# Question
Title: How can i mount all partitions of harddisk in android x86?
i installed `android-x86-4.2-20130228` as a live but does'nt read my partition of my hardisk i tried with **Paragon UFSD Root Mounter** but not work good in 4.2.2 and **es explorateur** does'nt read any partition

# Answer
> 1 votes
i think that you could mount your partition from your hard disk with the mount command.

Usually all partitions are avalaible in `/dev/block/`.

So you could check what is mounted by typing "mount" in a terminal emulator app or through adb (computer).

After that, u could comparring the partitions names with an `ls -al /dev/block/` command.

After that u could have a better idea of wich partition name is your hard disk. Usually, and depending on how you have connected your hard disk to your android-X86 (SD or USB or by other method(s)), the partition block have "mmc" is it name.

Finally, you could mount your partition with theses followed command:

```
mkdir /hard-disk-partition
mount -t FAT32 -o rw /dev/block/partitionname /hard-disk-partition

-t argument is used to define the partition filesystem
-o argument is used to define the access type

```

`-r` is for read only `-rw` is for read and write `-rwx` is for read, write, and execute

I think that `-t` and `-o` arguments are sufficients for your usage.

Ah, and before i forget, it's possible that you have to install an "all-in one toolbox" like Busybox or Toybox, because maybe that some applets commands aren't installed on your Android system (`/system/bin` and `/system/xbin/`), it will be usefull if u have to use commands like egrep, sed or awk for exemple.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Peace be with you! I have tried a lot search on Google and then at last I successfully done it. Now I tell you how to do it. Let's begin! 1)Open the terminal 2)Give following commands

su

mkdir /mnt/windows

ntfs-3g /dev/block/sdax mnt/windows

Note: x is the number of your drive which can be 1,2 or 3 etc.

3)Now open File manager named Super File Manager. If you have not installed then install using the link below:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.superfilemanager.esexplorer.exfileexplorer

4)Go to settings, scroll down and check Root Explorer

5) Navigate back from the settings and there a tab will appear named /Root .Click this tab and find /mnt directory there.Open it and find folder named window within this directory. Open it also and there you will find your ntfs drive of windows environment.

Tell me if any problem!

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, mount, terminal, android-x86, busybox
---


# Question
Title: Accessibility Voice Control to Read a Navigate a Webpage
I am using a Samsung Galaxy S10e and I would like to use my accessibility features to voice control my phone while driving. I would like to be able to navigate to a website and have the content read to me and use voice commands to give commands within the website like, "skip link" "Fill-out form" and "tap link." Does anyone know if this is possible with Android's built-in accessibility and if so how so I do it?

I am also willing to use an App if there are any out there that will allow me to voice control navigation and read content to me. Thank you so much for any help!

# Answer
Android's built-in Accessibility really focuses on reading/speaking items on the screen and using gestures to move around.

For voice control, one possibility is Google's Voice Access app in the Play Store, and the intro tutorial does give a good example of the app's features, but there seems to be some problems with the form-filling (speech to text into a field) when I tried it just now. I also noticed that it uses small numbers for focus change which may not be desirable while driving.

Using an Accessibility app is pretty invasive from a permissions point of view so provided that you trust Google and can work around the current defects it is probably worth trying out.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, voice-command, accessibility
---


title: root and stored passwords concerns

text:
# Question
Title: root and stored passwords concerns
I think I've read a lot about the good and bad of rooting devices, probably some outdated info also. I'm a bit confused.

I confess I'm a little root-o-phobic and I take a lot of precautions what I grant root access.

My only concern is about stored passwords (mostly Gmail app and stock email app).

I know that passwords are probably not in plain text but I'm little concern about it since root can remove one layer of security

Thanks

# Answer
> 1 votes
In that case, you'd better keep your passwords on plain paper in a heavy metal safe only – and never ever use a desktop OS to maintain/enter them. All desktop OSes known to me have "root access": it's called "root" with Linux/Unix, "Administrator" with Windows, and so on.

And like on all those: you should make sure what has access to "root powers" – and like on those you need to explicitly grant access. On Android, it's a core app often referred to as "SuperUser" managing that: as soon as a (new) app requests root access, you'll see a pop-up asking you whether you confirm (you can then chose yes/no and whether to always apply that decision when this app asks again).

Yes, like on all those, an application with "root powers" can (at least theoretically) access all your stored passwords, as any other data. That is why a properly coded application never stores your passwords in "plain text", but rather encrypts (or at least hashes) them.

Not rooting your device only takes that decision from you at the cost of not being able to "fully use your device". But yes, you should always be careful deciding what permissions you grant to an app – and in the first place, what apps you install.

---
Tags: root-access, password-protection, google-account
---


# Question
Title: Stop notifications from briefly lowering media volume
I have an LG G6 running Oreo and whenever media is playing and a notification sound comes through something briefly lowers (not fully muted) my media volume. How can I stop this? I don't want notification sounds to change my media volume.

# Answer
**Updated Answer**

I first thought that the OP was asking about modifying the behavior of the sources of the notifications which can be done in with finer levels than before using Notification Categories in Android 8.0 Oreo.

However via the comments, it appears that the OP wants to stop **Audio Ducking** from happening in the media player. Unfortunately this is a feature of the media app playing the music itself and requires the developer of the app to configure. See similar question: Prevent music volume from being lowered when using turn-by-turn navigation

**Original Answer**

In Android 8.0 Oreo the App can now have Notification Categories

Check the notification setting screen in:

**Settings-\>Apps & Notification-\>\[App Name\]-\>App Notifications**

For the App(s) that are interrupting see if you can either disable sound or adjust the priority to one which suits your needs.
> 7 votes

# Answer
Rocket Player, is a music player that will let you choose between ducking and pausing, and will allow you to disable it completely, (The setting is under Settings-\>Sound-\>Audio Focus-\>Temp Focus Action)".

It does give the option to IGNORE all other apps. Just tested it: maps, camera shutter sound, notifications - all make sounds but no longer "duck" (more like stutter!) my music, listening via 3.5mm right now but should be same for BT.
> 1 votes

# Answer
To automate the *Do Not Disturb* toggle, you can use Tasker (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm&hl=en).

1. Create a **task** that sets *Do Not Disturb* to "No Interruptions"
2. Create a **task** that sets \*Do Not Disburb" to "Allow All"
3. Create a **profile**
    * Add trigger to the "No Interruptions" task when a specific application is launched (i.e. YouTube Music),
    * link an Exit **task** that triggers "Allow all"
> 1 votes

# Answer
If your device supports the ***Do Not Disturb*** mode, you can use it to achieve this effect system-wide for any music app as far as notifications are concerned. However, turn-by-turn navigation in *Google Maps* may still duck the audio. (I usually change it to *Alerts Only* and check the map visually for directions.)

By default, *Do Not Disturb* will suppress notification alerts completely, stacking the notifications up in the drawer silently. But depending on your phone model and ROM version, you may be able to fine tune the behavior to allow status bar icons and banner notifications.

Whether or not you allow the icons or banners, *Do Not Disturb* will always suppress the notification sounds. This will allow your music to continue playing uninterrupted even when notifications are getting added to the drawer or even popping up at the top of the screen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notifications, volume-control, media-player, lg-g6
---


# Question
Title: How to stop a website from referring to it's app/play store?
I'm trying to use Prime Video as a desktop website on Chrome (Galaxy S9+). The PrimeVideo app would not let me view any better than 720p, which is ridiculous. But the website always refers me back to the app or the play store's download page.

Is there a way around it, or any other way to view at least 1080p on my S9+?

# Answer
> 3 votes
You can open the website in incognito mode.

It will not redirect you to the Play Store

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, screen-resolution, video-streaming, amazon-video
---


# Question
Title: How to search the Play Store by permissions?
How do I specify that I do not wish to see apps that require for example internet access? Or to only show apps that use a specific permission?

A specific repository with search on its webpage? An app that provides searching the Play Store?

# Answer
> 23 votes
## How it currently **CAN** be done

During my morning routine reading my RSS feeds, I stumbled on a review at N-Droid, discussing an app named APEFS. This app is developed by German students (hence its description on the Playstore is in German, even if you set the language to English). But for our non-German readers, a short description here:

Basically, *APEFS* is an alternative front-end to the Google Playstore. You browse the playstore as you do with the original app, and search it the same. But when on the results list, an advanced filter comes into play:

As the second screenshot shows, you can select what permissions your wanted app is permitted to have (checkbox marked), and what permission it should *not* have (checkbox unchecked).

However: While this can be used to filter out apps with unwanted permissions (e.g. show only apps whitout the Internet permission), you can not restrict your results to the opposite (e.g. show only apps *with* Internet permission). The app clearly targets at users concerned about their privacy/security -- and according to the review (I just found it a couple of minutes ago, so I could not test it yet) it does a very good job.

---

**EDIT:**

As it's already a year ago, and the promise on the APEFS Homepage (GTransed to English, as their own English version doesn't have that statement in the first paragraph) seems not to be fulfilled anytime soon (the app is still offline): Please consider the web-based solution from my other answer as an alternative meanwhile.

# Answer
> 15 votes
More than two years have passed since this question was asked. Still, there's no „official solution” available. Despite its promises, APEFS (introduced in my previous answer over a year ago) has not returned. So I decided to create my own solution:

For almost 4 years now, I maintain listings of „Android apps by purpose”, i.e. grouped by their use cases. In march, I started moving them to my own server. All MetaData are stored in a database on that server, and so finally I was able to setup a search by permissions.

Search Mask to find "apps by category and permission" (click image for larger variant)

You can select between 1 and 5 categories here (note that selecting a „parent category” automatically includes all its „children”), plus one or more permissions. Default presets are for finding „permission-friendly apps” – so if you're after such a candidate, you can simply submit the form after having made described selections. This should make it easy to e.g. find a PIM app which does not request the Internet permission (to keep your personal data on your device).

However, the opposite is possible as well: If you e.g. want to investigate what good NFC can do for you, select the up to 5 categories you're interested in, then the NFC permission, switch the „Permissions” dropbox to „include”, and optionally the sorting to „by rating, descending” (to get the best-rated apps first).

When in doubt, there's that little question-mark icon in the top-right corner, providing you with some „online help”.

But that's not all. As I've explained in the second paragraph, apps in my lists are grouped by their „purpose”, i.e. what you need them for. So apps with comparable functionality should appear next to each other:

Category with app details (source: the help page (hence the „red numbers”); click image for larger variant)

So you can compare them not only by rating, but also pick the one requesting less permissions (number in the box; in above image indicated by a „red 6”) or, if possible, without any concerns (no red border around the box). Clicking the app's name reveals some more details, as shown. And there are many „easter-eggs” (i.e. MouseOver events) – again, be pointed to the help page.

---

**Full disclosure:** As initially indicated, the described site was designed by me, built by me, filled by me with its content, and is further maintained by me. It's available bi-lingual (English/German), free of any charge (this includes: no cookies, Flash-cookies, whatever), etc. This question here at Android.SE was one of the reasons I've set it up.

Further be aware of the fact that this doesn't cover the entire „playstore collection”. As of today, there are a little over 10,000 apps recorded in the database (which is probably a little less than 1% of what's on Play – unless you don't count the crap, fakes, and useless apps on Play, then my records might cover about 10% ☺). Still I hope (and think) it's already a useful resource you'll enjoy.

# Answer
> 13 votes
# Why *currently* this can't be done

When a developer performs the upload of his application to Google Play, the application manifest file gets read to a database, from where the search for apps is performed.

To allow searching for applications based on their permissions, one would have to access the database and collect data that concerns the application manifest node `<uses-permission>`, previously read from the AndroidManifest.xml file, where the developer has declared his application permissions.

While this seems quite straightforward, Google API does not provide means to this end:

> Strictly, Google Play does not filter based on \<uses-permission\> elements.

From the Filters on Google Play Filtering based on Manifest Elements - \<uses-permission\>.

---

## Elaborating

Essentially, Google Play Store uses the application manifest file to automatically apply filters based on the user's device, hardware specifications, country, carrier, etc.

All of this is done silently without the intervention of any search parameters.

A user either from Google Play or third party search engines, can limit the results after they get automatically filtered by Google, based on personal preferences like excluding paid apps; limit the results to apps that are compatible with the user devices, among others. But there's no way to interfere with the filters applied by Google. Even if, *some how*, we get to that part, the API essentially isn't prepared/designed to filter based on permissions as mentioned above.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Simple answer: you don't. Though you can feel free to ask Google. As user Chahk said, the web interface saves you a few clicks, but there is still no way to filter results as you are requesting.

# Answer
> 5 votes
A round about way is to create a Java app that utilizes android-market-api. Presently it can search app based on "keywords or package name". The search query can be built to search for the necessary permission that is being sought. Little homework required, but seems useful.

After downloading androidmarketapi-0.6.jar and protobuf-java-2.2.0.jar (of course you should have JRE already setup) you can execute the following:

```
java -jar androidmarketapi-X.Y.jar myemail mypassword myquery

```

You have to replace X.Y with 0.6 as that is the present version and replace credentials and query. For building query you can visit this page.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I also created a similar application (http://play.gqqnbig.me/). Source code is at https://github.com/gqqnbig/advanced-play-search

# Answer
> 2 votes
None of the solutions mentioned here are working as of Feb 2018.

So I created my own simple solution which I will document below.

*TL;DR: use AppBrain's API.*

## The long answer

1. Create a folder called `appSearch`, for example.
2. Sign up for an account on AppBrain. Then go to your dev dashboard. It will prompt you to enable the Developer option for your account.
3. Navigate to the API access page.
4. Copy the authentication field, which looks like `di=xxxx&t=zzzzz` and store the values into a file called `appBrain.json` in the following format:

{ "DI" : "xxxx", "TOKEN" : "yyyy" }
5. Now download filter.js and save it to the same ('appSearch') folder.
6. Install Java 8+
7. Run the following command: `jjs -scripting filter.js -- keyword`, where keyword can be any search term.
8. You should see a list of 50 apps that match your search term and are sorted by the number of permissions, with a link to their play store page.

Edit: The code in `filter.js` is relatively simple and can be tailored to suit your own criteria, if you know a bit of programming. I will try to make it more configurable in the future.
9. The free tier allows limited number of queries per day. Still, you will be able to make about 30 searches per day, which is enough for personal use.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Searching with the permission name still means it searches at best through the description of the app

For example :"COARSE (NETWORK-BASED) LOCATION" -\> searching for this will list down applications which have this information listed in their descriptions, but it fails to search through the Permissions tab.

If google allowed to scrape the info of all the apps, like i was, then i would be able to provide the world with a search engine to search apps through permissions they require :)

---
Tags: google-play-store, permissions
---


# Question
Title: Can apps use USB communications without USB debugging?
This question is from a user's perspective, but it's about whether or not developers can accomplish this.

I recently installed DroidCam to use my phone as a webcam for my computer. It works either via LAN or via USB. However, to use it via USB, the user must enable USB debugging on their device, and the phone app communicates with the PC app through ADB.

This is odd to me. Is this the *only* option developers have for Android-app-to-PC-app communication via USB? Or is there another way that doesn't require USB debugging, and doesn't expose the user to the security risks inherent with USB debugging?

The app developers' guide to setting up USB communications is here.

# Answer
> 5 votes
I would assume that the reason for the requirement to enable ADB for the USB connection is that the used app transmits the video data via IP.

By default Android devices don't support IP traffic via USB. Only via ADB it is possible to establish an IP communication between Android phone and PC through USB (using port forwarding - a feature provided by ADB).

Apps can make use of the USB without ADB however the development is way more difficult and the chance that it does not work on certain devices is high. Comparing it with a connection via ADB the latter is easier to establish, works reliable and does not require extra development work on Android side. Hence it is the simplest available solution.

---
Tags: applications, adb, security, usb-debugging
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop the native clock app's countdown-timer from throwing one notification per minute?
I have Android 8.1.0 installed, and when using the countdown of the native clock app, it throws one notification per minute. I would just like to turn that off.

In the Settings under:

* Apps & notifications
    + Clock
        - App notifications
            * ALARM\_NOTIFICATION\_LOW\_CHANNEL
                + Importance

I picked "Low - No sound or visual interruption".

When I listen to audio from another app, the timer doesn't make a noise, but it pauses the audio I am listening to and shows a notification dropdown. This dropdown is also annoying while using a browser, because it overlaps the URL bar and the top part of a site...

Unfortunately, googling made me no wiser. Thanks for any tips on how to turn that off.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Changed the settings in ALARM\_NOTIFICATION\_CHANNEL, instead of ALARM\_NOTIFICATION\_LOW\_CHANNEL and that fixed it.

---
Tags: notifications, settings, clock
---


title: IRC client with XDCC support

text:
# Question
Title: IRC client with XDCC support
Honestly, I haven't installed and checked all irc clients for Android, nevertheless I wasn't able to google any.

Does it exist?

If yes, mention it, please :)

# Answer
Looks like there are some clients now.

AndroIRC, Yaaic, XdccDownloader and probably even more
> 1 votes

# Answer
CoreIRC or IRC for Android are the ones that currently work reliably.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, downloading, chat, instant-messaging
---


# Question
Title: Email addresses showing next to contact name
I moved to a new gmail account. I have set it up on my Samsung S6. However, now when searching through text messages or contacts email addresses are being show next to the contact name. I have tried everything from unsyncing, restarting phone, removing the new gmail account and setting it back up. I have display only phone contacts which does not work since I have everything saved under the gmail. It is very annoying to see email addresses next to contact names when you're sending text. In general it is very annoying to see email address next to the persons name even under contacts. Any help is appreciated

# Answer
> 0 votes
I finally broke down and deleted the contacts that showed email addresses next to the contact name. Re-entered that contact and saved again and that fixed the problem. Not sure why, only after syncing the new gmail, it showed that way.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I refused to delete my contacts and history, so I figured it out. Go online to the email that you synced or just created, click the menu button, then click contacts. Somehow all the contacts that got messed up have been edited to the 'last name' being the email. That's why it shows up after the name. So just edit those contacts to have the correct last name or no last name. It worked for me so I hope this helps!

---
Tags: contacts
---


# Question
Title: How to install any app as a parallel app in OnePlus 6?
OxygenOS in some OnePlus devices allows its users to create a clone of an existing app using a feature called "Parallel apps" under Settings app. The problem, however, is that only a handful of apps are listed as "eligible" to be run in parallel. As a result, the user has to resort to third-party apps to run an app of their choice in parallel. To make a case here, "Firefox for Android" cannot be installed as a parallel app!

I'm looking for a workaround for this superficial limit of only eligible apps to be run as parallel apps.

Note: I am using a OnePlus 6 running OxygenOS 10.3.2 (Android 10) with Magisk and Riru.

# Answer
The solution is quite simple. Setup and issue this command:

```
adb shell pm install --user UID PKG

```

where:

* UID: the *uid* of the "Parallel apps" user. To get the UID, you would have to create the user first. Find *Parallel apps* setting in your *Settings* app, enable any of the eligible apps (as that would create the user in the background), then disable that app you just enabled.

Ordinarily, the UID might be `999`, but OnePlus can change the UID in future. So to ensure the UID of Parallel apps user, run the command:

```
adb shell pm list users
adb shell cmd user list      # alternative command

```

Example output:

```
Users:
    UserInfo{0:Owner :13} running
    UserInfo{**999**:Parallel Apps:4000030} running

```

The numeric string before "*:Parallel Apps*" is the UID of that user.
* PKG: the package/app you are trying to install

Lo and behold, you have an app running under Parallel Apps.

*Tip*: you can install any app, regardless that the app is installed under the primary user or not. You can also install a third-party client for Play Store or an altogether different market app to install/remove apps from *Parallel apps* user conveniently. See this XDA thread for more details.

**Issues**:

* The "Parallel apps" setting under Settings app would not list these apps.
* If your parallel app is indeed a clone/duplicate of an app running under primary user, than removing the primary user's app would automatically remove your sideloaded parallel app too. So, if Firefox is installed as both primary and parallel app and you happen to remove primary Firefox app, the other one would be nuked too.
* User beeshyams mentioned that TWRP backup/restore functionality breaks if "Parallel Apps" user exists.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: oxygenos, parallel-apps
---


title: Android Font Deleted/Not Working

text:
# Question
Title: Android Font Deleted/Not Working
I was trying to change the font for BENGALI language in my phone. **I have my phone rooted.**

Copied these six fonts to someplace else and then Deleted these six fonts from **system/fonts**. I could not install my intended font. So, wanted to revert back to the originals.

When I copied the original fonts back, and restarted the phone, the BENGALI fonts are still not working. What to do??

I am using Derpfest rom on **Android 10.**

# Answer
> 0 votes
I got it. The permission bits for the font files should be rw-r--r-- . When you copy some file from someplace else to any system folder , check for this pattern in the permission bits and make necessary corrections to do that. It should work.

---
Tags: root-access, system, fonts
---


title: Can't delete photos from my LG X Power

text:
# Question
Title: Can't delete photos from my LG X Power
**Updated with more information -- please see below**

I have an unrooted LG X Power running Android 6.0.1. I have recently gone through Google Photos (using a desktop web browser) and deleted a bunch of videos, but even though Photos tells me that they will be removed from my devices, they remain on my phone, and I can't seem to get rid of them. When I try to delete them using the Photos app on the phone, I get the error message:

> **Can't delete \[x\] items**
>
> Photos doesn't have access to delete items on your SD card. Go to the Gallery app to continue deleting.

But I don't even *have* a Gallery app on my phone! Moreover, when I use a file browser to see what's on my SD card, there is no trace of them; they do not appear in the DCIM \> Camera directory (although my photos do).

Where are these videos hiding? I suspect they are hidden somewhere in my internal storage, as I am rapidly running out of storage space, but the DCIM \> Camera directory in my internal storage is completely empty, and I can't seem to find any other large directory. Why doesn't deleting them from Google Photos remove them from my phone? And why does Photos keep telling me to use a nonexistent Gallery app to delete them?

**Edited to add:** As far as I can tell, Photos *does* have permission to access the SD card; it says so in Preferences, and is able to *save* photos and videos there with no problem. It only throws up an error message when I try to *delete*. Furthermore, the error seems to affect photos and videos taken recently; older photos and videos (which were all taken on a different phone) can be deleted with no difficulty.

**Further updates:** Well, I found them! The files are *not* on my SD card, but rather are in my internal storage. But the plot thickens:

* Using the DiskUsage app by Ivan Volosyuk I was able to find the files hidden in my DCIM folder on my internal storage (which is odd, because Photos keeps telling me that it can't delete them because it doesn't have access privileges for my SD card... which it does... but anyway...). The folder, according to this app, contains about 5.9 GB of media. (There's also a Podcasts folder with 1.33 GB that I'd like to get rid of, also...) See screenshot below, then keep reading for more of the mystery!

* When I try to delete the files (whether one at a time, or the whole folder at once) I get an error message: "Error: file wasn't deleted." No additional information about *why* the file wasn't deleted is provided. See screenshots 2 and 3 below, then keep reading for more info!

* To further compound my frustrations, the files (and folders) in question *don't show up* when I use other file browsers. Here, for example, is what I see in Android File Transfer (see my last screenshot below). Notice that the DCIM folder exists, but is essentially empty, except for a few thumbnails; the Podcasts folder isn't shown at all. I get similar results when I use the stock File Manager app on my phone, and when I use this other File Manager app, and when I use Files By Google: none of these apps show the existence of the files in question at all. And yet they're there, taking up space, visible in DiskUsage.

I'm hoping that with this additional information, someone can help me figure out how to finally delete these damn files. I could really use that 7 GB of space back.

# Answer
Using SD Maid - system cleaning tool (free version) to *clean* the device and delete those files using built-in file explorer solved the problem for OP. From app description

> Nobody is perfect and neither is Android.
>
> Apps you have already removed leave something behind.
>
> Logs, crash reports and other files you don't really want are constantly being created.
>
> Your storage is collecting files and directories you don't recognize.

That said, I have no clue of what exactly caused the problem and why other apps couldn't delete the files. Or how this app fixed the underlying issue.

I am not affiliated with the app. I've been happily using the pro version for years with scheduled operations to keep the device clean.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I suggest you try deleting the files with Total Commander.

Note (perhaps related): It happened to me before that I have removed all files in a `.thumbnails-XXXXXXX` folder (about 900Mb), and they were actually gone (as opposed to your case, where you see your files persist). But that space was never recovered. And I found others reporting the same issue.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, photos
---


title: adb install upload location/cache

text:
# Question
Title: adb install upload location/cache
In such cases when performing `adb install` fails, where does the uploaded APK end up and does it get removed automatically?

I'm trying to workout if there is a cache somewhere that I should be removing after successful/failed installs to save space (without uninstalling the actual app)?

# Answer
Cleanup should be handled by the operating system.

Logically any temp files generated during installation or a failed install will be reclaimed at some point.

If you are checking the app size in settings: from an end-user perspective one reason why your app is bigger than just the APK is due to Ahead-Of-Time Compilation as well as any resources unpacked from the compressed APK file.

See: Discrepancy between sizes of apps listed in Play Store vs. actual installed app size for more details.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, amazon-fire-tv
---


# Question
Title: Do 360/3D videos in Chrome and YouTube app work on a phone without gyroscope?
I'd like to buy a new phone, I am considering a Nokia 5.3. I just noticed in its specification that it doesn't have a gyroscope. I wonder if embedded 3D/360 videos in Chrome ( and such videos in YouTube app ) would work on this phone ( + Google cardboard ).

# Answer
> 1 votes
Google Cardboard appears to require a gyroscope to operate.

From: https://support.google.com/cardboard/answer/6295046?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

> **Check phone requirements**
>
> **Note:** If you get a device incompatible message, you may not have a phone fitted with a gyroscope.

Using a gyroscope improves the orientation position of the handset so that turning your head to the left 45 degrees actually feels similar to a 45 degree turn rather than something else.

Note that if you want to view 360 degree video and are willing to deal with swiping/dragging on the screen to move around, that shouldn't require a gyroscope.

I believe there are various apps which will play 360 degree video/3D? without a gyroscope, YMMV.

If you really want to do VR/AR type behavior with your phone (in Cardboard or not) you are better off getting a phone with a gyroscope.

As ARCore is Google's AR platform, and they list supported devices here if you want to find something guaranteed to work.

---
Tags: gyroscope, nokia-5
---


# Question
Title: No difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.2, why?
I have a doubt about USB type declared by smartphone manufacturer. Some smartphone declares USB Type C 3.2, for example Galaxy S20 Ultra.

The new Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is declared as USB 2.0 on Type C.

I try to check the real connection, and when I connect to my Mac the Samsung I have 480 Mb/s negotiation. Looks like even if Samsung declare USB Type C 3.2 the max data transfer is 480 Mb/s, and I can prove it with a benchmark.

I connect the Xiaomi, the same. The Huawei P30 Pro, the same. Is not the cable: I use a very good cable and when I connect my Oculus Quest to the same port, the connection is negotiated at 5 Gb/s.

So my question: why a lot of smartphone manufacturer declare USB 3.2 port but the data transfer is capped to 480 Mb/s?

# Answer
**tl:dr;** You aren't doing an apple to apple, real-world comparison and missing out on many other factors

---

You are looking at speeds at the USB controller end on PC, further, it is shared between the ports attached to it drawing incorrect conclusions (because you aren't considering other factors)

* Firstly, USB 2.0 is **half - duplex**, which means that while the maximum speed is 480 megabits per second, the actual is roughly **half of that**. In practice you won't exceed 240 megabits per second speed

In contrast USB 3.0 is **full - duplex** so, in theory, you can get 10 times higher performance. In practice you aren't likely to get that because of

> * On the far right of the graph, the Galaxy S10e and Honor View 20 provide results indicative of what one can expect from a USB 3.0 and UFS 2.1 hardware combination
> * To the left of those results, the Huawei Mate 30 Pro and OnePlus 7T Pro indicate peak performance from a USB 3.1 and UFS 3.0 memory setup.

Note that the second set of phones have *better* standards but *poorer* performance compared to the first! In other words, *latest is not equal to best*

To sum it up, consider all factors before comparing and do a *real world* comparison as explained in link above.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb
---


# Question
Title: How to avoid disabling internet and GPS?
My friend have installed an app to watch the location of the children, BUT this app is useless if the kid can disable 4G internet and GPS. How to avoid disabling internet and GPS? Or is there some app to help on this matter?

# Answer
If you have root access or adb on that device you could use an device automation tool like MacroDroid and make it re-enable the gps and 4g if it is turned off
Triggers would be gps disabled and mobile service status -\> diabled
and Actions would be location mode -\> high accuracy and mobile data -\> on
If you also want to lock wifi then add trigger: wifi state changed -\> disabled and action wifi configure -\> turn on
In end enable password protection in the settings to prevent anyone to disable the macro
> 1 votes

---
Tags: gps, internet, system
---


# Question
Title: Extend pc monitor on 2020 generation tablet, by cable
Do tablets released in 2020 have a technology that allows to use them directly (no sofware to install, only cable) as a PC secondary monitor?

I want to buy a tablet to use it as secondary screen for my pc by cable and I want to know which features/hardware must have to be use it as secondary PC monitor.

I am asking because I have been using spacedesk to connect my tablet to PC via Wi-Fi. It works fine but if the connection is not good or the tablet processor is not powerful enough, there is too much delay between PC and tablet monitors.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Tablets are not designed to show display signals for e.g. a PC. Usually a tablet don't has any hardware support for receiving display signals.

Hence everything has to be transmitted via IP for example as video stream. Video encoding and decoding comes at a price that the latency is much higher that a standard HDMI or DisplayPort connection which mostly transmit uncompressed data.

If you have problems with your Wifi connection you can try to use the USB connection via `ADB` to establish a IP connection between your PC and the tablet. In detail the following command allows you to connect a TCP port on-device with a TCP port on your PC:

```
adb forward tcp:5000 tcp:5000

```

Therefore if you configure a remote screen software to use the port specified here as forwarded port (or change the port forwarding to match the used tcp port on the software) you can get a Wifi independent connection.

---
Tags: screen, tablet, android-pc
---


# Question
Title: Prevent incoming phone calls from disconnecting Google Hangouts / Meet
If I'm on a Google Hangouts Call or Google Meet call and a phone call comes in, it kicks me off without giving me an option. Is there a way to control this behavior?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have found that if you are on a wi-fi network, you can turn on airplaine mode, which disables your calls. Then re-enable wi-fi and connect to Hangouts Meet.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This behavior can be prevented by enabling do not disturb mode while on the hangouts call.

That by itself is a manual solution, but you could use Tasker (or a similar app) to automatically enable / disable do not disturb when Hangouts is open.

---
Tags: settings, calls
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 5X bootloop, recovery mode doesn't exist
Yesterday my Nexus 5x froze and started bootlooping, it did start twice since yesterday but only for a couple of minutes. I tried going into the recovery mode, but as soon as I click the power button to enter the recovery mode, it goes back to bootloop. Also tried going into safe mode once, but that didn't help.

I have already tried flashing the device with the Nexus root toolkit, but the problem still exists.

# Answer
> 1 votes
TechTimes reports that:

> LG is currently unable to repair Nexus 5X smartphones affected by a so-called "bootloop" malfunction, so it's issuing full refunds to make up for it.

so I don't think there's anything you can do to fix it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same problem today. I tried multiple times to

* re-flash TWRP
* flash older versions of TWRP
* flash older versions of the factory image (without the internal storage part)
* flash the latest factory image (without the internal storage part)

Nothing changed, but **this procedure worked for me (only once)**:

1. Start the phone in `fastboot` mode
2. On the PC, rename latest TWRP in `recovery.img` (I think it isn't required, but that's what I did)
3. On the PC

```
fastboot boot recovery.img

```

I backed up everything I needed from the internal storage (via `adb`) and then rebooted the phone.

I was expecting to do a full wipe, but everything started as usual.

EDIT: Sadly this procedure works every now and then. I noticed that leaving the phone boot loop, for example during the night, brings it back to a bootable state, but if you reboot the device the boot loop sequence starts again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
After many hours of screaming and shouting (not really), I finally found a fix.

There are some boot images out there that should fix it, but in my case they didn't. So I decided to find a way and apply the fix myself.

**You'll probably lose all your data with this**

I used Ubuntu 18.04 for this. Since one of the packages I used required Linux and I'm not hipster enough to buy a Mac.

Since applying the fix yourself requires you to unpack en repack the boot image, I used the GIT repository at https://github.com/cfig/Android\_boot\_image\_editor.

They tested it with the original Nexus 5x factory image, so I decided to download it (MDA89E). (https://developers.google.com/android/images#bullhead)

Step 1. Download Factory Image and unpack it (**also unpack the zip file within in (containing the actual factory image**)

Step 2. Acquire the Android Platform Tools.

```
sudo apt install android-sdk

```

Step 3. Acquire Java

```
sudo apt install default-jre

```

Step 4. Clone the repository mentioned above

```
git clone https://github.com/cfig/Android_boot_image_editor.git --depth=1

```

Step 5. Follow the instructions! (You'll need Android Studio too)

Step 6. Open the bootimg.json file and make sure the following commands are present in the info \> cmdline value.

```
"cmdline" : "console={** other commands are here **} androidboot.hardware=bullhead boot_cpus=0-3 maxcpus=4 cpu_max_a53=1632000 cpu_max_a57=0",

```

The `boot_cpus` command is probably already present. change its value to `0-3` and make sure the `maxcpus=4`, `cpu_max_a53=1632000` `cpu_max_a57=0` are present.

Step 7. Repack your image (Follow instructions!)

```
sudo ./gradlew pack

```

Step 8. Move the boot.img.signed file to the unpacked factory image **(The actual image mentioned in step 1)**. So you should overwrite the existing boot.img with the newly packed boot.img.signed (rename it to boot.img and throw away the original)

Step 9. Start ADB server (Maybe reconnect your devices afterwards)

```
adb devices

```

Step 10. Make sure your device is connected and visible for 'fastboot devices'. That means it should be in the fastboot mode (Power button + Volume down while booting)

Step 11. **Let's go!** (All these files are (now) present in the freshly downloaded factory image.

```
fastboot unlock flashing
fastboot erase userdate

fastboot flash bootloader {bootloader-image.img}
fastboot reboot bootloader
fastboot flash radio {radio-image.img}
fastboot reboot bootloader

```

Step 12. Flash the rest

```
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot reboot

```

Hope this helps anyone.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try to use adb from pc, with the prompt commands

---
Tags: recovery-mode, boot-loop, nexus-5x
---


# Question
Title: Alarm silent, even when not in silent mode
The alarm on my Samsung Note 3 makes no sound. Things that I've tried to resolve the issue:

1. Ensure that the phone is not in silent mode.
2. Ensure that bluetooth is not enabled, so the sound does not go to i.e. a headset.
3. Ensure that all the volume sliders are up (Ring, Media, Messages, System).
4. No task killer apps in use.
5. The alarm's volume is set as high as possible and the Alarm Type is "sound".
6. The alarm's sound is the default Samsung alarm sound Morning Flower.
7. No location-, time-, or event- based applications such as Tasker, Llama, or IFTTT are installed.
8. The setting `Settings > Accessibility > Turn off all sounds` is *not* set. In fact, other sounds (such as ringing) function as expected.

I see that the alarm 'goes off' in the sense that the screen shows an alarm event occurring which I can either close or put to sleep. However, no sound is produced. **What else should I check?** The phone is running the stock OS (Android KitKat 4.4.2) and is not rooted.

Additional informations as per the comments:

* None of the alarm sounds play. I'm not sure where to find them outside the Alarm application. Additionally, custom sounds do not play either, even though I can play them outside the Alarm application.
* The Lollipop update has issues that I do not want to deal with, thus I intend on staying with 4.4 until the unrelated Lollipop issues are dealt with in a future 5.x update.
* I know of no special circumstances during which the alarm will sound. It hasn't made a peep in the few weeks that I've been trying to use it. I know that it did work when the phone was new (one year ago) but until recently I had no need to use the Alarm so I haven't used it in some time.
* I have tweaked just about every combination of variables, and nothing makes the alarm sound properly. However, the *preview* sound does play when selecting the alarm sound.
* I have not tried any other alarm apps. I do not install many applications on this device, and I will not go installing and uninstalling applications precariously, rather, I prefer to fix what is already installed on the device.
* When pressing the Volume Up key, the Alarm seems to stop. It is the same effect as selecting the end alarm function
* I have cleared the data from the Clock app. This removed all current alarms, and **the new alarm rings!** Please make this comment an answer so that I could accept it.

# Answer
This answer is credited to user abhioxic, who came up with the solution in a comment.

**Clearing the cache and data from the Clock app resolved the issue**. After clearing the cache and data, the old alarms were removed (data loss) but new alarms ring properly.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Make also sure you don't have alarms disabled in blocking mode, or that blocking mode isn't on. That was my issue. I set up blocking mode because I didn't want to be bothered by notifications of new e-mails and such, but didn't notice that I also blocked alarms.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The thing that helped me, I think, it seems to be running again for now, was to turn off the sync with connection for the clock/date. Put it on manual.
> 1 votes

# Answer
With my phone this happened because another app like Music, Youtube etc. was active in background and was blocking the alarm sound. When I close those apps, alarm starts working properly again. Firstly I resolved it by doing a full restart, but then closing the apps in questions was sufficient. Sometimes even my phone ringer was silent because of this.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I attempted to clear the data and cache of the clock app, but that did not resolve the no sound issue.

However, I pulled down the notification tab and noticed that the sound button was toggled to something called Sound (priority). I've never seen that before, but after turning it off the alarm actually works now.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem in my phone. I used uninstall updates to the clock app and reset it to old factory version. It works now. I use One Plus two. I faced the issue after the marshmallow update.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Go to your Sound Settings. Maybe the "Do not Disturb" option is enabled and have scheduled time that may alarm clock affected also. Try to disabled that Do not Disturb option. Let see if resolved.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you set do not disturb and you set the alarm in that window of do not disturb the alarm will not play. Either add alarms to the exceptions or change the time.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Sometimes the alarm does not have a sound track set to play. (Happens to me frequently). Make sure the alarm has a track set.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Yo can change your phone's alarm ringtone by a new one or you can set the default ringtone for your alarm.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, alarm, samsung-galaxy-note
---


# Question
Title: What system should i back up ? system_image or system
I am trying to backup my system but i have two partitions, `system_image` and `system`.. from inspection i can see that `system_image` is bigger and the format is ext4, While `system` is smaller and the format is emmc ..

I may have the formats (emmc,ext4) in the wrong order.

What do i back up, `system` or `system_image` ?

I also have system modifications that I'd like to keep in the backup.

Device : Android 5.1

# Answer
> 3 votes
this concerns TWRP only and is just a different method for backup & restore

have a look in `/etc/recovery.fstab`
you will see the same partition is listed twice

```
/system        ext4  /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system  flags=slotselect
/system_image  emmc  /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system  flags=slotselect

```

first entry is listed as ext4 file system type which tell TWRP the partition is mountable. in case of backup / restore only the content (files) are archived into system.ext4.win (tarball archive)

second entry is listed as emmc which makes TWRP think it is raw disk image. in case of backup / restore the whole partition (including empty space) is cloned bitwise into full partition image system.emmc.win (dd image)

usually /system is sufficient for backup purposes.
/system\_image is useful for restoring foreign ROM or backup of corrupt data

Note: for system-as-root devices the mount point is changed into /system\_root while /system is just a symlink (or bind mount) of /system\_root/system (which is not a representative of whole partition)

---
Tags: twrp, stock-android
---


title: Rooting an Android Motorola Moto G4

text:
# Question
Title: Rooting an Android Motorola Moto G4
Rooting Motorola Moto G4 I have a Motorola Moto G4 that I would like to root.Quick summary of specs:

* Developer options are enabled
    + OEM unlocking = enabled
    + USB debugging enabled
* Android version: 7.0
* computer os: windows 10
* adb installed
    + `adb devices`: device shows up
    + `adb reboot bootloader` works
* fastboot installed
    + device shows up in `fastboot devices`

Problem: after I go to the bootloader screen and I try `fastboot oem get_unlock_data` the output is:

```
... INFOUnlock data:

INFOUnlock data unavailable

INFOFailed

OKAY [ 0.101s]

finished. total time: 0.101s

```

Tried it also from a linux virtual machine. Same result, no code.

Nothing is added to my path. All commands are run in the installed directories of the programs.

How can I fix this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
your device is most likely verizon or AT&T. check your cid is unlockable with

```
fastboot getvar all

```

**Your device is unlockable if the CID value returned is listed**

```
0x0000
0x0003
0x0007
0x0009
0x000B
0x000C
0x000D
0x000E
0x0014
0x0015
0x00DE
0x0032

```

source

---
Tags: root-access, adb
---


# Question
Title: The "Storage Space Running Out" notification in status bar will nothide or delete
I tried the common answer I see here. I long-pressed the notification, then chose "App Info". It comes up as the "Android System", version 4.4.4 (old!) but the "Force Stop", "Disable" and "Show Notifications" box, which is checked, are all greyed out and I cannot change them. Can I hide the notification? Thank you!

# Answer
Unfortunately, you cannot block notifications from "Android System". Later versions of Android (i.e. Android 9 (Pie)) allow blocking of categories of notifications, but for your case the easiest solution is to either get used to it or attempt to free up space on your device. I wish you good luck!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


title: Integrity verification has failed

text:
# Question
Title: Integrity verification has failed
Hi my Samsung J7 Prime just stuck on The integrity verification has failed. You need to reset your device to factory default settings. This will erase your data. i dont want to reset the phone because my data is important on the phone please help me what to do without losing the data ?? please please please

# Answer
I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you have an integrity failure, you probably wouldn't want to boot your device even if you could.

Allow me to explain. The "integrity failed" message means that a part of your system has been modified and might not be safe to boot. It might have been modified by a malicious app, program, or it could have just been you trying to root your device. (If it's the last one, please make sure you follow all directions by whatever guide you are using to root your device in order to make sure that stuff like this doesn't happen).

Unfortunately, what this means for you is you are going to have to reset your device. It is a security feature built into android, so it's best you follow it's direction. I know how this feels, it sucks, but its just the case with this error. Make sure in the future that you keep backups of any important data.

If you don't read any other part of this answer, please read this:

**If you reset your device and the error continues, STOP! Unless you know what you are doing, this error can be very difficult to correct on your own, and easy to make worse for yourself. Instead, take your phone into a repair shop or your carrier to have them fix it.**

If I'm completely getting your situation wrong, please let me know any additional information you have and I will try to update my answer accordingly. Best of luck to you.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: Flashing Custom Rom

text:
# Question
Title: Flashing Custom Rom
How do I choose the correct firmware for my phone? I have a Samsung a310f that is frp locked on the back IT'S written yately "gugg", UK which could mean that it was made in the UK or for the UK now when I am on SamMobile I don't know if choosing the one for my country or the one that made the phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For this model you can flash many official ROM versions.

https://fw.updato.com was a good source of download collection and tutorials in early years, but this site became worst since they monetarized everything

You can flash with Odin or Heimdall

Be aware there is downgrade protection for bootloader and flashing another ROM does not remove FRP lock. Only the methods for by-pass FRP may vary.

For Android 7 Nougat CF-Auto-Root is available but it requires OEM unlocking in developer options

Flashing TWRP is another option but it requires OEM unlocking, too

---
Tags: samsung, 7.0-nougat, google, frp
---


# Question
Title: What are the options for streaming music from PC to phone?
I'm interested in being able to play music that's on my computer through my phone - mostly so I can plug the phone into speakers in different parts of the house. Looking for apps, I realise that there are actually some pretty different ways you can do this:

1. Run a music server that's accessible over the internet, access through app or web browser on phone (eg AudioGalaxy, Subsonic)
2. Run an audio streaming server that provides a single audio stream (eg SoundWire - you drive the choice of music from the PC, and the phone is just a passive receiver)
3. Share your music folder, and use a Samba (or equivalent) file share app like ES File Explorer to access the files on your phone and play them from there.
4. Use DLNA-supporting apps at both ends to play and share music (eg, Windows Media Player on PC, and AllShare or Skifta on phone)
5. Sync music from PC to phone regularly, and just play it from there.

Am I missing any? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach? One concern for me is I'd rather not have music going via the internet, because then it would count doubly out of my internet usage cap.

Also, are there apps (with the right combination of PC software) that can combine these approaches? It would be great to be able to either drive a playlist from the PC, or select songs from the phone. Extra bonus points for solutions that work for video (ie, films) as well.

My PC is Windows XP, my phone is Samsung Galaxy Note.

EDIT Incorporating answers from below into the original list.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Generally, Galaxy devices have `AllShare` app which is DLNA certified software. If your device doesn't have `AllShare`, install Skifta.

Now, all you need is a DLNA certified media streaming server on PC. Fortunately, `Windows Media Player 11` on Windows XP has this capability. So, you don't need extra software.
Make sure your music collection is in WMP library.

You don't need any extra-terrestrial configurations as DLNA certified products feature UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). Just make sure apps (or, its services) are open & are connected to same network (LAN/WLAN).

Its the best way for streaming media because its UPnP. It was designed to get rid of complexities of traditional media streaming solutions. And, it supports pictures and videos too.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Have a look at SoundWire.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you're looking to just play music anywhere in the house, the option to just access a file share from your phone and play music from it is probably your best bet. ES File Explorer has a Samba plugin that should allow just that, and most music players should be able to do playlists.

As an aside, no matter which option you chose you don't have to worry about bandwidth so long as you are using a locally hosted option to stream your music (ie, not a cloud service like Google Music).

However, if you want a lot of control and the ability to stream to multiple devices simultaneously like an internal house radio station over your local network, I would strongly recommend Subsonic. You have an enormous amount of control over your media via the app from any machine running the Subsonic app, and they have apps for all phone and PC platforms. The only catch is that there is a $20 license to use the phone apps. However, that wouldn't stop you from just tuning into the streaming feed from your phone and using the browser based interface instead to control your music.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I use option 4 (DLNA) quite beautifully for streaming both music AND video to my phone/tablet/PS3 and tablet within wi-fi range in my house.

My setup is: **PC** MediaTomb running on Ubuntu-linux (If you run Windows, I'm sure there are alternatives)

**Tablet / Phone:** uPNPlay (free on Google Play) linked to your favorite media player

**Pros:**

* All media sits on one machine
* All my devices (phone, tablet PS3\*) can stream media from that location
* Secure over encrypted network
* No bandwidth issues

**Cons:**

* My PC has to be on 24/7.

\*PS3 only recognises some divX codecs

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've had a squeezebox streaming media player for years and the software which is also downloadable free is pretty good so I use that. I can **stream remotely**, as per original question, when I'm **away from the house** and I've used XiiaLive as an android player. It's not as light as player as I would prefer but it works.

The server also looks after submissions to last.fm which keeps me happy.

All **free software**. The Squeezebox server is also **cross platform**.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Subsonic. It is extremely robust and easy to use.

It is open source but there is a licensing. However as it is open source you can remove easily the license. (and this is perfectly legal) See https://github.com/KHresearch/subsonic

# Answer
> 1 votes
Well, here we are in 2018 and I have a cunning plan. It doesn't *quite* answer the question as posed but I hope it's close enough.

I have an old HTC phone that has a micro SD slot. 128GB SD cards are available on eBay now for a handful of $ / £, so, objective #1 is to find out if this phone (it's Android 4.4.2 I think) can utilise all the space. \[Update: it can, woohoo!\].

Then I will copy my entire music library across from my PC.

Next up is a Bluetooth audio receiver that will pair with the phone and that you can simply plug into a spare input on your amp. Again, these are incredibly cheap on eBay. I don't know yet if they are any good, but people have posted some enthusiastic reviews so I couldn't resist buying one. It's in the post, will report back.

Then, install the music player of choice on the phone and to start streaming just press (I believe) the 'pair now' button on the receiver and then fire up the app. The phone should then play through the receiver to the amp.

Pros:

* Nice and simple.
* Dirt cheap, if, like me, you already have an amp and speakers and a suitable spare phone. Even if you need a phone, it should be easy enough to pick up something second-hand, you just need that SD card slot. Or you could use an old tablet, but that would obviously be bulkier, clutter the place up more.
* No monthly fees (unlike, say, Spotify Premium).
* Should be easy to use.
* Choice of music players, pick your favourite.
* Cheap to run - no need to leave the PC on.
* Also works for Internet radio, podcasts and YouTube music videos. And indeed any other streaming service, most likely.
* Should also work from an iPhone (my partner has one, I'm hooked up with the wrong woman, what can I say?)

Cons:

* I don't yet know how good the sound quality will be, it depends entirely on the receiver. But if it's not good enough I will buy a more expensive one. I'll let you know.
* 128GB might not be enough for your entire music library. You can get larger cards at modest cost on eBay but I think it's wise to avoid the very cheap ones.
* If you have a second music system in another room you would need to buy a second receiver. But they cost peanuts so it doesn't matter.
* Unlike some WiFi devices, such as (I believe) Chromecast Audio, you can't stream the same sound source to several receivers at the same time. But I don't care about that, and those devices seem to be focussed on (paid-for) streaming services anyway and I that's not what I want.
* Have to charge the phone or keep it plugged in. Maybe I can find a cradle for it.

So, a few unknowns still but I have high hopes. I'll let you-all know how it goes, should be fun.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Here's my method..

I have an old Samsung tablet I leave connected to the stereo and powered-on at all times, where it has all my cool audio apps installed and configured. I then install Android VNC Server on it (in my case the one I got to work was VMLite VNC Server which can work with or without 'root' access in Android). My tablet happens to be rooted so VNC server can auto-start on boot for me.

Then I connect the free RealVNC client to it which gives me a remote desktop type window to have full access to the home screen of the Android.

Then on my laptop I can launch it and get into the tablet and launch all my cool sound apps like Folder Player, iHeart Radio, Tune-In Pro, Scanner Radio, and maybe 25 others. That stereo is wired to speakers in multiple rooms which allows the content to be everywhere.

They also have VNC Client apps for Android so one could access the tablet from a phone, but I haven't tried it since I am always using my laptop when at home so Windows VNC client works fine.

Some may find it crude but for me it is the most versatile.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use SoundIt to stream audio from your computer to any other device easily, it's designed specifically for that.

It allows you to stream to multiple devices at the same time and control each device's volume remotely.

---
Tags: audio, music, file-transfer, streaming
---


# Question
Title: Do virtual space apps in Android provide a fully virtual environment?
There are virtual space apps for Android, such as Parallel Space or Dual Space. I know that we can't access outside files in a virtual environment, but I was able to access them in Dual Space's virtual environment.

Do such virtual space apps provide a fully virtual environment?

# Answer
> 4 votes
If virtual space apps are acting like Parallel Space then they are virtualizing the app runtime environment. Accessing external storage would not be a problem.

Commonsware put up a blogpost explaining what is going on under the hood with this virtualization with a caveat:

> However, this sort of virtualization technique – Android apps running inside other Android apps, for an Inception-style experience – requires that you trust the virtualization engine. After all, by definition, it can see all I/O between the app and Android, as it proxies all of that I/O. It is a \[Man-In-The-Middle\] MITM attack on the app.

So if you trust the makers of Parallel Space (or don't care) it is an option to consider.

From my answer: https://android.stackexchange.com/a/169048/3573

# Answer
> 3 votes
ParallelSpace and DualSpace use the same technology if I get their description correctly and this technology has nothing to do with virtualization: they use app cloning

App cloning means that an app is renamed (not the visible name but the app package name such as `com.whatsapp`). Therefore the app is unpacked, modified at certain points to use the new name and then packed and signed with a new signature and afterwards installed.

As Android separates each app a renamed app can be installed side-by-side with the original app. The actual separation is done by the Android OS in exactly the same way it is done for every app.

And just like any other app if the repackaged app stores data in the sd-card section you can access this data.

---
Tags: virtualization
---


# Question
Title: How do I invert colours inside a specific app?
The latest Android has an *Invert Colours* option in quick settings.

Is there any way to turn this on automatically when a specific app is opened? Is there any other way to achieve inversion of colours inside a specific app?

# Answer
> 4 votes
For me Tasker did the job, but you need an additional Tasker plug in for this, called AutoTools. On my bq android device root wasn't needed to do the job. I set up a profile to invert the screen when I open specific apps like my newspaper reader.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Since the answer is a little light on details for novice Tasker users (like me).

Here is how to do it step by step:

* Download and install Tasker
* Free trial version here
* Import the example for Tasker from here
* The example works for Gmail app and manipulates the accessibility\_display\_inversion\_enabled property to toggle the color inversion. Making Gmail Dark but others app normal.
* Enable the profile
* Now, every time you click on gmail, if it doesn't work it's because it needs more permissions (check notifications)
* Add the "usage access" permissions and "write settings" permissions
* You also have to enable write settings perms via adb with `adb shell pm grant net.dinglisch.android.taskerm android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS`
* Click Gmail and color inverts
* Leave Gmail and color inverts back

# Answer
> 0 votes
I use Automate, see this link. It is like Tasker and need the same permissions and preparatory actions via ADB but ligter than Tasker. And free for such small algorithms (less than 30 blocks).

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can always turn invert on while your where you want to use it, then when you're done turn it off. Go to settings on your phone, to accessability, to Direct access, check invert. Now go back to your home page and rapidly push the home screen button 3 times, fast. It'll come on, push it 3 times again to turn it off. There is a video online for each step of you want to Google it.

---
Tags: screen, automation, quick-settings, color
---


# Question
Title: How to specify the directory path on external memory card?
An app currently saves files to "mydir" on the internal memory:

/storage/emulated/0/**mydir**

Instead, I want the files saved onto external memory card, but I am unable to figure out what is the right path. The attempts below do not work:

/SanDisk SD card/mydir

/storage/SanDisk SD card/mydir

/storage/emulated/SanDisk SD card/mydir

Android 9 , Redmi 8

"SanDisk SD card" comes from a file manager app, not sure if the card is to be specified by this or something else.

# Answer
> 0 votes
```
/storage/36E2-14BB/

```

this is what stands for the external microSD card,

```
/storage/36E2-14BB/mydir

```

...and this is for my own custom directory on the microSD.

(I got the `/storage/36E2-14BB/` from an app where the available folder options were listed in a drop-down menu. Otherwise, no clue how to arrive to the `36E2-14BB` and it is is unique or universal to each microSD cards.)

---
Tags: external-sd, sd-card, file-system, redmi
---


# Question
Title: Can apps in Huawei AppGallery be downloaded in China?
I have published a mobile game in Google Play Store. Apparently it cannot be played in China as China has banned Google. Huawei provides an alternative app store -- Huawei AppGallery. Does it mean that if I upload my game there, players from China will be able to download my game?

# Answer
> 1 votes
After going through their publication process, I can answer the question now.

The answer is yes. They give you the option to publish apps in China, on the condition you submit additional documents required by the government of China. You need also to display a Health Advice in your app prominently.

---
Tags: google-play-store, huawei
---


# Question
Title: unable to use whatsapp on wifi xiaomi a3 device
I am using Whatsapp on Xiaomi A3 device. I am unable to use Whatsapp on Wifi of my home. I have a broadband ADSL router. Whose settigngs never changed. There are other people who use Wifi and their whatsapp works perfectly. In my case it used to work but now it is giving problems. I am able to use internet using Wifi of my home on this Mi A3 phone.But I am not able to use whatsapp. I mean to say neither any message gets downloaded and neither any message is sent on whatsapp when I am connected to Wifi of my home. But when I switch on my data plan immediately all the messages which are pending to get delivered, in the que get delivered. Also I receive the pending messages.I restarted the device after a restart I do get my whatsapp usable for 10 minutes on my Wifi. But after some time again the same situation is there. I am using WhatsApp 2.20.108 (it is not business edition). The phone is android 9,model name M190F9SI. What should I do?

# Answer
Is there an X icon bottom-right side of the wifi icon? Try "forget this network" and reconnect. It happened to me a few times and this is how i solved. Check network related whatsapp settings also.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, 9.0-pie, xiaomi, mi
---


# Question
Title: Remove "Google" appearing on Gboard spacebar
Very recently Gboard updated adding an ugly and distracting "Google" on top of the spacebar. How do I disable this?

# Answer
I saw this Android Authority tweet just now expressing disappointment and disapproval of this move by Google.

> We’ve spotted the changes over here at Android Authority too, and we’re guessing it’s a **server-side update** as some of us haven’t enabled automatic app updates. So **rolling back to an earlier of Gboard likely won’t help you.**

(Emphasis added)

What worked for me is having more than one one Gboard languages English (US), English (India) and two Indian languages apart from SwiftKey. Probably because of this ,I don't see "Google" and this is supported by others on the tweet thread.

You can add languages to see if it solves the problem

**Update**

> It appears either the update described below was a mistake or Google has quickly realized that people hate it because it’s already starting to revert back to the way it used to be.
>
> Users are now reporting that the Google-branded space bar is no longer there and the Google search function has returned.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, google, gboard
---


# Question
Title: 3rd party messaging apps with random silent notifications problem
I am having a weird issue. I am on Android 10 on my LG G6 and I haven't installed any doze control app or greenify type apps etc on my phone but whenever I receive any message on 3rd party apps like Whatsapp or Skype etc, many of notifications arrive on time but some of the messages arrive with no vibration and no sound like silent notifications. I haven't set any DND or anything. It's just clean install rom and I have also faced this issue at my official stock ROM Android 9. Same behaviour recorded in that as well. For testing I captured notifications and what I saw is some of the messages comes via silent channelID which is very strange for me as no settings applied. It's all random messages and same behaviour when I am using my phone so I believe it's not doze level thing. I am attaching screenshots of notifications log, please guide me what's wrong going on here. Thanks.

**Screenshots:** https://postimg.cc/gallery/G3Tbjcg

# Answer
The same issue on Galaxy Note 9, observed this issue in Nov 2018 but no resolution. The same issue in One Plus also. Very difficult to say whether it is an Android issue or applications issue.

Found this issue in Android Issue Tracker, Google is working on this, although I have observed this issue in Android 8, 9, 10.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger, skype, silent-mode
---


# Question
Title: Family Link: how to set daily limits for one child regardless of which devices he/she uses?
I can't find a way to set a daily limit to my daughter regardless of her devices. I want her to spend 2h max on screen no matter which device she uses on that day.

Yet she's getting 2h on her tablet and 2h on her smartphone.

Am I missing something? Does Family Link only allow to set device-specific limits?

# Answer
That's how it is supposed to be. See Set daily limits

> Tip: Daily **limits apply to each Android device or Chromebook your child uses**. For example, if you set a daily limit of 2 hours, your child would get 2 hours of time on **each device.**

(emphasis added)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-family-link
---


title: Cannot rate apps on Google Play

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot rate apps on Google Play
I just found out I cannot rate apps on Google play. Any app. And yes, I have them installed. But the rating 5 stars or 'Rate' button are missing.

Am I missing something? Anyone else experiencing the same issue or know why is this happening / How to overcome this?

# Answer
> 20 votes
Quite weird, but looks like this is happening because I'm a G Suite user. When I switch to a different, regular gmail address user, I can rate my apps again.

Looks like this behavior is rather new and undocumented (started around June 2018).

I found this article: G Suite users can't review or rate Play Store content anymore. But haven't found any official evidence from Google to support that.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Try the workaround below. I found this trick mentioned in one of the support threads that Google stubbornly ignore

1. Go to the Play Store page for the app you want to rate, e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand
2. Copy the app ID (after ?id=) from the URL bar - here that is: net.osmand
3. Go to https://play.google.com/store/ereview?docId=, adding the copied ID: https://play.google.com/store/ereview?docId=net.osmand
4. You should now see a blank page with a small text box in the middle.
5. Just write your review and click Submit. You can then edit or delete the review the usual way, from the store page.

# Answer
> 0 votes
To resolve the issue JUST sign out of your Google account on your phone (remove account), restart your phone, and then sign in to your google account again. (It might also work without restarting your phone.)

To do this, go to settings, user accounts. (On different devices these names might be a bit different.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I just restarted my phone and the problem was gone. It seems the problems roots are from the G+ extermination. Some accounts were affected in this regard. You don't need to delete and then add your account again; it's more like a re-login and since every time you restart your phone you login with your credentials is enough.

---
Tags: google-play-store, app-ratings
---


# Question
Title: Google Play store GPS test app download fails, Google Maps work fine on 3G, what's wrong?
re.: Google Play store GPS test app download fails, Google Maps work fine on 3G, what's wrong ?

I can open Google Play store app on my Android 5.0 Medion smartphone but can't install any application, since waiting, waiting.

Google Maps work fine, so Internet is provided by my operator via 3G plan.

How to know what's wrong with Google Play store.

I have activated email account with gmail, as required.

If you know alternative download website for .apk, let me know

All I need to do is to test GPS in my phone via GPS test app.

Let me know how to fix the problem.

thank you

BTW1 I don't have on-line payment system activated, since I am interested in free app only.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I did it.

" Touch Google Play Store \> Uninstall updates . When prompted to change the Play Store app back to the factory version, touch OK.

" from Google Play Store downloads won't start

and what follows is:

exactly: Accept New Terms OK

Google updated terms of service by the end of March 2020 but failed to attach ACCEPT NEW Terms OK botton to 100+ page long document,

so Ms got Google Play store disabled ;)

BTW I have downloaded and installed GPS Tools app for test but this app is made of commercials only, no GPS mode ;( just ads and links to ads

Ask Google to update answer page https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7513003?hl=en&visit\_id=637221644453135086-2719153017&rd=1#ts=6241336%2C6241346%2C6241382%2C6241389%2C6241402

appending the true cause of our problems

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


title: Android studio not detecting devices

text:
# Question
Title: Android studio not detecting devices
I am currently using windows 10 enterprise and my android studio does not detect devices despite me installing drive pack 17 and also adb fastboot drivers all phones are detected by the machine but android studio does not detect the phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Enable USB debugging while you have plugged the phone in on android studio. Then a pop-up should appear, allow permission for your pc to do usb debugging. This might be the case since the phone is being detected by the device, usb debugging is found in `Settings > Developer tools`

# Answer
> 0 votes
Check Whether the program is running locally through your Android Virtual Device Manager

# Answer
> 0 votes
Ensure the following:

1.The connection is set to "allow file transfer " and not "charge only mode". 2.Ensure having developer privileges in your device and also enabling USB debugging.

---
Tags: applications, android-studio
---


# Question
Title: How to create a 'Google Drive' file or folder shortcut, within Google Drive, on Android? (see body of question)
On the web application for desktop this is accomplished by navigating to the file, clicking on it, and pressing Shift + Z.

Is there a way to accomplish the same functionality on Android? Either within the Google Drive app or thru some other means?

NOTE: When I go to a file that's in multiple locations on the Google Drive app and go to: Options -\> Details, then I can see all the locations the file is in, and also remove locations, but I can't seem to add locations from this menu.

# Answer
Using Google Drive version 2.20.141.03.34:

1. Select the file(s)
2. Click on the 3-dot menu, then select "Add shortcut to Drive"
3. Select the location where the shortcut(s) should be created.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can select the file and add to star in google drive, next time when you want to see you can directly click on starred files of folders.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-drive
---


# Question
Title: Cannot import contacts from SIM card on Prestigio MultiPhone
I'm using Prestigio MultiPhone 3504 Muze running on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. I can't seem to import contacts from the SIM card.

When I go to `Contacts -> Menu`, I got the next options:

1. `Call History`
2. `New Contact`
3. `Settings`

Why I don't see `Import from SIM card` option? Where is it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> I'm using Prestigio MultiPhone 3504 Muze. Finally I notice that it hasn't that tab at all, vut automatically import all contacts from SIM card. My broblem was that I haven't got contacts on SIM card.

> See images here: https://i.stack.imgur.com/eYu7w.png https://i.stack.imgur.com/NTpdP.png

It may be the case, contacts from SIM cards are imported only once, so the above menu fails to open, once contacts got imported.

But you can easily test the above, selecting "Add New Contact" and saving it on your SIM card.

That way you can try to open "Import contacts from SIM card" menu again, not removing and reinserting the SIM card again.

---
Tags: contacts, sim-card, import
---


# Question
Title: How to keep an ODROID device connectable via adb?
I'm using an Odroid (rooted) device running Android 5.1.1 on a local network and I'd like to be able to control it via `adb`.

Currently I'm running this at startup:

```
setprop service.adb.tcp.port 5555
stop adbd
start adbd

```

This works initially, but I've noticed if works with one connection at a time. If a connection is left open, a second connection won't work. Even though adb says I'm connected, whenever I try to run any command I get an error:

```
> adb connect 192.168.0.33
connected to 192.168.0.33:5555
> adb shell date
error: device offline

```

What's the easiest to ensure adbd is accessible, even if a connection is left open/hanging by accident ?

I'm thinking about running a script that periodically restarts `adbd` but having a short interval will be very frustrating as I'd need to constantly reconnect. Is there a way to check if a connection is open, but hanging ? (no data has been received in a while ?)

Alternatively, would it be possible to close the previous connection if a new one is made automatically ?

How would one keep an odroid connectible via adb constantly (regardless of open connections ?)

# Answer
For the scope of the project at that time there were two measures that helped:

1. Installing SSHelper to add SSH support (can use SSH instead of adb and restart adb daemon in case it gets locked)
2. Hacky, but a background service could be used to periodically reset adb connections: this could cause trouble depenending on what commands need to run and for how long
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, adb, root-access, shell, bash
---


title: Google sign-in for apps loops

text:
# Question
Title: Google sign-in for apps loops
I have several apps that use sign in with google for authentication. Problem is, the sign in screen loops back to select an account after presenting the alllow %app to access these parts of your google account. I hit allow, and it sends me back to account selection instead of signing in.

It's not just one app it's every non-Google app doing it.

Device is a Pixel 3 XL on Android 10.

How do I get it to let me sign in with google in 3rd party apps using google play services? Ones that open a browser to authenticate with google are working fine

# Answer
It was a temporary failure on Google's side which has since been fixed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-account, google, google-pixel-3-xl
---


# Question
Title: Pop up message when sending large amounts of SMS messages
When I send a relatively large number of text messages using GoSms, I get this pop up after I send a message:

I have seen this on other forums but I have yet to see a way to get rid of it (that is, without rooting the device, something I want to try to avoid). Anybody have any ideas to prevent this pop up from popping up?

# Answer
> 3 votes
The other alternative (or probably the best one too) is to use ADB shell which may work on a non-rooted device as well:

```
zeroflte:/ $ settings put global sms_outgoing_check_max_count 999999
zeroflte:/ $ settings put global sms_outgoing_check_interval_ms 900000099

```

---
Tags: sms, 4.1-jelly-bean, go-sms
---


# Question
Title: How to define a custom sound for Whatsapp?
When receiving mails or a whatsapp message, the same sound notification is played. I want to be able to tell those events apart and would like to define custom sounds. How can I achieve this?

I really would like to avoid a third party application, or if there are no other ways, I prefer a paid app over one with advertisement.

# Answer
Open WhatsApp, either press the `...` overflow button in the top right corner of the screen, and select `Settings`, or press your phone's `Menu` button, and then select `Settings`.

Then select `Notifications`, which should be the bottom option on the list at the moment, and tap `Notification Tone`. This will let you browse to find another sound file to use for your WhatsApp notifications.
> 5 votes

# Answer
It seems to depend on your version of Android, and possibly on your version of WhatsApp. I am writing this in April 2020, running Android 6 and WhatsApp Version 2.20.108 on a very humble Wiko. I changed my phone to English (UK), but still your menus might be slightly differently called.

Open the WhatsApp Chats Tab and use the three-dot-menu (top-right) and then \> Settings \> Notifications \> Messages.

When I tap on "Notification tone" I get a choice of "Media Storage" and one of my file explorer apps.

## Media Storage is already an option

If you get "Media Storage" just navigate to your own custom sound file and you are done (you can use any MP3 file on your phone, as long as you know how to navigate to its location).

## Only pre-set sounds are showing

If you only get a fixed choice of pre-set sounds, you need to "seed" that list first with your own custom sound:

For this you have to use the phone-settings (not the WhatsApp settings).

Pull-down the notification bar and use the gear-icon or any other way to open your Android phone settings. Then go \> Sound & Notification \> Default Notification Ringtone

* Now, if you are lucky, you have a choice to use "Media Storage" to set your phone default notification ringtone. But if you see only a fixed list of tones (like in WhatsApp), you have to take yet another (non-intuitive) detour:
* Go back only one step in the phone settings, instead of "notification ringtone", now choose "phone ringtone" and if you have two SIM cards, pick either of them. Now remember your present choice of phone ringtone, because we will use this location to "seed" the ringtones-list by changing your present ringtone (temporarily).

Even in a stubborn Samsung Android 9, when you tap to change your phone ringtone, it gives you a + icon (a plus in a circle) top-right on your screen: tap there and it will allow you to select your custom audio file.

*I had to try this on my wife's phone, she is running Android 9 on a not-too-expensive Samsung phone. It worked for her, this was my reason to figure this answer out. So courage, it can be done, I just did it a few minutes ago on two different phones.*

## Back in WhatsApp

Once you have selected that, you can go back to WhatsApp and open the settings menu again, like I listed above. But **this time your choice of notification sounds has grown one extra entry** (possibly at the very bottom of your list, but might depend on the name of your sound file):

Now select your own custom sound file and your request is answered.

## Remember to set your ring tone back (if you had to change it above)

Do not forget to go back to your phone settings and re-set your phone-ring-tone to what it was before this little hack.

I can only guess that things might look mildly different, depending on brands and versions. Stay loose, look around, that is what I did. I welcome people to edit this answer as time moves on, please mention the date of your edit and what Android and WhatsApp versions you have and your brand if it's rather non-mainstream.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Can't boot to system (lineageOS) after updating TWRP
I've been using lineageOS 14.1 for a long time on my Galaxy S4 mini (gt-i9195) and recently wanted to try some apps requiring root access. In the developer options I could set root access only to "ADB only". I tried installing su from https://download.lineageos.org/extras via TWRP but the installation failed (probably because I tried installing the arm64 version instead of arm, I'm guessing retrospectively?). Anyway, I decided to upgrade TWRP to 3.3.1-0 (from 3.0.1-0 before I think) following random advice I found online. I started flashing 3.3.1-0 to the recovery partition via TWRP but it got stuck while "Patching system unconditionally". After more than an hour of this I powered off and restarted into recovery mode.

Surprisingly, TWRP now boots as version 3.3.1-0 without any issues. However, whenever I try to boot system into lineageOS I just get the Samsung startup logo and then the screen stays black.

Any idea how I might be able to start up lineageOS again? I would try rolling back to an older version of TWRP maybe, but I couldn't yet figure out how to get the image file onto the phone. I tried installing adb on my desktop and plugging the phone in via USB but `adb devices` does not find the phone. Might Odin work for this despite not having the standard ROM and without wiping the phone?

Unfortunately I don't have a backup, as I didn't have the storage space for it. But while there's nothing super important on the phone I would still of course prefer not having to wipe everything.

# Answer
Solved it without any data loss by putting a zip of the same LineageOS version I was using on a SD card and re-flashing with that from TWRP 3.3.1 (wiping only cache and Dalvik).

Thanks @Robert.

I still don't understand how exactly I screwed my system partition in the first place but I'm happy anyway.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: twrp, unbricking, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: My phone Oppo A5 2020 don't have fastboot mode. How to unoock bootloader. I have to root my phone. Can I root my phone without unlocking bootloader?
Oppo A5 2020 Model No is CPH1933 Android Version is 9.0 Pie Colour Os 6 There is no fastboot hut I got recovery mode only. I have to root my phone. Can I root without unlocking bootloader? Or Can I unlock bootloader without fastboot mode?

# Answer
> 1 votes
you should be able to get to fastboot though adb with `adb reboot bootloader`. I also found a great step by step tutorial here. also in step 8 of that guide it says to boot into fastboot mode, I believe they meant recovery mode. as far as rooting without unlocking the bootloader, it is possible, but not recommendable. i have from experience soft and in one case hard bricked a few devices by doing so. I would suggest getting the bootloader unlocked, flashing a custom recovery, and then falshing a root package along with supersu or magisk. another way you can get root and many other features is by flashing a custom rom, which is essentially installing a differnt custom version of android, you typicall have to enable root acess through the settings and install supersu or magisk.

---
Tags: rooting, fastboot, bootloader, 9.0-pie, oppo-coloros
---


# Question
Title: How to enable 3G video calls on Android smartphone?
re.:

How to enable video calls on Android smartphone ?

In pre Android times it was easy to make video call on a standard phone, featuring small screen.

Today video call functionality is not supported by most of makes, models of Android smartphones, for unknown reason.

Ok, you need to establish 3G/ LTE data conectivity for video streaming as extra add-on- communication channel.

Ok, I have 3G data transfer enabled and still no support for making video calls.

I am not interested in third party video calling apps.

I am aware, few smartphones by Samsung support video calling functionality.

Is it due to licencing or for another reason.

If video calling was supported by default 10 years ago and promoted at Barcelona Mobile Congress, so why today video calling in Android smartphones is not supported or disabled by 99% default.

I read a lot on this subject on the Internet but all I need is to have video calling enabled in my smartphones

and I can pay extra fee.

Let me know your opinion and solution ( not interested in third party apps supporting 3G video calling)

thank you

BTW

I was told (need to test it first) that Samsung 3G video calling enabled smartphone can video call my smartphone to enable 3G video calling on-the-fly, showing camera icon to click to pick up a call.

If this is the case, so in theory, any Android smartphone can support 3G video calling ( 3G connection established and paid by third party)

BTW2

I read related questions and answers one asked 8 years ago Questions regarding receiving 3G calls on my IDEOS

another asked 3 years ago How to video call

and still clear why no 3G video calling support on newer Android smartphones, since what is claimed: \ " what you are looking for is the operator backed 3G-324M solution that is available on most 3G phones (not including iPhone or Android). "

# Answer
This article on the history and future of mobile video telephony from 2010 covers the challenges of mobile video telephony at that time.

The author lists out the then existing landscape and practical issues regarding video call adoption. Perhaps more importantly is to what the author sees in the future:

> **What’s next?**
>
> We do have mobile video telephony, with all of its benefits and faults. But where are we going with it? The next step will be a migration of the service from circuit switching to packet switching – to become all-IP. This will require two major changes:
>
> Migration from WCDMA/HSPA to LTE, where an all-IP network will be the norm and network capacities and bandwidths allocated for each phone will increase. Replacement of 3G-324M with a different standard that runs over an IP network. Probably as part of IMS (IP Muiltimedia Subsystem). While Apple just came out with their front facing camera and FaceTime service on the iPhone, it is still quite limited: it runs over WiFi, only between iPhone 4 devices and uses a protocol that Apple plans to open. **For mobile video telephony to become a valid solution it needs to use an open standard, run everywhere and be interoperable across devices.**
>
> When will that happen? At the very least 8 years from now it will require the creation of the necessary ecosystem of companies who care. **The problem is that these companies are currently focused on providing the basics of the LTE infrastructure.** This requires them to rethink their voice and SMS technologies in initiatives such as VoLTE (Voice over LTE).

So

1. To get mobile video calling operators/carriers were mandating handsets support 3G-324M (a 3GPP specification), at least until the iPhone arrived.
2. Operators/carriers switched focus to providing the basics of LTE infrastructure.
3. Apple hasn't opened up Facetime
4. Android itself has no requirement to support the 3G-324M, and Android Compatibility Definition Document shows no support beyond standard audio and video codecs so any support would have to come from manufacturers or carriers building it in themselves.
5. In the US, AT&T and Verizon have announced end of 3G support, In Europe Vodafone has announced that 3G will be turned off throughout Europe between 2020 and 2021, and Deutsche Telekom plans to do the same in 2020 while in other regions/carriers it is still TBD.

So while older devices, like the Samsung mentioned had some type of 3G video calling support, should the associated carrier end 3G, support for 3G video calling will probably end as well, as the future lies with VoLTE which removed the circuit switch requirements.

If you are looking for older devices which does support 3G-324M, from: https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/android\_video\_calling

> The only modern smartphones known to implement 3G-324M video calling are the Samsung Galaxy range:
>
> * Samsung Galaxy S4 +s5 +s6
> * Samsung Galaxy S3
> * Samsung Galaxy S2
> * Samsung Galaxy Note
> * Samsung Galaxy S I9000

Note that the most recent device that appears to have supported 3G calling on a carrier like Telstra AU is the Samsung Galaxy S5 whose last official update is Android 6.0.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 3g, video-calling
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