Every app doesn't have built-in support to use SOCKS proxy, only a few apps such as web browsers have. So we need third party apps / native tools which use different approaches.

Two common methods are `redsocks` \+ `iptables` and `tun2socks` \+ VPN/routing. **ProxyDroid** uses first approach. In latter case root is not required because apps (like **SocksDroid**, **Orbot**, **Shadowsocks** and many other firewalls / sniffers) use Android's Java `VPN API`. **Drony** and **Postern** use Java based similar methods. **Ki4a** provides both options.

See this answer for other proxification methods.

---

Just as a reference, ***Shared library interceptor*** is a popular hack in Linux world (used by socksify, tsocks, torsocks, proxychains etc.). When a dynamic binary is run for some network communication, `LD_PRELOAD` variable is used to force load a specific dynamic library in memory before any other shared libraries. Dynamic linker searches for required symbols in this library first. This library is modified to offer the same functions as the OS socket layer, but transparently translating plain connections to proxied connections by effectively taking control of functions/syscalls related to networking (socket, connect in particular). Proxifier and ProxyCap do something similar on Windows.

Though this approach is more relevant to native libraries and not Android's Java stack (where apps run), apps can be hacked to start with specific `LD_PRELOAD` values. Android's *linker* does support `LD_PRELOAD`, see Termux-exec for instance. But I haven't seen a practical example of this approach for proxy on Android.

---

## SETTING SOCKS PROXY WITH CLI:

While executing both above mentioned steps through command line isn't impossible, it's too complicated to be feasible for a common user. **redsocks** can be configured with `iptables` while **tun2socks** requires creating a `tun` network interface as well as configuring RPDB / routing table (that's what `VPN API` does at back end). **SSHuttle** is also similar project that's based on SSH and makes use of `iptables` NAT, TPROXY or routing. **ss-redir** (`shadowsocks`) also uses `iptables` NAT/TPROXY. Plus, ***all methods require root access***.

For a `redsocks`+`iptables` working example, see How to send all internet traffic to a SOCKS5 proxy server in local network?

## CONCLUSION:

So to use SOCKS proxy on Android is best achieved using an app. **SocksDroid** is simple, free, open source and has no ads. Or you can use an app specific to a protocol e.g. Tor or Shadowsocks (I have no affiliation with any apps mentioned in this answer). But the selection depends on multiple factors like protocols / methods and one important being the `UDP` (particularly `DNS`) support.

---

**SOURCE:**

---
Tags: adb, root-access, shell, proxy
---


# Question
Title: Why do the system apps show 0B memory space occupied?
I had noticed in my phone's applications manager, that the size of the system apps are displayed as 0B, which indicates that no memory space is occupied by that particular app.
Please see this screenshot in which the pre-installed Browser app is shown to have occupied no memory space:

But, I know that every app is composed of several files, so no app can have 0B size. But, the size of third-party apps are shown correctly.
Why does this happen ?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Many system apps have their (original) apk's stored on the system partition, which as it is fixed in size wouldn't really count towards *available* storage. Nor are they user removable. So it doesn't make a lot of sense to show a size for them, when they are not consuming any fungible resources which a user could chose to put to a different use instead.

And if pre-dexed as is typical for things packaged in a system build, they don't need those lookup resolutions against the installed system libraries stored in a runtime-writeable place either, something that is ordinarily a cost of having a latent downloaded or sideloaded app installed.

> When the system apps are used, they create some data and cache, for which their size becomes a few kilobytes only

Indeed, that makes sense, files created during use cannot be stored on the system partition, but only on the data or cache partitions, competing with what other apps need to store there.

All of that is not to say that some other configuration might not report this differently, or that some other system apps may consume fungible resources by the time the user can interact with the system, but only that what is being reported is an arguably legitimate representation of reality.

---
Tags: applications, stock-android
---


title: Where are kernel modules installed?

text:
# Question
Title: Where are kernel modules installed?
I am trying to find Linux kernel modules on my nitrogen board.

I have unpacked kernel config from `/proc/config.gz` and I see kernel was compiled with a lot of modules.

I see only one in `/vendor/lib/modules`, zero in `/system/lib/modules`.

Can somebody explain where modules installed, what is procedure to install modules?

# Answer
There are two ways Linux kernel modules are built: **1.** as a part of kernel executable binary (compressed image) i.e. with `CONFIG_*=y` options at build time, or **2.** as separate kernel object (`.ko`) files that can be loaded and unloaded with some conditions i.e. built with `CONFIG_*=m` options.
In second case the `.ko` files are placed on some standard location(s), usually `/lib/modules/` on Linux and its equivalent on Android `/system/lib/modules/` or `/vendor/lib/modules/`. These paths are hard-coded in binaries that load them e.g. `insmod`, `modprobe`.

On pre-Pie releases <sup>()</sup>, by-default Android kernel is built without option `CONFIG_MODULES=y`, so there are no kernel modules built as `.ko` files which can be loaded or unloaded with `insmod`, `modprobe` or `rmmod` as is the case with standard Linux distros. Nor they are exposed through `/proc/modules` from where `lsmod` reads information. However each kernel component that can be built as a module has an entry in `/sys/module`.

Now those modules which are compiled and loaded as `.ko` file has a corresponding `/sys/module/<module>/initstate` file, others don't have. You can confirm this way if there are any loaded modules:

```
~$ ls /sys/module/*/initstate

```
> 5 votes

# Answer
Kernel modules is a piece of code which load into kernel memory. It consists of at least two functions like int, cleanup. If you want to see which modules are loaded into kernel memory, just type the commands: `lsmod` or `cat /proc/modules`. If you want to find kernel modules in whole memory of system partition: `find / -name "*.ko"`.

**Load kernel module into memory**

```
insmod hello.ko

```

**Remove kernel module**

```
rmmod hello.ko

```

for more see dmesg log .
> 1 votes

---
Tags: installation, kernel, builds
---


title: Fixing a kindle fire X43Z60

text:
# Question
Title: Fixing a kindle fire X43Z60
So I have a Kindle Fire. One day I was stupid and deleted a bunch of stuff in the /system folder. Now, it no longer boots. No ADB, no fastboot, no nothing.

However, it still shows the ***static*** boot screen (with the orange 'fire' text.)

It never moves to the animated boot screen.

Can I get it into fastboot without a cable, or can I get into recovery mode?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Without the original Kindle cable you will not be able to get it into fastboot/recovery mode,

If you'd like more information and even some suggestions on what you might like to try next to see if you can rescue this device, head over to xda developers forum on the Kindle Fire

https://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hd

# Answer
> -1 votes
Put the device in fast boot mode: `Power` \+ `Volume up` buttons.

Select recovery option, then select safe recovery option.

---
Tags: boot-loop, boot, unbricking, amazon-kindle-fire
---


# Question
Title: How do I move apps to Micro SD card in Nokia 6.1 (Android One) device?
I got a Nokia 6.1 for my son in an effort to get him out of the Apple world. One of the big advantages for him was the ability to store Netflix videos and large games in his SD card enabling him to expand storage when necessary. However, Nokia 6.1 does not have the option to format the Micro SD card as internal storage.

What other options do I have to move the apps for him?

I don't want to shell out money again for a new phone.

# Answer
The Nokia 6.1 has a reported issue with using SD card as internal storage, detailed on the XDA Forum.

**To summarise:** The ability to use an sdcard as internal storage is avaiable with build 00WW\_3\_206\_SP01 However, users have found files put on to the sdcard get corrupted at random 4096-byte boundaries.

In terms of options open to you, Google Play does have the instant app, which allows the user to use apps without installing them on the device. This might help in a small way.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Enable developer options by going to "About device", then tap on the build number 7 times. Developer options should now be enabled. Then, in the settings, search for "Force allow apps on external", then you should be able to install apps on your SD card. But you may need to format it as internal storage.

**Note: If you format it as internal storage, all data on the SD card will be deleted. If you do this, back up any important data beforehand!** Your internal storage will not be affected by this.

To do this, in the settings, go to "Storage", tap on the name of your SD card, then tap on the menu in the right-hand corner, and hit "Storage settings", then hit format.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: storage, internal-sd, formatting, android-one, nokia-6
---


# Question
Title: What does the message "Normal calls are restricted by access control" mean?
I'm trying to call someone on an Android phone (UK, dual SIM), but instead of ringing, I'm getting about 6 seconds of silence then a popup system message (plain text in a while box):

> **Normal calls are restricted by access control**
>
> Okay

Then the call attempt ends.

What does this mean? My phone was working fine earlier, I haven't installed anything or changed any settings, I have credit, etc etc.

---

I saw a question where someone with the same error message was asking how to programmatically detect this state, but their suggested quick fix of flicking airplane mode on and off didn't immediately fix it (and doesn't help me understand what it means).

# Answer
> 1 votes
It is not a network problem, it's a device problem.

We tested by changing the SIM. The SIM with the issue was swapped to another handset and worked fine. The SIM from the working handset swapped into the faulty one and had the exact same problem. This proves it is a device, not a network issue.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's a carrier related problem - not Android or device . See

> This is caused by your provider. You should give them a call and explain the problem....

(and it points to Android forum discussion)

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, calls
---


# Question
Title: App names are not shown on the home screen of Trebuchet launcher
All my apps lost their text labels!

I tried rebooting, but it didn't help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This turned out to be a setting and not an error.

Long-press on the home screen, click on Settings, and then slide "Icon Labels" to ON under both "HOME SCREEN SETTINGS" and "DRAWER SETTINGS". This eliminates the need to clear any cache or data.

*Thanks to Rahul for helping me troubleshoot this.*

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just in case, my labels weren't showing because I had a black backround and the text was black. Changed it to text color yellow, and labels showed.

---
Tags: lineageos, trebuchet
---


# Question
Title: How to detect the name of my current launcher?
My phone is Galaxy A5 2017

The Android updated automatically to version 8.0.0

My launcher app has some problems - I can't find the Skype icon and I really need it. I have to enter Google Play, to search "Skype" and then to push "Open" to start it - but that's really crap

I want to try another launcher (at this moment I'm running the default launcher app).

But in case the new launcher is even worse, I need to come back to the default launcher.

The problem is that I have no idea what's the name of my current launcher.

The Android OS should facilitate the users such essential information!

# Answer
Open Settings-\>Applications-\>default applications. Tap home screen and select your required launcher. (if you have only stock launcher(for Samsung devices, it will be Samsung Experience Home), then there will be only one present, if you've installed other launchers like Nova etc. , then there will have a list of launchers available. Selecting any one launcher will set it as default launcher of device)

As AndrewT said: When you install 3rd-party launchers(from play store or using apk), you just add more selections for the launcher, but not necessarily replacing it wholly. Or in other words, you can have 10 launchers installed on the same phone at the same time, but only 1 active launcher.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: launcher
---


title: Lock bootloader with broken USB port

text:
# Question
Title: Lock bootloader with broken USB port
I bought a Xiaomi Mi A2 maybe 10 months from now, and from changing software, or some strange things, I broke the USB port.

The strange thing is that only the "OTG" part got broken. I mean, I still can charge the phone, and use the native USB-C to Micro-Jack convertor, but I cannot use USB-C headphones or correct the phone to my PC.

I sent the phone to the warranty service, but since I had unlocked the bootloader, they didn't cover the charges. It was in christmas, so they didn't even wanted to fix anything, the just sent me the phone back.

But as a developer, I really need USB Debugging, and I bought some nice USB-C headphones, and I can't use them, so I wonder if there's anything I can do to relock the bootloader, and maybe send the phone to them for a repair.

Any ideas? I'd be really pleased. Thanks in advance

# Answer
Only thing i can think of is maybe it was dropped while being charged and the usb jack is slightly bent inside...

ALWAYS TRY ANOTHER CONFIRMED WORKING USB CABLE FIRST !

* Start Fastboot on the PC
* Use `wait-for-device` or just `devices` first
* `fastboot wait-for-device` or `fastboot devices`
* You should see "waiting for device"

A worthy mention..
This will require your fastboot commands to be constructed as a script file. .

* write each command in a new text file, line by line ( one command per line )
* Save the text document as a .bat file on Windows or a .sh file on linux
* Run the script

+ if .bat ( Double Click )
    + if .sh ( use command sh -c /path/script.sh )

SCRIPT CONTENTS EXAMPLE

```
fastboot wait-for-device
fastboot oem lock

```

Script will vary slightly with linux ( !#sbin/sh)

Fastboot should wait for a connection and then execute the next command ( oem lock )

To Use All Of This ...

* Start the script on PC
* Plug in the USB to PC but not Device ( important )
* Now the tricky part, Slowly plug in the USB cable to the device, try to apply a slight amount of pressure going in a circle to find the sweet spot ( the part where the terminals are touching - the angle that the usb is bent on.. )

Try to find the spot where there's a connection, and watch the script run...
You are trying to hold the USB connection for just long enough to run OEM Lock, Fastboot will wait for the sweet spot ( only just connecting ) and then run OEM Lock after it gets a connection...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, bootloader, bootloader-lock
---


title: Illegal option -o pipefail

text:
# Question
Title: Illegal option -o pipefail
I'm using termux and a git project to compile a git android apk source code the code is in bash command when i run the following command it says `illegal option -o pipefail`.

# Answer
You're using the fast shell interpreter, `sh`, while apparently, as the file name suggests, that it's made for Bash. (In fact, `set -o pipefail` is a Bash-specific option).

To run that script properly, use `bash` as the "launcher":

```
bash buildOne.bash

```
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-sdk, termux
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable mobile data completely?
I have a pre-paid plan and don't want to use my mobile data except for two days in the year. However, since there's the quick option button mobile data, I fear I might press the wrong button when I'm dizzy.

So is it possible to deactivate mobile data completely, such that a press on the "mobile data" quick button won't activate it anymore? Or a little bit more drastic: how can I remove that feature from my phone?

If the solution is device specific, I'm looking for an answer for a Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-I9100, running stock 4.1.2), but I would like a general solution.

# Answer
> 15 votes
Create a dummy APN and select that as default.

With this, even if you enable data accidentally via toggles, it would still not connect.

 PS: Added as an answer as suggested by OP

# Answer
> 0 votes
To stop mobile data, delete the APN's (Access point names).

Long press on mobile data icon on your Android, this opens up the Mobile Networks settings screen. Check which APN's are there, you cannot delete them right away.

Just enter anything junk in all the fields. In MNC, put 000. Also, put 00 in everywhere else where it needs numeric. Now this APN should disappear.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Deleting the APNs on the phones mobile data settings would work. This way, it won't ever connect to mobile data through your carrier.

I discovered that after I tried installing apps that supposedly turn off or disable mobile data, but none of these work.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Ask the service provider to stop the internet services so that they will stop it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I guess Samsung smartphone will outsmart you. It will reinstall the default APN after system updating. Be careful, it will auto-connect to the mobile data when you change the SIM card, especially when the phone is new.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Arrange your notification icons and move data to where it is inaccessible via quick buttons, then either create a new APN or delete existing APN and choose it as a default.

In my experience with Apple, the best option is deleting existing APNs, except for the MMS APN.

---
Tags: settings, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: Android Whatsapp constantly notifying about web login
I tried Whatsapp web using chrome browser in Windows and it works great. But, I don't like my android app notifying often that 'there was an active web login'. I am using Samsung A7 and my other friend uses Oneplus. He says he don't get any notifications regarding whatsapp web. I believe it could be a settings issue but not able to figure it. Any idea?

We both are using Oreo.

Note: I am new to Android ecosystem

# Answer
Android does give you the ability to configure the notifications you receive,

There is a nice guide on the whatsApp FAQ section of their website https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/android/26000003/.

**Summary:** There are 2 areas that you can alter notification settings 1. Navigate to your phone's Settings app \> Apps & notifications \> WhatsApp \> App notifications. Adjust settings here to your desired requirements.

2. Open WhatsApp \> tap More options \> Settings \> Notifications. Here you can set notifications for messages, groups, and calls
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger
---


title: My Tab SM-T380 no longer accepts my PIN

text:
# Question
Title: My Tab SM-T380 no longer accepts my PIN
Set a PIN to unlock my Tab before using. Worked fine for a long time. Today when I enter the PIN it loops back to the enter PIN screen over and over. Tried to reboot but the restart/power off screen loops me back to the enter PIN screen. Tried hard reboot: vol up/power down/home screen. No affect.

# Answer
Mine did this also. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume button down simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it. This worked for me.
> 1 votes

# Answer
This happened to me too. I knew the pin was correct as if I deliberately entered an incorrect pin it came up with the message saying it was incorrect. I tried the reboot too but it doesn't work as the "loop" won't let you turn it off. So I let the battery run down completely (which took a week as it is obviously using very little power; then I found you can have the torch on and that helped the drain). Then once completely dead, plugged in the charger and lo and behold back to normal!
> 0 votes

# Answer
It's a sign of a security thread because the system changed the PIN by itself. wait for 24 hours by removing the battery and try it after the day or just do a factory reset by going on recovery mode.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: screen
---


# Question
Title: Is a Bluetooth laser Rangefinder seen as a keyboard?
I could not find the information online. There are many laser Rangefinder that comes with Bluetooth and an application. But I wonder if those device are/could be seen like a regular keyboard. I mean getting a distance will send it to the smartphone as if the user had typed it (what most barcode scanner does).

Is it the most common behavior ? Does only some of them do that? Or not any?

I'm working on a webapp and getting dimensions from real world directly into the app would be nice.

Please answer only if you have seen one working. Thx.

# Answer
because it has the capability to hold only one devices and it has a good battery talktime(life). Yes,it is a common behavior.
> 0 votes

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


title: Sending text from Android to PC

text:
# Question
Title: Sending text from Android to PC
I'm looking for the inverse of this. I want to quickly transfer a piece of text from android to my computer. One way to do is chat with myself using gtalk or fb. But I'm looking for some better way preferably without using Internet and using wifi only. It would be nice if I have a "People nearby app" that can talk with empathy client.

# Answer
There's an app called *Remote Web Desktop* by SmartDog Studio. It enables access to your phone through your desktop's browser, over the local network (i.e. no connection to the Internet is necessary (I use it with both phone and desktop on the same WiFi AP); phone acts as HTTP(S) server on non-standard port (configurable)).

The simplest method is "shared clipboard": select the text on your phone, copy to clipboard, and it's immediately accessible from the desktop computer.

The app has a free (ad-supported) and paid (~$4 USD) version; the free version allows connection over HTTP, paid also offers HTTPS.

---

Full disclosure: I'm a (happy) user of this app, no other connection.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Catch synchronizes notes from various sources (PC or phone) automatically. Unfortunately it requires an internet connection, but that can be via wifi and not the phone's data plan. So, while not ideal, I think it's better than sending yourself FB chat messages.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If your PC and phone both support blue tooth you should be able to tether the two together. Alternatively you should be able to use a USB chord to attach your phone as a USB device and drag and drop from your phone's data to your PC; I can do this with my HTC EVO 4G.
> -1 votes

# Answer
You can use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.watchbird.scaan

This works perfectly fine for sharing text or link between your android and computer browser.

More info at http://www.scaan.in/

Note: I am the developer of this app. It is new to Play Store, but you can trust that this app is a final product, that has undergone thorough testing
> -1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: How to create a copy of a file immediately when it's created?
I have an Android app that will create a file and immediately delete it. I want to know how can I catch this file or create a copy or even disable user permissions to delete a file. I have root access to the device.

# Answer
> 4 votes
You can achieve this using `inotifywait` from inotify-tools. Your kernel must be built with `CONFIG_INOTIFY_USER=y` for this to work. You can confirm with:

```
~# zcat /proc/config.gz | grep INOTIFY

```

Or the existence of `/proc/sys/fs/inotify` directory. `/proc/config.gz` may not exist on all devices depending on kernel build configuration.

Let's say `/data/data/com.xyz/files/` is the directory you want to watch.

```
~$ mkdir -p /sdcard/backup/
~# inotifywait -rm --format '%w%f' -e create /data/data/com.xyz/files/ |
while read file
do
    [ -f "$file" ] && cp -av "$file" /sdcard/backup/
done

```

`-e create` is the event that reports that a file/directory is created in watched directory, `--format` is to get filename with complete path, `-m` is to watch continuously and `-r` establishes watches recursively. `-d` can daemonize the process i.e. run in background.

All newly created files in watched directory or in any sub-directory will be copied to `/sdcard/backup`.

You can also use `busybox inotifyd` for simple use case as explained here. For more options see inotifywait(1).

**RELATED:** How to identify the app/process which re-mounts partitions R/W, creates files and changes file permissions?

---
Tags: linux, shell
---


title: Google don't track my location anymore

text:
# Question
Title: Google don't track my location anymore
I was using location history all the time, on one quick walk when I took photos with my DSLR I've notice that my location was way off from my walk so I've set in settings for my location to use only GPS (no WiFi and no GSM data) and now when I check my location for that day there was no tracking. I've set it back to all data, but still no location for second day.

In mean time I've installed GPS Logger application.

How can I make my tracking working again?

# Answer
> 1 votes
change the settings to HIGH ACCURACY and turn on 'google location history' and restart(reboot) the phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'm not sure what the solution is to get it working for you again, but I can say that setting location to GPS only does not ensure that it will actually look for your location via GPS, it just means that it will only ever log your location based on GPS. This means that, when you're out traveling somewhere and you use an app that has permissions to access GPS data, that app will enable GPS and use it (such as Google Maps), then Google will create the log of the location data while GPS was on. However, the moment an app finishes using GPS, Google is no longer logging data because you aren't using GPS anymore. This is done to save battery on the device.

If you want to test this, you could use a GPS app (like a different map software, to ensure that the location data isn't just being shared from Google Maps to your location history), ensure the app is actually turning GPS on, and then check whether Google has logged that location data at the end of the day.

---
Tags: gps, google-maps, gps-tracking
---


# Question
Title: How to copy apk and data from old device to new device
I purchased an app via Google's play store about a year and half ago. Basically, I got a new phone, transferred data from my old phone to the new one. The app I'm referring to is there but as the "free version" without unlocked features.

The app isn't available in play store anymore, so I can't purchase it again.

Is there a way to transfer apk and data from the old phone, or am I out of luck?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is an app called Helium, which sounds like what you're looking for. Supposedly, it moves app and app data between devices, which should include the recognition that you have the premium upgrade. It does, however, require a desktop to complete the transfer. There are other options like oandbackup and Migrate - Requires TWRP, depending on your level of experience and whether you can make certain modifications to both/either phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, if you only just want to copy over an .apk, that's certainly possible and shouldn't require root (except for certain settings or user app data that may be saved to a system directory). The simplest method would be to use a file-browser that also includes an app management function. These are typically free, and simple to use (I use X-plore). With this app in particular, there is a function you can enable that will list all applications installed. Simply navigate on the opposite viewing pane to a device internal storage directory (e.g., /sdcard/documents/), then return to the app manager.

Long-press on the app you want and **copy** it (not move); this will copy over the .apk file (and automatically appends the version to the filename) and also avoid any permission errors. From there you can then share it to another device or external/network directory.
**EDIT**: You can also try searching F-Droid repository to see if the app might be there.
**EDIT 2**: Oh! Apologies, I wasn't careful enough with reading the OP, for some reason I thought you were referring to the free version. In that case, I'd suggest reaching out to the developer directly, as even if you do find a way to transfer it I don't think it would be wise to post such a method up, since others might abuse that knowledge. For this particular app, it's almost as if they don't want to be found! I've had some difficulty tracking it down (looked at the Play market archived page, then had a chat with Amazon and found this link as well). There's two separate e-mails for you to try, good luck! Oh, and here's a Twitter account.

---
Tags: google-play-store, apk
---


# Question
Title: SSH client for Android with scp and sftp features
I have tried SSHjuice and Termius and neither of these have the scp features ( I couldn't find it in the free/trial version ). So can anybody tell me is there any SSH client (free version) for Android that have scp (secure copy ) or sftp features. I couldn't find it in Google. thanks .

# Answer
For ssh and scp, use Termux. It's a full-feature Linux-type terminal for Android. Use it like a normal Linux terminal.

Sftp, scp, and ssh are all included in the OpenSSH package.

It's also free and open-source

1. Download Termux.
2. `apt update && apt upgrade`
3. To install OpenSSH run `pkg install openssh`
> 5 votes

---
Tags: ssh
---


# Question
Title: App is running even though disabled! Why?
I did:

```
pm disable com.android.systemui

```

I get:

```
pm list packages -d
package:com.android.systemui

```

So it is disabled. Still I get:

```
ps | grep systemui
u0_a71    2053  1183  462960 27552 ffffffff 40089a40 S com.android.systemui

```

so it is still running, even if I kill it, it restarts! How can it both be running and be disabled at the same time?

# Answer
SystemUI.apk is an System app which needs to be always running to provide the Android UI as you know, like Navigation bar, Status Bar, even Wallpapers, and lots more ....

It's a very bad idea disabling it. Even if you disable it, it'll just restart.
If you remove it, your phone won't be having an UI.

> How can it both be running and be disabled at the same time?

As far as the question is concerned, I think the current instance of the app will be running eventhough you disable waiting for the effect to take place on reboot.
But Android may not allow SystemUI being disabled during boot, by forcibly starting the app and its services.

If you are a developer/debugger and really want to disable it for some reason, this might help: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/28055413/can-i-disable-systemui-from-within-my-android-app

I think you can also Freeze it using apps like Link2SD :)
> 2 votes

# Answer
A few apps like these are necessary to run the OS. So, no matter how hard you try, this will start again and again. In fact, this default setting is just to prevent your device from getting bricked or behaving abnormally.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Why is there "/proc/net/snmp" file on my device? Could it be due to a malware?
After reading this paper I observed a little and I realized that an **SNMP socket** (exactly two: v4 and v6) exists when I use `ls /proc/1/net`. I see them clearly.

My question is simple, do the bootkits exist on Android? I suppose yes, if it is the case would you have documentation to recommend me at the security level? Especially the use of SNMP, is it normal? For example a use by the phone operator for material supervision? But this phone is a second hand with a different operator that does not make sense for my case.

Two days ago I asked a question here related to **mediatek** and strange files and files **saturating the memory space**. But I did not find an answer in relation to `audio_dump` folder in the paper of blackhat, but some matches that are cold in the back.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is no piece of software that has zero probability of being infected by some kind of malware. But in general, Windows by design is more prone to infections as compared to Linux and other UNIX based operating systems. Android is also based on Linux kernel, plus it has additional security mechanisms related to booting part, such as `locked bootloader` and `Verified Boot`. So generally we don't see Android devices hijacked by bootkits.

That said, `init` is the very first userspace process started by kernel with PID 1. It's a generic piece of AOSP, developed by Google and not modified by phone OEMs or network operaters (AFAIK). However its configuration files `*.rc` can be modified / added / removed easily to start / stop services and daemons on boot.

Presence of `/proc/[PID]/net/snmp` indicates that your kernel has ability to support an `SNMP agent` if run on your device. This is common, modern kernels are built so. Alarming is if there is an agent running in background on your device, something listening on UDP `port 161` from an SNMP management console. You can analyze all listening ports using `netstat` or `ss`. Both are shipped with Android.

---
Tags: security, boot, malware, mobile-network
---


# Question
Title: How to completely save large chat history of WhatsApp in Android phone
To save a large (group) chat history of WhatsApp on an Android phone, I have looked to the internet for help - but still cannot save/backup the entire conversation/chat from the beginning.

For information, my example is a group chat with history composed of maybe a few hundred text messages (starting in 2017), containing maybe thirty images, a few videos, and some short voice files. It definitely should not exceed the limits of the WhatsApp system. There is nothing rude in the chat but some strong feelings are expressed by some, in any case, should not fall foul with any censorship.

I can see the entire chat (from beginning to current) on my phone, but when I export the chat via email and Gmail it only shows approx. one month of chat.

I use the procedure advised by the internet including this forum that I am writing in. I use the selections: More, Export Chat, Include Media, Send chat via (and each time click Email or Gmail), type into the To field, then send. It sends but in checking the sent mail, can only see recent chats.

So why can I not backup the entire chat history? What is limiting and preventing seeing (exporting?) the entire chat history?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is a limit which is imposed because of the maximum sizes of emails.

See the WhatsApp FAQ section of their website

> If you choose to attach media, the most recent media sent will be added as attachments. When sending with media, you can send up to 10,000 latest messages. Without media, you can send 40,000 messages. These constraints are due to maximum email sizes.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, export
---


# Question
Title: Developer Options screen opens for a second, then closes
I'm using an LG4c Android v5.0.2. I have enabled Developer Options - it is in the menu where I can tap it to open it. When I tap it, it opens for a split second - long to enough to see that it is on (blue button is on) and but turns off almost instantly so that in effect I cannot access it. How can I get it to stay on? Why does it not stay on?

# Answer
try it by going on safe mode(hold the power off option and click ok), after that use the developer options and by the same procedure , reboot into normal mode.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb-debugging, developer-options
---


title: HTC One wireless hotspot not turning on

text:
# Question
Title: HTC One wireless hotspot not turning on
My HTC One won't turn on its hotspot. It always displays the message:

> There is a temporary network problem that prevents the enablement of Mobile Hotspot function. Please retry later"

What can I do to turn it on?

I don't want to root my phone. The last time I tried, I crashed the phone completely

# Answer
> 0 votes
try to reset the network settings in the reset option in the settings.

---
Tags: wi-fi, wifi-hotspot, htc-one-x
---


# Question
Title: Wakeup Android Oreo Go phone with broken power button
I have an Android Oreo Go/Nokia 1 phone which is fine, except the power on/off button is broken.

Right now, the only way I found to wake it up to type the PIN is either connecting it to a charging cable or removing the battery.

There is no setting under display to activate double tap to wake it up.

Volume buttons are fine, but don´t wake phone.

Until I repair the power button (if at all), how can I wake it?

PS: power button came miraculously back to life (after a day not using the phone). I imagine the question can still be useful for someone else.

# Answer
Use Power Button to Volume Button. It turns the volume button into the power button. Thumbs up!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: power-on
---


# Question
Title: Changing default behaviour of the Contacts app in Oreo
When you open up the Contacts app second or the following time, it always shows last view (i.e. where I left it), i.e. the most recent contact search.

I am using this app purely for searching the contacts, so the need of tapping *Back* to go back to recent search results list and then tapping *X* to clear the last query **each time** I want to search for another contact simply kills me. This is as stupid UX approach as it can be.

Is there any way to change the default view, in which Contacts app opens by default each time?

My stack:

* Motorola Moto Z2 Play,
* Android 8.0 Oreo.

I am using the default, system Contacts app. No 3rd party solution.

# Answer
> 0 votes
it occurs because you didn't clear it from the recent apps, next time clear the contacts app and relaunch it.

---
Tags: contacts, 8.0-oreo, motorola-moto-z2-play
---


title: How can you increase notification size?

text:
# Question
Title: How can you increase notification size?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S8 and I get notifications which are a bit longer than can be displayed. For example

> Helen wants you know that there are items waiting for you

will be displayed as

> Helen wants you to know that there are...

Is there a way to increase the size of the notification so the complete notification can be read?

# Answer
pull down the notifications or tap the arrow down to expand the full message or notifications
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notifications, notification-bar, push-notifications
---


# Question
Title: TWRP loop after factory reset from stock android on moto m
I just used the factory reset from the android backup and reset option to reset my moto m. But there seems to be a problem.

It automatically restarted into TWRP, so I did a factory reset from there from the wipe section. But after all this, I cannot boot into the OS. I have stuck in the twrp loop.

What I have understood is that the OS is looking for a return code from the recovery after which it can boot up but the custom recovery is not able to return that code which could earlier be returned by stock recovery.

And the phone does not even power off now! Please help me

Thanks in advanced.

# Answer
> 0 votes
it loops because it does not supports TWRP as the default android recovery of mobile. so try to flash the stock recovery image of your mobile after if you want to restore anything. and don't do any factory reset after flashing.

---
Tags: factory-reset, twrp, stock-android, stock-rom
---


# Question
Title: What is PD1A.180720.030 in Android 9.0.0 (PD1A.180720.030)?
https://developers.google.com/android/drivers has binaries like

* Pixel 3 XL binaries for Android 9.0.0 (PD1A.180720.030)
* Pixel 3 XL binaries for Android 9.0.0 (PD1A.180720.031)
* Pixel 3 XL binaries for Android 9.0.0 (PQ1A.181105.017.A1)
* ...

What is the number in the parenthesis?

Further, I have Pixel 3XL and the system version is Android 9.0, which binary should I download?

# Answer
> 3 votes
They are build numbers:

According to Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL First Factory Images are Available!:

> Google just posted the first factory image and OTA files for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Since today is basically launch day, the timing seems just about right.
>
> The files are available as Android 9.0.0 builds PD1A.180720.030 and PD1A.180720.031 for both phones, the second being the Verizon specific build. This is the build you should find out of the box.

About PQ1A.181105.017.A1, a reponse is found in this article:

> Google is rolling out the November 2018 security patch update for its latest flagships Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL. The current updates are also making their way to the older devices Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL. The new build number which accompanies the software goes by PQ1A.181105.017.A1. Both Pixel 3/3XL and Pixel 2/2XL are getting an upgrade with this new build.

**Summary:**

* PD1A.180720.030: International build (released date: 20 July 2018).
* PD1A.180720.031: Verizon build (released date: 20 July 2018).
* PQ1A.181105.017.A1: November 2018 security patch (released date: 05 November 2018).

---
Tags: android-versions
---


# Question
Title: How to connect an Android phone to PC for internet via USB
I need to share the internet connection of the PC with the smartphone, using a USB cable, is it possible to do that?

My router has some problems and the WiFi doesn't work. But on my computer, the internet works.

My phone is a Honor 7s

The Android version is 8.1.0

# Answer
> 4 votes
Yes, it is possible, but you need to root your device.

The Android kernel supports it, simply there is no option to do that in the GUI.

There are also apps to do it, but all of them requires root privilege.

The other direction (sharing your wifi or mobile network for a computer connected with usb) works seamlessly.

---
Tags: usb, internet
---


# Question
Title: Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus connect to wired network
I have bought Lenovo Tab 4 10 Plus unit recently. It replaced my laptop perfectly but one, I need to connect to a server on a local closed wired network. I tried to connect using a USB C Hub with Ethernet port. The hub can support usb flash disk but not with ethernet.

I contacted Lenovo support, they said it does not support ethernet and the USB is a USB 2.0 only for data and charging.

Any idea on how can I connect to a local closed wired network? Its okay to purchase a small device that can easy to bring.

TIA

Daniel

# Answer
> 0 votes
Purchase a small wireless access point and connect that to LAN, then connect wirelessly to the WAP.

---
Tags: lenovo
---


title: Android viruses are infecting my phone

text:
# Question
Title: Android viruses are infecting my phone
My phone has been infected with viruses for 6months now.

At first it was just a virus in disguise called "settings", but then it spread to my browsers opening many different sites. I had to disable my browsers. And now there are 3 other viruses on my phone. One called *"clockwallpaper"*, second is the *"lake worth isd"*. It creates a fake duplicate of an app that I'm using, and after I closed that duplicated app, the original app starts lagging and then crashes. It also activates the silent mode of my phone. The third one is called *"system"*, which pop-up tons of ads that is really annoying. It also makes an app that I'm using to lag and stop working.

I tried to use Malware Bytes and Bitdefender antivirus softwares. At first it was good and they removed the viruses, and I thought the viruses will be gone permanently. But I was wrong, after an hour or less they get installed again, even I have an internet connection or not.

So I performed a factory reset on my phone to get rid of it.

And they were gone. But then later on they get installed again and my phone was now like before.

Please help me!

# Answer
> 0 votes
**Before using any steps backup your personal data** Use a Bloatware free Stock-Rom or Custom rom which has support of your Android Phone. You can find your phone's stock rom on XDA-Developers forum. Now comes the flashing step.

You can do it in two ways:-

**1.** Flashing from androd Recovery Mode in TWRP. **Requires root** See Here to know how you can do it:- https://www.google.com/search?q=flashing+roms+with+twrp

**2.** Flashing rom from PC. **This doesn't requires root.** See here to know how to do it:- https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+install+custom+rom+on+android+using+pc

These steps will remove the virus apps which were in your root and will give your phone a relief.

---
Tags: virus
---


# Question
Title: Save contacts to phone not Google account
On my new ASUS ZenFone I could not figure out how to save contacts just to my phone.
The default app should be Google Contacts and despite some suggestions even here it does not seem possible. There is no option to choose where to save new contact. There is just Default account for new contacts and it is set to my Google account, as there is no other account to by set.

**EDIT:** I decided to use MyLocalAccount app to fix this problem with Contacts app. But now I have the same problem with Phone app, which is showing all contacts in its Contacts tab.
I probably could live without ever going to this tab, but it would be nice if there is a way to do it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You should try to use a 3rd party Contacts app. I have seen similar behavior in Motorola contacts app. They left no option to store contacts locally to the device. Most likely using the Play Store version of Google Contacts will help. If not, try something else. There are ample contacts app and I do not wanna be partial about a specific app.

---
Tags: contacts, 8.1-oreo, google-contacts, phone-app
---


# Question
Title: How to keep useful but rarely used apps uninstalled in the phone (ready-to-install, ideally including their settings)?
Currently I have installed ~500 apps, mostly productivity apps and tools of various types.

I would like to have only ~100 most frequent apps installed and keep the rest (~400) uninstalled, stored in the file system along with their settings. If needed, I would like to restore such a stored app (ideally including its settings), use it and when no longer needed, archive + uninstall again.

The sample of such an app is a Latin lexicon or some infrequently used measurement tool.

**Is there an app or some procedure for this task?** Or the truth is that there is no tool which can easily backup and restore *settings* of 3rd-party apps (only the APKs themselves)? Could you refer to a tool who could at least partially automate this? At least some APK install+deinstall tool keeping user-friendly record about each app and showing **Archive**/**Restore** button next to it?

---

The reason of my expectation is unnecessarily high battery consumption with ~500 installed apps, because many of them also install their own services, slowing down the device. I want to have them at hand if needed (including their settings) but normally keep them away from the OS.

The phone is not rooted.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The only non-root app I'm aware of for that would be Helium Backup, which lets you backup and restore apps including their data. Catch: apps can opt-out of this kind of backup, which uses `adb backup` behind the scenes – so this might only cover parts of the apps you wish to deal with, and you must make sure the backup really worked before deleting an app you want to restore later.

All other approaches I'm aware of require root.

But be welcome to take a look at my list of battery savers; some "hibernators" might work, too (even without root). Battery-wise I'd expect such a "hibernator" to have the intended effect – while with Helium+uninstall I'm pretty sure (what's not installed cannot use resources). Years ago, when I still had GApps on my device, I used Greenify to hibernate Google Maps, which was permanentĺy active in background though I rarely even started it. Effect was as intended.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can go to Settings \> Backup & reset \> set Back up my data to ON. Set/select a backup account, then enable Automatic restore.

If the phone was rooted, Titanium Backup is probably what you should try.

> You can backup, restore, freeze (with Pro) your apps + data + Market links. This includes all protected apps & system apps, plus external data on your SD card.

From its website:

> Titanium Backup is a backup utility for Android that backs up your system and user applications along with their data on external storage of your choice

Edit: OP could also use `adb backup` as described on this answer

Edit 2: Below is the response I received from Google Product Forum after asking if the backup data of a removed app are removed during the next sync,

---
Tags: applications, application-manager, file-archives
---


# Question
Title: Why can't I write to recovery using fastboot on A/B device?
I'm trying to flash TWRP Recovery into my `Mi A2` recovery. However I get the error when flashing:

```
~$ fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
FAILED (remote: '(recovery_a) No such partition')

```

Does anyone know how to fix this error? I did test flashing it to `boot_b`, and that did work. but that's not the recovery slot.

# Answer
That's expected. Devices with `A/B` partition scheme don't have a recovery partition. You can only boot in recovery mode with `fastboot boot twrp.img`. But to permanently flash recovery to device which can be booted into by proper key combination, you need to unpack both of your `boot.img`s (A/B) from device and replace the `ramdisk` with the one extracted from `twrp.img`. Then repack and flash `boot.img`s back to device.

On TWRP this has been previously achieved by flashing a special ZIP file, or one could do manually. Now the official TWRP release includes the option `Install Recovery Ramdisk`:

> Use magiskboot to allow repacking boot images for installing TWRP

Traditionally `boot.img` and `recovery.img` had two major components; kernel and ramdisk. On A/B devices, no ramdisk is required for normal boot because `system.img` is mounted as `rootfs` when processing Device Tree (`dtb`) which is appended to kernel image usually. So the `ramdisk.cpio` in `boot.img` is that of recovery. Since kernel is same for a device (other than build configurations), so only ramdisk needs to be replaced.

**Sources:**
> 14 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, twrp, fastboot, ab-partition, mi-a2
---


# Question
Title: Does "Not Found" error always mean the app is unpublished or not active on Play Store?
I am having difficulty finding some apps in Play Store. A lot of times, when I come across a link on the older posts of this website and I load it, I get "Not Found" error on Google Play. I explicitly get:

> We're sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server.

I do double check with the app on AppBrain and usually, it shows that XYZ app unpublished on some ABC date in the past, so I end up believing that the app is really dead on Play Store. However, sometimes, a user, whose post I deleted because of dead link tells me that the app is live on Play Store.

I do a check using Opera browser's free VPN service (regions: Europe, Americas, and Asia), and also with a Chrome Extension for American/British VPN service. I again and again get the same dead link. I also ensure using Private Browsing to rule out browser caching.

Recently, a fellow moderator notified me that while I was not able to load the link, he could easily load the app Google Goggles on Play Store. AppBrain still shows the app is no more active on Google Play though.

Similarly, I came across the app MyAndroidTools which does not load in Google Play Store, also seems inactive on AppBrain, but had a fresh beta version, as seen on APKMirror.

How do I ensure that the app is inactive on Google Play for everyone? Alternatively, if it is active on Google Play, how do I load the app's page on Google Play?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Well here's something that I know since I have experienced it in the recent period. Apparently, it so works that when an app is "unpublished", then the app is still downloadable by existing users (those who own the app, either because they paid for it or because they acquired it when it was free).

**The users who already own an app will see it in Play Store (app and web) while logged into the same Google account using which it was acquired.**

It would be a different outcome when apps are removed (deleted) due to violations. Deleted apps should no longer be available for installation to any user. But since I know that Flamingo was *unpublished* because it did hit the API limit from Twitter, it is still there, regularly updated, but not available to the public if they never owned it before when it was live and available for purchase (download).

# Screenshots (the flamingo example):

App direct URL - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samruston.twitter

As it is entirely dependent on the Google account and whether the app was owned by the user in the past, there will be no 3rd party api which can tell you if an app is still downloadable from the Play Store. Play Store throws a direct 404 for such apps which are not downloadable unless you are an existing user.

So, I believe you should remove such links because well, these apps are not available for new users to download and these are basically the ones who need the app. Existing users will already have it. With the exception that such apps do not appear anymore in Play Store search, even if you own the app and are logged into your Google account.

And as much as I know, apps locked to certain countries are still browseable in the web version of the Play Store and even within Play Store app. On the mobile app, it is not downloadable and marked as "This item is not available in your country". So, a VPN or location change will not help you to access a Play Store app which throw a 404. **You should remove such links without thinking twice**.

# Answer
> -1 votes
"NOT FOUND" means it is not active on Play store or by your country location. and if you want to download any app , try some mirrors like apkmonk, apkmirror, etc.

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


# Question
Title: How to restore the IMEI number on the Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505? (IMEI=Unknown, Baseband=Unknown, Sim Card Not Detected)
# Information:

Hello, I lost my **IMEI** number on my `Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505` today and I would like to restore my original **IMEI** back to my phone. I still have my original **IMEI** of my phone written down. And my Sim Card is not detected.

**I do not have any backups!**
I didn't make any backups of `/efs` (sorry!), will do that when I have this problem fixed and backup it on all my computers.

I have searched **Google** and **www.Android.StackExchange.com** but couldn't find anything that worked for me. (**So please don't mark this as a duplicate question**)

---

# In short:

* Samsung Galaxy S4 **GT-I9505**
* I live in **The Netherlands**
* My carrier is **KPN** (if you wanted to know that)
* I have my **IMEI** number written down
* **I do not have any backups of `/efs`!** (sorry!)
* IMEI = Unknown
* Baseband = Unknown
* Sim Card not detected

---

# Screenshots:

I dialed `*#06#` to get the **IMEI** number:

The hidden menu in Android: (`*#*#4636#*#*` or `*#*#INFO#*#*`):

---

# What I have tried:

* Of course, I flashed the stock ROM back on my phone. (Android 4.4.2)
* I downloaded a backup of `/efs` from someone else on the internet and flashed that on my phone. However the `IMEI` is still "Unknown".
* When I flash the stock ROM on my phone for my country (The Netherlands), **it did restore my IMEI**. However WIFI didn't work on the stock ROM, and when I flash **Cyanogenmod** back on my phone, I don't have an **IMEI** anymore. (So I think the **IMEI** wasn't written permanently on my phone).

---

**Any help is appreciated.**
If I need to add some more information, just tell me. **Thanks!**

# Answer
> 2 votes
After all this was a simple bug in the `cm12.1-20150623` nightly. It has been fixed in the `cm12.1-20150629` nightly. For more information about this bug you look here: CM12.1 Nightly no Sim found. For all the people helped me so far, thanks for your support.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you have root access.

Try apps like XPOSED Imei Changer

* Just open app and select *Set Orignal* if it doesnt show your orignal imei just type the imei you have written and tap apply.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you flashed a custom ROM using TWRP or CWM Recovery and your IMEI no longer be able to show or unknown baseband:

1. First, root your device.
2. Dial \*#1234# to find the CSC Version (example: Ã750FODM1ARK9), then copy it. Change the first letter with
3. Use a file manager, go to EFS Folder, edit `nv_data.bin` and replace the 6th line with the CSC Code, and save it.
4. Reboot your device, your EFS will restore and IMEI is done.

# Answer
> 0 votes
find the correct baseband first(baseband depends for which country the phone was made). if your baseband is still unknown try to write nv for the phone so that at the correct cp file (modem) you will find ime = 000000... or 35000.... or any other number different from unknown or null imei. when you get this write imei certificate file. finished phone fixed. **remember** use only stock os and root the phone.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, device-firmware, partitions, imei
---


# Question
Title: Is it bad if a cable is higher current rating than a charger?
First time asking here, but

Is there any potential harm in using a charging cable with a higher current rating than a charger it is connected to? It's a tablet (Asus P027) and its charger is 5V/2A only.

I bought a 1-meter/3.3-foot USB-A to USB-C (3.1) cable rated for 3A, it has a 56K resistor according to the QA on the product's page (Belkin 1m USB-A to C cable should pull it on google) and this is all I know about it.

# Answer
> 12 votes
No, only the device should not draw more current than the adapter and the cable can handle.

So the device defines how much current will flow through the circuit (which consists of your adapter and cable).

If the device draws more current, the adapter or the cable may overheat (with a fire hazard).

Btw, it's better to be safe and not use exactly a 2A but at least more, so you are safe with a cable of 3A.

**Remarks from others** Also, this yields for most (cheap) adapters. See the comment of Jarrod Christman for an exception.

For USB, there is a negotiation protocol. See the comment of Yakk below.

---
Tags: charging
---


# Question
Title: Changing default behaviour of the Phone app in Oreo
Each time when I open the Phone app, I see Favourites tab (first one) as default.

This is completely useless for me, because Google uses its weird logic to tell me which contacts are my so called favourites and this logic produces completely wrong results -- i.e. I see "favourite" contacts which aren't truly my favourite ones.

This tab is also useless, if your contacts have more than one phone number, because instead of showing a list in this case and letting you pick the number, it always calls the default number. This isn't working in my case, because I have a lot of contacts which I contact both privately (i.e. during weekends and evenings; using private phone number) and on business grounds (using company phone number). So using the default phone number and Favourites tab is pointless in my case.

For the above reasons, I am not using Favourites tab at all and I am always forced to switch manually to recent phones / call history tab.

Is there any way to make that tab displayed as default each time I open up the Phone app.

My stack:

* Motorola Moto Z2 Play,
* Android 8.0 Oreo.

I am using the default, system Phone app. No 3rd party solution.

# Answer
> 1 votes
A possible solution is to automate the process of clicking the Call history tab when the phone app is opening. It is not elegant but may help you.

Using Automatem create the following flow:

1. In the Apps section, select App start. Click it, in the Package option select the Phone app from the list. Click Done.
2. In the Interface section, select Interact. Click it, set the Proceed option to `When UI element appear`, then click Record Interactions. A small widget will appear. Open the Phone app, then click on the call history. Click the check mark on the widget. It will take you back to Automate, and many parameters of the Interact block will be filled for you. Click Done.
3. In the Flow section, select Flow stop.
4. Click the Flow beginning block, give the title a name; then click on "Install home screen shortcut".
5. Link the blocks as seen on the image, then save and give the flow a name.
6. Give the required permissions when asked.

On your home screen, there will be a shortcut created with the label (title) you inserted in step 4. Clicking it will open the Phone app, then show the call history,

It is not elegant because for a fraction of a second, you will see the Favorites tab before the call history is shown.

---
Tags: 8.0-oreo, call-history, motorola-moto-z2-play
---


# Question
Title: A small app with a surreal name appeared on my phone. What is it?
There's this on my phone. You know what it is it is?

This is the first time I've seen it.

# Answer
As rule of thumb, if you can delete the app on an unrooted device, deleting it is safe.

Its size is very small, most likely it is some crap, or it might be some harmful thing, too.

Note also, that `@pm@`, as the name of the app, looks like a translation token. Multi-lingual apps are working typically, that the program code uses tokens instead of hardcoded text, like `@pm@` or so, and there is a database for the translation of all the tokens on all the supported languages. It is also possible, that this translation database is damaged.

If you can't fix it by an uninstall, a factory reset has a good chance to solve it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, google-drive
---


title: How to block TCP connections?

text:
# Question
Title: How to block TCP connections?
I have an app, a replica of a shooter game in Android. It is just for experimental use only, me and my friends are testing it. I need to block all TCP connections so I can test my security.

But its servers change IP addresses of the domain, so no matter how many ways I use to block the domain, user still get connection with the server.

Is there a way to only block TCP connection for an app? But only TCP connection, because my playing server is UDP server.

Can I block all incoming TCP connections as well?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> Is there a way to only block TCP connections for an app in Android?

Yes, if you have rooted phone:

```
~# iptables -I OUTPUT -m owner --uid-owner 10275 -p tcp -j DROP

```

This will block 100% outgoing TCP traffic of app having uid 10275. You can get UID from file `/data/system/packages.list`.

To block only UDP:

```
~# iptables -I OUTPUT -m owner --uid-owner 10275 -p udp -j DROP

```

Or to block both, don't mention any protocol.

> Can I block all incoming tcp connections?

`INPUT` doesn't work with `owner` module. Better is to just block outbound traffic, incoming is automatically blocked because traffic is initiated from client end i.e. your phone.
See this answer for details.

Also you can use `iptables` based firewall app like `AFWall+` or VPN based firewall like `Netguard` to block outbound traffic.

---
Tags: applications, networking, internet, superuser, ios
---


# Question
Title: Change the notification sound in the new Inbox by Gmail
I looked for a way to change the default notification sound for new e-mails in Inbox but could not find the setting. In the Gmail app I could change the sound.

Does anyone know how to change it or if this is just using the default system sound?

I'm using a Nexus 4.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Looks like it is possible now. From the Help:

1. Open the Inbox app.
2. Go to the main menu at the top left.
3. Scroll down and choose Settings near the bottom.
4. Select your email address.
5. Make sure Notifications is checked.
6. Click 'inbox sound and vibrate'.
7. Click on "Sound" and choose your preferred notification tone.

# Answer
> 3 votes
With Gmail version 2019.03.03.240577312.release on an Android 8 phone:

1. Open Gmail, then settings.
2. Select the account you want to modify.
3. Select Manage notifications.
4. Select Sound, then choose a new sound among the list. Click OK.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It looks like Google did not include a way to change the notification sound in the Inbox app.

It does use the default system notification sound.

The only workaround as I see it is to change the default system sound to the one you want to use for Inbox, and then change all other app notification sounds as needed.

I use different sounds for each app that gives me notifications anyway, so for me changing the system default effectively only changed the Inbox sound.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use the app NotifiCon. With this app you can change the new Gmail notification.

---
Tags: notifications, inbox-by-gmail
---


title: Is there a successor to CSipSimple?

text:
# Question
Title: Is there a successor to CSipSimple?
The goal is to use the CSipSimple on a TMO Galaxy S5. I found the .apk files, however they are dated 2012:

https://code.google.com/archive/p/csipsimple/downloads

CSipSimple-0.04-01.apk installed but returns an error at boot up:

> Can't load native library CPU arch invalid for this build

1. Is there a simple fix to overcome the error message?
2. Is there a successor (fork?) to CSipSimple?
3. Is there a version of CSipSimple that is Marshmallow compatible?

Ideally there would a site that stores more recent .apk files.

# Answer
I don't believe so. CSipSimple was a project started by Régis Montoya in 2010, the last stable build was in 2014, and it was abandoned in 2017... It was removed from the Play Store for download mid-2018. Source

The issue you are experiencing here isn't (likely) the Android version, but the architecture. CSipSimple was never made to support a 64-bit OS or instruction set and it only supported a 32-bit arm environment. CSipSimple was not compatible with any device other than "arm" architecture, and was not compatible with arm64 or other platforms.

To answer questions specifically:

> Is there a simple fix to overcome the error message?

Yes... Install the application in a device with compatible architecture. Otherwise, no.

> Is there a successor (fork?) to CSIPSIMPLE?

To my knowledge there is no SIP softphone that officially states it is successor of CSipSimple. My guess would be that several SIP softphone software on the Play Store is likely based on, or uses some code from, CSipSimple's code base as it was one of the first stable generic SIP softphones out there for Android. Application recommendations are outside of the scope of Android Enthusiasts.

> Is there a version of CSIPSIMPLE that is Marshmallow compatible?

As I stated earlier, the OS version is not the issue in this case. I can tell you from personal experience it runs on Android Oreo just fine as long as it is a 32-bit OS, so Marshmallow compatibility shouldn't be an issue.

Although it is beyond the scope of this forum, you could download the source code and attempt to modify it yourself. It is still available in the Google Code Archive here.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, sip
---


# Question
Title: How to create app-like Chrome shortcuts?
I have a Chrome application which, at some point, I added to my home screen and it was behaving like a real application: there was no Chrome toolbar (for the URL and other settings). The icon was also a "native one" (the difference will be clear in a second).

For various reasons I removed it from my home screen and also upgraded to Pie (I am not sure if this matters).

I then tried to re-create the "app" by adding, from Chrome, a shortcut to my home screen. This is how it looks now:

Please note the Chrome thumbnail which was not there previously.

The app itself does not look "native" anymore:

The part between the status bar and the blue line used not to be there, completely hiding the fact that this is a web page running in Chrome.

**What is the correct way to get back this "native app" behaviour?**

# Answer
You wait for the web app developer to implement Chrome's WebAPK on Android feature/requirements.

From the following post: How to Remove Chrome Logo from PWA App Home Screen Link (Android O Preview)

Digging through the comments on the accepted answer from Anand dated Dec 17, 2018:

> If you are asking how to avoid chrome icon, as long as your went \[*sic*\] app is fully qualifies PWA to be installed as APK, new versions of chrome won't add that icon. I've tested with chrome version 70 in Android pie . If it's a mere web page, failing to meet key PWA criteria or non PWA, chrome might add chrome icon to indicate it's a web link(depending on chrome version again)

Further research on details led me down a rabbit hole of what features exist on Chrome vs Android and the meaning of 'install' to home screen, which while it does somewhat affect end-user behavioral expectations, the implementation details are off-topic for this site.

If you can live with icon badging, you may want to try your site/webapp with Firefox for Android and see if the app UI still retains the undesirable "header".
> 3 votes

# Answer
The problem ended up being a lack of HTTPS. @Morisson's answer pushed me to the right direction and I realized, "temporary for testing purposes", that I have removed HTTPS for the site.

Back to HTTPS, I can create a PWA out of the site again.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, chrome-for-android, home-screen-shortcuts
---


title: How do I get rid of two lockscreens?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I get rid of two lockscreens?
I have a Samsung Note 8. I took my phone to the store yesterday, and now I have a second lock screen with ads. I have gone through all of my apps that I dont regularly use, and have tried cleaning up junk files off of my phone, but nothing has worked. Does anyone know a way to get rid of this screen?

# Answer
That lock screen (the one with ads) is usually from a cleaner app like clean master, 360, baidu etc there should be an On and Off switch inside the app or you can just uninstall the app If you couldn't find it tell me the name of the app i tell you where it is
> 2 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, ads, samsung-galaxy-note-8
---


title: Access Google Now launcher

text:
# Question
Title: Access Google Now launcher
Google closed their Google now launcher and all devices shows incompatible on Google play store. But I can find its apk on internet. After installing app it won't show up in my settings for default launcher. Is there any way I can enjoy Google now launcher?

# Answer
If you have a **rooted** device this might help **Setting Default applications through ADB** If you still have issues.... You can ask
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, apk, launcher
---


# Question
Title: Malware on LG G3 redirecting all browsers
More or less two or three weeks ago strange pop ups came up on my PC. Antivirus detected `ga.js` as virus. I thought it was a false positive. Then I've found that the thing somehow jumped on my phone. Every time I surf the internet, unwanted sites pop up. The thing is equally behaving on all browsers: native g3 browser, Mozilla and Chrome. I've tried almost everything:

* Kaspersky free, McAfee security, and Malwarebytes
* Delete Chrome cookies, block cookies, delete site data, delete cached data
* Reset my router and clear the DNS cache.

Nothing. The thing goes undetected, same thing on the PC. Even surfing without the router my phone redirects every time I browse. I'm about to hard reset my phone but this evidently is a malware.

So how is it possible that it goes unnoticed?

My phone is not rooted and the sites I'm being redirected to are those reported here, amongst others. Anyway, I still don't see a solution to this problem.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Ok, it seems I've found a solution.

1. Disconnect internet;
2. Go to `Settings -> Applications`. Clear every data (cache, history, modules, cookies) from `Settings -> Applications -> Browser` (Mozilla, stock browsers, Chrome)
3. Open each browser and access the settings (in the top right) and delete upgrades, cache, modules, autocompletes, etc
4. Close all applications
5. Restart your phone, reactivate data connection and you should be clean.

I'm baffled on how updated antiviruses and anti-malwares can't detect such things.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are a couple of DNS apps that will assist. they are named "1.1.1.1" and "8.8.8.8" they force use of those clean DNS sites. Personally next I would use a much more feature rich "Anti-Anti" tools. Virus - Malware tools. Free is not always a good idea, in my humble opinion IMHO. TrenMicro for Android and Malwarebytes also. You get some cross-protection, but in my 15 years of Android use, from Froyo 2.2 to xx 8.0 that isn't always a bad thing. Different signatures written by different vendors, in different geographic locations, in my experience are very effective! TrendMicro is based in Japan, MB is in the USA, Ireland and Estonia. Each has developers in different locations. This is important still today, as malware released in the wild, are found by different labs, different locals, with different solutions. Give my protocol a try. It has not failed me. NO Norton, malware is written to disable it first & foremost!

I tried to avoid Proper Names of solutions, but this answer relies on them.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, malware, antivirus
---


# Question
Title: How can I diagnose slowness in an Android device?
In Windows PC, when some computer is very slow, I use software like SysInternals Process Explorer to check background programs that is using more CPU/RAM. I use SysInternals AutoRuns to disable auto start programs too.

In android device, what tools/procedures can I use to diagnose this kind of problem?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I don't think you'll be able to control start-ups but you can surely monitor CPU usage. Open Settings\>Developer options - and under Monitoring section enable **Show CPU usage**. CPU usage and processes will be shown as overlay on screen. Also there are number of apps in Play Store to serve the purpose.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can go to Settings -\> Developer Options -\> Running Services to see the active services that are running. From there, you can click on "Show cached processes" to check the apps that may be not running but are cached by the OS in case you need to run them so they can be started quickly. You can then stop running process or cached processed.

In Lineage, Settings -\> Privacy, you have options to disable permissions given to apps. You can even disable apps that start at boot.

---
Tags: troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: How to block network traffic going to a specific remote port?
Is there a way I could block a specific network port connection for a specific app in Android? My phone is rooted. I know `iptables -I OUTPUT -p tcp --dport xx -j DROP` but this blocks those ports for every app. I want to block it for a single app.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can block all TCP traffic from app with UID 10142, destined for port 53:

```
~# iptables -I OUTPUT -m owner --uid-owner 10142 -p tcp --dport 53 -j DROP

```

Change UID and port as per your needs.

---
Tags: networking, internet, data-monitoring, superuser
---


# Question
Title: How to increase time of holding buttons to take screen shot on Samsung Note 8
I have looked around online and not found an answer since the question seems too specific! My phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

I find that even a quick accidental press of volume down and power button causes a screenshot (this seems to happen a lot more often than one would expect). Is there any way to increase the time one would need to hold the buttons down in order to take the screenshot? Thanks!

# Answer
> 0 votes
To be honest, I don't if it is possible to increase the length of time it takes to capture screenshots using buttons.

However, since you get unwanted screenshots when using the buttons, I advise you try using other methods that your device is capable of.

A method that may help you is to use your hand to swipe and take a screenshot.

1. Goto Settings -\> Advanced features -\> Enable "Palm swipe to capture".
2. Open the app you want to capture.
3. Swipe the whole screen with the side of your hand.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-note, screenshots, keyboard-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: How to disable camera → Google Photos sync on Android 9?
Similar to this, but Google has somehow wormed their way around my settings:

* Photos → Settings → Backup & sync is *off.*
* Photos → Device folders → Camera → Back up (sic) & sync is *off.*
* Camera → Settings → Data storage is set to "Save picture to phone."

Even so, this morning I got a creepy reminder that Google Photos has my image, and that they have "helpfully" post-processed it. Short of breaking my phone in half (or rooting it), how do I stop this from happening?

# Answer
The easiest option (and maybe hence easiest overlooked) is disabling the *Google Photos* app altogether (in *Settings › Apps* make sure you show "all apps", scroll to *Google Photos* and tap the "disable" button).

Revoking storage permissions from this app cannot hurt (who knows what might still invoke one of its intents; still in *Settings › Apps* tap the "wheel" icon in the upper-right corner, select "Permissions", then "Storage", scroll to the app, and toggle it off; you might have to do that before disabling the app as afterwards it might no longer show up here).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google, privacy, google-photos
---


# Question
Title: Does buying thousands of apps (but not installing them) cause bloat in Android?
A few years ago, Google added the ability for app developers to place their apps "on sale". They included the ability for developers to temporarily offer their apps for free.

I started "buying" these free apps via Android's Google Play store, but not actually installing most of them. Over the years, I have now "purchased" thousands of paid apps that were offered for free.

Ignoring space occupied by apps actually installed, will continuing this habit cause bloat or slowdowns within Android?

Is the history of all those purchases being stored locally in Android as well as on Google's servers? Does it affect application memory (RAM) available on the Android device?

# Answer
No, they are not installed on the device... Your device doesn't even "know" you purchased the app. It has absolutely no effect on your device at all and your purchase history is stored on Google servers, not your device itself.

Your device has nothing to do with the "purchasing" of the application if you don't actually install it. You don't even need a phone to buy a free app, you can just go on any computer, log in with your Google credentials, and go to the Play Store and have the free app added to your Google account.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, google-play-services, ram, performance
---


# Question
Title: Android Install button inactive, cancel works
Unable to tap on the INSTALL button for an app (that I created). Cancel button works fine.

I have looked into other answers and they all seem to be talking about screen dimming / blue light filter apps - I am not using any screen dimming or blue-light filter app/tool, or have any such settings on (that I am aware of).

My phone is an Honor 6X. Its a phonegap/ cordova app that I created for my personal use. Have been using it for months, and have installed updated versions many times with no issue. Few days ago, while using the app - it got stuck (it was writing a lot of data into an SQL database) when it sorta hung up for a long time. So I closed the app - and after that it stopped working. It just won't start again. (I guess the SQL file got corrupted because I forcefully closed it when it was still writing data)..

I uninstalled it, and when I tried to reinstall again - the INSTALL button won't work - seems to be inactive.

I then changed the app ID (reverse domain id), app versions etc - and tried to install it as a new app - but that didn't work either.

Finally, I downloaded another third party app - (which I had successfully installed on my phone before) - and same issue - unable to tap the install button. So it looks like I am unable to install any kind of third-party app, not just that app. Can somebody help?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Anurag's suggestion worked for me. From the install screen lock your phone with your power button then unlocked and voila there's the install button

# Answer
> -1 votes
Same problem as I had.. My trick is to DL the app then open download folder tap the app, scroll down to the no install.. Hit back then tap on the install screen u see.. Voila it now allows Install

---
Tags: installation
---


title: Ads on my android phone

text:
# Question
Title: Ads on my android phone
How can I stop ads from running on my phone. I tried stopping in the Google ads settings but still it is running on my fone.

# Answer
## Many Ad's support developer's and creator's on the Android platform...

Because Android is open sourced, even the Android platform is partly supported by Ads...

You either need a kernal that supports a hosts file to block on a per-host basis or you can use traffic redirection and blocking based on packets using a VPN Ad blocker...

The first option ( Hosts File ) requires root Access to modify the `system/etc/hosts` file and block advertising company's hosts or IP Addresses.

The second option is less obtrusive, you do not need root access to use a VPN Ad Blocker.. .

Please have a look around at the different options and find one that suits you best ..

Combination of hosts files after using many ad block programs +2mb on Google Drive ... Ad-hosts.txt

Ads come in 3 or 4 ways

• Internet Browser Ads

• Built-in Ads by Developers

• Ads served by Google Play Services ( Also Built-in to a degree )

You can block each type of ad in different ways depending the way it is served..

For example, built-in ads can be removed by resizing the ads code to 0.0dip in height..

Or the Ad system can be disabled by disabling Mobile Data whenever you use offline apps that have online ads within them ...

The most common methods used on Android for dismantling ads or blocking ads are in my opinion as follows...

• Mobile Data switch ( Stock )

• ABP - ( Ad Block Plus )

• VPN Ad Blockers ( Used to be heaps, however all i can find now is paid VPN Host apps )

• NO ROOT Firewall - For forcing apps offline

• Editing the Hosts file manually

ADVANCED HACKS
Smali editing and recompilation ( reverse engineering )

• APK Tool - Rebuild XML without Ad Code
• Lucky Patcher

Lucky Patcher will work if you know what you are doing... All apps are available on Androids... Apk tool, Lucky Patcher etc...

You can grab a safer App called • APK Editor on the play store and manually edit the XML files also ... It is only safer because it compiles with Googles Terms of Service etc... Lucky Patcher will NOT comply with the Play Store so you need to look around online .

P.S
Lucky Patcher also includes a MOCK Purchase system that can allow FREE Purchase's for almost ALL IN-APP Purchases.. IN-App Purchases are easy to MOCK by another Application by redirecting the Purchase Intent sent to the Play Store... By Wise with such a program... Shady to say the least ....

Conclusion • Hosts files in `system/etc/hosts` is the safest method that requires no Third-party extension or additions...

VPN Blockers are also a safer method of using Ad Blockers...

Hacking is Hacking... so be careful and check your area's laws for any possible problems etc...

Android has specific terms about blocking Ads, so please look into everything appropriately.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-account
---


# Question
Title: Unable to unlock bootloader for HTC 816G android phone
I unable to unlock the bootloader for HTC 816G. I am trying to do this on a windows 10 laptop. The issue is that when I enter command 'adb devices', there is no device found when the phone is on fastboot mode. However, the same command works when the phone is on normal boot mode. I have installed HTC Sync and there seems to be no issue with driver. However, I tried to manually update the driver to "Android adb device" but issue persisted. I can see the phone serial number when I run 'fastboot devices' when phone is on fastboot mode. I tried to do this on an Ubuntu machine and still the same. Please assist.

Do let me know if you require any more details.

# Answer
I only have experience with an old HTC Wildfire S so please be patient with me here...

• The first step towards unlocking **Any HTC** bootloader is to make an official account with HTC Dev. HTCDev.com

( Become a HTC Developer - so to speak )

• Secondly you need to Unlock the bootloader using the official HTC Bootloader unlock tools... HTC Dev.com/bootloader

The process usually goes as follows...

* Enter Fastboot
* Enter Command `fastboot oem get-unlock-token`

You place the unlock token into the website and then it will convert the Token into a Token.bin or something like that ( unlock.bin ) i can't remember, i said bare with me...

* You place the (.bin) file next to your fastboot.exe program ( not ADB ) and then run
* `fastboot oem unlock -pathToUnlock.bin`

You will get appropriate instructions on the HTC Dev site so don't worry about my crappy guide ;) ...

--

---

P.S
ADB is only uses while the device is "Live" .. Fastboot is used to flash things like the System...

ADB is a part of the system, Fastboot is part of the Boot... Different programs for different things.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, bootloader, htc
---


# Question
Title: Pattern unlock required when starting phone
AFAIK on Android 7 Nougat, when you set pattern unlock, the user is not required to enter the pattern to power up the phone. However, on Android 8.1 Oreo (I'm running a Wiko VIEW MAX Android 8.1 phone), you cannot power up the phone unless you enter the pattern. Why was this feature introduced in Oreo?

Why require it? After all, once the bootup is complete you will have to enter the pattern again to unlock the phone.

Thanks.

# Answer
Simply put...

> **Android Oreo - 8.0 uses Forced Encryption**

The data is now encrypted for safer usage on Android, older devices had the option to encrypt in security settings.

Nowadays it is a requirement of Android to safely protect your data.

Why is so important ?
Encryption helps to stop personal information theft fron even the most persistent malware and spyware.

If the device was compromised at a kernal level, your sensitive information could be leaked via USB prior to the device ever being started...

Due to significant amounts of custom ROMs with vulnerable kernals and custom recovery programs, most information can be extracted using the recovery program or othe means like pre-boot software and even CPU EMMC Storage access using USB Cables ..

SP Flash Tool's Read Back function is a great example of an extraction method that can access your unencrypted private information without ever needing to even have a battery in the device...

Once the unencrypted DATA partition is extracted your information like the Passcode used for Unlocking can be easily extracted...

Using the annoyiy Double Unlock method seems more of a burden than anything i agree, however it is a much needed level of protection.

Encryption will not help with Online security as some people think, because Android uses the first Unlock screen to Unencrypt the Data partition.. The fact is you still run on an Unencrypted device, however the Data partition is encrypted Prior to Boot.. .

I hope that clears everything up...
> 1 votes

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Tags: 7.0-nougat, bootloader, 8.1-oreo, bootloader-lock, pattern-lock
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# Question
Title: How can I create a custom popup message when I open an app?
I want to be able to have a popup message when I open an app, say Facebook, that reminds me that I'm wasting time..

That is:

1. Click on Facebook app.
2. Facebook opens.
3. A message pops up saying "You should be working" (or any custom message I would like).
4. I can accept and continue on Facebook.

I'm thinking there could be an app for this but I can't find what I'm looking for.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Use an automation app to accomplish it. Here is how to do it with MacroDroid:

1. In the Triggers tab, in the Applications section, select "Application Launched/Closed, choose Application Launched and enable `Force legacy mechanism`, click OK. Select an app on the list, then click OK.
2. In the Actions tab, in the Notifications section, select "Display Dialog". Enter a title and the message to display.
3. Give the macro a name and save it. It will look like the image below.

Whenever you launched the selected app, a message with the title and message you set will be displayed.

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Tags: notifications
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# Question
Title: Yet another how to bypass "verify your account this device was reset"
On my phone (Alcatel mt6737m aka Optus X Spirit, android 6.0) I had screen lock set up, and also had "require PIN on startup" (when it asks for pin on every reboot, even before showing unlock screen). And I had google account, which I only set up because it's required for google play. I don't remember username or password for the google account. I still remember the old PIN for the phone.

I did a factory reset via boot menu. Now I got this "verify your account this device was reset" message.

I managed to open settings using one of the exploits I found here, but even if I do factory reset via settings menu, it still asks me to "verify your account". I also tried to set PIN to my old PIN and then disable PIN and do factory reset from settings - no change.

I can start Chrome or almost any other app (if i place shortcut on the lock screen), can modify settings, can start file browser, install apk from sdcard. I can not create a new google account - it shows me the same "verify your account" screen. I can not enble developer options.

Any ideas?

# Answer
I have written many articles covering FRP Unlocking.. it eventually lead me to write a guide on XDA Forums...

Here.. FRP Lock Removal Methods for All Androids.. ..

I still need to format the post, but main information is up...

One addition i didn't add is a new discovery...

• Build prop contains the path to FRP Partition and removing the build prop line will remove FRP Locks...

So edit `system/build.prop` and remove the prop `ro.frp.pst=/dev/...` ---

Or Comment it out with # `# ro.frp.pst=....`

Please read it all to understand FRP ...

Hope this helps to get an Answer for your specific device.

Here's example. Method 2 - MTK Device's ( Old Method, Use New .)

* Download FRP Destroyer.zip
* Extract FRP Destroyer.zip
* Open Android\_Scatter File.
* Edit FRP isDownload to True
* Save Android\_scatter.txt.
* Open new Scatter in SP Flash Tool
* Unselect all partitions.
* Select only FRP location
* Choose blank\_frp.img from FRP Destroyer folder.
* DOWNLOAD ONLY The FRP Partition.
* Reboot device.

Alternatively,
• Use SP Flash Tool & Wipe the FRP Partition Manually as per your scatter file information for FRP.p
> 0 votes

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Tags: factory-reset, google-account, frp
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