# Question
Title: Ad blocking without rooting, OR low-risk rooting
I have previously nervously rooted phones I've owned (Samsung S2, S3) as I wanted to be able to use AdAway ad-blocker, effective not just in browsers (e.g. AdBlocker) but also in other apps. I say nervously because I always found the mode in which these modified ROMs are offered (websites such as XDA developers) a bit dodgy/flimsy. Nevertheless, this has worked well in the past, but I am aware that I might just have been lucky, as those forums abound with bad experiences, i.e. bricked phones, or at the very least tons of wasted time trying to at least make your phone work again even in its stock let alone rooted firmware.

Now I have a new phone, the most expensive I've owned so far (S7 Edge), and browsing these same websites again, I feel just as edgy performing this risky operation. For instance, the S7 Edge section of the XDA-devs website has several rooted ROMs available, however without spending hours and hours it is not obvious what the differences between them are. To name, just a few doubts:

1) how are 'recovery' firmwares different from ones just called 'Kernel' or 'ROM'?

2) in what way does each of those ROMs differ from the CyanogenMod, which I've happily used in the past but for which there is no S7 Edge version released from what I can see? Incidentally, I used Odin to install CyanogenMod on my old phones, rather than a 'recovery'.

3) are there major differences in how the S7 Edge will operate with such a rooted firmware/ROM as compared to the stock one? Specifically, will it be any more vulnerable to exploits etc, given that no-one can really tell whether these ROMs have e.g. built-in trojans?

Given all these concerns about Android rooting, is there any way that adblocking can be performed without rooting? If not, what is the least-intrusive and least-risky way to root an Android (in this case an S7 Edge)?

# Answer
It would be better if you split your question into three individual questions, but since they are linked to each other, I'll answer them here for you.

> 1) How are 'recovery' firmwares different from ones just called 'Kernel' or 'ROM'?

They refer to different things altogether.

**Recovery** :

Recovery refers to the dedicated, bootable partition that has the recovery console installed. A combination of key presses (usually power + volume up) or instructions from a command line, will boot your phone to recovery, where you can find tools to help repair (recover) your installation, install official OS updates and/or custom ROMs and other stuff.

Recovery firmwares contain a custom recovery file that enables you to do a lot more additional things than what the stock recovery offers. This can include options to re-root your device, a file browser to browse through your files, format individual partitions and more.

**Kernel** :

Kernel is the core of the operating system that handles requests to and from the hardware, memory and process management and all the low-level stuff that is necessary for Android to be able to run. It is based on the Linux kernel with a few modifications to suit it to Android versions.

Kernel firmwares contain a kernel that, when installed, replaces the existing kernel and modifies the low level stuff in order to tweak the software to make better use of the hardware. Better battery life, higher performance, increased signal reception, etc. are some things a custom kernel can do.

**ROM** :

A custom ROM replaces your device's Android operating system — normally stored in read-only memory — with a new or modified version of the Android operating system. A popular custom ROM is CyanogenMod, which gives you a host of new options as compared to the original firmware.

ROMs may contain a different Android system altogether or might also include a kernel and/or a recovery. It's best to read the OP on those threads to find out what it contains.

> 2) In what way does each of those ROMs differ from the CyanogenMod, which I've happily used in the past but for which there is no S7 Edge version released from what I can see? Incidentally, I used Odin to install CyanogenMod on my old phones, rather than a 'recovery'.

This is subjective to the ROM you are referring to. Some ROMs use the RRO-Layers engine for theming, while others use the CyanogenMod theme engine. Some ROMs might have additional features over those present in CyanogenMod, others might have a different user interface altogether.

As to the unavailability of an S7 Edge version of CyanogenMod, this is because official builds aren't made yet or are in the works.

> 3) Are there major differences in how the S7 Edge will operate with such a rooted firmware/ROM as compared to the stock one? Specifically, will it be any more vulnerable to exploits etc, given that no-one can really tell whether these ROMs have e.g. built-in trojans?

Again, these are subjective to the ROM you choose. Basically, some offer better performance, others offer better battery life, and a few more offer a mix of the two. It depends on which ROM you choose.

There are a few ROMs that might be more vulnerable to exploits than others. Therefore, it is recommended to go for an official build of a popular custom ROM, as they are tested and checked so that they would not contain malware.

> Given all these concerns about Android rooting, is there any way that ad-blocking can be performed without rooting?

As @xangua said, Adblock Plus will filter WiFi traffic, but needs a proxy server configuration.

> If not, what is the least-intrusive and least-risky way to root an Android (in this case an S7 Edge)?

Rooting is device-specific. There are different ways to achieve root access on different devices. In the case of an S7 Edge, you could try Kingo Root, it has been claimed to work on an S7 Edge. However, be careful, one wrong step can brick your device.
> 8 votes

# Answer
Answering your first and main question: **Ad blocking without rooting**

On non-rooted devices running Android 4.1.2, 4.2.1 and higher, Adblock Plus will filter all WiFi traffic, but it needs to be configured as a proxy server manually. Detailed instructions are provided by Adblock Plus for not experienced users.

https://adblockplus.org/android-about

Avoid making multiple questions in one single post, make a single one for each single question.
> 7 votes

# Answer
I have no idea why anybody has not mentioned "*Lucky Patcher*" yet...

*Lucky Patcher* is an application that can **modify applications/APK** files present on the phone by patching them.

One of the things it can do, for example, is remove ads. It's ad removing mechanism is very powerful and can not only make ads not load, but also **remove/shrink the ad boxes so you wouldn't even think they were there**.

It needs root if you want to patch applications without reinstalling them but it can also patch applications **without root** by uninstalling them, patching them and then installing them again.

It can do many other things too (some which are illicit and I highly discourage you from doing them)...

The application's interface can be overwhelming and takes some getting use to but once you get the hang of it, you will find it's power beats almost every other adblocker for Android out there.

**How to patch an application to remove ads:**

1. Open *Lucky Patcher* and tap on the application you wish to block the ads in.
2. Tap on "*Open Menu of Patches*"
3. Tap on "*Create Modified APK File*"
4. Tap on "*APK without Google Ads*"
5. Customize the ad-removal settings (if you want)
6. Tap on "*Rebuild The App*"
7. Wait until the patching process is complete and tap: "*Go to file*"
8. Tap on the first item that is in the list that appears
9. Tap "Uninstall and install" and follow Android's uninstall and install dialogs
10. Open the app and confirm that the ads have been removed!

Lucky Patcher can be downloaded here.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Samsung Galaxy S7 has a stock browser app named - "Internet". It includes ad blocking functionality as well as removing their containers on webpages. For it you will have to install one of the following apps from Play Store

1. Adblock fast
2. Crystal
3. Adblock Plus for Samsung

After installing open Internet-\>More-\>Settings-\>Advanced-\>Block Content (enable the switch and choose the adblocker that you installed out of the above).

Unfortunately this is only an app based solution not system wide (which would only be available by rooting).

As far as rooting is concerned-

* don't try to do it.You will lose Samsung Pay, Private Mode, Warranty and obviously Knox will be tripped. (if you don't mind losing these features go ahead!)

**Ans 2**\- On S7 you will not be able to use Cyanogenmod for many months or never (as Samsung has blocked bootloaders on Qualcomm versions and they don't give Exynos source code). Hence all ROMs on XDA are stock modified ROMs (only containing small changes like adblocker, some x kernel, some changes here n there but mostly stock) If CM comes to S7 then you will have to install via 'recovery'.

**Ans 3** As these ROMs will be mostly equivalent to stock, they will operate normally (except until **You** modify it heavily). These ROMs won't come with Trojans for sure

**No, system wide adblocking can't be performed without root.**

**Least risky way to root will be flashing Chainfire's autoroot via odin (only Exynos)**
> 2 votes

# Answer
Coming to the main issue of blocking ads without rooting...

If you have an unlocked bootloader you can then boot a custom recovery (even without flashing it) and then install MoaAB.

I use the same approach on three different devices with effective ad blocking. Not sure of the specifics for Samsung S7 Edge though.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In principle you can root the device yourself and use iptables-based transparent proxying to forward DNS and http queries to proxies that are not running with root privileges. Then you don't have to trust anyone else's software to be installed as root. In practice I don't know if there's any good software setup to run this way on Android.

For what it's worth, DNS blackholing is one of the most effective ways to adblock in apps, and it's easy to do yourself.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I'm not sure what you find dodgy about XDA, but it's not really any different from what manufacturers do when loading/updating phones. An official update could just as easily contain a backdoor, virus, etc and you would install it without a second thought. As long as it's done properly, phones being bricked as a result is not common at all, and is easily fixable if it does occur.

Rooting is extremely low-risk, but is currently not available for the S7 as they are still working on it. Things like that are also tested within the developer community before being released to the public.

As far as rooting, you MUST have the exynos version of the S7 for it to work. The Snapdragon version does not currently have a working root unless you install a custom rom.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/development/sm-g935-exynos-cf-auto-root-t3337354

If you prefer not to root, I found 2 options on a list of non-root apps for system wide ad blocking that does not require it. I can't post more than 2 links because my account is new, so I'll just link the thread I got them from.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/root-modifications-t3339094
> 1 votes

# Answer
Lucky patcher apk solved my issue :')

How to patch an application to remove ads:

Open Lucky Patcher and tap on the application you wish to block the ads in. Tap on "Open Menu of Patches" Tap on "Create Modified APK File" Tap on "APK without Google Ads" Customize the ad-removal settings (if you want) Tap on "Rebuild The App" Wait until the patching process is complete and tap: "Go to file" Tap on the first item that is in the list that appears Tap "Uninstall and install" and follow Android's uninstall and install dialogs Open the app and confirm that the ads have been removed!
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you are unable to remove ads. Follow these steps: For this purpose, you need to download an app called as Lucky Patcher.

1. So, Download Lucky patcher apk from above link.
2. Install that APK in your android phone.
3. Open Lucky Patcher.
4. Now, select the particular app of which you want to remove ads.
5. Click on Create modified apk and select remove **Google Ads**.
6. Finally, Tap on Rebuild the app.
7. Now, just uninstall old apk and install NEW apk again. You are done.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: What happens if you install another phone's kernel on yours?
What would happen if you install a Oneplus 1 for an example on a Nexus 5? Would it cause hardware problems, like my touch won't be recognized or something like that?

And how much tweaking would it need? I don't know anything about kernels by the way.

# Answer
At a simple level, the effects would be catastrophic. The system wouldn't boot, and you would probably hard-brick OR super-brick. Kernels are the direct system for managing communication between software and hardware, among other things, and the kernel needs to be just right. If the device hard-bricks, a USB jig would need to be used to force the device into a usable state, or just get a new phone. Super-bricks (which are usually Nexus-only, since even a Nexus can recover from a hard-brick easily) will require a new phone completely, whether you like it or not.

Luckily, it's a Nexus. It takes A LOT to break them. It will definitely soft-brick (the primary OS is unusable, and the rest is fine) and probably hard-brick (not too likely), and a very low chance to super-brick.

**To sum it up..**

* No, kernels DO NOT work on other devices
* You would be really, really, **really** lucky to have a usable device. By that, I mean that you would have to be lucky enough to get into recovery or fastboot and install a stock kernel. Then, plain sailing.
> 6 votes

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Tags: kernel
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# Question
Title: Charging speeds between USB C/USB C and USB A/USB C
I just bought the Anker power core 20100+ and it came with 2 cables.One Usb C to Usb C cable, and One Usb C to USB A.

I am just wondering which one would give me better charge speeds for my Nexus 5x or if it wouldn't matter at all.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Your device comes with USB Type C which is equipped to handle higher power for charging and hence that is recommended over using the USB C to A conversion

USB 3.1 – Type-C Connector

> ....Rather than using four-pins as in the classic type-A and type-B, the type-C connector has 24 pins and is reversible, meaning it can be plugged in either way. It supports 900mA and, on command, delivers 1.5A and 3.0A over a 5V power bus while streaming data. This results in 7.5 and 15 watt power consumption respectively, as opposed to 2.5W using the original USB (current times voltage = wattage)

Also see a decent comparison of Type C Charging

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Tags: usb, charging, nexus-5x
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# Question
Title: How do I recover from a botched adopted storage migration? I can't take pictures or screenshots
TL;DR: I messed up. Now my phone won't store pictures because it's probably trying to write to some directory that doesn't exist. How can I fix this? What directory structure is expected? I caused it by maybe screwing up a bit when moving to Adopted Storage, but that may not be important for the answer.

---

I migrated to adopted storage this morning. I wanted a mixed partitioning, but accidentally got full-card adoption (i used the GUI). As part of that I suppose I migrated the existing `/storage/emulated` to the adopted storage.

Because I wanted a mixed setup and I had backups of my data, I just ran `sm partition ... mixed 25` and nuked the existing adopted storage.

Now I can't take any pictures. If I do a screenshot, it says it couldn't save it. If I take a picture with OpenCamera, it says the same.

I would like to avoid the hassle of factory resetting if it's just a matter of creating some directories and/or creating some symlinks. I tried setting up a symlink `/media/expand/<my-adopted-storage>/user -> /storage/emulated` and created `DCIM` (mode `1777`) in `/storage/emulated/0/DCIM` (where it used to be). That doesn't help.

Am I on the right track and just getting the details wrong, or am I screwed?

---

As you can see from the tags, I'm on CyanogenMod 13 / Android 6 / Marshmallow.

---

Further investigation:

Looked where OpenCamera is looking, and it's looking at `/sdcard/DCIM`. `/sdcard` is a symlink to `/storage/self/primary` and that's a symlink to `/mnt/user/0`. Tried creating a symlink to the existing `DCIM` there, didn't help. Maybe it needs to point to the right place in the system to slip through the security tracks? Trying a reboot and seeing where things end up.

EDIT: It was `/sdcard -> /storage/self/primary -> /mnt/user/0/primary`. I created `/mnt/user/0/primary -> /mnt/expand/*/user/0`. No go.

---

There is a secondary user on the phone. When I switch to that, I get a bunch of "Unfortunately YouTube/Gallery/foo stopped." and I can't run any of the installed apps -- then I get the same message.

---

I had three SD "Cards" listed in *Storage & USB*: Purple (successfully adopted), Grey (first adoption, now abandoned, said "not mounted") and *sdcard1*. I figured that maybe it's still yearning for that unmounted (nonexistent) partition, so I clicked it and chose "Forget". Now *sdcard1* is corrupt (!). Will reboot again and see what it makes of it.

---

Progress! After forgetting that original adoption and rebooting, now we have `/sdcard -> /storage/self/primary -> /storage/emulated/0`.

`/storage/emulated/0` is a FUSE system that seems to have the same size as `/data`, so things look pretty normal now. I took a screenshot, and `/sdcard/Pictures` was created.

`sdcard1` is back and looks fine.

---

Now there was a *Migrate data* command on both *Internal storage* and the adopted storage. When I clicked it on the adopted storage, `emulated/0` was remounted as a FUSE proxy for the adopted storage and screenshots now go there instead of to internal-internal. I think this is like I want it now.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe what solved my problem was that I ran *Migrate data* in the newest adopted storage. Until then the system was in a state where the abandoned adopted storage was the "primary storage", but wasn't present.

I'm not sure why *Migrate data* on *Internal storage* wasn't available before I abandoned the first adopted storage. Maybe all I would have had to do was to reboot and the command would have been available.

I am going to move more of the story from the answer to the question, to create a more coherent Q&A picture.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 6.0-marshmallow, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Google Account Log in doesn't work on LTE/Data
Note I am using Android ver. 5.0.2 OnePlus One Cyanogen OS 12.0-YNG1TAS2I3

When I am on Wifi my device has no problem signing into my Google Account. But when I am on Data/LTE my google account has log in issues.

For instance: YOUTUBE APP: If I am logged in, I get a "Network Connection Error" even though my internet works fine. If I log out of the Youtube app by clearing the app data I can watch videos again, but trying to log into my google account gets me the Network Connection error again and does not allow the log in. I can however open the web browser, go to youtube.com, log in, and access my youtube content.

GOOGLE MAPS APP: On LTE I can view all my starred locations on Google Maps, but when I try and add a new starred location it tells me to select my google account. When I select it nothing happens.

Google Now sometimes works, but sometimes shows the network connection error.

POKEMON GO: Trying to log into Pokemon GO via Google Account on LTE fails, but works on WiFi.

Not sure if relevant: It's my first time having cellphone with data plan. Also currently in Japan.

# Answer
I had the exact same problem: Cannot log in to google account when on data (works on Wifi)

After contacting both google and my network provider, it was clear that the problem is on the device. For me there was a built-in security app from Lenovo, blocking 'google services'.

Check all your firewalls, antivirus programs and the settings\>data that nothing as googleservices or googleframework is blocked. Uncheck 'restrict background data' in case it is enabled for all apps or google-specific. Also allow syncing data for apps while on data ofcourse.
> 1 votes

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Tags: google, google-account
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# Question
Title: Know the url of File being downloaded from App on Android phone
This is the situation: I have an app named "ABC" installed on my phone. and it has some media files which can be downloaded. when I click on files shown in the app it starts downloading and I can see in the download manager app which comes by default in the phone.

I'm trying to know the download url of the file being downloaded, but I couldn't.

could any body please suggest the way to know download url, so that I can use IDM/uget in the system to download in faster way???

# Answer
> 0 votes
One way would be to install a network packet sniffer app; there are some that do not require root, by acting like a VPN app. You seem to be technically savvy since you mention `IDM` and `uget` so what you would also need besides the packet sniffer app is software to analyze the resulting capture. Generally, once you capture the data you would transfer it to a PC then run a network capture protocol analyzer; such as Wireshark (available for Windows, OS X, and Unix) to analyze the traffic and you should be able to find the URL of the file.

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Tags: url
---


title: Making volume controller more fine

text:
# Question
Title: Making volume controller more fine
My Sony Xperia has buttons to control the volume as most of other smartphones. The control is rather coarse, there are only 8 steps including max volume and silence. Especially for use of (Bluetooth) headphones this is silly coarse.

How can the volume adjustment more fine? I would like to have e.g. 32 steps here.

**Edit:** The device isn't rooted and I don't plan to do so.

# Answer
No way to do so if your device isn't rooted. Every app you find for the same will require root access.
> -1 votes

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Tags: sony-xperia, volume-control
---


title: Google Android account without Gmail

text:
# Question
Title: Google Android account without Gmail
Recently my grandmother got my uncle's old cellphone, and today I've been trying to set it up for her. It's an LG-P990, running on Android 2.2.2, which can't be further upgraded. In order to have everything run smoothly, but trying to not overcomplicate things, I set up a Google account for her, without Gmail, using her provider based email address. That worked out just fine, and I have been able to get her entire addressbook mishmash into her new Google Contacts.

However, I am not able to get the cellphone to log in to Google, as it simply responds that her account is not a Gmail account. As such, it's unable to sync her contacts etc. I'm guessing that it's due to the device running on an older version of Android, dating from prior to when Non-Gmail Google accounts were an option.

Does anyone know a way to get around this and make the device connect to her Google account, or am I forced to set up a bogus Gmail address for her as well? If so, is there a way to attach the bogus Gmail address to be made to her current Google account, and keep her provider based email address (the one she actually uses) as the main address?

Any help is much appreciated,

# Answer
If you setup a gmail account and associate the phone with that, you can simply forward the gmail email to her main email address.

I'm not sure about using the current Google account.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 2.2-froyo
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# Question
Title: What to do about app that starts using excessive storage space?
I have noticed that sometimes an app will start using an excessive amount of space.

For example, I've recently seen a few examples where the Amazon app was using over 350MB of storage.

One solution is to clear all the data for the app. But then the user must reconfigure the app from scratch.

Is there any way to fix this issue without clearing *all* the data for the app?

# Answer
> 1 votes
One option would be to freshly install the app, set it up, then back up its settings using Titanium Backup or another similar app. Then you can freely wipe the data when needed and quickly restore the basics. This won't necessarily work if they significantly change how a new version of the app stores its data, of course.

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Tags: applications, 4.4-kitkat, internal-storage, storage, amazon-appstore
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# Question
Title: In the Hangouts app, how do I "mark all as read"?
I'm using Hangouts for texting with my Samsung Galaxy S4. Usually the preview is enough to see the whole message. I hate having to open a message just to mark it a read. Is there a way to mark one, or several, or all messages as read without opening the message?

# Answer
Unfortunate that this question had never received any love. Despite it being an entire year later, this functionality is not available as a feature in the Hangouts app on Android, iOS, or the web.

Here is the most relevant discussion from the Google Hangouts Product Forum

> Thank you for your feedback! Yes you are right, there isn't such a button yet. I think Hangouts wants to make sure that you really have read the messages without missing any information. However, I'll move your topic to the idea section for the team to consider it as a feature request. *Nick Ross*
> 5 votes

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Tags: sms, google-hangouts
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# Question
Title: space storage running out - "used space" using a lot of storage
Today my phone (galaxy s4 i9505) got some type of space storage problem, i removed a lot off apps and clear all the cache, first when the problem didn't start, i had 1,5GB space available, but now it stay between 5.5MB~0.0KB.

i tried to restart my cellphone, didn't work

So, i go into storage and my "used space" is using between 6,73GB to 8,72GB, a large part of this space is in using by "contact storage" - 2,93GB

i don't know what can i do, and i can't take pictures on my screen phone to show the problem because of this little amount of storage space

(sorry for bad english)

# Answer
There are a few things that can be done here. I'll try to be as concise as possible here to help:

**Option 1.** If your phone supports SD cards, I would recommend you attach your phone to a PC, clone your current SD and then duplicate it onto the new SD. This isn't really ideal as from your question it looks like you're not actually using the space.

**Option 2.** It may be beneficial to un-install several applications that are not frequently used and delete a few files. Once you have some spare room you can install applications like: Easy Uninstaller to remove applications and their leftovers, All In One Toolbox to help uninstall applications, delete temporary files and perform general maintenence of your phone and Well File Manager.

By applying the use of one of these you can uninstall redundant applications, clear temporary files and redundant files from applications. One a side note, there is an option in Settings to keep application data- you may wish to review this and see if it helps.

**Option 3.** Perform a backup of your phone, factory restore it and batch reinstall all applications. This can be achieved with the use of a tool called Super Backup Pro for Messages and Contacts. All applications can be recovered via the play store.

It would however be curious to see what files are being stored in the directory reporting the large use of space. Unlikely, but it may also be beneficial to perform a scan of your phone to ensure there is no malicious applications causing this odd occurrence.

If this answer is sufficient mark it so. If you feel as though I have not answered this correctly please provide more informaton.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Since 'Contact Storage' is taking up 2.93GB, remove photographs that are associated with contacts. You likely have thousands of contacts with photographs assigned to each one.

The only other reasonable possibility is that your contacts storage is corrupt. If the above does not work, backup all your contacts, go into *Settings* and clear your contacts storage, and then restore your contacts.
> 0 votes

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Tags: internal-storage, samsung-galaxy-s-4, storage
---


# Question
Title: Unwanted underlined in words when using Fleksy Keyboard
I have recently downloaded Fleksy Keyboard from the Play Store.

I am facing issue with it. Although the issue is not so much important but I don't want it.

Whenever I tried to type word, my word are underlined. I have disabled the auto correction, but I'm still getting that line.

How can I remove this?

# Answer
I researched on `Fleksy Keyboard` and there's not Spell checker for disable it. so,

```
 Goto -> Android Settings -> Language & Keyboard -> Touch Input -> Text input -> Spell correction

```

or, on Lollipop :

> `Goto -> Android Settings -> Language & Keyboard -> Spell checker`

and then, **turn it off**

How to turn off red-dotted-underline spelling check when text-messaging?
> 2 votes

# Answer
Untick the Spell Checker Box in android language & input setting and the underline will disappear automatically :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
it tooks a couple of hours before i got the option how to stop this unwanted red underline in the text..I never stop to find solution until suddenly came along my mind a one question "what if i add another language instead of only English?"Because when i reviewed the matter of what causes having underline in some words but others are not.Of course the spelling,right?I checked my language input which were English US and UK. So it could be possible that u can use two languages on the same time.Then i did type some words of English and Tagalog. English word got no underline but Tagalog got underline.So i got the hint over and over! Thinking like that was really got me to try adding more language!I switch on and added the Tagalog which is my native language in the input language and yeah it works!..then i started hating my self when i found out that it is so easy to solve it..so guys u should try that..adding your language can can stop the underline!
> -1 votes

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Tags: keyboard, spell-check
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# Question
Title: Recover data from unbootable android 5.0 note 3
I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which was weeks ago fully functional but had some glitches like it couldn't run games such as clash royale without an external power supply; in this case I used a power bank. After every use of apps, I would restart my phone, to prevent slow performance. Then, one time I used till the phone auto-shutdown due to low battery power, after it was charged to full I turned the power on. Unfortunately, it couldn't boot up, it was stuck in samsung logo. Now it is unbootable, though I can navigate to recovery mode but not safe mode. I want to recover data from the phone and I know one or two things about adb and CWM. Can anyone take me through step by step in order to recover data from device storage? I'd appreciate any opinions. Thanks

# Answer
> 0 votes
If I understand correctly, you can only boot your device into the fastboot mode and nothing else, right? Did you try OEM (Samsung) stock recovery by pressing UpVolume+Power button and had any success?

If not, then here is one way to recover your data, but you'll need one thing for this: You should have the *CWM (ClockWorkMod)* recovery image for your device, or you should be able to download it from somewhere. Assuming that you can do that, here is what you can do:

1. Boot into the fastboot prompt and connect it to your PC's USB port.
2. On the PC, ensure that ADB drivers for your device are installed correctly (If you were able to run adb/fastboot commands, that's enough).
3. Use fastboot command to temporarily boot your device using the CWM image:

```
fastboot boot /path/to/CWMRecoveryImage.img

```
4. Once inside CWM recovery, adb will start working!
5. Just pull the files/folders you need using the adb pull command:

```
adb pull /sdcard/foo/bar/myfile1.dat
adb pull /sdcard/foo/bar/myfile2.dat
adb pull /sdcard/foo/baz/*

```

Alternatively, you can use a tool like DroidExplorer in step 5 to recover your data more easily. Hope this helps.

**edit**

I found this XDA link where some CWM recovery images are available for the Galaxy Note series, but be careful that you select the one for your exact model.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Instead of CWM recovery, I used TWRP one. Obviously, a rooted phone is required. First, download a suitable twrp recovery from http://www.xda-developers.com/. Then, if you don't have odin software, download the latest version of that. Finally, flash recovery image using odin. Now, boot your phone in recovery mode and you can extract data as much as you wish.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, adb, data-recovery, clockworkmod-recovery, samsung-galaxy-note-3
---


title: What is Fast boot in HTC One X?

text:
# Question
Title: What is Fast boot in HTC One X?
I have HTC One X running Android 4.1.1 and Sense 4+. Under `Settings > Power` I have an option of `Fast Boot`. The text under it says "Start up and shut down quickly". How will my device be affected if I turn on/off this option?

# Answer
> 3 votes
"Fast Boot" is basically analogous to the hibernate or possibly S3 (STR) sleep functionality on regular PCs (HTC isn't very clear on what precisely it does, but analysis of its claims and action suggests it's one of these). Rather than fully shutting down and restarting, the OS resumes where it was after a shutdown, allowing the system to get from "off" to "ready to use" much faster.

As mentioned, some apps don't play nice with this, such as the case is in this SO question.

Unless you're regularly needing to shut off your phone for some reason and want it to start back up faster, I'd personally just leave it off to avoid the potential for weird issues.

# Answer
> 0 votes
"Fastboot is a protocol that can be used to re-flash partitions on your device (update the flash file system in Android devices). It is this small tool that comes with the Android SDK (Software Developer Kit), which is an alternative to the Recovery Mode for doing installations and updates." - Kingroot.com

It is a combination of adb and odin, or at least thats how i look at it

---
Tags: htc-one-x
---


title: Read WhatsApp backup from Google Drive

text:
# Question
Title: Read WhatsApp backup from Google Drive
I can see WhatsApp Messenger in Google Drive.

>

How can we read WhatsApp Messenger files from Google Drive backup? Does anyone know?

# Answer
AFAIK, **you cannot read those files** directly as they are encrypted and backed up on Google Drive.

The purpose of that Google Drive back up is to restore your chat history so that if you lose your phone or switch to another Android phone, your chats are safe.

Below is how you should **restore** back up of your chat history using Google Drive.

> * Make sure the same Google account that was used to perform the backup has been added to your phone.
> * Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
> * After verifying your number, you will be prompted to restore your messages and media from Google Drive.
> * After the restoration process is complete, tap on Next and your chats will be displayed once initialization is complete.
> * After restoring your chats, WhatsApp will begin restoring your media files.

Note : **In order to successfully restore a Google Drive backup, you need to use the same phone number and Google account used to create the back up.**

You can read more on Google drive and WhatsApp Integration at FAQ page of WhatsApp.
> 7 votes

# Answer
Following this (now deleted) Quora answer might solve the problem. It's quite elaborate so I won't re-submit everything here. But basically this:

* Copy device database
* Copy device key
* Use a third-party viewer for WhatsApp
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup, whatsapp-messenger, google-drive
---


# Question
Title: Charging my device from power bank with two-way USB-C cable?
So I have `Nexus 6p` with USB-C port and a `Xiaomi Pro 10000` power bank.

Charging my device with bundled `USB A -> microUSB -> USB-C Cable` works. But when I connect them with my `two-way USB-C cable` that was bundled with my phone **my phone is charging the power bank**. Is it possible to charge my phone instead?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Xiaomi Mi Pro **does not support** discharge through the USB-C port. It's not possible. I've tried everything.

If any store promises this feature this might just be a translation error (source)

Quickcharge through the usb-c port on nexus 6p is not possible too.

---
Tags: usb, charging
---


title: Can't install app (Error code: -26)

text:
# Question
Title: Can't install app (Error code: -26)
I am trying to install Lost Android and Wheres My Droid but I always get this error on both apps:

I have sufficient free space and have installed other apps so that's not an issue. I am using custom ROM MIUI 4.4.18.

I found this page having similar issue. They suggest manual apk install which works but updating the apk results to the same error on Google play.

# Answer
> 3 votes
That seems to be a MIUI-specific error. From the Locus Map help (translated by me):

> This error occurs with Xiaomi devices, but has nothing to do with Google Play Store. Error -26 is caused by MIUI's package manager and stands for `INSTALL_FAILED_SYSTEM_INCOMPATIBLE`. Which means: for some unknown reason MIUI thinks the app is incompatible, and refuses to install it.
>
> **Solutions:**
>
> * Try to install an older version of MIUI which is compatible with the app and doesn't block the installation.
> * Then disable automatic updates Aktualisierung of MIUI
> * Alternatively just wait until there's a newer, bug-fixed version of MIUI

Also, additional to your find, there's a thread on MIUI forum, which – surprise! – says almost the same. Dated 2014 (ouch).

---

Funnily, the same error -26 is also reported for the Samsung Galaxy S3 on Sprint. Folks here seem to have been more lucky. One user reports the following procedure as being successful:

> Go to Application manager and find Google Play Store, Erase the cache and data. Then go to Accounts and remove the account associated with the google play services. Restart your phone phone and add the account back.

---

So if the latter doesn't work, I'm afraid you've to check that with MIUI. I wonder if it really takes them 2 years to get it fixed.

**PS:** What strangely seems to work is opening the downloaded `.apk` file using a file manager. Though that should just be an interface to the `pm install` command (which is also used indirectly by `adb install`) which did not work out when used directly.

---
Tags: google-play-store, lost-phone, miui
---


# Question
Title: How to change the default action for when phone is plugged in to a computer?
When I plugged in my phone to my computer for the first time it gave me a list of options to choose for what to do when it is plugged in. I tapped one of the choices and then mistakenly tapped "Always" instead of "Just Once." I want to choose a different action, but how do I reset it to give me the choices again?

(And yes, I tried going into Settings\>Apps\>Reset app preferences, but no luck.)

I am running Android 6.0.1, unrooted.

# Answer
> 2 votes
**When plugged into computer:**

1. Pull down notification bar
2. Click on the USB connection notification
3. Choose either MTP (Recommend for daily use) or Camera mode

Done, you device will still charge, and now you are able to tansfer files between devices

**Side Note:** You are also able to use USB tethering(Under mobile hotspots settings) when connected to share your phone intenet data.

# Answer
> 2 votes
1. Go to Settings \> Developer Options.
2. Once you enter developer options. Switch to **ON**.
3. Scroll down to **Networking**. You will find **Select USB configuration**. Select what you want to do with your USB when connected.

---

If you don't see the Developer option, then you can get it by the following steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Scroll all the way down and tap on ‘About phone.’
3. Now scroll down again and you’ll see an entry labelled ‘Build number.’ Keep on tapping till you see a prompt that says ‘You are now a developer!’

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, default-applications
---


# Question
Title: Any security difference between root based firewall (AFWall+) and non-root based ones (NetGuard)?
What are the technical differences between root based firewalls (like AFWall+) and non-root based firewalls (like NetGuard)?

Is there any impact on the security effectively provided by such software?

I've already checked a bit in NetGuard's source code to make myself an idea, but I think this may still be a good question and I'm interested to get other people's analysis on the subject.

I would like to restrict such question to the core technical feature provided by such software (like the kind of firewalling: stateless or stateful, are there any hardcoded exceptions, the robustness of the code handling untrusted packets, etc.) and not on secondary features or anti-features they may have (ads, tracking, cosmetic, ...) unless they concretely affect the core objective of the software.

In other words: no rants please ;) !

In case there are limitations, it might be worth mentioning if they are implementation specific (the consequence of some choice made by the development team) or a consequence of the technology used (relying on very different systems, it is possible that one has to cope with limitations that the other does not have).

# Answer
> 19 votes
As the author of NetGuard I have first hand experience in this field.

A disadvantage of a firewall based on a local VPN is that not all traffic types can be handled, because the (Android) Linux kernel does not allow forwarding all traffic types over a socket based connection. An example is IPsec, which is being used for IP calling by some manufacturers. A partial (not for IPsec) solution to this would be to use a remote VPN server to forward traffic, but this is privacy wise not acceptable for a lot of people and would come with additional complexity and probably also with extra battery usage. In practice handling TCP and UDP traffic appears to be sufficient for 99,9% of the NetGuard users. Since Android 5 it is possible to exclude applications from being routed into the VPN (the VPN implementing application decides if this is mandatory or optional), which can be used to address problems arising from not being able to forward all traffic. Another option is to exclude address (ranges), which NetGuard uses to 'fix' IP calling for some manufacturers.

Another disadvantage is that forwarding traffic will increase battery usage on mobile devices, because it involves some processing, because packets needs to be inspected and to be forwarded. Using iptables, which is integrated in the Linux kernel, is more efficient as thus more battery friendly.

In general it has appeared that Android routes all traffic into the VPN, even traffic of system applications and components, but a manufacturer could decide to exclude certain traffic types, reducing the security that can be achieved by a VPN based firewall.

NetGuard does not analyze the data itself, except for DNS requests to provide ad blocking, but if it would it could raise a privacy concern. Nevertheless, technically seen this is an advantage of a VPN based firewall (if you still want to call it that way), because it would allow state-full inspection of data streams beyond what is possible with iptables. This would likely be at the costs of battery usage, because of the processing involved. Note that it would require a local MiT attack to inspect SSL streams.

Yet another disadvantage is that Android doesn't allow chaining of VPN's, so using a local VPN to implement a firewall will prevent using of a real VPN service, unless the firewall provides such a service itself or alternatively a forwarding or proxy mechanism to another VPN application.

Lastly, a VPN based firewall depends on the application providing the firewall VPN service to be running. This seems to be trivial, but it is not, because some manufacturer Android versions/variants are too aggressively killing processes in low memory conditions (IMHO it is a bug if Android kills applications providing a VPN service).

Finally, rooting of Android devices is becoming increasingly difficult, leaving a VPN based firewall as the only choice for many people. I don't expect Google to add a system based firewall anytime soon, because it could affect their ad revenue significantly. iOS does have a system based firewall.

Let me know if there are any questions and I will try to answer them.

# Answer
> 10 votes
To my knowledge, it's the approach:

**Root based firewalls** use IPFilter / iptables to control the flow. This automatically applies to all apps, whether there's a network connection available at all or not, whether the routing is working completely or not at all, or whether you're in a "closed environment" (Intranet) without access to the "outer world" (Internet). Apps you've got blocked are blocked. On a pretty low level.

**Non-root firewalls** do not have access to that low level, so they must use work-arounds. In most cases this is done using Android's VPN facilities. Depending on implementation, this either works completely on-device (i.e. again regardless of what network connection might be available), or via "external services" (connecting you to the app provider's VPN). In the latter case, things break as soon as that service stops being available – a fact you might notice or not. In either case, I'm not sure if really all apps honor the VPN or if there are ways around.**1** Another nasty fact with VPNs I've read about is the annoying permanent notification coming along, saying "Your network might be monitored" – but AFAIK that should only turn up if the app in question needs its own certificate installed.**2**

**Verdict:** I'd personally trust a root-based solution more. But where is not an option, non-root solutions should be almost as good. In that case, my recommendation would go towards open-source solutions like NetGuard (its developer also made *Xprivacy* and is well trusted). Speaking of which: For further details, take a look at the XDA introduction of *NetGuard**,* which explains the background with some more details.

---

**1** I'm not familiar with the technical details behind Android's VPN implementation, but quoting WhiteWinterWolf (see below comment), *it's up to Android base system to enforce this, there is no reason to think this is not done properly.*

**2** Again quoting WhiteWinterWolf: *the VPN API used by NetGuard allows all data to be intercepted by an unprivileged application, this is what Android effectively consider as "monitoring", it has no relation with any certificate and this warning is an unavoidable and expected consequence of using this API.*

# Answer
> 2 votes
1. Aside from the general consensus that actual security is out the window for rooted devices and of course depends on the user, AFWall+ offers a kernel level approach to filtering traffic while NetGuard uses encryption. I think the ability to run as Android administrator with without the need to stay in the foreground is important...
2. AFWall+ optionally uses system level startup script preventing data leakage during boot time (and shutdown too, I believe)
3. If used, it also has a built-in tasker plug-in that offers the ability to auto-switch profiles when a connectivity change is detected ( I really like this one)
4. Linux based iptables as opposed to VPN method used by Netguard
5. I don't see any options to password protect the app's settings in Netguard, but I've also never used this feature in AFWall+, so...

I do think an important feature to note about Netguard would be the ability to filter specific addresses on a per app basis. This is a paid option.

I can't say certificate based VPN vs iptables. That would likely depend on your kernel and android version for iptables and for NetGuard, the algorithms used to encrypt the data, whether it is being logged and where it is stored. My answer may not be as technical as what you were looking for and as long time user of AFWall+ (donate version), I'm definitely biased towards it. However, I do know that the developer of NetGuard also actively maintains XPrivacy, a **very** well known/trusted and robust Android privacy manager. AFWall+ hasn't been abandoned at all but definitely hasn't received an update as recently as NetGuard has. They both employ different methods of maintaining control of traffic but ultimately, I think it mostly depends on the user how secure any part of their device is.

---
Tags: applications, security, data-connection
---


title: Removing Youtube app search history

text:
# Question
Title: Removing Youtube app search history
I've got a problem with the Youtube app's search history. It contains only two entries and none of the searches done before or after are shown. The app doesn't save the new entries.

I tried removing both cache and data for the app, but that didn't help. The 2 entries are restored soon after I log in again.

I'd like to remove all entries, or make new entries show up again - I'm happy with either solution.

# Answer
> 1 votes
**Delete individual searches**

You can delete individual searches from your search history when you’re signed in with your account by following these steps:

1.Tap the search icon

2.Tap and hold a suggested search result with the history icon next to it.

3.Tap Remove on the pop-up asking if you want to remove this entry from your search history.

**Clear your entire search history**

To clear search history for your account, go to Menu \> Settings \> Privacy and tap Clear search history.

Source: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57711?hl=en

---
Tags: youtube, search-history
---


# Question
Title: Android locked MicroSD card (all files read-only)
I own a Wiko Rainbow with Android 4.2.2. Out of the blue my MicroSD card got locked and I can neither create nor delete any files on my phone (such as photos). At first, I did not even understand why, until I checked the file permissions in the AndroZip file manager. All files and folders have been set to read-only.

I tried restarting my phone, but nothing changed. I also unmounted and reattached the MicroSD card in the Android settings. I opened my phone, removed and checked the card, but it did not help. The card has no mechanical write lock.

How come that Android locks my MicroSD card? I did not install any new software, my phone is unrooted and all I do is update my apps occasionally. I read that Android 4.4 had some issues with memory cards. Did Google maybe lock the MicroSD card with an update?

How can I fix the problem and make the card writable again (and prevent future locks). I do not own any MicroSD card reader, so the only solution is creating a backup of the card's content and reformatting it in Android, right?

Do Android or my apps store any data on the SD card (such as user settings or contacts)?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Did you try to write files on your external SD card? Google has blocked the write access to External SD card for third party apps on Android 4.4. Lots of apps became useless on KitKat. You can try upgrading your Android system to 5.0+. Also please try using your mobile default file manager to read or write files to see what will happen.

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, file-system, storage, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: Forgot screen lock PIN on Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Logged in to device manager using gmail account. Over internet locked the phone and reset the password. Received the message on the phone that it is locked using android device manager. But when I try unlocking the screen using new pin it says 'wrong pin'. I do not want to loose data by resetting to factory setting. Can anyone help please.

# Answer
Follow this simple steps to unlock forgotten password/pattern lock on android

It is mostly seen that when you type wrong password few times, your phone will give you message “Try Again in 30 Seconds”. Apart from this it will also gives you an option: Forgot Password or Pattern.

Step #1: Tap on this option.

Step #2: When you click on Forgot Password option, you will get two options: Unlock with security question OR Unlock with Google account.

Step #3: Tap on Google account option.

Step #4: Login with Google account to get connected.

Step #5: Now you can select a new pattern or type in a new password.

Step #6: Type new password and access your android device easily without losing any data.

**Disclosure**: I'm the author of the linked article.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: locked-out, samsung-galaxy-note-4
---


# Question
Title: Facebook links keep opening inside the app
In my facebook app I have checked the option to open links externally, but some links still open internally. Is there a way to stop this? ALL links must open externally. Version 87.0.0.7.78, if that makes any difference.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Are you referring to the instant articles? If so they can only be displayed in app (however, after opening one, press the share button \[top right\] to open in in your browser).

---
Tags: facebook
---


title: Android Intent problems

text:
# Question
Title: Android Intent problems
So a few days ago I build an update for my custom android car tablet with my own launcher (based on nexus 7 2013). I added a few new features and some fixes, and I added accidentally the device admin permission together with the install packages permission.

After the update was installed on the tablet, the device opened always the Android for work app when clicked something which should start an external app (like Spotify or Maps). I thought it might be something with these permission and I deleted them and reinstalled a new version of the app (not updated!), but it didn't worked, it still started the Android for work app.

Then I uninstalled the Android for work app, and now the google now app started. After uninstalling it too, the settings app keep launching?!

Has anyone an idea why this is happening and what I can do to get rid of it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try:

* Restarting
* If you can (i.e. phones bootloader is unlocked): Try clearing the cache and 'davlik-cache' (By installing a custom bootloader
* Deleting the offending app using adb (the same software you use to put the app you wrote on there)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Ok it came out that for some reason the package name for the packagemanager which gets the intent was empty and therefore android starts the settings app as a fallback(?). But anyways it is now solved! Thanks for anyone who helped!

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, nexus-7, permissions, device-administrator, intents
---


# Question
Title: Download notification not showing after factory reset
I have an Asus Zenfone 5.

Usually when I am downloading a file, my mobile will show the download in the notification pane. After performing a factory reset on the device it is not showing the download notification. I think the built in download manager is damaged after factory reset.

How can I fix it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
A factory reset **does not** touch the system partition, so built in apps such as the built in Download manager will not get touched. Perhaps you used a different web browser before the factory reset you performed, and that had better download management than the one you are currently using.

If you download ES File Explorer from the play store, you can use the module in that app called ES Downloader. This is a good way to check downloads in progress in a nice dialogue box

# Answer
> 0 votes
Nothing is wrong with this app just follow these steps definitely your problem would be fixed.

Go to setting Open uc browser Just click on notification check box

That's it , enjoy

# Answer
> 0 votes
very easy problem. go to setting select app switch to all and find Download Manager. you will see unchecked Show Notification. Check that with your nose. :)

# Answer
> -1 votes
Go to Settings-\>Application Manager-\>Click the Menu button-\>Sort by size/Reset App Preference-\>Click Reset App Preference.

---
Tags: factory-reset, download-manager
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to change Device's location?
I want to change my device location (lat,lang, etc) to a different place. I don't want to mock. I want it to function like If I open Google Maps, it points to my desired location not the real location.

Is it possible? If yes, does it require root?

Suggestions are welcome.

# Answer
Yes You can do it if you have root access first you must Download the **FakeGPS** the link for the one i suggest is Download Form Here and Change Location Mode to **Device Only(preferred)** and **turn on Mock Location from Developer options** and set the location in the app this will spoof the GPS and its Working Fine !! :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: root-access, gps, geolocation
---


title: Cannot create Symlink via adb

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot create Symlink via adb
I try to create a symlink for a folder using adb. This is my attempt:

```
ln -s /storage/sdcard0/Android/media/com.amazon.mp3 /storage/sdcard0/mp3amazon

```

My device is rooted and as you can see this is the internal SdCard. not the external, so there should be no file-system-issues.

But all I receive for that command is a

> ln: /storage/sdcard0/mp3amazon: Function not implemented

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have to answer myself (though this isn't a solution). Android 5.0 Lollipop uses "Fuse" as file system which does not support SymLinks

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 5.0-lollipop, adb, samsung-galaxy-tab-7.7
---


title: How to simulate no GPS fix

text:
# Question
Title: How to simulate no GPS fix
I wonder if there is a way to simulate NO GPS signal without going in the basement. As if you were inside a tunnel or under the earth surface. I am not talking about location mocking. I wonder if we can leave the GPS turned on but prevent application from getting a GPS fix.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You want a Faraday cage. There are do-it-yourself instructions for making one out of aluminum foil. You can also approximate one by trying prebuilt metal boxes like microwave ovens, metal filing cabinets, or refrigerators. Just put your device inside to see whether it blocks the GPS signal.

---
Tags: gps, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: what is com.sec.android.providers.downloads?
I happened to notice this app(?) had access to virtually everything on my Galaxy S3. Seemed a little strange so I googled it trying to find out exactly what it was for. I never did find what I was looking for but I did find several pages of complaints about its effect on battery life. I would *guess* it has to do with the download-manager but that's just a WAG.

Can someone tell me what it's for?

Roy

# Answer
> 3 votes
all providers.downloads does is act as one of many content provider aps included in the android stock system to act as a security feature so that apps cant directly access other apps but have to use content provider apps to exchange data between eachother. we all know apps by default cant access other applictions data. Thats where Content Providers come in to play, acting as a buffer between your internal apps and data and all the other 3rd party apps which have potential to be rouge/malicious. Without this bouncer there would be no telling how many insecure transactions would occur between our devices and attackers in the free world global enviroment we exist in today.

The app EZ Disabler pro version states this discription about

com.sec.android. providers.security

"this package is a core sytem service that handles secure reads/writes to/from the database in your device. It keeps rouge apps for accessing data in your device."

The android developers site has this info posted about content providers and their functions.

android.provider

Provides convenience classes to access the content providers supplied by Android.

Android ships with a number of content providers that store common data such as contact informations, calendar information, and media files. These classes provide simplified methods of adding or retrieving data from these content providers.

For information about how to use a content provider, see the Content Providers developer guide. link to guide below.. https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/content-providers.html

By the way..ehem.. infosec is the bomb! Check it out my geeks!

a technique for exploiting applictions involving decompiling apk files and checking out the contents of its AndroidManifest.xml file for any registered content providers as well as the smali files for all uris used in the app.

http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/android-hacking-security-part-2-content-provider-leakage/ and below is a link to the sample apk they made for the training example on infosecs site.

---
Tags: downloading
---


# Question
Title: How often is Google Location History updated?
How often does Android Location Reporting send an update to Google Location History? Is the reporting interval customizable?

# Answer
> 1 votes
After a bit of research this is what I was able to find. "Each time the phone was within range of a Wi-Fi access point, it would send its MAC address and SSID to Google’s servers. Using GPS (when available) and cell ID data, it can locate where that Wi-Fi access point is, which is then collected and stored to create the history you see on the map."

Keep that in mind with my personal experience of seeing it update as often as every single minute!

I do not believe configuration of the frequency is adjustable.

I hope this helps!

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


# Question
Title: my phone froze over night (i have a galaxy s7) and is on a black screen
I woke up and my screen is black but the green charged led is on and my phone is no longer plugged in. I've tried multiple things to fix it such as holding the power button, holding volume up and the home and power, I've let it sit for an hour off the charger, I've tried to connect it to google play.... i'm not sure what I should do any help would be appreciated.

# Answer
Have you tried recovery mode? Usually, volume down and the power button will boot you into recovery. Other than that, there's plenty of ways to reboot your phone with adb. adb shell reboot -p

```
Adb shell reboot-p

```

will set you straight I believe

Edit: this will only work in the case of a frozen phone. If its off and won't turn on at all, and recovery mode won't work, it may be hardware related
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s7
---


# Question
Title: How to open password protected ODT file using LibreOffice
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab A. LibreOffice is installed and ODT file is loaded into document folder. This file is password protected and I have the password. So how do I open this file????

# Answer
> 2 votes
It should prompt you for the password when you attempt to open it, if not, try OpenDocument Reader available in the Play Store... if neither can open it, it is likely a corrupt file.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab-a
---


# Question
Title: Reasonable OneNote alternative for Android
I just wanted to know if there's a OneNote app for Android, that would allow me to actually use it to its full potential (unlike that crap released by MS).

I am thinking about getting a Transformer and it is very important to me since all my notes from classes and lectures are in OneNote. I found many apps that would allow me to work with Word, Excel or PowerPoint. But everybody seems to be forgetting about OneNote...

# Answer
OneNote for Android?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.onenote&hl=en

hope I got you right - as my answer is... well... just tooooo obvious :)
> 1 votes

# Answer
# Evernote

I consider Evernote to be the closest alternative to OneNote, available from Google Play Store.

For me, the biggest advantage of Evernote, which even OneNote doesn’t have, is the synchronization feature.

## Key Features:

> * Sync all of your notes across the computers and devices you use
> * Create and edit text notes, to-dos and task lists
> * Save, sync and share files
> * Search for text inside images
> * Organize notes by notebooks and tags
> * Email notes and save tweets to your Evernote account
> * Connect Evernote to other apps and products you use
> * Share notes with friends and colleagues via Facebook and Twitter

### Screen Shots (Android):
> 4 votes

# Answer
I know this is a very old discussion but so far the closest one I found (that nobody apparently knows yet) is Fiinote https://www.fiinote.com/#/

supports Android, Windows, there is an online HTML5 version, cloud sync, can write anywhere and move it, supports image attachment

I dare say that this has most of onenote's functionality we love and know on android even better than what Microsoft has provided! BUT it is very cluttered and may be a mess for some who prefer OneNote clean look. (that is kinda what is expected if you have the desktop OneNote client crammed into a 4.5 inch Android screen but it does the job pretty well so far and sync on all devices perfectly.)

I really hope OneNote team take a closer look at this software and make their Android version editable just like their awesome desktop version does beautifully!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: microsoft-onenote, ms-office
---


# Question
Title: Rooted my LG G Flex 2, but no root, and no supersu?
So today i decided to root my Lg G Flex 2 which runs on 5.1.1. Using the pc method everything went fine with no errors, but when phone booted up i have no superuser, and root checker basic said no root along with some other root checking apps. So i then tried rooting with the APK method (KingRoot, and some other apks aswell), but it said root failed. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated! Also if it matters.. I bought the phone unlocked off amazon. I will post specs below

Specs:

Lolipop: 5.1.1 Kernel: 3.10.49 Build: LMY47S Software Version: V15c- TWN-XX Model Number: LG-H959 Hardware Version: Rev.1.0

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use "Kingroot"I have a LG tribute 2 and it rooted my phone with Kingroot from play store.Try unistalleing it,then reboot and install again.then download a root verifier and it will tell you if your phone is rooted......GOODLUCK!

---
Tags: rooting, lg
---


# Question
Title: can I enable android on my device which is of Samsung Rex s3802?
I am trying to enable this on my device for an hour but nothing's working!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Very unlikely. The Samsung Rex 70 S3802 is a feature-phone with just 10 MB internal storage (even Android versions before 4.x required more than 200 MB just for the system stuff).

For reference, the same question was asked back in 2013 when this phone debuted: Can I make a Samsung Rex 70 an Android phone? – where all answerers came to the same result. I also very much doubt someone has written a ROM for it (hard to do due to the mass of proprietary hardware elements of the device, including its CPU), provided this background – so no ROM, no install.

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: How I can prevent my android phone from getting rooted?
Usually people try to install a custom rom on a stolen android phone to erase all its data and identity. Is there any way to prevent the thief from installing a custom rom or rooting it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If a thief has physical access to your hardware, it's his.
You cannot prevent the thief from entering the bootloader or recovery and flashing your device.
What you can do is go to your local police department, tell them your phone has been stolen and you have the IMEI (it's on the box but note it down separately) and they should block any use of that IMEI.
No cellular connection will be possible with that device, it's merely a small tablet and all connection attempts will be logged with location of the cell tower, approximate location of the device and time.

After that, wipe your personal data using one of many different remote security solutions (like the Google Device Manager).

Also tell your cell provider that your phone has been stolen so you can get a new SIM (might need to pay for that) and to block any use of the old SIM card.

Also: Thieves usually just wipe the data and don't install a custom ROM (rooting is an option, though).

# Answer
> -1 votes
No brother, after stolen you cannot do any thing, for security purpose you can set strong password, always make a backup of your mobile data and note down your IMEI number somewhere and save it for further inquiry or install android device manager app in your android for online track and delete your data. or any other security related app. not more than this

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: Stop video ads in apps?

text:
# Question
Title: Stop video ads in apps?
This is not a question about blocking ads in apps - they're annoying but if I choose a free ad-supported app, it's right I should see ads.

But, some ads feature video - for instance one app I am forced to watch a 30s trailer to Finding Dory about 20 times a day. My main issue here is data usage; I'm worried it will eat my mobile data and even by broadband limits if I am using a MiFi device when travelling.

Can I have any control over what ads are played through Google Play apps? e.g. disable video-based ads?

# Answer
I don't think there's a way to disable certain type of ads appearing on Android apps without using an ad-blocker.

The idea is to force users to switch to paid versions.

You may, however, choose between "personalised ads" or non, using Google account dashboard.

For me, using a VPN helps disable internet access to selected apps. This minimises to a certain extent, the number of ads I see. Also, some VPN compress most ads that I still have to see, so I save data that way, too.

I, personally, use Opera Max. There may be others, too.

But be careful, though. Some apps don't work without internet access.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you're rooted, you should consider using Lucky Patcher.

It's an app that allows you to change the make-up of an app, and allows you to re-install the app with those specifications.

For example: you can set it to remove all ads, and install an apk with no ads enabled. Now, this is not perfect, nor fool-proof, and wont work for every case. but its somewhere to start.

See this article for more information on lucky patchers ad blocking.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, 6.0-marshmallow, ads
---


# Question
Title: I need help with my phone...this is urgent
i have a rooted phone.i recently tried download the modded play store but it failed resulting in my phone not having a proper google play store and google framework was buggered.i kept getting the 'unfortunately com.google.gapps has stopped' error so i decided to factory reset my device.once i put it on again for the initial setup,i got the same 'unfortunately com.google' message.i tried to finish the initial setup by constantly closing the message but only could get to the wifi part and it would get stuck and reboot right back to the initial setup.please help me with my issue...thanks

note:i have a rooted moto g(2015) and can still access TWRP

# Answer
Unfortunately, you did this to yourself... flashing a "modified" gapps package that is not known to work with your device can cause unknown conditions. These packages are applied to the system, so a factory reset will not correct them

You have 3 choices to correct this:

1) Restore a previous backup from TWRP if you have one. If you do not, once your device is operational again I suggest maintaining regular backups in TWRP.

2) You can attempt to flash a known working Gapps package from OpenGapps. Make sure to select the correct Platform (ARM), Android (5.1 or 6.0 whichever applies), and Variant... The variant part will be the toughest, I would suggest using Mini, or possibly Full, as the stock Moto gapps fall somewhere in between those 2 packages. Remember to wipe caches/dalvik before rebooting.

3) The final option means a total factory reflashing using the stock images. Stock images and instructions for flashing can be obtained from XDA in the Moto G (3rd Gen) Factory Firmware Images thread. Be ABSOLUTELY sure you have the correct model and version for your device, flashing the incorrect version can have... umm... lets just say "undesirable effects". If this method is chosen, you can likely upgrade your device to Marshmallow in the process, but remember that you can go up in version with the factory images, but downgrading is not recommended.

One of these three options will correct the problem, as long as you follow the instructions properly. Again, this is another friendly reminder to backup on a regular basis and before making significant changes, it is easier to revert to a known working system that is a few hours, days, or even weeks old then to start from scratch.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, motorola-moto-g3
---


# Question
Title: What happens to the already existing internal storage memory if I make SD card my internal storage marshamallow
I recently bought a phone (Lava P7) and upgraded it to Marshmallow. I need more internal memory space so I thought to make SD card my Internal storage. My SD card is 16Gb and internal storage is 8GB if I make SD card my Internal storage, then

My internal storage memory become 16+8 24Gb or 16Gb

if 16Gb, where does the already existing memory goes?

# Answer
Let's say that 3 GB of your internal storage is used by the system, leaving you with 5 GB of usable space, and your SD card is empty.

Currently, you have 5 GB usable for apps (internal storage) and 21 GB usable for media (both the internal storage and the SD card). Note that the media storage will still be divided between the two storage locations, which makes it hard to manage. Installing apps/app data will reduce the available space for *internal* media, and vice versa.

Under adoptable storage, you will have 21 GB for apps (internal storage + SD card) and 16 GB usable for media (SD card). Note that each app is either fully on the internal storage, or fully on the adopted SD card. Installing/moving apps and their data to the SD card will reduce the available space for media on the SD card, and vice versa.

Essentially, your choice is: Allow media to also be on the internal storage, or allow apps to also be on the SD card. (Plus, in the latter case the SD card will no longer be accessible when removed from the device unless decrypted.) You cannot have both; both storage locations remain separate and are not combined into a single logical partition. The only difference is what is "allowed" in each spot and how it can be accessed.

Please refer to this reddit post for more background on how this works.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, 6.0-marshmallow, sd-card, internal-sd, adoptable-storage
---


# Question
Title: Multiple layouts with SwiftKey and physical keyboard?
I use SwiftKey with external Bluetooth and OTG keyboards. SwiftKey is designed for this.

However, SwiftKey only gives me the English keyboard layout. When using the soft keyboard, my layout is Norwegian, and I alternate between typing in Norwegian and English. Norwegian layout is important to me as it contains special characters.

How can I get Norwegian (or any other latin-based) layout when using the hard keyboard with SwiftKey?

What is the easiest way to switch between different layouts quickly while using a physical keyboard with SwiftKey? (Something akin to the Samsung stock keyboard's `alt`+`Shift` Shortcut)

My details: Samsung I9305 running rooted stock 4.4.4 with Xposed Framework and SwitKey 6.1.0.71.

# Answer
With swiftkey you can configure the hardware keyboard input in the "voice and other inputs" option under the "typing" section. The configuration is rather limited though, and for example doesn't allow for (let alone let you choose) a shortcut to open the virtual keyboard (the google keyboard does this on the pixel c).

In the 3rd option from the left on the top row.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-keyboard, swiftkey
---


# Question
Title: How dangerous is the fact that SELinux is in "Permissive" mode? What should I be wary of?
I have installed a certain ROM which comes with SELinux in "Permissive" mode. This is the only (good) ROM that properly fits my device and there is no way to change the state of SELinux.

Now I'm not really sure what are the consequences of such a decision and would be happy if someone could explain it to me (I have googled it and know what it is theoretically... just not in practice). Said ROM has its root on "disabled" so the device is supposedly unrooted but how does that fits with the SELinux I'm not sure.

# Answer
**TL;DR:** Feel free to jump directly to the conclusion at the bottom if you like :) !

SELinux goal is to prevent privilege escalation by enforcing a mandatory policy which restricts possible actions from both unprivileged and privileged users.

The term "users" here also includes any process running on the device, no matter if it is directly related to the physical user actions (the human, you ;) ), since every process is running using some system "user" account.

Historically, permissions on Unix-based systems are handled using what is called a Discretionary Access Control (DAC) system. In this model:

* Resources like files have owners who can define access rights on the resources they own: this allows them to decide whether a particular resource should be private (only the owner can access it) or if it should be shared with some other users.
* On top of this you have the super-user (called `root` on Unix-based systems) which is the administrative user and has access to everything on the system. This account can be used interactively by a human (typically a system administrator) to maintain or repair the device, but usually this account will mostly be used by background or low level services which require such privilege level: device drivers, network configuration services, services needing to access files from every users or handling internal inter-users communication.

This is very nice and already provides a good security. However, what about circumstances such as these:

1. What would happen if a bug in a service running as `root` is found which would allow an attacker to trick such service into running some arbitrary code? Such attacker would gain a complete access to the device. To give some concrete examples, such bug could be triggered by sending specially crafted network configuration information (DHCP) or a MMS to the phone.
2. What would happen if some user does not protect private resources correctly? Then these resources could be maliciously accessed (read, maybe even modified or deleted) by other unprivileged users. This is typically what you have when a malicious application is running on your phone (no matter if you have been tricked into installing it, or if it came here by-itself by using a bug in another unprivileged application, a browser or mail client for instance), and this malicious application tries to directly access other applications data or storage locations (it can do so to access normally unreachable data or to install itself in several places in order to make its removal harder).

Here comes SELinux.

SELinux is a Mandatory Access Control (MAC) system. While in the previously described DAC system users were responsible of setting appropriate right on their own resources, with a MAC system a system-wide policy (provided with the operating system) is enforced to both privileged and unprivileged users.

This solves the two issues mentioned above in the following ways:

1. As I said, this policy also applies to privileged users. This means that, with a properly designed policy, a service designed to handle the device's network configuration will be unable to do anything else: it will have no access to SMS for instance, and a service handling SMS will have no access to the network configuration, and neither of them will have access to the user's data, despite the fact that both are running using the super-user account.
2. Android recently included a multi-user feature which is enforced by SELinux, preventing any user from accessing other user's data. But beyond that, SELinux policy is also responsible from describing permitted applications behavior, and most likely even if some resources are not properly protected using the DAC system SELinux will come at the rescue and still prevent the malicious application from directly access them.

The DAC and MAC systems are not mutually exclusive, on the contrary the MAC system (SELinux) acts as a second layer of defense behind the DAC system (the traditional Unix-like permissions). The job of SELinux is to block any activity contrary to the policy which, given only the DAC system, would otherwise be accepted.

The tricky thing is that such policy can be very complex to write: it must indeed cover every device's components for every possible usage in every situation. In fact, no matter if some action may be legitimate in your situation: *if it is not in the policy, it is forbidden*. Poorly designed policies can therefore have random consequences, like application crashes, unusable functionality, and so on.

That's why the first versions of Android shipping SELinux included it in "Permissive" mode by default. In this mode, SELinux will *log* policy violations, but it will not attempt to block the associated activity. By analyzing the resulting log files, it becomes possible to correct and enhance the policy up to the point when the only remaining policy violation are indeed malicious or undesired behaviors. At this point, SELinux can be turned into "Enforcing" mode: it will now not only log but also block every offending action.

# Conclusion

SELinux is a mitigation technique. It does not prevent attackers from entering into your phone, but it ensures that once there they can do as few things as possible, ideally nothing useful thus removing any interest of attacking the phone in the first place.

The older the ROM, the larger the number of security bugs which would open such access. SELinux would be an efficient way to keep a minimum of safety despite these known vulnerabilities, however to function properly SELinux relies on a complex policy.

If your ROM is provided with SELinux in "Permissive" mode by default, this likely means that the policy it contains is not reliable enough to be safely switched into "Enforcing" mode.

If you are techie enough and have access to the phone log (`dmesg` at least, but usually they are also copied into `logcat`: there are applications allowing to see the latter one but depending on your Android version they may require root access), you can check if you find "avc" entries: these are messages telling you that SELinux has just detected an action going against the policy.

Here is an example of such entry taken from CyanogenMod's website:

```
type=AVC msg=audit(1363289005.532:184): avc: denied { read } for pid=29199 comm="Trace"
name="online" dev="sysfs" ino=30 scontext=staff_u:staff_r:googletalk_plugin_t
tcontext=system_u:object_r:sysfs_t tclass=file

```

If there is none, just a few of them or for any reason you think they may not keep you from using the phone, you may try to switch SELinux into "Enforcing" mode. In older CyanogenMod ROMs, this was easy and possible simply using an hidden option in the GUI (no need to root the phone or install any specific application), I don't know if other ROMs offered the same feature but since you used the CyanogenMod tag I suppose you may be lucky ;).
> 20 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, rooting, custom-roms, selinux
---


# Question
Title: installing stock android marshmallow on blu r1 hd
I bought a blu r1 hd and am absolutely loving the phone but i do have one problem. the amazon tweaked android 6.0 is not my favorite. is there a way that i could flash a stock android rom onto the phone? if so, how would i do it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It seems that the people from XDA Developers has just come out with a way to root the Blu R1 HD. And here you have more information about that.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes you can do it. You need an Stock AOSP ROM.
You will have to root your device and flash the ROM via recovery.

Steps :

Root your deviceFlash a custom Recovery (TWRP is the most favourite) Flash a Stock AOSP ROM and Gapps

XDA Developers is a good resource to look up for !

---
Tags: rom-flashing, 6.0-marshmallow
---


title: Navigate your Android with Cardboard

text:
# Question
Title: Navigate your Android with Cardboard
Can I view my phone with the screen split-duplicated and turned sideways (for use with Cardboard)? I have a controller for navigation.

I am looking to run regular apps, see my regular homescreen, etc., but with the screen split and rotated sideways (for use with Cardboard).

# Answer
As per today I have found nothing that solves your problem.
(I also don't see any use for it but that is another question.)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, 5.1-lollipop, virtualization, google-cardboard
---


# Question
Title: SELinux restricting my system app even while it was signed with the same key as the previously shipped one!
Well, I have something weird going on. I was thinking fiddling around with Dotcase.apk from CyanogenMod 13, so I was able to rebuild the apk. I even made sure to sign it with the Platform Android test key (I checked, the original APK was signed with this exact same key! I extracted the CERT.RSA and compared the certificates - they are the same!).

Then I replaced the APKs in /system/priv-app/Dotcase, swapping the Dotcase.apk for my own built - basically the same as the shipped one, no code changed, just built by myself.

The Dotcase app is using UEventObserver and opening a "DEVPATH=/devices/virtual/switch/cover"

And this is where the problem arises. SELinux is giving me a headache with the message:

```
07-29 01:07:56.918  4902  4902 W UEventObserver: type=1400 audit(0.0:1229): avc: denied { create } for scontext=u:r:platform_app:s0:c512,c768 tcontext=u:r:platform_app:s0:c512,c768 tclass=netlink_kobject_uevent_socket permissive=0

```

after that the app crashes, taking with him com.android.systemui, with:

```
07-29 01:07:56.960  2558  4902 E AndroidRuntime: java.lang.RuntimeException: Unable to open socket for UEventObserver

```

while the same app with the same code and the same signature key is fine.

I tried some tricks which involves usage of something like supolicy from SuperSU, etc, to no avail - seems like the app (which boots as `android:sharedUserId="android.uid.systemui"`) is starting before anything else is kicking in.

Now the questions:

1. What I did wrong?
2. How to fix it?
3. Is there maybe a possibility to disable SELinux completely by patching something in /system - at least for the time being while I'm fiddling around with it?
4. Or the only option is to built the whole cyanogenmod rom image with my changes each time I need to test a small change? :(

PS: device is HTC M9 GSM (himaul)

# Answer
Well I found out that I messed up. I was building it with the wrong manifest. It should had been `android:sharedUserId="android.uid.system"` instead of `android:sharedUserId="android.uid.systemui"`. When I compared the manifests (thank you apktool for decrypting the manifest for me!) it become obvious. Replacing the related bits in the manifest fixed it. Problem solved. Probably I was just using the wrong repository.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms, system, selinux
---


title: Installing to SDCard by default

text:
# Question
Title: Installing to SDCard by default
I would like to know whether there is a way to tell Android to install applications on the micro SD card by default instead of having to download applications to internal memory first and then having to move them to the SD card manually.

Thanks

# Answer
> 36 votes
This article at HowtoGeek describes a possible way utilizing the :

* enable USB debugging
* connect your device to your computer
* execute the command `adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2`
(or, new syntax, `adb shell pm set-install-location 2`)
* disconnect, done.

This command will set the devices default installation target to your SDCard. That doesn't necessarily mean *everything* gets installed there: only apps supporting this will go there, and devs can "overrule" this in their apps manifest if they think it's needed. From the linked API reference:

> Changes the default install location. Location values:
>
> * `0`: Auto—Let system decide the best location.
> * `1`: Internal—install on internal device storage.
> * `2`: External—install on external media.
>
> **Note:** This is only intended for debugging; using this can cause applications to break and other undesireable behavior.

For more details on ADB, and how you can e.g. get a minimal version of it to your computer (without the overkill of installing the entire SDK), you can take a look at the tag-wiki.

---

**Update:** To avoid confusion with t0mm13b's answer, some clearance on the installation process:

1. you find some app on and decide to install it
2. after you've clicked "install" and agreed on terms/permissions, the is downloaded **to `/data/local`**, i.e. to your . *You can't change that.*
3. when the download is completed, the `.apk` will be installed automatically. Where to, depends on multiple things:
    * if the dev did not specify the `android:installLocation` property in his apps `Manifest`, the app will be installed to internal story. Full stop, no other choice (see: API reference).
    * if this `android:installLocation` is set to `preferExternal`, and external storage is available, it will go there.
    * if it's set to `auto`, it again depends:
        1. does the app contain widgets, services, wants to start at boot, and several other things, it goes to internal storage. Full stop, no other choice.
        2. it goes where the devices "default install location" points to

# Answer
> 5 votes
That cannot be changed! That is how Android works.

All downloads from Google Play goes to the internal filesystem, then from:

* Settings \> Manage applications
* Tap on said app, check if button *Move to SDCard* is enabled, then you can do so.

If the button *Move to SDCard* is disabled or greyed out, its probably to prevent the app from functioning - such as their own widgets on home screen.

Also, see this answer in the related side-bar to the right of this page. :)

# Answer
> 4 votes
Install "Terminal Emulator for Android" in your mobile and open

```
$ su
# pm get-install-location
0[auto]
# pm set-install-location 2
# pm get-install-location
2[external]

```

# Answer
> -2 votes
Go to "Manage apps" and then select the "All" tab and find "Google Play Store". Tap on it and then press the "Uninstall updates" button. After that, go to the Play Store all the apps will be installed on your SD Card. This is what I did on my QMobile A110 (Android 4.2).

# Answer
> -3 votes
The thing is u can change the default install directory if your phone is rooted. Download lucky patcher and tap on tools there you can find option to change default install directort. \**Do not do this for android 4 or above or it may cause irreversible change. \**

---
Tags: external-sd, internal-storage, insufficient-memory
---


title: Problem rooting intex y2 aqua 1gb

text:
# Question
Title: Problem rooting intex y2 aqua 1gb
I am trying to root my phone using Ubuntu. When I try

> adb reboot bootloader

My device boots into fastboot mode

When I try

> fastboot devices

It list my device. But when I try

> fastboot oem unlock

It freezes with 3 dots. Any idea what is the issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Not every device is rooted the fastboot way like Nexus phones do, especially when the device in question is a MediaTek one.

I did a quick search and the result checks out: you'll need MediaTek's scatter flashing tool. Read this: LINK: XDA-Developers

I don't have the device so it's up to you to verify whether this works. Either way, do hang around XDA and other forums often for this sort of info.

---
Tags: root-access, fastboot
---


title: How to enter safe mode in lg g4c

text:
# Question
Title: How to enter safe mode in lg g4c
I'm trying to boot my LG G4c in safe mode. I've tried 2 methods and none of them works.

1)Turn phone off and then hold power and volume down button until logo appears. Then release them and hold them back again. When I do this, the factory data reset menu appears with just yes an no options and no option for boot in safe mode.

2)Turn phone off and then hold volume down button. Nothing happens.

What is the correct way to enter safe mode ?

(at this point I'd like to add that I want to do this because my phone cannot boot. It only reaches the LG logo screen and the animation keeps playing forever, so I'd like to know if there is a way to do this starting from a switched off phone)

# Answer
Safe mode for LG G4C

> 1. Begin by pressing and holding the Power key unti the phone's options are displayed on the screen.
> 2. Afterwards select and hold Power off until "Restart in safe mode" is displayed.
> 3. Then tap Turn on safe mode in order to confirm the operation.

As far as I know you cannot initate safe mode from phone turned off state.
> 1 votes

# Answer
From how it's described I think you're trying to enter recovery mode, not "safe mode" which is just booting up and disabling all 3rd party apps. In that case, attempt this one: enter link description here

I have no guarantee this works; after all, even though G4 and G4c are devices of a same generation, their hardware are vastly different. There shouldn't be any harm trying, though.

If even this fails, you might have to resort to download mode to do a full reflash of the phone.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lg-g4
---


# Question
Title: Cyanogen installs bloatware automatically
I'm using a OnePlus One, running Cyanogen OS 13.1 (build date June 16, 2016), stock, non-rooted.

I usually disable/uninstall all bloatware like a knee-jerk reaction.

But recently I've noticed that some of these apps re-enable or re-install automatically, namely *Cyanogen One Note Plugin, Email by Boxer*, etc.

How's this even possible? How may I disable/uninstall them permanently without rooting?

# Answer
If the apps in question appears to be user-uninstallable but keeps coming back, they might be in /vendor and /system/vendor. But if they are only available for disabling, then they're real system apps. Either way, you'll need to gain root to access and eliminate them. As you have pointed out, unlike CM, COS doesn't come with root, so it might pose a problem.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Cyanogenmod is root by default it just needs to be turned on. and its going to install apps that are part of the OS like a email service.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: applications, oneplus-one, bloatware, cyanogen-os
---