# Question
Title: Increasing my phone's charging rate while tethered
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and a laptop with 2 USB 3 ports. When tethered to my laptop (to provide Internet access via GSM/HSPA data), the phone charges very slowly, especially if I am using it for anything else in addition to data tethering. While connected to a USB 3 port using the OEM cable, it took about 5 hours to charge while tethered but not otherwise being used. Given the 2100 mAh battery, this works out to a bit under 500mA¹. It has a micro-USB 2 port as its sole means of power input.

The S3's USB-to-AC Adaptor indicates that it provides 5.0 V at 1.0 A.

The Battery HD app, when running on my phone, tells me that an S3 will charge just under twice as fast via AC power as via USB.

I haven't found any apps which indicate, or any other way to determine, the phone's current draw from the power supply.

If I'm reading wikipedia correctly:

* Maximum current draw for a normal USB 2 port is 500mA.
* Maximum current draw for a normal USB 3 port is 900mA.
* Dedicated Charging Ports (which I gather is what the Samsung USB-to-AC adaptor has) can provide over 500mA but do not support data transfer. I didn't see any indication in the article of a maximum current.
* Charging Downstream Ports can also provide over 500mA along with high-speed data transfer. It sounds like the maximum current was originally 900mA in the 2007 spec but was upped to 1500mA when version 1.2 was published in 2010.

¹: Wikipedia gives battery specs for the S3 as "2,100 mAh, 7.98 Wh, 3.8 V". The rate of charge of the battery over 5 hours works out to 420mA **at 3.8V**. At USB voltage of 5V, this is only 320mA. I'm not sure what the efficiency ratio for charging a Li-Ion battery is—80% perhaps?

How can I increase my phone's charging rate when connected to my computer? Is it possible for a USB 2 device to draw 900mA from a USB 3 port? Is it possible (and safe) to connect my phone to two ports at once to increase the total current?

# Answer
Charging rate is set by hardware and software, and can't be modified by software only.

Charging rate depends on the following:

* resistance between D+ and D- (determines is it a official, unofficial or USB charging)
* hardware technology and limitations (QuickCharge 2.0, 3.0)
* cable length and quality (bad cables usually have more resistance)

For the S3, as far as I know, you can charge slow (USB, 5V 500mA) or fast (wall charger, 5V 900mA).

The charging type is set depending on the resistance, which is different for wall chargers (fixed to activate fast charging functionality in phones chip) and standard USB charging. If you want to charge quickly while tethering, the only valid option is to have your phone connected to an official Samsung wall charger which will ensure a higher charging current. There may be an option to set the USB connection to "Charge only" but that **doesn't guarantee** that the fast charging will be turned on.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Look into the usb battery charge spec 2.0 for cdp. A simple accessory to test with is an evaluated kit for the tps2546. Available from digikey for about $25.

Note i believe my siii recently stopped supporting cdp after a vzw update...
> 0 votes

# Answer
To anyone still reading this. There is an app on play (Galaxy Charging current Lite) that shows the charging current while charging. Uppon reaserching i find out that the phone software limits charging current. The default current for AC charging is set to 800mA, for USB charging to 480mA. But if you are rooted,you can apply new Kernel (mine is AGNI pureCM kernel) and you can change that up to AC: 1500mA, USB: 1000mA. But you must have AC charger that can produce that current. Original Samsung is 1000mA.
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, usb, charging
---


# Question
Title: Device does not register with Google to access the Play Store
I just got a new `BLU studio G` and after configuring my google account I can access my gmail, drive and other stuff, except for Play Store and Hangouts. I went to my account settings on the web and in the activity tab I saw my phone listed there, I can also go to the store from the browser (Opera by default, don't know if that helps) and though I can browse it, I cannot install/download anything as it says that I don't have any registered devices.

I have read this article and most of the links it has, tried almost all possible solutions, but resetting to factory settings, and still nothing. Right now am downloading an update of the store app (version 6) and will see if it works.

I even downloaded a `VPN` to rule out there was something wrong with that,but nothing changed.

So my questions are: what could be wrong with my configuration and how can I fix it?

# Answer
I finally made it to work, I'll be posting what worked for me so it hopefully helps someone facing the same problem.

1. I manually downloaded the latest (version 6 as of now) of the PlayStore app on my PC and installed it on my device
2. Then I went to the apps configuration and cleared cache data on all Play services I could find.
3. Then rebooted my phone and that was it
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Can JFLTE Lollipop ROM be installed on the Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-i545 with ME7 baseband?
I have a rooted Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-i545 (**edit: NOT GT-i9505**) updated to the ME7 baseband version.

I would like to upgrade to this Lollipop ROM, which appears to be designed for the GT-i9505, but I don't know much (read: anything) about flashing and I can't understand which methods are or are not expected to work:

* Flashing with TWRP or CWM Recovery apparently (?) requires an unlocked bootloader; with a locked bootloader, installing TWRP or CWM and rebooting just brings up an "unauthorized software" screen. However, there is an open bounty for unlocking the bootloader for Verizon S4s including (I think) those with the ME7 baseband. So does this mean that TWRP and CWM Recovery can't be used on my phone?
* It appears that the standard way of bypassing the locked bootloader is to use Safestrap, but there are some comments in the ROM announcement thread and in the announcement itself at this somewhat sketchy-seeming site stating that Safestrap can't be used with this ROM. Is that actually the case? Why are some ROMs not usable with Safestrap?
* Will Odin or Heimdall allow me to bypass the bootloader and install either the ROM itself or CWM or TWRP?
* Is there anything I can do with the Android SDK and associated tools (`fastboot`, `adb`, etc) to circumvent the bootloader problem?

If none of these are expected to work, how exactly is the above ROM supposed to be used with a Verizon S4? Are people with the ME7 and other bootloader-locked baseband versions just out of luck?

**EDIT:** Are the GT-i9505 and SCH-i545 even comparable?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's unfortunate that you learnt it the hard way, so posting this here for benefit of others who may be similarly placed

Very bright chances of bricking your phone if you flash a ROM **not** specifically meant for your phone. Custom ROMs are made by developers to cater explicitly for models specified by them, and being "closest" to your phone model doesn't mean anything in this context. Please read these to get more understanding

# Answer
> 1 votes
I bricked my phone attempting to use Heimdall to overwrite the bootloader. I do not believe the Verizon S4 with the ME7 baseband can be flashed with a custom ROM.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, custom-roms, bootloader-lock, verizon
---


# Question
Title: Make the phone always-listening to "OK Google" with fingerprint sensor on Nexus 5X
I have a Nexus 5X running Android 6 Marshmallow, and I want "OK Google" trained to my voice to work when the device is on but the screen is off. I also use fingerprint scanner for "smart lock"/screen lock. When I say "OK Google", the device requests a fingerprint or PIN before it will do the action requested. This renders the feature pretty useless as it's mostly a hands-free tool. (Note: "OK Google" works perfectly with no screen lock activated.)

Given that OK Google is trained to my voice only and that it is a hands-free feature, I find it strange that I can't use it that way when using the fingerprint scanner or other screen lock feature. Is there a way to do it?

I'm happy to have no screen lock but just have the fingerprint scanner turn the screen on instead, if that's possible - I find it useful when taking the device out of my pocket.

# Answer
Under **Security** and under **Smart Lock**, go to **Trusted voice** and check the option that says **Always on**. That's how I got "OK Google" to work when my phone is locked. I use the fingerprint lock as well.
> 2 votes

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Tags: smart-lock, ok-google, nexus-5x, fingerprint
---


# Question
Title: Change mobile network DNS on Lollipop and up
Ok, this is a constantly asked question, how to change mobile network DNS. But in different Android version, you will get different method. So this is the reason I ask this.

I have already known a method for Android 4 and below. Now, I want to know how to change mobile network DNS on Android 5.0 Lollipop and up.

A clue:

```
ndc resolver setnetdns <netId> <domains> <dns1> <dns2>

```

Someone said I should use this command to change mobile network DNS in Lollipop and up, but what is `netId`? Where can I find this value? Could you give me an example?

I am not C/C++ programer, but I try to read relative source code, found `netid` will be transform to unsigned long type by `strtoul` function. So I guess `netid` should be a hexadecimal string. I try using `netcfg` output value, but it doesn't work.

Could you give me more explanation about this method? How to use it? Or is there any other effective method to change mobile network DNS in Lollipop and up?

# Answer
I don't use Lollipop on my phone anymore. However since your question is about Lollipop and up, and I use Marshmallow, I can confirm that:

```
ndc resolver setnetdns devname dnsdomain dns1 dns2

```

works. It appears that you do not need to know the network ID anymore in Marshmallow, and you only need the device name.

So for example:

```
ndc resolver setnetdns rndis0 "" 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

```

will set the DNS for the rndis0 interface to Google's public DNS servers.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, mobile-network, dns
---


# Question
Title: How do I move apps from my phone to tablet?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S5 Active. My daughter just got a Dragon Touch tablet for Christmas, but we don't have wifi. I want to move the games that I've downloaded on my phone for her onto her tablet. She's six years old and driving me crazy wanting some games on this tablet. I moved the apps from my phone's device storage to a mini sd card. However, when I put the sd card into the tablet it is not showing the apps. The tablet shows that the appropriate amount of space is used on the SD card, but I can't seem to figure out how to open the apps or transfer them from the sd card to the tablet. Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong? Or am I trying to do something that just is not possible? Clearly I don't know a whole lot about technology. Please help.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Your Galaxy S5 Active should be able to create a Wi-Fi network, and share its own cellular data. This is usually referred to as "tethering", or "mobile hotspot". The settings are different for various Android devices, and sometimes are a paid feature (or may be missing completely) depending on the carrier.

Generally, on Samsung devices like your S5 Active you can find it under Settings -\> Connections -\> Tethering & Wi-Fi hotspot. You can activate and configure it there, and then use your daughter's tablet to connect to the newly created Wi-Fi and access Google Play Store, or other app stores (like Amazon, for example.) Here is a video that shows how to find the settings.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If your phone has a mobile hotspot then turn it on. (If you don't don't read this) Connect the tablet to the phoes hotspot. Then from there you can download any game if have purchased any games see how to get them on to the tablet for free

First download ES File Explore File Manager on both devices then open it on both devices.

On your phone go to user apps.

Pick the apps you want to download on the tablet and the hit the button that says more in more hit send when you see the tablet click it on the tablet it will come up with a sigh saying download the files hit OK and they will download on your tablet

Thanks

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, copying applications across from one device to another is not the same as installing them. Additionally, for the sake of security Android does not allow you to run programs from your SD card by default, so even if in theory the programs didn't need a whole lot of reconfiguration for your tablet, they still wouldn't run.

The easiest and best way to get the games onto the tablet would be via the Google Play Store, but you will need wifi on the tablet for that. One way to get this would be to share your phone's internet connection with the tablet, if you have an internet connection on your phone and if your hardware and/or service provider will allow you to do so. On my phone (Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300), I go to Settings =\> Network Connections =\> More networks =\> Tethering and portable hotspot =\> Portable Wi-Fi hotspot. If you get this far on your phone, just go ahead and switch the Portable Wi-fi hotspot on with the slider, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your daughter's tablet to the internet. (This also means going to Settings =\> Network Connections =\> Wifi on her tablet and looking for the share you just created, which by default is called AndroidAP). Then on her tablet use Google Play as normal to install the games.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you can get access to internet to download a small file, download "ShareIt" application By Lenovo from Google PlayStore on both of your devices, once you did that you can easily move all your applications, pictures, videos, etc to your new device easily!

# Answer
> 0 votes
You need to be clearer in telling what you want. If you are ok with downloading games from Playstore but don't have internet access (WiFi) you can do as Chahk said.

However this will not transfer the game from your phone to tablet.

If you specifically want to transfer apps from one device to another, there are a few options.

1. If your device is rooted, you can use backup applications like titanium backup. Then copy the backup folder to the new device and restore the apps using the same backup app.
2. Going by what you said, it seems that you have successfully copied the apk files into the sdcard. To install from sdcard you need to turn on ‘Unknown sources’ in the security setting.

To do that go to settings→ security→ unknown sources. This option must be ticked.

3. If your tablet does not show those apps, check if your phone or computer shows it. If those apps are seen in the computer, then you can install those apps from computer using adb command.

To set up adb please follow this site: http://androidforums.com/threads/tutorial-how-to-set-up-adb.603700/

Make sure adb recognizes your tablet and android debugging is turned on.

To install the apps, go to the folder where the apps are and open a command prompt or terminal (I am assuming your adb is in the environmental paths) and type

adb install \*.apk

where \*.apk is the name of your app.

Following methods 2 and 3 will give you a fresh install of your apps. No data will be restored.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Download an application "Zapya" ... on both of the devices and intall it.Connect both the devices using Zapya and you will be able to send or recieve files between both of the devices.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Their is an alternative too... Download the application "Xender".It is also easy to use.connect both the devices using Xender and you will be able to share files between the two devices.

---
Tags: applications, sd-card, tablet
---


# Question
Title: Is CyanogenMod easier to install in rooted device?
I have failed to install CyanogenMod a few times in my Samsung Galaxy 4 (GT-I9605, Android 5.0.1 lollipop) in unrooted device. I still want to get CyanogenMod in my device so I am thinking to root my device and start the installation process 3rd time.

Is CyanogenMod easier to install in rooted device than unrooted?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Both yes and no. You need custom recovery to flash CyanogenMod. If you have root with the non-recovery method, you can install the ROM manager from the Play Store, which makes the installation of a custom recovery rather simple.

From there, you just download the CM zip and flash it. Note that the ROM manager does have install ROM as a feature, so you can install from zip and it should automatically reboot to recovery and flash (but I think it works with CWM only, as I have TWRP and it just reboot).

# Answer
> 1 votes
Well, AFAIK you need a custom recovery, so that you can flash the ROM from the .zip file. You can maybe flash a custom recovery using PC software, but there are tools that rely on root access to do such things on-the-fly without requiring a PC.

I usually install CM using .zip files through recovery, and I need root to be able to flash custom recovery on my phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You usually cannot install a new or custom ROM without a rooted device that I am aware of. The nature of the process to install a new ROM pretty much means you have to have root for the installation to perform the required actions involved.

This is especially true for mainstream commercial devices such as the Samsungs, LGs, HTCs etc as they root protect their devices for security and to prevent people messing with their own customisations to the Android OS.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, rooting, installation
---


# Question
Title: How to automate Android by code and GUI in Tasker?
I have Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9506, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. I am using the application, Tasker. I feel it is too visual. I would like to write its profiles and events by code such that I could easily communicate about them with my friends. For instance, how you can write the following process from their homepage in code?

> during the night, turn on airplane mode to conserve battery/reduce radiation, but turn it off every 15 minutes to check for SMS/voicemail.

It would be so great to have a better control of Android's UI by functions. I think the GUI is not enough. I studied the case further. *Tasker* can do airplane mode only in Android 2.2-4.0. The application recommends to use *Secure settings* plugin and rooted device to get the feature. It would be great to understand why *Tasker* fails with such a feature in later versions of Android.

Any applications (MacroDroid) are ok for solutions but their solutions must be stable with explanation why they work. Like pointed above for *Tasker*, the change of the Android version may make the program not working. I think this kind of situation can be avoided by using *APIs* or designing APIs i.e. understanding which API we need for such communication. Much Android is hidden but still something can be thought through.

---

How can you automate by code and GUI in Android?

# Answer
> 2 votes
> Tasker can do Airplane mode only in Android 2.2 - 4.0. The application recommends to use Secure Settings plugin and rooted device to get the feature. It would be great to understand why Tasker fails with such a feature in later versions of Android.

The biggest reason why some Tasker tasks are broken on different Android versions is, **because it doesn't require root access**. From their website,

> This simple concept profoundly extends your control of your Android device and it's capabilities, without the need for 'root' or a special home screen

Note that Secure Settings needs root access for Airplane mode. From its Play Store description,

> Actions:
>
> * Airplane Mode \[System+ required 4.2+\]
> * Airplane Mode Radios \[System+ required 4.2+\].

The *System+* indicates that the app needs to be installed as system app, which requires root.

---

> .. the change of the Android version may make the program (i.e. Tasker) not working. I think this kind of situation can be avoided by using APIs or designing APIs i.e. understanding which API we need for such communication

Partially right. **The change of the Android version also affects Android API**, and since Tasker only uses the API, it becomes its weakness. Take an example of Airplane mode on Android 4.2+ (on Stack Overflow). The code for Airplane mode is working for Android 4.1, but then it's broken since Android 4.2. It's due to change in system's settings structure. CommonsWare explains it better on his website,

> Lots of people have already chimed in on StackOverflow about `Settings.Global`, notably the fact that `AIRPLANE_MODE` is no longer available to be modified in `Settings.System`. Now, only `signature|system` apps will be able to toggle on and off airplane mode, which will wipe out many an app widget.

Due to the fact that Tasker doesn't require root access, combined with the change in Android API, some of Tasker tasks did and may fail in the future. Finally, that's the reason why there are many 3rd-party plugins that require root access to workaround with Tasker's limitation.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, tasker, automation, macrodroid
---


# Question
Title: Rooted Android device and more regular updates?
My current Android phone Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9506, Android 5.0) has much outdated software and OS. I would like to get much faster update cycle. The current Android and Samsung support cannot provide it. Therefore, I am thinking about rooting my device and possibly this way speeding up the update cycle.

I have installed CyanogenMod in my unrooted device unsuccessfully a few times. I think the failure may be due to the unrooted device. I think you cannot get the full control of the device without the rooting and thus insufficient updates in your device.

Can a rooted Android device have more regular update cycle? However, I am not sure if rooting can make the update cycle worser because of possible loss of the main developers' support in the device and OS.

# Answer
Generally, if you're talking about updates for any ROM, then you should know that it doesn't matter if you're rooted or not to get regular updates.

Moreover, rooting modifies your /system partition, due to which OTAs (for stock ROM) will **fail to install**, because nowadays most updates are **Block-based OTAs**.
So, for successfully installing official OTAs, it's better not to root your phone or use **systemless root**.

You're not getting regular updates because maybe Samsung hasn't yet released any updates for your device.

But if your phone is rooted and if you have flashed a custom recovery, then, as you said, you can install any custom ROMs with active developers which might be getting regular updates.
As @Tamoghna said, you can install ROMs like CyanogenMod which might provide daily updates.
You can also check for CM daily updates using apps like CyanDelta Updater (as said by @Firelord) which provides delta updates of minimal size.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes. Root it -\> Install custom recovery -\> Flash CyanogenMod.

Currently the S4 supports CM13 which is already on 6.0.1 with latest security patches. Nightlies are always stable enough regarding hardware, the software may crash here and there, but from my experiance, those nightlies are as stable as any other ROM.

You can also check how is the S4 standing regarding GPE software, because you can maybe just convert it to GPE and use vanilla Android.
> 1 votes

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Tags: updates, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Prevent particular website pages from appearing in Google search [phone]
How do I prevent links to a particular website from showing in search results on chrome, on my mobile?

For example I want to see a video of maybe cows dancing

But I don't want to see any links related to dailymotion.com.

Is there any way I can filter those results out?

(If this doesn't belong here, please leave a comment as to where I can ask this. I feel this could be helpful for others too so I asked it here)

# Answer
> 4 votes
If I understand correctly, you want to filter only some searches when you need it, and not permanently ban sites. Simply including `-site:dailymotion.com` in the search query should do the trick (make sure not to omit the '-').

If you want to permanently ban a site, try the following:

Some AdBlock apps exist that allow you to blacklist certain URLs. I'm not sure though if this would work with google searches (as they are only links to the host and not resources pulled from the host), but it's worth giving it a shot.

---
Tags: browser, chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Why can't my contacts see photos I send via SMS?
Trying to download SMS programs, tried a few, so to have better customizable color options as the new Samsung Galaxy sucks for that. Everything I have tried, whatsapp, GO SMS Pro, Viber, Hangouts, none of them let me send photos to my contacts unless they have the same SMS program. Why? My basic SMS on the LG Android had all these basic properties and I never had issues.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Images are not actually sent via SMS, but instead use the MMS protocol. For this to work, you must have your MMS access point configured properly (this *usually* happens automatically):

1. Check with your contractors website for their MMS access point details. If they are not listed on their website, contact them.
2. Go to Settings -\> Mobile Networks -\> Access Point Names (or APNs on some devices) and add a

*ProviderName* MMS

where *ProviderName* is the name of your provider, e.g. Verizon.

Set all the values to what you got from Step 1. Some values might be missing, you can probably safely ignore them.

---
Tags: sms, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: Can I make the weather widget depend on wifi rather than location?
I upgraded from Galaxy Mega to Galaxy S6 Edge +.

The weather widget seems to depend on me turning on 'location' (which I'm guessing is the renaming of GPS). In Mega, I need only Wifi. Now, I have to turn on location.

Is there a way I can still use the weather widget to see temperature without turning location? If not, what can I use to see temperature and time using a widget way without turning on location?

# Answer
Check `Settings`-\>`Privacy and Security`-\>`Location`-\>`Search method`-\>Select `WiFi and mobile networks`.
It's there, just named differently because you don't need GPS for location and may choose to disable that feature completely.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, app-widgets, weather, samsung-galaxy-mega-2
---


# Question
Title: How to Run a script or get adb devices from machine 1 to mobile device which is connected machine 2?
I am attempting to run a Script from Machine 1. \[Script would be calabash or Appium\]. In machine 1 i didnt connected any device and In machine 2 I have connected 2 Android devices.

> Machine 1 and Machine 2 are connected via LAN. so I can able to ping machine 2 from machine 1.

Now My question is **Is there any posibility to Access devices via adb which is conneced in Machine 2. So that i can able to run my Script ?**

I am using two windows machine.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, you can do that using adb connect REMOTE\_MACHINE\_IP:XXXX .

where XXXX is the port of the remote machine.

Sources:

http://www.41post.com/5003/programming/android-adb-remote-emulator-access

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/13278429/how-to-set-up-adb-for-remote-machine-development-and-local-device-deployment

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: AFwall+: Why does the Kernel need an internet connection all the time?
Since I started using AFWall+ (a firewall based on iptables) on Android, I was wondering why the Linux kernel tries to connect to the internet all the time?

Allthough blocking the kernel I didn't recognize any disadvantages or issues.

A short answer is given here on the FAQs page of AFWall+.

It says that the kernel does not communicate directly, it only pass packet information from some applications and something about policy routing based on `fwmark`.

What does it mean? What is `fwmark`? Can somebody translate it into simple language for noobs? Is it better to allow the kernel to connect over TCP?

# Answer
> 1 votes
`fwmark` stands for Firewall Mark, which can be better described as a "netfilter mark", according to a quote in this article (also my reference).

Simplifying stuff a lot:

`fwmark` is a "stamp" on TCP/IP packets put there by the kernel. *mark* refers to the *command line entity* (whatever that is, refer the linked article for details). These are used by Linux Virtual Servers to coordinate routing from different IP addresses used by the virtual servers to the same real server (the actual server machine).

I have next to no idea why an Android device would need that. It is probably a holdover from the mainstream Linux kernel features integrated by the developer into the Android kernel.

---
Tags: internet, kernel, firewall
---


# Question
Title: Given an Android phone, how can I find out what custom and stock ROMs are compatible?
I've recently started trying to dabble in custom ROMs, or even just trying to boost an old phone with a newer version of Android, but there doesn't seem to be a conclusive place online to find out what ROMs are supported by what phones (and how to root any given phone), what ROMs are available out there in the world in general, it all seems a bit... messy!

So here's my example for my question: I have an Obi S453, how can I find out what ROMs I might be able to install?

# Answer
> 2 votes
This site offers a fairly comprehensive coverage to the questions asked by you:

Coming to your device in particular, it appears there is lack of developer support to create custom ROMs as a quick search (not comprehensive ) did not provide any evidence. Even the OEM, it looks like has not come out with any plans to update to Lollipop, whereas most popular phones have the next version Marshmallow rolled out or in the process of rolling out.

Possible reasons for lack of developer support, in general, could be (i am not a developer, so guessing):

* Chipset being not developer friendly
* Not a popular phone compared to low cost "budget phones"
* Kernel and chip set information not "open source"
* Difficulty in porting custom ROM from another ROM
* OEM not coming up with a improved versions of phone

# Answer
> 1 votes
You find out by checking your model number (my case is SM-G800F). Then you go to the custom ROM and look at the "name" of the build. Mine would be kminilte, which would support even other phones very similar to mine.

You can Google your model number to see. Alternatively, the ROM download page usually contains the market name (so S5 mini and kminilte in small text).

If a device is not supported, you can download a version of a phone very similar to yours. Then either risk and test if it works, or edit the ROM for support on your phone (called porting). There are many guides on porting and rebuilding a ROM similar to your phone.

---
Tags: custom-roms, rom
---


# Question
Title: Bottom portion of text & numbers are not showing my screen
I think I inadvertly deleted something in my device that now makes it only display the top 2/3's of text and numbers on some apps,settings and spec stuff.

I used various antivirus apps that may have allowed me to delete important OS files as junk files or something similar.

Can you please help with suggestion on returning my Ellipsis 10 back to normal? It is not rooted. It runs Android Lollipop 5.1.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Okay, I know this isn't really an answer (since I don't know what the problem is, screenshot would help), but anyway.

Firstly, try to turn your device off and then on again, it can be surprising how problems can be fixed with a simple reboot.

If a reboot does not solve the problem, what did you do before the problem appeared ? Did you install an app ? If so, uninstall it. Did you change a setting ? If so, change it back.

Try to go into the Settings, and if there is a "developer options" entry (at the bottom, under "System") go into it, and make sure the toggle at the top is set to "Off".

If nothing else works, you can always do a factory reset (which will wipe all your data), and that should fix it. (I'm not suggesting that a factory reset is necessary - it's very likely that your problem can be fixed in some other way.)

You say you installed *20* battery booster and cache cleaner apps ? That seems a bit excessive. Try to uninstall them, if you haven't already.

---

As a side note: these apps don't do *anything* which Android cannot do on it's own. (You should read this)In fact, they will probably slow down your device and cause battery drain, esp. If you have 20 of them installed.

If your battery life is less than what you'd expect, there is a "battery" menu in the settings, which will tell you exactly what used how much battery. In my experience, this is a lot more helpful than some automagic all in one battery saver app.

If your device is slow, you probably have too many apps installed - installing a cache cleaner app isn't going to fix that.

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop
---


title: Why is Marshmallow 6.0 and not 5.2?

text:
# Question
Title: Why is Marshmallow 6.0 and not 5.2?
Jellybean to KitKat was 4.3 to 4.4.

KitKat to Lollipop was 4.4 to 5.0, which is understandable because there were huge changes in runtime as well as interface.

But why is Marshmallow not 5.2? It doesn't seem to have wholesale changes from Lollipop.

# Answer
There's no official answer for this question from Google.

Here's an answer from the Android Authority Website:

> We finally have the gooey answer to the Android M conundrum and it’s Marshmallow. Not a major shock, it was always a front-runner, but some people have been surprised by the fact that Marshmallow will be version 6.0 of Android and not 5.2 or 5.5. Should a whole number leap imply some major overhaul? Why is Google jumping straight to 6.0? There are various possible reasons.
>
> ## It never made sense
>
> Did Google’s version system ever really make sense? Anyone who has worked with programmers will understand the often arbitrary nature of version numbers. Traditionally, the first number is supposed to mark a major version and the second number a minor version, but that’s just a general convention, it’s not an unbreakable rule. In practice, version numbers often just mark the point that something was pushed out the door. They’re useful because they make it possible to track down problems later, but they don’t really tell the end user anything, and they’re not really meant to.
>
> Let’s take a brief look at the historical line-up of Android versions:
>
> Android 1.0
> Android 1.1
> Android 1.5 Cupcake
> Android 1.6 Donut
> Android 2.0 Éclair
> Android 2.2 Froyo
> Android 2.3 Gingerbread
> Android 3.0 Honeycomb
> Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
> Android 4.1 (4.2, 4.3) Jelly Bean
> Android 4.4 Kitkat
> Android 5.0 (5.1) Lollipop
>
> Take a look through the versions and try to find a pattern that establishes consistently why some versions are whole number leaps and others aren’t. The closest you could argue is probably that whole numbers indicate an aesthetic leap, but Éclair didn’t really and Marshmallow won’t either. What does it matter when the system never really made sense anyway?
>
> The dessert names are for users, marking larger leaps of style and function, but even the incremental updates within names have sometimes delivered more than just bug fixes. There’s no real consistency there.
>
> ## Maybe it is a major version
>
> Perhaps you could argue that Marshmallow is a major update, even if there isn’t an aesthetic overhaul. We’re getting a much improved, granular app permission system, a revamped payment system in Android Pay, contextual data with Now on Tap, support for fingerprint sensors, seamless custom Chrome tabs for apps, deep linking directly into apps, better cut and paste, support for USB Type C, a battery life boost with Doze, and the list goes on.
>
> That sounds like a lot. But then Froyo, Gingerbread, and Jelly Bean all delivered long lists of improvements without getting a number bump. Push notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, NFC, Google Now, IR blaster support, Bluetooth LE, and many other things came without whole number updates. What makes Marshmallow different?
>
> ## Leaving Lollipop behind
>
> It could be just as much to do with distancing Android from version 5.0 Lollipop as it is with reaching version 6.0. It’s no secret that Lollipop has negative associations for some people. There have been serious battery life issues for a lot of devices, Wi-Fi problems, lagging, stuttering, and frequent crashes, not to mention a host of smaller bugs. Version 5.1 doesn’t seem to have solved everyone’s issues, either.
>
> It has also been far from a smooth roll out. Google’s latest figures suggest 5.0 adoption is at 15.5% with 5.1 accounting for another 2.6%. Bugs galore will ensure that Lollipop isn’t as fondly remembered as it might have been, but it’s not just the problems, it’s also the design changes. The Priority Mode has not been popular with people who want a simple silent option, widget support disappeared from the lock screen, and not everyone likes the new Material Design aesthetic.
>
> Microsoft was so keen to distance itself from the unpopular Windows 8 that it skipped a whole number to land on Windows 10. Maybe Google is trying to make a similar break and show clearly that Marshmallow has moved on from Lollipop. If you didn’t like 5.0 then try 6.0.
>
> ## Switching to the annual release cycle
>
> We were discussing how a yearly release cycle could improve the Android experience a while back. Predictability and stability makes it easier for everyone to plan. It will help tackle the fragmentation issue and introduce a bit more clarity. OEMs, carriers, and developers can work with an established schedule far more easily than a series of random updates. It also means one big exciting release with the attendant fanfare each year, instead of a steady dribble of smaller improvements. That’s something that the media and consumers are more likely to get excited about.
>
> It makes a lot of sense to assign a new name and number to the annual update and to save those .x releases for minor changes and bug fixes. It’s nice and neat. It’s a system that makes logical sense. Everyone can grasp what’s going on and that can only be a good thing.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: updates, 5.1-lollipop, android-versions, 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: Android and Network attached storage server
I am trying to organize my digital archive (pictures and movies). My wife and I store a lot of stuff on our Android phones. Before I buy a NAS device I would love to hear which protocol I should be looking to use with a NAS. What I want is to connect my Andoid phone in most natural way to a NAS and to be able read, write and use pictures from the NAS.

Is there any good client for NAS servers, or is there any file explorer which cloud be integrate whit NAS so I can browse files.

It would be ideal if I could find some sync software that would automatically backup data from my phone to a NAS.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have a NAS that uses standard Windows shares (SMB) and I use the Image Transfer app to push all my new pictures and videos to my server over wireless (it's a paid app but very cheap and in my opinion worth the small fee).

Also see this previous question: App to sync photos to a network drive over wifi? which has a few alternatives and where Image Transfer came top.

My device comes with a web-page interface, which is how I do most viewing of pictures, files etc

# Answer
> 2 votes
ES File explorer has the ability to connect to any shared folder using SMB, I’ll recommend you to give a try.

If what you want is the possibility to copy files manually from/to your NAS server from/to the phone, this is a perfect solution, it’s free, easy to configure and super easy to use.

If what you want is an automatic sync of some phone folders to your NAS shared sources, then you are searching for something else.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As technology and apps have moved on....I've tried a few different apps,the best IMHO being ES and FS file explorers from Google Play to manage/stream pictures,video and music and files, but I've found X-plore to be the easiest to get on with juggling files. Microsoft WHS2003 and a 2015 Android smartphone in synergy - who would have thought it?

---
Tags: wi-fi, networking, storage
---


title: Calendar basic want to disable

text:
# Question
Title: Calendar basic want to disable
I keep getting calendar notifications that there are no events, no matter what I try I cannot disable the calendar. Tried settings a number of times no luck!!

# Answer
> 1 votes
go to Settings/Apps/All, select the Calendar you are talking about and uncheck "Show notifications."

---
Tags: settings
---


# Question
Title: my contacts have dissapeared and i can't recover them with google backup
i bought a new Galaxy Core Prime about 2 weeks ago. After some time, some of my contacts dissapeared. I didn't delete them, neither switched any settings with contacts. Still i had 102 contact in my sim card and now i have only 48 and i didn't delete any of them. I tried Android Data Recovery, Google Backup but none of them worked. Can anyone help me?

# Answer
> 0 votes
my advice is you should use "GT RECOVERY " APP in your android .but its need ROOT so first root your device with KINGO ROOT. this is very easy.

---
Tags: data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: why Moto x play does not have contacts feature like samsung? why it does not have an option to save contacts to phone memory?
I am little bit disappointed after buying Motorola phone. I was aware that it removes bloatware app but on the other hand, it has very poor contacts app/feature. I had earlier used Samsung phones and the contact feature is remarkable,quite user friendly. Here, in Moto X Play, I do not find any option to save contacts on my phone memory. All it has, is the email account. I had recommended this phone to others and I regret my decision.

Anyways, please help me out if there is any option/tweak to make the contacts features better.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try **Export contacts** to **Storage** in the Phone app after clicking on the 3 dots in the top right corner. That will create a file with all contacts in phone memory.

If that's not what you want you can always download an application of your choice from the Play Store as others have said earlier.

---
Tags: contacts, moto-x-play
---


title: Help with Photo app / Gallery

text:
# Question
Title: Help with Photo app / Gallery
I deleted the photo app that actually comes pre-installed on Android and have been just using gallery. Is there any way to download the photo app?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try "gallerie pro" from the play store. i assume that this is a branch of "the original google Gallery app" - at least on my android 4.2 it looks nearly the same

# Answer
> 0 votes
I did this also, and found an app in the Play Store. It's called Google Photos, but you don't need to search for it that way. Opening the store and typing "photos" will bring it up as the first option. The icon looks exactly the same, so you'll recognize it right away. The download is free and easy.

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy 4 running Android 4.1.2. I may be wrong, but I think any phone which has previously had the app will be able to download it again.

---
Tags: applications, photos
---


# Question
Title: ASUS_T00J zenfone 5 recovery mode shows no command
I have an Asus Zenfone 5 (ASUS\_T00J). When I go to recovery mode from droidboot it only shows no command. What might be the problem?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If this is the same as on Nexus (and I'm not entirely sure that it is but Nexus devices do do this when booting into recovery) then do the following (from the DigitalTrends article here).

"Press and hold the Power key and the Volume up key for around three seconds and then let go of the Volume up key, but keep pressing Power."

After doing this, the recovery options should appear.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, asus-zenfone-5
---


# Question
Title: Missing account name and app icon in account entry - NothingToSeeHere account
Screenshot (click to enlarge)

See that account with the Android icon and missing name? It's an account called "NothingToSeeHere". Does anybody know what could it be and how can I check it?

I turned it off and now I can't turn it on but it's still on the "Add Account" page. Although I can't click on it to show you the name, "NothingToSeeHere".

Here's the (sensitive data censored) dump from account service:

```
User UserInfo{0:XXXXXXXXXX:13}:
Accounts: 4
Account {name=XXXXXXX@gmail.com, type=com.facebook.auth.login}
Account {name=Messenger, type=com.facebook.messenger}
Account {name=XXXXXX XXXXX, type=hr.apisit.u03.kp}
Account {name=XXXXXXXX@gmail.com, type=com.google}

AccountId, Action_Type, timestamp, UID, TableName, Key Accounts History
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-02 03:14:40,10054,accounts,0
1,action_account_add,2016-01-02 03:15:44,10007,accounts,1
1,action_set_password,2016-01-02 03:15:44,10007,accounts,2
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-03 00:35:18,10007,accounts,3
2,action_account_add,2016-01-03 03:13:50,10156,accounts,4
3,action_account_add,2016-01-03 12:39:15,10149,accounts,5
4,action_account_add,2016-01-03 12:39:54,10148,accounts,6
5,action_account_add,2016-01-04 00:09:34,10132,accounts,7
-1,action_called_account_remove,2016-01-04 00:38:45,1000,accounts,8
1,action_account_remove,2016-01-04 00:38:45,10007,accounts,9
-1,action_called_account_remove,2016-01-04 00:39:48,1000,accounts,10
2,action_account_remove,2016-01-04 00:39:49,10156,accounts,11
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-04 00:41:43,0,accounts,12
6,action_account_add,2016-01-04 00:42:23,10007,accounts,13
6,action_set_password,2016-01-04 00:42:23,10007,accounts,14
7,action_account_add,2016-01-04 23:11:16,10156,accounts,15
-1,action_called_account_remove,2016-01-05 15:22:19,1000,accounts,16
7,action_account_remove,2016-01-05 15:22:20,10156,accounts,17
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:30:12,0,accounts,18
8,action_account_add,2016-01-05 15:30:13,10156,accounts,19
-1,action_called_account_remove,2016-01-05 15:30:20,1000,accounts,20
8,action_account_remove,2016-01-05 15:30:20,10156,accounts,21
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:35:37,0,accounts,22
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:35:44,0,accounts,23
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:35:51,0,accounts,24
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:35:56,0,accounts,25
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:36:36,0,accounts,26
-1,action_called_account_add,2016-01-05 15:37:13,0,accounts,27

Active Sessions: 6
Session: expectLaunch false, connected true, stats (0/0/0), lifetime 8307.921, addAccount, accountType zephyr.headlezz.net, requiredFeatures null
Session: expectLaunch false, connected true, stats (0/0/0), lifetime 7982.812, addAccount, accountType zephyr.headlezz.net, requiredFeatures null
Session: expectLaunch false, connected true, stats (0/0/0), lifetime 7976.194, addAccount, accountType zephyr.headlezz.net, requiredFeatures null
Session: expectLaunch false, connected true, stats (0/0/0), lifetime 7963.836, addAccount, accountType zephyr.headlezz.net, requiredFeatures null
Session: expectLaunch false, connected true, stats (0/0/0), lifetime 7923.559, addAccount, accountType zephyr.headlezz.net, requiredFeatures null
Session: expectLaunch false, connected true, stats (0/0/0), lifetime 7886.837, addAccount, accountType zephyr.headlezz.net, requiredFeatures null

RegisteredServicesCache: 12 services
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.android.sim}, ComponentInfo{com.qualcomm.simcontacts/com.qualcomm.simcontacts.SimAuthenticateService}, uid 1000
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=hr.apisit.u03.kp}, ComponentInfo{hr.apisit.u03.kp/hr.apisit.u03.kp.account.AccountAuthenticatorService}, uid 10132
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.google}, ComponentInfo{com.google.android.gms/com.google.android.gms.auth.GoogleAccountAuthenticatorService}, uid 10007
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.lge.sync}, ComponentInfo{com.android.contacts/com.android.contacts.model.AuthenticatorService}, uid 10020
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=zephyr.headlezz.net}, ComponentInfo{com.lolsummoners/com.lolsummoners.logic.sync.AuthenticatorService}, uid 10156
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.facebook.messenger}, ComponentInfo{com.facebook.orca/com.facebook.messaging.phonebookintegration.account.MessengerAuthenticatorService}, uid 10148
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.skype.contacts.sync}, ComponentInfo{com.skype.raider/com.skype.android.service.AccountService}, uid 10130
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.google.android.gm.legacyimap}, ComponentInfo{com.google.android.gm/com.android.email.service.LegacyImapAuthenticatorService}, uid 10069
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.facebook.auth.login}, ComponentInfo{com.facebook.katana/com.facebook.katana.platform.FacebookAuthenticationService}, uid 10149
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.google.android.gm.pop3}, ComponentInfo{com.google.android.gm/com.android.email.service.Pop3AuthenticatorService}, uid 10069
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice}, ComponentInfo{com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice.service/com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice.service.server.syncadapter.AuthenticatorService}, uid 10010 ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.android.localphone}, ComponentInfo{com.qualcomm.simcontacts/com.qualcomm.simcontacts.PhoneAuthenticateService}, uid 1000

```
* Phone: LG G3 D855 32GB
* System: Android 6.0 Marshmallow (stock 30B rooted)

# Answer
> 2 votes
It can be safely assumed that the apps which have an entry under Settings → Accounts uses Android's sync adapter framework to sync the app data with their server. In that case, system service `account` can give you info about the apps which have registered themselves to use the said framework. Using such info, you can either disable the apps one by one or go berserk with all to pin-point the troublemaker.

# Troubleshooting instructions

(Tested on Android 4.2.1 and 5.0.2)

Setup in PC and execute:

```
adb shell dumpsys account

```

It would show info for all the user accounts, be it primary or secondary. Under `User UserInfo{0:XXXX:13}:` i.e. for primary user, after the string `RegisteredServicesCache:` find all the lines starting with `ServiceInfo:`.

In the output you provided, those lines are:

```
RegisteredServicesCache: 12 services
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.android.sim}, ComponentInfo{com.qualcomm.simcontacts/com.qualcomm.simcontacts.SimAuthenticateService}, uid 1000
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=hr.apisit.u03.kp}, ComponentInfo{hr.apisit.u03.kp/hr.apisit.u03.kp.account.AccountAuthenticatorService}, uid 10132
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.google}, ComponentInfo{com.google.android.gms/com.google.android.gms.auth.GoogleAccountAuthenticatorService}, uid 10007
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.lge.sync}, ComponentInfo{com.android.contacts/com.android.contacts.model.AuthenticatorService}, uid 10020
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=zephyr.headlezz.net}, ComponentInfo{com.lolsummoners/com.lolsummoners.logic.sync.AuthenticatorService}, uid 10156
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.facebook.messenger}, ComponentInfo{com.facebook.orca/com.facebook.messaging.phonebookintegration.account.MessengerAuthenticatorService}, uid 10148
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.skype.contacts.sync}, ComponentInfo{com.skype.raider/com.skype.android.service.AccountService}, uid 10130
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.google.android.gm.legacyimap}, ComponentInfo{com.google.android.gm/com.android.email.service.LegacyImapAuthenticatorService}, uid 10069
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.facebook.auth.login}, ComponentInfo{com.facebook.katana/com.facebook.katana.platform.FacebookAuthenticationService}, uid 10149
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.google.android.gm.pop3}, ComponentInfo{com.google.android.gm/com.android.email.service.Pop3AuthenticatorService}, uid 10069
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice}, ComponentInfo{com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice.service/com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice.service.server.syncadapter.AuthenticatorService}, uid 10010
ServiceInfo: AuthenticatorDescription {type=com.android.localphone}, ComponentInfo{com.qualcomm.simcontacts/com.qualcomm.simcontacts.PhoneAuthenticateService}, uid 1000

```

In each line after first line, you would see an example of this template:

```
ComponentInfo{ABC/XYZ}, uid ID

```

The ABC here is the package name of the app whose entry is listed under Settings → Accounts. ID is Android UID allotted to that package.

Now, I was able to lessen my scope to `com.lolsummoners` as the troublemaker is because in the screenshot you provided, these apps already have an icon:

(To get app's label using its package name, use GAThrawn's answer \- works if only the app is available in Play Store; use Izzy's answer \- works for any installed app.)

* Facebook - `com.facebook.katana`
* Play Services - `com.google.android.gms`
* Messenger - `com.facebook.orca`
* mPretinac - `hr.apisit.u03.kp`
* Skype - `com.skype.raider`
* Gmail POP3/IMAP - `com.google.android.gm`

The ones left were:

* `com.qualcomm.simcontacts` \- uid: 1000 - a system app
* `com.android.contacts` \- uid: 10020 - a system app
* `com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice.service` \- uid: 10010 - a system app
* `com.lolsummoners` \- uid: 10156 - a user app

Because I based troubleshooting on the assumption that the issue would most likely be the work of a user installed app, I asked you to remove `com.lolsummoners`. As a fail-safe, I suggested disabling `com.lge.bioitplatform.sdservice.service`.

Thankfully, the first one worked out and you also learned how to troubleshoot such an issue effectively in future.

---
Tags: accounts
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent brightness when battery reaches high?
I leave my phone (Samsung Galaxy 4 GT-I9506, Android 5.0.1 lollipop) charging on my table when going to sleep. It reaches full after some hours often. It is so annoying when the display becomes bright after battery reaching full, awakening me.

I know the thread How to prevent brightness from going to full when the battery low popup appears? about the prevention of bright display when the battery goes low. The rooted device seems to be the only choice to change the default behavior. I have unsuccessfully installed *CyanogenMod* in the device a few times. I am open about other ways to root this device and change its default behavior.

Settings \> Display does not have any features by which you can alter the brightness mode. It would be great to customize the brightness in different modes, etc when the battery is low. In the link, the user did not want to consume extra battery with display when the battery was extremely low.

I installed Firelord proposed, Tasker, where I am working the automation. I probably need to root my phone for sufficient change.

---

How can you prevent brightness when battery reaches full in Android?

# Answer
You may come close but cannot prevent that behavior unless there is a setting unbeknownst to you or the device is rooted. No matter what app you use, the brightness would be set to maximum whenever the battery level reaches 100% and in a matter of few milliseconds, it would revert to whatsoever you want it to be. My solution takes care of that problem. Originally posted here.

The file named `max_brightness`, a file under `/sys`, hence a part of Linux kernel and directly managed by it, appears to be the key to the solution. I found that setting the brightness limit in that file is one of the best ways to tackle the issue.

I noticed that once your custom maximum brightness is set, neither Android nor an app was able to set brightness beyond that custom level unless they changed the content of that file, which often an app has no reason to and none of them changed either. Besides, the file is owned by root and is part of group root, so any app or even system\_server would require root privilege to make changes into that file.

Finding that file is bit tricky. In my MTK device with Android 4.2, that file appears to be under `/sys/devices/platform/leds-mt65xx/leds/lcd-backlight/`.

In my Qualcomm device with Android 5.0.2 and above, the file appeared to be in `/sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight/`.

I assume that the best way to find that file is to run a search query (setup for that), such as:

<sub>(Requires busybox)</sub>

```
adb shell su -c 'find /sys/ -type f -iname "max_brightness"'

```

In my Qualcomm device, the output it gives is:

```
/sys/devices/f9924000.i2c/i2c-2/2-0068/leds/red/max_brightness
/sys/devices/f9924000.i2c/i2c-2/2-0068/leds/blue/max_brightness
/sys/devices/f9924000.i2c/i2c-2/2-0068/leds/green/max_brightness
**/sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight**/max_brightness
/sys/devices/qcom,camera-led-flash.81/leds/torch-light/max_brightness
/sys/devices/msm_sdcc.1/leds/mmc0::/max_brightness
/sys/devices/msm_sdcc.2/leds/mmc1::/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-d300/leds/led:flash_torch/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-d300/leds/led:flash_0/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-d300/leds/led:flash_1/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/kpdbl-lut-2/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/kpdbl-pwm-3/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/kpdbl-pwm-4/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/button-backlight/max_brightness

```

The location where `lcd-backlight` is mentioned was the only one that made sense to me and this is how I found the file in my device. Don't you worry asking about others. I attempted changing the brightness of the screen and looked for the changes in the file named `brightness` (also located under those said locations). None of them reflected the correct output other than the one at `/sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight`.

Only for demonstration, try setting a limit in `max_brightness`

```
adb shell su -c 'echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS'   # in my case PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS is /sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight/ and set LIMIT to a value less than 30 (not limited to).

```

Now try maxing the brightness by using brightness slider or a third party app and you would notice that the brightness of your screen doesn't exceed beyond a certain point even when slider or the app's configuration appears to be at maximum. The brightness for that "certain point" would certainly be less than the default one you are used to.

**Note** that the maximum value in max\_brightness is often found to be 255 and the brightness ranges from 0-255. Often, not always true, that is. And *fear not from setting the limit to 0. It would cause the screen not to lit until you revert the changes or restart the device.*

Find a limit which would not disturb you in your sleep.

---

# Automation

For , use any automation app that can run a command with root privilege and when the context of your preferred trigger is met. I recommend a time based trigger.

Some working examples:

* In Tasker, setup a profile with your preferred context, create a task and use the action: Code → Run Shell:

+ Command: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`
    + check Use Root
* In MacroDroid, setup your preferred trigger and for action install Secure Settings, choose it → Actions → Run Command:

+ Command: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`
    + check Use Root
* In Automate, as part of your flow, when setting up an action for your trigger, select *Shell command superuser* under Apps and do:

+ Command Line: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`

Make sure to install all the permissions the flow require.
* In DroidAutomation, setup your trigger and under task, select Root → Execute a command line and type: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`

As you would've guessed, you would have to setup two profiles for every app. One to setup a limit and the other to set the maximum brightness to the default you're used to.

---

I would like you to **keep this under consideration** (even though you got a hint at the beginning) that using a 100% battery trigger would defeat the purpose of this answer, which is to override the changes Android want to make. As an example, if you setup LIMIT to 0 whenever the battery reaches 100%, what would happen is your Android would lit the screen to maximum as usual and in few milliseconds (you read correctly) your automation app would run and set the limit. Your sleep may get interrupted in those milliseconds.

The workaround is to set up the battery level to 99 or less for full battery charge.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised if you avoid rooting considering that that the biggest compromise you would be making in using an answer with non-root approach is of not accounting those pesky but only milliseconds.
> 4 votes

# Answer
As suggested by @Firelord, you could try with tasker or use MacroDroid

Automation is the preferred option, or rather only option in this case. Many apps are available. I prefer using MacroDroid , since it is free (upto 5 macros) and easy to learn. To understand how MacroDroid works and the **settings** required for your Android version, see my answer

**Note** This is not tested on Lollipop as I am on KitKat but should work. Ensure appropriate settings for lollipop are made

Your macro would look like this

**Trigger**:

*Battery Level**increases to* → (choose percentage preferred by you on sliding scale or 100 %)

**Actions**:

* *Brightness**0* (*Choose On sliding scale- doesn't require root*)
* *Wait before next action* → set to 10 seconds (recommended to separate previous and next actions ensuring both happen)
* *Dim Screen**Dimmer On* → 10% (*Choose On sliding scale- doesn't require root, if the earlier action is not good enough for you* \- this is akin to "screen filter" apps like Darker)

**Constraints**:

*Time of Day**Start Time* 2200 →*End Time* 0600 (assuming that's your sleep time)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, charging, battery-life, usability
---


# Question
Title: How long will I keep getting android updates for nexus 5
How long will I get an android update for my nexus 5 device? I purchased this in December 2013 and currently running Marshmallow.

# Answer
Google's update policy for Nexus devices:

> Security patches
>
> Nexus devices will also receive updates for security issues documented in our Public Nexus Security Bulletins for at least the following periods:
>
> * Three years from when the device first became available on the Google Store
> * Or, 18 months after the device stopped being sold on the Google Store
> 2 votes

---
Tags: nexus-5, stock-android
---


# Question
Title: Open current video in YouTube app from Firefox
From a youtube.com page open in Firefox, is there a straight-forward way to open the video using the YouTube app?

Firefox version 43.0

# Answer
This may be a solution. You can make the video open in the YouTube app when you press the little Android icon in the right corner of the address bar while you're on the site!
> 6 votes

# Answer
Well I have another answer. There's an extension on Firefox called Open Native App, which as the name suggests, opens things in their native apps.

From its "About this add-on"

> A simple extension I created after getting frustrated with my device opening native links in Firefox rather than it's native app. Creates a menu option in your Firefox menu called "Open in Native App" which will trigger the Android intent app chooser for the link currently open.
>
> This is confirmed working for the following:
>
> * Play Store (play.google.com)
> * YouTube (youtube.com)
> * IMDB (imdb.com)
> * Wikipedia (wikipedia.org)
> * Foursquare (foursquare.com)
>
> Not working for:
>
> * Tumblr (tumblr.com)
> * Google+ (plus.google.com)
> * Facebook (facebook.com)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: youtube, firefox-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Find out over the network if Android device is active
I have an nVidia Shield TV device, which is running Android TV.

In order to integrate this into my home theater setup, I need to be able to determine if the device is active or sleeping.

For my other devices I just use ping to determine this. However, since Android devices are basically always on, this doesn't work in this case.

One way, of course, would be to write a simple app, which opens a TCP port when the device is active and closes it when it's sleeping.

My question is if there's a simpler way, maybe an existing app or some other way to do this without developing my own app to do this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It appears that nVidia Shield Android TV comes with Android 5.1.1 and a Marshmallow update is available since December only. I'm assuming that Android 5.1.1 is the version installed in your device.

# Query system services

Enable in wireless mode on device. Follow the official guide or this answer of Izzy for instructions, if needed.

You can find the status of Android - sleep or awake - from the dump of various system services.

* Service: Power

```
adb shell dumpsys power

```

Search the strings `mWakefulness` and/or `Display Power: state`. Both of them would give you the status you need.

Example:

```
adb shell 'dumpsys power | grep -e "mWakefulness=" -e "Display Power"'

```

gives me

```
mWakefulness=Asleep
Display Power: state=OFF

```
* Service: Window

```
adb shell dumpsys window

```

Search the strings `mAwake=true` and/or `mScreenOnEarly=true` and/or `mScreenOnFully=true`

Example:

```
adb shell 'dumpsys window | grep -e "mAwake=" -e "mScreenOnEarly" -e "mScreenOnFully"'

```

gives me

```
mAwake=true
mScreenOnEarly=true mScreenOnFully=true

```
* Service: Display

```
adb shell dumpsys display

```

Search the strings `mState=OFF` and/or `mScreenState=OFF`.

Example:

```
adb shell 'dumpsys display | grep -e "mState=" -e "mScreenState"'

```

gives me

```
mState=OFF
mScreenState=OFF

```

---

# Use Automation

If none of the system services mentioned in previous method worked for you, setup an app, such as Tasker or MacroDroid or Automate.

We would now use automation to write the status of Android into a file, such as Sleeping for sleep mode and Awake when it is awake.

### Tasker,

* Profile: Event → Display → Display Off
* Task: (Actions) : File → Write File → select a text file to write into, type Sleeping and uncheck Add Newline
* Profile: Event → Display → Display On
* Task: (Actions) : File → Write File → select a text file to write into, type Awake and uncheck Add Newline

### MacroDroid

Android sadly doesn't come with `echo` or `printf` utility, If the device is rooted then you can install busybox and be at peace. If not, download busybox binary, set executable permissions and push it into `/data/local/tmp` using `adb push`. Another way for a non-rooted device is to keep three files, one for state, one with the text Sleeping and and the last one with the text Awake. Whenever the screen turns off/on, copy the second/third file into first one.

MacriDroid also requires a plugin, such as Secure Settings to execute commands.

* Trigger: Screen On/Off → Screen Off
* Action: Secure Settings → Actions → Run Command:

+ Command: `echo Sleeping > FILE_PATH`
    + Command Name: Screen off
* Trigger: Screen On/Off → Screen On
* Action: Secure Settings → Actions → Run Command:

+ Command: `echo Awake > FILE_PATH`
    + Command Name: Screen off

For a non-rooted Android, `echo` should be replaced with `./data/local/tmp/busybox echo`. Otherwise, do a copy operation using the command `cp SOURCE DESTINATION`.

### Automate

Your flow should more or less look like this image

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

Your need to create two flows, one for sleep and other for awake. The second block in the flow is named *Broadcast receive* and can be found under Apps. The third block is named *File write text* and can be found under File & Storage.

You can now check the content of that file using adb in wireless mode or using SSH (requires an SSH server on Android; run the server on all interfaces and do not bind it to a single interface.)

---

There is another possibility, such as making your automation app upload the file to a local or remote server so that you can query that server instead of Android to know status.

---

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is not actually a solution but in device settings there's probably an option which disables Wi-Fi when device goes to idle mode. Even if there's no such option I'm sure there must be an application for this. So if Wi-Fi is disabled in IDLE state then "ping" approach will work but you have to deal with unworking background updates and so on when device goes to IDLE state.

I don't think that there's a default application for this solution but maybe further point will help you. You can create your own Android application which listens to PowerManager.ACTION\_DEVICE\_IDLE\_MODE\_CHANGED `Intent` and upon receiving receiving some kind of request from your server it can send back if device is awake or not. However notice that when your device receives server request it will probably come awake.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can setup a shell script to know whether the device is in idle mode..if device is idle..then you can
Send signal to the device .. For example u can use adb shell command like below: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle

---
Tags: standby, android-tv
---


title: TWRP installation problems

text:
# Question
Title: TWRP installation problems
I have rooted my SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 2 GT-N7100 Android Version Kitkat 4.4.2. I wanted to install nandroid backup manager for that I need TWRP to be installed. I lost my SIM network after installing TWRP. That's probably because of unsupported version of TWRP

Can anyone mention steps for installing TWRP?

# Answer
> 2 votes
TWRP for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100 has the official version of TWRP for your device. It also lists out installation steps using

* App
* Odin
* `dd` method

This you tube link is also helpful http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a7z8W6b2CrQ

**Flashing Stock**

I would suggest you go the odin way. Fool proof way is to first flash stock and then TWRP, since you have a SIM issue. Flashing stock should fix that. Flashing TWRP in the present state *may/ may not* help in getting your SIM recognised, so it is advisable to flash stock first, check SIM is working and then flash TWRP (of course after backing up data)

If you don't have stock with you, you can download from SamMobile after registering. Make sure you download ROM of the region you stay in.

Odin has different versions and some of the versions have options changed. Hence, the description in guides may differ with options available on the tool. This guide has a good pictorial description corresponding to newer version of Odin

http://androidmtk.com/flash-samsung-stock-rom-using-odin

Here is one more link (also having stock ROMs) from XDA

---
Tags: stock-android, twrp, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: Unable to delete old calendars from Microsoft Outlook Android App
Software:

* Microsoft Outlook App on Android
* Microsoft Outlook for Windows, version 2007

I currently have a work account which I have synced with my Android, and for some reason, all of the calendars I've ever accepted on my work's account (and deleted on my desktop) are still showing up on my Outlook App on my Android.

Aside from being annoying (given that all their respective reminders are still popping up), I have on many occasions accidentally added a new reminder onto an old calendar which, if isn't a "shown" calendar, ends up hidden and I never know about it.

How to delete old calendars from Microsoft Outlook Android App?

# Answer
I found the discussion on Microsoft Community helpful:

What worked in my case was:

1. Deleting both Outlook account from account settings *and* Outlook app
2. Creating a Microsoft Exchange account according to instructions from the link above
3. Installing once again Outlook app, but this time using not Outlook settings but Microsoft Exchange settings
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calendar, delete, outlook
---


# Question
Title: TWRP and CWM unable to mount Nexus 7 filesystem
I'm trying to root an unlocked Nexus 2013 Wifi. TWRP and CWM are unable to mount /data, /cache, or /system in recovery mode. TWRP reports internal storage of 0 MB. The system boots normally outside of recovery mode.

A soft-bricked restore with WUG didn't fix it. I've tried manually flashing TWRP and CWM with fastboot in VMWare Ubuntu, WUG in VMWare Windows 7, and in OS X, but the issue persists.

# Answer
I was able to get the partitions mounted by using the TWRP recovery image posted here, I then followed the simple rooting instructions here.
> 0 votes

# Answer
On TWRP (not sure bout CWM), only Data is mounted by default. You have to mount it with the mount option. Be sure to enable MTP (mount point) just in case
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: pin request at the startup lock screen

text:
# Question
Title: pin request at the startup lock screen
I was trying to set up a VPN connection and it asked me about medium and high level security and a password which I didn't understand well! I failed to use VPN but now each time I try to unlock the phone, it asks for that password/pin. I removed the created VPN connection to get rid of it but to no avail. How can I remove this pin request?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Go to `Settings -> Security -> Screen lock`, enter the PIN once more and select `Slide` (or what ever you had before).

# Answer
> 1 votes
If none of the other posted methods work, try the following solution, which solved this problem for me.

Open Settings and then navigate to `More` and then `Security` and tap `Clear Credentials`. After that you can navigate to `My Device` and then `Lock Screen` where you can change the screen lock to whatever you desire.

I'm not sure what other credentials it clears besides the screen lock but I haven't found anything so far.

I've tested this on a Samsung Galaxy S4 running Android 5.0.1. The exact locations and names of different settings may be located in different places depending on your device.

Hope this helps.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the exact problem for my galaxy note 2. I fixed it by following these steps:

1. Go to settings from the menu button on the home screen.
2. click "my device".
3. click "lock screen".
4. click "screen lock".
5. enter your passcode.
6. click whichever security setting you used before.

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-note, vpn
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent brightness from going to full when the battery low popup appears?
Whenever the "**battery low**" popup appears in my tablet, the brightness goes to full. This makes no sense because the brightness should be decreased to the minimum instead of going to the maximum, as battery is low. This is also annoying as I have to lower the brightness.

I've looked in the settings to disable this but found no such option.

So, **How do I prevent brightness from going 100% when the battery low popup appears**?

I am running Android Kitkat 4.4.2 and my tablet is not rooted.

# Answer
Automation is the preferred option, or rather only option in this case, since Android OS does not offer any settings for requirements quoted.

Many apps are available. I prefer using MacroDroid , since it is free (upto 5 macros) and easy to learn.

MacroDroid creates and runs *Macros* to automate

> A macro consists of the following (elaborating on app help):
>
> **Trigger**
>
> Event(s) occurring on the device (e.g incoming SMS, headphones inserted). Multiple triggers are evaluated to *logical (OR)- meaning, any of the trigger conditions met would fire macro*
>
> **Actions**
>
> An action that the device can perform (e.g. set wallpaper, take picture)
>
> **Constraints**
>
> A constraint that must be satisfied for the trigger to fire (e.g. day of week, battery level). Multiple constraints are evaluated to *logical (AND)- meaning, all the constraints must be satisfied to fire trigger*

**Notes on solution offered**

1. Tested on KitKat. I don't visualise any issues with higher Android versions
2. This cannot "read" when the low battery level indication comes up, but for this macro assuming it to be 15 %. You can see the battery level in your tablet and accordingly tweak the macro
3. **Doesn't require root**
4. This solution does not address Android system explanation for high/low Brightness and how they are activated

**System Settings**

1. Do not Greenify MacroDroid and exclude it from task killers, if you use them.
2. Enable MacroDroid in "Auto Protect"(Huawei phones) or "Stamina Mode" (Sony phones or "Power Nap" (Stamina Mode Xposed module for non Sony devices). Also, if you update to Marshmallow in the future, exclude MacroDroid from Doze. Refer this: Is there a way to exclude an app from Doze?

These features prevent app(s) to be active when the device is not awake, conserving battery. May not be pertinent to your phone but adding this as a general precaution.

3. Enable MacroDroid in accessibility settings and also allow it as device administrator in security settings.
4. For Lollipop, enable notification access from notification settings

---

**tl;dr:** Your macro would look like this

**Trigger**:

*Battery Level**decreases to* → (choose percentage by sliding scale or 15 %)

**Actions**:

* *Brightness**0* (*Choose On sliding scale- doesn't require root*)
* *Wait before next action* → set to 10 seconds (recommended to separate previous and next actions ensuring both happen)
* *Dim Screen**Dimmer On* → 10% (*Choose On sliding scale- doesn't require root, if the earlier action is not good enough for you* \- this is akin to "screen filter" apps like Darker)

**Constraints**:

*None* (Macro always runs)

---

**Testing Macro**

Name and save the macro and from 3 button menu on right side

* *Test Actions:* To see how macro behaves **at each action** without reference to trigger/constraint conditions
* *Test Macro:* To see how macro behaves **as expected** ( with reference to trigger/action/constraints, that is, macro as a whole)

**Trouble shooting**

**Macro doesn't run at all**\- In most cases, it is due to correct system settings not being applied. To verify this, from the 3 button help option on the main app interface select *System Log* and see if your macro had run when it was triggered. If your macro name doesn't figure, recheck system settings
> 4 votes

# Answer
**Note:** the solution below requires your Android to be rooted.

---

I believe that automation without root wouldn't straightly deal with the issue, since it is not changing or overriding anything, but doing its own stuff over the existing changes. I was about to post on similar lines until I realized that the key to the solution is a file named `max_brightness`, a file under `/sys`, hence a part of Linux kernel and directly managed by it. I found that setting the brightness limit in that file is the best way to go here. You may disagree with a better solution.

I noticed that once your custom maximum brightness is set, neither Android nor an app was able to set brightness beyond that custom level unless they changed the content of that file, which often an app has no reason to and none of them changed either. Besides, the file is owned by root and is part of group root, so any app or even system\_server would require root privilege to make changes into that file.

Finding that file is bit tricky. In my MTK device with Android 4.2, that file appears to be under `/sys/devices/platform/leds-mt65xx/leds/lcd-backlight/`.

In my Qualcomm device with Android 5.0.2 and above, the file appeared to be in `/sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight/`.

I assume that the best way to find that file is to run a search query (setup for that), such as:

<sub>(Requires busybox)</sub>

```
adb shell su -c 'find /sys/ -type f -iname "max_brightness"'

```

In my Qualcomm device, the output it gives is:

```
/sys/devices/f9924000.i2c/i2c-2/2-0068/leds/red/max_brightness
/sys/devices/f9924000.i2c/i2c-2/2-0068/leds/blue/max_brightness
/sys/devices/f9924000.i2c/i2c-2/2-0068/leds/green/max_brightness
**/sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight**/max_brightness
/sys/devices/qcom,camera-led-flash.81/leds/torch-light/max_brightness
/sys/devices/msm_sdcc.1/leds/mmc0::/max_brightness
/sys/devices/msm_sdcc.2/leds/mmc1::/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-d300/leds/led:flash_torch/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-d300/leds/led:flash_0/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-d300/leds/led:flash_1/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/kpdbl-lut-2/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/kpdbl-pwm-3/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/kpdbl-pwm-4/max_brightness
/sys/devices/01-qcom,leds-e200/leds/button-backlight/max_brightness

```

The location where `lcd-backlight` is mentioned was the only one that made sense to me and this is how I found the file in my device. Don't you worry asking about others. I attempted changing the brightness of the screen and looked for the changes in the file named `brightness` (also located under those said locations). None of them reflected the correct output other than the one at `/sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight`.

Only for demonstration, try setting a limit in `max_brightness`

```
adb shell su -c 'echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS'   # in my case PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS is /sys/devices/mdp.0/qcom,mdss_fb_primary.168/leds/lcd-backlight/ and set LIMIT to a value less than 30 (not limited to).

```

Now try maxing the brightness by using brightness slider or a third party app and you would notice that the brightness of your screen doesn't exceed beyond a certain point even when slider or the app's configuration appears to be at maximum. The brightness for that "certain point" would certainly be less than the default one you are used to.

**Note** that the maximum value in max\_brightness is often found to be 255 and the brightness ranges from 0-255. Often, not always true, that is. And *fear not from setting the limit to 0. It would cause the screen not to lit until you revert the changes or restart the device.*

Find a limit which would not disturb you in your sleep or drains the battery heavily when battery runs low on juice.

---

# Automation

For , use any automation app that can run a command with root privilege and when the context of your preferred trigger is met. I recommend a time based trigger.

Some working examples:

* In Tasker, setup a profile with your preferred context, create a task and use the action: Code → Run Shell:

+ Command: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`
    + check Use Root
* In MacroDroid, setup your preferred trigger and for action install Secure Settings, choose it → Actions → Run Command:

+ Command: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`
    + check Use Root
* In Automate, as part of your flow, when setting up an action for your trigger, select *Shell command superuser* under Apps and do:

+ Command Line: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`

Make sure to install all the permissions the flow require.
* In DroidAutomation, setup your trigger and under task, select Root → Execute a command line and type: `echo LIMIT > PATH_TO_MAX_BRIGHTNESS`

As you would've guessed, you would have to setup two profiles for every app. One to setup a limit and the other to set the maximum brightness to the default you're used to.

### Explicit low battery triggers:

* Tasker

+ State → Battery Level → set the range
    + Alternative: Event → System → Intent Received → leave everything untouched but set the Action to `android.intent.action.BATTERY_LOW`.
* MacroDroid

Follow beeshayms' answer to setup the trigger
* Automate

Go to Apps → Broadcast receive → leave everything untouched but select Battery low in Action
* Droid Automation

Select Low battery from Add a trigger

---

I would like you to **keep this under consideration** that using a low battery or 100% battery trigger would defeat the purpose of this answer, which is to override the changes Android want to make. As an example, if you setup LIMIT to 0 whenever the battery reaches 100%, what would happen is your Android would lit the screen to maximum as usual and in few milliseconds (you read correctly) your automation app would run and set the limit. Your sleep may get interrupted in those milliseconds.

In an another situation, when low battery intent is broadcasted by system, Cool Guy's tablet may end up with a screen lit to maximum and in few milliseconds, the brightness would fall back to LIMIT.

The workaround is to set up the battery level to 16 or more for battery low trigger and 99 or less for full battery charge.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Try using an app called Screen filter. CAUTION: Do not set the brightness below 17 because you cant see anything. You can text at nighy n the person sitting next to you wont even see
> 2 votes

# Answer
**Disclaimer:** Not tested on Lollipop as my device is NOT on Lollipop, my device doesn't brighten up screen on full charge. Would request OP or Samsung S4 galaxy users to confirm. Theoretically should work

Firelord in his solution has highlighted a point that my earlier solution entails that the screen is lit for *milli seconds* that could possibly cause a disturbance to OP. However, his method involves **rooting and identifying the file to change the maximum brightness levels**

IMO, this approach lacks universality, since it is applicable to those who are rooted and have the understanding to identify the file to change brightness levels (technical merit apart). Hence, I am presenting an alternate solution which provides **similar results but without rooting**

This involves using a screen filter app Darker. This is available in free version (which can reduce brightness to 20%) and Pro Version (which can reduce brightness to below 20%, down to zero brightness). App description relevant here says

> Darker can lower your screen brightness to extremely low levels, to help prevent eyestrain during the night

**Macro Logic:**

* Activate the Darker app whenever power to charge is connected to decrease screen brightness to a comfortable level
* When charger is manually disconnected on waking up , tap the *stop* button of the app to revert to normal brightness (from notification panel)
* If there is a need to answer a call or text message, either manually do the above or add as a *constraint* in the macro

Your macro would look like this

**Trigger**:

\*Power Connected/Removed →*Connected*

**Actions**:

* *Launch Application**Darker**Keep existing* (Darker is previously configured to comfortable darkness level and this option selects that)

**Constraints**:

*None* (Macro always runs)

**Note**

* Darker app is running whenever charging is ongoing. This is a trade-off in not rooting device
* Refer to earlier solution for MacroDroid related information
* Figure below gives an idea of the reduction in screen brightness using the Darker app. Panel on extreme left is without using Darker app but keeping screen at minimum brightness level. In the middle is using Darker (free version ) keeping screen brightness at 20% and the last one is using the Pro version app at 10% brightness
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, charging, screen-brightness
---


# Question
Title: Why am I not able to select VLC player from inside the BubbleUPnP app?
I noticed after the updated of my Nexus 7 from Android 5 to 6.0.1, that my DLNA app BubbleUPnP (Version 2.5.5.1) stopped detecting video players. I am trying to view a video from my library with VLC Player Version 1.7.2., but I just cannot select it. Before with Android 5, the player could be selected, but I don't know for sure, if it changed because of updating android or the app. I also tried another player. Not selectable, either. From within other apps, e.g. Total Commander, I can select every intalled video player.

I have an other device, too, with Android 4.3. BubbleUPnP and VLC are the same versions and there it all works fine.

I already asked the bubblesoft support, but unfortunately they don't have an idea, either... They claim that they tried it on a Nexus 5 running the same Android and app versions, and everything works fine.

How can I fix it?

# Answer
If the issue is not fixed yet, try installing "App Picker Classic" and click on Clear defaults in the app menu. It should fix the issue. At least It worked for me.

A
> 2 votes

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


title: Lollipop Brightness too much

text:
# Question
Title: Lollipop Brightness too much
hey.

I am on running on a mediatek device and today did an upgrade to Lollipop 5.1 through flashing

Still exploring.

But one of the things I've noticed is that the brightness level is too much. Even in manual setting, I've set the bar to the lowest level, but still. Adaptive brightness seemingly works but only for a short while. Since, if I move to a Bright room/sphere,it brightens the screen.

Any work around?

Regards.

# Answer
Try lux on playstore, let me know

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vito.lux&hl=it
> 0 votes

---
Tags: screen, 5.1-lollipop, screen-brightness
---


# Question
Title: How to remotely turn mobile data on if phone is missing
In the event that I loose my phone, like what happened today, when I left it at a store, I want my mobile data to be switched on. This is primarily for two reasons:

1. Lockwatch will send photographs of anyone who tries to open my phone and enters the wrong PIN.
2. Android Device Manager and Prey can locate the phone via GPS.

But for both these services to work, I need mobile data to be switched on. But it will usually be off and is there a way I can turn it on remotely, maybe by SMS?

# Answer
The "trick" here is to employ an SMS Receiver which extends Broadcast Receiver (for example: public class SmsReceiver extends BroadcastReceiver).

The SMS Receiver gains control whenever an Android phone receives an SMS. I am writing from my experience in writing 2 applications, which can notify person 'a' of the location of person 'b'.

When I want the SMS receiver to perform a specific task I send a certain code (such as a 4-digit number). If the SMS receiver receives this code it is programmed to perform the specific required function, otherwise it terminates and the message is processed as a normal SMS.

The question of sending any remote command to another phone is thus simplified, so that when such a request is received on the callee's phone it is processed on the callee's phone in the normal way.

So if you have the code for enabling/disabling mobile data on your phone, you would install it inside an SMS Receiver and then be able to activate it from any other phone possessing SMS capabilities.

I may add that in my specific application I used GPS and Network/Mobile data location functions, together with Google maps, and when my wife was in Rome recently I sent her an SMS from Jerusalem, and with about 30 seconds received from her phone text giving her current longitude and latitude, Country City and Street, and then - the real bonbon - a Google map giving her exact location at streetname level.

I've written all this because for the last 6 or so months I've been gaining an abundance of information and assistance in problem-solving from this website.

Thanks, Website people!

Avraham Reiss, Jerusalem
> 4 votes

# Answer
I think the XtraSEC Phone Locator is the app from Play Store is what you are looking for. As in the description on the PlayStore link,

> ✔ Remotely turn on WiFi or 3G data using SMS
>
> ✔ Remotely turn on/off Mobile data(3G) Remotely turn on/off Mobile data 3G by sending an SMS to your phone using XtraSEC command.
>
> ✔ Remotely turn on/off WiFi Remotely turn on/off WiFi by sending an SMS to your phone using XtraSEC command.

I haven't personally used this app. But it claims to send command via SMS and turn on/off the Mobile data and also WiFi network. So you can perhaps give it a try and leave a comment/answer if and how it worked.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I think the following link may give the end-user what he is looking for:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elbarto.wakedataonsms&hl=en
> 0 votes

# Answer
Here's another link for the end-user to consider: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidlost
> 0 votes

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Tags: sms, remote-control, lost-phone
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# Question
Title: Show Play Music's 'now playing' notification on Windows PC
At my desk, while working, I typically stream music from Google Play Music (GPM) using my Chromecast Audio device linked up to my hifi. I control this via my Samsung Galaxy S5.

What I'd like is some way to display the 'now playing' track on my Windows 10 laptop (as a widget or notification, preferably), as this is the screen that occupies my attention; I don't want to have to divert my attention from my work in order to turn the phone screen on every time the track changes.

Is there anyway I can accomplish this (I could conceivably script something if there was an appropriate API, but there doesn't seem to be). Or a way to send that info from the phone to the laptop?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> First, make sure you have Google Chrome Chrome on your computer and add the Cast button to your toolbar.
>
> Then, follow these steps:
>
> 1. Open Chrome
> 2. Connect your computer and Chromecast to the same wireless network
> 3. Go to Google Play Music (play.google.com/music) using Chrome. You can also add the Play Music chrome extension and cast from here instead
> 4. Click a song, album, or playlist
> 5. Click the play icon
> 6. Near the bottom of the screen, click the cast icon. It will be next to the playback controls
> 7. Under "Connect to a device", select your Chromecast from the device list.
>
> **To disconnect:** Near the top right of your browser, touch the cast icon Cast \> Stop casting.
>
> **Playback controls:** You can use the playback controls on Google Play Music, near the bottom of the screen.
>
> Note: You may want to keep the music player open when casting music from your computer. Playback controls can't be used after the music player has been closed, the computer has been turned off, or an Internet connection has been lost.

Source: Use Google Play Music with Chromecast

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Tags: windows, google-play-music
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# Question
Title: How to get google play account to see default apps on fresh account?
I've converted my old Samsung Epic 4G to a no-carrier pocket computer. I figured out how to delete the number and user info (easy, but took some effort to find out how), and then did a factory reset. With this now freshly clean phone, I added a google account (it had none at that point). I can now download apps and manage them like normal. However, my problem is that it doesn't list any of the default apps in the account (things like the calendar or the built in Internet app)--so I'm not sure how to update any of them. How do I get google play to scan for updates to these built in apps the way it did before I reset the phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It looks like the problem fixed itself. Apparently the phone needed a day before it looked for updates and propagated the My Apps list on Google Play with the pre-loaded apps.

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Tags: applications, samsung-epic-4g
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# Question
Title: Can anyone confirm updates to an application are what causes the notifications to turn back on?
I have turned off all notifications in Android 5.1.1 (although from my research, it doesn't appear to be limited to that OS- 4.3 and up at least). It appears every time I update the app, it resets the notifications to "on." Which is only mostly annoying at 1am. :/ I can confirm it isn't a reboot, and mine is not related to crashes of the apps themselves. I have run some brief tests to confirm it's the update, but don't have enough data to confidently say it's the update. Anyone? Related: Does anyone know if Marshmallow's (6.x) "specific app permissions" alleviate this problem? Thanking you all in advance!

# Answer
> -1 votes
This depends on whether or not the application is replaced, or simply updated. If you do it through the Play Store, it will likely reset the notification settings. If you were to install it through other means (such as adb install) then it depends on whether or not the original application was 'updated' or re-installed

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Tags: 4.4-kitkat, 5.0-lollipop, updates, notifications, 4.3-jelly-bean
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