# Question
Title: Programmatically, how does "rooting" a device enable access?
From a layman point of view, one would say, "Oh, I'm unrooted so I am blocked and access is not allowed." I want the programmatic point of view; telling me how an unrooted device doesn't have access to the whole filesystem, etc., and how a rooted device has that access.

Examples:

1.Is the filesystem set by default to disallow reads/writes to /system, /sys, /data, etc.?

2.Is there something stored in /system or /data (such as a program, block device/file, etc.) that the unrooted OS runs that limits system-wide access on several tasks that rooted users have?

3.Does the default "unrooted" OS actually have system-wide prevention of unrooted access?

Because look at it this way: to "root" your device something must be changed, right? So the "rooting program" or process must entail how this restriction is circumvented. Does anyone here/can anyone link to anything (**or explain it**) that explains this process of how the rooting progress allows users access they weren't normally given by default (**programmatically; not details on steps to follow in a rooting process and not info on how to root on your phone from a user's point of view; from a developer's point of view**).

**Best example**: Say I'm an Android developer and I wish to learn how to create a rooting program. What would I, for example, need to know to do this?

# Answer
Root is a Linux term for the highest level administrator. To root your phone means giving yourself root level privileges. These privileges include being able to manipulate the file systems protected partitions. To root is an exploit in Android to give yourself this ability.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, file-system, stock-android, kernel, operating-system
---


title: Phone Storage Problems

text:
# Question
Title: Phone Storage Problems
I am having an issue where I have no free space. I have deleted a few apps and removed cache from all and it gives me some free space. I then go to delete to a text message from microsoft and I cannot get to the menu to delete it and messages crash and I then have no free space again.

Anyone know how to fix this issue? Is the message causing the lack of space problem or is the lack of space causing the message app to crash?

Thanks HenGreer

# Answer
You're probably having a problem using your device because of lack of internal space for running programs. You can use a very low level, low resource on the Android to remove programs. Install the Android SDK package and use it to uninstall some of your apps to regain internal memory. You can even use it to back up the apps on your computer so that after you have your android working again you can choose which ones to put back.

A good GUI program for managing your apps and deleting files from your android is Airdroid. However, you might not be able to install Airdrod until you've made space using the Android SDK package.

You can start out with these commands: (You'll have to activate Debugging from the settings menu in the android to use this option) This give a list of all the packages:

```
$ adb shell pm list packages

```

You can remove an app by running:

```
$ adb uninstall [apt-name]

```

You can use the "-k" option to retain your data/cache in case you will be reinstalling the app after you have gotten your android functioning.

You can us this command to see how much memory you have. This will allow you to know when you have retrieve sufficient memory to operate normally. It'll also allow you to identify better, if the memory is really your issue.

```
$ adb shell cat /proc/meminfo

```

You can look at Is it possible to backup apk from an installed application? for more tips on using the adb command.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: htc
---


# Question
Title: A question about bricked phone (moto g xt1032)
I hav moto xt1032. In short I can only access recovery and cmw. However it seems that either my usb debugging was turned off or there is somehow some sort of malfunction and in cmw adb does not detect my device (I have seen posts claiming that cmw does not required usb debugging off to use adb but still it does not work while it used to work previously). Mount as usb does not produce any effect neither

I need to somehow push a stock rom into my phone so I can use cmw to install it. Adb not working, sideload does not work as well. So is there any way out of this? Thanks

update:

0- my fastboot recovery command is working so I tried flashing recovery from twrp which works.But it can not for instance mount as usb neither.

1- I have tried using fastboot update rom.zip it says android-info.txt missing (and some more txts)

2- I can use fastbppt to flash files into to a flash partition but I guess they are not reachable by twrp or other recovery apps

# Answer
Well okay instead of using recovery, I just followed the command line instructions in the rom zip file which goes as

```
 <step operation="getvar" var="max-sparse-size" />
<step operation="oem" var="fb_mode_set" />
<step operation="flash" partition="aboot" filename="emmc_appsboot.mbn" MD5="7ab4571da9966ecbe0455984ebe5d277" />
<step operation="reboot-bootloader" />
<step operation="flash" partition="partition" filename="gpt.bin" MD5="7778bf62e78dd8ed152e2234ba818fb1" />
<step operation="flash" partition="motoboot" filename="motoboot.img" MD5="b4cb31c6b875dbb13ae2a155ae44e305" />
<step operation="flash" partition="logo" filename="logo.bin" MD5="187908e994f5b42710d13dbb5126d6d2" />
<step operation="flash" partition="boot" filename="boot.img" MD5="2a0134f7dca00ab28ca3644febbe6bc7" />
<step operation="flash" partition="recovery" filename="recovery.img" MD5="25989942e94890fa2ab6e48fc488d569" />
<step operation="flash" partition="system" filename="" MD5="f6ea25745eab9f8368d5b276811ffa82" />
<step operation="flash" partition="system" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.1" MD5="d776d764c00627bcb7d0313657297ab4" />
<step operation="flash" partition="system" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.2" MD5="a17ebd36c45389a139e8f30e56241fa2" />
<step operation="flash" partition="modem" filename="NON-HLOS.bin" MD5="a964128abc6fa5ac4a253bd105ed6748" />
<step operation="erase" partition="modemst1" />
<step operation="erase" partition="modemst2" />
<step operation="flash" partition="fsg" filename="fsg.mbn" MD5="03d822a8e01a8edee85e12286dcc81ed" />
<step operation="erase" partition="cache" />
<step operation="erase" partition="userdata" />
<step operation="oem" var="fb_mode_clear" />
<step operation="reboot-bootloader" />

```

And the new system was installed suprisingly.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to transfer one app from my old phone to my new if my phone is not rooted?
I have recently purchased a Galaxy S5. I would like to root it, but so far, it seems that the "Towelroot" approach does not work on my model (purchased in Japan from Docomo), and other options are at this point too complicated for me.

So, my old phone, an S2, is rooted, but my new phone, an S5, is not.

Cut to today when I discovered that the calorie counter app I preffered, Calorific, is no longer available, and has been replaced with a feature bloated new version that ruins everything I liked about the previous version.

I still have that previous version on my old phone, so, if possible, I'd like to move that app over to my new phone.

Of course, I've looked on this forum for solutions, but other questions I've seen so far presume either that one's phone is rooted or that one is trying to completely recreate all settings from phone to another.

I would like at this point to just move one app. Is that possible?

My previous phone has Titanium Backup Pro, if that helps.

# Answer
Do you want to just install the specific version of the application you have in your old phone? If so,

a) run an application like Titanium Backup on the rooted phone

b) backup the app

c) find the .apk in the backup folder

d) transfer the .apk to your new phone

e) run the .apk to install the application on the new phone. I believe some phones do not do it out-of-the-box and you might have to download some kind of app (search for "apk install") to do it. Try without an app first, though.

In case you also want your data to be transferred along with the app, I'm not sure whether TiBu can do this for non-rooted phones. Someone else will be better suited to answer.
> 3 votes

# Answer
For CLI:

1. Download and install the Android SDK Package
2. Add a path to these two directories of the package install (\[installedpath\]/tools and \[installedpath\]/platform-tools for a full SDK installation).
3. Now, with the Android plugged in via the usb, run this to get the full list of installed apps:

```
$ adb shell 'pm list packages'

```

You now have a list the names of all your install apps.
4. Use the -f parameter to get the full pathname of a desired package by specifying a search string found in the previous list:

```
$ adb shell 'pm list packages -f reader'

```
5. Now pull the full pathname of the package you want to get with:

```
## adb pull [filepathname] [destination path] ##
$ adb pull /data/app/com.ebooks.ebookreader-2.apk ~/mybackupdir

```

For GUI you can use the app Airdroid.

NOTE: 'pm' can be executed on the device, directly, with a Terminal Emulator, in order to locate the apk files. They can then be copied directly to the SD card, without computer intervention, nor the SDK. (note that 'cp' may not exist, so use e.g. 'cat file.apk \> /mnt/extSDCard/file.apk')
> 2 votes

# Answer
I use App Backup & Restore.

It's fairly easy to use, you will get the required APK file on you SD Card and you can transfer it onto your new phone, where you can manually install the apk.

1. Open App Backup & Restore
2. Set Backup Path
3. Select your app and click Backup
4. Transfer apk file from Backup Path to your new phone
5. Make sure Unknown Sources Setting is turned on under Security Settings
6. Select the apk file from file manager
7. Follow installation instructions

But older versions of apps might not work properly with new versions of Android, so keep that in mind.
> 2 votes

# Answer
When you want to send an installed application from one mobile phone to another you can install "Bluetooth file transfer" application on your old phone and then easily send any installed app file to other devices through bluetooth.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S3 doesn't respond to some secret codes
Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 doesn't respond to all secret codes in here. Specially it can restart with non of the codes in the list. Do I have a fake Galaxy S3 ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
"Dialer Codes" are divided into multiple categories:

* **USSD and supplementary service Codes:** network specific, should work on any device ("device independent")
* **manufacturer specific codes:** specific to devices of a given manufacturer
* **device-specific codes:** as the name says, specific to a given device
* **system-specific codes:** specific to a given device configuration

What you are facing, most likely belongs to one of the last two categories. The Galaxy phones come in different variants: area-specific ones, and international versions. So those can be counted as different devices, or at least different systems, as they not only have slight differences in their hardware, but most likely also different modifications in their software; hence at least not all "sytem-specific codes" will work on all the different "variants".

# Answer
> 0 votes
You have your answer directly on the link : "only a few are working".

# Answer
> 0 votes
You shouldn't trust such a list of secret codes, as Izzy mentionned.
If you want to have a valid list of secret codes available on your device , you should use an automated secret codes crawler.

I recently developped an Open Source app that crawls AndroidManifest.xml files on your device to found secret codes, and allows you to execute the secret codes available on your device.
You can get it on the Play Store or on the GitHub repository Android-Secret Codes.

But keep in mind that sometimes, secret codes are just executing themselves silently (without visual hint)

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, system, dialer-codes
---


# Question
Title: How to import contacts from galaxy s3 to nexus 5?
How do you import contacts from a Galaxy S3 to a Nexus 5? They're both Android devices, so is it a simple process? Do I need to save them to a SIM card?

# Answer
Several ways actually. The most simple way I found was to sync all your addresses to a Google Account. If you don't have one create one. On the S3:

1. From Settings Scroll down and choose Accounts and Sync.
2. Choose Add Account.
3. Choose Google.
4. Choose Existing to add an existing account.
5. Type in the email id of the account.
6. Fill in password and sign in.\`

On the other device, simply sync to the account again. All your contacts will be pulled in.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The simplest way would have been using the contacts' app integrated export/import functionality:

* on the "source device": open contacts, open menu, select "Export/Import", export to SDCard. This will export your entire contact list (including photos) to a `.vcf` file in the root of your sdcard.
* copy the resulting `*.vcf` file to the "target device"
* on the target device: open contacts, menu, export/import, import from SD. Chose the file.
* Done.

See also:
> 0 votes

# Answer
You use your gmail account to configure your contacts from one android phone to another.

1. Login into you google account from your Galaxy S3 Phone.
2. Sync your contacts with your gmail account.
3. Import contacts from your gmail account to your Nexus 5 by syncing your Nexus 5 with your gmail account.

Get access to all your contacts.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can use Dropbox on your S3 to save all your contacts in a cloud server as a VCF file (above), then sign in into the Dropbox account using your Nexus 5 and save the contacts in there. Google should work fine.
> -1 votes

# Answer
You can use superbackup application from appstore. It stores almost evrything in seperate csv files, that way you can change your devices on fly, and still wont loose any data. Goodluck
> -1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, samsung-galaxy-s-3, import, nexus-5
---


title: Why Advent Vega keeps losing Wi-Fi?

text:
# Question
Title: Why Advent Vega keeps losing Wi-Fi?
I recently bought a Advent Vega Android tablet and everything is working completely fine, however there is one slight problem with Wi-Fi.

Even though I have full Wi-Fi signal *(it is as high as it can be)*, and it has been happily working for a while, after some time the Wi-Fi disconnects and when I go into the Wi-Fi settings it states that the network is out off range. If I turn off the Wi-Fi and re-enable it, it works fine.

I've tried a couple of different ROMs but they all have the same problem. Does anyone have any clues as to how this can be fixed?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It could possibly be that you have a wifi time out enabled? Check the wifi settings *carefully*. Also, make sure the wifi sleep setting is diabled.

It could of course be a hardware issue (and probably is if it happens on multiple roms). It could be that the wifi card in the tablet 'Shuts Off' after a certain time, check online as this would happen to all owners of the tablet if this was the case.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Most of the Android Tablet rejects the wifi connection once they recieve any corrupt packet.

To fix this issue we need to handle the exception at the network layer.

Install **Wifi-Fixer** App from Playstore. Then:

1. Run wifi from this app only.
2. You will be able to see the logs of the packets.
3. Issue will be solved automatically, if not revert back.

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


# Question
Title: Is displaying invalid content a violation on the play store
I have a suspicious app which requires all sorts of permissions Omega Status Bar.

I was facing an issue with the notifications,I reported this behavior to the developer and was surprised to know that the email-id given to contact them under the Email developer does not exist.(got a Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently error)

for which i have removed the app after that.Does google has any policy through which i can report the app as an inappropriate app for having an invalid mail(invalid content displayed)

A link describing the related policy would be much helpfull instead of giving a simple yes or a no

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can report the app to Google. When visiting the app's page in the web version of the Play Store, there's a link for "Flag as inappropriate".

Under "Malicious or inappropriate Android apps" (and I'd say this probably qualifies) you are given two options for reporting the app. One through the Play Store app on your device, the other via a web site.

> Application providers must adhere to the Google Play Business and Program Policies. If you see an application that doesn't follow these standards, you can report it by flagging it from the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
>
> 1. Open the Google Play Store app.
> 2. Visit the application's page.
> 3. Scroll down and select Flag as inappropriate.
>
> You can also report malicious or inappropriate apps to the Google Play team through the Android Developer Help Center.

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


# Question
Title: My Galaxy Tab 3 will only charge from the wall adapter from Samsung
I'm going on holiday soon and we planned to take a USB hub to charge all of our devices rather than take several wall adapters, however when I checked that my 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 would charge, I found that it didn't. After investigating, I found that my iPad charger wouldn't charge it either and in fact the only that would charge it was the USB wall adapter that came in the box with the tablet, even though the port on the USB hub and the iPad charger are rated at 2.1 A (5 V).

When I plug the tablet into to a non-Samsung adapter powered off however, the screen flashes lighter and darker but nothing else happens which seems odd behavior to me.

What is the reason it will not charge by any other means, and is there a solution?

# Answer
There is more to an adapter than just the current, although kudos to you for knowing that much. The problems arise due to the fact that the USB-2 spec is for a maximum of .5 A at 5 V without some extra handshaking to ascertain that the device wants and can handle more. For Apple devices, this is done in a certain way according to their "standard", which is different than PCs. So, for a PC, you normally need a driver, and it sets up the port for the correct voltages.

Most aftermarket USB chargers are designed to work with Apple devices, and seem to have some differences that make them either more or less compatible with Android devices, but usually require what's called a "charge-only" cable or adapter, that shorts together certain pins of the connector to make the device charge at the higher rate. These can be bought on Amazon from companies like Mediabridge. But it's not 100% certain if any particular adapter will work with a particular device. Unfortunately, some Samsungs won't work at all with some chargers, and work fine with others (I have an 8" Galaxy Tab 3).

If the tablet recognizes the charger at all, it will probably work with the charge-only cable/adapter, I think. I have one charger where it doesn't even register that it's connected, and it won't work no matter what I do. But it does work with most adapters, including the one I use for my wife's iphone.

With the tablet powered down (not standby), it should charge at .5 A, which will take much longer. I'd try the charge-only adapter if you have time to get one before you leave. Otherwise, you may just need to bite the bullet for now and bring an extra one for the tablet.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Check the power output of your Galaxy Tab 3's wall adapter and see if the power output is greater than the 5V 2.1A power output of iPad charger.

If the Tab 3's USB wall adapter power output is greater than the iPad charger's USB wall adapter then that's likely why the non-Samsung power adapters aren't charging your Tab 3. The non-Samsang adapters aren't putting out enough power for the Tab 3.

I own the Galaxy Tab Pro tablet. The power output of its USB wall adapter is 5.3V 2.0A. My Tab Pro doesn't charge when I use my Galaxy Player 5.0's USB wall adapter, which outputs 5.0V 0.7A.

You could take the Samsung USB wall adapter with you and use it to charge both your Tab 3 and iPad while you're on the road. I only use the USB wall adapter for my Tab Pro to charge both the Tab Pro and the Player 5.0.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: charging, samsung-galaxy-tab
---


# Question
Title: How to Set the default storage of apps in my samsung galaxy young?
I have a samsung galaxy young. How can I Set The Default Storage of my apps from Internal memory to SD card. I can't Download Anything right now. Can you tell me how?

# Answer
You first priority is probably to clean-up downloaded files, cached files, old APF (installation) files to give yourself more room and operate more efficiently. You can clear cache individual applications through settings \> applications \> clear cache.

Use any File Explorer to remove files no longer needed or no longer wanted from your downloads. Each browser normally has its own downloads folder. "SD Maid" includes a File Explorer if you don't already have a separate application.

You can clear cache files much quicker by installing

"Clean Master"

* get rid of "Junk Files" such as cached files

"SD Maid". Some items within are

* "Overview" help to see what you are working with.
* "CorpsleFinder" find and delete files SD Maid believes belong to your old/deleted applications
* "AppCleaner" is a premium feature so you can use "Clean Master" to get rid of cached files, would need to mount your removable SD card, and once mounted, you would have to unmount the card before you physically remove your card.
Settings \> Storage \> External SD Card \> Mount/Unmount SD card.

You have to set default storage individually per application. Some applications would slow down everything if they used your removable SD Card storage, such as "play store", and applications that start at startup.

To move an application to your SD card: Settings \> Applications \> choose application \> "Move to SD card"

To choose applications: Settings \> Applications \> on SD card

http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1772970/set-default-download-location-card.html
http://forums.androidcentral.com/t-mobile-galaxy-s-ii/137116-can-i-set-external-sd-card-default-media-storage.html
> 1 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, storage
---


# Question
Title: Does a broken screen on a Nexus One automatically mean the touch screen digitizer needs to be replaced?
After 5 years of faithful service, my Nexus One finally cracked (literally) today when it fell from my vehicle. The screen is severely cracked but remains intact in the frame and the display has no problem at all (other than the obstruction by the fractured glass itself). Even touch sensitivity seemed to be intact though I have to risk my fingers on the broken glass to use it.

From some googling, it seems like touch screen digitizer is the part that's recommended to be replaced in such cases. Will that have to be the case here too, or since the touch sensitivity is intact can it end up a cheaper replacement than that? The digitizer seems to be \>$25 here in India and I'd prefer not to spend that on an old soon-to-be-replaced phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Screen protector might help protect your fingers, if glass is even and no missing pieces

---
Tags: screen, hardware, touchscreen
---


title: Delete folders from the SD storage

text:
# Question
Title: Delete folders from the SD storage
I have a Nexus 4 smartphone and in external storage there are many folders which I believe to be unused and/or empty.

Is it possible to delete them safely? In other words, if I delete an empty folder that is really needed by an app, will it get recreated automatically or will I break the app?

# Answer
If they are empty, they can be deleted. They will be recreated as needed. Before deleting them, make sure that they really are empty. As in, not even hidden files are there, except for ones like ".nomedia"
> 1 votes

# Answer
Removing empty folders may not account for much space, but the following will help you remove them.

Install "SD Maid" from the Playstore then run 'SystemCleaner' from within.

To remove junk files install "Clean Master" then click on 'Junk Files', cache files and APK files may use up a significant amount of space. Faster here than clearing cache files for each application and it is not just browsers that have old cache files.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, nexus-4, internal-sd, folder-organizer
---


# Question
Title: How can I unlock a pattern lock if my screen is defunct?
I have damaged the screen on my phone, so much so, it will not allow me to get the data to transfer onto my laptop. On opening Samsung Kies, it is saying that the connected device is locked. Please enter password on the connected device. I can only assume its the pattern lock they are referring to as I have managed to unlock the sim.

As I am unable to do this due to the screen being cracked, I wondered whether there is any other way of doing this, before sending the same onto my insurance company, as they are saying that I will lose all the data! Cant see why seeing as its just the hardware that is damaged and not the software.

# Answer
> 3 votes
YES That worked for me!!!

I've broken my screen, and after removing the SIM to another phone, the avast alarm starts louder every time I turn on.

1. Connect USB
2. Open KIES
3. Let the KIES waiting the screen unlock
4. Log in @ http://findmymobile.samsung.com/
5. Ensure choose the correct device, unlock the screen.
6. Done!!!!!

I did without the SIM card

# Answer
> 2 votes
I encounter the same problem on my tablet, and was able to solve it by attaching an USB mouse to unlock.

Please try if your device support USB mouse.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you can remember your Samsung account details, you can unlock the phone remotely using the Samsung Find My Mobile site. The phone has to be on and connected to the internet.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try take off the sim card, and try connect the phone in kies without sim card in phone, if this doesnot help you, look moborobo software. You can use a stream video function to see your phone screen on PC. http://www.moborobo.com/download/moborobo\_details.html

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you know the password and you have Drop Box installed, you can use the Screen Capture Function if you have it. Even though I could not see the screen the screen capture would capture the screen. Plug in device, open Drop Box from the computer you are plugged into. When you capture the screen (Home Button and Power button at same time) it will upload the picture to Drop Box. Have Drop Box window open and refresh if needed. By doing this I was able to see the main screen and was able to best guess the fingering for the code. If you do it right you will verify it is unlocked with another screen capture. After unlocked you can use Kies to transfer data. Very time consuming, but worked for me. Hope this helps someone, it was a life saver for me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
**TO HELP PEOPLE WITH THE PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE**

First, turn on Kies.

Then, connect your phone to the computer via usb.

Then, make sure you have the screen on.

after that, have someone call your phone.

it will bypass the lock screen and connect to kies.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The only thing that worked with me was, first Run Kies then connect the USB (you will get locked device screen in the Kies) then got to the internet and load the page findmymobile.samsung.com and log to your Samsung Account (SIM CARD MUST BE IN), in the Remote Control menu, choose Unlock my screen and then in the window by the side click Unlock, the program will then contact your phone and soon after you will get the message \> Screen Unlocked.

Go to Kies and every thing will be there for you..... Good Luck.

---
Tags: lock-screens, broken-screen, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: Other than comma, are there any supported pause characters in a dialing string?
On a Blackberry, a phone contact with the form:

1-800-555-1212 x1234#12#7#123456 1-800-555-1212 ext1234#12#7#123456 1-800-555-1212,,,1234#12#7#123456

all worked.

On my Android (Samsung Galaxy S5 with 4.4 Kitkat) the shortcut x, and ext do not work. You are supposed to use a comma (actually three).

However, Outlook (in Office2010 at least) will not let you save a contact as: 1-800-555-1212,,,1234#12#7#123456

It insists on inserting a space before the commas. But Android sees the space as end of phone number processing. Interestingly, it lets you enter this in a Meeting location, or as a string in an email, and Android will process this properly.

Are there any alternate pause characters I could try, so as to get around this Outlook limitation?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you tried "P" for pause gives a timed pause on remote phone and at least some other phones. Use more than one if you need additional pause time.

---
Tags: contacts
---


title: How to decrypt storage for s4

text:
# Question
Title: How to decrypt storage for s4
How to decrypt storage for Samsung S4, there a password that I never do before, so how can I find the password, because I never make a password for decrypt storage before.

# Answer
> 0 votes
After you've enabled encrypted storage, the password is the same as your lock screen password.

---
Tags: password, encryption
---


# Question
Title: Volume buttons unexpectedly started waking the phone from - how to disable?
When my phone is locked and the screen is off, I could usually wake it up only by pressing the home or power buttons.

Now, the screen also wakes when I press a volume button.

This started happening for no reason that I remember, and is extremely annoying since I use the volume buttons for controlling audio while the phone's screen is off (an option in Apollo).

Now when the screen goes on, the volume buttons have stopped changing the songs, but instead just increase the volume - which is quite a traumatic experience when you're trying to change a song on the go.

It also results in my phone's screen being on most of the time because I like to change the volume a lot.

How can I disable this?

Running:

* Android: 4.2.2
* CyanogenMod: 10.1.3

# Answer
Some versions of CyanogenMod have the “Volume rocker” option in Settings → Display; if this option is selected, volume buttons will wake up the phone.

There are also other ways to get this behavior (e.g., the GravityBox module for Xposed has the “Volume rocker wake” option in the “Navigation keys actions” screen).
> 2 votes

# Answer
check your device for unwanted applications. And also check your device administrator. Remove any unwanted application from it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, volume-control, buttons, samsung-galaxy-apollo
---


# Question
Title: HTC ONE hung and can not restart the phone
I have a HTC ONE. While using the phone it got hung. And when i tried to use the power button the Display as well got switched off.

Now When i try to hold the Power button for ten seconds and try to hard restart its of no use. When i connect the phone to a pc via USB i get the device detected sound on windows but HTC One doesnt show its mass storage.

Any way to solve this problem ?

# Answer
> 10 votes
As per XDA here you can perform force restart by doing this.

```
To reboot the phone without ADB, just hold down the Vol Up and power button for 9 seconds, the phone should shut down.

```

If this doesn't power down the phone, you can try this. Lot of people has reported success in this method for most of the HTC phones.

```
Put your phone under a bright light then hold power+volume down.

```

If both of them fails, you have to wait till the battery die and let it charge and power on the phone normally.

Hope this helps you. Good luck.

# Answer
> 3 votes
As odd as it may sound, I found a solution in the net and it worked for me twice already !! Put the phone in a bright light, strong bulb or direct sun, and do a hard reset!!

Worked twice for me.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've had the same problem with my HTC One M7, but the vol down or vol up with power button didn't force it to reboot.

I was messing around with the phone and a call came in. I was able to answer the call and after the call my phone went back to normal! So I'd suggest trying to call the phone from another phone.

---
Tags: htc-one, hard-reset
---


title: Network security in Android

text:
# Question
Title: Network security in Android
My question is quite simple. I've been digging around in the subject for quite a while now, but I can't really get a hang of how it works.

Scenario: I use Facebook on my phone to chat with some friend of mine.

The question is: How does network security in Android work? Is there any equivalent to a firewall on a computer? I want to know how the data is transported from the phone to the destination, which ports are used (if any), if not what is used instead. But also which protocols are used.

My intention with this question is to learn how my android phone communicate with other devices on Internet.

I don't mind getting redirected to a forum or site where I can read about these things. But as I mentioned before, I can't really find anything about it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
* There is no real firewall in Android, but this doesn't mean you are totally unprotected from the outside. (There are some measurements from the underlying Linux Kernel.)
* Every app chooses it's own ports and decides weather the connections are encrypted.
* Android apps usually do not open any ports, hence the there is not that much of a need for a firewall
* Incoming data is often handled and transmitted through Google Cloud Messaging. (Here I don't know how it works and the data is transferred)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I would recommend AFWall+ as equivalent to a packet filter on a desktop computer. Note that AFWall+ is just a GUI to generate iptables/Netfilter (Linux Kernel feature) rules. To apply those rules, AFWall+ requires root privileges on the device.

AFWall+ gives you the possibility to allow/deny certain applications to open outgoing connections over WLAN/mobile data (which can be enabled separately). Another nice feature of AFWall+ is to allow/deny applications to open connections to hosts in your local network.

To see what is going on you can use the application Network Log which can show you the incoming and outgoing connections on your device. This application also uses iptables and requires root privileges.

---
Tags: applications, security
---


# Question
Title: Help! I can no longer access photos from my gallery when trying to send a picture
I have a Samsung S4. when I'm trying to attach a photo to an MMS I used to get an option of accessing the photo via galary or Samsung link. Usually I selected gallery. This time I accidentally clicked Samsung link and now I can't access pics to send via gallery it only takes me straight to Samsung link.

**My question is how do I access pics to send via gallery not Samsung link?**

# Answer
You can reset the default application settings in settings \> apps \> \[your app\] \> "launch by default"
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: Find downloaded video files via coursera app
There is a possibility to download and play videos via coursera android app. But I want to play the downloaded video with my desired video player in my android device. where is the downloaded video file saved? In other words, how can I find the video file with my file manager and in which directory it's been saved?

# Answer
You can copy the videos from this app's location in `/data/data/org.coursera.android/files/courkitDownloadedVideos/` if your device is rooted. It could instead be found at: `storage/extSdCard/Android/data/org.coursera.android/files/Download/` if you have an external SD card.

On an un-rooted device, you can use `adb backup` function to backup the app and its data to a file on your computer, and then extract its contents:

1. Install and Android SDK and USB drivers for your device.
2. In Windows open Command Prompt (or Terminal in Linux), navigate to a directory where you want to store the backup, and issue the following command: `adb backup -f courseraBackup.ab org.coursera.android` This backs up the app and its data (including the downloaded videos) to your computer's C drive.
3. Convert the backup to an archive using command `dd if=courseraBackup.ab bs=24 skip=1|openssl zlib -d > courseraBackup.tar`
    * If you use Linux, then just issue the above command in Terminal.
    * On Windows, it's a tad more complicated since you have to download and install Cygwin from here (install all packages,) and then use the Cygwin Terminal to run the above command.
4. Extract the archive either using `tar xvf courseraBackup.tar` (in Terminal for Linux of Cygwin in Windows,) or using your favorite archival tool (e.g. 7-Zip.)

You should now have a directory on your computer containing all the data from the app, including any downloaded videos.

Refer: http://nelenkov.blogspot.ca/2012/06/unpacking-android-backups.html
> 8 votes

# Answer
The app downloads the videos to /data/data/org.coursera.android/files/courkitDownloadedVideos/ instead of the standard user space of /sdcard/Android/data/\* and even worse yet, the files are named file2.mp4 file3.mp4 etc. making it difficult to figure out which file is which course. I personally find this very frustrating as I would love to stream the videos to my XBMC box using Yatse.
> 7 votes

# Answer
You can also use an app called, coursera on the go that lets you choose the location of download matterial, (move to external sdcard for example) and also labels the files like a sane person would do. http://www.amazon.com/Aliaksei-Radzinski-Coursera-On-The/dp/B00COJ2KTE
> 2 votes

---
Tags: downloading, file-management
---


# Question
Title: Hoping for a custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) for galaxy tab 4 10.1
I was hoping to tweak our tab like my s3 mini, but I can't find recoveries for it and came to the conclusion the device is still too new?

There certainly are tab 10.1 things mentioned but I'm assuming these are first generation tabs?

# Answer
There are custom recoveries for your device but they are only available for the Wi-Fi only Galaxy Tab 4 10.1-

TWRP (SM-T530), odin/heimdall flash

CWM (SM-T530), odin/heimdall flash

\**
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, clockworkmod-recovery, samsung-galaxy-tab-10, twrp
---


# Question
Title: How can I use my Samsung S4 phone functionality from my Asus Nexus 7 tablet?
I got two android devices: Samsung S4 and Asus Nexus 7 where the latter does not have a SIM card. I'd like to use the phone functionality from the tablet e.g. calling and/or SMS but I don't know how. I paired the device using bluetooth and I tried with an app called MightyText but that never completed the setup. Is there a way to do what I want?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's simple. Download the WhatsApp Messenger App on to your tablet. It's free for a whole year, then you pay $1/year to keep using it.

By default, WhatsApp isn't compatible with tablets, but there is a work-around for that...

...Right Here You can also try Line, which is another messenging app.

Also...TextPlus has the least amount of work to setup (it's compatible with tablets), but it allows you to send texts and make calls. Though it's not as good as WhatsApp or Line

I've also tried MightyText, which works just fine. Not sure why it won't work for your phone...

---
Tags: nexus-7, samsung-galaxy-s-4, sim-card, bluetooth-pairing
---


# Question
Title: How to send same text message to multiple people but they would only see their name as recipient?
I have a Moto X with KitKat.

I am trying to send the same text message to multiple people.

* I do not want the recipients to see the numbers of other recipients.
* I do not want the recipients' replies to go to multiple people.
* I do not want the recipients to see who all the recipients are.
* If the recipient reply's to my text message than that message should only go to me.

Just like adding people under BCC in the email.

Any help?

# Answer
> 2 votes
That's how SMS usually works. When you send a text to a group of people, only they should be able to that they got it. They won't be able to see who else got the text.. unless you were sending SMS through Google Hangouts.

---
Tags: sms
---


title: Nexus 4 with no signal (sleep mode)

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 with no signal (sleep mode)
I have a problem with my sister's Nexus4. When I try to call her I have the reply that the phone is off while if I call the other phone (HTC Legend with the same operator) I can talk regularly.

It happened both at home or outside.

It is not a operator problem because I change the operator twice and with the same operator in the same places I can phone with no problem.

The strange is that when a try to call N4 I am not able to start the call and after that the N4 receive a sms with the "lost call" and return it on-line.

it seems it falls in a sleep mode when the creen is off

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try to call the phone with a landline. If the problem persists try a factory reset, if that don't fix the problem I'm afraid you have a hardware issue.

---
Tags: nexus-4, standby
---


# Question
Title: Can I set up my Galaxy Tab to boot from the external SD card?
I'm having some issues with my Samsung Galaxy Tab, model SCH-I800 (VZW).

It started giving me a reboot loop one day (completely stock at this point). I've flashed ROMs and whatnot in the past, so I thought this would be an easy fix.

Based on the symptoms that this thing is exhibiting, I believe that the internal flash storage has gone bad. However, I do not have the desire to take this thing part and desolder the chip. So how do I get this Tab to boot off the external SD card? I've tried everything google has to offer thus far:

* Manually (and correctly) partitioned SD card.
* Edited `/etc/fstab` in addition to vold.fstab.
* Flashed numerous ROMs.
* Data/cache wipe in CWM 3.0.0.5 (for some reason, the newest version won't flash).

Running `ls /dev/block` in an adb shell shows mmcblk0, mmcblk1p1, and mmcblk1p2. For some reason, after every reboot, `mount /sdcard` throws an error that references mmcblk0 instead of mmcblk1. I am at my wit's end. I think `/etc/fstab` isn't sticking after reboot, but I honestly don't know. My knowledge of \*nix-based systems is somewhat limited.

Is there any way for me to get this to boot from the external SD card?

# Answer
Sorry but it's not possible to boot from an external sd card since when the phone powers up the processor start to execute code at a fixed adress in the nand, and you can't change that.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, samsung-galaxy-tab
---


# Question
Title: How do I get 2 way photo syncing with dropbox?
I have Dropbox auto uploading photos that I take.

What I'd like is to have deletions or reorganizations of my photos on the phone to be reflected in Dropbox and also the other way around?

How do I set this up?

# Answer
This is not possible. Dropbox says:

> Dropbox will not delete files from your mobile device after they are uploaded. The files on your camera, phone, tablet, or SD Card will remain on your device until you remove them manually.

To do this, you will need a third-party app, like Dropsync.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, photos, dropbox
---


title: Linux Deploy removal

text:
# Question
Title: Linux Deploy removal
I was going to install Linux Deploy , but then if I don't like it how can I remove the Linux installation?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I did this for myself by navigating to **Settings \> Storage**, tap on the **Misc** category, select the ~4 GB linux image and use the trash icon to delete it, but this will probably vary depending on what device you use.

---
Tags: root-access, linux
---


# Question
Title: Why I am not able to login on two smartphones?
What is the meaning that I an not able to login on another device? I am sure that user and pwd are correct but on the second device it give me this message "user/password are not correct".

I try to set the smartphone with another account and it is easy to do that

I regularly use my account on the smartphone and on the pc

# Answer
After days of attempts the problem was the two step verification!

I was trying to login a HTC Desire with android 2.2 while my account has teo step verification so I was not able to setup the account (I do not know I on last version of Android is it possible to login with two step verification).

I solved:

* stop "two step verification"
* login on the smartphone
* set "two step verification"
> 0 votes

# Answer
Having two phones logged into the same Google account works perfectly fine. If it tells you the username or password are incorrect, then most likely one of them is incorrect. In particular, if you're using different soft keyboards on the two phones, take extra care when typing punctuation characters and numbers: they could be in different places on different keyboards, so you could type the wrong one without realising it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-account
---


title: What are these files in DCIM folder?

text:
# Question
Title: What are these files in DCIM folder?
I was wondering if someone here knew what are these files:

I've put it in image format because their file names are weird? I just found out that these files are present in my sd card, inside the DCIM images folders and all images are gone except the thumbnails.

**My images are gone** and **another problem is that I cannot delete them**(maybe format but that's my last option i think). They stick in that folder and even moving isn't possible.

Any help or suggestions. Thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
These are not files but invalid file entries, caused by a corrupted allocation table on the SD card, which in turn is caused by a bad sector. A bad sector on the card is a good sign that card is defective and should be replaced.

You can try recovering some files by running a disk check program on PC.

---
Tags: images
---


title: How to remove member from viber group

text:
# Question
Title: How to remove member from viber group
How can i remove a member of a group which do not have admin. Admin left Viber and i have mistakenly added wrong guy. I and other members tried but we could not remove him. how can i remove him.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Viber Support page mentions this:

> Removing participants from a group
> Participants cannot remove other participants from a group. Each participant can choose to exit the group at any time.

So it seems like your only choice is to exit the group and start a new one.

---
Tags: viber-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Lost tablet - No SIM, no google account, no tracking software, can I track it?
A couple of days ago, I lost my dear Android tablet. I dont know if I have left it somewhere or if it in fact was stolen :/ It does not have any 3G module, and hence no SIM, inserted. I haven't logged into my Google Account on the tablet. And I have not installed any tracking software.

The tablet have a GPS installed. Is there any way to track the tablet using only the serial-number?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes. You report the loss or theft to the police, and give them the serial number. (You'll need proof that it was yours, of course.) If someone finds it and hands it in, or if it's recovered from the thief, then they know it is yours, and will return it to you.

That's your only option. Since you haven't signed into your account on the tablet, as far as it's concerned, it doesn't belong to you. You can't remote-deploy tracking software onto it or enable Google's Android Device Manager. The GPS itself doesn't help you at all: it only tells the tablet where it is, not anyone else.

---
Tags: tablet, gps-tracking
---


# Question
Title: Connecting a USB stick: OTG cable required or will standard USB (charging) cable work?
I am wondering if it is necessary to buy a USB OTG cable to access a USB stick from an Android (4.4) phone, or if it suffices to take the Micro-USB-to-USB cable that comes with the phone (for charging) and connect it to the USB stick (via a female-female adapter)?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I would do away with a lot of connections, and just do a `Phone > USB OTG > USB Stick` connection. An OTG Cable is very cheap anyway. You can get one for a USD1 (at least here in the Philippines), or less.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No. An OTG cable has two of the five pins shorted together at one end. This is how your phone knows whether it is being a USB *accessory* or a USB *host*; that is, how it knows whether it's being a USB memory stick or a computer. It doesn't matter what USB adaptors you use: if you're plugging in the accessory end of a USB-OTG cable, or if you use a normal (non-OTG) USB cable, then the device will act as an accessory, not a host.

---
Tags: usb-on-the-go
---


title: Unexpected touch behavior in Chrome

text:
# Question
Title: Unexpected touch behavior in Chrome
On my 2012 Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.4 and the latest version of Chrome, I've noticed that when I touch and hold links that are close to each other, it may not select the link I intend to select. Instead of activating the link at the center of the touch area (the behavior I expect), Chrome seems to select the link based on the entire area covered by my finger:

Is this (counterintuitive) behavior normal? Can I configure Chrome to simply use the center of the touch area instead?

# Answer
Going by the unexpected touch behaviour you provide it seems that your multi-touch screen is not responding properly to your inputs for this you need to confirm it by doing a small and freely available multi touch test.

Download the app and check whether the touch is shown exactly where you selected. The two dots are drawn exactly where the phone reports you are touching.

or else you can simply do the following

1- Go to the developer options section in settings.

2- enable pointer location.

3- touch the screen as lightly as you can. you will notice a red number on the upper right corner of the screen named ""Prs:". this indicates the level of contact needed to register a touch.

4- do the same on different areas of the screen & remember try to touch the screen as lightly as you can (the goal here is to find the lower number that registers a touch)

If you see that at one point of the screen the screen is not responding according to your input then you need to get in contact with your Authorised service centre and report the issue.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, touchscreen
---


# Question
Title: Can't pass the initial setup wizard on SG3 with broken screen digitizer
So i **burned digitizer** on i9305 by flashing corrupted recovery. Then i flashed **new** working custom **ROM** and recovery, after Stock JB tried some KitKats like MoKee, Omni, CyanOgen 10/11 but i'm facing the same problem with all of them. After booting fresh android i got stuck on the **welcome screen** / first run setup wizard, cuz can't click anywhere. This phone supports **USB OTG** so i am able to use mouse in TWRP recovery for example, but the driver is not working on the welcome screen yet. Also i cant use **ADB** to simulate screen touch cuz it doesn't connect when the initial setup is active. I don't have any backup of initialized/configured android so this is no go either.

Any ideas how to get further? Thanks for any tip.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Finally found solution via editing `/data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db` file via sqlite3. Just `adb pull` that file to your computer, if you use stock recovery you must mount userdata partition manually, in that case see Android ADB Shell Recovery Mounting for hints. Also you can't just pull the file directly but copy it inside `adb shell` to your sdcard or some intermediary filesystem. Eg. `busybox cp sett* /sdcard`

To get rid of the initial setup:

```
update global set value=1 where name='device_provisioned';

update secure set value=1 where name='user_setup_complete';
insert into secure (name,value) VALUES ('device_provisioned','1');

```

Yes, the device\_provisioned must be present in both tables. However on the stock JB there was no global table, so you don't need to take care of it and the secure table is missing some records we update here so these need to be inserted instead. On stock JB before editing the settings.db run `PRAGMA wal_checkpoint` and `PRAGMA journal_mode = DELETE` described here: https://stackoverflow.com/a/21258892/881375 otherwise updates on existing rows won't take effect because android will rollback on reboot. For CyanOgenMod 11 just delete the settings.db-journal file and it should be OK.

It was neccessary after pushing the settings.db file back to folder on device to

```
chmod 660 settings.db
chown system:system settings.db

```

in this order, because chmod may set the owner and group back to root

USB OTG mouse is still not working sadly, so i guess i must get access for adb anyway.

To enable USB debugging (ADB):

```
setprop persist.service.adb.enable 1 ('setprop persist.sys.usb.config mtp,adb' if needed)

```

settings.db:

```
update secure set value=5037 where name='adb_port';
update global set value=1 where name='adb_enabled';

```

After booting dialog to confirm PC's fingerprint appears. To avoid this get your adbkey.pub (on linux may be located at ~/.android):

```
adb push adbkey.pub /data/misc/adb/adbkey.pub
cat adbkey.pub >> adb_keys

```

After all of this you can `input tap|swipe|text` anything to control your phone and get access for bluetooth or OTG mouse/keyboard etc. I hope this helps. The fingerprint injection is needed for Android 4.2.2+.

Thanks to xda-developers and android issues with adb security at code.google.com.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem. Solved it by installing ShareKM (app that allows you to control your android phone with a pc's keyboard and mouse). After you run the ShareKM app it will probably tell you it is outdated and you won't be able to run it. A workaround (found in this xda thread) is to first kill the app, clear its cache and set the date on your phone to 3/30/2014.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, settings, boot, touchscreen, broken-screen
---


title: Android webserver via usb not wifi

text:
# Question
Title: Android webserver via usb not wifi
I was wondering is there a way to run an android websever via usb? I can find lots of wifi version of this but I would like to use this locally only while the pc is connected to the wifi and have it undetectable. eg via usb.

Does anyone know of any apps/software that this would work on?

Thanks

Paul

# Answer
You can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB, contained in the Android SDK) to forward the tcp connection:

> adb forward tcp:8080 tcp:8080
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, web-server
---


# Question
Title: How to upgrade from one version of Cyanogenmod to another?
I am fairly new to rooting / putting custom ROMs on devices; I finally have my phone in a state that I like, after putting Cyanogenmod 7 on my HTC Desire Z. Since I've done this, there have been a few point releases, and a minor release is not far away. However, I don't really know how to upgrade from one version to another (and I couldn't find any instructions on how to do so).

How do I upgrade from one version of Cyanogenmod to another? Is it the same process as installing it in the first place? Will I have to wipe all the data on my phone, as I did the first time?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Cyanogenmod 11 has a built-in mechanism for checking for updates.

Go to `Settings -> About Phone -> CyanogenMod updates` There you can toggle when your device will query for an update and on what release channel (Release and Development being Stable and Nightly respectively).

When an update will appear click on it's icon to download and Install, from there, it will do everything for you.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You can basically upgrade the same way as the original installation (flash the new ROM from recovery).

The general rule is: Do a complete wipe for major releases, but just clear the caches for minor releases. See this CM forum topic.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: moving apps to my SD card on my Xperia E 4.1.1
Okay, I have an Xperia E android 4.1.1. It has 2 GB internal space and so I got an 8 GB SD card. I noticed that any app I download occupies space in my internal memory. I tried moving them to SD card but I can't do it in the way given on Google - Settings\>apps\>manage\>move to SD card. When I go to my settings I don't get any Manage Applications. I just get my apps and there are options like Move to phone or Move to Internal Storage. I also tried App2SD. But it didn't work. Isn't there any other alternative than rooting my mobile? Please help

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android no longer natively supports moving apps to SD Card. Some manufacturers that ship phones with SD Card slot (like Samsung, for example) often do include this functionality. Apparently Sony is not one of these manufacturers, so you will not be able to use your SD Card for app storage with their stock firmware.

If you decide to root your device, you will be able to use apps such as Link2SD to move apps to your SD Card. Note that you will need to re-partition your SD Card (and re-format it) in a special way to be able to take advantage of this feature. You will also not be able to easily swap the SD Cards in and out, as it will become an "extension" of your phone's internal memory.

---
Tags: sony-xperia
---


# Question
Title: No sliding (gesture typing) feature in Google Keyboard for Ukrainian language
I can't type words via "sliding through letters" in Google Keyboard when Ukrainian language is chosen.

Is it OK? What may be the reason? No "sliding" support specifically for Ukrainian language?

I have Moto G with Android KitKat. I tried on both 2.0... and 3.0... versions of Google Keyboard...

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can now download the latest version of Google keyboard (with sliding support) from the Google play store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.inputmethod.latin

---
Tags: keyboard, languages
---


# Question
Title: How to change the interface or positions of the home and back buttons after updating a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 tablet?
My Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 downloaded an update.

Now, the buttons (home, back) on the bar are in the middle. Previously, they were postioned left. It's really uncomfortable. It seems that I received the "mobile user interface" instead of the tablet interface.

How to do I change this?

# Answer
Google migrated to using the mobile interface for tablets in android 4.2

You will not be able to change to the previous button arrangement on your stock ROM.

You could root your phone and install a custom ROM such as paranoid android to get back your old button arrangement.

Hope this helps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can root your phone and install a custom ROM. Also, there is an app called Full!Screen for rooted phones I believe. It let's you remove the buttons and then reposition them. Not sure if it's the right app. Otherwise.. Just search the Play Store for root apps related to buttons
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7, user-interface
---


title: Sync 'droid with Outlook

text:
# Question
Title: Sync 'droid with Outlook
I have seen many questions here about users trying other software than Kies for sync'ing data with Outlook and a handset, very mixed reviews with what's good/bad, but not very much mentioned recently on the versions I am using.

I have setup a Samsung GS4 with Kies on a Win7 PC running Outlook 2010, the previous user had a Blackberry and is used to sync'ing his device with his laptop. Email items are sync with a GMail account as we are not running Exchange.

The user has 400+ contacts and quite a lot of e-mail with hundreds of calendar items.

Kies Sync has worked (albeit slowly) for a week, now it stalls/halts (no errors, no timeouts) at 15%.

Any hints or troubleshooting I can do? Sync logs to look for?

If I cannot resolve this I will need a different product to use, so any suggestions are more than welcome!

# Answer
> 2 votes
There is a one-way Google-to-Outlook sync built into Outlook 2010 and 2013, where you generate a link to your calendar via Google Calendar website, and then add the URL to Outlook as an Internet calendar. This way any changes you make on Google side get synchronized to Outlook. Step-by-step walk-through instructions are here:

> 1. Log into your Google account, click on the Apps launcher icon Apps launcher icon and select Calendar from the list of apps.
> 2. Hover over the needed calendar in the calendar list and click Calendar settings. This will open the Calendar details page.
> 3. Click the `ICAL` button and copy the calendar's URL.
> 4. Open your Outlook and switch to Calendar -\> Manage Calendars ribbon group.
> 5. Click Open Calendar button and choose "From Internet..." from the drop down list.
> 6. Paste your Google calendar's URL and click OK.

If you are looking to sync the other way, i.e. Outlook-to-Google, your options are much more limited. Microsoft tells you how to perform a one-time transfer by exporting your Outlook calendar and then importing the data into your Google account. However, this is not a permanent solution, as it requires you to do this every time you make changes in Outlook.

Google used to have a service called Google Sync which would perform a true two-way sync between your Google account and Outlook via a small application that you would install on your Windows machine. Unfortunately that service has been discontinued a while ago. It's still available for paid Google accounts such as Google Apps for Business, but not for free Google accounts.

In terms of 3rd-party applications, since you have already ruled out Kies as unreliable, gSyncit comes highly recommended, but it's not free. It is a MS Outlook add-in for your PC (no Android app required) that allows a true 2-way sync of e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks between Outlook and a Google account.

---
Tags: sync, samsung-galaxy-s-4, samsung-kies
---


# Question
Title: Can android phones play DVD-format movies over WIFI?
I have ripped my library of DVDs to my home server. I play them over WiFi from other PCs.

Can an Android phone with HDMI out do the same thing as a media center PC, playing these movies over the network on to a TV?

# Answer
It sounds like you're trying to do something a bit like DLNA? This is the set of technologies/protocols that allow you to play media on one device on another device on a home network. It's designed for connecting things like media servers, media players, TVs, etc all together to play across the home network.

You might find the answers to the following questions useful:

Can I get DLNA on my Droid?

DLNA enabled media player?
> 2 votes

# Answer
You might consider plex. You would need to install the plex server on some machine and then install the plex player on your Android. Software is free. I've found that it generally works well over wireless. However, I've been playing from my Win7 laptop over to my Roku (with plex installed). Haven't tried it on the phone. In theory, plex works at WAN speeds too; and they provide a login service you can use to find your plex server at home while on the road.

oops... didn't look at the date of the post. Sorry.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, video
---


# Question
Title: How does WhatsApp show the name in the contact list?
This is bugging me about WhatsApp. My contact list in the WhatsApp app is presumably the list of contacts I have in my phone book who have WhatsApp. I can see their picture and status if they have one. But their actual usernames are as I have inputted them into my phonebook.

However, I'm sure it should appear as they have chosen their names to be (because I can choose how I want my name to be in the edit profile section). It may seem trivial, but I'm worried I'm missing something or have done something wrong.

How does WhatsApp show the name in the contact list?

P.S. I have a Samsung Galaxy S2, Android 4.1.2.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Your WhatsApp contact list will display the names you chose for the numbers in your phonebook.

The nickname a user has is only displayed if he/she's not in your phonebook and he/she's posting in a group you're in.

---
Tags: contacts, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Force to buy app with old version of Android
I have two smartphones:

* HTC Desire (unrooted / android 2.2 / normal-sim / operator1 / my account)
* Nexus 4 (android 4.4.4 / micro-sim / operator2 / my account)

Both smartphone are regurarly logged with the same account.

I need to buy some apps with normal-sim from operator1 but those app are available only for android 4.0 and newest.

I will use the apps on my Nexus 4 but I do not want to root any device by now.

How can I solve it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
EDIT after reading your comments:

AFAIK, It's not possible.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I assume that rooting and flashing a ICS rom on your HTC desire is out of the question, so how about you take the SIM card from your HTC to your nexus 4, complete the offer, then switch back? If the offer is tied to the **operator** the nexus 4 should be able to make the purchase just fine.

If the offer is tied to the **device model** (HTC), then try this app on your nexus 4 (requires root!). It will make the play store see your nexus 4 as a HTC device. Combined with switching SIM it should satisfy both operator and device requirement for the offer. I'm not sure if it will work for your particular case though.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I am not sure how the offers you have work, but could you go to the play store in a browser and buy them there on your HTC and tell it to install them on the N4? I've had to do that for devices since you cannot access the Devices page from the app itself. If necessary, you may have to clear defaults with the browser and Play Store so that you have the option of viewing it in a browser instead of being taken directly to the app. I haven't used 2.2 in almost 4 years, but I assume that that is possible.

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, nexus-4, htc-desire, unrooting
---


# Question
Title: Rooting A Motorola Droid Razr M Phone on Verizon Network
I have a Droid Razr M, running on the verizon network. I would like to root this phone so I can use some of the more advanced features of Tasker; however, I am very fearful of "bricking" my phone. I see many approaches, which concerns me, because I would feel more comfortable if I could be sure process X is the one to use and works. Here are the particulars of my phone:

1. Model #: Droid Razr M
2. Android Version: 4.4.2
3. System Version: 183.46.10.XT907.Verizon.en.us
4. Baseband Version: SM\_BP\_101031.042.32.86P

Can anyone advise me as to the best approach to take, even if it means there is no current software to root my phone with the version it has?

Thanks, FDijohn

# Answer
If I could comment, I would, but yes, TowelRoot is a safe download. It is one of the most commonly used root methods for newer devices. Neither of the antivirus programs that I use have had any problem with it.

(If someone has the ability to repost this as a comment on @IAmTheSquidward's answer, that would be awesome)

EDIT: Several sites and forums state that it will work on the RAZR M and HD if your build number is `.182` or `.183`. If you already updated to whatever came next, then it is too late and you might not get the chance to root again. Not to be rude, but that's what you get for having a Motorola and/or Verizon phone. They both (along with Samsung) try their hardest to make sure that you cannot root or unlock your phone.
> 1 votes

# Answer
With GeoHot's new Towelroot exploit, it's as easy as installing an .apk and clicking a button.

Towelroot link

Just download and install that app, and then run it. After it's done, go on Google Play and download SuperSU.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, 4.4-kitkat, motorola-droid
---


title: Recording Screen on Android 1.6

text:
# Question
Title: Recording Screen on Android 1.6
I have an old device running Android 1.6. Is there any way that I can record the screen on this device? Most tutorials for doing this rely on having a more up-to-date version of Android.

# Answer
> 0 votes
(In order to comment as opposed to answer one needs 50 reputation points.) Unable to root my device I relied on a digital camera and edited to reduce byte size and to crop image to the screen. Take pictures in dark to reduce reflections, use a consistent setup to avoid misalignment. ( Only a few devices on Gingerbreadwill takescreenshots.)

# Answer
> -1 votes
Yes the min requirement is gingerbread. It's not possible on lower versions.

---
Tags: 1.6-donut, screencast
---


# Question
Title: Browsers Zoom In and Out while Scrolling
Every time I open a page in either Chrome, Opera or Firefox and try to scroll with the tip of my finger, the browser seems to suddenly zoom in and out while scrolling, interpreting the scroll down as a pinch AND scroll gesture. This is f\****** annoying.

This problem does not occur at all on Android's built-in browser, so I must advise this is not a problem with my touch screen.

I experience this issue on my LG Optimus L3, with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

***EDIT 1***: The problem is probably inherent to the cell phone model, as only I and a friend, who owns an identical phone, have this same problem.

***EDIT 2***: The problem seems to be solved for the last Google Chrome update, but Opera unfortunately still behaves in this way. This means that it isn't a user interaction problem, but a bug.

# Answer
Check how you are holding the tablet perhaps you have another finger on part the screen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, browser, chrome-for-android, firefox-for-android, opera-browser
---


# Question
Title: Does Android L Developer Preview fix the mm-qcamera-daemon problem?
I have a Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4.4 Kitkat, and the mm-qcamera-daemon problem appeared today for the first time (I don't have the usual culprits like Snapchat or Skype).

Does Android L Developer Preview fix this issue?

# Answer
Unfortunately I was still getting this issue (seems to come and go) under android L, so to answer your question, no, it's not fixed.

See https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=70755 for others who are reporting the issue still exists.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, nexus-5, camera, developer-preview
---


title: Changing a web app's homescreen icon

text:
# Question
Title: Changing a web app's homescreen icon
I use Chrome's 'Add to homescreen' feature to add web app shortcuts to my homescreen. As a user, how do I change a shortcut's homescreen icon?

# Answer
You can use any launcher (eg. Nova Launcher).

* When you add the shortcut to the home screen, press and hold on the shortcut icon, tap `Edit`.
* After this, it will open a dialog box to edit the caption along with the icon. Tap on the icon and select the required one from your phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts, home-screen, bookmarks, app-icons
---


title: External usb not support

text:
# Question
Title: External usb not support
I have Karbonn a18+ and its kernal does not support otg as well as seed charge.the is kernel version is 3.4.5 someone help me.I want otg support .

# Answer
Check whether the hardware supports OTG functionality.

If hardware supports, check for any custom ROM (such as CyanogenMod) is released for your device.

Follow their procedure to flash the custom ROM.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Light of Back button is not working on my Android mobile
I have Android Fly F45 S. From yesterday I am suddenly seeing that my Android mobile back button light is not working. The back button is working but the light is not lighting. I have never dropped it anywhere. Please solve this

# Answer
> 0 votes
Do a factory reset of your device (Remember to take app and data backup before doing the reset).

If this doesn't solve the issue, it may be hardware issue (either LED gone bad or any physical damage happened).

---
Tags: buttons, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Change default in-call & out-call ui or theme
Is there any app available in the store that lets me change the default in-call & out-call ui or theme of my kitkat?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There are several apps available on PlayStore like this or this one. However, you can't change the full "Theme" as such on Kitkat. You can change the look and feel of your home screens, caller screen, etc with the help of launchers (Nova Launcher, Themer, etc).

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: How to export bookmark list from stock android(ICS) browser to pc
I have been using the stock browser which came with the phone for awhile and it has been really useful. Currently I have a large number of articles I have bookmarked that I would somehow like to get on my PC. I tried to use the "share" functionality but it allows you to share only one link at a time, and I have over 50 articles. Is there any way to export the entire list?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Using "Bookmarks Sort and Backup" you can copy your bookmarks from the default Android Browser to your SD Card Directory ( */mnt/sdcard/BookmarkSB/* ). The filename will include a datetimestamp so you can easily tell which file you just created. They are regular bookmarks.html formatted Netscape bookmarks files that can be imported into any browser or viewed in any browser.

You can view the file with any File Explorer app by opening the folder BookmarkSB (*/mnt/sdcard/BookmarkSB/*) then open the file you just created with Browser or any other browser.

**One way to copy the created file to your PC:**
You can use an app such as "3CX Droid Desktop"
Download the file from your tablet to your PC.

1. Invoke 3CX Droid on tablet,
2. open the url in a browser on your PC i.e. *http://192.168.0.xxx:8080*
3. then in File Explorer within 3CX Droid viewed on your PC, open the folder on the tablet select your file,
4. then use 'download' on the 3CS Droid File Explorer menu which will save your file on the downloads folder used by your browser, the shortcut to view your downloaded files is probably "Ctrl+J" on your PC.
5. Open the HTML bookmarks file

FWIW if you were to import into another Android browser that cannot sort bookmarks you would want to sort bookmarks in your default browser in reverse order before you export. Rearranging bookmarks one bookmark at a time would be very tedious. This is assuming that import inserts them one at a time at the top of your bookmarks instead of at the bottom.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, browser, stock-android
---


# Question
Title: i have 500mb available but can't install 2mb app!
i have 500mb available but can't install 2mb app!!!
it's so frustrating i tried uninstalling apps, clearing cache, deleting files ... nothing works.

Please help.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Normally Android will leave some space empty for own usage, normally by clearing cache or unistalling apps you should be able to install that app. Here that isn't the case. What I would try would be to get rid of some apps try clean master from tge google play store. Worst case Factory data reset it or wipe the data off of it.

---
Tags: applications, ram
---


# Question
Title: Can Cyanogenmod 11 themes be used on CM 10?
In the past, I unintentionally discovered that Cyanogenmod 9 can use CM 10 themes.
While the play store shows CM 11 themes as incompatible on CM 10, would the themes work if installed manually?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The new Theme Engine, introduced with CyanogenMod 11 and later adopted by other KitKat custom ROMs, uses a different but simpler structure from past engines.

The theme files are all under the `assets` folder of CM11 theme APKs, while it was solely up to the developer as to where to put the theme files in the old Theme Engine themes.

While I have seen that there are some backwards-compatible themes available, they generally specify the target CM versions in the Play Store app listings. So if Play Store tells you that your device is incompatible, better heed the warning; but if you see in the app description / reviews that people using CM \< 11 can install the theme, then maybe you can install the theme manually.

## TL;DR

Try to see if people using CM \< 11 have successfully used the theme. If so, then go ahead!

---
Tags: cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: Using IP to ping a real Android device that is plugged by USB from computer
I plugged my Android tablet to the computer with USB cable and looked at the IP of Android device and tried something like `ping 160.xxx.yyy.zzz` on the computer. There is no response.

I wonder, does being in a huge network that prevent one machine to see the other one affect to pinging from one machine to another, even they are connected by a USB cable?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If your network is correctly setup, and both devices are on the same network then you can ping an Android device just fine. I've just tested it on my office network.

If your network administrator has configured the network such that devices can't ping each other, then obviously it won't work. Similarly, it probably won't work if your phone is on mobile data, since most carriers don't allow incoming pings to devices on their network.

Connecting the device with USB makes no difference at all: pinging is a network operation, so it goes over the network connecting the two devices.

---
Tags: usb, connection-issues
---


# Question
Title: Can I freeze/remove com.android.keyguard if I don't use the lockscreen?
What is exactly com.android.keyguard? Is it just handling the lockscreen? If I set my device not to lock when screen is turned off, can I safely freeze/remove com.android.keyguard?

I'm using a galaxy nexus with cyanogenmod 11 (kitkat), trying to lower RAM usage.

# Answer
> 3 votes
`com.android.keyguard` runs your lockscreen, home button, and a few other things I can't remember.

It's an integral part of Android. Don't remove it.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you disable/freeze com.android.keyguard, your device's Home button will stop working until you enable/unfreeze it. This process keeps running all the time, but it is not a Battery drainer so don't worry and don't disable it.

---
Tags: lock-screens, optimization
---


title: Getting files using adb shell

text:
# Question
Title: Getting files using adb shell
I have a rooted Galaxy S4 device which runs Android 4.4.2 & I'm trying to get the files of an application using `adb shell`, when I navigate to where my directory is and get the root access in shell and type

```
cp -R com.samsung.android.hostmanager C:\Useres\S4

```

I don't get any errors but the files isn't in the destination folder, I did try to use `mv` which seems to work as the application crashed on my device but even though I still didn't get the files. Where I'm going wrong?

# Answer
This won't work because `C:\Useres\S4` isn't a path on your phone, it's a path on your PC. Normally you need to use `adb pull` from your PC to copy files from your phone, but when you need root to access those files, it's not quite enough. Izzy's answer here explains how to achieve this.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, adb, root-access, shell, files
---


title: How do I change DNS settings for 3G?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I change DNS settings for 3G?
So I can use Twitter. It is okay when I use WiFi. But in 3G I cannot change DNS.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you are on Jelly Bean (MR2) or KitKat, you can use my app: Override DNS for KitKat. For lower versions of Android there are tons of free apps which do the same.

---
Tags: samsung, 3g, mobile-network, mobile-data, dns
---


# Question
Title: Preview Facebook Messenger's message on lock screen
I had this feature on for like 24 hours, but now it's gone. It's when Facebook messages would pop up onto my lock screen and I could see the message without having to actually turn on and unlock my phone. Now I cannot find how to change this.

Where is the setting for this feature?

# Answer
I have noticed the same thing.

It appears the latest Facebook updates have actually removed the feature as there is no setting in the app for the lockscreen.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, facebook-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Internal space near full but shouldn't be and not according to other stats
So yesterday i was seeing how many apps i have installed and i noticed this...according to which only 248 MB is free. Which looks wrong to me too.

But that is not the case according to storage analyser app...and which i also think should be the case as i know what i am installing and keeping eye on space a certain app takes.

...you can also see it's the same thing (as storage analyser app) in my computer!

So how come..? is it a problem, and what can i do to fix it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Apps and their data are stored on a different partition (`/data`) from media (`/sdcard0`) and removable storage (`/sdcard1`). If you are rooted, you can use an app like Disk Usage to check what's taking up space on your internal memory.

---
Tags: troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Perfect voice recognition, but Voice Commands don't work
I'm using a Dutch Nexus 5 with stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat but have the voice language set to **English (US)**. I have the latest files for offline speech recognition for *English (US)*. Google Now, "OK Google"-detection and audio history are enabled, and it all works like a charm. It instantly responds to "OK Google", and transcribes my (English) statements flawlessly.

However, Google Now always *starts a search*. Whatever I say, it is never recognized as a command. So, whether I say `Say 'How are you' in Spanish`, `Set alarm for 8 PM` or just `Help`, it just starts a Google search on the exact phrase I said. Obviously that's not very helpful. How can I fix this?

(There are only three commands that I've found that *do* work: `call`, `dial` and `text`.)

# Answer
According to Google's help pages on using Voice within the Search app, the Voice Actions only work for a limited set of languages:

> For most of these tips, you need to be using Android 4.1+ in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese. Some voice actions are not available in all languages and countries.

They are not referring to the Search app's "Language" setting, as that only governs language in which search results are returned. You must change the system-wide `Language` setting to one the supported locales under Settings -\> Language & input. Unfortunately there is currently no way to use Voice Actions under other locales. Google however are always improving their Search app, so it's possible that Voice Actions will become available in your country's language soon.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Setting the system-wide language to *English (US)* (in addition to having the voice search language set to *English (US)*) made Voice Commands work. I tried this because of a comment by Chahk.

However, I'd rather see a solution where I can have my system-wide language set to something other than English.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, voice-command
---


# Question
Title: Can "find my phone" still track my Samsung Galaxy S4 after factory reset?
Just lost my Samsung Galaxy S4 this weekend. If the thief has removed the SIM card and reset to factory mode, does the "find my phone" app still work or does it also get removed?

Been trying to track it but nothing happens. Can I find it if the thief has put his information into the find my phone app that comes with the device?

# Answer
No, the app will be removed along with all other apps and user data. If you root the phone, it's possible to install a tracker as a system app, such that it will only be removed if the thief flashes a new ROM, but any app you install from Google Play or another app marketplace won't be able to do that.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, factory-reset, lost-phone, gps-tracking
---


title: Qi Charger is Cycling

text:
# Question
Title: Qi Charger is Cycling
I have a Samsung S5 with a WOWTOU receiver. It was working fine, but after a week or so, it now cycles, even when the S5's battery is not full. I've tried multiple different brands of Qi transmitters, and they all do the same thing. It does get hot at times, but there is no correlation with the temperature and the cycling. Different transmitters seem to cause different rates of cycling, but I haven't done a real experiment to see what those are.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
This depends on how you've placed it. On some Qi pads you can even hear the difference...try moving the phone around while it's charging...

you can read this post I made about the heat wasted during charging based on the inductive permeance the Qi pad "sees"
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wireless-charging
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to know how far away another phone is using bluetooth?
When connecting to another phone using bluetooth, is there any way to know how far away the other phone is (would be better if it can tell me the exact distance even though a estimated distance is fine with me)?

# Answer
No more precisely than you already know: if it's connected with Bluetooth, it's probably less than ten metres away. It might theoretically be possible to use the round-trip-time between the two devices, and the finite speed of radio waves, to compute the distance, but in practice at these small scales the travel time is less than the latency in the Bluetooth stack. Radio waves take about 3 ns to travel a metre, which is about the time it takes a 2 GHz processor to execute one instruction.

You can get a reasonable approximation using the *received signal strength indicator* (RSSI) that the Bluetooth stack tells you. This number is available to apps, and it tells you how "loud" the remote endpoint's radio signal appears from the phone. A more positive number means the devices are close together; a more negative number means they are far apart. Some apps use this number when offering a list of devices to connect to: sorting the list by RSSI puts the closest devices at the top.

However, this is only an approximation. The RSSI doesn't simply vary with distance: it's affected by other factors. Reflections from other surfaces and objects can make it increase or decrease, and having objects in between the two phones makes it decrease. For example, if you're holding your phone, and the other device you're connecting to is behind you, so that your body is in between them, it will appear further away. Similarly, if the device is in your pocket or bag, it will appear further away. Even if you stay in the same place and nothing moves, the RSSI will still fluctuate a lot, because of interference from other radio sources.

Bluetooth LE beacons such as iBeacons use the RSSI to present an approximate distance, but it's only to categorise as "far", "near", or "immediate" (nearly touching), because you can't really get more accurate than that with RSSI.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: How to mount SMB/CIFS Network Shares on android device?
I have a rooted android device running on gingerbread. I was wondering if there is a way to mount my windows CIFS(Common Internet File System) Shares on my android device over WiFi.

Is it required to have a kernel that supports CIFS protocol for mounting ?

# Answer
You have to be rooted and you have to have the kernel module for cifs support. if you have froyo, you also will need slow-work.ko kernel module as well.

Once you have those, you can use (shameless plug) Mount Manager, it can handle loading the modules for you automatically and lots of features available for auto mounting when connecting to wifi, and other stuff. It is a lot like Cifs Manager, but has a more robust system for loading the modules, and supports multiple modules and has support for being a plugin for locale/tasker (paid version).
> 9 votes

# Answer
download es file manager. add shared folder to it by scanning ur network.. video player built in even can put shortcut on desktop. I understand the advantages of what you are doing. it gets the job done without compiling and installing mods.: edit: only works with streaming file formats. copies file over otherwise
> 1 votes

---
Tags: networking, mount, file-sharing, cifs
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to control the strength of the vibration of the phone when ringing?
When the phone is ringing, is it possible to set such that it gradually increase the strength of vibration instead a predefined strength of vibration? (When the vibration mode is turn on but the ringer tone is muted)

The concept is something like the 'gentle alarm clock' that will wake me gently, rather than jolting me from my slumber. (It work by having the alarm that gradually grows louder and louder until it becomes impossible to sleep through.)

# Answer
No. Android doesn't give apps a way to control the strength of the vibration, so you won't find an app that can do this for you.

That said, there's an app that claims to be able to change the vibration strength on Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 phones, using a device-specific method that requires root. Some users report that it doesn't work at all, but if it does work and you have a supported device, and your device is rooted, you may be able to find an app that does what you want.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: vibration
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to share file with one using NFC and another using bluetooth?
May I know if it is possible to transfer file from one phone using NFC to another phone using blue-tooth?

I know it is possible to transfer file from one NFC to another NFC. Also, it is possible to transfer file from one blue-tooth to another blue-tooth.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If I've understood correctly, you have one phone with NFC but no Bluetooth, and another phone with no NFC but Bluetooth, and you want to send a file from one to the other.

That can't work. NFC and Bluetooth are completely unrelated, they can't communicate together. If you want the two devices to communicate, they need to both use Bluetooth, or both use NFC, or both use Wi-Fi. It's as simple as that.

---
Tags: bluetooth, nfc
---


# Question
Title: How to import names+phone numbers into my Android smartphone (a Galaxy S3)?
I have an Android Galaxy S3 phone and I have a two column lists of names + phone numbers on my hard disk, and a Google account, and am a capable programmer and software developer. How can I import the phone numbers into the phone?

# Answer
No programming is required in this case. You need to make little changes to you text file so that it looks like below:

================

Name,Phone

Rakesh Patel,9825798257

Ramesh Patel,8758965854

==============

1. First row should be column header: Name, Phone
2. Name and number should have a comma as a separator.
3. change file extension to \*.csv

Then Go to Google contacts ==\> click More and select Import and upload the CSV file.

This will import all your contacts to Google account. Then add same google account to your Device (if not added already). If Sync option is already enabled, your contacts, calendar etc. will start syncing with Google account data when your device is connected to internet. (If sync is disabled, you need to enable it first)
> 3 votes

---
Tags: import
---


title: Get CM safely on incompatible phone

text:
# Question
Title: Get CM safely on incompatible phone
My phone isnt compatible with Cyanogen mod how can i safely install CM? Xperia P 4.1.2 rooted.

# Answer
> 4 votes
There are basically two options: help to get it supported, or look for an unofficial build.

I wrote some notes about helping to get Cyanogenmod supported on your device in my answer to Why isn't there a Cyanogenmod stable ROM for my device?. If you already have the specialist skills needed for ROM porting, you can do this yourself, but even if you don't, other volunteers at the Cyanogenmod might be able to achieve it with your help.

The only alternative is if there's an unofficial build. Because Cyanogenmod is an open-source fork of AOSP, anyone with the skills and the hardware can port it for their device and release that build. Unofficial builds can commonly be found by searching the XDA-Developers forum. They don't have the same quality control, support community, or updates as regular CM builds, and of course with an unofficial build the risk of the ROM being backdoored (so the porter can access your phone illicitly) is much greater, but if you're willing to take those risks it provides another way to get Cyanogenmod.

If there's no unofficial build, or you don't like the risks I've described, and you're not willing to help get your device officially supported, then you can't use Cyanogenmod on your device.

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Tags: cyanogenmod, root-access, rom-flashing, sony-xperia-p
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# Question
Title: Restore phone and keep whatsapp number after changing sim
I am going to restore my phone and I want to keep my whatsapp number. The thing is, after restoring I am going to use a new number. Restoring my phone means I will have to reinstall whatsapp, then I will be asked to verify phone number. My old SIM is not working anymore. What should I do to keep my old whatsapp number?

I am using samsung galaxy nexus android version 4.2.1

# Answer
> 1 votes
Insert the new SIM into the phone.

Go to Whatsapp settings \> Account \> Change number

Validate the new number.

Go to Chat settings \> Backup conversations

Follow the instructions here to restore the conversations

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try this:

* Backup your WhatsApp from old phone using Helium Backup. Follow the instructions for backing up WhatsApp (or any other application for that matter).
* Once the backup is complete, you'll find a folder named "Carbon" on your phone storage.
* Copy this folder on your PC.
* Install Helium on the phone after restoring and get this backed up folder on your phone and place on the same location on the storage.
* Start Helium and backup WhatsApp using the "Restore and Sync" tab available in the app.

If you are not rooted, you need to connect your phone to PC using USB cable to start the backup. Follow the instructions given on Play Store page.

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger
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# Question
Title: TI SensorTag firmware Update through OAD(over-the air ) in android
Help me to upload firmware through android app in nexus 7 ,as I have build my sensor tag project through IAR embedded workbench,but I didnt find any app for OAD firmware update in android, when I am trying to update firmware through TI ble device manager android app, its telling "OAD service is not available" while it has OAD service uuid0xFFC0.

# Answer
It's not available because you have an old version of the TI firmware in your SensorTag. Some months ago they added the "Connection control service" to the SensorTag firmware to enable OAD with Android. If your firmware is not recent, it has the OAD Service but not the Connection Control Service, so you'll have to use iOS to to OAD.
> 1 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, sensors, download-manager
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title: What is the purpose of the cache?

text:
# Question
Title: What is the purpose of the cache?
I am using a phone with limited internal memory, and I noticed that my app cache has swelled up to 130 MB. What are the pros and cons of deleting the cache for certain apps? I don't understand what the cache is used for in the first place. Could someone explain?

# Answer
> 2 votes
**Cache**:-Its a temporary storage file used by websites as well as the applications to store some data on your device.

Cache memory contains references(where to store the settings i.e. in which folder it should load or store the source file ), thumbnails(images to be displayed in the application) etc.

**Advantages of Cache:-**

1.Once you have already loaded the application then your application loads exceptionally fast when compared to the first time load.(Apps like browser will load your websites much faster as they are stored in your cache)

2.Instead of the application loading the wallpaper from the source(Phone memory) every time you load the application it will create a buffer memory from which it can directly load the wallpaper saving the processor of the phone from doing this task.

**Disadvantages:-**

1.The website takes some time to load the requested page as there's no buffer memory. This is not much big disadvantage as for the second time the page will load fast.

2.Although your pages are loading fast or the application is responding faster there is limited storage space which the Cache memory can store. Once it get's filled / is nearing to then other application/same application will get slow as there's no space for the application to operate.

# Answer
> 0 votes
On my GS3 I looked under running apps and selected show cashed processes On clicking on one of them it gives the following description

```
Old application process kept for better speed in case it is needed again

```

I can only assume from this that cache is storing certain data when an app is first ran, so by deleting the data the app will run from new each time

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Tags: cache
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# Question
Title: Used (probably) inappropriate charger, touchscreen went crazy, permanent damage?
I used a plug with USB output than may have been inappropriate (output DC5V +/- 0.20V DC500mA +/-30mA). While it was plugged in, the touchscreen stopped working properly (touching one part of the screen would trigger another), I guess because the voltage was wrong? Is there any danger that I did some permanent damage to the phone or the battery? It wasn't plugged in for long.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can be 99.9% sure the touchscreen is fine. Battery wasn't damaged too. If the touchscreen still behaves erroneously after unplugging, then rubbing it with a soft cloth should help.

This is a common issue with cheap chargers. It indicates that charger may not be safe to use with any device - it may catch fire or explode. Prolonged use of such chargers can degrade battery performance faster than charging with a high-quality charger.

It wasn't a voltage problem - all USB chargers have the same voltage and you can use any charger with a plug that fits. Charging speed may differ, though - high-end smartphone and tablet chargers are faster than regular mobile phone ones.

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Tags: battery, charging, touchscreen
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