# Question
Title: How to restore OnePlus 3 with possibly corrupted partitions?
I don't remember exactly how, but I think TWRP ended up corrupting some of my phone. Regardless, now when I try booting into a recovery other than the CM14 Recovery, I just get a black screen after the OnePlus logo and nothing happens. I have had other problems too, like `CM Bug Report Has Stopped` every startup and app (un)install. I can also install CM14, which I've done multiple times, but stock OxygenOS will not work, and neither will Open GApps. When I sideload these zips it seems to stop midway anyway.

Just for information, my bootloader is unlocked, I currently have CyanogenMod version `14.1-20161119-NIGHTLY-oneplus3` installed, and I tried using MultiROM before (probably the cause, and I probably won't use it again) mostly as an easy backup/ROM switching system as my main ROM didn't like the MultiROM boot addition.

In an attempt to restore full functionality, I have tried all of the wiping options the CM recovery offers, including formatting the `userdata` partition when it couldn't just wipe it (happened the first time). I also tried the MEGA Unbrick guide, which seemed to have incomplete instructions (or something), but in essence I used `fastboot` to flash the full `.rar` file reformatted as a `.zip` file. This just resulted in a black screen for both the main system and the recovery, so I've given up. **Is there a way to restore my OnePlus 3 to its former glory?**

Also, I had a TWRP backup, which not only could I not use but it got deleted after wiping `/data`, but I do have adb backups (stored on a computer) of everything that I could back up.

Below is pasted a log (`/cache/recovery/last_log`) from trying to install Open GApps:

```
[    0.000988] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[    0.001062] Starting recovery (pid 439) on Thu Feb 12 08:37:15 1970
[    0.001451] recovery filesystem table
[    0.001471] =========================
[    0.001476]   0 /boot emmc /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot 0
[    0.001481]   1 /recovery emmc /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery 0
[    0.001485]   2 /system ext4 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system 0
[    0.001489]   3 /data f2fs /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata -16384
[    0.001493]   4 /data ext4 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata -16384
[    0.001499]   5 /cache f2fs /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/cache 0
[    0.001504]   6 /cache ext4 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/cache 0
[    0.001508]   7 /persist ext4 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist 0
[    0.001512]   8 /dsp ext4 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/dsp 0
[    0.001516]   9 /firmware vfat /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modem 0
[    0.001543]   10 /bt_firmware vfat /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/bluetooth 0
[    0.001547]   11 /misc emmc /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/misc 0
[    0.001553]   12 auto auto /devices/soc/6a00000.ssusb/6a00000.dwc3/xhci-hcd.0.auto/usb* 0
[    0.001557]   13 /tmp ramdisk ramdisk 0
[    0.001561]
[    0.015165] locale is [en_US]
[    0.015213] stage is []
[    0.015249] reason is [(null)]
[    0.015413] I:VoldClient thread starting
[    0.015425] I:Connecting to Vold...
[    1.018640] I:VoldClient initialized, storage is emulated
[    1.018661] cannot find/open a drm device: No such file or directory
[    1.018842] fb0 reports (possibly inaccurate):
[    1.018849]   vi.bits_per_pixel = 32
[    1.018854]   vi.red.offset   =   0   .length =   8
[    1.018859]   vi.green.offset =   8   .length =   8
[    1.018863]   vi.blue.offset  =  16   .length =   8
[    1.028066] framebuffer: 0 (1080 x 1920)
[    1.087024]           erasing_text: en_US (133 x 57 @ 1740)
[    1.092802]        no_command_text: en_US (248 x 57 @ 1740)
[    1.097241]             error_text: en_US (94 x 57 @ 1740)
[    1.359150] I:Detected home key, disabling virtual home button
[    1.359179] I:Detected back key, disabling virtual back button
[    1.359186] I:Detected home key, disabling virtual home button
[    1.367919]        installing_text: en_US (453 x 57 @ 1740)
[    1.372464] Command: "/sbin/recovery"
[    1.372482]
[    1.372661] ro.adb.secure=1
[    1.372953] ro.hwui.texture_cache_size=96
[    1.373118] persist.net.doxlat=true
[    1.373158] debug.gralloc.enable_fb_ubwc=1
[    1.373225] ro.alarm_boot=false
[    1.373551] ro.opengles.version=196610
[    1.373557] ro.sf.lcd_density=480
[    1.373662] camera.hal1.packagelist=com.skype.raider,com.whatsapp,com.tencent.mm,com.google.android.GoogleCamera
[    1.373668] persist.camera.llc=1
[    1.373674] persist.camera.imglib.fddsp=1
[    1.373678] persist.camera.llnoise=1
[    1.373711] ro.min_freq_0=307200
[    1.373716] ro.min_freq_4=307200
[    1.373841] ro.dalvik.vm.native.bridge=0
[    1.373847] dalvik.vm.isa.arm.variant=cortex-a53
[    1.373854] dalvik.vm.isa.arm.features=default
[    1.373858] dalvik.vm.isa.arm64.variant=kryo
[    1.373862] dalvik.vm.isa.arm64.features=default
[    1.373866] dalvik.vm.usejit=true
[    1.373870] dalvik.vm.heapsize=512m
[    1.373876] dalvik.vm.lockprof.threshold=500
[    1.373880] dalvik.vm.dex2oat-Xms=64m
[    1.373884] dalvik.vm.dex2oat-Xmx=512m
[    1.373888] dalvik.vm.heapmaxfree=8m
[    1.373892] dalvik.vm.heapminfree=512k
[    1.373896] dalvik.vm.heapstartsize=8m
[    1.373900] dalvik.vm.appimageformat=lz4
[    1.373904] dalvik.vm.usejitprofiles=true
[    1.373909] dalvik.vm.heapgrowthlimit=256m
[    1.373913] dalvik.vm.stack-trace-file=/data/anr/traces.txt
[    1.373917] dalvik.vm.image-dex2oat-Xms=64m
[    1.373921] dalvik.vm.image-dex2oat-Xmx=64m
[    1.373925] dalvik.vm.heaptargetutilization=0.75
[    1.373930] ro.config.ringtone=Orion.ogg
[    1.373934] ro.config.alarm_alert=Hassium.ogg
[    1.373938] ro.config.notification_sound=Argon.ogg
[    1.373942] config.foss.xml=1
[    1.373946] config.foss.path=/system/etc/FOSSConfig.xml
[    1.373994] ro.build.fingerprint=OnePlus/OnePlus3/OnePlus3:6.0.1/MMB29M/362280:user/release-keys
[    1.374029] vold.has_adoptable=0
[    1.374036] af.fast_track_multiplier=1
[    1.374040] bt.max.hfpclient.connections=1
[    1.374045] pm.dexopt.boot=verify-profile
[    1.374049] pm.dexopt.ab-ota=speed-profile
[    1.374053] pm.dexopt.install=interpret-only
[    1.374057] pm.dexopt.core-app=speed
[    1.374062] pm.dexopt.bg-dexopt=speed-profile
[    1.374066] pm.dexopt.first-boot=interpret-only
[    1.374070] pm.dexopt.shared-apk=speed
[    1.374074] pm.dexopt.nsys-library=speed
[    1.374078] pm.dexopt.forced-dexopt=speed
[    1.374082] ro.am.reschedule_service=true
[    1.374087] ro.cm.build.version.plat.rev=0
[    1.374091] ro.cm.build.version.plat.sdk=7
[    1.374095] ro.cm.device=oneplus3
[    1.374099] ro.cm.display.version=14.1-20161119-NIGHTLY-oneplus3
[    1.374103] ro.cm.version=14.1-20161119-NIGHTLY-oneplus3
[    1.374107] ro.cm.releasetype=NIGHTLY
[    1.374111] ro.qc.sdk.audio.ssr=false
[    1.374115] ro.qc.sdk.audio.fluencetype=fluence
[    1.374120] ro.com.google.clientidbase=android-oneplus
[    1.374124] ro.com.android.dateformat=MM-dd-yyyy
[    1.374128] ro.com.android.dataroaming=false
[    1.374132] ro.com.android.wifi-watchlist=GoogleGuest
[    1.374136] ro.frp.pst=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/config
[    1.374140] ro.gps.agps_provider=1
[    1.374143] ro.nfc.port=I2C
[    1.374147] ro.sys.fw.bg_apps_limit=60
[    1.374151] ro.sys.sdcardfs=true
[    1.374155] ro.url.legal=http://www.google.com/intl/%s/mobile/android/basic/phone-legal.html
[    1.374159] ro.url.legal.android_privacy=http://www.google.com/intl/%s/mobile/android/basic/privacy.html
[    1.374165] ro.boot.mode=recovery
[    1.374169] ro.boot.angela=disabled
[    1.374172] ro.boot.secboot=enabled
[    1.374176] ro.boot.selinux=permissive
[    1.374180] ro.boot.baseband=msm
[    1.374184] ro.boot.ftm_mode=ftm_recovery
[    1.374188] ro.boot.hardware=qcom
[    1.374192] ro.boot.serialno=1bc50b8e
[    1.374196] ro.boot.bootdevice=624000.ufshc
[    1.374200] ro.boot.hw_version=16
[    1.374204] ro.boot.rf_version=31
[    1.374207] ro.boot.veritymode=enforcing
[    1.374211] ro.boot.pcba_number=001580306920032400021546
[    1.374215] ro.boot.startupmode=pon1
[    1.374219] ro.boot.project_name=15801
[    1.374223] ro.boot.enable_dm_verity=1
[    1.374227] ro.boot.verifiedbootstate=orange
[    1.374232] ro.hwui.path_cache_size=39
[    1.374236] ro.hwui.layer_cache_size=64
[    1.374240] ro.hwui.gradient_cache_size=1
[    1.374244] ro.hwui.r_buffer_cache_size=12
[    1.374248] ro.hwui.drop_shadow_cache_size=7
[    1.374252] ro.hwui.text_large_cache_width=3072
[    1.374256] ro.hwui.text_small_cache_width=2048
[    1.374259] ro.hwui.text_large_cache_height=2048
[    1.374263] ro.hwui.text_small_cache_height=2048
[    1.374267] ro.hwui.texture_cache_flushrate=0.4
[    1.374271] ro.qcom.dpps.sensortype=3
[    1.374275] ro.wifi.channels=
[    1.374279] ro.allow.mock.location=0
[    1.374283] ro.board.platform=msm8996
[    1.374287] ro.build.id=NDE63X
[    1.374291] ro.build.date=Fri Nov 18 20:23:23 PST 2016
[    1.374295] ro.build.date.utc=1479529403
[    1.374299] ro.build.host=cyanogenmod
[    1.374303] ro.build.tags=test-keys
[    1.374307] ro.build.type=userdebug
[    1.374310] ro.build.user=jenkins
[    1.374314] ro.build.flavor=cm_oneplus3-userdebug
[    1.374319] ro.build.display.id=OnePlus3-userdebug 7.1 NDE63X b60a451bc0 test-keys
[    1.374323] ro.build.product=OnePlus3
[    1.374327] ro.build.selinux=1
[    1.374332] ro.build.version.sdk=25
[    1.374336] ro.build.version.base_os=
[    1.374340] ro.build.version.release=7.1
[    1.374344] ro.build.version.codename=REL
[    1.374347] ro.build.version.incremental=b60a451bc0
[    1.374351] ro.build.version.preview_sdk=0
[    1.374355] ro.build.version.all_codenames=REL
[    1.374359] ro.build.version.security_patch=2016-11-05
[    1.374363] ro.build.description=OnePlus3-user 6.0.1 MMB29M 24 dev-keys
[    1.374367] ro.build.characteristics=nosdcard
[    1.374371] ro.error.receiver.system.apps=org.cyanogenmod.bugreport
[    1.374379] ro.secure=1
[    1.374384] ro.vendor.extension_library=libqti-perfd-client.so
[    1.374388] ro.zygote=zygote64_32
[    1.374392] ro.carrier=unknown
[    1.374396] ro.cmlegal.url=https://cyngn.com/legal/privacy-policy
[    1.374400] ro.display.series=OnePlus 3
[    1.374404] ro.product.cpu.abi=arm64-v8a
[    1.374407] ro.product.cpu.abilist=arm64-v8a,armeabi-v7a,armeabi
[    1.374411] ro.product.cpu.abilist32=armeabi-v7a,armeabi
[    1.374416] ro.product.cpu.abilist64=arm64-v8a
[    1.374419] ro.product.name=OnePlus3
[    1.374423] ro.product.board=msm8996
[    1.374427] ro.product.brand=OnePlus
[    1.374431] ro.product.model=ONEPLUS A3000
[    1.374435] ro.product.device=OnePlus3
[    1.374439] ro.product.locale=en-US
[    1.374443] ro.product.manufacturer=OnePlus
[    1.374447] ro.product.first_api_level=23
[    1.374451] ro.baseband=msm
[    1.374455] ro.bootmode=recovery
[    1.374459] ro.hardware=qcom
[    1.374463] ro.qualcomm.foss=1
[    1.374467] ro.qualcomm.display.paneltype=1
[    1.374471] ro.revision=0
[    1.374474] ro.serialno=1bc50b8e
[    1.374478] ro.bootimage.build.date=Fri Nov 18 20:23:23 PST 2016
[    1.374482] ro.bootimage.build.date.utc=1479529403
[    1.374486] ro.bootimage.build.fingerprint=OnePlus/OnePlus3/OnePlus3:7.1/NDE63X/b60a451bc0:userdebug/test-keys
[    1.374492] ro.telephony.call_ring.multiple=false
[    1.374496] ro.telephony.default_network=22,22
[    1.374500] ro.bootloader=unknown
[    1.374504] ro.debuggable=1
[    1.374508] ro.modversion=14.1-20161119-NIGHTLY-oneplus3
[    1.374512] ro.recovery_id=0x06d0e22fbde974027d595ec41c6c0dc465f949eb000000000000000000000000
[    1.374516] ro.setupwizard.enterprise_mode=1
[    1.374520] ro.use_data_netmgrd=true
[    1.374524] drm.service.enabled=true
[    1.374528] sdm.debug.disable_rotator_split=1
[    1.374531] sdm.perf_hint_window=50
[    1.374535] use.voice.path.for.pcm.voip=true
[    1.374539] init.svc.adbd=running
[    1.374543] init.svc.vold=running
[    1.374547] init.svc.healthd=running
[    1.374551] init.svc.ueventd=running
[    1.374555] init.svc.recovery=running
[    1.374559] init.svc.setup_adbd=stopped
[    1.374563] qcom.hw.aac.encoder=true
[    1.374567] qcom.bluetooth.soc=rome
[    1.374570] rild.libpath=/vendor/lib64/libril-qc-qmi-1.so
[    1.374574] wifi.interface=wlan0
[    1.374578] audio.safx.pbe.enabled=true
[    1.374582] audio.dolby.ds2.enabled=false
[    1.374586] audio.dolby.ds2.hardbypass=false
[    1.374590] audio.parser.ip.buffer.size=262144
[    1.374594] audio.offload.min.duration.secs=30
[    1.374598] audio.offload.pcm.16bit.enable=false
[    1.374602] audio.offload.pcm.24bit.enable=true
[    1.374606] audio.offload.track.enable=false
[    1.374610] audio.offload.video=true
[    1.374614] audio.offload.buffer.size.kb=32
[    1.374618] audio.offload.gapless.enabled=true
[    1.374621] audio.offload.multiaac.enable=true
[    1.374625] audio.offload.multiple.enabled=true
[    1.374629] audio.offload.passthrough=false
[    1.374633] audio.deep_buffer.media=true
[    1.374637] media.sf.omx-plugin=libffmpeg_omx.so
[    1.374641] media.sf.extractor-plugin=libffmpeg_extractor.so
[    1.374645] media.stagefright.less-secure=true
[    1.374649] media.stagefright.legacyencoder=true
[    1.374653] media.aac_51_output_enabled=true
[    1.374657] tunnel.audio.encode=false
[    1.374661] persist.cne.feature=1
[    1.374665] persist.gps.qc_nlp_in_use=1
[    1.374669] persist.hwc.enable_vds=1
[    1.374672] persist.loc.nlp_name=com.qualcomm.location
[    1.374676] persist.oem.dump=0
[    1.374680] persist.qfp=false
[    1.374684] persist.demo.hdmirotationlock=false
[    1.374688] persist.rild.nitz_plmn=
[    1.374692] persist.rild.nitz_long_ons_0=
[    1.374696] persist.rild.nitz_long_ons_1=
[    1.374700] persist.rild.nitz_long_ons_2=
[    1.374704] persist.rild.nitz_long_ons_3=
[    1.374708] persist.rild.nitz_short_ons_0=
[    1.374711] persist.rild.nitz_short_ons_1=
[    1.374715] persist.rild.nitz_short_ons_2=
[    1.374719] persist.rild.nitz_short_ons_3=
[    1.374723] persist.rmnet.data.enable=true
[    1.374730] persist.timed.enable=true
[    1.374735] persist.volte_enalbed_by_hw=1
[    1.374740] keyguard.no_require_sim=true
[    1.374744] audio_hal.period_size=160
[    1.374748] telephony.lteOnCdmaDevice=1
[    1.374752] DEVICE_PROVISIONED=1
[    1.374816] persist.audio.fluence.speaker=true
[    1.374822] persist.audio.fluence.voicerec=false
[    1.374826] persist.audio.fluence.voicecall=true
[    1.374853] service.adb.root=1
[    1.374858] security.perf_harden=1
[    1.374996] debug.sf.hw=1
[    1.375001] debug.egl.hw=1
[    1.375005] debug.atrace.tags.enableflags=0
[    1.375101] sys.usb.ffs.ready=1
[    1.375154] dev.pm.dyn_samplingrate=1
[    1.375159] net.bt.name=Android
[    1.375164] net.change=net.bt.name
[    1.375169] persist.sys.dun.override=0
[    1.375172] persist.sys.usb.config=none
[    1.375176] persist.sys.wfd.virtual=0
[    1.375181] persist.sys.dalvik.vm.lib.2=libart.so
[    1.375185] persist.sys.root_access=0
[    1.375210] ril.subscription.types=NV,RUIM
[    1.375215] persist.data.df.agg.dl_pkt=10
[    1.375221] persist.data.df.agg.dl_size=4096
[    1.375225] persist.data.df.dl_mode=5
[    1.375229] persist.data.df.ul_mode=5
[    1.375233] persist.data.df.dev_name=rmnet_usb0
[    1.375238] persist.data.df.iwlan_mux=9
[    1.375242] persist.data.df.mux_count=8
[    1.375246] persist.data.qmi.adb_logmask=0
[    1.375250] persist.data.wda.enable=true
[    1.375253] persist.data.mode=concurrent
[    1.375257] persist.data.netmgrd.qos.enable=true
[    1.375261] persist.radio.multisim.config=dsds
[    1.375266] persist.radio.custom_ecc=1
[    1.375270] persist.radio.hw_mbn_update=0
[    1.375274] persist.radio.sib16_support=1
[    1.375278] persist.radio.sw_mbn_update=0
[    1.375282] persist.radio.ignore_dom_time=5
[    1.375286] persist.radio.apm_sim_not_pwdn=1
[    1.375289] persist.radio.data_ltd_sys_ind=1
[    1.375293] persist.radio.start_ota_daemon=1
[    1.375315]
[    1.375397] I:Saving locale "en_US"
[    1.425722] I:setup_vkeys: could not open /sys/board_properties/virtualkeys.tri-state-key
[    1.509687] I:Saving locale "en_US"
[   86.855631] I:setup_vkeys: could not open /sys/board_properties/virtualkeys.gpio-keys
[   87.497436] I:setup_vkeys: could not open /sys/board_properties/virtualkeys.qpnp_pon
[   87.837035] I:setup_vkeys: could not open /sys/board_properties/virtualkeys.synaptics
[   87.947027] I:Saving locale "en_US"
[   89.438899] I:setup_vkeys: could not open /sys/board_properties/virtualkeys.synaptics
[   91.235108]
[   91.235135]
[   91.235141] Now send the package you want to apply
[   91.235148] to the device with "adb sideload <filename>"...
[  391.264669] I:sideload thread finished
[  455.095789] Restarting adbd...
[  455.098014] I:Saving locale "en_US"
[  457.522294]
[  457.522322]
[  457.522328] Now send the package you want to apply
[  457.522335] to the device with "adb sideload <filename>"...
[  465.535129] Finding update package...
[  465.543920] I:Update location: /sideload/package.zip
[  465.543965] Opening update package...
[  465.544578] I:read key e=3 hash=20
[  465.544711] I:read key e=65537 hash=20
[  465.544835] I:read key e=65537 hash=20
[  465.544870] I:3 key(s) loaded from /res/keys
[  465.544900] Verifying update package...
[  465.691321] I:comment is 1357 bytes; signature 1339 bytes from end
[  482.086174] I:signature (offset: 0x79449fc, length: 1333): 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
[  482.086313] I:whole-file signature verified against RSA key 0
[  482.086341] Update package verification took 16.5 s (result 0).
[  482.086402] Installing update...
[  482.086412] E:Failed to find META-INF/com/android/metadata in update package.
[  482.141584] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.141734] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.141741] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.141745]
[  482.141749] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.141753]  extracting: app_densities.txt
[  482.146604] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.146717] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.146724] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.146729]
[  482.146732] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.146737]  extracting: app_sizes.txt
[  482.151480] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.151604] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.151611] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.151616]
[  482.151620] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.151624]  extracting: bkup_tail.sh
[  482.156530] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.156684] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.156696] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.156701]
[  482.156705] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.156709]  extracting: gapps-remove.txt
[  482.161930] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.162055] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.162062] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.162066]
[  482.162070] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.162095]  extracting: g.prop
[  482.167545] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.167666] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.167678] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.167682]
[  482.167687] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.167691]  extracting: installer.sh
[  482.178535] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.178703] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.178709] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.178713]
[  482.178717] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.178721]  extracting: busybox-arm
[  482.186956] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.187081] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.187088] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.187093]
[  482.187097] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.187101]  extracting: tar-arm
[  482.193179] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.193299] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.193306] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.193311]
[  482.193315] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.193319]  extracting: unzip-arm
[  482.199070] __bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
[  482.199189] MiniUnz 1.01b, demo of zLib + Unz package written by Gilles Vollant
[  482.199195] more info at http://www.winimage.com/zLibDll/unzip.html
[  482.199199]
[  482.199203] /sideload/package.zip opened
[  482.199207]  extracting: zip-arm
[  483.658371] mount: mounting /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata on /data failed: Invalid argument
[  483.868727] unknown fuse request opcode 17
[  483.868787] df: /sideload: Function not implemented
[  483.885731] cp: can't create '/sideload/open_gapps_log.txt': Read-only file system
[  488.890148] cp: can't stat '': No such file or directory
[  488.994613] unknown fuse request opcode 17
[  488.994637] df: /sideload: Function not implemented
[  488.995998] cp: can't stat '/sideload/open_gapps_log.txt': No such file or directory
[  488.996844] cp: can't stat '/system/etc/g.prop': No such file or directory
[  488.997573] cp: can't stat '/system/default.prop': No such file or directory
[  488.999141] cp: can't stat '/data/local.prop': No such file or directory
[  489.000750] cp: can't stat '/build.prop': No such file or directory
[  489.001528] cp: can't stat '/system/addon.d/70-gapps.sh': No such file or directory
[  489.028238] logcat read failuretar: can't open '/sideload/open_gapps_debug_logs.tar.gz': Read-only file system
[  489.039148] umount: /data: Invalid argument
[  489.066270] E:Installation error in /sideload/package.zip
[  489.066293] (Status 64)
[  489.074748]
[  491.077467] sideload-host file size 127160119 block size 65536
[  491.077498] sideload_host finished
[  491.082224] I:sideload thread finished
[  491.082279] Restarting adbd...
[  491.082799] Install failedInstallation aborted.
[  491.094032] I:Saving locale "en_US"
[  518.272251] I:Saving locale "en_US"

```

Personally I (ignorantly) wonder if the issue is just with the filesystem table showing `/data` and `/cache` both as `f2fs` and `ext4`, but I have little experience with Linux.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It turns out the version of TWRP I was using from XDA-Developers had issues. I figured out that by using a slightly older version (3.0.3-0) that everything started working properly again. Frankly, I don't know if using the unbrick guide or anything else helped me, so if you have this issue go ahead and try those at some point too.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, unbricking, twrp
---


# Question
Title: Find what app is causing popups, NOT in notification bar
I am getting these popups regularly. **They do not appear in the notification center** so I can't find out what app is causing them. The only app I can think of that I have installed recently, I have already deleted and they still appear. I am using the Nexus 4 Android 4.2.2. None of the ad detector apps have found anything.

How can I determine what is causing this?

Here is a screenshot of an ad, and a screenshot of my task manager immediately after. I am not sure if the app would have to be running to show the ad:

# Answer
> 5 votes
If these popups are appearing in front of other apps, look through your installed apps to find any with the "draw over other apps" permission. Most apps don't have that permission, so this should help to narrow down which one might be the culprit.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If such an advert shows up in my device my approaches would be the following ones. Also, at least a day of yours would be killed in doing so but it would reap good results.

## Use Firewall

1. Install a firewall and restrict everything from connecting to Internet. See Closing internet access for some apps and choose a firewall app.
2. Allow one user app in the firewall to connect to Internet. Use that app and see if the ads popup. If negative, then do it for another app.
3. A firewall should be keeping a log of which app is trying to connect to Internet, so that should help as well.

## Monitor network connections

When that popup shows up, see which apps are connected to Internet. Use an app like OS Monitor. Its **Connection** tab shows all the connected or apps waiting for connection (listening) on a port.

You can use this approach with a firewall. Restrict all those apps which you saw being connected to Internet at the time the ads popup, allow one of the app and use it, and observe if any ads shows up. Similarly, do it for other apps.

This should help in pin-pointing the source. Otherwise, ad blockers are always a choice to use and forget what's causing those popups.

## Kill-all approach

Either manually or using an app or task manager, kill all the user apps running. Launch one of them, use it and see if the ads popup. Do the same for other user apps. Not a very good approach but nevertheless, it may lead you to source.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try using an ad-block app like AdAway or AdBlock Plus . Most of these apps will show which ads were blocked and from where they originated. You can also check this link to know in detail about how to block ads in android

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same problem with my sony aqua and i found a very simple way to find the app that causing the ad all you have to do is when the ad pops up on your screen just hit the recent apps button and you will see what app is causing the ad.. For me it was Bluetooth app sender and i uninstalled it and the ad is gone

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same issue. Found a few suggestions on the Internet, like Trustgo ad detector and air push detector. Installed the trustgo app and it found the problem app in in a second. May be this info might be useful for others facing the same issue

# Answer
> 0 votes
I recently bought a Galaxy S7 Edge. Was getting ADs for Mobile Strike over and over, with sound even when the volume was off. Very frustration. Tried Ad blocker and Malware Bytes. All excellent apps. Nothing worked. Couldn't find the responsible app. Finally had to do a hard reset. That worked.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Had the same problem. Pop up ads even in the middle of playing a game, or just sitting there. I went into setting, and looked at each app. There was an section that says how many megs was used in the last 3 hours. I uninstalled the ones that showed activity in the last 3 hours, no more pop ups! Hope this helps!

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had exacly the same ads you are showing in your screenshot, also apps called Insane Stars and Alarm Clock constantly installing, i looked into services and found and app called 'Tasks' being the culpit. If you dont have a service called Tasks, try to open multitasking while the popup is showing, it will show you the name of the app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Found my apps to be related to skype. Uninstalled and no more pop ups. One of their permissions was to run over other apps thus the pop ups.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Download a terminal application for **Android** and run the following *command*:

> ps

The "ps" command will list all the running processes / apps. Inside there you can see and analyze if a "weird" app is running behind and shows those ads.

---
Tags: ads, overlay
---


title: deleting contacts in watsapp

text:
# Question
Title: deleting contacts in watsapp
If I've deleted a contact from my phone, but they still show in watsapp is this because they haven't deleted me from their phonebook? Also, if messages deliver but are not read, does this mean your blocked? Or is it more likely read receipts are off or your 'muted'? I cant understand how calls are blocked but watsapp messages deliver? Thanks

# Answer
The contact which you deleted from Contacts list might still appear on Whatsapp, if the Contacts list of Whatsapp isn't refreshed. However, on newer versions of Whatsapp, this happens instantly. And no, it has nothing to do with your number being saved on their Contacts list.

Coming to the scenario related to blocking, once you block a contact on Whatsapp, the message is sent from their phone but not delivered to you, in which case they get a single tick, this however stays the same even after you unblock them, i.e. you still wouldn't get their message. This is so because the message sent by them is stored on Whatsapp servers rather than being delivered to you because they were blocked. With calls too, the person who is blocked cannot get their call through to you if they are blocked.

I would like to suggest you to first search for information already present on Google before posting a question.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts
---


# Question
Title: All apps except WhatsApp cannot work on WiFi
I'm having some strange problem with my Sony Xperia SL. I use Virtual Router Manager on my Laptop to connect my mobile to internet over Wi-Fi. Since this morning, none of the apps are connecting to Internet (Play Store, Instagram, Subway Surfers, Browsers, etc.) except WhatsApp.

I've tried resetting Settings on my phone. Also reset the Wi-Fi modem on my Laptop, but still the same. Any solution?

# Answer
Try cleaning cache, e.g. using the All in One Toolbox, then restart your phone.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It's a DNS problem. Try using Google's DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). Some routers let you change DNS settings.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It might be a wrong configuration on Windows Firewall.

1. Open your Windows Firewall in the control panel
2. Check if the firewall is on for Work or Private networks
3. If it is, then turn it off for this firewall

Now you should be able to connect to the internet again.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You may have an incorrect DNS configuration. Check "Obtain a DNS automatically" or use a public DNS.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, sony-xperia
---


title: How do I remove gapps from CyanogenMod

text:
# Question
Title: How do I remove gapps from CyanogenMod
I installed CyanogenMod 11 on my HTC One with CyanogenMod Installer. So I got also the google Apps (gapps) on my device. But I need a CM11 without gapps. I did then the following without success:

1. copy cm-11-20140308-SNAPSHOT-M4-m7.zip to /sdcard/
2. boot to recovery mode -\> recovery -\> ClockworkMod Recovery v6.0.4.6:
3. "wipe data/factory reset"
4. "install zip" choosing the zip-file
5. "reboot system now"

So I got a new CM11 but with gapps still installed.

What should I do in addition to "wipe data/factory reset" to get rid of this apps?

# Answer
The solution for my my problem was:

* Wipe data/factory reset AND
* Clear cache and Dalvik cache AND
* Format system partition

This can be done using ClockworkMod using various menus.
> 22 votes

# Answer
Seems like you *can* remove it without a reinstall

1. `adb shell`
2. `su`
3. `mount -o rw,remount /system`
4. `rm -R /system/addon.d`

Source here : How to fix wrong Google apps
> 7 votes

# Answer
I know this is an old thread but it shows up pretty high on Google and is the only relevant one to my own quest when I was trying to remove Gapps/Google Apps from my phone, so I figured I'd add my two cents.

The above answers **did not work for me**. What I did was the following:

(*WARNING: this may brick some devices!*)

* Forcibly flash a bogus image using a low level flash tool (e.g Androxyde FlashTool) into the phone's system ROM, e.g 10mb worth zeroes should do the trick to overwrite the file allocation table.
* Install recovery if it has been removed by the above operation. You can do this by holding the phone specific button combo to put it in flash mode (e.g power and volume-down), and then flashing the boot.img file that's included in most rom files using the flash tool you used in the previous step.
* Boot into recovery, and install your rom of choice.

This will create a completely *clean* system ROM with *only* the applications included in the ROM itself. If you decide that you want Google apps later after all, just search for 'GApps android' or go to http://opengapps.org .
> 0 votes

# Answer
Wipe your cache partition and wipe your dalvik cache and reinstall.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, google-apps
---


# Question
Title: Why does my internet only work in certain places?
ok so i had this problem for a bout a day ago and i tried to restart the phone and the router and i forgot my wifi and pasword and put it in again and it says im connected but it keeps unconecting and reconnecting but the weird part about it is that everyone in the house is connected and it works for them and the second weird thing about it is that when i go to the living room where the wifi router i can access my instagram and other social media apps but when i head back to my room it doesnt work anymore it wont let me access my instagram or anything else i have to use my brothers hotspot plz help i have a lgk7 plz help ive really tried everything possible but nothing is not working ☹

disclamer: it always worked when i was in my room

# Answer
According to GSMArena, your device (LG K7) uses Wi-Fi `802.11 b/g/n` standards. According to my findings, this standard tends to have limited coverage on some bands.

More explanation on different wifi standards has been described here:

My suspicion is that probably something/someone messed up the router settings to operate on a certain band, perhaps the 5GHz one or another. This normally covers a pretty small area, but is associated with such high speeds and is less congested. On the other hand;

> The shorter waves used by the 5 GHz band makes it less able to penetrate walls and solid objects

I suspect this may be the reason you can't get exclusive connection (instead you get disconnections and reconnections) the moment you move further away from the router.

Consider this illustration:

It gives a clear picture on extent of Wi-Fi coverage on common bands.

It may be the way round that you unknowingly tweaked these specific settings.

**As a workaround** You may need to revert to default configuration either on your router or your device and see if the situation changes.
> 2 votes

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


title: Does Gboard remember what is said?

text:
# Question
Title: Does Gboard remember what is said?
I was using Gboard to write a message (with the microphone message). I said something rude I don't want it to save or repeat in predictions. Does Gboard save what is said anywhere, and if so how do I delete it?

I know some phrases you say to your phone do get stored in your Google Account, but I think this is mainly with "ok google".

By the way, on my phone it's called "Gboard" not Google Keyboard.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Ok, it turns out that it does not only save the audio, it saves the activities you have done on your account in Google activities, so you can keep track of them, and also delete them, selecting one activity after the others. It is like a history of your account

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes, at the end of every mic message the keyboard make a toast appears that says

> Audio saved to *your account*

---
Tags: keyboard, privacy, gboard
---


# Question
Title: Downgrade skype on Android to before Microsoft ruined it
I have downloaded a few apk's from APKmirror

removed skype from my Nexus 5x

`adb install -r -d com.skype.raider_7.34.0.114-119668850_minAPI15\(armeabi-v7a\)\(nodpi\)_apkmirror.com.apk
5486 KB/s (37425319 bytes in 6.661s)
Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_VERSION_DOWNGRADE]`

Is there any way to downgrade without error? I do not like what Microsoft did to skype at all.

# Answer
You should Uninstall the new version before insalling an old version.

But most companies stop supporting old versions after a major change so it can be possible that after some time MicroSoft decides not to support the version then it will force you to install new version
> 1 votes

# Answer
You'll need to enable "install from unknown sources" setting before this works. Also you need to uninstall the latest version first and turn off Google Play autoupdate for this app.

As @deepak pointed out, this may work for sometime until a major change on Skype's backend will start crashing your app or it may start misbehaving.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: apk, skype, downgrade
---


# Question
Title: Cannot get to fastboot/bootloader menu on xiaomi mi5
I have forgotten pattern/passcode for my brand new Xiaomi Mi5. So, I need to do a factory reset to recover the access.

However, when I try to boot to the fastboot/bootloader menu (using power and volume keys, as instructed on other posts), it gets stuck at the screen showing the fastboot logo and a little white animal fixing the little android robot (which appears to be the fastboot logo). No menus are displayed for reset etc. It just doesn't go past this screen.

I've also tried installing the android SDK to try and run commands from PC command line, but -

a) I cannot find the commands

b) The device is not being recognised by the PC. But I'd rather just factory reset manually if possible, cause the SDK way looks complicated.

# Answer
Can't you just use your google account to recover the locked phone? Anyway, if not, keep the device on, the type in cmd `adb devices`

If the device is not displayed you should, in effect, flash a ROM, in order to use it again, if the phone asks for permissions give them to it and do `adb reboot recovery`

Then you can proceed to wipe the data
> 0 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, fastboot, xiaomi, hard-reset
---


# Question
Title: How to boot into emergency mode in LG ( L3 E400)
How can I enter into emergency mode, using adb or command or any application, without pressing down `volume` button. Because, my device's `volume down` button is broken.

# Answer
> 0 votes
After installing appropriate usb drivers, and enabling usb debugging in developer options in your device. Enter this code to reboot in recovery/emergency mode (don't know if that term is specific to your device):

`adb reboot recovery` you should boot into recovery mode.

If successful you should see a number of options:

* reboot system
* apply update from SD card
* apply update from cache
* wipe data/factory reset

try navigating the options with the other vol button and power button as "enter"

---
Tags: rom-flashing, lg, volume-buttons
---


title: Identify spammy application

text:
# Question
Title: Identify spammy application
From time to time I get a window with spam on a Galaxy Tab 3.

If I press multitask key i get the name of the app is "Ads", but i don't have any app called "Ads".

My first question is why after pressing multitask key I cannot long press on the title of the thumbnail of the application to go to the application settings, and reveal its real name? (I can do that in a Nexus 6).

My second question is how to identify this application if I cannot fix previous question.

# Answer
I finally found the answer, you have to enable developer mode for it to work.

Now I can click multitask button, then long press on the name of the app and it will take me to the application settings.

Note: The Galaxy Tab 3 is officially on Android 5.0.1
> 1 votes

---
Tags: spam
---


# Question
Title: Can't get past android initial setup Wizard, after factory reset (Even after waiting over 24 hours)
Currently looking for help because I am truly stumped. Device is a Galaxy J3 Emerge, it was reset to factory default settings. It seems that the password for the Google account was also reset before the factory reset. After researching online, I found out that the if the account password is reset before the factory reset is applied. You will have to wait 24 hours before attempting to sign in again.

So I sat the phone down after reading the message about waiting 24 hours. I left it there for 4 days. Got the error on Sunday, went to work for the entire week and tried again on Thursday. The same message is displayed! Reboot and tried again, still the same message.

# Answer
> 0 votes
dont know if you found an answer yet or not, but i had the same problem with a galaxy player 5.0. Not sure if your solution would be much different, but I downloaded Odin, and flashed the software, and it works perfectly now.

---
Tags: factory-reset, password, setup-wizard
---


# Question
Title: Why does my Samsung Galaxy S6 show more used space?
Recently, I noticed that all my music(copied from my computer) disappeared from my phone. Since I wasn't really listening to it, I figured that I might have accidentally deleted it when I was cleaning some files. However, my phone still shows as much used space as before deleting it. I looked at everything in my phone using my computer and I noticed something very weird: while it says that it has a bit over 23GB of data, all the files in it (including hidden files) amount to 4.69GB.

# Answer
Well since no one was able to say anything I guess I should answer this for someone as clumsy as me.

Apparently, I installed an app and that app "removed" everything. Its removal process is apparently moving the files to a folder called ".removed". Everything was in that folder.

Fixed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: storage, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: Hibernate apps, but have them wake up periodically for a short time
Many of us Android users have probably already heard of Greenify – an app that can automatically hibernate apps as soon as you turn off the screen. That even works while keeping their GCM functionality working – so whenever a cloud message for them comes in, they get awake again.

Unfortunately, that wakeup only works with GCM. Now I want to hibernate a non-GCM app, but have it awaken in intervalls (eg. de-hibernate it all 30 min for 1 min, then auto-hibernate it again).

**Is this possible – and if so, how?**

My device is rooted, the XPosed framework is installed, and available as well – so solutions involving one or more of those criteria are perfectly welcome as well.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Oh well, oh my … question almost included the answer. Still needs some testing (I've just set it up now), using which has a *Greenify* plugin:

> * **Condition:**
>     + *Event › Display › Display Off*
> * **Task:**
>     1. *Task › Wait:* 20 s (just in case)
>     2. *Task › Anchor:* (Name, optional step)
>     3. *Plugin › Greenify › Hibernate:* Pick the app
>     4. *Task › Wait:* 30 min (or however long you want to have the app hibernated)
>     5. *Plugin › Greenify › Wakeup:* Pick the app again¹
>     6. *Task › Goto:* Action Number, 2
> * **Exit Task:**
>     + *Plugin › Greenify › Wakeup:* Pick the app again¹

**Note:** That's how I ***would*** set it up. Had to skip the exit task as *Tasker* won't let me add one. So that's the crux here: I have to trust *Tasker* to restore the "previous state" correctly. If that doesn't work, I'll have to create a second profile for *Event › Display: Display On* (which would, being an *EVENT,* fire when the display will be *turned* on – it's not a state) and have a single task to do what otherwise the exit task would do.

**Note 2:** In order for this to work, you need to add the "target app" to Greenify's hibernation list first (i.e. tell Greenify it should hibernate it when turning the display off). If you don't do that, it won't ever be hibernated at all.

---

¹ if your app doesn't react on the wake-up command, see Xavier's answer for an alternative shell command to try

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found out some of the hibernated apps wouldn't respond to the Greenify *Wake* command, instead I used the `start service` command to "wake" the target application (without opening its UI)

*Profile Context*

* Event › Display › Display Off

*Task*

* Click "+" to add new Action
* Task › Wait: any preset e.g 20s (like above)
* Task › Anchor: (Name, optional step)
* Plugin › Greenify › Hibernate: Pick the app
* Task › Wait: 30 min (or however long you want to have the app hibernated)
* **Code \>\> Run Shell \[ Command (`am startservice -n com.package.name/.service name` , Tick "Use Root"\]**

*NB: service name is just a declared service in Android manifest that starts an application without opening UI i.e in background, there are also tools to use if you're not sure of the service name)*
* Tap back to exit from this task
* Click "+" to add another action
* Task \>\> Goto \[Action Number, 2 (anchor task)\]

Like @Izzy said you can rely on Tasker 'previous state' to reset the config, because adding an exit task is not probable

My workaround simply involves starting the service of the hibernated app (IMO=waking the app) because sometimes the app won't wake up using the Greenify *wake* option as I previously encountered :)

---
Tags: battery-life, automation
---


title: Images in PDF File are distorted

text:
# Question
Title: Images in PDF File are distorted
I have a PDF file, when I open it on my computer (Linux) the Images in the PDF file is displayed properly (Its sharp)

But when I copy the same PDF from the computer to Android device and opened it there,

It looks like this

What can be the reason for this image distortion. What is the difference in opening this in computer and Android?

Any suggestions can lead me to a better search.

# Answer
PDF files are designed to maintain their content across platforms ,be immune to the application or OS

Hence, recommendation was to try alternate PDF app, which worked for OP. Adobe PDF reader used earlier was buggy, it looks like

Here's a list of PDF readers, thanks to izzy
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, images, pdf
---


# Question
Title: Unable to combine desktop icons into a folder on Android 7.0 Asus Zenpad 3s 10
I have previously put an app icon over another (on this Asus Zenpad 3S 10) and a folder was created with both of them inside. Then I was able to put other icons over that folder and they also went inside of it.

However, I now am unable to combine icons into a folder. If I move an icon I want to combine into a folder over another app icon, the other app moves away. It doesn't matter how many times I move one app icon over another, the one I am hovering another app icon over, always goes quickly right or left. Is there some alternate way to combine app icons that doesn't have a bug?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just got mine today and had the same problem. It took a bit of fidgeting, but I figured it out. Drag one of the desired icons to the static toolbar at the bottom and then drag whatever remaining icons you wish to group into that first icon. You kind of have to release immediately so it stays in that "folder" you created. This worked for me, so I hope it works for you.

---
Tags: app-icons
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop the camera from switching back to the launcher?
I am trying to use my camera to record some videos. I have it set up on the tripod and then go and set up whatever I'm shooting and after 2 minutes, the camera always exits and goes back to the launcher screen. So I have to restart the camera again, and then re-do whatever settings I had (like zoom in again). Is there a way to have the camera app just stay open without automatically closing? Thanks.

Edit: I'm using a Samsung Galaxy 7 with the latest OS. And I'm referring to the built-in camera app. (If there's a better alternative, I'd be glad to hear it. I've seen reviews of several but nothing that seemed compelling enough to try.)

# Answer
As an alternative to this answer from beeshyams, if you cannot afford to replace your preferred camera app than try screen pinning that app.

> You can pin an app's screen to keep it in view until you unpin it.
>
> For example, you can pin an app and hand your phone to a friend. With the screen pinned, your friend can use only that app. To use your other apps again, you can unpin the screen.

Alternatively, you can use a kiosk-mode app from Play Store to temporarily restrict usage of the device to your camera app.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Thanks to Izzy's list of camera apps

Open Camera is an excellent *ad - free (FOSS), open source* camera app which has a timer that can be set from **upto 5 minute delay** for both camera and video. And it has voice command activation too !

Other features quoting Izzy

> * Developer is Almalence, known from a set of high quality camera apps (a specialist in this area) which are also available in "free trials" and paid versions on the Playstore.
> * The "full program" would be A Better Camera, which combines his Night Camera, HDR Camera and more ( you can read in reviews and tutorials on Izzy's description )

This app is available at huge discount now !

Tested it and this should solve your problem. Of course, you can try other apps on that list as well
> 2 votes

---
Tags: camera
---


title: MB Data affect on texting

text:
# Question
Title: MB Data affect on texting
I have a Samsung model SM-S120VL phone that I bought through Tracfone. This may be specific to Tracfone, I'm not sure. The problem is at times I can not view text mesages sent to groups and I can not view images sent to me. If I try and send an image in a text the text will time-out and not send. I have correlated these problems with my Tracfone account showing zero in the MB DATA usage available. My son-in-law who is an Android user tells me that MB Data should not have anything to do with text images or my group text problems, so I'm confused. I am thinking about trading in Tracfone as a provider and going with Mobil, though I don't know if I would have the same problems.

Can someone tell me if this is a Tracfone only problem or specific to Android phones?

# Answer
# MMS uses data

The Multimedia Messaging Service uses data. Without data you can't receive or send MMS's. MMS's include photos, videos, audio, or sometimes group texting.

I am also a Trac phone user.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: How does reducing brightness of screen increase battery life?
For all I have heard, reducing the screen brightness of your phone can increase your battery life. Just about every expert in the field agrees to this statement. But today I came across **this article** which kind of raised quite a few questions in my mind. The excerpt from the article in question here is:

> All these screen dimming/color cast applications function in essentially the same way: by overlaying a graphic on the screen to reduce the brightness and/or change the color cast of the screen. Think of it like adding a partially opaque layer to an image in Photoshop. When you tell the Lux application, for example, that you want the screen 50 percent dimmer than the actual hardware in the phone can provide via LED adjustments, the application essentially cheats by layering a gray mask over the screen that decreases the brightness because the screen elements are darker. Other apps like Screen Adjuster, Darker, Easy Eye, Twilight, and even the brightness adjustment function in popular battery-saving app JuiceDefender all work the same way.

1. So if the screen brightness applications (like Lux) only add a partially opaque layer they are essentially not dimming the backlight (*correct me if I am wrong here*) so in turn it would not have any affect in battery life. Right?
2. The article continues saying – *Anything that layers something over the screen in anyway disables the “Install” button as the button is rendered unclickable in order to prevent malicious software from creating a false overlay that leads the user to think an application has a different set of permissions or that the application is an entirely different app altogether*. So does reducing the screen brightness via Settings uses some other technique (probably it actually reduces the backlight)?

# Answer
> 7 votes
I think you've got to differentiate between "software-layers" and "hardware-layers" in the first place. If you put a "display foil" on top of the screen, that will certainly not reduce battery consumption (though it "dims" your display). But if it's a software layer reducing brightness, that's something completely different: How should that be achieved other than reducing the "amount of light *created*"? It's not a "physical layer on top", though it kind-of works like that when it comes to LCDs.***1***

I have no means of proving it "physically", but here are two ways I can imagine***2***:

* reducing light intensity of the "light generators" (LEDs for OLED, or backlight for LCD) by feeding less power to them – which would work for both types of displays, and is the way the actual brightness control works
* altering the color values (e.g. convering "#FFFFFF" to "#DDDDDD", making "white" a "light gray") – primarily working for OLED to "safe power", but ***in theory*** also for displays using differently colored LEDs (or LED arrays) to *compose* the color, ***if such exist3***

As Dan put it1: *Using a filter/overlay like this will make either type of screen look darker, but it'll only reduce power use on OLED screens. On LCD screens, only decreasing the backlight brightness saves power.*

Apart from that, your quotes nowhere state the filters would not affect power consumption in either way.

---

***1*** Following up a discussion in chat between Dan and me, on LCDs it in fact is similar; quoting Dan: *Using a software overlay to darken pixels on an LCD screen won't reduce the power consumption \[… which works\] by putting a transparent grey full-screen window on top of other windows; that's more likely to increase overall power consumption, because you're giving the window compositor more work to do*. Doesn't contradict whith what I wrote, but gives more insight in "applying the right filter to the wrong display type": The same amount of "backlight" is generated, just the crystals (LCD = Liquid Crystal Display) are darker.

***2*** There might be other possibilities which escaped me, so I don't claim the list to be complete. It should give some insight nevertheless.

***3*** There are differently colored LEDs at least for Red, Green, and Blue (read: RGB, so such a combination would cover the full color spectrum), making displays like this *potentially possible* (note I didn't say they already exist!); different colors feature different efficiency – so "red-ifying" the screen would safe power (red-orange LEDs feature the most lumen-per-Watt according to Wikipedia).

# Answer
> 5 votes
Even if that is true, that would not apply to all screens such as an (AM)OLED screen that doesn't use a backlight.

From Wikipedia article on amoled:

> The amount of power the display consumes varies significantly depending on the colour and brightness shown. As an example, one commercial QVGA OLED display consumes 0.3 watts while showing white text on a black background, but more than 0.7 watts showing black text on a white background, while an LCD may consume only a constant 0.35 watts regardless of what is being shown on screen."

Also read the claims on the apps themselves, most don't even claim to effect battery life on other screens

from "Screen Filter" app:

> Applies a shade that acts as a dimmer to ensure your eyes don't hurt. Far more powerful than Android's built-in brightness setting. Great for low-light gaming, web browsing, and eBook reading. It even saves battery life for AMOLED displays!

From "Night Mode" app:

> * If you have an AMOLED display, you can also save battery!

# Answer
> 1 votes
This is an old question, but aside from Dan Hulme's comments it doesn't really have a clear and correct answer.

To the questions in the OP: Yes to both, *if you're using a backlit display*.

There are two very different types of screens in phones: **backlit** and **non-backlit**.

LCD displays are backlit. The backlight brightness is the main factor in screen power consumption, and the image shown on screen doesn't matter. The phone's brightness setting controls the backlight.

OLED displays are non-backlit, as the OLEDs themselves emit light and don't need a separate backlight. An OLED's color output determines its power consumption. The phone's brightness setting is a multiplier for each OLED's brightness.

A screen dimming application puts a transparent black image on top of the user interface, which darkens the color of the display output. If there's a backlight, it won't be dimmed and the power consumption won't change. With an OLED display, the change in color reduces power consumption.

---
Tags: applications, screen-brightness
---


# Question
Title: Volume settings for notifications and ringtone keeps turning on after spam call
Currently running android 7 on an HTC 10, and constantly having spam callers reach my number all day.

Normally when I'm working I have my ringtone and notification volume set to vibrate only. However, whenever a spam or scam caller reaches my number (I don't pick up), the volume for my notifications and ringtone goes back up after the call is declined, so the next scam call blasts my phone at a high volume while I'm working. I've tried blocking the numbers, but these scammers keep calling from different numbers and my phone keeps blasting sounds loudly in the workplace everytime it happens after the first! What can I do about this, or is there a setting that I have not checked?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Never mind, turned out to be the CallBlocker app causing the volume to go back up. Uninstalled that and installed Truecaller instead.

---
Tags: notifications, 7.0-nougat, htc
---


# Question
Title: 'adb backup -apk -shared -all -f "D:\backup.ab' initiates backup, completes, but produces a file that is only 1kb
I'm attempting to backup my old Android device, a Samsung Galaxy S3, so that I can lend it to my friend while his is away at repairs, then restore it when he's done with it.

I have the Samsung USB drivers installed, and the device is recognised.

```
C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools>adb devices
List of devices attached
4df7f9574edecf7f        device

```

I set a developer password, as per this post, which caused the "Backup starting..." to last about 3 seconds longer than before. It completes successfully, then produces a file that is 1kb.

```
C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools>adb backup -all -f D:\backup.ab
Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation.

C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools>

```

Does anybody know what's going on?

Thanks in advance.

# Answer
Try with more parameters, like:

```
adb backup -all -apk -obb -shared -nosystem -f "yourFile.ab"

```

\*Unless you have a rooted phone, I don't recommend `-system`. Use `-nosystem` instead.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup
---


# Question
Title: Why do Android phone manufacturers describe RAM in powers of 1,000 but not 1,024 (as PCs do)?
For PC RAMs, when a manufacturer say they produce a 4GB memory bank, they are producing a memory bank with 4,294,967,296 bytes (4 **GiB**). The same applies to CPU cache, i.e. a CPU with 2MB L3 cache means 2,097,152 bytes (2 **MiB**) of L3 cache.

For hard drives, flash drives (USB drives, SSDs, eMMCs and UFSs) and optical discs (CDs, DVDs and BDs), manufacturers use powers of 103 for B, KB, MB and GB, so a 4GB USB drive has *roughly* 4,000,000,000 bytes.

According to my observation, Android phone manufaturers use the latter kind of units when advertising RAM. That does not sound reasonable to me because PCs' RAMs aren't advertised that way.

**Edit**: I am an experienced Android user. I have investigated the kernel and made sure that other components' sharing RAM does *not* affect my observation.

# Answer
> 1 votes
**tl:dr**: Android memory is more in line with hard disk memory and uses the SI or decimal standards unlike PC memory. Standards support this

---

Basing my answer on What is the advantage to using a factor of 1024 instead of 1000 for disk size units? - Software Engineering Stack Exchange and bringing out only the key aspects. Details can be referred in that question

* In the case of PC's, quoting from the accepted answer **binary** addressing was adopted

> It is kind of convenience and optimization for getting the most usable, addressable space between the **two considerations of addressing and physical platter size**

> The disk drive industry followed a **different** pattern. Industry practice, more thoroughly documented at Timeline of binary prefixes and continuing today, is to specify hard drives using SI prefixes and symbols in their SI or "decimal" interpretation. Unlike binary-addressed computer main memory, there is **nothing in a disk drive that influences it to have a total capacity easily expressed using a power of 1024**.

(Emphasis Supplied)

That explains in brief the reasons for binary and SI

---

**Evolution of Mobile Phones and Standards**

So, *likely reasons* :

* SI standards were automatically applied to mobile memory as they were more viewed as storage elements rather than computational requirements
* Fact that memory was / is not based on platters (see accepted answer ) , adopting binary system made no sense . Instead of having separate nomenclature for storage and RAM, SI units were adopted for both. But in the case of PC's legacy continued, though one could argue that it is incorrect. Mac OS since has since version 10.6 (Mountain Lion in 2011) shown hard drive size using decimal prefixes and continues to do so
* By 1998

> IEC introduces unambiguous prefixes for binary multiples (KiB, MiB, GiB etc.), reserving kB, MB, GB and so on for their decimal sense

* By 2001 Linux Kernel (used in Android) adopted IEC standards

# Answer
> 0 votes
According to Wikipedia:

> The use of gigabyte may be ambiguous. Hard disk capacities as described and marketed by drive manufacturers use the standard metric definition of the gigabyte. Therefore, one gigabyte is 1 000 000 000 bytes(GB).

This is true even for phone manufacturers, in fact just as rjknight pointed out, The RAM marketing strategy is similar to the "hard drive maker conspiracy" story is driven by the fact that manufacturers have no real incentive to switch to binary prefixes, because that would make their drives (RAM in this case) look "smaller".

---

AFAICT, using the **mebibyte (MiB)**, **gibibyte (GiB)** and so on, is a more accurate way of presenting the volume of data stored in these quantities.

**In depth**

> The gibibyte or binary gigabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information . The binary prefix gibi means 2^30 , therefore one gibibyte is equal to 1 073 741 824 bytes = 1024 mebibytes .

These other binary prefixes (kibi, mebi, tebi, etc.) were introduced in an attempt to reduce such confusion, but these prefixes have yet to see widespread adoption.

In PC 2GB of ram refers to gibibytes, not gigabytes. RAM comes in allocation in powers of 2 due to architecture. Memory addressing is done in binary form, this implies it is going to be a power of two.

So, since writing memory addresses in binary always results in a binary number, RAM developers have (almost) always stuck to creating RAM in units of powers of 2, combining individual chips which are (almost) always combining to powers of 2.

Here is another explanation:

> RAM is addressable by an index called an address . The most efficient way to construct this address is as a binary number which corresponds to the physical area on the chip where the byte or word of memory is accessed from. As a matter of efficiency its expensive to check this address for validity (does the address really correspond to a real address?) for every access. The only way to restrict the address range without having to check the value is to allow for every possible combination of bits, but set the exact number of valid bits that are supported for the RAM chip. But that means your range has to be a power of 2.

---

**Mobile phones**

> RAM that is used in smartphones is technically DRAM, with the D standing for dynamic. The structure of DRAM is such that each capacitor on the RAM board stores a bit, and the capacitors leak charge and require constant “refreshing”; thus the “dynamic” nature of the RAM. It also means that the contents of the DRAM module can be changed quickly and easily to store different files.

And as expected, the exact number of bytes in a DRAM module is always an integral power of two.

**Conclusion**

This is is more like a business idea, that takes advantage of confusion regarding the common usage of "gigabyte" instead of "gibibytes" much like ISPs advertise 8Mbps (= 1MBps) as 8MBps, so it needs awareness from end users or customers.

It seems most manufacturers hide under metric system or SI units to "advertise" to the unsuspecting consumers, although in real terms the say what they don't mean.

Acknowledgements

---
Tags: ram, history
---


# Question
Title: Change default music app used by ES File Explorer
I tried to change the default music app executed with ES File Explorer with not success. I tried to clear the data of the app, uninstall and install again and set the default music app with Default App Manager.

Is it possible to set the default music app for ES File Explorer?

# Answer
What's the app that is currently launched when you open a music for in ES? Find that app in the Settings \> Apps and tap on Clear defaults (not Clear data). Note that you need to clear defaults on the music player app, not on ES File Explorer.

Alternatively, you can go to ES Settings (open ES, then tap on the icon to the left of the current folder path, then tap on Settings on the bottom) \> Cleanup settings \> Clear defaults.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Steps to change default music player

Select Mp3 file\>tap and open as \>\>Select app to open mp3\>\> Tick Set as default .

Attached \>Gif
> 0 votes

---
Tags: default-applications, es-file-explorer
---


# Question
Title: What's the difference between the LG G6 model numbers h870, h870s, h870k and h870v?
I am considering to buy a LG G6. I am living in Germany and when I did some research, I found that the model number of the G6 version sold in Europe is 'h870'. But I also found that there are the model numbers 'h870s', 'h870k' and 'h870v' out there. As I wasn't able to find any difference between those four on the web, I wanted to ask if anyone could please help me with this and point out the differences (if there are any).

**EDIT** Apparently there was a typo in one of my sources and there isn't a V model but a L model. https://www.techwalls.com/lg-g6-model-numbers-differences/

# Answer
> 0 votes
Suffix variants are meant for different regions and carriers around the world, mostly for support of different regional LTE bands.

From PDAdb: H870 supports 14 bands; H870S supports 8; H870K only supports 5. I don't see a "V" variant listed (it's against the naming norm of LG, actually).

AFAIK, Europe uses LTE Band 20 primarily, so both H870 and H870S should do the job locally just fine, but considering international roaming capabilities, H870 is the one you want to get if you do have the money to shell out (EU variants are almost always the most expensive).

**One more thing**: if you want to tinker with the phone at all (even just rooting, even not immediately), buy the EU variant without hesitation. Only EU (H870) and US Open (US997) variants will ever get official bootloader unlock from LG - not even the Australian variant (which also bears H870 with no suffix).

---
Tags: lg
---


# Question
Title: Delete search history from android settings app
In Android, it's possible to search for a specific setting by tapping the magnifying glass icon at the top right corner of the Settings app and typing. However, I haven't found a way to remove earlier search queries.

There is a question how to clear this but it only works until android 6 marshmallow.

Is there a way to clear the search history, or, better, to remove a specific search in android 7 nougat?

I can't find search\_index.db in the data folder of settings app. Where is this located now? I know it can be fixed by clearing data of settings app but I want to find the location of the search\_index.db

# Answer
You can delete the files "search\_index.db" and "search\_index.db-journal" located in, data/user\_de/0/com.android.settings/databases/
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, search, search-history
---


# Question
Title: Migrate Between Different Phones with Apps & Data on MicroSDHC
*Attempting my first migration between two phones with different Android versions has got me very confused.*

All my apps and data are currently working and complete on an Android 4.4 phone. Internal storage has the core system plus Google apps while all remaining is on a MicroSDHC card. This includes everything that must be transferred intact to a new phone.

Just got a new phone with Android 7.0 in a factory-clean state. There is nothing of value yet on this phone, so it is OK if the process resets and otherwise destroys anything on it. What I am so far not able to do is get the apps and data of the old phone onto the new one.

When installing the phone with the *Copy from Other Android Device* option, my contacts, calendar and Hangouts get copied but pretty much nothing else. Even if I install an app which existing on the old phone into the new one, it appears blank despite having selected to *Save and Restore App Data* in the *Backup & Reset* settings of *both* phones.

One would have expected to be able to just insert the MicroSDHC card from the old phone, which contains all apps and data that matters, into the new one but it just does not work. The new phone offers the option to *Format* or *Format as Internal Storage* the card or to use it for photos (not sure of the exact wording right now). Of course, any type of formatting would obliterate the data which is desired but then how do I get the new phone to use the card with its current apps and data?

Is there a way I can *convert* rather than *format* the card? The point of having an SDHC card and to place all apps and data on it was, after all, to be able to port this but I have no idea how to get it to work between these two versions of Android.

**How can I ensure that apps and data from an Android 4.4 phone get migrated to a 7.0 one?**

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is not the Symbian era anymore, where you can have all data on an external storage and move it freely. App data resides in `/data/data` (which you can't access without root access) in *internal storage*, even if you have the apps themselves moved to SD card.

Move non-app data (e.g. media files, documents) off your SD card, have it formatted, then move them back. The card is then ready to be used as a storage only - most if not all Android 7.x phones do not offer the "move apps to SD" option anymore.

As of app data, use apps like Titanium Backup (root required) or Helium (no root required) to back them up on the old device and restore them on the new.

**Note to others:** it's been a while since I conducted cross-major-version backups myself (I usually wipe clean and start over), and specifically I've never used Google's cloud backup solution. Feel free to point out mistakes or make edits.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, 7.0-nougat, data-transfer, device-migration
---


# Question
Title: How do I reset my phone without losing everything?
I have an Alcatel Dawn phone and it's lagging and turning on and off. I want to reset it but I will lose my photos and contacts. I don't have an SD card. I don't know which one I should buy or where I can get one for my phone. It didn't come in the box with the phone. How do I reset my phone without losing everything since I don't have on SD card?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This part I have done successfully. Unless you are planning to change accounts, you do not have to do anything with your contacts. A a safety net, you can Export them from Gmail on a computer by going into Contacts, Selecting All (Top box with a checkbox) and selecting *Export* from the *More* menu. This will let you even import than into a new account.

Images are even easier to deal with. When you connect your phone to a computer via USB cable, a device or drive (depending on the OS) will appear and you can go into the DCIM folder and copy its contents onto your computer.

After your phone is reset, you can copy back the content of DCIM into the new empty DCIM folder of the phone. Logging in to the same account will retrieve your contacts from Google. If not, you can use the export file (obtained as above) and import them back. If this does not automatically happen on your phone, go into settings and enable Sync for Contacts.

---
Tags: sd-card
---


title: GT-P5210 bootloop

text:
# Question
Title: GT-P5210 bootloop
I've been trying to root my Galaxy tab 3 (i think 4.2.2) for a while and recently did it. But after I installed supersu from TWRP, my tab wouldn't boot normally and would keep looping. I tried flashing the firmware back and rooting it again but it didn't do anything. I appreciate any ideas.

# Answer
> 0 votes
SuperSU sometime gives many bootloops while booting first time. But if it is in bootloop for a long long time then apparantly you have flashed a wrong version.

I will recommend you to flash MagiskSU . It works every time for me.

---
Tags: root-access, boot-loop, samsung-galaxy-tab-3-10.1
---


# Question
Title: When I call, I dont want other party to record my voice.How can I do that?
When I call, I don't want other party to record my voice. How can I do that?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can't do anything about it but as a precaution you can follow some tips

* Do not use cellular calls for such sensitive calls because call recording for such calls is easily available and some OEM such as Xiomi have default settings for do so.

Not to mention bug is SS7 protocol for cellular communications.

* Use some other method for call like skype, whatsapp or hangout.

I have not seen any method to record these calls but this is not a full proof solution just a precaution. He can easily record it via putting call on loudspeaker and recording it form another device.

But you will be alert if someone does this because there will be echo of your own voice on loudspeaker.

---
Tags: call-recording
---


title: How to reset mobile fingerprint

text:
# Question
Title: How to reset mobile fingerprint
How to reset mobile fingerprint?

**Mobile Model : Lenovo vibe P1**

# Answer
> 1 votes
Unlock the phone with security pin then go to settings \> lockscreen \> manage fingerprints

Input your security pin again and then delete all registered fingerprints.

---
Tags: lenovo, fingerprint
---


# Question
Title: If I have to accept new terms, where I can read them up?
My favorite example for this is whatsapp.

Somewhat around May 2014 I got notified that terms had been changed and that I have to accept them and update whatsapp.

Since this was just some days after facebook bought whatsapp I tried to read these terms I had to accept.

But there was no link in the message or any info about where to read them up.

So I used the links in the playstore refering to the terms of use, which linked to:

https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/

The funny thing is, even today (March 17th, 2016) the bottom line still states:

> Date Last Modified:
>
> This Privacy Notice was last modified July 7th, 2012

So in the playstore of whats app it isn't even linking to a changed version. but since 1 billion people accepted the change of terms, I'm curious am I the only one of 1billion users who would like to know what he has accepted?

Or am I the only one who is just to stupid to find the changed version everyone else accepted?

---

A little update on my request to the support.

After sending the mail about 1 week ago, I got now an answer in which I get explained that the issues I'm experiencing are caused by my device since it isn't supported and I should consider switching to an supported device.

So it looks like they are ignoring my request about it totally... even for an automated answer its rude to let me wait a week. any ideas where else to take the request? They actually answered me that "the issues I'm experiencing" are due to my not supported device.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For the case of Whatsapp, I can say today, that they simply made it not easy accessible to read up their terms of service. They had as stated in OP not updated the terms of service for more than 4 years while not making them publicly available. The linked side got updated once last year. But still Whatsapp expects you to accept their "recent changes in terms of service", leaving you without any clue where they are published.

Lets see if they will maintain it now or that source will be outdated soonish again.

---
Tags: google-play-store, whatsapp-messenger, privacy
---


title: Losing phone numbers (and addresses)

text:
# Question
Title: Losing phone numbers (and addresses)
FWIW: I'm running Android 6.0.1 on an LGLS450. I'm a software engineer but as far as android is concerned, I wish to be a naive user.

I use the keypad to manually enter and call a phone number. Then, still in the phone app, I save that number into my contacts list (adding a name, etc). But the newly entered information never shows up in the "Contacts" list on the phone app. The only place I can find the new contact is via the text messaging application when autofilling the To: field there.

There must be multiple places that the address book is stored and the phone is mis-set. For the record - I could care less about my google account and I don't use gmail. I want the information stored on my phone. But obviously that isn't working and the phone and text apps are looking in different places. For that matter, the phone app seems to be writing one place and reading another.

How do I fix this? I've not found anything in Settings.

Thanks in advance.

Craig

# Answer
> 1 votes
Go to your contacts app and from the overflow or 3 buttons menu on to right

Settings → display options → all (in OP's case it was set to Gmail which is not used by them )

Or the options could be , as on my device

Contacts to display → select all

---
Tags: contacts
---


title: What is the .android_secure Folder?

text:
# Question
Title: What is the .android_secure Folder?
On my currently working Android 4.4 phone, much of my apps and data is on a MicroSDHC card and I am trying to find what to preserve and port to a new phone. As I am trying to move from an old phone to a new one and had not anticipating significant changes in behavior, I am rather confused on how to proceed and am entirely unprepared.

When reading the MicroSDHC card outside of the phone via a dedicated card reader there is a folder called .android\_secure with 18 files all with .asec extension. What are those files? And can they be used somehow to help migrate to a new Android 7.0 phone?

Note that when *mounting the phone*, all the folders in the MicroSDHC card appear *except* for that one, so you have to read the card externally to see it.

*This is about the concept of the folder which you can only figure out that it is for applications if you know already the answer.*

# Answer
> 7 votes
* `android_secure` folder contains those apps which you have moved to external SD. Files inside them would have `.asec` extension
* Android 6.0 upwards don't allow you to move apps to external SD as you have been doing. They use wherein the external SD card and internal storage are merged to create a bigger storage. You can read more in adoptable-storage tag wiki. This folder is of no use to you in migrating , since the concept is different ( best is to restore all apps to internal storage before attempting backup )
* Coming to the migration of apps and data,

+ If your device is not rooted, it is not *easy or guaranteed* to work since you are jumping across two versions ( this could be a separate question )
    + If your device is rooted , or backup would help

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, sd-card, data-recovery
---


title: Dvorak keyboard layout on stock Android

text:
# Question
Title: Dvorak keyboard layout on stock Android
I just updated my Nexus 7 to Jelly-Bean 4.2, and it has the swipe keyboard which is awesome. I want to keep this feature of the stock android keyboard, but with the Dvorak keyboard layout. Is this possible?

I'm NOT looking for a replacement. I like the built in keyboard, I just am wondering if it's possible to change the stock keyboard layout.

Also, if it's easy to switch between Dvorak and qwerty that's preferable :-)

# Answer
This is supported in stock android.

Settings -\> Languages & Input -\> Android Keyboard (Settings icon) -\> Advanced settings -\> Custom input styles -\> Add style -\> Set Language & Layout

Then to activate this style, go back to the keyboard settings and go to the input languages and uncheck "use system language" then check the languages you want. :-)
> 9 votes

# Answer
I believe it is possible. Choose the layout from SETTINGS \> LANGUAGE AND INPUT and the settings button on the side of the ANdroid keyboard.

You might also try long-pressing the SPACE bar on the keyboard.

This page does mention that Jelly Bean has in-built support for DVORAK.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Currently, Settings -\> Language and input -\> Google keyboard -\> Preferences -\> Custom input styles

Select language of choice and Dvorak

Then Settings -\> Language and input -\> Google keyboard -\> Languages

Turn of system default

Select English(US) Dvorak or similar
> 0 votes

# Answer
Too bad that there seems to be support for that one US English Dvorak layout only.

I'd find other options such as right-hand / left-hand Dvorak or the German or Swedish Dvorak flavors useful and interesting... But they don't seem to exist natively, even with my 7.0 version.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, stock-android
---


# Question
Title: Map Whatsapp media to external SD on rooted Lollipop
I've wanted to create a symlink from the Whatsapp media folder on internal storage to external. So I installed FolderMount from XDA, which is claimed to work. Instead, what I've seen is that Whatsapp is unable to write to the new location on the external SD card. When I click on a picture or other media file sent by someone, it downloads it but the blurred thumbnail persists, and when you click on it, it says 'the file was not found on SD Card' or similar. Does Lollipop deny writing to the external card for apps somehow? The other option I've used is Link2SD to a separate internal partition, but that doesn't work well with Whatsapp either.

Do I need to make sure I'm mapping the actual path to the internal/external storages and not symlinks/aliases, and in that case what would the actual path be?

# Answer
Symlink should work
Run `ln -s /ext/directly /ext/dir/no/fat`
> -3 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, whatsapp-messenger, 5.1-lollipop, link2sd
---


# Question
Title: How do I get my phone to ring on a calendar notification?
I'm always missing appointments because the event notifications in Calendar app are so pathetic.

I when its time to leave for an appointment, I want my phone to ring as loud as possible as if I'm getting a phone call, and to continue ringing until I turn it off.

Is there any app/SaaS for this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There are apps available ( listed at end ) but IMO , is the preferred way for this since :

* You are looking for *conditional* actions
* Customisation options to suit individual needs

I prefer using Macrodroid automation app because it's free ( upto 5 macros ) and very easy to learn

---

You would need two macros for this

(Triggers / Actions / Constraints are added by **`+`** on the right side of each panel )

**Logic:**

* *Ring on Calendar Notif Macro :* Whenever you get a notification from your calendar app, alert you with a non - stop ringing , at a volume level and sound customised by you
* *Stop Ringing Macro :* *Manually* stop the ringing using a widget on your home screen and set the Volume levels to what you would prefer in your normal device usage

Barebone implementation of this logic is implemented in Macros below. You can customise it later by experimenting

---

**Don't** get intimidated by the long explanation - it's detailed so that you don't waste time setting it up ; shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes to set up :)

**Ring on Calendar Notif** Macro

* **Trigger:** Notification Received → Select your calendar app → Text → Any
* **Actions**
* Set Macrodroid Variable → New Variable → Stop Ringing , Type *Boolean* → Set it to *false* (initialising variable that controls when to stop / start ringing )
* Repeat Actions ( second item on drop down when you press the plus sign on action panel ) → While condition repeat → Conditions **`+`** → Macrodroid Variable → Stop Ringing →`OK` → Select *False* and `OK`

This creates a while / do loop wherein we want you to be sued when notification arrives something to be done when . You see now a WHILE / DO - End Loop created . Tap the *End Loop* and you will get a pop up *Add action above*. Tap that and add actions below

* Volume Change → select *Media / Music* and set slider to say maximum % tap `OK`
* Play → select any sound from drop down list
* Wait before next action → set it to 2 seconds

**Constraints:** Leave blank

**Stop Ringing** Macro

* **Trigger:** Empty Trigger

**Actions**

* Set Macrodroid Variable Stop Ringing to *True*
* Volume Change - set the Volume levels you normally have on your device

**Constraints:** Leave blank

Go to the widgets section of your launcher , drag and drop Macrodroid widget to your home screen and assign it to Stop Ringing macro

**Alternative app option**

> With this simple app you can override or replace default reminder with "unmissable" ones - they will ring like phone call how long you want, with melody you want!

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you want a simple solution, you could use Llama. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kebab.Llama

It's an old app but very simple and powerful.

Give access to your notification by activating Llama in Accessibility settings of your phone.

* Create an event with condition as **app notification bar icon** of your calendar app
* Add action to that event as **play a sound** and choose a sound

That's it. Test the actions once and you are good to go.

*And not to forget, this app has no ads. It has no internet access at all. Salute the developer!*

---
Tags: notifications, ringtone
---


# Question
Title: Does putting an unlocked phone on a no-contract plan lock the phone in any way?
I bought a factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy S5 from eBay recently, and signed up with Ting. (Was on Virgin Mobile with a different phone, switched carriers and phones at the same time)

When you're bringing your own device, Ting does ask for the IMEI to do a compatibility check, to make sure the phone will work on their networks (T-Mobile and Sprint), but it's optional, and after that, they only ask for your info and the Ting SIM card info (if you got one, which I did).

So I'm wondering: is my phone now locked to Ting or something similar?

# Answer
No one locks your phone when you haven't purchased it from them with a contract - your S5 will stay unlocked when you use it with Ting or anyone else.

Of course, different carriers do need different APN settings etc. which will overwrite the existing ones in the phone - but this should normally happen automatically when you insert the new SIM. If not, then you might need to search for the carrier settings and do this manually (trivial to do anyway).

As for the IMEI check done by Ting, that is because in some cases phones may be banned from the network they're using (reported as lost, having an unpaid balance etc.) and in that case the IMEI gets blacklisted, which 3rd party resellers can't do anything about.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-5, sim-unlocking
---


title: Nova Launcher Google search bar

text:
# Question
Title: Nova Launcher Google search bar
I just upgraded phone and reinstalled Nova Launcher. I inadvertently deleted the single page, customizable search bar on my home page. I don't want a persistent search bar. I can't get a single, customizable bar on my home page. I can add a single bar as a widget but it doesn't customize when I try and change the settings in Nova. Or I can add a customized but PERSISTENT search bar thru Nova. What am I missing? Thanks.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Add a search bar widget, but don't use the one supplied by Google Search (which is fixed-style) - instead, Nova itself offers the customizable one you're looking for, under Nova Launcher - Quick Search Bar.

This search bar shares its customization options with the persistent one, under Nova Settings - Desktop - Search bar.

---
Tags: google
---


# Question
Title: How to put a big message on my home and lock screen?
I want to put a big message on my home and lock screen. Something like "don't screw up your diet". You get the idea. How can I do that?

# Answer
> 3 votes
One way is to just make an image of your wallpaper with the words printed on it and then select the new image as your wallpaper. Like this:

# Answer
> -1 votes
In the lock screen you can put a message in **Settings-\>LockScreen and Security-\>LockScreen Message**. This way is in my Xperia M5 Android 6.0 but is similar in other phones or android versions

# Answer
> -1 votes
Go to settings\> lock screen and then there will be a option to add text on the lock screen!

---
Tags: lock-screens, home-screen
---


# Question
Title: Set different volumes for different alarms
Is there any way to set a different volume for every alarm? Samsung has had such a feature for ages, but is it possible to do something similar on a stock rom?

Third party apps don't seem to be able to do it.

Two workarounds possible include - a) Using tasker to change the alarm volume before and after that particular alarm

b) Increasing/decreasing the volume of each and every alarm tone to something "louder" and something "softer", then copying these new alarm sounds to sd card/alarms

Both are significantly tedious as compared to Samsung's method.

I also have root access, if it helps.

Edit - I'm running marshmallow 6.0.1

# Answer
> 0 votes
I would recommend editing the ringtone files, because you don't even need to leave your Android in order to do it.

Searching the Play Store, I've found 2 apps in question that claim to adjust volume on .ogg and mp3 files:

1. MP3 Gain - Play Store
2. MP3/OGG Volume Booster - Play Store

Hope one of these do the trick for ya. I love the Tasker idea (I use Tasker in many hackish ways that would be considered unorthodox haha)

Anyway, hope this helps

# Answer
> 0 votes
Check my app on Android playstore - Alarm + Task Logger FREE

You can customize seperate volume, ringtone, volume fade-in(volume build up time) for each alarm.

---
Tags: root-access, alarm
---


# Question
Title: Disabling double-tap to edit on Google Docs
I frequently use Google Docs for school revision on-the-go, and I have to scroll down pages of course material when reading. Sometimes, I accidentally double-tap the page and this triggers the app to go into editing mode; this brings up the keyboard as well and is quite vexing, the only way to switch back to viewing mode is to either press the  (back) button or the tick symbol on the top-left corner.

I can't find the setting of this in Google Drive and in Google Docs, I searched the Internet and found nothing.

How do I disable this feature?

# Answer
> 0 votes
**As of 20-07-2017, this feature is not available at this point in time.**

---
Tags: google-drive
---


# Question
Title: How can I access my files on Galaxy J1 Ace? (restore "My Files" icon)
At the moment, I can only access the files stored on my phone from the PC. I can access some music through players and pictures through gallery, but any other files that are there are hidden. Reading the manual, I realized this would normally be accessed through "`My Files`" - only... I don't have that icon anywhere. If it was there initially, I must have accidentally deleted it during the very first couple of minutes of having the phone and getting used to it. I hope such a thing is not irreversible? If I download something from the web, the download icon will show and then I am redirected to My Files, so they do exist, only the icon has gone and I don't know how to restore it or how else I can access the files without having to newly download something each time.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Did you try a third-party app? Some phones appears to have no file manager/explorer at all. To achieve this just install a third-party file explorer and you're done or if you think your phone had it before, you'll need to factory reset it then the icon will be back.

I'd recommend you to download ES Explorerbut there are many other similar apps in the Google Play store.

---
Tags: app-icons, samsung-galaxy-j1, my-files
---