# Question
Title: Why does my Android device slow down after successive ROM updates without wiping?
I have a 32 GB Verizon Galaxy Nexus (toro). I am running Cyanogenmod 10.1 ROM nightlies and I use CyanDelta Updater to stay up to date.

For a period of about 3 weeks, I updated to the latest nightly nearly every day using CyanDelta. Sometimes I'd download the full ROM instead of using CyanDelta. During this time, I never wiped the device (aka factory reset). I just applied the new release on top of the old.

Recently, my phone's performance degraded significantly. There were long delays unlocking, long delays switching apps, long delays doing just about everything. The phone would freeze up, and the OS would ask if I wanted to end a process because it wasn't responding. My podcatcher would stutter while playing.

Instead of switching to another ROM, I decided to first do a full wipe (factory reset). I used Titanium Backup to back up my user apps and data. In TeamWin Recovery, I did a factory reset, flashed the same CM 10.1 nightly I was running previously, restored my apps using Titanium, signed into accounts, etc.

My phone's performance has been completely restored. It's like night and day.

My question is: Why did that work? What is it about applying successive ROM versions that could cause a slowdown that a wipe would fix?

I love my new level of performance, but I also enjoy keeping up with the latest releases. It would seem I can't have my jelly beans and eat them too. Now I'm reluctant to flash any updates without doing a full wipe.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I've come up with one potential answer myself: TRIM

Solid state disks (SSDs) and some flash memory require the operating system to perform a kind of housekeeping task to maintain the efficiency of the device.

The operating system command TRIM is explained in this AnandTech article:

Its applicability to certain Android devices, including my Samsung Galaxy Nexus and ASUS Nexus 7 is explained in these XDA Developers threads:

An XDA member wrote an app called LagFix which purports to exercise the TRIM maintenance function, thus restoring write performance for the device.

Since I recently performed a complete factory reset, I'm no longer having performance problems and thus I can't directly corroborate the purported benefits of LagFix. If I'm in a position where performance is suffering, I may do some benchmarking and see if LagFix improves the situation.

Please be aware if you plan to try LagFix that there are some devices that have chips that do NOT play nice with this utility. These chips have what's come to be called a BrickBug, and if you run LagFix on one of these devices, you will irrevocably brick your device.

I highly recommend you follow the advice and read the LagFix FAQ. It points to a utility which can tell you if your device contains a chip that may suffer from the BrickBug.

# Answer
> 1 votes
To answer your Question, i would like to Quote something called, Dalvik VM and Android File System.

The Android File System would have below partitions (as Common in most devices), \system \boot \data \cache

When ever you flash a new ROM and Corresponding files would be moved to corresponding partitions.

When You flashing a new rom without wiping, the files in all partition would be overridden (If files with same names) and some of the older files may remain as a debris.

\Cache \Data

The above two partitions are ROM specific, whenever there are new apps installed, the Temporary data and its cache would be created and stored in respective partitions. When you wipe, old data and cache items would be cleared.

All Android applications are optimiz to dex (.odex) to run in dalvik virtual Machine (Similar to Java VM). These items need to be cleared when moving to different roms.

Some info about dalvik - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalvik\_%28software%29

# Answer
> 1 votes
TL;DR - Restored performance of my 2012 ASUS Nexus 7 16GB by deleting several GB of unneeded files.

I recently solved a performance problem on my ASUS Nexus 7 (16GB, first generation) using an unrelated solution to the LagFix/TRIM solution outlined above. Although LagFix seems to have solved the problem on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus (performance remains excellent to this day), I continued experiencing truly awful and unacceptable performance on my ASUS Nexus 7.

My research yielded many reports that if the Nexus 7 memory gets "too full", performance degrades significantly. My device had 3 GB of free memory, so I was skeptical that my Nexus 7 was "too full".

I used the excellent DiskUsage utility to inspect the contents of my 16GB flash memory to see if I could clear out some space. I discovered a movie file I had long since watched and forgotten about consuming several GB of space.

I deleted the movie file, a number of old Nandroid and Titanium backups I no longer needed, and deleted a couple GB of podcasts I didn't need. This freed up several GB on the device.

Performance is now excellent on my Nexus 7. It feels like new.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I tried wiping dalvik cache but it didn't work,then I tried wiping all data and reinstalling ***CyanogenMod 11*** but it didn't work too. Then I came up with a solution that by using ***CPU MASTER*** (available on play store) we can set the frequency of our CPU to max for permanent time and Bloom the outcome was unbelievable. I will prefer it to everyone. But it needs root so.....

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, rom-flashing, performance
---


# Question
Title: Restoring apps and files after flashing a custom ROM
I recently flashed Adnroid 5.0 custom ROM by NamelesROM on my GT-i9300 S3 Samsung. I did backup my ROM by TWRP and the ROM i installed now (NamelessROM android 5.0) worked fine and i am happy with the work. but now i want all my apps and files i had in my previous files into the new ROM that i have now. I don't know how to do that, any help would be greatly appreciated.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There can be multiple solutions for your question. One such is mentioned here in this answer. Quote:

> I once extracted single apps and apps data using a normal archiver explorer in my Arch Linux system. In Windows, 7-Zip FM or Winrar should do the trick.
>
> Obviously it is quicker done if you restore the full backup all at once with a custom recovery (but I believe you already merged the archive parts the backup is done in), but I once made a backup after the system launcher went to a systematic crash, so I couldn't do anything, and doing a full restore would led to the very same problematic, so I had to get back the data of the apps I wanted to restore that way.
>
> Just open the `.tar` files, they are compressed archives. `data.tar` contains what the `data` folder contains in your Internal Storage: upon all the folders, `data/app` contains the apk of the applications you have installed, and `data/data` their saved data, which is you may want to restore. Inside that folder, every app has its dedicated folder (e.g., `data/data/com.google.android.apps.maps` for `Google Maps`). Copying it in your `data/data` folder in your phone with a root file manager will restore the data for that app.
>
> Again, for a complete restore, just copy the whole packages (supposing you left them untouched) in the directory they were (to find out which it is, do another backup and you will see where it is created), boot into a custom recovery like CWM Recovery and do a full system restore, pointing to where the backup is located in your phone.

The other method I found is to use an app like Nandroid Manager \*Root from Play Store. It can help you extract the apps and the data from the recovery backup. There are several apps available here.

Otherwise, you can always do the following:

1. Take Nandroid backup of new ROM;
2. Restore Nandroid backup of old ROM;
3. Take Apps+Data backup through apps like Titanium Backup or Helium;
4. Restore Nandroid backup of New ROM;
5. Restore Apps+Data backup in this new ROM by using apps from step 3.

Note that this doesn't concern with your data in Internal/External storage. Nandroid backup possibly didn't took the backup of this data and if your new ROM wiped these storage(s), then you need to look for Data Recovery.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Much more easier now restore a TWRP NANDROID from Titanium Backup (there's a new option there called "Extract from Nandroid Backup" \> After that you restore using "only the data" of the apps and not the entire backuped ROM.. It may work on the same version of rom. I don't know if migrating from 5.0 to 6.0 would cause some bugs. But you can try as it works in a app by app basis restore..

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, backup, custom-roms, data-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Unable to take screenshots, "Couldn't save screenshot, storage may be in use" error
I am just trying to take a screenshot of my starbucks rewards card, so I can print it out. Apparently a lot of apps like netflix, hulu, and starbucks recently have been restricting screenshots for obvious reasons. All the screenshot tools I try give me an error (I have root access). The error is always " Couldn't save screenshot. Storage may be in use".

# Answer
> 3 votes
It might probably due to *permissions error* in KitKat (and Lollipop) running Android phones.

*Layman Solution :*
The most common way is to reboot your android phone and try taking the screenshot.
If it doesn't cut it, try going into safe mode and come back to normal mode back.

*Professional Solution :*
Wipe dalvik cache in recovery mode.

*For Xiaomi users :* Create a folder called Screenshots in `/sdcard/DCIM/`
Note: MIUI saves screenshots in `/sdcard/DCIM/screenshots/`

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Install “ES File Explorer” from the Play Store. Open it and navigate to internal SD card storage
2. Delete “Pictures” folder
3. Create a new “Pictures” folder and open it and make “Screenshots” folder inside “Pictures" folder

# Answer
> 0 votes
Follow these steps to get your screenshots up and running:

1. Open file manager
2. Look for PICTURES folder.
3. Rename it to PICTURES2 or something

That's it. Screenshots up and running.

Now why is that? That's because the folder PICTURES is actually supposed to be Pictures. When you try to capture a screenshot, the screenshot app looks for a folder called Pictures but since it doesn’t exist, it tries to create it. But File Manager doesn’t differentiate between Pictures and PICTURES. Hence the error. When you do the rename and capture a screenshot you can actually see a folder called Pictures created. Now you can move the data from PICTURES2 to Pictures (only the important one and without deleting any existing content in Pictures). It is safe to delete the PICTURES2 folder after this.

(This solution is tried by me on One Plus 2 and it worked.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
In case you have tried other solution but hasn't worked , try this: unmount your SD card on setting and then mount your SD card back. This actually worked for me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the problem When choosing to store on phone it works While when use to store on sd card give the same error I tried all the solutions but didn't work But at last i tried this and worked Creat a folder in the sd card and name it Pictures Then create another folder inside it and name it Screenshots

# Answer
> -1 votes
Thats not any type of app restriction. Its a bug in your software part.

*You can try this-\>*

Go to `/sdcard/Pictures/screenshots` and rename `screenshots` to something else. Restart and retry taking the screenshot.

# Answer
> -1 votes
have you lot actually looked to see if your phone HAS taken a screenshot? because I get that error message but the screenshot has been taken and IS saved, even though it says it can't save it.

# Answer
> -1 votes
I went into file manager and moved everything from the phone to the SD card and it solved the problem.

---
Tags: applications, screenshots
---


# Question
Title: Is there an Android Equivalent to iMessage?
I don't get mobile reception at home and would love to be able to send and receive SMS either via the phone or by computer. I currently use Skype to send SMS but can't receive that way. I have tried a few apps but nothing seems to work unless you're in mobile range. My daughter has an iPhone and she can send and receive SMS with ease. I have a Samsung Galaxy S III.

I am in Australia so I need a service that is available here. Google Voice is not available here.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Since you are in Australia, I would suggest trying t0mm13b's suggestion of Viber. You will have to "Validate" your account with Viber in a location that you have mobile data connection, according to this article, first, but then you should be able to use the service just fine on wifi.

If available, Google Voice is a good option. You will be able to send and receive SMS from it on both mobile network and wifi.

It is probably your best option as it doesn't require the other person to have a different application to be able to receive the messages. Most of them will require the person receiving the message to have the same application.

Google Voice doesn't require the other person to have a special application. It will send the messages as SMS. It will, however, require you to use the Google Voice application to send the messages.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Did you try WhatsApp? It's available on both iOS and Android. Google Voice is the best option though if available in your country.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Two ex-googlers created the app MightyText. Give it a try:

* "Send & receive SMS and MMS from your computer or tablet, using your current Android phone number. Messages stay in sync with your phone's SMS inbox."
* "SMS directly from Gmail on your computer."
* "text from \[your\] phone as \[you\] normally would... in the U.S. or international."

Disclaimer: I haven't actually tested it in Australia ;) But I'd be happy to hear if it works for you!

# Answer
> 0 votes
There's not because iMessage is a private protocol developed by Apple. You can use Telegram.

If you have an Android phone and a Mac, there's an interesting app, iMessage for Android which allows you to sync your Android texts with Apple Messages (iChat) app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The best application you can use for this purpose is KiK Messenger . This will solve all your problem you dont need mobile reception for this. All the other apps actually map your account against your mobile number. But you can create account on kik without any mobile number.

---
Tags: sms, instant-messaging
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy s4 starts up, then notifications from all apps that they have stopped working
So i've just cleared the cache in recovery mode on my rooted Galaxy S4 (I9515) and i rebooted. And now it takes a long time to get past the splashing samsung sign, and when it does i get a bout a hundred popups saying that apps have stopped working, and after that the screen remains black, and all i can do is hold te power button to get the shutdow, restart etc. menu. How can i fix this without factory reset? Dont know if it matters but i use nova launcher as the default launcher

# Answer
I factory reset the phone and now it's working again, i don't know what happened but this fixed the problem.
> -1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: Fastboot permission denied error in Asus Zenfone 2
I went into regular recovery mode to wipe cache and do factory reset to flash clean Asus ROM from XDA. I first went to wipe cache and it felt like it was taking way too long, so I turned off the phone and tried to turn it back on, and now all I get is a dead Android.

I found this thread on XDA to unbrick the phone but when I try the steps I am getting permission denied message while using fastboot. I cannot flash TWRP via fastboot either.

```
C:\Users\bdelc\Downloads\android\Fastboot>fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'recovery' (11864 KB)...
OKAY [  0.628s]
writing 'recovery'...
FAILED (remote: Permission denied)
finished. total time: 0.809s

C:\Users\bdelc\Downloads\android\Fastboot>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'boot' (11850 KB)...
OKAY [  0.619s]
writing 'boot'...
FAILED (remote: Permission denied)
finished. total time: 0.804s

C:\Users\bdelc\Downloads\android\Fastboot>fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'fastboot' (14800 KB)...
OKAY [  0.712s]
writing 'fastboot'...
FAILED (remote: Permission denied)
finished. total time: 0.888s

C:\Users\bdelc\Downloads\android\Fastboot>fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.7.1-fhd.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'recovery' (14456 KB)...
OKAY [  0.844s]
writing 'recovery'...
FAILED (remote: Permission denied)
finished. total time: 1.012s

```

# Answer
Ok i was able to fix the problem. I was still able to load TWRP by flashboot, which I used to fix permissions and clear cache. The problem started because I went into normal recovery and went to wipe cache partition to load the SuperZen rom. The cache wipe seemed to take long, so I turned the phone off and back on and the only thing I was able to load was the fast boot. No recovery or normal mode worked, just ended up with a dead android. After fixing cache partition, I reloaded same 3 img files, kept getting permission denied error. Tried to get into recovery again and this time it worked! I used ADB sideload to flash the zip file above and it worked!
> 1 votes

# Answer
I had the same issue. The way to solve it is to remove all pin/pattern unlock. Simple!! But took a while to figure it out.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Right click on fastboot.exe → Properties → Compatibility → tick "Run this program as Administrator" → Apply

Run your commands again, and on Administration prompt (...if it appears) click yes.

Good to go!
> -2 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, fastboot, twrp, asus-zenfone-2
---


# Question
Title: remote: Permission Denied Asus Zenfone 2
I recently (dumbly) removed my internal through TWRP on my Asus Zenfone 2 whilst trying to flash SuperZen from xda. So now I'm attempting to go back to stock, and I've tried doing a factory reset with the stock recovery, but with no luck. I'm currently trying to flash `boot.img`, `recovery.img`, `droidboot.img` and `system.img` via `fastboot` on Linux and Windows, but I get:

```
$ fastboot flash system system.img

target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
erasing 'system'...
FAILED (remote: Permission denied)
finished. total time: 0.136s

```

for each one. This is when trying to flash using version WW\_2.19.40.22. The interesting thing is, is that when I flash `twrp.img` or `recovery.img`(stock) it still gives me that same error, but when I boot into recovery, I have either TWRP or stock recovery, which shows that it *did* work. Sadly, this is not the case with system, so if I reboot into the system, it does not work properly and hangs on the "Powered by Android" splash screen.

**EDIT:** just tried using `fastboot update -w Zip_Name.zip` and it gives me:

```
archive does not contain 'android-info.txt'
archive does not contain 'android-product.txt'
error: update package has no android-info.txt or android-product.txt

```

**EDIT 2:** booted into TWRP and used "Install" to try and flash the .zip I put on the SD card, I got the logs copied to the SD, and here is the relevant section:

```
minzip: Missed a central dir sig (at 0)
E:Zip file is corrupt!
MtpServer::run fd: 13
E:request read returned -1, errno: 5, exiting MtpServer::run loop
Error flashing zip '/external_sd/UL-Z00A-JP-2.19.40.21-user.zip'
Updating partition details...
I:Data backup size is 0MB, free: 55424MB.
...done

```

Basically, it gave me `E:Zip file is corrupt!` and ended up with "Failed".

# Answer
To solve you problem execute the following :

1. Boot your Phone into TWRP Recovery.
2. Plug your phone to PC and make sure it is recognized by `adb` you can run `adb devices` command to check.
3. on you Phone TWRP go to `wipe > advanced wipe` check `data ,cache and system` then swipe the swipe zone in the bottom
4. Now go back to the home of TWRP and navigate to `Advanced >> ADB sideload` swipe where it is written **Swipe to Start Sideload**
5. go to you PC and fire up a terminal or a cmd (depend on your operating system) and type this command `adb sideload path/to/you_firmaware.zip`
6. Your phone will start flashing the zip wait until it's done and then reboot your system.
7. the first boot may take awhile be patient.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have answered a similar question here: Fastboot permission denied error in Asus Zenfone 2

Basically, you just need to remove all pin/pattern unlock on your phone first.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: fastboot, twrp
---


title: OsmAnd: How to hide information?

text:
# Question
Title: OsmAnd: How to hide information?
OsmAnd has so much information that it obscures the map. How can I decide what information (layers) that OsmAnd should show?

I had hoped Define View \> POI would make it possible to hide the information, but it can only emphasize the information with an orange circle.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I use OsmAnd+ 2.3.5 and that was the first thought I had - too much of everything. It is all configurable, though.

```
tap the menu button -> Configure Map -> swipe up to reveal more options

```

See pictures below, I highlighted the options of your interest. You can disable the POIs (the orange circles you mentioned) and you can further hide things such as buildings and lots of other miscellaneous details.

By disabling what I mentioned above here is what you can achieve (you can go even further and hide polygons too (grass, water, etc.)).

---
Tags: osmand
---


title: Osmand: Map font size

text:
# Question
Title: Osmand: Map font size
I am visually impaired and have a hard time reading small fonts. In Osmand I can read the fonts when I zoom and the screen still has to be re-drawn. How can I change the default font size for street names to, say, 150%?

# Answer
In OsmAnd+ 2.3.5:

```
tap the menu button -> Configure Map -> swipe up to reveal more options

```

and set the text size from there:
> 0 votes

# Answer
Long-Press the ZoomIn button and choose a map zoom level.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: osmand
---


# Question
Title: OsmAnd+ change text foreground or background color
I really like OsmAnd, but since the last update I can't see entries correctly, as the text foreground color and background color is white. I can see the text when I press and hold the item. This is very annoying. How can I change either the foreground or background color? Is this problem specific to my ROM (CyanogenMod 11) on my phone (Samsung GT-I9505), or is this a more generic issue? Thanks!

Screenshots (click images for larger variants)

# Answer
It doesn't seem to be a problem in OsmAnd+ 2.3.5 but from the settings there appears that you can only choose between 'dark' and 'light' themes and there are no options for further customisation.

Your problem may also be to do with this issue in which case the suggested solution is to go and explicitly select one of the themes in the settings.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Solved! It's only working correctly in dark theme.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: osmand
---


title: Phone no longer sees computer connected

text:
# Question
Title: Phone no longer sees computer connected
Even yesterday afternoon I was being annoyed by Android File Transfer reopening lots of times while the phone was USB connected to my computer. This morning, all of a sudden, my phone seems to not notice being connected to the computer: it's as if I connected it to a charger, it doesn't show the usual "Connected as media device" notification or any other sign of it thinking it is connected to a computer. Except it is. And I have tons of files to get onto that computer. So how can I get that mobile to see the computer?

**Update**

I tried working my way around this by Bluetooth, but when I click "Browse device" on My computer it goes `This device does not have the necessary services` or the likes. What does that mean? Is there a way I can send a file from my mobile to the computer?

**Update 2**

I forgot to mention I would like a way that doesn't lose the metadata (Date Modified, Date Created) during the transfer, as happens with Airdroid (which I have already) and Xender (which I just tried following the answer). Sorry, answerer, but I don't think I'll be using that solution…

**Update 3**

Magic magic, the mobile is now connected as a media device, or at least says thus. Except Android File Transfer doesn't find it. What can I do now?

**Update 4**

Magic magic once again, the phone only connects as media device when the earphones are connected to it, and Android File Transfer doesn't see it, earphones or not. So summing up, the media device connection is mysterious, AirDroid and Xender both lose timestamps, which I'd rather preserve, so my files are stuck on the mobile, and trying other ways (Bluetooth and FolderSync) has failed. Here are screenshots of the chat,      . If anyone has any idea how to solve my problem of keeping timestamps, or how to get AFT to see my mobile (and that mobile to connect as media device), please comment/answer.

**Update 5**

I changed cable and everything works fine. I don't think it was just leaving the phone dangling from a 4cm-long cable, but rather the twist I gave it on Thursday that might have caused the problem. So my 4cm cable works for charging but not for USB connection. However, I can't use the other cable instead, because -- nonsensical as it may seem -- I run a (statistically) greater risk of losing a longer cable in Uni than I do with the micro-one I have now. So the problem persists. And even the hypothesis of that twist being the culprit doesn't convince me, since the effect was delayed by at least a disconnection of the cable. Ha-ha! Surprise surprise, I twisted it again, and voilà, everything is fine now! How did that happen?

**Update 6**

Seems that whether the Computer sees the mobile or not depends in some pseudo-random way on how much I twist that cable :). Not only how much, but like, in what direction I twist it. THis is so strange.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try "Xender Web"

* Open Xender App in your Smartphone
* Now see top-right side of the app carefully and click on button to open Connect PC Page
* Click on “Scan” button and hover your camera to the below given QR code.

**Note** : Use Wi-Fi whenever possible, because using it with Mobile-Data will consume your data quickly.

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


# Question
Title: Is OTG support on a phone is a Hardware dependent feature
I will be buying a Xolo Q800 -X-Edition Phone that has a MediaTEK MT6589 chipset. Searching on all forum sites, i found that this phone does not support OTG.

So i want to ask that does OTG availability depends upon the hardware or the chipset on the phone ?

Or it can be enabled in any phone via rooting and some under the hood tweaking.

Thanks in advance

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, USB OTG requires capable hardware, software on which it's enabled and the right drivers.

For example, the Nexus-Series of Google don't allow USB OTG from software-side. However, if you're rooted (and the hardware would support it) it's an easy way to enable it.

Chainfire made an application which enables/disables USB OTG.

**This only works, if your hardware *would* support USB**

You can find it on Google Play

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, USB on-the-go requires special hardware on the host device, as well as the appropriate kernel drivers and drivers for all the USB peripheral profiles you need to connect.

# Answer
> 0 votes
USB OTG is actually both - hardware and software dependent.

For example, the hardware may have the OTG specification, but the phone software restricts the use of OTG.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, USB OTG is actually both - hardware and software(OS) dependent.

For example the motorola moto defy came with froyo 2.2 and eclair 2.1. And hence no support for OTG. But after rooting and loading ported Kitkat 4.4 ROM it supports OTG without any hiccups.

---
Tags: hardware, usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: Can I add a shortcut to a locally stored file?
I'd like to add a shortcut on Android 4.2.1 to a local pptx file.

Is that possible ?

# Answer
> 2 votes
In fact it's easy to do using a file explorer application.

I used `ES File Explorer` but I suspect other programs have the same feature.

Using `ES File Explorer`, you have to navigate to the file, then do a long click on the file icon until a menu appears. Then you choose `Shortcut`. Nothing shows the operation works but a new icon will be present in the launcher.

# Answer
> 2 votes
It's a shame that this isn't built into Android. Fortuantely, there are now many apps that can do that (mostly a side functionality of file manager apps).

If you just need a lightweight standalone app for this, I can recommend File Shortcut.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just adding another file manager alternative to Denys's answer (which really works, +1 for that) which provides a little bit more customization:

**Total Commander**

1. navigate to the file in Total Commander
2. bring up the context menu by long tapping the file
3. click "*Create link on desktop*"
4. now you can add a **custom text** and optionally a **custom icon** to the shortcut. In the *Command* field, you can also define a **custom command** to run or define a **specific app** you would like to open the file with. (For example if you have a PDF file and multiple PDF viewers (or you have a video file and multiple video players), you can define which the file should open with.)

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, internal-storage, home-screen-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: Quick way to switch between pasword-protected screen and no protection?
When I have my android phone with me, I don't want it to be password or pin protected.

When I don't have my android phone with me, I want it to be password or pin protected.

Switching between the two cases requires everytime going into Settings -\> Lock Screen, to enter new password or pin. Is there a quicker way to switch? Thanks.

My Android phones are 4.4.2 and 4.3 respectively.

# Answer
That does not exist. You could change the lock screen type in Settings? That what you are searching for, is that the phone "knows" the owner. But the cell phone is not pure artificial intelligence. Or on the other way you need a small piece of hardware that is connected with Bluetooth with your phone. That means that little piece of hardware needs to be all the time with you. And again that might be available but I'm unfamiliar with it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes, you can.
Go to Settings ➡ Personal ➡ Lock Screen and Security ➡ Secure Lock Settings ➡ Smart Lock.
Here you will find these four options:

On-body detection seems to be exactly what you're asking about, and you may as also find trusted places get helpful, for example, keeping your phone unlocked while you're at home or at work.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, lock-screens, 4.3-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: How to watch videos with Hebrew subtitles?
I've bought an adapter for watching movies and tv shows from my smartphone (galaxy s3) to the big screen tv.

For some reason, all of the video player apps I've tried so far have problems with showing Hebrew subtitles: either they become gibberish, or they have punctuations marks being put on the wrong places (for example "." in the beginning of the sentence instead of at the end).

Here's a screenshot of MX-Player app, showing a subtitle :

In Hebrew, the "." should be placed on the left of the sentence since you read from right to left. Same goes with any other mark (such as "?" , "!", "," ,...).

On a PC, it's hard to find any app that has such problems.

Maybe it's because it's an RTL (right to left) language, and Android doesn't support such languages well (on 4.2 i think the situation has changed though).

Anyway, is there anything one can do about this? Does it require a special video player to shows Hebrew subtitles well?

# Answer
Gibberish in Hebrew subtitles is due to an unsupported encoding. You can use an app such as Notepad++ in your PC to change the encoding to UTF-8. In Notepad++, go to the Encoding menu and choose to convert the subtitle (SRT) file to UTF-8 without BOM. In case your subtitle is embedded in the video, you can find open source subtitle extractor apps.

Regarding the misplaced period, after encoding, just open the file in a text editor and see if the subtitle text is correctly stored. Generally, video apps, just show the subtitle text as it is at the given timing without any formatting (except for some html formatting in some cases).

We have our own tiny, ad-free video player (iPlay SBS Player) intended mainly for VR and 3D videos. Some of our hebrew users who faced the same problem reported that re-encoding as mentioned above fixed the issue for them.

Affiliation: Developer, Non-profit
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, video, hebrew
---


# Question
Title: How to customise directions path rendering in OsmAnd?
OsmAnd+ 2.3.5

Is there a way of modifying the look of the directions path? There is too much going on there to my liking so I would like to:

* remove the yellow arrows (not sure what they signify but they obscure the road names)
* remove the black arrows (they are less intrusive but still obscure road names)
* change the colour and transparency of the purple path

# Answer
> 1 votes
It still remains a mystery to me where the black arrows are hiding but I found a way to address the two other requirements.

First I went through a renderers primer which prepared me nicely for the task at hand. Once completed the solution turned out to be quite simple, albeit a bit hackish. I also made the fat purple route a little slimmer. For completeness, here is the entire renderer consisting mostly of my comments:

```
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<renderingStyle name="Decluttered directions path"
    depends="default" defaultColor="#ffffff" version="1">

    <renderingAttribute name="route">
        <!-- for some details on 'whatever_DIGIT' named attributes see: -->
        <!--
            https://github.com/osmandapp/Osmand

            OsmAnd/src/net/osmand/plus/render/OsmandRenderer.java
            OsmAnd-java/src/net/osmand/render/RenderingRuleStorageProperties.java
            OsmAnd-java/src/net/osmand/render/RenderingRuleProperty.java
        -->
        <!-- strokeWidth="a:b" -> a initial value, b extra when zooming -->
        <!--
            route described by:         color and width
            skinny arrows described by: color_3 and width_3
            black arrows described by:  ?
        -->
        <!-- first two hex digits of a colour specify opacity: 48 ~= 30 % -->
        <!-- disabling skinny arrows by setting opacity to 0 -->
        <case color="#4800cd0a" strokeWidth="10:8"
            color_3="#00ffde5b" strokeWidth_3="7:6"/>
        <!-- set it up in a similar fashion for the night mode:
        <case nightMode="true" color=.../>
        -->
    </renderingAttribute>

</renderingStyle>

```

And the before/after pictures:

---
Tags: osmand
---


title: Reinstall gapps

text:
# Question
Title: Reinstall gapps
I am using galaxy grand2 with stock rom(jelly bean,rooted).Day before yesterday i saw a video of modded play store on the you tube. i tried to install that but it didn't work for me. and i removed it. but my original play store is not working any more(not working in the sense it is opening but when i tried to install any app it crashes). so i want to reinstall the gapps but don't want to install the whole rom. so is it possible to reinstall just the gapps after using my phone for sometime???? thank you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You'll need some sort of custom recovery install. If you have one click here and then select the correct version of Android you're running. Then download it and move it to your phone. After boot into your custom recovery and flash it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Before trying to install anything open the apps section and try to get playstore in stock version(uninstall all updates) then clear cache and data of that app. If it doenst work then go to your recovery and format just system and cache, then install the ROM and gapps (don't format data or you'll lose all installed apps and files on your internal partition) Edit: you said you're running stock ROM! Stock ROM doesn't need gapps it's preinstalled in it. One workaround would be to restore the backup of your system through custom/manual restore(just the system don't check data)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I just updated the Google Play Store on my Xperia T running Android 4.3 to version 6.5.08.D-all \[0\] 2792142.

You could download the Play Store .apk from somewhere (eg. here) and try to install it.

---
Tags: google-play-store, 4.3-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Dark caller ID picture for incoming call
Why does incoming caller ID picture is dark while outcoming call picture is full brightness? Is it some reason for it? Can I fix it? I find it annoying especially outdoors where the screen is pretty dim already.

Phone: BQ Aquaris M5 with android 5.1.1.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Connection status may be the reason: dark picture for not established connection (incoming call not answered yet) and bright picture for established connection on your side (incoming call answered or outcoming call). Android 6.0.1 has the same configuration and it seems can't be changed through stock software.

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, caller-id
---


# Question
Title: Internal memory (sdcard0) not writable - Android 4.3 - Xperia T (LT30p)
After a bootloop that I experienced after messing around with Android, I flashed a stock ROM to my LT30p using FlashTool.

Everything went smoothly, except for the fact that I can't create files in the internal memory (/storage/sdcard0) with any file explorer. This includes trying to download files from browsers, they fail instantly. So I figured it's a read-only situation going on.

I also flashed another stock ROM, clearing all data, but the problem persisted.

The funny part is that the **mount** command gives me this:

```
rootfs / rootfs rw,relatime 0 0
tmpfs /dev tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,mode=755 0 0
devpts /dev/pts devpts rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=600 0 0
none /dev/cpuctl cgroup rw,relatime,cpu 0 0
proc /proc proc rw,relatime 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
selinuxfs /sys/fs/selinux selinuxfs rw,relatime 0 0
debugfs /sys/kernel/debug debugfs rw,relatime 0 0
none /acct cgroup rw,relatime,cpuacct 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/secure tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=700 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/asec tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/obb tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/System /system ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,
discard,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/Userdata /data ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,no
dev,noatime,discard,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/Cache /cache ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,node
v,noatime,discard,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/SDCard /mnt/int_storage ext4 rw,seclabel,
nosuid,nodev,relatime,discard,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/apps_log /mnt/idd ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid
,nodev,noexec,noatime,discard,nobarrier,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/fuse /storage/sdcard0 fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,user_id=2800,gro
up_id=2800,default_permissions,allow_other,allow_utime_grp 0 0

```

so, from this

```
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/SDCard /mnt/int_storage ext4 rw,seclabel,
    nosuid,nodev,relatime,discard,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0

```

I conclude that I *should be* able to create files/folders as normal (since it says **rw**).

What am I missing? I googled this in many ways but to no avail.

Thank you for any help in advance!

PS. Phone is rooted, of course.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I finally fixed it. In case someone has the same problem in the future, here's what I did:

* After googling here and there about how to completely wipe an Android phone, I read that to do that you must **encrypt your data** first and then do a **factory reset**.

So, I still don't know what caused it, I only know that now it's fixed.

---
Tags: file-system, 4.3-jelly-bean, mount, sony-xperia, internal-sd
---


# Question
Title: I forgot my phone pattern and need to reset it or at least retrieve data from it. how can i do this?
I forgot my phone pattern. Unfortunately, in the lollipop update as there is no forgot password option, I do not seem to get any other solutions.

I am unable to change the lock password using android-device-manager because it only changes passwords and not patterns. (ring feature works though)

I am able to connect to the WiFi at home, since it is already saved.

I badly need the data on my phone. Any possible solutions?

My phone is not rooted, able to connect to already saved WiFi networks and also connected to google accounts.

# Answer
So you can't even unlock your phone, I assume? If so, I'm not 100% sure if this will work, but: if you get the password wrong enough times it will disable your phone for however long (30 seconds I think). Then on your lock screen I believe you should have an "emergency pin" option or something similar. Just enter your pin and that should unlock your phone.

Is this what you mean? Hope it helps. Or this might have something: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod\_answer\_detail/a\_id/97840/p/30,6720,9102
> 0 votes

# Answer
This phone I had is number pattern locked. Luckily it is also rooted.

So the answer is easy: Use Android SDK's adb to "cd" to /data/system directory, and remove two file: password.key and gesture.key.

Once removed, just enter "reboot" (while still inside the adb shell connected to the phone via USB) to reboot the phone, and number pattern is now unlock.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, motorola-moto-g, locked-out, android-device-manager, pattern-lock
---


title: Switching HTC ONE M8 into PTP mode

text:
# Question
Title: Switching HTC ONE M8 into PTP mode
I was wondering is it possible to enable PTP mode on the HTC ONE M8. I want it to work with photo software like iPhoto so I want to enable PTP MODE. I have looked in the setting but can't find anything. I am running Lollipop with HTC Sense.

UPDATE: We still have no solution to this problem, so if anyone knows how to do this please share.

# Answer
There's support for PTP in HTC One M8.

I just checked the Device Tree
There's no usb.config for `ptp` mode.

The only way is to edit the ramdisk and modify init.qcom.usb.rc ..
But I don't think even that'll help, since it requires corresponding modifications to the kernel..
> 0 votes

# Answer
Have you enabled dev menu? Settings \> about phone \> press on build number 7 times. If it's not in that menu on your device, try Settings \> storage \> more options.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode, htc-one
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy Mini hangs at boot - how can I fix it?
My Galaxy Mini powers on, but then hangs on the "Samsung Galaxy Mini" splash screen.

How can I re-install Android, or get it booting again?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just found that solution and it worked for me! http://howtorootmobile.com/stuck-in-android-boot-loop-tips-to-fix-recover-from-boot-loop/

FYI my phone is not rooted, so I followed the first solution.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can fix it manly two ways. Performing a factory reset via stock recovery or flash stock firmware. Resetting is the easiest method. Press and hold power button, home and volume up keys until you see the Android robot logo. Stock recovery doesn't work touch screen you can use volume keys for navigation and power button /home key for selection.

Once you're in the recovery go to the "wipe user data" option via volume key and select that option via power key. Next choose "Yes" option.

Once it's complete you can reboot the phone via stock recovery. In recovery main menu choose "reboot" and select "yes".

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just had the same problem with ***Samsung Galaxy S III mini***:

Steps I have tried:

1. Do a "hard reboot" with long press of the Power button.
2. Connect phone to the charger, then try to turn it on (that was the original problem: phone showed its logo, then turned black. Unfortunately after charging it it now hangs at the first boot-up screen (once it went as far as to the screen with "SAMSUNG" in it, i.e. the second screen; the third is usually operator logo).
3. Remove the battery, press the Power button (with battery outside) to get rid of residual charge, then try to turn it on. Didn't work for me.
4. Try to boot phone into "Safe Mode": press Power and Volume Down together for a while to do a hard reboot, then stop holding Power as soon as the phone turns on (vibrates). Didn't work for me, but it can supposedly cure the situation where last installed app was responsible for the hang-up.
5. Go to "Recovery Mode" by holding Power + Home + Volume Up buttons together (you can stop holding Power button when phone vibrates) until you see the swirly Android logo. You should get a recovery mode menu, where you navigate with volume keys, and choose option with the power button.

Here you can delete the `/cache` partition, then reboot phone. It did work, but it didn't helped me. It can supposedly cure the situation where the lack of disk space on this partition was responsible for the hang-up.

I have tried steps 2-4 again.
6. Reset phone to factory defaults from the same "Recovery Mode". This I have not tried yet (I'll try to recover data somehow... though most of my data is on microSD, and I have copied that already).

HTH.

---
Tags: boot, unbricking, samsung-galaxy-mini
---


# Question
Title: How does one enforce a secure lockscreen on Android mail clients?
Okay, the situation. We have a Dovecot+Postfix based mail server with the SOGo groupware providing calendaring and contacts.

All three provide TLS-based services to the public Internet. A few of us have been able to configure our devices to support accessing our emails and calendars from our phones. Most of us are running some version of Android. My phone is Android 4.1 (yes, ZTE live in the stone age, but that's another topic), others are v5.0 or above. There are a few iOS devices also.

We would like to enforce (from the server end) that the user has a secure lockscreen so that if their phone goes AWOL, they don't give away the keys to the kingdom.

I've seen lots about how some Microsoft Exchange sites somehow enforce this, and lots of people asking how to defeat it. Also lots on other services like Android Pay that enforce this.

I'm asking the opposite question, how does it enforce this from the server? What do I need to tell Dovecot/Postfix in order for this to be requested by the client device when the user configures their device's mail client with our IMAP/SMTP server settings?

Note: A couple have suggested I install applications on the device. I already know how to manually set up a secure lockscreen using a pin-code, password or pattern, however the user is then free to turn that back off again. Clearly Microsoft Exchange is able to transmit something in that initial handshake between Android email client and server that tells the phone that it must use a secure lockscreen. I wish to replicate that same hand-shake using the Dovecot/Postfix/SOGo mail stack.

If I have to install anything on the device, then that is the wrong solution.

# Answer
Seems the answer is, "it can't be enforced", despite the non-answer that user157947 gave. (Seriously, did you actually *read* the question? You certainly didn't read or respond to my follow-up queries.)

The closest one might come to this is to use custom CA certificates for signing the TLS key used by IMAP, as installing the requisite CA certificate (for server verification) in the phone more or less enforces the key lock. Another option is to issue client certificates for each device to be connected via IMAP: this too enforces a secure screen lock.

Microsoft Exchange is able to enforce it by means of proprietary extensions in the protocols used it seems, it is not done over IMAP/SMTP.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, email
---


# Question
Title: When i factory reset my phone, does it restore my phone data and my mobile data?
My phone is running out of space, and even when I delete someone my things, it is still low space

# Answer
> 1 votes
No, it will clear out the whole phone memory including contacts and other data but not the SD Card data. Before doing the factory reset, first save your data from phone memory and then go with the Format Factory procedure of your phone.

Here are some best tips to make space and increase memory:

1.) Move all downloaded apps to SD storage.

2.) Remove all unwanted apps and data.

3.) Clear out the cache from the phone. For this just go to settings\>\>apps and select app and you will get the clear cache option. (You have to do it for all applications installed in phone memory.)

---
Tags: samsung, insufficient-memory
---


# Question
Title: how to convert android APK file to JAR file and run it on pc with java runtime?
Here is the deal, I have a Apk file, just can run on android phone. Now I take the Apk I want, decompile it or do something can change Apk file to Jar file. Jar file will be a java execution, can run on pc with java software. Are people understand? So, how to do it? Is it possible?

# Answer
I doubt it is possible at all. You can convert an APK or the DEX inside to a JAR for decompiling purpose (read this). But is it not possible to run APKs in your PC by directly converting it to JAR (there are huge dependency issues which differ in PC and android).

If your target is to just run your android apps in PC, you can use any android compatibility layer like Bluestacks.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: apk, java
---


# Question
Title: My wifi autoconnects even though i have turned off everything possible in the settings
I have a *Samsung S6* running Android 6.0.1. There is a guest WiFi at work I signed into one time, and now can't get rid of:

* I have tried to "forget" it.
* I have turned off smart network switch.
* I have turned off all wifi advanced options including "Passpoint" and "network notification" and have tried to turn WiFi off completely

I have done everything possible and it still autoconnects, even if I turn WiFi off within seconds it still tries to connect and drains my battery. When I get home it doesn't auto connect to my house WiFi but sometimes when I'm not even at work it will still try and connect to this guest wifi.

Is this a defect or am I missing something? Is there anything else I can try to get rid of it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Do you have any app that auto connects wifi, like tasker or Samsung's new application called 'Good Lock'? Because Good Lock creates routines and by default if it gets in some predefined location than it starts wifi and some other services. (sorry, I don't know if this can be termed as answer or not. But my reputation is low so I cannot comment and I just thought Good lock can be creating confusion)

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Cannot record 1080p video with most apps
I have rooted ZTE v987 and according to specification it has ability to record 1080p@30fps video. The problem is - I can't do this with most apps. I changed my ROM multiple times and every time I have the same problem. I usually use app called Open Camera and I can record full HD video, but this wanted to use other app (for timelapses) and it also detects only low resolution (640x480).

How can I force all apps on the phome to use maximum resolution? Maybe is there some fault of config? Or maybe hardware fault? But as I said, some apps detect 1080p as available resolution.

# Answer
Open Camera app uses Camera API2 which allows apps to fully utilize the camera hardware and opens up even more features (if your hardware supports) to apps. Unless the app in question (the one you use to make time-lapse) has been implemented using CameraAPI2 you may not get the full features you state you get from Open Camera.

Alternatively some apps may have implemented API2 but may require some payment to unlock the "pro" features which can include full HD video recording or RAW image capture.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: settings, camera
---


# Question
Title: Will a factory data reset make my camera working again?
I was having low memory on my Sony Xperia phone and while emptying space, I removed some files related to the phone camera. Since then it is showing the following error on starting the camera -

> Error - Camera not available.

I would not like to delete all my personal data unnecessarily, otherwise.

# Answer
> 1 votes
1) You should (of course) back up your personal data first!

2) Yes. A factory reset/clean should do the trick. That is: if the camera worked during your last system clean.

---
Tags: camera, sony-xperia
---


# Question
Title: How to uninstall preinstalled apps and games in my Galaxy Note GT tablet?
My Samsung galaxy note GT - n5110 has something wrong and im not sure what. Few months now I can't use it because it keeps restarted and games and apps are just downloading without my permission. I have factory reset it and any other reset there is and now the games that had installed are pre installed so when I factory reset my tab all the games are there and you can't delete them? Does anyone know how to fix it?!!

# Answer
> 0 votes
1) Google Play: find 'malwarebytes' app (log looks like a bat).

2) See if it changes anything. (Probably not malware after all).

3) Back to Google Play: search 'app remover'.

4) Spend some time finding the right one for you: Some need Root, some don't.

5) Use the app to remove unwanted system apps but BE CAREFUL not to remove critical ones!!

---
Tags: samsung
---


# Question
Title: How can I set my phone to display all Wireless Emergency Alerts silently, without playing any sound?
I have a rooted Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with CyanogenMod 12.1 (Android 5.1.1), and I want to silence the Emergency Alert (e.g. AMBER Alert) sounds without disabling the alerts entirely. A few places have mentioned deleting a sound file, but I can't find it in /system/media, and absolute paths I've seen are also not present (e.g. /system/media/mms)

I am asking about the built-in Android feature, *not* the Google Now alerts.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In the Emergency Alerts stock app -\> Settings, there is an option "Emergency alert tone" with subtitle "Play a sample emergency alert tone." When you do this, it plays the tone and a dialog says "The sound you hear now will be played when you receive an emergency alert. The alert volume matches your phone's volume." This indicates that you could avoid the alert sounding simply by **silencing the phone.** There are also apps available for managing the volume settings according to other criteria.

---
Tags: audio, volume, alerts
---


title: Make Emergency Alerts stay

text:
# Question
Title: Make Emergency Alerts stay
Occasionally, I receive emergency alerts on my Android phone, through the stock/default mechanism. It makes a loud, alarming/attention-grabbing sound and vibrates strongly. The alert is displayed on the screen (which was locked) and there's a big OK button, which is the only button, and when I push it quickly to silence the alarm/vibration, the message disappears. This may be before I've had a chance to actually read what it says in as much detail as would be appropriate. Is there any way to get those messages to stick around and be dismissed manually, so that they can be read after the alarm is silenced?

# Answer
> 1 votes
In Apps-\>Emergency Alerts, you can see a list of the previously received alerts and when they were received.

---
Tags: settings, stock-android, alerts
---


# Question
Title: Does switching user accounts in Lollipop affect battery life or performance?
I recently updated my Moto G2 to Android Lollipop via OTA update. I've successfully installed the update(around 500mb i guess). I saw the new feature of adding new Guest and New user acccounts just like the one in PC's so that one user doesn't get access to other user apps or data.

So, say if I have some 10 apps running in my owner account and it drains battery while running in background. But then if I wanted to switch to a guest account to lend my phone to a friend or some stranger, I cannot see any apps running in the guest account in the recent apps section that was open in the owner account. So my question is,

Will those 10 apps that are opened and still running in the background in my owner account drain my battery while the phone is in Guest mode?

or only the app that runs under my guest account will have an effect on my phone's battery usage.

# Answer
> 1 votes
From what I can tell, the multiuser feature DOES drain quite a lot of battery. Here is a screenshot of my battery stats - I have not logged in as the other user since my last full charge.

Click image for larger version

# Answer
> 1 votes
I noticed that owner account and new user account runs concurrently and their by consuming more battery, How did I know, first I installed some apps on my owner account like bbm, Whatsapp and imo, I got these apps connected to internet and working, I switched the account to another user account and install other apps and have it working. Finally I switched to the guest account and send messages to the apps running on the owner account and new user account. I switched off the internet to make sure the messages I send to the bbm and Whatsapp won't get there while am switching the account. To confirm my curiosity, the messages were already there when I switched the accounts. With that I conclude that dual user consumes more battery.

# Answer
> -1 votes
First of all you must understand that the smartphone actively manages all the apps and accounts without interruption. That means if you are creating multiple accounts then your smartphone will have to manage all accounts actively. That is the reason why your smartphone is draining more battery.

Try the following things:

* Clear cache of Phone.
* Always close the background running apps if not required.
* Close the unwanted applications that are running anonymously without your permission. To do this go to Settings \>\> Apps and select the app you do not want to use or run and simply click on stop.

These are the few things to remember for long life of battery.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, battery-life, stock-android, motorola-moto-g, multi-user
---


# Question
Title: Multiple partitions on sdcard (fat, exfat) on Android?
How is Android supposed to handle multiple partitions on an extern sd card?

As an experiment, I took a 64 GB SDXC card, looked at it in Gparted, it turns out it is `exfat` formatted, with some amount of MB unallocated at start. Using `gparted` and `gnome-disks`, I managed to split the partition into two `exfat` partitions, which should be around 32 GB each.

Inserted this into an Xperia Z2, stock ROM (the last Android 5.x update). The phone didn't put out any notification upon plug in of the sdcard, but notified the plug out of the card, and complained it should be unmounted first. I inspected a bit via `adb logcat` and it looks like mounting is ultimately fine, as `/storage/sdcard1`. But when I look at that via Settings/Storage, I can only see 29.12 GB for "SD Card". Plugging the card back at the PC, I can see only the first partition has Android files saved, not the second one. Same result if first partition is `exfat`, and second partition is `fat32`.

So, basically, is this the expected behavior of Android when presented with an SD card with two partitions - it just mounts the first one, and ignores the rest? Could I mount the second partition from say `adb shell`, and would I need a rooted device for that?

# Answer
> 2 votes
By default, Android only uses the first partition found on the card and mounts it as described in your question. Subsequent partitions will be ignored. That's what's utilized by tools like : as the system won't interfere on other partitions, they use those for their purposes – be it moving apps to free up space on internal storage (Link2SD), having a swap partition/file, or something else.

Now, if you want to use multiple partitions for your own purposes, you'll have to care for them yourself – which, next to the obvious creation, also includes mounting. To do so, you will most likely need root; I have not read about a user-accessible FUSE method for this (open to learn if it exists :)

# Answer
> -1 votes
I agree with Izzy. You need to have rooted phone to perform tasks like 'mount'. And android by default, mount only the first partition.

Android environment pretty restrictive, they even disallows fuse-mount by normal-users! Rooted mobile pretty much required. I read somewhere upcoming Android version allows you to use SD Card for internal storage. I don't know whether they allow partition of sd card too.

---
Tags: mount, partitions
---


# Question
Title: Do most Android device use GPT as their partitioning scheme?
There is much talk of Android partitions that can be found with Google. Sometimes I can find references to GPT in documentation for mobile processors or on XDA Developers (where I have learned that certain devices do use GPT as their scheme). Aside from that, there is not much discussion about what Android devices use for storing partition information. There are exceptions: I know some devices use the MTD subsystem's command line-based method, like some of HTC's earlier devices, and I know that Qualcomm devices seem to use a GUID Partition Table.

If a device's partitions are represented by device nodes starting with `mtd` or `mtdblock`, then Linux receives the partition information from the boot arguments. If the partitions are represented by device nodes beginning with `mmcblk`, then the partition scheme is ambiguous. It could be using a GUID Partition Table, but the problem is that the table would have to start at the first sector which is also where all first-stage bootloaders reside in my experience.

Just as partition information on devices whose partitions' nodes begin with `mtd` can be found in `/proc/mtd`, on devices where the device nodes begin with `mmcblk`, the same information can (usually) be found at `/proc/emmc`. Why eMMC, a type of storage device, is treated like an alternative to MTD, which is an interface for accessing flash storage, I don't know. But this page on GitHub seems to imply that the partition information for devices with `/proc/emmc` is not gathered a table like GPT.

That same page seems to also be saying that kernels booted by U-Boot expose partitions in a different manner than MTD or GPT. Here is the passage:

> Since MTK devices use the uboot mechanism, partitions including boot and recovery, are not revealed as separate partitions, but rather accessed sequencially by size and start parameters.

That sentence is rendered meaningless to me by the bit about sequential access. Perhaps someone can explain it better.

So how common is the GPT on Android devices? I've not seen any reference to partitioning on the Android developer website. If bootloaders are actually stored after the partition table, then does that mean the chips are GPT-aware?

# Answer
If I'm not wrong, GPT is pretty common. It's pretty advanced format than MBR. On my KitKat, they have 36 partitions. GPT has features like a backup partition table and naming/flag, and supports larger disks than MBR. (Android 6.0 introduces the ability to **adopt** external storage media which uses **GPT** as default partition format.)

A device may or may be aware of GPT. Typically with MBR, the first 512 bytes are used for the partition table. When we use GPT, it doesn't store any data on 1st sector. Instead, it gets marked as a protective MBR, so that if the device looking for MBR complaints, there is no partition.

If you are interested in the in-depth document:
> 5 votes

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Tags: partitions
---


# Question
Title: HTC sensation XL android 2.3.5 infinite download process of any app
Friend of mine gave me HTC sensation XL with android 2.3.5 and asked one question: why I can't install any app from market?

I understand that device and adroid version are old enough for mid of 2016. But I can not find out what is exact problem. I've tried to clear cache/data/etc of market app and etc hundred times but no luck. Market doesn't say that your device is incompatible or doesn't support anymore, just stucking on download process. Otherwise some "base" apps were updated normally. Also I've tried to download some data directly from browser and it was ok.

So, all I want a small message that I own old piece of... hardware.

# Answer
Please do the following steps

> First check you have sufficient storage, under settings\>\>storage remove your google account and add it again

please let me know the progress
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, htc, htc-sensation
---


# Question
Title: How to partition the Internal SD Card using CWM Recovery?
How to partition the Internal SD Card using CWM Recovery to use with link2sd. I am using Sony Xperia SL.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't recommend using CWM Recovery for this, but if you're going to this video demonstrates the process -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puLfjeKq\_PY

See also -- http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/ClockWorkMod\_Instructions#Additional\_Commands

My recommendation is to use Minitool Partition Manager on a Windows machine as it's quite clear what's going on & it allows much more control

# Answer
> 0 votes
As per my understanding, you need to create at-least partition on **external** SD card for apps like link2sd to work. I'm not sure about partitioning **internal** SD Card.

---
Tags: clockworkmod-recovery, partitions, link2sd
---


# Question
Title: How do i recover data from internal memory on a dead Xperia Z1?
I have a Xperia Z1 and when i try turning it on nothig happens. When i plug it in i get a flashing red LED. I have important photos on the internal memory inside it so i wonder if i can in some way recover the data from it.

EDIT: The phone is rooted.

# Answer
No, this is not really possible for an end-user. If the phone won't turn at all then the only way to recover data is to access the storage chip directly, using something like a JTAG setup. Of course, it's possible that repairs might be possible (or moving the chip to another device), but it's impossible to say without more detail.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, data-recovery, internal-sd, sony-xperia-z1
---


title: Mobile network inactive

text:
# Question
Title: Mobile network inactive
I have a Lava iris x 9 ( ANdroid Version 3.4.67) . Initially the issue was everytime a message popup , Unfortunately,the phone stopped . so in order to fix that issue , i have followed many steps from internet inlcluding clearing cache partition , factory reset , clear cash from setting etc..Now that propblem solved but Network is not selected .Mobile network option is inactive when i go to setting to search mobile network manually.Kinldy help to fix this issue. if you wish to get more infor please feel to ask.

many Thanks Shinu

# Answer
Dial *#*#4636#*#* from your dial pad. you will get a Testing Menu

> Select phone information On the top of the page check for the IMEI is available. scroll down and look for a drop down called " Set preferred network type" select 'WCDMA preferred' or ' GSM only'from the drop down Just below that option you can find a button to toggle radio(Turn on radio / Tunr off radio) ensure the button text is 'Turn off radio' and restart the device.

also consider using the SIM in a different mobile to ensure the SIM is working.

Please Vote if the answer is helped you
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Enable lock screen widgets, 4.4.2 Kitkat on Samsung Mega 6.3 LTE
When I try to enable lock screen widgets in my Samsung Mega 6.3 LTE with Kitkat 4.4.2 from **Settings \> Security** it has no "**Enable widgets**" which was the solution in How do you add widgets to the lockscreen in KitKat? and How do I add a widget to my lock screen?.

How do I enable lock screen widgets in my Samsung Mega 6.3 SGH-M819N?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, it DOES allow Lock Screen Widgets, I found, if the lock screen security is set to Swipe... instead of Password or other rigorous security options. Still experimenting with security options.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Samsung's TouchWiz UI does not allow you to add lockscreen widgets in Kitkat as far as i know. My Galaxy Note 10.1 has the option named "lockscreen widgets" under settings, but its not anything like the stock Android Kitkat concept.

You have to install a custom ROM if you want that functionality.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, samsung
---


title: How to resize the /data F2FS partition

text:
# Question
Title: How to resize the /data F2FS partition
### Context:

I wiped all the partitions from my Moto G device with the TWRP recovery and installed Cyanogen 13 on it. Then I had issues when enabling Encryption: the phone just restarts but does not encrypt. This is a known issue and is described here.

I wanted to follow a procedure described in this answer (based on this), which reportedly works. The explanation is:

> When encrypting the phone, partition /dev/block/mmcblk0pXX - originally containing an ext4 filesystem which is mounted as /data and /sdcard - now contains an encryption container. This will be decrypted early in the boot process and returns a logical partition /dev/block/dm-0 which then holds the ext4 filesystem for /data and /sdcard. (...)
>
> To fix that, the filesystem in /dev/block/mmcblk0pXX needs to be at least 16KiB smaller than the partition itself, which can easily be done by resize2fs.

In short, the proposed solution is to resize the `/data` partition, removing some sectors from it...

> Important is the number of blocks (...) From this number, we subtract 8, which leaves not 16KiB but a safe 32 KiB of space for the encryption header (you don't mind 16KiB on a 12GB volume, seriously)

*The actual number of blocks to be removed from the `/data` partition depends on the **sector size** for the partition. In the example above it's 4KB, so 8x4 =32*.

---

### The problem

These instructions only apply to the *ext2/3/4* file systems; the necessary commands (*e2fsck, tune2fs, resize2fs*) won't work with the F2FS partition used by Cyanogen v13.

I found `fsck.f2fs` in the */sbin* directory, which I used instead of *e2fsck* and *tune2fs*. Below are the steps from the root ADB Shell, booted to TWRP:

```
~ # mount | grep data

/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/modem on /firmware type ext4 (rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered)
/dev/block/mmcblk0p36 on /data type f2fs (rw,seclabel,relatime,background_gc=on,user_xattr,inline_xattr,acl,inline_data,active_logs=6)
/dev/block/mmcblk0p36 on /sdcard type f2fs (rw,seclabel,relatime,background_gc=on,user_xattr,inline_xattr,acl,inline_data,active_logs=6)
/dev/block/mmcblk0p33 on /cache type ext4 (rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered)

~ # umount /dev/block/mmcblk0p36

~ # fsck.f2fs -f /dev/block/mmcblk0p36

Info: Force to fix corruption
Info: sector size = 512
Info: total sectors = 11583232 (in 512 bytes)

(...)

```

So, my `/data` partition is `mmcblk0p36`, and is 11 583 232 sectors in size. Each sector is 512 bytes, thus I must shrink the partition to a final size of *11 583 168* sectors in order to leave 32KB unallocated.

**But how can it be done?** Everything seem to indicate that shrinking an F2FS partition is not possible, but I'm not sure. If it is not, and assuming I did a full backup of the `/data` partition, **what are the steps to delete and re-create it with a smaller size?**

# Answer
As of today (May 30, 2016), the F2FS file system doesn't support shrinking. *If it does by the time someone reads this, just let me know in the comments.*

The solution is then to **delete and re-create the entire filesystem** for `/data`. From this related answer on Unix & Linux Stack Exchange:

```
mkfs.f2fs /dev/block/mmcblk0p36 11583168

```

This will do the trick. After rebooting and restoring the backup, and finally, rebooting to Android, the encryption process worked.

**Important:** Be sure to check `Use rm -rf instead of formatting` from the TWRP settings prior to restoring the backup.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, file-system, encryption, partitions, disk-encryption
---


title: MIssing internal storage

text:
# Question
Title: MIssing internal storage
it says that internal storage is 8 GB and Ram is 2 GB.But while I can see only usable 3.65 GB internal storage.Where is the remaining memory goes?I am totally confused.Is Ram uses the 2Gb from this total 8 GB internal storage?I uninstall many apps from my phone.But it haven't give any good result.still usable memory get unchanged.Please help me.

# Answer
You didn't name the device, but that's the usual way manufacturers fool their customers without lying: the *storage **chip*** has 8GB, but guess where the OS is installed? Looks like on your device, ~4GB are reserved for this (`/system`). Then there are other partitions on the very same storage chip, e.g. for `/recovery` and `/cache`. What's left in the end is `/data` – storage space available for apps etc. Those are your 3.65GB.

RAM doesn't play a role in this context, it usually goes to a different chip.

For additional details, please take a look at my answer on Android Folder Hierarchy.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Using a Terminal App, you can see the storage details using comman-line tools:

* `df` (short for "disk free") shows you all *mounted* partitions together with their sizes (and some more details) in an easy-to-read style
* details about *all* partitions are held in `/proc/partitions`, which you could display using e.g. `cat /proc/partitions`. While being more complete, this is harder to read.

Both commands will display your storage and show where the missing ~4GB have gone to. While `df` is not that complete, you will hardly notice the "missing parts", as those are usually very small partitions (like `/boot` and `/recovery`).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: insufficient-memory, ram
---


# Question
Title: How to start a app and have it start a WebDAV server automatically in Windows?
I need to have some questions answered please. I want to start an app called WebDAV and have it start the server automatically. Do I find out the com.example.MyApp in the Settings/Apps section so I can reference it correctly? I also need to know what the adb command that I need to use and the correct syntax to use. I think it should be something along the lines of "adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW" but once the app is started how to make it start the WebDAV server. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

# Answer
There is no universal way. It all depends upon how the app is designed. For example, the app Servers Ultimate Pro (I use it) offers the option to start a server automatically during app startup. While I'm unable to recall the name, I remember coming across an app which allowed toggling the status of a server through intent.

Your concerned app may or may not be designed to start the server once a particular Activity is launched. Simplest way is to understand the functioning of the app and reach the conclusion. Seeking assistance from app's developer *vis-à-vis* concerned feature may also help.

As for starting an app, use the package name with *am*.

```
adb shell am start <pkg>  # <pkg> refers to package name of the app to be launched. Its Main activity would be launched

```

If you want the app to launch into a particular Activity, do

```
adb shell am start -n <comp>  # <comp> refers to app's activity (a component) to be launched into. E.g. com.example.app/com.example.app.NewServerActivity

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: My Acer Z160 has a weird problem with flashing and reset
my friend's phone had an error on his phone(Acer z160 not rooted), all the applications crash at start-up. It came to my mind that I had to do a factory reset via stock recovery. After the reset, I restarted the phone and the error was still there. I decided to flash the stock ROM (Acer\_AV052\_Z160\_1.015.00\_EMEA\_GEN1) using the "SP\_Flash\_Tool\_exe\_Windows\_v5.1516.00" and the flash was successful. Rebooted the phone again, and the error was still there. In fact, the phone's password/pattern is still there, the wallpaper hasn't changed and apps are still there. What happened? What should i do? Could you please help me. Any help would be appreciated

Here's the error on a video-----\>https://youtu.be/kJGMsVhHmWI Here's the photo of the flashing----\>https://i.imgsafe.org/abfd650013.jpg

# Answer
> 0 votes
That means your device's eMMC is (Write Protected), Which means that it won't accept any changes you do, This is a common problem in MTK based devices, Actually you have to replace the eMMC chip by a new one, But you can also try this,

1. Run SPFT and Load "Scatter" File,
2. Go to "Format" tab,
3. Don't mess with any options there,
4. Click "Start" then Plug your phone,
5. Wait until the Format process finish,
6. Now just try to flash the phone again with SPFT,

NOTE: After this process your phone won't have IMEI anymore, But that's not a problem since there is a lot of ways to restore it, Just check this Video.

If the above guide didn't help fixing your phone, then as i said before, eMMC needs to be replaced.

---
Tags: root-access, rom-flashing, malware, system-error, stock-rom
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to run android without a screen on plain phone mainboard?
I use Android phone as "brain" of my DIY robot in connection with Arduino Mega board. It is generally low-cost solution, because cheapest Android phone costs about $30 and Arduino Mega clone costs $7. So it is cheaper than most of single-board computers and have more i/o pins than all of them and have all needed possibilities: wifi, camera, GSM, GPS, gyroscope etc. But I want to decrease price of the solution and decrease it's weight. So I could buy only mainboard of a smartphone without excess LCD screen, box and battery. And run it.

But I don't know, whether it is possible to run mainboard without a screen. Is it possible to run it and also reinstall Android via USB if I need it?

I know that most of single board computers allow to install Android. But I mean indeed a mainboard of ordinary phone.

# Answer
If you can prepare the phone before removing the screen with Tasker (or similar tool) and plugins like Autoinput and test it well, I think you can obtain the results you are looking for.

Run and install android from USB it is going to be (if possible) a very tricky mess.

Nonetheless, if you are able to put the phone in download mode you could be able to work on this topic too.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: installation, hardware
---


# Question
Title: Lg G4 email verification bypass cant do anything
I recently got an LG G4 phone from a friend and I was really excited until I got to the screen where it said enter the account previously any get. I was so frustrated and thought they set me up but they had also gotten it from a friend.

I did everything the YouTube told me to do except the unknown sources option is grey and it won't let me select it at all (so basically I'm stuck at step 4 of this advice given in a related question here).

My parents don't necessarily know I have it. I don't have any money or time to send it into the Lg company and I want to get it working so I can stay in touch with my friends when I go on my trip.

What should I do ? I can't install files because it's blocked and can't add an account because every time I do it goes right back to enter the previously synced email. Would putting a SIM card in help ?? How do I completely wipe the system. My trip is in about a week help please.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Ok let's try this,

1. Download this files:
2. Install LG G4 USB drivers
3. Disable your Anti-Virus (as it will detect the tool as a virus)
4. Put your LG G4 into Download mode by following this steps:
    * Power Off the phone
    * While Holding Vol+ connect USB cable
5. Now run the tool exe according to the OS you're using (X86 or X64)
    *
6. Just follow the on-screen instructions to bypass the FRP lock
7. Done

---
Tags: google-account
---


# Question
Title: Whats the easiest way to sync Outlook with Gmail?
I found gSyncIt to be a bit complicated. Binary has too many options so I get a bit lost. So far EVO Collaborator was very easy to setup, but its not build on Google's API so its not very compatible with task synchronisation and its limited to 1 address book.

Any other recommendations?

# Answer
just found your question. I have been browsing for solution last week as well. Gsyinit was one of them, and it is complicated indeed. I found a better solution - Sync2, it is a very convenient and useful software with a number of cool features. I would also like to mention their support team, as it is truly amazing.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync
---


title: Stop Google Search Opening in Chrome

text:
# Question
Title: Stop Google Search Opening in Chrome
Until recently when I used the default Google search bar and tapped a search result it would open in Firefox. However there must have been an update to either the search bar or Firefox as the results are now opening in a stripped down Chrome window.

This is happening on both my devices (Moto G - 6.0 and Nexus 7 - 6.0.1). Firefox is set to open multiple tabs and other apps (mail and Feedly) continue to open in Firefox.

How can I force the search app to open the results in Firefox rather than Chrome?

# Answer
Google Search uses Chrome Custom Tabs since April 27, 2016. From 9to5Google,

> After its most recent update, the Google app now opens search results as Chrome Custom Tabs. \[...\]
>
> \[...\]. By default, links from search results now open as a Custom Tab that features a blue action bar with options to Share, Copy link, Find in page, and Open in Chrome.

To change its behavior, open *Google app*'s setting by e.g. tapping *Google app* from app launcher to navigate to Google Now screen, tap hamburger icon (3 horizontal bars) on top-left to open navigation drawer, then,

> Users can go to Settings \> Accounts & privacy to toggle off the new ‘Open web pages in app' option if they prefer opening all links the old way.

---

Related: Prevent apps opening links in Chrome Custom Tabs (i.e. open in default browser directly)
> 20 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, firefox-for-android, google-search
---


title: Android AccountManager security

text:
# Question
Title: Android AccountManager security
I've asked this question before, but got no suitable replies, so here I go again. How does the Android AccountManager which is used to store your Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc... usernames and passwords implement security. For instance, off my phone is rooted, can't a third party app read the account passwords of wherever it stood them. I figure that the account manager must store these passwords somewhere on the device our logging in would not work, especially if the device was offline. Thank you for your explanations.

# Answer
> 3 votes
We cannot look into the sources of the Google AccountManager: while Android itself is open source, the Google apps are not. But we can make an educated guess:

It's not necessary to store passwords on the device in this case. You once enter your password, it gets confirmed server-side, and you receive an "authentication token" in return. That token is saved on the device, and used by it until it gets invalid (either by expiring or by being revoked) – in which case you will be asked again for your password, and the game starts over. This is why you can simply "revoke access" from devices without having to change your account password.

The token is always specific to the device (same reason – otherwise you couldn't revoke access from one device without affecting any other). I can't say whether the token would be useless to some "root app" aquiring it without your permission (non-root apps would have to ask you for your confirmation when first accessing it), or what they could do with such a token while offline (again, closed-source parts) – maybe someone else is able to shed a light on that.

---
Tags: security, google-account, password, accounts, password-protection
---


# Question
Title: Background image in lock screen on Lollipop
Upgrading to Lollipop, at some point the lock screen got a background image (see file attached). I never selected such image, and I can't find how to change in in the new settings menu :-/

# Answer
> Last but not least, the Lollipop lock screen shows full-screen still images from multimedia content being played from the device -- so you might see a graphic from a TV show or cover art from an album, depending on what you're streaming. In my experience, however, the images don't seem to clear properly when the content is no longer being played. I frequently saw images from a show I had stopped streaming long ago -- both when something different was being streamed and when the streaming app was no longer even active.

Found at Android 5.0 deep-dive review: Exploring Lollipop's many layers

In order to fix it I launched some streaming audio and locked the screen to verify the image changed. Then I unlocked the screen and stopped the stream. Locked the screen and the image was set back to default wallpaper.
> 7 votes

# Answer
Had the same issue. TuneIn radio is indeed the culprit. In order to get rid of it do the following:

1. Launch TuneIn
2. Play any channel
3. Lock your screen
4. Go to lock screen
5. Stop TuneIn from the lock screen (press square stop button on displayed widget).
6. Background reverts to normal. Done!
> 2 votes

# Answer
all right, i got exact same issue as you described. i was listening the TunelIn Radio then i got the cover of the radio show on the screen lock background. i did the following to get rid of the cover photo: open any app (not build in by Google) on your device, lock the screen before the app is full running, then unlock , the lock screen background should back to the same as your wallpaper background. may need try few times to make it work. good luck. :)
> 1 votes

# Answer
In lollipop stock, there is no built-in setting that lets you set a fixed lock screen wallpaper that is different from the normal home screen wallpaper.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you happen to have root access, then this is how you do it.

1. Navigate to `/data/system/users/0/`
2. Here you will find the file `keyguard_wallpaper`.

Deleting it will set your lockscreen wallpaper to reflect your main wallpaper.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: settings, lock-screens, 5.0-lollipop, images, wallpaper
---


# Question
Title: Disable lock screen wallpaper on S3 Android 4.3
I can change the wallpaper on the lock screen on my S3, but is it possible disable it completely? I can't see that in the menus, I am only able to pick a wallpaper from the gallery.

# Answer
You could try and change it to a black wallpaper. There is a No Wallpaper app on Google Play, which you install as a live wallpaper. It doesn't take a lot of resources.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you happen to have root access, then this is how you do it.

1. Navigate to `/data/system/users/0/`
2. Here you will find the file `keyguard_wallpaper`

Deleting it will set your lockscreen wallpaper to reflect your main wallpaper.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Install a pitch black wallpaper on your phone. Search it in Google Play Store and install the app. Then you can go to your phone's settings, device, screen, wallpapers, choose lock and home screen, then choose live wallpapers and you will be able to display the "no wallpaper app".

If you choose just the lockscreen, you wont see the application but you can only choose from the gallery.

This is what I did on my Note 2.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, lock-screens, 4.3-jelly-bean, wallpaper
---


title: ToDo list, with SPECIFIC repeat option

text:
# Question
Title: ToDo list, with SPECIFIC repeat option
I'm looking for a simple to-do list, that preferably is cloud-synced. I'd like something with a relatively light-weight, simple interface, similar to Any.Do or #fetchnotes. I was using CheckMark Pro, but it is really WAY overkill for what I want.

My biggest criteria is that I want to be able to set a task to repeat, some interval **from the date it is completed**. Most of them let you repeat every 6 months or 2 weeks or whatever, from the due date. But take this example:

Task with due date of 5/30. Task set to repeat every 6 months from completion. I *complete* the task, marking it done, on 5/13. The next occurrence should now repeat 6 months from 5/13 (the completion date), not from 5/30 (the original due date).

And of course whatever reminder is set (2 weeks for example) should be relative to the new due date, 5/13 in the example above.

Most of the one's I've looked at either are not cloud-synced. And I've not found any others than CheckMark Pro that allow the next occurrence to repeat based on COMPLETION date rather than DUE date.

# Answer
> 2 votes
todolist

https://support.todoist.com/hc/en-us/articles/205325931-Dates-and-Times

Recurring dates - e.g. Clean fridge with due date every! 3 months starting 10 April

# Answer
> 4 votes
Astrid has support for scheduled reminders based on completion date.

Cloud support is also present - tasks sync with astrid.com

Also Remember The Milk allows a user to schedule due dates depending on the completion of a task - one needs to enter "after x days" instead of "every x days". Android and iOS apps available.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but the default calendar allows you to repeat events. The following repeat options exist:

* None
* Daily
* Weekly (every Sunday)
* Every 2 weeks (Sunday)
* Monthly (every last Sun)
* Monthly (on day 29)
* Yearly (on April 29)

NOTE: The dates are Sunday, because it's Sunday here.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google Tasks Organizer Lite by Tinjasoft does that.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Any.do is very good, easy to use, flexible and has postponable reminders. They also have a Cal extension.

> Millions use Any.do every day to remember all the tasks they want to-do and make sure they get them done. Key benefits: Seamless cloud sync, Speech recognition, Alerts, Any.do Moment, Snooze tasks, Google Task Sync, Notes, Sub tasks, Amazing Widgets, Repeating / Recurring Tasks, Missed call, Auto complete, In app actions, Gesture support & much more!

---
Tags: to-do-list
---


# Question
Title: Creating a multipartition bootable SDcard manually
I'm trying to create a bootable sd card for an embedded board from Android images for various partitions (bootloader.imx, boot.img, recovery.img, and so on). Each of these images has to be written to specific partitions on the sd card with various filesystem types. Using a traditional disk copying programs like Win32DiskImager only allows to write to the whole disk at a time. I can use dd to write the images to the partition, but I'm not sure how to actually create the partitions on the sd card which range in size from ~1 MB (for the bootloader) to ~800 MB for the system image

Is there a way to create these partitions (with size and offset information) and write individual .img files to each of these partitions? Thanks in advance for any help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I recommend you to take a look at `parted` or `gdisk` tool for this. It allows to create partition from specific sector with desired size. Then you can use dd command to copy the .`img` into these partitions.

If you are looking for an partition app. for rooted device, you can try `parted4android`. Disclaimer: I'm the dev.

---
Tags: partitions, system, builds
---


title: Rolling back app update

text:
# Question
Title: Rolling back app update
A recent app update (adding annoying adds) has been caused some stability issues, app crashes, etc. How can I roll back a Google Play store app to a previous stable version?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check for the official site of the respective app for previous versions if available.

If you have a backup of the previous version, uninstall the current version and install the old version.

Try to avoid Update all option and make sure to turn off automatic updates in the Google play store.

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Tags: updates, crashes
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# Question
Title: Phone Factory Reset without carrier apps
I am trying to reset my phone (Samsung Galaxy X Cover 3) to factory defaults, using "Settings-\>Backup and Reset-\>Factory data reset".

However, there is a step that the carrieer (Orange) has added, it installs several applications (Games, TV, Voicemail, etc) during the first boot.

A black screen without any botton appears and say "installing applications", when the installation is finished the android welcome screen appears.

Is there a way to avoid this step so that no Orange applications are installed ?

(I have tried to interrupt it, restarting the phone during the app installation step, but it is re-run after the reboot).

# Answer
No, it is not possible to skip the "Installing Applications" screen.

However, you can disable these applications in Settings. If you have root access you can also uninstall them completely.

You can also change the firmware to a non carrier one with Odin. Be careful, because this can brick your device if not done correctly.

Firmwares can be downloaded on Sammobile. (An official firmware will not void warranty)
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung, factory-reset
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# Question
Title: Android 4.2.1 - Operating System Storage is occupying too much space
Dunno if this is a proper question to ask here, my problem is about the storage of my android on the internal memory. I have 16gigs of sd card, 16 gigs internal storage as well, but I am seeing this on my android's storage settings:

It looks so weird and I cant install apps, even though I choose sdcard for storage/installation location.

The brand is Coolpad 8903, possibly not on sale anywhere out of China, but this looks like os issue i suppose...

anyone knows how to fix this problem so i can free some storage?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Your best solution would be to "root" your device (See here if you don't know what rooting is). Basically "rooting" your phone will give you permission to do anything on your phone. You might find it strange but currently, you are not allowed to do many things with your phone even if you own it :)

Anyways, getting back to the point. You can do the following things to make life easier for you:-

1. Remove some of the pre-installed applications which you don't use:- After rooting, you will be able to remove pre-installed applications. Remove all of them which you don't use. You can use Titanium Backup for this purpose.
2. Integrate update of pre-installed apps:- Some of these pre-installed applications (including Google applications such as Gmail, Play Store, Chrome, etc.) receive an update at a later point of time. When they get updated, their old version doesn't get removed. They are still taking up space. After rooting you will be able to integrate the update so that older copies get actually replaced by new versions. You can use same Titanium Backup for this also.
3. Move as many apps as possible to SD card:- After rooting, you will be able to move any application to sd card. Again, Titanium backup to your help.

# Answer
> 3 votes
That device is partitioned very oddly. It looks like they took 4GB and left it to device storage, and then the other 12GB are partitioned for an internal SD card.

That's about the correct size that the Android system would be using - but what is troubling is that they only left ~1GB or so for user-installable applications. I doubt there are any ROMs or recoveries available for your device, so I think the best solution would be to move as many applications as you can over to your SD card, therefore freeing up space to download more (and then subsequently move them as well).

# Answer
> 1 votes
Well, there isn't many option available for you, can either root your device and install some other custom ROM over your device which may be less bulky, or you can try removing more application to free up some more space out of your device. Now rest I'll leave it to you !

# Answer
> 0 votes
As I have tried and succeeded this method, am giving you a suggestion with my experience. All the applications you installed, may be moved to SD card, but 75-80% of the app data will remain in the phone itself. Maximum part of the app will be in phone memory. Try to uninstall the unwanted applications, even though if you have moved to SD card.

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Tags: applications, internal-storage, insufficient-memory, operating-system
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