title: How to intall whatsapp plus

text:
# Question
Title: How to intall whatsapp plus
I downloaded whatsapp plus and I installed it on my phone...when am doing the initialization... where they ask you to put ur number there...I put my number there and when the thing was loading...they told me to install the new version on Google play store...uninstall original whatsapp and download whatsapp plus..I uninstalled the whatsapp and downloaded the whatsapp plus but still...they said that thing again...I tried doing they "call me thing" and they told me" it seems ur client has been modified...please download the new version from Google play store..my friend uses the same phone(Motorola droid RAZR) and the whatsapp plus is working perfectly for him...pls help me.

# Answer
> 1 votes
These happens sometimes. But after 1 or 2 try it will work. Try these steps.

***Make Sure you have perfectly running whatsapp installed with your important chat***

1) Go to /sdcard/whatsapp/databases/ Delete all files using FILE MANAGER. In Whatsapp Go to Settings\>Chat settings\>Backup Conversations to Backup your conversations ...

2) Uninstall OLDER WHATSAPP

3) Install Given WhatsApp+'s apk ...

4) Open it & Click AGREE & CONTINUE & enter your number

5) If you have done above steps well then there should be RESTORE BUTTON , Press it (If you Dont get restore button or you get message like "Your app is not official Download from play store" then uninstall current whatsapp+ & install original whatsapp from play store , do verification process and then chat with 1-2 person again backup chats and then uninstall original whatsapp & install given WhatsApp+ You will get RESTORE button)

6) Wait ...it might take some long... Press Continue after it finishes

---
Tags: motorola-droid-razr
---


# Question
Title: help I need to root my android due to "no memory space" but dont want to loose anything
I want to root my andriod as it keeps saying my memory is low it wont let me download anything even tho there is memory there ?? Will rooting delete pictures apps music or contacts ?? If so is there a back up I could do on everything ?? Please neeed hellp

# Answer
> 0 votes
Rooting your android device is completely safe as long as you follow the instructions correctly. Rooting won't free up internal memory by itself. It does enable you to remove any unwanted system level apps. You could then use applications like link2sd to free up additional space. Do a quick search about how to root your device model at xda-developers.com. Hope this helps.

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: Changing   layout of hardware keyboard

text:
# Question
Title: Changing   layout of hardware keyboard
How I can change a layout or add a new layout to physical keyboard of Xperia mini pro phone?

I want for example remap `?` to ''ə'' and `shift` `?` to ''Ə'', or `س` to `ی` in Persian layout or even add new layout (Persian 2 layout).

You can find build-in layout here, actually I want to add a new layout to them.

# Answer
> 9 votes
First, obtain the following:

* Android device with **root** access
* **adb** on your computer

+ *you can do without this, but that just means a lot of time copying files back and forth to your phone and moving them with something like Root Explorer*
* text editor

Now,

1. Plug your phone in to your computer and navigate to the `/system/usr/keylayout/` folder, using **adb** or a Terminal Emulator
2. Pull the file for your keylayout. Mine was called `qwerty.kl` and looked like this:

> ```
> key 399   GRAVE
> key 2     1
> key 3     2
> key 4     3
> key 5     4
> key 6     5
> key 7     6
> key 8     7
> key 9     8
> key 10    9
> key 11    0
> key 158   BACK              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 230   SOFT_RIGHT        WAKE
> key 60    SOFT_RIGHT        WAKE
> key 107   ENDCALL           WAKE_DROPPED
> key 62    ENDCALL           WAKE_DROPPED
> key 229   MENU              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 139   MENU              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 59    MENU              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 127   SEARCH            WAKE_DROPPED
> key 217   SEARCH            WAKE_DROPPED
> key 228   POUND
> key 227   STAR
> key 231   CALL              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 61    CALL              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 232   DPAD_CENTER       WAKE_DROPPED
> key 108   DPAD_DOWN         WAKE_DROPPED
> key 103   DPAD_UP           WAKE_DROPPED
> key 102   HOME              WAKE
> key 105   DPAD_LEFT         WAKE_DROPPED
> key 106   DPAD_RIGHT        WAKE_DROPPED
> key 115   VOLUME_UP         WAKE
> key 114   VOLUME_DOWN       WAKE
> key 116   POWER             WAKE
> key 212   CAMERA
>
> key 16    Q
> key 17    W
> key 18    E
> key 19    R
> key 20    T
> key 21    Y
> key 22    U
> key 23    I
> key 24    O
> key 25    P
> key 26    LEFT_BRACKET
> key 27    RIGHT_BRACKET
> key 43    BACKSLASH
>
> key 30    A
> key 31    S
> key 32    D
> key 33    F
> key 34    G
> key 35    H
> key 36    J
> key 37    K
> key 38    L
> key 39    SEMICOLON
> key 40    APOSTROPHE
> key 14    DEL
>
> key 44    Z
> key 45    X
> key 46    C
> key 47    V
> key 48    B
> key 49    N
> key 50    M
> key 51    COMMA
> key 52    PERIOD
> key 53    SLASH
> key 28    ENTER
>
> key 56    ALT_LEFT
> key 100   ALT_RIGHT
> key 42    SHIFT_LEFT
> key 54    SHIFT_RIGHT
> key 15    TAB
> key 57    SPACE
> key 150   EXPLORER
> key 155   ENVELOPE
>
> key 12    MINUS
> key 13    EQUALS
> key 215   AT
>
> # On an AT keyboard: ESC, F10
> key 1     BACK              WAKE_DROPPED
> key 68    MENU              WAKE_DROPPED
>
> ```

3. Now, play with the file!

To change `L` to `M`, `key 38 L`-\>`key 38 M`

Obviously, `key ###` maps to certain keys. **This can be tedious, as you mostly have to guess and check the key numbers.**

Here is what I've found so far for mine, hopefully it helps:

The next part is the mapping. Simply put the character or command, such as `HOME` after the key number.

The last part (`WAKE/WAKE_DROPPED`) determines if the key wakes the screen. `WAKE`=wake the screen `WAKE_DROPPED`=don't wake screen.

Now get it like you want it, and enjoy!

This will work with English-based keyboards, after that it's a little more guess and check, because you will need to know the foreign character that corresponds to the English character that corresponds to the key #.

# Answer
> 0 votes
On a CM9.1 based device we found the following:

* System Settings

Section Device

* Advanced

There is only the one option: Keyboard layout

This affects the hardware keyboard layout.

However not sure if this works for stock roms.

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


# Question
Title: fastboot flash bootloader = FAILED (remote: (InvalidState))
I'm trying to flash bootloader on my Nexus 7 (2012) and getting `FAILED`:

```
mbp:nakasi-lrx21p alexus$ fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-grouper-4.23.img
sending 'bootloader' (2100 KB)...
OKAY [  0.305s]
writing 'bootloader'...
FAILED (remote: (InvalidState))
finished. total time: 0.445s
mbp:nakasi-lrx21p alexus$

```

What am I doing wrong?

# Answer
According to this XDA thread it's an issue with the bootloader file. You could try downloading a different factory image for your device and try the bootloader from there instead (the recent images have all had the same 4.23 version, although different files).

> Does anyone else get a "invalidState" and "signature mismatch" message when trying to flash the bootloader.img from the new JWR66Y factory image? Flashing the previous bootloader.img from JWR66V image or JDQ39 image works just fine though.

Although the thread refers to a JellyBean issue I encountered the same problem when flashing my Nexus 7 to the Lollipop (LRX21P) factory image as well. As I already had v4.23 I did not flash a new bootloader, my Nexus 7 has booted ok so you could skip it all together.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Issue 62198 - android - FAILED (remote: (InvalidState)) - Android Open Source Project - Issue Tracker - Google Project Hosting
> 2 votes

# Answer
I had this problem. I fixed it by updating `fastboot` and `adb` from the latest SDK. I had older versions installed from the Ubuntu repos. Note: I still got that error message, but the flash proceeded rather than halting.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, nexus-7, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: What's the safe limit on charger output for a Galaxy Nexus
The charger that came with my Galaxy Nexus phone outputs 5 volts at 1 amp. I have another charger that outputs 5v at 2 amps. Is it safe to use this charger? What's the limit I can use without damaging the phone?

# Answer
All phone (wall-type) chargers are voltage sources, i.e. the adapter provides a stable voltage output (5V here) and the device decides how much current to draw. Your charger's specification says it provides a maximum of 2Amps. That means it will sustain its 5V output voltage up to a current of 2A.

The phone's internal charging chip may or may not charge the battery in a voltage or current driven means (Li-Ion are typically charged voltage driven and current capped if I'm not mistaken). However this is completely hidden internally and you don't have to worry about it.

If the adapter can't handle your phones current need, it may get hot or the phone may just discharge (instead of charge).

It may even be the case that your device draws less than it would need to charge (if you do navigation for example): What causes battery to drain faster than it can charge?
> 13 votes

# Answer
I was just informed by Samsung Customer service that the Galaxy Nexus **can't handle** the 5 volts. This isn't a problem if you use their charging cable (with any other charger) but if you use a different micro USB cable to charge your phone, you will eventually break your phone!

I would know, I've sent my Nexus in twice now because of this issue.

Why they list the 5 volts in their cable, but not the phone itself is beyond me.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The battery in a smartphone is normally 3.4 volts DC. A 5.0 voltage charger at the rate of charging may vary, in any case output charging at 1.0 to 3.0 A is suitable without damaging your cell phone. There is a safety electronic current limit switch built into all (UL) approved electronic devices to prevent damage of overcharging.

5.0 voltage output speed ratio examples:

* 1.0 A Rate \> 4 to 6 hrs.
* 2.0 A Rate \> 2 to 4 hrs.
* 3.0 A Rate \> .5 to 1.5 hrs.

Another DC voltage comparison; car alternators charge at 14.5 volts dc. The car battery is 12 volt dc.

14.5 voltage output speed ratio examples:

* 1.0 A Rate \> maintains 12 volts DC
* 2.0 A Rate \> 8 to 12 hrs
* 6.0 A Rate \> 4 to 8 hrs
* 10.0 A Rate \> 2 to 4 hrs
* 50.0 A Rate \> instant engine start power.

You should always consult your manufacturer customer technical service rep. For OEM spec's, changing the charge operation changes may void your warranty.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, charging
---


# Question
Title: Why is most of my RAM always being used?
I got one of those phone boosters for Android but it looks like it does not work very well because when I run a clean it stops at 88% or somewhere and immediately tells me that I have to clean again.

I figured that it is some kind of bug or that an app is using a lot of RAM and it can't be cleaned.

Is there a way to clean more RAM so my phone can get faster?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Most, if not all, of these phone/RAM booster apps are nothing more than a custom version of the stock Running Apps option already in Android. Thus, they themselves take up more RAM while not offering very useful functionality.I would recommend against using them. I hope you didn't have to pay for this app. TIP: I remember when I had a 512MB RAM phone Location services used to take up a lot of RAM. You can turn of all location services(GPS & Network based) when you don't need them.

---
Tags: ram, acer-z120
---


title: DNSCrypt on Android

text:
# Question
Title: DNSCrypt on Android
I'd like to install DNSCrypt on Android. I have installed it on Windows 8, Linux Mint, and Kali Linux. But I'm very new to Linux, thus dealing with Android as a Linux distro is way out of my league. I've Google'd a tutorial for this for hours, and everyone seems to be asking with no one to answer them. The DNSCrypt website has an Android-specific version which means it should be possible, some forum member has written a couple of commands like "and then you configure and compile" and such. But no specific "spoon-feeding" command to type in the Android terminal. So, how do we install **DNSCrypt.eu** on Android?

Update 1:

https://github.com/jedisct1/dnscrypt-proxy/issues/98#issuecomment-41883910 Here's a similar explanation to what I referred to. How Do I write a script?! what do I copy exactly? There are three folders when I un-tar and tar.gz from the link above.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The solution is further down the same page:

https://github.com/jedisct1/dnscrypt-proxy/issues/98#issuecomment-62636551

I had a problem flashing the zip (made by qwerty12) in the link so you may need to extract the contents to the relevant directories (in /system) and make sure they have the correct permissions. I used Fx explorer for this. You obviously need root to do all of this. Then set the DNS to 127.0.0.1 (I used Static DNS for WiFi but many programs will do this) That's all it should take. I have posted in the same github link confirming it works fine.

edit: No problem. I should mention that if you have trouble with setting the internal DNS to 127.0.0.1 (as I did) you may find it easier to just add the following to the 99dnscrypt file that is placed in the init.d folder. (add the following line to the end of the file, there should only be one other line in the init.d file anyway, the one that executes dnscrypt-proxy, so add it after that line)

```
iptables -t nat -A OUTPUT -p udp --dport 53 -j DNAT --to-destination 127.0.0.1

```

There may be a better way to do this (i.e. using something like AFWall with a custom script to switch the DNS to 127.0.0.1 when you need it) because this will affect your 3G connection (as it will expect to find a working DNS server, not 127.0.0.1) but it does work.

---
Tags: linux, terminal, dns
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to install the Android firmware into a iPhone?
I want to turn a iPhone in to a Android OS phone. Is this possible?

# Answer
No, there isn't any available because the runtime as well as the hardware with Android OS and iOS is different.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: stock-android, ios
---


# Question
Title: Remove the "Change keyboard" button in lollipop
The button interferes with typing. My hand accidentally hits the button constantly prompting a pop up. Very annoying.

The button is in the lower right corner:

# Answer
It should only show up if you have more than 1 keyboard active. Deactivate one or more keyboards.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: keyboard
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable the screen lock password in lollipop?
I have enabled password protection on the lock screen on my Nexus 5 Lollipop device:

**After enabling password, I can't seem to be able to cancel it. Any idea how to go back to `None` or `Swipe`?**

# Answer
> 48 votes
This works at my device:

Settings -\> Security -\> Deactivate Administrators. Deactivate anything listed.

Settings -\> Security -\> Clear credentials.

# Answer
> 11 votes
You can simply erase you security credentials in security and this will automatically allow you to remove the lock screen on 5.0

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check if your credentials in security, if you have an application that requires you to have a password and delete that.

Did you encrypt the phone ? That requires a password.

Also if you are a guest you cant, but i think you already are an administrator of your own device.

---
Tags: lock-screens, security, 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: How to restore lost contacts without rooting the phone
My phone suddenly began to keep restarting every 10-15 minutes. After a few restart, I noticed that my contacts are gone (most of them were stored on the phone).

I searched for data revocery applications but they seem to work only on a rooted phone.

I wonder, is there a way to restore contacts without rooting the phone? What should I try to get my contacts back?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Did you tired putting the Google account back over the device? I would say your contacts will start appearing automatically after you put the same Google account back.

PS: You can check it by heading over to the Google Contacts just be sure that you are putting the some Google account which you were using previously.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Surprisingly, it seems that there is an application that has ALL my lost contacts... my Hangouts shows all of them.

Unfortunately, I can't restore them from that list. Is there a way to restore them from my Hangouts?

---
Tags: contacts, data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Device not allowing the use of non-English for the screenlock password
I am facing very unclear behaviour on Motorola devices w.r.t. setting its password in non-english language (Hebrew). Let me explain scenario:

1. Settings -\> Language & input -\> Google Keyboard -\> Input Language -\> under 'Active input methods' -\> Hebrew checked.
2. Now, Move back to Settings -\> Screen Lock -\> password -\> choose your password -\> Password contains illegal characters. (After typing few Hebrew words, so unable to set password)
3. Settings -\> Language & input -\> Language -\> Set 'Hebrew' as phone language.
4. Now (All in Hebrew language), move back to Settings -\> Screen Lock -\> password -\> choose your password -\> Password contains illegal characters. (After typing few Hebrew words, so unable to set password)

I am not getting why it's showing me this behaviour. In fact, after changing phone language, I should be allowed to set password based on my desired language.

# Answer
> 0 votes
> In fact, after changing phone language, I should be allowed to set password based on my desired language.

Your assumption here is wrong, at least for stock Android.

Based from AOSP source code that handles the password input for lock screen, ChooseLockPassword.java, inside `validatePassword()`, here is a snippet that will show the "illegal character" message:

```
// allow non control Latin-1 characters only
if (c < 32 || c > 127) {
    return getString(R.string.lockpassword_illegal_character);
}

```

It means that the input only allows characters with code between 32 and 127 (exclusive). They are **A-Z, a-z, 0-9 and basic punctuations**.

taken from http://www.asciitable.com/

Other than those characters, Android won't accept the password and notify the user there is an illegal character.

---
Tags: lock-screens, stock-android, password
---


title: Google photo backup

text:
# Question
Title: Google photo backup
I just got a new phone that doesn't have a slot for my old memory card (it has 32gb hd) I backed up the photos on the old phone to google. Now, how can I get them or some of them to my new phone?

# Answer
The Google+ app provides access to all the photos and albums in your Google+ account. It also offers you to upload automatically from any photo directory it detects on the device:

> Google+ Photos is a great way to save all your photos, bring the best moments to life, and share with the people that matter. Your photos and videos are stored privately and accessible from anywhere, plus when you turn on Auto Backup they’ll be automatically saved. Relive the moment with photos presented as rich stories, movies, animations, collages, and more. You can find the right photos fast by searching for what’s in the image, even if it’s not in the photo description. And easily add a personal touch with filters and built-in editing tools.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lg-g2
---


# Question
Title: How to get black keyboard layout for Lollipop keyboard?
I just updated my Nexus4 from Kitkat to Lollipop. The most obvious change for me is the background color of the theme and especially the keyboard. It used to have a black background, now its color is the brightest of whites hurting my poor eyes. Can I change the background color back into blackness, and if so, how?

Note: I like to avoid keyboard apps from third parties. I know they exist in different flavors, but I like to keep it native.

# Answer
Your current layout is called "**Material Light**". To change it, though there isn't a pure black version, go to

> Settings \> Language and Input \> Google Keyboard \> Appearance and Layouts

The dark material setting is called "**Material Dark**" and looks like this:

I'm assuming you want material design as you are keeping it stock, but there are the old KitKat 'Holo' themes in there also.
> 11 votes

# Answer
Your current layout is called "Material Light". To change it, go to

```
Settings > Language and Input > Google Keyboard > Appearance and Layouts

```

Holo White matches the kitkat default appearence - dark gray background, light gray buttons with white letters
> 5 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, nexus-4, 5.0-lollipop, color
---


# Question
Title: Yahoo Mail App - Send Email To Contact List
I have created several contact lists in my Yahoo e-mail account by using Yahoo's website via Internet Explorer. I would like to send an e-mail to one of the contact lists from my Android phone (which is a Galaxy S4), but I can't figure out how... Here is what I've tried so far:

1. Unable To Access Contact Lists From Yahoo Mail App: I tried accessing the contact lists from the Yahoo Mail App, which I installed on the phone, but I can't find the lists anywhere. My contacts all appear in the app, and the information seems to be read-only. I can't edit their names or any of their details, and I can only access a list of all of my contacts when I try to compose an e-mail and touch the "To" field in the newly composed e-mail. There is no mention of the lists to which they belong.
2. Unable To Create New Contact Lists As Groups On Android Device By Syncing With Yahoo Account: I went into the Yahoo Mail App Settings and selected "Sync Yahoo contacts". This imported the contacts into my Android contacts, but it did not assign them to any groups. If they belonged to contact lists in my Yahoo account, no new groups were created. Also, existing groups on my phone that matched the names of contact lists in my Yahoo account were ignored and not used when the contacts were imported.

I realize that I could manually recreate the groups on my Android device and assign all contacts to them, but this would be a very tedious and time consuming solution to a process that seems to beg for automation. Is there a quick way of doing this?

If necessary, is there another app I can download that is safe to use which will accomplish the task? I tried the above solutions using Gmail as a workaround, but encountered the same obstacles.

# Answer
Okay, I just figured out a workaround. You can export your Yahoo Contact Lists by:

1. Signing into your Yahoo Account via their web interface,
2. Clicking on the "Contacts" icon, and
3. Choosing "Actions" =\> "Export".

This will create a CSV file which can then be used to import the contacts into a Gmail account via Google's web interface. After that, you can sync your Gmail contacts to your phone using the Android Gmail app. This will create the contact lists from Yahoo and import them into your phone as contact groups on the device.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, contact-groups, yahoo-mail
---


# Question
Title: Is deleting framaroot app will compromise or delete as well the root permission in my android device?
I'm using security as my antivirus, and whenever it updates, ot always scan framaroot app as a virus/riskware. Can I just delete framaroot app in my device and won't compromise my root?

# Answer
Yes you can safely uninstall Framaroot, without compromising root. Since the file is so small it really isn't necessary.

---

Your " security " app will always detect a virus on an app that roots. Reasoning is it is using an exploit on a vulnerability in the OS.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: Remotely brick a stolen phone

text:
# Question
Title: Remotely brick a stolen phone
If my phone is lost or stolen, can I remotely and permanently brick my phone. This way, not only is my data secure, but the resale value of the phone plummets to zero.

Tangential question: can apps like Lookout or Prey be disabled by phone thieves?

# Answer
> 13 votes
It's certainly possible to remote-brick a phone. In fact, you might be able to use Tasker in conjunction with Mobile Odin or similar to remotely softbrick a Samsung device by flashing bad firmware after a text message, or something. Of course these devices are also easy to unbrick; to brick them more permanently you'd need to flash a bad bootloader. Chainfire has said that Mobile Odin can but won't flash bootloaders, so perhaps it could just be modified.

Bad bootloaders can be fixed sometimes if you have the appropriate hardware, but I doubt any petty thief would have it. Most won't be able to fix a softbrick either.

Any app can be disabled, pretty easily too if you know what you're doing.

Importantly, though, I wouldn't do this. All it does is guarantee that you can't get the phone back (you can't track it anymore) or that if you get it back, it won't work. You should just install tracking software instead. Remote bricking won't deter a thief who doesn't know about it, and while I see the revenge aspect it's not as good as catching them!

# Answer
> 6 votes
Starting today you can access this functionality through stock android and Google apps at https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager. Once you set it up, you will be able to remotely delete all your data from the device, and locate it on Google maps. Remote locking and changing the lock-screen are also listed as functionalities available (soon).

Note that if you have not set this up before losing your phone you will not have access to wipe it remotely. You could see it on Google maps if you have given Google Apps permission to access location information on your phone (GPS and WiFi location information).

# Answer
> 2 votes
I believe both Lookout and Prey have a password option that will make it difficult for a thief to disable the app.

Both of those will be able to wipe the device but not disable it completely. IF you are on Verizon the phone cannot be activated on another line without it being released from your account. I'm pretty sure that is not the case with GSM phones - they just need to stick a new sim in the phone.

However, both Lookout and Prey will be able to tell you the location of your phone. I believe Prey will also be able to tell you additional information that might help you determine the identity of the thief which you can then pass on to the authorities. They aren't always inclined to act on the information but every little bit helps.

# Answer
> 0 votes
if you are using HTC you could wipe the data from HTC sense account. But to Brick the device,depends on how to the flashing. as Koush maker of CWM has discussed of rooting/flashing ROM from with in the application without any PC.

Not sure about which version of CWM supports this features.

# Answer
> -1 votes
On samsung devices overwrite to the EFS partition or write on byte to the nv\_data files it contains. Bam imei gone. You may also change device Bluetooth Mac bam second radio unusable wifi ... Not so sure, though. On the plus side only you have the chance to restore the original imei if your device should return. That is if you have a backup. It's extremely unlikely that the thief can create a new imei for the device. Also such procedure is highly illegal and disclosure of the meanings to do so is frowned upon on the public forums.

---
Tags: security, lost-phone, device-administrator
---


# Question
Title: Kindle Fire HD on-screen keyboard on Nexus 5
I have found the keyboard on the Kindle Fire HD to be one of the best mobile device on-screen keyboards I have used and am wondering if it's available on any other devices?

Much like other android alternative keyboards such as SwiftKey, is there a version similar to the Kindle keyboard that I would be able to install on my Nexus 5?

Thanks.

Device: Nexus 5

OS: Android 4.4.4

Rooted: Yes

# Answer
Maybe you're looking for this? This is the stock Kindle Fire HD keyboard.And this is the actual link if you're concerned. Don't follow the instructions mentioned on the link.It is only to replace the system keyboard.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, nexus-5, amazon-kindle-fire
---


# Question
Title: Could you indicate me a PDF reader for android with a fit visible feature?
Could you indicate me a PDF reader for android with a fit visible feature? It's the same feature that's built in on foxit reader.

# Answer
I am not sure about Foxit Reader, but I am using the paid ezPDF Reader.

I am really amazed about its ability to show and fit the content to screen when reading columns of text (like in newspaper). It has other super features like horizontal scroll and automatic scroll to next part.
> 7 votes

# Answer
I am not exactly sure what you mean by "the fit visible feature".

Give a try to qPDF Viewer, it's a free Android PDF Reader that does have a text reflow mode accessible (under View menu from the action bar).

A simple double tap fits the document to the screen size – which is pretty useful on tablets.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Gustavo. I had similar problem. I am using eBookdroid. It is free and it crops and splits pages. Good luck.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Did you try SmartQ Reader?

In my opinion it's the best PDF reader for Android. The interface is clean and intuitive, it has all main features that you are expecting from a eBook reader (Bookmarks, Pager, Chapters, etc..) and the transition between pages is very smooth and pleasant. And the most important in your case, the crop feature is so intuitive and practice. In my opinion it's the most comfortable eBook app you could find at this moment. I love it so much!!

Actually, I have been testing all eBooks apps available on Play store, keeping in mind the points I consider more important in this kind of app.

1) All basic features: Bookmarks, Pager, Chapters,

2) Interface + Page transitions

3) Crop feature

4) Read PDFs (I don't like ePub stuff)

Then here is my classifying of all I found meeting all these points:

1) SmartQ Reader

2) ezPDF Reader - The problem with this app is that the transition behavior is not much pleasant as other apps, and sometimes you need to swipe 2,3 times to finally turn the page, which is very annoying (mainly when you cropped your pdf). And another little problem is that the crop feature, really crops the file. I mean when you open, then, the same file with another pdf reader, the file is also cropped as you have done it on ezPDF Reader! Which can be disrupting.

3) Moon+ Reader Pro - Interface much better than ezPDF Reader but less features too.. The crop feature is also available there but it's not very well designed. Plus when your file is cropped (actually is more fitted than cropped there), it becomes difficult to turn pages (a little bit as ezPDF Reader Pro)

4) EBookDroid - It works as expected but the interface and global user experience is very poor. It's not pleasant to use. By cons, the crop feature is very well imagined (much better than in Moon+ Reader Pro). I was not able to find if Chapters + Bookmarks feature are implemented. Sorry but it was so painful to test this app.

There is a last option, that requires two applications. This approach is the more constraining but you will have the best reading experience like that. Actually the really best PDF reader (in terms of interface, user experience, page transitions, etc..) now is Google Play Books (Since you can now add your own PDFs in this app by checking an option in settings). The problem is that app hasn't any crop feature, which is so annoying. So the main idea is to crop the file first with ezPDF Reader (Trial version it's enough), and then open it on Google Play Books app. Like this, you will have a wonderful reader experience thanks to Google app, and your PDF will be cropped as you want thanks to ezPDF Reader

\*Sorry, I can't post more than two links, I wanted to link all apps mentioned there but I am sure you will find them by yourself..
> 2 votes

---
Tags: pdf, ebook-reader
---


# Question
Title: Android voice search doesn't recognize Exchange contacts
So I'm sure this is primarily because the contacts aren't listed in one of the linked gmail accounts. It's killing me because my dad can't use voice commands to call his contacts like he did on his BlackBerry. The only solution I've found so far is to export the exchange contacts to one of the linked gmail accounts. But obviously this must be redone EVERY time he changes something in outlook.

So, is there some way to get voice commands to recognize the Exchange contacts? Or do I have to look for some sort of 3rd party solution that will sync the contacts between the two services?

Also, he doesn't like how the contacts are listed by the person instead of by the company. Any way to change that?

# Answer
Contacts\>Settings\>Contacts to display\>Select all the accounts
> -1 votes

---
Tags: sync, gmail, exchange, voice-recognition
---


# Question
Title: Installing CM 11 (KitKat) on an S II without USB
I've inherited a Galaxy S II running Android 4.1 (no software updates are available for the stock version), and I want to put 4.4 on it. There are plenty of tutorials for this on the internet, but most of them seem to rely on flashing CWM with ODIN first.

My problem here is that USB Mass Storage doesn't work on this phone, and hasn't for about a year now. It will charge over USB, but doesn't appear to acknowledge being connected to a PC. It shows up in Device Manager as *Unknown device*, and in Properties it says *Code 43: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems*. If I go into settings on the phone and try to switch on USB Mass Storage, it tells me to *Connect a cable before using USB Mass Storage* (or similar wording). I've tried with USB Debugging on and off.

I can, of course, copy files on and off of the SD card using an external reader, what I want to know is whether it is possible to go from stock android (and stock recovery) to CyanogenMod 11 without using the USB connection? If so, how?

# Answer
Yes it's possible. You don't need the USB connection to do this. You need to flash a rooted kernel like Philz which is specific to the S2, and you need to do this from the stock Android recovery which you can access by holding power+home. The rooted kernel must be on the SD card.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, usb-mass-storage
---


# Question
Title: Downloads from my mobile not appearing on computer - Samsung Galaxy
I have connected my mobile (Samsung galaxy) with my HP laptop (Windows 7) and clicked "Open device to view files".

I click "Downloads" - that is, what I have downloaded on my mobile - then "videos".

But to view the videos it shows "copying..."

Have the videos been copied on my laptop? If 'Yes', where can I find them?

# Answer
It does that because it is copying the file via MTP. If you want to view the files on your computer it would be far easier and faster to simply copy them to your computer from the mobile. Each time you open a file from your mobile through your computer it will copy them which takes time.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, usb-connection-mode
---


title: Samsung galaxy s2 bootloader

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung galaxy s2 bootloader
I was trying to install the Ubuntu touch into my Samsung galaxy s2 .. when I entered at the terminal 'adb reboot bootloader' the mobile rebooted but didn't enter the boot loader !! any help please? thanks :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Hold the volume-down button, the Home button and power button until the phone restarts and don't let go, the bootloader should appear after 10 seconds approx.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2
---


# Question
Title: Ordered i9300 from eBay - need help to understand what's going on
I've ordered a new, unlocked i9300 from eBay, and I had some adventures with it:

* I've unpacked it, inserted my SIM, powered it on, and found out that the phone always thinks that I'm roaming. Instead of trying to understand what's going on, I though: "I'll just install CyanogenMod and everything will be good".
* I've installed CyanogenMod 10.2 (latest stable build), only to find out that my SIM is not being detected at all. It says that Baseband is unknown, IMEI and related are unknown as well.
* After trying lots of stuff, I gave up and decided to return to stock ROM (4.3). While trying to do that, I bricked my phone, and the only thing I could do is enter Odin mode.
* After reading dozens of tutorials and trying lots of stuff, I ended up flushing GT-I9300\_mx\_20120329.pit, and that unbricked my phone.
* I successfully flashed Android 4.3. This version detected my SIM, displayed the Baseband/IMEI, but it didn't connect to the cellular network. I could scan for available networks, but when I chose my network manually, it said "Selected network not available ".
* I tried to flush alternative modems, but all it did is making things worse. Usually it made the phone behave like with CyanogenMod, i.e. Baseband/IMEI are unknown.
* Again, after trying lots of stuff, I tried to flush Android 4.1.2. That made no change until I've stumbled on this thread. Flushing Patched\_Modem\_I9300XXEMG4.zip made my networking work again, and restored it to behave exactly like it did initially. Again, the phone thinks that I'm roaming all the time, but at least it works.

So currently, I have two issues:

* My phone always thinks I'm roaming. Is there a fix for it?
* And more important: currently, I cannot install anything other than Android 4.1.2!

Could you please shed some light on the situation? What happens with my phone? Why does it think I'm roaming? Why does the SIM work only with Patched\_Modem\_I9300XXEMG4? How can I make other ROMs (e.g. CyanogenMod) work?

Thanks, any help is much appreciated!

# Answer
> 0 votes
It sounds like your phone is blocked. You should try to return it if possible. If the IMEI is missing then it is very likely there is a serious problem with the radio or that it is simply blocked. You can't fix this by flashing a different ROM.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, sim-card, roaming
---


title: How to Remove Super SU

text:
# Question
Title: How to Remove Super SU
I have tried to root my Galaxy S3. Installed Super SU through flashing. Due to KNOX, I am not able to root my phone. However, the Super SU app remains in my ROM, and I would like to remove it. Help?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is an option in SuperSU in the settings tab, called Full Unroot, use that and it will remove root from your device.

---
Tags: unrooting
---


# Question
Title: Can one determine the kernel version of a Samsung device from the Android version?
Basically, does an Android version map to a specific kernel version on Samsung devices? For example, can I assume that Samsung devices running Android 4.4.2 will have kernel version 3.4.0 (or some other version)? If not, can I tell from the build number? I am aware that this question exists, but I am looking for a concise answer.

Also, related to this, does the build number of a device map to a specific Android version or are all these three properties, Android version, build number, and kernel version, independent ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
No, the Android and kernel versions are numbered independently of each other.

For example the Galaxy Note 2 (KitKat stock ROM) has a kernel version of 3.0.101. The Galaxy S4 (also KitKat) has a kernel version of 3.4.0.

---
Tags: kernel, android-versions, builds
---


# Question
Title: changing the "hi galaxy" phrase. is it even possible?
Every once in a while, my note 3 wakes up on its own thinking somebody said "Hi Galaxy" and gets itself into the listening mode to start capturing what it hears from that moment on, then submits to Google for a search!

Boy! I had a few situations and eventually I had to turn off that awesome feature.

Is there a way to change this "hi galaxy" phrase to something less likely to be confused?
Can I personalize it?

Something like "ok Samsung, wake up now!" or "ok note 3, wake up now" etc... the longer the phrase, the less likelyhood for an unintentional match, I assume.

Also, being able to personalize this phrase will prevent other people's getting your way... Imagine, the guy in the bus says "Hi galaxy" to his phone and all the galaxy devices in the bus within reach wakes up. LOL!

# Answer
> 2 votes
Open the `S Voice` app, and open its settings. You should be able to change it via `Set wake-up command`.

Here's the setting from my Samsung Galaxy S4:

# Answer
> 0 votes
The "Set Wake-Up Command" you mentioned (via S Find-\> wake), is just a help file on the actual commands. If you go to the following, you can change what the Note 3 responds to on the lock screen:

Settings -\> Device -\> Lock Screen -\> Wake up in lock screen -\> Wake-up function X

(Note this is just the lock screen when the phone is set to swipe mode, not while it's asleep. Neither does this affect S Voice, but you can still do some cool things.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
The voice commands are part of the screen lock settings. Touch the"screen lock" setting and it will take you to the"screen lock" settings which include "wake up commands". Once you check/turn on "wake up commands" you will have a new button below that should be called "set wakeup commands" or something similar. I have a Galaxy S4.

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-note, s-voice
---


# Question
Title: How to shut down (and start up) Moto X without lock button?
I have a Moto X and my lock button on the side has broken. Is there any way to shut down the phone even though the button is broken? Will this allow me to start it back up too?

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. ADB: Once you have the Android Debugging Bridge (available with the Android SDK or packaged separately) installed on your system and authorized on your device, you can simply run this command from a terminal: `adb reboot -p`
2. Replace the missing button with a Pressy clone that plugs into your headphone jack. You can then use it with an app like KeyCut to configure what it does.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your phone is rooted, then there are apps that can shut down your device using SU command `reboot -p`, like Shutdown by Stefan Simroth, or Shutdown by Pieter Pareit.

If you want to reboot instead, try Quick Boot (Reboot) or Quick Reboot (Root). Again, you need the device to be rooted.

---
Tags: moto-x, shutdown
---


# Question
Title: How do I turn on battery percentage in Android Lollipop?
I haven't been able to find a menu option for this setting in Android Lollipop (previously known as Android-L).

# Answer
This website has a good page on the information:

http://nexus7.wonderhowto.com/how-to/unlock-android-ls-hidden-battery-percentage-icon-status-bar-0155876/

But if you want a quick and dirty way to enable this, you can just use:

```
adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:status_bar_show_battery_percent --bind value:i:1

```

followed by

```
adb reboot

```
> 5 votes

# Answer
```
adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:status_bar_show_battery_percent --bind value:i:1
adb reboot

```

Screenshot of Battery percent for Kitkat (click image for larger variant)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery, 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Accessing internal storage on Moto G, locked phone, broken screen
my girlfriend dropped her Moto G and now the screen is completely black, the phone is secured with a lock pattern. It's very important for us to recover the pictures, because unfortunately they weren't backed up.

I'm a software dev, so don't hesitate to offer solutions that involve ADB, the Android SDK or anything else. Another important note, the phone is not in Debugging mode.

# Answer
This cannot be done without unlocking the device. If the touchscreen still works try to boot the device, let it settle, press the power button to wake it up and then draw the pattern from memory. You can print a photo of the phone on the lockscreen and mark the point on the display as a reference.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, motorola-moto-g, android-sdk, broken-screen
---


title: What should I do before root?

text:
# Question
Title: What should I do before root?
I am going to root HTC Desire (with Android 2.2). How can I do best backup, and how can I get sure that I won't lost my whatsapp history and other files?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Download Titanium Backup, it can backup and restore all your apps, whatsapp included. If you want you can also install a custom recovery like twrp to backup the entire device memory and firmware

---
Tags: root-access, htc-desire, htc
---


title: How can I get my data back to my pc?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I get my data back to my pc?
I use android. Recently I've found a problem.. I can see all the files and folders in my mobile phone.. But when I connect it to my pc to copy the files or folders to the pc I find that ***The folder is empty***. But the size is 1.7GB. I can't see the files in my phone connecting with the pc. I check that the hidden files are visible in my pc. I am using Windows 7 ultimate..

# Answer
> 0 votes
Since Android 4.0, the connection standard that is used to connect your phone to your computer is MTP. To be able to see the files on your mobile from your computer when they are connected you will need to make sure you have the correct USB driver for your phone and also that the phone is unlocked.

---
Tags: data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Which Android emulators can co-exists on single machine?
Which emulators can co-exists on single Windows machine and be used **simultaneously** for app development (adb support)? I'm using Genymotion which seems to work on bare system; AVD x86\_64 requires Intel HAXM driver; how about Microsoft emulator from Visual Studio 2015? Did anyone tried it already?

EDIT: question was clarified to emphase the simultaneous work on one machine - virtualization issues are main topic, not CPU/RAM usage

# Answer
You can use as many emulators on the same machine as you want, simultaneously, at the same time, there's no actual limit, as long as you have sufficient RAM in your computer to handle that many emulators. When you want to debug an app you just choose whichever emulator you need.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, android-emulator, virtualbox, genymotion
---


# Question
Title: Full disk encryption affects remote wipe ability?
Android's FDE affects remote wipe effectiveness, say, with Android Device Manager?

What I mean is this:

If one does not have system encryption enabled, to safely wipe all your data would require overwriting all your data. One would think that having full disk encryption enabled would allow wiping by just erasing the encryption keys. Is this so?

# Answer
I think you still would be able to remotely wipe it as encryption only as the name says "encrypts" the data. That means that after provided a password the file will unlock itself for read, but this doesn't affect deletion :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
There is no link between FDE and remote wipe. The effectiveness of remote wipe is as good with FDE as it is without it. All that remote wipe depends on is that the phone is switched on and able to access some form of network.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: remote-wipe, disk-encryption
---


# Question
Title: How to make screencasts on Samsung Galaxy SIII?
Is it possible to make a screencast (video) with a Samsung Galaxy SIII? I want to record what the screen looks like as the user interacts with it. I know I can take a screenshot with Home+Power but I'm not sure whether besides screenshots it is also possible to make screencasts.

Thanks.

# Answer
Theres an app for that: SCR free. You will need root for this

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iwobanas.screenrecorder.free
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, samsung, 4.3-jelly-bean, screencast
---


title: Searching for a VM?

text:
# Question
Title: Searching for a VM?
I would like to know if there is a app/ etc. thats makes possible to use multiple smartphone operating systems on device. To be precise: Is how to get an VM. Are there any apps or other posiblilities.

Or other stuff for andriod similar to "Bluestacks for Windows-Phone"

# Answer
> 0 votes
QEMU is the only thing that does what you're asking for, at the moment. The download is available through XDA, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1459153

---
Tags: operating-system, vm
---


title: apps download error

text:
# Question
Title: apps download error
Whenever I try to download apps I receive error "error while Dowunloading-application name" there is insufficient space on the device.

Please help me to overcome this and I have sufficient space on device and SD Card. Sony Xperia C2305. Android 4.2.2

# Answer
It's happening because application download from the store first heads over to the internal storage of the device which I guess isn't enough, what you can do is try moving some of the application installed/music/pictures over to the SD card in order to free up the internal storage. You can also try clearing the Dumpstate/logcat to try freeing up some space you can do that by pressing \*#9900# and select the second option "Delete DumpState/logcat" and see if this helps you in freeing up some space.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, downloading
---


# Question
Title: How To Create A New Gmail Contact Or A Yahoo Mail Contact From Android Device
I would like to create a new Gmail contact or Yahoo mail contact from my Android device. It's a Samsung Galaxy S4 running Android 4.4.2. I've tried looking in the Yahoo mail app, the Gmail app, and the Google+ app on my phone, but I can't find any options to create a new contact. I would prefer not to create the contact on my phone, since I've been having trouble exporting all of the device contact information to my Gmail and Yahoo mail accounts (specifically, it doesn't seem to send the groups that the contact is a member of). Any help would be much appreciated, even if only to say that this is not possible or that it requires a 3rd party app.

# Answer
Just use the default contacts app. When entering your new contact, there is an option where you can choose where it should be stored. Choose your Google account and you're all set.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I know you can tap the icon next to their name in Gmail and it'll ask if you want them to added to your contact list, although not extensive, I'm sure can be edited further. I can't help with Yahoo!'s service though as I don't use them primarily. Someone else may be able to answer you on that point.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, gmail, contact-groups, yahoo-mail
---


# Question
Title: Android 5 disable install button of apk files on nexus 4
After updating my nexus 4 to new android 5 (lollipop) when i open an apk file, the install button not working!! Also i checked unknown source in my device settings.

What the problem? please help :(

# Answer
I have used lux lite application, this application set display brighness for reading in night mode. my problem solved when i unistall this app.
> 1 votes

# Answer
This happens when you have apps that interfere with the installation.
Example: I used to have Avast on my phone. Every now and then I couldn't install an app for the problem you're describing.
I uninstalled Avast (but just disabling it would be fine) and everything went fine.
So this is it: look at the apps already installed in your phone. Chances are there is something that blocks the installation...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: apk, android-versions
---


title: Nexus 4 Lollipop install won't complete

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 Lollipop install won't complete
I updated my Nexus 4 to Android 5 Lollipop last night using the OTA update but the install process just won't complete. It has now been on the "installing system update..." screen for more than 7 hours! The status bar has been complete for at least 6 and a half of those hours too so I don't know what to do.

I've tried powering down and switching on again just now but phone goes straight into "installing system update..." mode.

Has anyone else seen this problem? Really worried me now as it renders my phone completely useless.

Any ideas?

# Answer
Same thing happened to me. I called virgin who told me to call LG. I have to send my phone for repair. Apparently this has happened to many nexus users. They will uninstall the Android 5.0 update and send it back to you. But it might take a few weeks.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, ota-update, 5.0-lollipop
---


title: Configure Google instead of S-Voice

text:
# Question
Title: Configure Google instead of S-Voice
My s5 allows me to have S-Voice always listening for its hot word. I would rather have Google always listening for its hot word. I don't see how to do this. Any ideas? thanks

# Answer
The latest updates to Google Voice allow me to "OK google" from any awake screen, even the 'swipe' screen as long as the device isn't locked. Even works from within many third party apps! Thanks Goog!
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can reach the Google voice settings by going to Apps -\> Google Settings -\> Search & Now -\> Voice -\> Ok Google hot word detection and turning the switch to "On" Google hot word detection only works from the home page where the Google search box is located. If you don't have a Google search box, you can get one from your widgets which is accessible by touching and holding the home page with your finger.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same frustrations with my Note 3 back in the fall when it was new. I solved it by creating an app first for myself then made it available on the Play Store.

But first, on the S5 you have to enable car mode for voice wake-up to work.

Then you can install the app S for Switch Voice Free to have Google Voice Search (ie Google Now) answer your commands.

And finally you can now have something similar to MotoX touchless control using the app Touchless Notifications Free which does handsfree notification announcement and has something like the new "What's up" feature on the Motorola ~ if you give the command "Open my notifications" it will read-out the active notifications with pretty good looking display...
> 0 votes

# Answer
Per phandroid we have this, which I have just confirmed works:

1. Settings \> Language and input \> Voice Search \> “Ok Google ”
2. Detection Check all 3 boxes Train the voice recognition by saying Okay Google 3 times (say it a bit differently each time to improve accuracy)
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy 2 stuck at start up. Can I recovery the phone or at least the data?
My Samsung Galaxy 2 stuck every time when start up. It looks ok on the beginning, it shows "Samsung Galaxy S II ..." then change display to Vodafone logo then the shows word "samsung" and stuck here forever. It does not respond to any key after that. To shut it down I need to take the battery off. My questions are if I can recovery the operational system or at least data from the phone.

# Answer
I believe I have a similar problem and shall update this answer as I find more information.

What variant of Samsung Galaxy S II do you have?

These steps could help:

1. Fresh reboot by pulling battery, SIM card and any external SD card out for a while (some sources I have read say to wait over an hour).
2. Clear the cache partition (this is safe, no data loss):
Hold `power`, `volume up` and `menu` simultaneously to boot the phone into recovery (for Samsung).
Select `wipe cache partition` using the `volume up` and `volume down` keys, then press `menu`.
3. The `boot-loop` tag information contains further instructions.
4. Otherwise, this answer indicated that it should be possible to root the phone and recover data via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB): these instructions should work for the Samsung Galaxy S II GT-i9100 but I have not yet tried them.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, boot, data-recovery, reboot, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: Data recovery on boot-looped Samsung Galaxy S II GT-i9100
I have a boot-looped Samsung Galaxy S II GT-i9100, running the Android 2.3 Gingerbread it came with, unrooted and unmodified (although Optus-branded).
The phone's battery depleted while the phone was running; now, any attempt to boot the phone results in the boot sequence looping indefinitely.
I wish to recover data from this device (before attempting to solve the boot-loop problem later via factory reset or other method).

I read the `boot-loop` tag information but the instructions have not been helpful for me: I have tried to boot into Safe Mode, but my attempts also trigger the indefinite boot-loop; I wiped the cache via stock recovery but that had no effect; and, the last recommendation was a factory reset which I won't follow until I have recovered the data.

I believe USB Debugging is already enabled. I have an 8GB external SD card and I have Linux Mint 13 as my desktop operating system.

This answer indicated that it should be possible to root the phone and recover data via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) for a different Samsung Galaxy S version, but I need instructions for the Samsung Galaxy S II GT-i9100 if this avenue is worth pursuing.
This seems related to this question but could be a different variant and issue. It's not the same as this question because I need to recover data.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Firstly it may be useful to merge this with your other question as they are very related.

I have already explained to you how to root your S2 so I won't repeat those instructions. And yes it is possible to recover the /data. What you need to do from here is to first complete what I said about rooting it. From there, you should get a new rooted recovery (CWM). Within that recovery you will find options to backup the phone and to mount it over USB. It should be simple enough to just backup the /data partition from the rooted recovery and copy it over to your computer.

Not sure if you know this but you can easily navigate the backups to recover whatever there is of value to yourself, there are various programs that do this but first things first get that phone rooted and get into the CWM recovery and make that backup. The options to do so should be very clear in the recovery. You can also create backups from the stock recovery but I wouldn't recommend this as you still need to be able to mount the phone via USB.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, samsung-galaxy-s-2, recovery-mode, data-recovery, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Lollipop: override security policies (specifically lock screen/Exchange/Office 365)
When I used Android 4.4 (KitKat) on my Nexus 5 I could ignore certain security policies such as a requirement to have a PIN code to unlock the lock screen. After upgrading to Lollipop and the move of Exchange e-mail from the separate E-Mail application to GMail this is no longer possible. Are there any workarounds? E.g., when I used Android 2, there was a hacked version of the E-mail app apk floating around that told the server it enforced the security policies but in fact ignored them.

I have seen a lot of similar questions, e.g.,

How can I override the Device Administrator security policy so that I can disable the lock screen?

ActiveSync/Exchange security policy

etc but they are all for older versions of Android.

(For everyone that is gonna whine about security policies in my employment agreement, I demanded, and it got approved, a clause that guaranteed me to have root privilegies or equivalent on all my personal IT equipment. My manager accepts this but the IT department is in a different universe. Taking this issue/the IT department to court for breach of contractual agreement is, for obvious reasons, not an option.)

# Answer
> 3 votes
Try the Mail Wise app. It bypasses Exchange security, but you won't be able to use the Gmail app.

For details, read this Mail Wise FAQ.

---
Tags: lock-screens, security, gmail, exchange, 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: What's the difference between a factory image and a ROM?
Why are ROMs flashable through recovery while factory images require fastboot?

# Answer
The factory image is just the ROM that's on the phone when it leaves the factory. It sounds like you might be thinking about different kinds of ROMs.

When you download a stock ROM from the phone's manufacturer (or elsewhere), it usually includes the image for the system partition and one for the stock recovery. In contrast, when you download a custom ROM, it usually just includes the image for the system partition, and it's expected that you already have CWM, TWRP, or some other third-party recovery installed.

Obviously you need `fastboot` to flash the recovery - you can't overwrite the recovery when it's running - so you need `fastboot` to flash a factory image (when it includes the recovery and the system image), but not necessarily if you're just flashing the system image (from a custom ROM).

A ROM can be a custom ROM or a stock ROM (aka factory image). The difference only comes because of the different ways that first- and third-party ROMs are distributed.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This article made me understand the difference http://www.howtogeek.com/193055/what-is-a-custom-recovery-on-android-and-why-would-i-want-one/

They are the same concept except that that custom recovery allows certain things like introducing custom ROM. Flashboot is the built-in recovery environment of Android which is limited and definitely does not allow you to introduce custom ROM.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, rom, images
---


title: Clear Google Play Failed Download Space

text:
# Question
Title: Clear Google Play Failed Download Space
I recently tried installing an app that was around 1.8GB to my Nexus 7 (8GB). it's a device with unfortunately small internal storage, so I had about 2GB free before attempting the install. I come back later, the download has failed due to not enough storage space. no big surprise there. but now, my device only has 350MB free! strangely enough, the graph in storage settings appears as if it had that full 2GB or so free, but lists only 350MB.

how can I get my free storage space back from the failed download? my device is rooted, no root file browser or terminal, but I do have the Android SDK and tools.

another thing to note: my device is constantly complaining about its free space in the form of a notification. also, every app download from Google Play (even a tiny 2MB app) fails due to not enough storage space. for some reason, that always happens when my device goes under 500MB free. I don't understand it, but, it's 'normal'.

# Answer
When we download big games (such as modern combat series), first play store download its additional files. Application/games additional files are saved on internal memory folder called "Android". Inside of that folder, there's two directories. One is "data" other one is "obb". You can access that folder with any file manager app or by connecting your device to a PC (via USB or WIFI). (No need the root)

Search your app additional files in those folders and delete them. Most of the time additional files are saved with the app named folder. For an example "deadtrigger 2" game additional files saved folder called as "com.madfingergames.deadtrigger2".
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can solve this problem by rebooting into recovery mode (typically `volume up` \+ `power`, or `volume up` \+ `home button` \+ `power`) and selecting the option to clear cache.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, internal-storage, nexus-7
---


title: rooting Smart Tv (Skyworth e69 6369)

text:
# Question
Title: rooting Smart Tv (Skyworth e69 6369)
I got a Skyworth e69 6369 smart tv. kernel 3.1.10 android 4.2.1 model full aosp on skyworth 6369 cpu arm cortex a9 dual core other specs http://specdevice.com/showspec.php?id=de85-dcab-0033-c5870033c587

It does not come with any data cable. It has 4 usb ports though I don't think I can use any for rooting.

I have tried several no pc solutions like framaroot 1.9.3, kingroot 3.4.1.157, poot, romastersu 2.0.3\_140926\_100, vroot 4.3, z4root 1.3.0 etc but not successful.

What is the best way to root this if any? Or is this sadly unrootable?

Thanks for any suggestion.

# Answer
After a long time trying I managed to finally root it

In summary, I think these are the steps to make it work:

1. Try to root with rootmaster. Check if it gives you root. If it does- check if it persists on reboot. If it does not do 2 and 3.
2. Try to root again with rootmaster then delete `/system/app/kinguser`, `/system/app/superuser.apk`, and `/system/app/Superuser.apk` (using a terminal)
3. Install SuperSu

Only thing missing from this smart TV that I want it to have is Google Play Store. I really cannot make it work. I also don't have YouTube because of this.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, smart-tv
---


title: Upgrade version Of Custom Recovery

text:
# Question
Title: Upgrade version Of Custom Recovery
I have CWM already installed on my Android device. To upgrade my CWM version, do I simply boot into fastboot and cd the new .iso over to my device? Is it realy that simple?

EDIT -- The new file that I have is an .iso not a .zip so when I boot into CWM it doesn't see the .iso.

2nd Edit --- I used this command when booted into fastboot to flash my recovery

```
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-5.0.2.0-olympus.img

```

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's even easier than that. Just flash the new recovery from CWM as you would any other flashable zip.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just flash the recovery like you flashed it before, simple as that.

---
Tags: clockworkmod-recovery
---


title: Is CyanogenMod rooting the phone?

text:
# Question
Title: Is CyanogenMod rooting the phone?
If I install CyanogenMod, will I have 'rooted' my phone? Is CyanogenMod a rooting program, or is the procedure of installing CyanogenMod rooting, and CyanogenMod is something needing root?

Is CyanogenMod a type of android release? Considering to install it is similar to a new android update?

# Answer
> 11 votes
for 99% of devices, you have to have a custom recovery image installed on the device in order to install CyanogenMod. And usually, to do that you have to have the device rooted. So you have to have a rooted device before you can install cyanogenmod.

CyanogenMod comes rooted and yes, it is an android release. Rooting a device, while it will void your warranty, is not really that "bad". Think of it like having access to the administrator account on your PC as opposed to a "limited user" account.

You also have to keep in mind that CyanogenMod does not work on all android devices. You can only install it on devices that are supported.

# Answer
> 4 votes
If you're asking whether installing CyanogenMod will void your warranty, the answer is yes. Flashing a ROM has much greater potential for harming your device than the average rooting method.

It's not necessary to root in order to install CM in some cases, but usually it is, and CM itself comes pre-rooted.

If you want to find out more about CM you should go to their website.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Here is the what Cyanogen mod is:

Cyanogenmod is a custom ROM made by developers (or you may say freelancers) and it is an opensource GPL licensed software. Actually cyanogenmod is modified version of actual android software released by Google. Developers at Cyanogenmod make software specific to various devices.

And if you want to install Cyanogenmod you will have to root your phone and flash it with Cyanogenmod. **This will surely void your warranty**. Cyanogenmod is like installing a clean new android software and it is quite fast than Stock one, as it does not contain any useless apps pre installed and also it is capable of using phone's processor to its full level which is often limited in Stock ROM's.

I am using it on my Motorola Defy and it works fine, though there are some bugs but its okay.

**Note: Installing Cyanogenmod without following correct procedure may brick your phone (i.e. make it permanently unusable).**

I would recommend you to read their wiki for more info.

# Answer
> 1 votes
CyanogenMod is a full operating system replacement. When you install CM, you replace the entire system software that comes preloaded with the device. Depending on the device, doing so may require gaining root access by some means or may require little more than unlocking the bootloader.

Devices that are less locked-down, especially Nexus devices, require little effort to unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery image, which in turn enables the installation of an alternative operating system. More heavily secured devices, such as older Motorola smartphones, often require the use of tools to exploit system vulnerabilities to do the same (the CM installation instructions for the Droid 2 are a good example).

To answer your question as written, installing CyanogenMod effectively roots the device. CM includes `su` and a root access manager as part of the base system.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, installation, root-access
---


# Question
Title: App update for removed countries in google play store
An Android app was available in all countries in the playstore. After a few months, the app was removed from one country ("country XXX")

what will happen if a new version of the app becomes available on the play store : will Google push this new version and update the apps that were downloaded in "country XXX" ?

# Answer
It won't. You can control distribution in any way you want without changing the application binary, so doesn't make sense that a new updated version will change distribution control.

From https://developer.android.com/distribute/googleplay/developer-console.html#distribution-controls

> You can use controls in the Google Play Developer Console to easily manage the geographic distribution of your apps, without any changes in your application binary. You can specify which countries and territories you want to distribute to, and even which carriers (for some countries). When users visit the store, Google Play makes sure that they are in one of your targeted countries before downloading your app. You can change your country and carrier targeting at any time just by saving changes in the Google Play Developer Console.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates
---


# Question
Title: Shortcut to particular document in Google Docs app?
Is there a way to make a shortcut to one particular document? I frequently need one particular document from a secondary account, so it's always a pain to come out of current document, change accounts and load the required document. Any ideas?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Workaround - use Google Docs via a browser, and bookmark that page.

# Answer
> 0 votes
These days you can add a widget that directly links to a Google Doc. It seems like it doesn't work on all devices (or perhaps all home screens?) though, as on my girlfriend's phone the widget doesn't appear even though Google Drive (the app that allegedly provides the widget) is installed.

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts, google-drive
---


title: No signal on custom roms (SGS2+)

text:
# Question
Title: No signal on custom roms (SGS2+)
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 plus and rooted it via Odin and put CWM on it, with which I installed the unofficial Cyanogenmod ROM and later P.A.C.
Unfortunately I had massive issues with the signal: Despite the fact that the sim gets unlocked when entering the right sim pin at start, there were always only emergency calls available. When trying to manually select the mobile service provider and selecting the available networks (Wireless & network-\>More-\>Mobile Networks-\>Mobile Service Provider), there is an error while searching, and when telling the phone to automatically select a network, it says registered in network, but there is still no connection.
Really odd is the fact that when activating the option '2g networks only', the phone is registered in the network of my mobile service provider, but quits after a few seconds.
I got the phone from my MSP, so it's branded. May that be the cause of my problem?
I also noticed that both the Cyanogenmod and the Pacman ROM use the same kernel: 3.0.31/skullface@Ubuntu\_13.04#1. This one is from Cyanogenmod.
Any help is appreciated.
P.S.: Some terms I used may be incorrect because the language on my phone isn't english.

EDIT: I found out that the problem has something to do with a possible netlock on my device, because it askes, when there is the pin code validation disabled, for a code to unlock the sim network. At least that was what some forum threads were suggesting (in german, so I won't post them here).
Normally, this behaviour thus shouldn't occur, because I use the same sim card I used with the stock rom. May it be that my EFS directory is corrupt? (the one which contains the IMEI and stuff)

EDIT: I think one needs to flash the modem, which is possible for example with ODIN. Haven't tried it although.

# Answer
FYI, I found out what the problem was: The stock rom needs to be updated to 4.2 (you can get the official rom here if there is no update available), I think because of the bootloader.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, clockworkmod-recovery, odin, network-signal, pac-rom
---


title: Exiting itself from games

text:
# Question
Title: Exiting itself from games
I have had this phone for a few years now and it has only started doing this a couple of months ago. I downloaded Five Nights at Freddy's 2 Demo (I'm a massive game freak) and after about 2 minutes of opening the app and started playing, it just exited itself to the home screen. This has happened multipule times with clash of clans as well. I really dont know what to do. I have tried turning it off and on again but it didn't work. What should I do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Crashing to the home screen is an indication of the RAM in the device running out, you should try to reduce the amount of programs that are running in RAM and that are on the phone.

---
Tags: motorola-moto-g
---


# Question
Title: When updating an app, is it newly installed or only part of it updated?
While updating an application, is the application newly installed, or only updated-part added to previous application?

Is it possible to download only updated part of the application?

# Answer
This is called "delta update" and Google already does this on Play Store.

> These delta upgrades, which save time and bandwidth when updating larger apps **by only downloading the actual changes (rather than the entire program)**, \[...\]

Emphasis mine.

Basically, instead of downloading the whole package, Play Store will instead only download and apply part of the code that are changed. In the video demonstration on the site, you can see the difference between updating OfficeSuite (whole app) and SwiftKey (only a small part).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, updates
---


# Question
Title: Android Lollipop's notification bar is not transparent in Nexus 4
I had updated my Nexus 4 with Android 5.0 OTA update last week. I observed that the notification bar is not transparent. I see some reviews of Android Lollipop (Nexus 4) in YouTube and as I remembered correctly the notification bar was transparent. Is anybody having the same issue?

# Answer
Compared to Nexus 5, Lollipop stock launcher on Nexus 4 doesn't have transparency on the notification bar.

Instead, the one with transparency is Google Now Launcher (originally known as Google Experience Launcher). After installing the launcher, you can switch between those two from Settings \> Home.

```
Lollipop stock launcher      Lollipop Google Now Launcher

```
> 7 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, 5.0-lollipop, launcher, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: Downgrade to KitKat from CyanogenMod (Lollipop 5.0) on Samsung S5
I installed CyanogenMod (Lollipop 5.0) on my Samsung Galaxy S5, but I want to go back to my original software on KitKat. Can anybody help me please?

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Backup. Always do a nandroid backup (assuming you have CWM or TWRP since you have CM12.)
2. Download the appropiate firmware for your device which can be found here
3. Download Samsung Kies (during installation you will be prompted to install "developer" driver. Accept that.
4. Download odin here and then extract it to a folder of choice
5. Navigate to where you extracted odin and run it as administrator.
6. Now reboot your phone into download mode by first turning off your device completely and then turn it on again using three-button-combo: Volume Down + Home + Power at the same time.
7. If done correctly you should see a screen on your device that looks like this Now connect it using a usb cable to your computer.

After you've done that Odin should look somewhat like this:

Make sure you can see anything on the highlated area. If you cannot see it after 5 minutes you need to go back to step 3.
8. Now click the PDA/AP button and select the downloaded firmware using the window that pops out.
9. Make sure repartition is not checked and click start. Do not touch your device until an indicator says "PASS" or "RESET".
10. If your device is in a bootloop then boot into recovery and do a factory reset.
11. If your device is still in bootloop try again. If it still doesn't work then apply the nandroid backup you made.

**NOTE: While Odin is doing stuff DO NOT UNPLUG THE USB CABLE!**

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 4.4-kitkat, samsung, 5.0-lollipop, downgrade
---


# Question
Title: Bricked my TF300T: How to re-partition internal storage to get it back?
I upgraded to Katkiss's Android 5.0 image. It was nice but in reading I saw I could use the F2FS file system to prevent slowdown from normal usage. So I went to format /data thinking that would give me the F2FS option (instructions were not very clear). The /data format never finished so eventually I restarted. Now it won't boot, which I expected and would just reflash my install zips, but now TWRP recovery cannot mount any directories at all.

TWRP recovery will get into a boot loop but fastboot works so I reflashed TWRP recovery and then recovery works fine. But I can't reset/wipe/mount/etc. anything from within recovery as I just get errors:

```
E:Unable to mount '/data'
E:Block device not present, cannot wipe Data.
E:Unable to mount '/data'
E:Unable to format to remove encryption.
E:Unable to mount '/system'
E:Unable to mount '/cache'
E:Unable to mount '/data'
E:Unable to mount storage.

```

I tried starting ADB sideload. It says using RAM for sideload storage and that it's starting but never starts up. ADB devices list no devices.

Anyone out there have a similar issue? Is there a way to re-partition, maybe using fastboot?

If it would just mount I think I'd just need to format and install the zip files?

# Answer
I thought I could use my nandroid backup to flash system.img, etc. to overwrite what's there but it's one big .win file. So I looked up the fastboot commands anyways and stumbled on an xda thread about un-bricking TF300s where they used fastboot erase on every mount point then fastboot flashed the stock firmware blob file from Asus' support website. Ran perfectly and now I have my tablet back! So all you need is fastboot to go completely back to stock.

To get to fastboot:

1. Shutdown the tablet completely.
2. Hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time.
3. Let go when you see multiple lines of text at the top left and RCK Android Wipe as options.

You are now in fastboot.

To connect using a windows PC:

1. Install Minimal ADB and Fastboot: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42407269#post42407269
2. Install Asus Sync from Asus support website (to get the drivers).
3. Open the Minimal ADB and Fastboot shortcut to open the command prompt.
4. Connect tablet to the PC's USB.
5. The PC should start installing the drivers.
6. In the command prompt type: fastboot devices
7. You should see a bunch of letters and numbers then the word fastboot. You're connected to the tablet now.

In the command window the following commands will erase EVERYTHING from the tablet. I was already unable to use the tablet at this point so I had nothing to lose really.

> fastboot erase system
>
> fastboot erase recovery
>
> fastboot erase userdata
>
> fastboot erase boot
>
> fastboot erase misc
>
> fastboot erase cache
>
> fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash system c:\adb\TF300t\blob (this is my path - your's may vary depending where you stored your blob) ((also this was the first time i saw the loading bar while flashing)\*
>
> fastboot -i 0x0B05 reboot

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2179874&page=19

At this point, for me, the tablet was now completely back to 100% stock like it was just purchased.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: unbricking, fastboot, partitions, twrp
---


# Question
Title: Google account on HTC desire & galaxy tab
just got my new shiny galaxy tab out of the box and am attempting to add the same google account i have setup on my HTC desire. after entering my username and pass, i am given the worded picture that i have to type in(you know the bot check) After i put it in, it says please wait for 2 seconds, and gives me another worded picutre. I've done this 100 times at least, so i couldn't have got it wrong everytime.

is there a reason for why i cannot get past this step? I'm going crazy here!

# Answer
Try changing adding either of the following to your user name and try the CAPTCHA again.

* @googlemail.com
* @gmail.com
> 2 votes

# Answer
Create another account and try logging in with the second account. Perhaps the error is because you're already logged in in another phone.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I just got a windows tablet on black thurs and had the same issue. I currently am logged into Google on my nexus 5 phone and laptop. I downloaded chrome for the tablet because I don't like explorer. logged into Google & was prompted to recover/reset password. No idea why because my password was the same as always. I reset it, then was kicked out of my account on my laptop.. Dist password reset again on the laptop, then logged out of Google on the tablet. Then came the nightmare, my phone kept popping up the password reset prompt in a vicious cycle, it kept popping up so quickly that I couldn't type in the CAPTCHA fast enough. I ended up managing to open my notepad app and copy/pasted my password into the prompt screen. It seriously took like 20 min to do this. I ended up making a whole new Google/gmail account to use specifically on my tablet. I'm ok with this bc I don't need my browser & photos synching anyway, I plan to use the tablet more for general internet browsing and streaming. The only thing I can think of is maybe Google only allows a max of 2 devices logged in at once? it's super annoying if that's true.. I'm going to research more online & will post here if I find any answers.

EDIT: ok so I realize your issue is with an android device not windows, but it may still be the same issue because it involves Google accounts (the fact that one of my devices is windows is prob irrelevant)
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, sync, google-account, samsung-galaxy-tab
---


title: Device detected as "mint"

text:
# Question
Title: Device detected as "mint"
I'm using a xperia sp ( huashan ) device. Recently I read some tutorials and wanted to flash CM 11 M10 into the device. I rooted the device, then backed up the bootloader. Then unlocked it and installed the recovery kernel given in the following url.

Custom Recovery Link

Then I used the following link to install CM11. I downloaded CM Rom from the official website for my device.

CM Installation Tutorial

When I go to CWM Recovery and try to install the zip file, it states the following message and stops the installation process.

> The zip is for devices C5303, C5302
>
> Device detected as 'mint'

I flashed my stock rom again and checked using flashtools the device it recognizes. My device is installed as C5303.

Any idea on fixing this issue.

# Answer
> 2 votes
CyanogenMod - Xperia SP maintainer here. If you are sure about having a Xperia SP then you can safely remove that assert check in the install script of the zip :)

you should have the right prop id so you can continue on with normal releases. i've never seen this issue before.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms, clockworkmod-recovery, cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: Confused by the many locations of the virtual /sdcard/
Some devices (like my Nexus 4) don't have an external slot for an SD Card. Instead, there's a root folder called `/sdcard/` that is treated the same way. But I also find other paths that all point to the same files -- there must be some kind redirects going on (I think this is called *symlinks* in Linux).

All these paths contain the same files:

```
/sdcard/
/storage/sdcard0/
/storage/emulated/0/
/storage/emulated/legacy/

```

Which path is the "actual" one? What about the other paths? What are they used for, why do they exist?

# Answer
Recommended lecture: Why did /sdcard/ turn into /sdcard/0/ with 4.2?.

In short: It has to do with the multi-user functionality introduced with Jelly Bean:

* `/storage/emulated/0/`: to my knowledge, this refers to the "emulated MMC" ("owner part"). Usually this is the internal one. The "0" stands for the user here, "0" is the first user aka device-owner. If you create additional users, this number will increment for each.
* `/storage/emulated/legacy/` as before, but pointing to the part of the currently working user (for the owner, this would be a symlink to `/storage/emulated/0/`). So this path should bring every user to his "part".
* `/sdcard/`: According to a comment by Shywim, this is a symlink to...
    + `/mnt/sdcard` (Android \< 4.0)
    + `/storage/sdcard0` (Android 4.0+)
* `/storage/sdcard0/`: As there's no `legacy` pendant here (see comments below), the "0" in this case rather identifies the device (card) itself. One could, eventually, connect a card reader with another SDCard via OTG, which then would become `/storage/sdcard1` (no proof for that, just a guess -- but I'd say a good one)

Though one might get to the conclusion there should be a `/storage/sdcard/legacy` as well, there isn't (see comments) -- which completely makes sense with my assumption of the numbers here are not related to the user, but rather to possible multiple cards: "0" would always be the one in the card-slot of the device, so no need for a "legacy symlink" here.
> 39 votes

# Answer
Yea a bit confusing but these are alternate paths for the memory layout

/mnt/sdcard0/ (Internal Virtual SD Card)

and Izzy your correct if more devices are connected, but the naming could be different depending on device.

ex. /mnt/sdcard1/ (Physical SD Card in SD slot)

but other devices such as a Usb flash drive connect with an adapter could be called

/mnt/media\_rw/usbdisk (android kitkat 4.4 and above?) or /mnt/usbdisk (jellybean 4.1 - 4.2)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, nexus-4, storage, internal-sd
---


# Question
Title: .thumbdata files maxing out internal SD memory
I have an 8GB Nextbook7 running Android 4.0.4. Recently, I discovered that I have 2 files named .thumbdata3... eating up all my internal space of 5+GB. These files are found in the .thumbnail folder under the DCIM folder. I have read on the internet that these files are produced by Android Gallery, but there is a bug in the OS that causes these files to grow so large and max out all the available internal storage space.

I have tried deleting the files, but they come back. I have tried writing small text files and saving them with the name .thumbdata3... as in the problem files, but that does not work either. I have downloaded an app called Thumbnail file deleter, which deletes the problem files, but the files will rebuild themselves again until the space is maxed out.

Does anyone have a permanent cure to this .thumdata3... problem? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

# Answer
> 8 votes
**If your SD card is using ext4 filesystem**

There is no need to do anything here, since these files, despite reporting massive sizes, actually use very little space, as they are so called "Sparse Files". I left more details on the android ticket about this issue:

http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=39546#c79

**If your SD card is using FAT/exFAT**

Then the problem is real, since FAT has no support for sparse files and their apparent and real sizes would always match. In that case you should resort to trickery described in the other reply - create the folder with the same name as an offending file after removing the file.

This Cyanogen fix sheds some light onto the problem: http://review.cyanogenmod.org/#/c/36850

It looks like .thumbdata3 consists of sequence of records indexed by integer ID associated with a picture (not sure which app is in charge of assigning them). If file is deleted and is being recreated, and the minimum ID is, say, 10000 then 10000 empty records would be skipped over in .thumbdata3 on the assumption that sparse file handling would do its job and these 10000 records would consume no actual space. Except that on FAT there are no sparse file support and you end up with 10000 records worth of zeroes in you file which suddenly becomes couple of Gb big.

# Answer
> -2 votes
Delete the `.thumbnail` folder (this has all the camera caches, and is useless for us), then create a new file called `.thumbnail`.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, internal-storage
---


title: Photos "self deleted" off Galaxy 3

text:
# Question
Title: Photos "self deleted" off Galaxy 3
As I was trying to transfer photos from my galaxy 3 to my mac, one of my albums containing over 1500 pictures deleted itself. I watched the album count slowly decrease. Why did it do this and how do I get the pictures back? The album isn't even in my gallery anymore.

# Answer
Recover images using Data Recovery for Mac

Step 1: Connect SD Card to Mac and Open Data Recovery for Mac Connect your SD card to your Mac either with a card reader or without pulling out from your device. And then run iSkysoft Recovery on your Mac from Application folder or any folder you've installed it to. This SD card recovery application supports all popular files systems on SD cards, including FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, HFS+, and HFSX.

Step 2: Scan lost SD card files In the "Lost Data Recovery" window, choose the drive of your Mac OS X system and click "Scan" on top to start scanning removed files from Trash as well as other locations.

Step 3: Preview and recover SD card files When scanning complete, you will see the window below. On the left is the folder tree, with which you can quickly find lost SD card file if you know the folder name. In the bottom list, click the file to preview and find out whether the file is what you want to recover.

Note : This is paid app there are also also free apps available like mac photo recovery free
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, photos, file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: where can I find information about my phone by imei
where can I find information about my phone by imei? I want to buy a second hand phone, but I heard that many are declared stolen or lost and after you buy it, police will come and take it away. The phone I want to buy is htc sensation with android 2.3

# Answer
> 3 votes
My suggestion is imeidata.net. I've gotten incorrect data from the sites mentioned in other answers.

For example, for my phone, imei.info gives the wrong data:

> Model: Sidekick LX Brand: T-MOBILE

imeidata.net is correct:

```
IMEI: 3536910674xxxxx
Allocating Body: BABT
Type Allocation Code: 35369106
Serial Number: 749450
Luhn Checksum: 9
Manufacturer: SAMSUNG KOREA
Brand: SAMSUNG
Model: SM-G355H

```

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you are looking for details on a given IMEI, you might want to check with a post at XDA-Developers: Here you can find out what the IMEI can tell you:

> 1. The first two numbers is RBI (Reporting Body Identifier) = who registered that type of phone ( verify here )
> 2. The next four numbers is TAC (Type Allocation Code) = what type of unit and its complete specifications
> 3. The next two numbers is FAC (Final Assembly Code) = who manufacture it
> 4. The next six numbers is the Serial Number of the Phone
> 5. The last number is sort of a check sum, that verifies the previous numbers
>
> Combined a total of 15 numbers is used by your network to get the complete information about your phone that is used against their database of Blacklisted phones and final approval to connect to their network, IF they were inaccurate or had complaints (like being stolen, not paid telecoms dues etc) it will be rejected and BLOCKED immediately from connecting to that Network
>
> **You can verify all this by entering you IMEI here and here**
>
> **And also here to check if it is blacklisted**

<sup>(emphasis mine)</sup>

To find out the IMEI of a phone, simply dial `*#06#`.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, hardware, imei
---


title: Connectbot menu on Lollipop

text:
# Question
Title: Connectbot menu on Lollipop
I just upgraded to Lollipop on my Nexus 5 and I use Connectbot a lot. There used to be a menu button, with things like "URL scan" and "Paste". But with Lollipop that menu button is replaced with a button where I can change my keyboard. Totally redundant, since there is already a button for that on the keyboard (or at least, there is with Hackers Keyboard).

So the question is, does anyone know how to get the menu button back?

# Answer
If you press 'back', then the keyboard changer button is replaced by the menu buttom. This is still a bit more complex than what it was in the 4.x times, but should at least allow you to disconnect if you want to avoid e.g. manually detaching your screen, etc.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: USB debugging doesn't work - switches off automatically
I have a Xolo Q800 phone with following specs. I'm trying to connect the device to my Macbook Pro with OS X Mavericks, Android Studio / Eclipse and adb working perfectly.

XOLO Q800 Android 4.2.1 (Upgraded, device came with 4.1.2) Rooted Mediatek MT6589M Chipset Quad-core 1.2 GHz Processor 1GB RAM

Recently I noticed I'm not able to connect this device to any machine as USB Debugging will switch off automatically almost immediately.

Settings \> Development \> USB Debugging. After I switch it on, the device reconnects to the computer but is not detected by adb. On device go back one menu and again in Development, I see USB Debugging as disabled.

It used to work perfectly before as I have used this device earlier for development. Not sure if the update to 4.2.1 broke it as I do not remember any issues after it.

Can anyone please give some pointers here? The manufacturer support is pretty non existing in this matter.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had same issue, if you follow these steps you should be able to see your device.

1. Install SAMSUNG USB Driver v1.5.33.0 from here.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Connect qolo q800 and enable USB debugging.
4. Go to device manager and click on update software
5. Choose browse my computer for software. Then choose 'let me pick'
6. Choose adb interface

Thats it. Open eclipse and make your minimum SDK is 4.2.1(API level 16) or below.

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Tags: usb-debugging
---


# Question
Title: How to fix instant lock “unfortunately com.android.systemui has stopped” on Moto G with ART
I have had this problem for a couple of days on my first-generation Motorola Moto G. Normally a restart would fix it. However now I am faced with the following error message when trying to unlock the phone after a restart:

> Unfortunately the process com.android.systemui has stopped.

The phone has reset the background to the default home screen which disappears when I unlock, going to a black screen. However, it still shows my apps and widgets. Then a second or so later goes back to the unlock screen.

I have tried clearing the cache partition multiple times which has not worked. Ss there any way I can fix this problem without a factory reset, or taking my phone to a phone shop?

---

Some additional information:

* I have been using ART on my phone for the past couple of months, but the problem has only occurred recently
* On boot-up I get the following message:

```
Updating Android. Optimizing app 1 of 1.

```

# Answer
> 3 votes
Sounds like an ART incompatibility. You probably installed an app recently that doesn't work properly with ART. Presumably it added itself to the start-up apps. That's why your UI crashes when booting up. You will have to find a way to either remove the app in question or go back to the Dalvik runtime.

I went through the same ordeal a month ago when I opted to try out ART. Of the various solutions I found on the internet only this one by androidcentral user sajidr worked. I'll quote it here in case the forum post goes down:

> I managed to switch my runtime back to Dalvik. It was painfully slow but in the end I didn't have to do a factory reset.
>
> There's a fraction of a second after unlocking when the screen responds to a touch or swipe. This happens only right after you see the error message popup - "Unfortunately, the process com.android.systemui has stopped". If you do not see this message after unlock then open up the camera from the lock screen & close it.
>
> Next, follow these steps to open up the app drawer - 1. Unlock the phone 2. Once you see the popup "Unfortunately, the process com.android.systemui has stopped", keep tapping on the area where you think the app drawer icon is. At the same time, using another finger click on the OK button of the systemui message box. 3. If your timing's good then once the message box is closed, the app drawer should open. 4. The phone would go back to lock screen but the app drawer would be open. You can validate this by unlocking the phone.
>
> Repeat the above steps to swipe over to your Settings app. Instead of tapping, do short swipes & then click on the message box OK button. Each time the phone would go back to the lock screen but you should be able to slowly navigate over to change your runtime.
>
> Once I got the hang of it, it took me about 15 minutes to go to Settings & change the runtime.
>
> Don't bother trying to uninsintall flipboard from your play store this way. I tried it twice & both times the phone rebooted itself after i clicked the uninstall button.
>
> If your screen layout shifts vertically after the unlock then tap on the area where you first see the icon & not where it moves to after the shift.
>
> Good luck.

Other users have had varying success with booting to safe mode and disabling ART / ART-incompatible apps from there.

You will find more discussion on this issue and possible solutions in these threads:

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Tags: lock-screens, locked-out, motorola-moto-g, art
---