# Question
Title: backing up system image before rooting: please help
I have a Samsung Galaxy S III i9300. On Windows 7 there is something called a recovery partition which contains a full compressed image of the operating system from which Windows 7 can be installed. On Android, instead, there is a recovery, which as I understand it is a partition with a full micro-operating system from which can be used to decompress an operating system from an image on the sdcard and make it the current operating system.

What I want to ask is. I want to root my device. For this, I can use Odin 3 and ChainFire. Once the device is rooted will I be able to go back and unroot the device? In order to do so I would like to save the program which reinstalls the android operating system from scratch. Where is this program. I want to back it up in case needed, I don't want to lose it or customize it.

I can see my image on sammobile.com, but the download is slow if you do not pay for the download, and I was unable to download the image.

If I install ClockworkMod as my recovery, I need to root the device first before installing ClockworkMod, so when ClockworkMod overwrites the recovery, the old recovery will be gone and I will only be able to restore the rooted version of the OS. Plus, I will not be able to reinstall the old recovery as once overwritten by ClockworkMod this old/original recovery will be gone. Is this correct? What if I want to back up the unrooted version of the OS?

Thanks.

# Answer
First, there is no such thing as a "full copy" of the system stored anywhere on the device, as it is with the Windows recovery partition you describe. Neither is there a "program which reinstalls the android operating system from scratch" stored on the device, so you could back that up (installation is always done via , which takes care of itself).

Second thing is a chicken-and-egg problem: in order to create a partition-image backup, you will need access -- so you cannot do that backup before your device is rooted (and a custom recovery is in place to provide the necessary tools). But then you no longer can backup the *original* state, as that has been altered by the rooting process (and custom recovery installation). So the only way to have the "real stock state" available is to download a stock image.

However, the rooting process itself is reversible (see the tag). And with a full stock installation archive (including the recovery and everything), you should be able to restore the "pre-rooting" state. Not having a Samsung device, I can however not tell about any flash-counters which would let Sammy know what "dirty work" you did in between...
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, rooting, backup, clockworkmod-recovery, unrooting
---


# Question
Title: Odin and ChainFire on Samsung Galaxy S III
I am using Odin and ChainFire on Samsung Galaxy S III i9300 to root it. This device is bootloader-unlocked and can be rooted with Odin and ChainFire. Could someone please explain in greater detail what the rooting procedure does to the system files, ie., which files are changed and how these files can be restored back to normal if needed? Also, how does a root app exploit the fact that the smartphone is rooted? Of course, it runs as root, but how does it tell the OS it is going to run as root?

Thanks.

# Answer
Rooting will add a few files to your system and will most likely remove the startup process that resets your recovery back to stock. The files it will usually add is the su binary, which is what will actually elevate your privileges, busybox, which will give you some basic command prompt commands, and a super user app, (usually either Superuser or SuperSU). Most stock ROMs have a file that is run during the bootup process that will reflash the stock recovery on every boot (for security). Most rooting processes will remove/rename/change this file to prevent your custom recovery from being overwritten.

Most rooting processes have easy ways to unroot. But essentially, you would just remove the files that it added and then flash your stock recovery back on the device. Many toolkits have an easy unroot option.

As to how an app can use root... when an app attempts to use the su binary, Superuser or SuperSU steps in and pops up a dialog asking you for permission to allow this app root access. You can approve or deny it and there is usually a checkbox asking if you want the Superuser/SuperSU app to remember your choice. An app is not able to get elevated privileges without you approving it through the Superuser/SuperSU app.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Can the Nexus 7 send and receive GSM texts and calls?
The Nexus 7 3G is out and I'm wondering whether Android 4.2 tablets are still data-only devices. Can I install a custom ROM or apk to this tablet so that I can send and receive GSM calls and text messages on it? If not, why not? What's missing?

**Added:** Nexus 7 3G has many hardware features of phones, but not all: It has gps, bluetooth, headphone jack, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, compass and nfc, but does not have a receiver (earpiece), haptic feedback (vibrate) or a rear camera. IF the 8"x5" tablet can be used as a phone, you won't look funny putting it against your ear because it has no earpiece.

**Added:** The question is about GSM calls and texting, not VOIP or SIP calls or tethering.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes and no. The hardware is capable of sending/receiving GSM calls and texts but there's no way to do with via the stock software. I doubt any after market app would do the trick either, as it appears that tweaks need to be made at the OS level.

There are a couple of devs working on this on XDA. There's no eta, but they *should* get it done in time. We can only wait.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025377

# Answer
> 0 votes
Technically there is no reason why the GSM Nexus 7 shouldn't be able to make & receive calls and send/receive SMS messages - it has all the right hardware.

I have AOKP ROM, which is a fork of the Cyanogenmod ROMs, on my non-GSM (Wi-Fi only) Nexus 7 and it comes bundled with the phone and messaging apps.

# Answer
> 0 votes
According to this article entitled **"How To Make / Receive Calls On Nexus 7 Using Google Voice"** published in August 2012:

The Nexus 7 is a very basic tablet that is meant for doing tasks like surfing the web, socializing on Facebook, Twitter, sending / receiving email, play games, video chat via Skype or Google Talk, etc. In other words, nothing to do with phone calls.

But, if you want to, there is a way to make your Nexus 7 handle phone calls. It’s not particularly straightforward as you will be required to set up multiple accounts and apps and even, in one part of the guide, modify an APK file, but if you take backups prior to strictly following the guide, you should do just fine.

The official thread is available from XDA Developers

In terms of sending texts to and from the Nexus 7, mySMS seems to do the job. (Google Play Store)

Alternatively The Mighty Text Tablet App maybe more suitable.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The easiest way to do this would be to use Google Voice.

# Answer
> -2 votes
You can use Handcent SMS for sending SMS on the Nexus 7 3G.

---
Tags: sms, calls, nexus-7, gsm
---


# Question
Title: How to Install ClockworkMod on Innos A35
I tried to install ClockworkMod via ROM manager. My device(Innos A35) wasn't listed, but I chose one that was on the list thinking that it would somehow get installed. There was a download, but when I reboot to recovery mode the old recovery software with only a few options is shown. I was thinking that rebooting to recovery mode would bring up something like this if ClockworkMod was properly installed. Can someone point to me what could be wrong? Or can someone tell me how to manually install ClockworkMod without using ROM Manager?

# Answer
Any recovery, be it ClockworkMod or TWRP, or others, **must** be specifically created for each device (or sometimes device family, if their hardware is similar enough) separately. Picking a random device off a list in ROM Manager will not work, and may even damage your phone.

Quick Google, XDA, and Rootzwiki searches don't bring up any relevant hits for "Innos A35" at all, so it's safe to assume that this device is not supported by any well-known recovery makers. This may be because the device is too new, or there simply is not enough interest in it from the Android developer community.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: installation, clockworkmod-recovery, rom-manager
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 7 with AOSP, what is missing from stock?
I would like to install AOSP version of Android OS on the Nexus 7. However, I am wondering what would I miss by doing so.

I know that by compiling the AOSP `android-4.2.2_r1`, I should get Android 4.2.2 that is pretty close to what is coming as the stock firmware images.

I know that I can get drivers for all the hardware Google. There even seem to be DRM drivers!

I know that I can transfer all the proprietary Google application packages from the stock firmware over to the AOSP firmware.

But, if I have done all this, am I still somehow short compared to the stock firmware that Google provides on the Nexus 7? I guess I do not get OTA updates to the firmware, but that is not a problem. I guess I should get normal updates to the proprietary Google application packages from Google Play. Are there some applications on Google Play that will not install on my phone if I am using AOSP? Is there something else that I have not thought of?

# Answer
So there are still some differences between the factory images and AOSP builds. Here are some of the differences I know:

* "Gesture Typing" feature is missing in AOSP builds as noted by JBQ here.
* "Photosphere" feature is missing in AOSP, as noted here.
* The various Google Apps don't come included with AOSP (Play Store, Gmail, Maps, Google Now, etc).

I'm sure you can hunt down more differences by going through threads in the 'android-building' mailing list. A last note on the differences by one of the gatekeepers of AOSP.

**Edit:**

Actually, I think you can easily compile a more thorough list of the differences between factory and AOSP images.

The following commands may be of use to you:

```
adb shell pm list packages
adb shell pm list libraries
adb shell pm list features
adb shell pm
adb shell am

```

There's more information regarding these commands at http://developer.android.com/tools/help/adb.html#pm

The following answers are added for posterity's sake, since they are somewhat related:

I didn't find much use out of them, but someone else may.

I'll add some comparisons between factory, AOSP, and CyanogenMod later. I'll be testing it on the `Nexus 7 (grouper)`, it may differ slightly for other devices.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The Nexus 7, like most of the previous Nexus devices Google has released or been involved with manufacturing, runs the same AOSP source code that you propose to compile and install yourself, with only the addition of Google proprietary apps and hardware device driver binaries (though these are often available separately or in the source tree).

There are basically two reasons to do this:

1. You are a developer *working on modifying the Android platform itself*.
2. A fix for a bug that seriously impacts you is available in a slightly newer version of the source and it's so serious that you can't wait for the fix to be released normally.

If neither of these applies to you, then you probably shouldn't bother.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, nexus-7, vanilla-android, open-source
---


# Question
Title: How do I view/mount nandroid file on device?
From Android's terminal, I tried to mount a nandroid img:

```
losetup -f

```

gives "/dev/loop0".

However, when I try `losetup /dev/loop0 /sdcard/nandroid/... data.img` it says no such directory. Same thing when I try to mount the file.

According to this it should be doable, but it seems there must be some trick to mounting it in Android? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop\_device

# Answer
I don't think you should need to use losetup, however, if you are using Android 4.2, the path to your sdcard may be the issue. In Android 4.2, that has been changed due to support for multiusers on tablets. You would likely need the full path rather than the "shortcut" that has been set up for simplicity by Android. That path would be `/storage/emulated/0/nandroid/...data.img`.

But, I believe Android will support mounting it directly with the mount command (it is what I have used a few times in Linux, although, I've never tried in Android).

`mount -o loop /storage/emulated/0/nandroid/...data.img /mnt/wherever`

Keep in mind, you will need to be root and the directory you want to mount it to needs to exist before you run the command. And when you do mount it, if you mount it over a directory that has content in it, it will prevent access to that content (it isn't gone, but unaccessible until it is unmounted).
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you don't insist to mount them directly into the local file system, but just to access their contents, you might want to take a look at Nandroid Browser:

> Nandroid Browser has a really simple purpose: Extract and use single files from your nandroid backups.
>
> * Browse your nandroid backups
> * Save files anywhere
> * Send files
> * Open Files
>
> Currently supports nandroid backups stored as yaffs2 images (.img) as wells as ext4 images (.ext4.tar).

A second candidate turned up after I found the first: Nandroid Manager:

> * View basic info about your nandroid backups.
> * Explore contents of nandroid backup.
> * Extract files from nandroid backups.

(more features listed).

Needless to say that those apps of course need root. But if you have a Nandroid backup, you surely will have root as well, right? :)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: shell, mount, nandroid
---


# Question
Title: How to unlock pattern on Nexus 4 [Developer Option: ON]
Even I have seen duplicated thread as in: Can not unlock my Android device as have no internet connection?

But Here's my situation:

1. I have wifi/data turned off.
2. I have the developer option turned on and my laptop does recognized the device with usb plugged in. (As I'm android developer)
3. I'm using unrooted Nexus 4 .

---

Is there any way of unlock the screen using adb way, i.e: turn on the wifi? If no luck I would probably go with hard reset.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Okay I finally got it solved using a developer way. :)

Here's my reference for my solution: Turn on wifi via self-made android applicaiton

Got the wifi the moment I compiled into my Nexus phone, and volla! It works and I got my phone back after login through Google account!

I hoped this thread might helped people who came across this problem as a developer.

---
Tags: lock-screens, nexus-4
---


# Question
Title: What does a streaming application do when I switch from mobile data to wifi?
If I am watching/listening to streamed video/audio whilst on mobile data and then become connected to a wireless network, what does my phone do?

Does it keep streaming through mobile data or does it switch to wireless? Or is this something that's different across different applications.

My phone is a Galaxy S3, running Jellybean stock.

# Answer
Usually recent versions of Android Handles these network switching automatically. When you are connected to WIFI, Your content would be streamed via WIFI connection .You can confirm this The mobile network symbol - H/H+/E/4g would not be available in the status bar of the mobile.

Usually, Android manages WIFI and Mobile network automatically, I.e., when both WIFI and Mobile Internet is enabled and If WIFI is avaialble, Mobile internet is not used. When u leave the WIFI network, you would get connected via Mobile data. Hope this helps :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: streaming
---


# Question
Title: "Application has stopped unexpectedly" error when starting Play Store or browser. How to fix?
How to fix the `application Google Services Framework (process com.google.process.gapps) has stopped unexpectedly` error? It's showing like 10,000 times and I can't get into the Play Store or the browser.

# Answer
I find that rebooting and clearing the cache will sometimes clear the app from stopping. If that doesn't work, then I uninstall the app and re-install the app back later.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: system-error, google-apps
---


# Question
Title: How to clean up related files from deleted apps?
AppCleaner will delete related files from the Mac when an application is dragged to the trash. How does one clean up remains of uninstalled apps on Android?

# Answer
You might want to take a look at SD Maid. This app requires root for full functionality. This "cleaning made" takes care for multiple remains: a "corpse finder" checks for what an uninstalled app might have left, the "system cleaner" scans the devices known directories with unnecessary files. You can check for the biggest files on your device to free up space, and even optimize and shrink bloated databases to speed up access and free space.

The app includes a file manager, and also allows you to search for files.

<sup>*SD MAID* Corpse Finder and System Cleaner (source: Google Play; click images for larger variant)</sup>

**Edit:** For more details and discussion, you might want to visit the app's thread at XDA :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: Chinese songs don't show up in Apollo library
I have some Chinese songs on my LG Optimus G, which I copied to my music folder along with the rest of the songs. All songs show up in Apollo (Cyanogenmod's standard player), but not the Chinese ones.

I have tried changing the filenames to western alphabet. I have put them in a folder with a name in western alphabet. I have refreshed the media library. I have rebooted. I have deleted the data from Apollo. Yet to no avail. The only thing I've not changed is the MP3 Tag which contains Chinese characters, but that really shouldn't be a problem. I can open each individual song with Apollo from within a file manager, and they play and their MP3 Tag information shows.

The songs played perfectly before I made the move to Cyanogenmod.

How can I make them show up in the library?

# Answer
I am using CM10.1 with my S2. I have Chinese songs (with Chinese text), and can play them on Apollo.

Your player probably can't see the files. Try to re-scan them using the Rescan SD Card app.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, music
---


title: Does the Nexus 4 have 4G?

text:
# Question
Title: Does the Nexus 4 have 4G?
I know it doesn't have LTE, but what about the 4G networks of other carriers?
If I happen to buy one, will I be able to use it T-Mobile's *"4G"* HSPA+ network?

# Answer
Yes, it has HSPA+ which is what T-Mobile's "4G" actually stands for.

This article on AndroidAuthority should help you understanding why it doesn't have LTE.
> 5 votes

# Answer
It appears the Nexus 4 does have an LTE Chip, but its not enabled. Here's a post to get it working: http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/23/how-to-enable-4g-lte-on-the-google-nexus-4/ I've seen a fair amount of Youtube videos of people enabling it and testing it.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 3g, 4g, nexus-4
---


title: How to open a securedownload.bin file?

text:
# Question
Title: How to open a securedownload.bin file?
I have an android tablet, which I don't know what version it is. I want to ask how can I open a securedownload.bin file? I'd downloaded it from an email attach, and I want to put it in other file in the tablet. And, how can I view a .rar file? Thank you.

# Answer
Quoting from another answer:

> The `securedownload.bin` file is from your email app trying to download/save an attachment. The app creates this file (no matter what the actual name of your attachment is) whenever you try to view or save the attachment.

So you first need to figure out how the file was originally named and rename it accordingly. Then you can tell from the file name what app may be suiting to open it.

As for `.rar` handling, simply search for "rar" on Google Play, which turns up tons of fitting apps right on the first result page, which can deal with `.rar`, `.zip`, and other archive files (e.g. B1 Free Archiver zip rar unzip or AndroZip File Manager).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: files
---


# Question
Title: Change Grid Size of Home Page without rooting phone?
Is it possible to change the grid size of the home page using Jelly Bean 4.2.2 without rooting phone ?

# Answer
There are two ways known to me how this could be achieved:

### Using a launcher which supports this

There are several launchers available on Google Play which let you configure the grid size of your homescreen as well as of your app drawer. One of those is Apex Launcher, which I use myself. Another example is GO Launcher EX, which I run on another device. I'm pretty sure a load of other launchers does this as well.

**EDIT:** Holy whatever. If that's not enough, take a look at Lighning Launcher. Grid size? What grid? Who needs a grid? Icon size, font size, orientation -- feel free to ***design*** your own homescreen! And now, for the size of the package. Sitting? 200 kB (still looking for the hook), working with Android 1.6 and up. Truly AMAZING!

Ah, and what comes below: Multi-whatever is already included. Widgets in folders? No problem, either... Well, that bunch of features must need permis... what? Only USB-Storage? Can't believe... I just sent it to one of my devices to take a closer look :)

### Using "Multi-Widgets"

There are some sort of "widget expanders" out there, which pick 4 (or more) widgets and combine them into one "compressed widget". One example for this group is Multicon Widget.

### Zoom

And then there's Zoom, from the dev of Tasker (with which it even integrates). According to its description, this also should be an option:

> Unique on any computer: design your own homescreen widgets to do whatever you like!
>
> Position, size and overlay elements in the drag-and-drop editor. Two views: full-zoom for easier editing, actual-size for previewing.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, 4.2-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


title: how to fake my personal information

text:
# Question
Title: how to fake my personal information
I downloaded a game from Google Play. In the permission page, I noticed that it asks for my personal information.

```
Allow this application to:
Your personal information read sensitive log data.

```

Why in the world a game needs my personal information to run? so I decided not to install it. However, I really want to play this game. My question is this, is there any way to fake my personal information so developer of the game can not be able to reach my info?

```
My Android version   : 4.0.2
Model number         : GT-N7000
Baseband version     : N7000XXLB2

```

# Answer
> 4 votes
Summing up from the comments on the question itself, so it doesn't "get lost":

As ce4 pointed out: The `READ_LOGS` permission requested by the app grants it access to the system logs, which *might* include sensitive information logged by *other* apps (also system apps). **However note,** that this specific problem has been adressed by Google with Jelly Bean onwards (apps can only read *their very own logs*, and not everything in the log since then). So the `READ_LOGS` permission on Android 4.1+ is safe. You can install the app without fear on Jelly Bean devices (but not ICS and below).

### PDroid

If one has *CyanogenMod* (or a compatible ROM) installed, there's the option to use *PDroid* in one of its incarnations. Visit the *XDA-Developers* for information on...

* The OpenPDroid AutoPatcher, working on Linux, MacOSX, and meanwhile also Windows. With this tool you can patch a ROM image so it will contain the PDroid functionality.
* The OpenPDroid project. This thread gives you detailed information on what OpenPDroid is, what it does, what features it includes, and more.
* PDroid 2.0, which now also offers support for stock ROMs. Tons of screenshots there, for sure an interesting read!

Still, PDroid is nothing for Android newbies to install -- it's not like just picking an `.apk` and go. All PDroid incarnations require you to patch an existing ROM image file, which you then must flash to your device. So no easy-go.

### LBE

LBE Privacy Guard, on the other hand, can just be installed straight from the playstore **if you run Android 4.0 or *below***. There are issues with JellyBean like e.g. boot-loops, so **do not install the playstore version on JellyBean devices!** At least not if it was not updated May 2013 or later. You have been warned!

For JellyBean users, again XDA is a good source: some busy members took care to translate the Chinese LBE安全大师 (*LBE Security Master*) to different languages. The thread can be found here, and this version does not boot-loop JellyBean.

### XPrivacy

XPrivacy is pretty new in this area (I just discovered it recently, after I wrote this answer -- so I felt the need to update it). As with the other mentioned solutions, it requires a rooted device. In order to install the app, you also need a Custom Recovery such as e.g. or . *XPrivacy* is based on the Xposed-Framework, so you will need that as well. Requiring Android 4.1 or higher, this seems a nice option for those having used *LBE Privacy Guard* before, and don't want to use the overloaded *LBE Security Master* on JellyBean.

From its behavior it's comparable to *LBE*: on a per-app basis, permissions can be set separately. In most cases, if you "revoke" a permission, "fake data" will be served instead -- with two exceptions, where this seems not to be possible (internet and external storage). More details can be found on the project page.

## CyanogenMod, Paranoid Android, & Co. with *Privacy Guard*

CM 10.1 nightlies and onwards of *CyanogenMod* as well as *Paranoid Android* already ship with a Privacy Guard, which lets you define what apps should be placed into "incognito mode". While that's better than nothing, it's just an on/off switch: either the app is put into "incognito", or it is not. No selective withdrawal of permissions here.

## Android 4.3+ *App-Ops*

With Android 4.3, Google finally introduced a kind of "permission manager". In 4.3, it's still hidden, but can easily be made available: App-Ops allow you a fine grained control over your privacy, almost similar to what *PDroid*, *LBE*, and *XPrivacy* provide. But just almost: not all permissions can be revoked here (e.g. network/internet access cannot).

# Answer
> 2 votes
Log Data can't be faked without root and doing that would be a painful waste of time. All phones pre 4.1 that app can access a list of everything the phone has been doing (after you install 4.1 it can only access what it has been doing itself). You will have to trust the maker of the game to not use any logs maliciously currently or you can try and use this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1923576. I would recommend trusting the app or uninstalling it.

If you still want to play the game and be sure no one is getting your logs, you can play in aeroplane mode and then uninstall the app before you take it off aeroplane mode.

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


# Question
Title: Mount a folder from external sd as /data
How do I mount `/mnt/sdcard/data` as `/data`. Right now the `/data` has its own partition but it's too small (~500mb) and I would much rather give it more space than move apps and other things to my SD card.

My device is Micromax Canvas 2 A110.

It has a ~2GB internal sd card mounted at `/mnt/sdcard2`
and an external one at `/mnt/sdcard` and `/sdcard`
(I'm on some custom rom that switches internal and external default mount points like that)

I don't know what filesystem those are in.

# Answer
> 4 votes
This is the way to have `/data` on the SD Card directory:

1. Copy all `/data` to the SD card directory: `/mnt/sdcard/data`
2. Delete `/data`
3. Create a symlink that points to the SD: `ln -s /mnt/sdcard/data /data`

The main problem is that `/data` could be EXT2/3/4 partition, while the SD Card is FAT32. The best thing to achieve what you want is to create an extra partition on the SD Card as EXT2/3/4 filesystem. Then you can link the directory `/data` with the partition.

When the phone restarts, it will mount the data partition more or less like this:

```
mount <args> /dev/block/mmcblk0p2 /data

```

Since `/data` is pointing now to `/mnt/sdcard/data`, the above command is equivalent to this one:

```
mount <args> /dev/block/mmcblk0p2 /mnt/sdcard/data

```

So in the end, we would have our data partition mounted in the SD card. Again, it should be in a separate partition, so we have the SD card as FAT and the extra partition as EXT2/3/4 so it won't fail when it mounts due to the filesystem.

If you want a more elegant solution, you can try any of the *XDA Developers App2SD* scripts, they let you achieve the same but without symlinking (it will mount it and bind it to `/data`). You will only need a Custom Recovery to be able to flash them. You can check them here.

# Answer
> -1 votes
i had the same problem and my external sd card was in extsd, /mnt/extsd, and the one inside the tablet was in /mnt/sdcard.

I spend 3 hours to figure this out.

Hope this helps someone. Thanks

---
Tags: external-sd, mount, micromax-a110
---


# Question
Title: Is there way to switch between proxy settings on ICS?
I have an Xperia S running 4.0.4. I often need to switch to a proxy for accessing a test server. I can do this fine by modifying my Wifi connection, selecting to show advanced options and then entering the proxy information manually.

The problem is that if I then need to disable the proxy, ICS 'forgets' the settings so I have to enter them manually each time. I need the proxy to work with Adobe Edge Inspect and so browser-specific proxy options are not the answer.

Is there a reputable third-party app which will let me switch between proxies for the current network connection?

# Answer
Just try ProxyDroid

This app need root permission and IPTABLES support.

It's a full feature proxy application including support for HTTP/Socks proxy types, global/individual proxy mode, multiple profiles.

Binding configuration to WIFI's ssid or mobile connection is also supported.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There is an app which is perfect for your situation

> Wifi Manager

You can also try Proxy Server Pro

*Note: These apps do not ask for root permissions. But if you're supposed to have root permission, which you don't in your stock ROM, you may want to unlock the bootloader to have root access. See this for rooting details.*
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, wi-fi, settings, proxy, sony-xperia-s
---


title: Password unlock and access to widgets?

text:
# Question
Title: Password unlock and access to widgets?
So I just realised that having a Swipe unlock allows you to have widgets and access to the camera etc. But whenever I put a password, these features are gone.

Is there a way I can allow for a swipe feature along with widgets etc, but then ask for a password ??

For example: A password lock app that I can safely use instead of the phone's password lock, then use the phone's swipe to unlock feature and have the password app prompt before action continues ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
```
 Lock screen is probably the most discussed topic since release of jellybeans.

```

Well currently there is only one solution to yours problem if device is not rooted. install another lock screen which will provide you that slider shortcuts and which will then be followed by stock lock screen with pin/password. one software is widget locker available in market. however this will be a waste of memory using dual lock screens.

```
 Alternatively I'm looking for a solution for a rooted device. I will post once found.

```

Most custom roms comes with this feature as stock like AOKP and MIUI.

---
Tags: lock-screens, 4.2-jelly-bean, app-widgets, password, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: How does the Asus transformer keyboard dock work?
From a software and hardware standpoint, what kind of interface does the keyboard use? I'm guessing it's not just a usb-hid interface, or if it is there's something special for the special keys.

If I were to make my own device like that, say based on an Android sbc, what would I have to do to replicate it?

# Answer
It appears to be an I2C interface. According to this post on xda-developers `asusdec` is the name of the keyboard dock device. When I `cat /proc/bus/input/devices` on my Transformer, this is what it says about `asusdec`:

```
I: Bus=0000 Vendor=0000 Product=0000 Version=0000
N: Name="asusdec"
P: Phys=/dev/input/asusdec
S: Sysfs=/devices/platform/tegra-i2c.1/i2c-1/1-0019/input/input15
U: Uniq=
H: Handlers=sysrq event3
B: PROP=0
B: EV=20003
B: KEY=3fffff ffffffff ffffffff ffffffff ffffffff ffffffff ffffffff fffffffe
B: LED=2

```

Also, `ps` shows a `com.asus.keyboard` process running as `system`. That's an Android process. I'm not sure how exactly it's getting the input from the keyboard, though. I assume it has sufficient permissions to open the device for reading and converts the incoming keycodes to Android events.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: hardware, asus-eee-pad-transformer
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy Note 10.1, does not recognize finger touch
I have a Galaxy Note 10.1, It suddenly stopped (when switched on) finger touch detection, but works with normally with S Pen. I tried Factory resetting but still it does not detect finger touch... I tried to find any setting regarding finger touch but I couldn't. Is there a way to fix this?

# Answer
Go to `settings`, then `language` and `input`, then `Samsung keyboard settings`, then `handwriting`, then `recognition time`. Try changing it and then try touching. Sometimes this could solve. Also try touching the 4 corners.
> 1 votes

# Answer
This video describes an issue that could be related to your problem.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Let it run dead to the point where it won't turn on, charge it till full (without using it at all) turn it back on and it should. Be fine. Happened to me. :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: touchscreen, samsung-galaxy-note-10.1
---


# Question
Title: Why is "Samsung Push Service" using so much of my battery?
Looking at the battery usage summary on my Galaxy Ace Plus (GT-S7500), I found that "Samsung Push Service" (v1.0.4) has used 29% of my battery. I'm having problems with the battery not lasting very long (about 1 day mostly on standby), so anything that extends the time a charge lasts will be valuable.

What does the "Samsung Push Service" do? Should I uninstall it (I never chose to install it, so it must have been on the phone to start with), or is there another way to reduce it's battery usage?

Edit: When drilling down into the Samsung Push Service from battery usage, I see that is keeping my phone permanently awake. This doesn't seem sensible!

# Answer
I couldn't stop it (or do anything at all) from Settings -\> Applications -\> Manage Applications -\> All -\> Samsung Push Service.

I opened "Samsung Apps" and it prompted me to upgrade. After that had completed, I went to Settings -\> About Phone -\> Battery Usage -\> Samsung Push Service and chose Force Stop, as it still seemed to be running heavily.

Upon powering the phone off and on, the App started up again, but no longer keeps the phone awake. I see it's now running version 1.1.4, which may have fixed the problem?
> 0 votes

# Answer
I accidentally downloaded the Push Service and, as I haven't a clue what it is for, I followed the instructions in this forum and it seems to have uninstalled. Possibly, I'm mistaken but it is worth a try.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery-life, samsung-galaxy-ace-plus
---


title: Low FPS after JellyBean Upgrade

text:
# Question
Title: Low FPS after JellyBean Upgrade
I bought a Sony Xperia P four months ago. It came with Gingerbread, but was upgradable to ICS. I upgraded it as soon as I got the chance. It was working excellent after the upgrade and didn't give me any chance to complain(except battery consumption).

Yesterday I updated the phone to JellyBean(4.1.2), which was just rolled out. And the phone became laggy like any 3 year old phone. I haven't changed any apps, just updated it. And now after more than 12 hours and 5-8 reboots, it's still laggy. I am getting FPS as low as 5 and it's sometimes crashing the apps too. I've read on some forum, that very few people faced the same problem.

How can I make it run fast again? Or if there's no other way than can I go back to ICS?

# Answer
Well I think I panicked too soon. It was slow because it needs to sync and index all the media files and may be some other sync. I found it out from one of my friends and also experienced it after seeing my media files (video, music etc.) getting added to the list one by one. When I upgraded to ICS there was no media in my device, so it was ready with full performance. And since my phone is overflowing with media now, it was taking some time and running the media sync in the background.

So if you're facing the same problem, just give it a day or two to sync completely, before you try factory reset or downgrade.

PS: I've contacted Sony's customer care and they said that a downgrade can be done at any Sony service center without any charge. Just FYI.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, crashes
---


# Question
Title: Can a 3rd party app *technically* take better pictures?
I've seen in several forums that some phones have very good cameras and the photos taken are compressed too much and the details are lost.

I was wondering whether a 3rd party application (forgetting the post processing done by the application) have access to the full resolution image without any compression.

So can another application access the raw data from the camera or all applications gets the same raw data when they access the camera?

# Answer
Yes, the interface that applications use to access the camera does offer the raw image data to the application, so a 3rd party app *can* offer more control over image compression, white balance, and so on.

In addition, many quality improvements are achievable through software alone, whether by controlling the camera better or post-processing. Examples commonly found on compact cameras include taking several frames in quick succession and automatically choosing the sharpest, better choosing autofocus targets, blending multiple exposures, filtering to remove artifacts of the lens construction, …
> 5 votes

---
Tags: camera, photos
---


# Question
Title: How do I get play store to stop asking me to auto-update on wifi?
I have an Acer Iconia A200 running Android 4.0.3. Lately whenever I update an app, the Play Store asks me (via a pop-up dialog) if I want to automatically update apps on Wi-Fi. The only answers I can give are 'yes' and 'not now'.

What I really want is 'No, and don't ask again', because I happen to like being involved in updates.

In Play Store-\>settings-\>auto update, automatic update is turned off, and has no setting for 'Wi-Fi only'.

Is there any way to turn this annoying message off? I'm very afraid I'm going accidentally answer yes one day and thus lose control of my updates.

Updated: Play store says build 4.0.27 in it's 'Build Version' in the play store settings.

Updated again: It's back. The exact message is 'Update Apps automatically when on Wi-Fi?' and the two options to the dialog are 'Not now' and 'OK'. Interestingly this happened when I updated 'GOdroid' directly from the page, but did NOT happen when I updated 5 other apps at once later that day. I'm wondering if it's only asking once per app or something?

# Answer
I have since been updated to 4.0.27 and although I got prompted after my first app update as to whether I want to auto-update next time (no mention of Wi-Fi though, although I suspect this is dependent on your settings) to which I responded "Not Now", I have not been prompted since in subsequent updates for other apps.

> In Play Store-\>settings-\>auto update, automatic update is turned off, and has no setting for 'wi-fi only'.

In version 4.0.27 there should still be a 'Wi-Fi only' setting, although it is now (hidden) under the "Auto-update apps" sub menu. In Settings, *tap* the "Auto-update apps" option:

**Update 2013-05-11:** I've had quite a few updates for various apps over the past week and not been re-prompted to *auto-update next time* \- that is, until today. Today I got prompted, to which I tapped "Not Now" again. I have not been re-prompted since. Perhaps it prompts once a week or every so many updates?
> 3 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: Use Samsung-type page swipe animation without installing launcher
I'm a new convert from iOS to Android.

I really like the Samsung type animations when you swipe left or right from one home screen to another (i.e. the 3D box rotate). But I don't have a Samsung, and was wondering if there was an app I can use to do that on my device without installing a launcher. I really like my phone's look so I don't want to use a launcher.

# Answer
You can try to find a launcher similar to the stock one. You should know that the launcher only changes the look of the homescreens and app drawer. They can also be customized pretty much.
> 1 votes

# Answer
That doesn't seem to be possible. AFAIK, transition effects are tied to the launcher.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, launcher, htc
---


# Question
Title: Finding data created by a certain application?
I'm looking for the data-store of a certain application so I can take backups of some files that are important to me. Connecting the phone to my computer and browsing the file-system I get revealed a surprisingly empty file-system.

Is the a generic way of locating data created by a certain application on the phone? Since Android tracks the storage use on a per-application basis, I assume there is a register somewhere, but I don't know where to look.

# Answer
Android can't/doesn't keep track of arbitrary data created on the SD card. If you're looking for regular app data such as settings, it's located at `/data/data/qualified-app-name` where the name is something like `com.rovio.angrybirds` for Angry Birds, for example.

As eldarerathis notes you'll need to be root to view the data partition; it's protected to prevent malicious apps from stealing your data (etc.).
> 3 votes

# Answer
just go to sd card and find the file android and keywords that you have in your app then connect your android device to your system and back up that file thats all \[NOTE: Some deivces does support this function.\]
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-system, file-management
---


# Question
Title: Can a thief unlock my stolen phone that is secured with a pattern?
I've lost my phone recently and it's got a pattern lock on it. I've also reported the phone as stolen, so it's been barred. Would it be possible for a thief to unlock it?

# Answer
> 4 votes
It is very possible for someone to unlock it, especially with the right skills.

Here is what I don't like about pattern unlocks:

I once sat next to someone at school who wiped his 'friends' phone screen off, and then waited for him to unlock it. He then stole it and looked at the smudge on the screen to get the unlock pattern. In my personal experience, number combinations are a lot safer than patterns.

Now lets say that you had a really good unlock pattern that was really long that nobody could just brute force hack. Then your data is still a little bit more protected, but you can still get into it. All somebody has to do to get your data off of your phone is to root it and then they have access to everything.

If I were you I wouldn't be very worried. Your phone doesn't (or at least shouldn't) have credit card info stored on it. If you use a credit card for google play, then it is stored (and encrypted) on a google server. Basically if someone were to 'hack' your phone here is what they could look at:

* Text Messages
* Emails from accounts synched with phone
* Pictures
* Videos
* Music
* Google Calendar
* Phone specific settings (IMEI ect.)

## Here is what I would do

I would go to my cell phone carrier and tell them to deactivate my sim card and (if possible) deactivate the phone. I know there are some carriers in Europe that can actually wipe the phone completely. See if theft is covered by your carrier's warranty (it usually isn't but its worth a shot). Then get a new Android powered device and move on.

If I were you I wouldn't worry about the data on your phone. I don't think anyone would take the time to go through all of your stuff on your phone because to you it's important but to them it's junk.

You can try some simple Android apps like:

Lost Droid Finder \- Apparently you can remote-install this app to your phone and it will help you find it. I've never tried it but maybe its worth a go.

Wheres My Droid \- This app is similar to the last one. What I like about this one is it can wipe almost anything on the phone (SMS, Pictures and even the SD card). It can also remotely lock your phone if you didn't already have a password on it.

Both of these apps are free. It's better to prepare for something like this before it happens, so if you are a person who frequently loses their phone, these apps might be something you might want to have just in case.

So to directly answer your question:

> Would it be possible for a thief to unlock \[my phone\]?

Yes, will they? Probably not. They will probably just factory reset it and just do what they do.

Hope this helped you out!

---
Tags: lock-screens, storage, restore, lost-phone, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S3 Providing Audible Voicemail Notifications and Alarm reads the time out loud
My Galaxy S3 just started notifying me of voicemails by stating out loud that I had a new voicemail. In addition, the alarm now states the time out loud as it plays the normal alarm music.

I have checked and the Driving Mode is turned OFF and the alarm is set for melody.

I receive no voice alerts for new emails, texts or incoming calls.

Please advise.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same on my galaxy 4. Eventually I called AT&T and they fixed it on their end.

---
Tags: notifications, alarm, text-to-speech
---


# Question
Title: Reply to an SMS and send it to someone else
Sometimes when I reply to an SMS, I also want to send that same SMS to another person. On my previous non-android phones this was easy, every SMS was a single message, as opposed to the threads in Android. I could just add another receiver there.

When I answer an SMS in Android, I do not have the option to add another receiver. Is there any workaround?

(Android 2.3 on a Samsung Galaxy Gio)

# Answer
You could long-tap the message, select "Copy message text", then paste that into the input field of a thread with the new recipient.
> 5 votes

# Answer
**Works in 2.3.6**

*I have 2.3.6 version (galaxy y). I am not sure if this works in 2.3 alone but this answer could help others as this (text forwarding) is tricky in android which you won't find any menu options directly.*

Even I had trouble forwarding initially but I found the actual answer from Hedgeterimmer's answer.

Long tap the message text (message options menu appears) Scroll down the menu and look for forward option (button) and that's what you wanted
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms
---


title: Yellow tint on S4's screen

text:
# Question
Title: Yellow tint on S4's screen
The phone's screen has an annoying yellow tint. Is there any app that can fix gamma correction ? Or shall I return the phone and get another one ? Anyone else has this ?

This picture is from XDA-Developers and explains my problem :

# Answer
> 1 votes
This sounds reminiscent of a "feature" that's present on the S III. Try going into the **Settings**. In the **Device** section, click **Display**, then in the **Screen** section, click **Screen mode**. You probably want to change it from **Dynamic** to **Standard**.

(Some of these things might be named differently on the S4, in which case please edit the new names into this answer.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Is this similar to the yellow tint issue with the S2 before? Then, it's probably a hardware issue.
Related post: What to check when buying a used device

In the link you gave, I would think that Light\_Addict's issue is hardware-related. See if your shop will replace it. Try to compare it with other existing phones of the same model, using the same setting; you might want to do a factory reset so they'll believe you there's a difference in color.

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, screen, hardware, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: WebRTC in Android mobile phone how to get?
I have brand new Samsung Galaxy S2 / S3 / S4. There i installed firefox/ firefox beta, chrome, chrome beta.

And tried webRTC but it fails, all tried but this WebRTC does not work then i installed Bowser browser still no luck.

Then how do i use this webRTC Please, i have seen some sites that webRTC is working in some mobiles already.

# Answer
According to their bug tracker, WebRTC is currently broken on Firefox Android. You can get audio or video, but not both, and attempting to get both results in your getting neither.

As for Chrome Android, it's only in the beta (M25 and later) and is disabled by default. To enable it, type `chrome://flags` into the url bar, then scroll down and find the "Enable WebRTC" checkbox and check it. It'll then prompt you to restart the browser.

Note that WebRTC in Chrome is really beta, not "Google beta" and has some issues, such as;

> 1. Audio sounds choppy and warbled especially on devices where the CPU is heavily loaded
> 2. Acoustic echo cancellation on mobile platforms is not working well
> 3. Chroma components received from the Galaxy S3 camera drivers are swapped (colors look inverted)
> 4. DTLS via OpenSSL on Android fails and needs to be disabled
> 5. General stability and complexity issues

Another note, neither of these browsers quite follows the standard, so the people who are writing the sites need to be adapting for the browsers eccentricities and if they aren't being throughout, it will work on one browser, but not the other.
> 3 votes

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


# Question
Title: Why does Spotify say that there is no Internet connection available when there is one (Samsung Galaxy S)?
When I start the Spotify Android app from my Samsung Galaxy 1 it seems that the internet connection is not working:

What can I do to resolve this?

# Answer
Lucky for you, I am a super user on the Spotify community.

First, you need to wipe the data for the Spotify app, and then re login.

Once this has done, it may take a few seconds for the app to recognise the Internet connection.

If that fails to work, reinstall the app, and login again.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I just went through the same issue. Definitely solved now.

At first I had a very bad connection speed even on H+ or 3G. On spotify app the "bad connection" problem turned to "no connection" so I decided to investigate.

The problem was my network AP which was configured over "WAP" which is not a real full featured Internet connection. So I had to switch to the good AP (I've had to create a new one).

I did so on Android ICS like this :

1. went to : Settings \> More... (Wireless and network) \> Mobile Networks \> Access Point Names
2. Switch my AP : I only had "WAP" and "MMS". None of these two are recommended for spotify app which doesn't use HTTP protocol to stream data. So I created a new one named "Internet" and filled in the settings page with informations found on my network provider support page (I am in France so my settings won't be suitable for you)

Now spotify works great + I have a new blasting Internet connection for all the other apps !!!

Hope it helps
> 3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, connection-issues, spotify
---


# Question
Title: Display screen keeps waking up when locked
When I lock my Samsung Galaxy Nexus by pushing the power button, my phone's screen darkens for a few seconds, then keeps staying awake with the lock screen displayed. This keeps eating away at my battery life. This started happening only recently. Why does it happen?

# Answer
> 9 votes
It seems like others have had this problem as well:

It is a bug in Android 4.2, specifically with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. I imagine you recently updated your phone, which is why it has only been occurring as of late.

It looks like the cause is from app notifications being pushed to the device and waking it up. Here are some common apps that have been known to cause this problem:

* WeChat
* Sleep Mode apps
* MX Player
* DropSync

Disabling auto-sync has also been known to solve this problem:

> settings\> data usage\> and disable auto sync and restrict background data

Some people have also had success just doing a factory reset.

A lot of people have had a lot of success getting rid of this problem by reverting back to 4.1.2.

Others have followed this approach and had a lot of success:

> I *had* this same problem and I tried disabling apps, uninstalling apps, and factory resetting all with no success. What fixed it for me was taking a very small flat-head screwdriver and gently bending the pins of the micro USB connector up (towards the screen side).
> Over time and through usage, those pins got bent downward, away from the screen side. I think this created some kind of electrical short. I tried this because when the phone was plugged in, the screen stayed asleep.
> My GNex is now working perfectly again. I hope this helps someone!

---

> *HOW TO FIX PROBLEM*
> The problem is that the hooks inside your charging port are too close to the bottom. Therefore with a small knife or needle, life the middle part up nearer to the screen and Voila! Your problem should be fixed. Its not the software. Its the hardware .

This seems to be a very weird problem with a lot of different causes. Some people have had success with removing or modifying the software, other people think that it's the pin problem. If you get any of these solutions to work, let me know. Hope this helps!

John

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, battery-life, screen
---


# Question
Title: How do I have my Galaxy S3 automatically switch into Driving Mode when I am moving in a car?
It seems like I read something about how to do this once, but now I can't find it. I thought it was a feature of On{x}, but it doesn't look like the *Galaxy S3* **Driving Mode** is exposed through their API.

What I want is for my phone to automatically switch into **Driving Mode** when it detects I am moving faster than a certain speed (doesn't need to be immediate), and then when I am moving below that threshold switch back (again, after about a minute).

# Answer
How about using NFC to tell the phone that it should switch itself to driving mode when inserted into the cradle? You can get nfc stickers for few euro/pounds on ebay..., put one to the back of the cradle, setup your phone and off you go :-) That probably isn't what you're looking for but still, it's nice and elegant solution ;-)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, automation, driving-mode
---


# Question
Title: How to move application to SD card in samsung galaxy s3 mini?
How can I move apps to memory card in Samsung galaxy S3 mini, I am using Android OS version - 4.1.2

App2SD is not working.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Starting with about ICS (Android 4.0), not all devices do support App2SD anymore (for reference, see also: How to move application to SD card in samsung galaxy s duos; the *Galaxy S Duos* and *LG Optimus 4X* are two of those devices -- looks like your *Galaxy S3 Mini* is another candidate, if the "Move to..." option is not there at all).

This is, however, not the fault of Android; it's rather the manufacturers/ROM bakers who decided such: Whatever their support might say (and at least LG support blames Android 4.x not being able to do App2SD), Android 4.x itself can deal fine with App2SD, as plenty of devices prove.

As for a possible alternative, you might want to check move app to sd card, which suggests a.o. Link2SD. Note, however, that root is a pre-condition for this app.

---
Tags: app2sd, samsung-galaxy-s-3-mini
---


# Question
Title: Memory reported as full without being full
I am having storage issues with my Samsung Galaxy S Duos. I solved it by moving apps from phone memory to the SD card, so now 1.2 GB of internal space is free. However, it still tells me that I have insufficient storage for apps.

I found that there are 94 MB of cache files there, but even if that's the case I should still have plenty of free space. Why does my phone still think that the internal storage is full?

# Answer
See What can I do to manage my phone's internal storage? and install the app DiskUsage. On my phone, it made clear that the system itself takes up 1.2 GB, while this is not shown in the overview (settings \> storage).

A possible explanation for why you get a message that internal storage is full, is that Android always keeps up free space equal to the size of the largest app you installed. So if you install the XyzApp that takes up 100MB, android wants 100MB free disk space in case it needs to update and download the new version.

You can try to move as many apps as possible to your external sdcard. That frees up space, and if by accident the biggest app can be moved, android will need less free space.

Hope this helps!

(And thanks to Izzy!)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: insufficient-memory, samsung-galaxy-s-duos
---


title: Screen locks itself after call

text:
# Question
Title: Screen locks itself after call
I have a Samsung Galaxy SII GT-9100 with Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 XXLS8. I am using a PIN for my screen lock. If I make a call while my phone is unlocked, when the call is ended the screen goes to the lock. It is really annoying. How can I fix this?

# Answer
This is a general problem with all Android phones. Best way to solve this problem is `On Call End` program. It provides user to select following actions to take after a call:

* Do nothing
* Go to phone Home screen
* Go to phone Dialer
* Vibrate
* Show a toast message with the call duration. Outgoing call duration includes the ringing time.

You can install `On Call End` from here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brosix.callend&hl=tr
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try disconnecting the call before the other side hangs up.

I've noticed a similar behavior in ICS 4.0, where if I disconnect the call first the phone does not lock.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, lock-screens, calls
---


title: Bluetooth car audio with track data

text:
# Question
Title: Bluetooth car audio with track data
I have a Droid 3 and a 2012 Toyota Camry which offers bluetooth support. Currently I find the only app that will display track information on the screen of the Camry's stereo is the default Android music player. Winamp and others don't seem able to do this.

Is this a limitation of Android? Or are there other apps that I do not know about that have the ability to transfer track information to the car stereo?

# Answer
The feature uses Bluetooth AVRCP, the *Audio Video Remote Control Profile*. It's used for controlling the app from the receiver (e.g. play/pause buttons on a BT headset).

AVRCP level 1.3 is possible since ICS and improved in Jelly Bean; it allows all of 1.0 (play, pause, next,...) plus metadata information on the track itself (artist, track name, etc.). It was also backported into CyanogenMod7.2 (Gingerbread).

Players themselves have to support AVRCP 1.3 too, I guess.

Apollo might also support this. Or just search for AVRCP 1.3 in the store.
> 2 votes

# Answer
AVRCP is not supported in most players. Mostly in the stock players and CM,s Apollo, unfortunately the stock players are crap and unusable in terms of sound quality. Double Twist player has partial support, song title shows but not album title.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Now Playing just received support for AVRCP, in case that helps.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, bluetooth-audio
---


# Question
Title: Would Apple EarPods work on my Android phone?
Apple just launched the iPhone 5; together with that they landed new earphones they call 'EarPods'. I have an HTC Desire HD Android-based phone. It has a 3,5mm jack just as the iPhone. Would the earphones and microphone of the EarPods work on my phone as well? Having good quality earbuds that stick in my ear sounds attractive to me.

I do not care about the controls per se, and I'm pretty sure the sound will also work, but I'm not sure about the microphone. Also, how much of the improved sound and noise reduction is implemented in the software?

# Answer
Firstly because they use the 3.5mm standard they will transmit sound to Android just as you would expect on the iPhone. All the controls work fine with the exception of the volume up and down. The microphone works currently on Android as well.

Source: http://www.androidcentral.com/earpods-ear-holes-android
> 6 votes

# Answer
There are four things in Apple EarPod

1. Speakers
2. Microphone
3. Play/Pause Button
4. Volume Up/Down Buttons

## for speaker and microphone

Apple EarPod supports Universal Head-Phone config.

Should work with: HTC, Samsung, LG, Most low-brand phones, some Motorola and some Sony, Audio Players.

Microphone and even speaker will work sometimes, but not well, with: Nokia, Most Sony, Most Motorola.

## for play/pause button

This works for most headsets.

## for Volume Up/Down buttons

This is very, very specific and you'll have to do some research on sites like pinouts.ru. People on the Apple store say volume button works well with HTC Wildfire, but I'm not sure.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Please see the comment by @t0mm13b .

I've tried EarPod with couple of Samsung android phones. The **sound works fine** as expected. But the **mic doesn't work** and only gives a constant noise when tried to record audio. Also **play, pause, vol. up, vol. down controls are not working** with android phones.

If you need only its amazing sound quality (for $29), go for it.

The speakers work in correct volume when the impedance matches with the device out. Most phones are having ~32 ohms output impedance.

# Technical specifications:

```
Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 21 kHz
Sensitivity: 109 dB/mW
Impedance: 23 ohms

```

---

## #**`How to convert Iphone 3.5mm pin to standartd Samsung/Nokia 3.5mm pin?`**#

Update: Apple EarPods' mic works fine in recent android phones.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: headphones
---


# Question
Title: Watch Coursera's videos with the video app on Jelly Bean
Coursera has a html5 based video viewer that works on the android browser on Jelly Bean, but I would like instead to use the video app, in order to have full screen and better controls. On my Kindle Fire (first version) the Silk browser automatically opens the video with the video app and then returns to the html5 player when the video ends. Is there a way to achieve this on Jelly Bean?

I am using a galaxy nexus S but shouldn't matter. Thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just download the videos upfront and watch them with MX Player.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Is the `Coursera HTML5 player` an app installed onto the device? If so, have you tried disabling it in the app settings menu?

From ICS, system apps could be disabled.

# Answer
> -1 votes
There are a number of unofficial applications in the market (Google Play, Amazon). I've also developed my own application: Coursera On The Go. A free version is here! Coursera On The Go Free

---
Tags: applications, browser, 4.1-jelly-bean, video
---


title: How do I sharpen photos on my phone?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I sharpen photos on my phone?
I am looking for a photo editor app or website that will let me sharpen photos, preferably using unsharp mask.

I tried several free photo editors from the market, but none of them lets me sharpen photos. I don't mind paying for an app, I just don't want to unless I know it is a good choice.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have been using PicSay's free version and been happy with it. I'll probably upgrade to the full version which has the ability to sharpen, but just haven't really had the need yet so I've been putting it off. I'll report back if I do chip down.

Another alternative would be to use Pixlr's web based editor: http://pixlr.com/editor

Provided you have flash installed you can use their browser based editor that does have an "Unsharp Mask" filter.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Have you tried using Camera 360. It's a great all in one app and it makes most photos extremely clear. Try it. It has a free trial so you can try it before. :)

# Answer
> -1 votes
I like using Adobe Photoshop Express because it makes photos look sharper and a whole list of other things too. I'm no photographer, and this app makes my pictures look professional.

---
Tags: photos
---


# Question
Title: Why Have Some of My Widgets Disappeared After Switching Launchers?
I recently changed my launcher from the default TouchWiz (I have an AT&T SGS3, with the official 4.1.1 installed) to Nova Launcher. I enjoy Nova, but I've noticed something strange: the Calendar and Weather widgets that were available under TouchWiz aren't there anymore. They're still there in TouchWiz (Home Switcher makes it easy to switch back and forth). What's going on?

# Answer
The widgets referred to in the question are TouchWiz-specific widgets. They will only show up in TouchWiz because they don't use the standard Android widget interface. I've found some references to Samsung releasing a TouchWiz SDK to develop such widgets, but those articles are from 2009 and the links they contain now lead to Samsung's developer home page, rather than to a specific page. I've also seen references to some of the widgets being ported to work on any Android phone, but I can't confirm as XDA seems to be down at the moment.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: app-widgets, samsung-touchwiz
---


title: No sound on my Asus Transformer

text:
# Question
Title: No sound on my Asus Transformer
I have two problems :

* my device was dropped to the ground (not by me) and the power button does not work anymore. I use the keyboard to wake up and suspend it.
* sometime, the sound does not work anymore, and I cannot reboot it to make it run again.

The device is not rooted (no reason), run Android 4.0, how can I handle it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You said:

> my device was dropped to the ground

and

> sometime, the sound does not work anymore

This would very much seem to boil down to a hardware problem. The only way to "handle" it is to repair the hardware. You can start with the Asus repair page.

---
Tags: audio, asus-eee-pad-transformer
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible for my Sony Xperia Neo L to take other earphones besides SONY earphones
My Sony earphones are damaged, I've got other earphones (non-SONY) but are not accepted by the phone. Is there a way to make them work ??

# Answer
There are different standards for headset plugs, and Sony has started using the CTIA layout for it's smartphones since 2012. I couldn't find the official documentation on the differences, but it's pretty well explained here (In german, but the pictures speak for themselves).

The gist is, on regular headsets the order of the pins is ground-mic-right-left, but on CTIA it's mic-ground-right-left.

To get regular headsets working, you'll have to use an adapter, but if I'm understanding this correctly, headphones (that is, without a microphone) should work normally.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can try Nokia's headphones. I think they will work with them.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: audio, sony-xperia-neo-l, earphone
---


# Question
Title: How much disk space does Android OS 4.1.1 take?
I recently received a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with Android 4.1.1 on it. This is the 8GB model. I am curious to know, how much disk space does the Android OS take up? I did not think about 3.5GB was needed for the OS. Is this true? I ask only because my disk space available says I have 4.49GB left.

# Answer
There's a difference between "how much the Android OS requires" and "how much the manufacturer reserved". Remember, the OS has its own partition (`/system`), which is mounted read-only during normal operation (just made writable for OS updates), while the user's data goes to `/data`. Moreover, most manufacturers add their own "presents" (also known as ) to the `/system` partition.

So while the actual Android system usually fits into less than 1 GB (considered there are devices shipping with less internal storage), your device's manufacturer might have decided to reserve more space for future updates and his own add-ons.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7
---


# Question
Title: Updating apps in multi-user environment?
When you have multiple users, you have a different app collection for each one. However, it seems there's some intelligence to installing apps from the play store, in that the same app is only installed once, and the multiple users only gain access to that same app.

When you update an app, does the app also get updated for every user using that app? Does every user have the access to update those shared apps?

How does this work with apps installed manually from .apk files, or by some other app store system?

# Answer
Shared apps are stored only once on the device (with just the data and settings part being specific for each user), so whenever one user decides to update a shared app, it gets updated for all users (Source: Heise.DE). As usual with some of the real important details (see: Google Backup), there are no details (or even manuals) describing exactly how it works. However, the announcement page holds:

> Users can install and uninstall apps at any time in their own environments. ***To save storage space, Google Play downloads an APK only if it's not already installed by another user on the device.*** If the app is already installed, Google Play records the new user's installation in the usual way but doesn't download another copy of the app. Multiple users can run the same copy of an APK because the system creates a new instance for each user, including a user-specific data directory.

<sup>(emphasis mine)</sup>

It's left open at what point this applies. But if it applies at the initial installation, it will certainly be the same with updates (as the Heise article linked confirms; to those who don't know Heise: it's one of the leading tech magazines in Germany, and well trusted).
> 4 votes

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, multi-user
---


title: forgot my google account password

text:
# Question
Title: forgot my google account password
someone used my phone GT-S5300 and had wrongly tried the unlock pattern many times and now it is asking me for google account but i have forgotten my password. pliz suggest me how can i get my password back and unlock it.

# Answer
> 4 votes
The password recovery is the same as recovering your forgotten Google account password. On your computer, go to Google Account Recovery and follow the instructions there. The process depends on many things, such as do you have 2-step verification installed, do you have backup codes or have you set up an alternate email.

---
Tags: security, lock-screens, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: Compile JellyBean's Keyboard for ICS Rom
I tried creating an Image with a JellyBean's LatinIME.apk, replacing ICS's LatinIME.apk, in system apps folder of ICS ROM, but it crashed. But when I put it in `preInstalledApk` folder, it got compiled and ran successfully.

But it needs to be selected from "Language and Input" in Settings and also both the keyboards have same name.

What I want is to install JellyBean's LatinIME.apk during compile time of Image and also be the default input method. I don't mind if its not a system app. And I will change the ICS's LatinIME.apk-Keyboard name from the code, so that user can selected any of them without scratching their heads.

# Answer
I literally had to scavenge the code up and down to get to the solution. A xml called defaults.xml contains the default input method node. That needed to be changed to the package name of the JellyBean's LatinIME. This is yet to be tested; will let you all know if it runs okay.

---

Edit: This worked. Please go ahead and get cracking.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, 4.1-jelly-bean, keyboard, custom-roms, device-firmware
---


# Question
Title: Dev/Log's - login attempts and how to read the log?
My first post on here and hopefully a easy fun answer.

I'm looking for the location for failed login attempts on the device - I've looked on the device and it seems the logs are located in /dev/log/?

If this is the location of the logs, does this log the failed attempts at log ins? and if so what do these look like? I've download some logcat viewers but these seems to only read live log entries when in the app.

Would a app have access to read these logs?

Thanks for your help

# Answer
For information about seeing log messages, look at the answers to How can I view and examine the Android log? Note that the behaviour is different between and prior versions.

Android users don't work like users on a normal GNU/Linux system, so unlocking the lock screen is not a "login" in the same way that logging into a terminal session, through an X display manager, or via the network are on a GNU/Linux box. Failed attempts to unlock the lock screen are **not** logged.

The log is meant as a debugging aid, and log messages aren't stored forever, so the lock screen application would have its own way of storing failed attempts. In general, the Android engineers at Google like to keep the logs quiet on production devices, so system apps have a lot of logging that's turned off in the official build. There's nothing to stop a device OEM, or an unofficial ROM, having more logging for failed unlocks (or any other events). You could compile your own ROM to achieve this, but doing so is way beyond the scope of this site.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: security, lock-screens, logging
---


title: Sync iTunes U and Android?

text:
# Question
Title: Sync iTunes U and Android?
I am a huge fan of the podcasts on iTunes, as well as the iTunes U material. However, I'm having a terrible time finding a slick system to sync the two. Doubleplay never really worked all that great for me. Any other good solutions anyone has used?

I have a Droid Incredible running 2.2.

# Answer
These guys recommend iSyncr as a solution. Cons: It's not free, and it won't sync copy-protected content.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Have you tried pasting the RSS url into Rhythmbox/Gpodder or another podcatcher, and transferring to device? After selecting the podcast in the podcasts section, simply drag and drop to the device on the left side of Rhythmbox when it is connected.

You may have some success with apps on the phone, specifically, I had seen something for subscribing iTunes podcasts in Podax. I was having a similar problem accessing my university media on Android, and rewrote the Tunesviewer app for Android access, which may work better for you depending on what you're trying to access.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I throw the podcast feeds into my Google Reader account, and then use Google Listen on my droid, automatically downloads the pod casts
> 0 votes

# Answer
Alternatively I can recommend the iTunes U App “TuneSpace” for Android
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, podcast, itunes
---


# Question
Title: How can I eliminate duplicate notifications when I have a custom notification on a Gmail label?
I've set up a custom notification on a particular Gmail label (call it \[special\]). However, when an email with the \[special\] tag arrives, I get a notification for both the \[inbox\] and \[special\].

The audio notification plays the first half-second or so of the mailbox notification, and then switches to the \[special\] notification. In the notification bar, I get two Gmail icons, both with the same message when I slide the notifications open.

Without removing the \[inbox\] label from these messages, is there a way to eliminate the duplicate notifications?

I'm on 4.0.4.

# Answer
> 2 votes
In the main screen of the Gmail app, from the "overflow" menu (the three dots in the top-right), choose **Manage labels**. From there, select a label to get a new screen with that label's settings. From that screen, the **Label notifications** setting controls whether you get a notification for new mails in that label. If you turn it off for "Priority Inbox" and "Important", you'll only get the notification from "Inbox".

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, notifications, gmail
---


# Question
Title: Starting an activity listed under "Settings" from terminal (or adb shell)
I would like to start this activity from terminal: `com.android.settings.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity`

I tried

```
am start -S com.android.settings/.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity

```

and this is what I get:

```
Stopping: com.android.settings
Starting: Intent { act=android.intent.action.MAIN cat=[android.intent.category.LAUNCHER] cmp=com.android.settings/.Settings }

```

The problem is `am start` command *omits* the `$PowerUsageSummaryActivity` part, so basically I'm just getting standard "Settings" menu open. how can I open that specific "power usage summary" page from terminal?

# Answer
> 12 votes
As I wrote in my comment, there are some special characters needing extra care when working at the shell prompt (or in shell scripts). One of them is the `$` sign, which usually indicates a variable. If that should be taken literally, you need to escape it (or enclose the entire string by single quotes). Similar rules for quotation marks.

How your command should look like with an *escaped* `$`, you can already find in eldarerathis' answer:

```
shell@android:/ # am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings\$PowerUsageSummaryActivity

```

Note the "back-slash" in front of the `$` -- that's the escape sign. Use the same for quotation marks or blanks, if your command includes some to be taken literally, e.g.

```
myscript.sh first\ parameter\!
myscript.sh "first parameter!"

```

both would do the same: Making the string a single parameter. In the example of your `am start` command, this is what happened on parsing:

* command: `am`
* parameter 1: `start`
* parameter 2: `-S`
* parameter 3: `com.android.settings/.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity`
    + has a `$`, interpreting: variable `$PowerUsageSummaryActivity` is not set, so empty
    + conclusion: parameter 3 is `com.android.settings/.Settings`

Note also that if you run this directly via `adb shell`, the command goes through shell parsing twice, so you need to escape or quote the command *again*, like this:

```
user@desktop:~$ adb shell am start -n 'com.android.settings/.Settings\$PowerUsageSummaryActivity'

```

# Answer
> 6 votes
Escape the `$` in the sub-class name and it should work:

```
shell@android:/ # am start -S com.android.settings/.Settings\$PowerUsageSummaryActivity
Starting: Intent { cmp=com.android.settings/.Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity }
shell@android:/ #

```

Another option is to instead send the intent that the Power Usage screen listens for:

```
shell@android:/ # am start -a android.intent.action.POWER_USAGE_SUMMARY

```

You can find the intents by looking at the `<action>` tags in the AndroidManifest.xml file for the Settings "application" (which can be viewed on GitHub). As an example, here is the activity definition for the `Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity`:

```
<activity android:name="Settings$PowerUsageSummaryActivity"
        android:label="@string/power_usage_summary_title"
        android:uiOptions="none"
        android:taskAffinity=""
        android:excludeFromRecents="true">
    <intent-filter>
        <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
        <action android:name="android.intent.action.POWER_USAGE_SUMMARY" />
        <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
        <category android:name="com.android.settings.SHORTCUT" />
    </intent-filter>
    <!-- Some other stuff here... -->
</activity>

```

---
Tags: settings, shell, terminal
---


# Question
Title: How can I get Google Voice to forward texts only when I'm not using Google Voice?
Google Voice app has the option "Receive text messages" with two choices:

* Also via the messaging app
* Only via the Google Voice app

If I choose the first option, I will still get the text messages even if I'm not on Wi-Fi. It will also send them as regular text messages if I *am* on Wi-Fi, wasting money.

If I choose the second option, I won't get the messages if I'm not on Wi-Fi.

Is there a way to get the messages forwarded to regular text only if the Google Voice app doesn't get them?

# Answer
I think you might be misunderstanding how GV handles messages.

**Receiving Messages:**

When someone sends an SMS to your GV number it is received by Google and placed in your GV inbox - the setting you mention doesn't change that functionality, so either way you choose to have the app configured your GV SMS messages will still be available in the GV app (and, of course, your GV inbox in the cloud).

If you don't have a data connection then you'll get GV SMS messages delivered to your phone as soon as you have a data/wifi connection and your inbox is synced. Even if you set the GV app to `Receive text messages > Also via the messaging app` you'll still only receive the messages when your GV inbox is synced - you'll just *also* get the messages duplicated in your default SMS app.

Confusingly, you can also have your GV inbox setup to send SMS copy of the messages your GV number receives to your mobile's number using your carrier's SMS system. This isn't necessary if you have the GV app on your Android phone and want to use data/wifi to receive messages. I advise turning this setting off in your GV inbox web interface: `Settings > Phones > [Mobile Phone]` then uncheck `Receive text messages on this phone`. You will still receive texts sent to your GV number on your phone, just via the GV app using data/wifi and not your default SMS app using your carrier's SMS.

**Sending Messages:**

First, the easier stuff:

* To send a text message *from your GV number* using *data/wifi* make sure to use the GV app on your phone to compose and send messages.
* To send a text message *from your mobile number* using *your carrier's SMS* make sure to use the default SMS app on your phone.

Now, the harder stuff:

If you have `Receive text messages > Also via the messaging app` set in the GV app, you'll see the same text messages in both your GV app and your default SMS app. Please note that this is a slightly different condition than having `Receive text messages on this phone` set for your mobile phone in your GV inbox, even though the end result looks the same. Given this condition:

* If you reply using the GV app you will reply *from your GV number* over *data/wifi*.
* If you reply using the default SMS app you will reply *from your GV number* over *your carrier's SMS* (this is just as if GV sent your mobile an SMS copy and you replied to it on a non-smart phone).

I suspect some combination of the above settings and usage scenarios is causing your problem, and that by simply changing some settings or your habits (or both) will result in the behavior you're looking for.

*EDIT: To help with confusion I've drawn a quick flowchart:*
> 10 votes

# Answer
Just a note - I recently noticed that the GV app setting `Receive text messages → Via the message app` no longer duplicates the message locally on your phone as described in the original answer. Instead, it simply toggles the GV Inbox setting `Receive text messages on this phone`. I verified this by:

1. enabling the feature via the web (GV Inbox)
2. noting that it was enabled in the GV App settings
3. selecting "Via the Google Voice App" from the GV App settings
4. refreshing the GV Inbox webpage and noting the forwarding feature was now unselected.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: sms, google-voice
---


# Question
Title: Do Android phone apps run on Android tablets?
Apple iPhone apps also run on iPads. I don't know if the same is true for Android.

Do Android phone apps run on Android tablets? I figure the API is the same but are the two formats interchangeable at all?

# Answer
Short answer: It depends.

Long answer:

Android developers have the ability to specify requirements for their apps both in terms of software (minimum OS version, for example) and hardware. For example, an app that does turn-by-turn navigation may require the Android device it's being installed on to have built-in GPS. Such an app would be listed as "incompatible" with any tablet that doesn't have a GPS chip (the tablet reports its hardware features to the Play Store). The same is true for a reverse situation, where an app that requires a minimum screen resolution may work fine on a tablet, but show as incompatible for phones that are below that limit.

Another example is Google TV. Since none of the current models have touch-screen support, any apps that require this feature would be listed as not compatible on the Play Store.

These limitations are only being enforced by the Google's Play Store. This means that if you manage to side-load the app's APK file, it **may** work just fine on any device. However, the lack of minimum requirements will mean that the app will be unstable.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, tablet
---


# Question
Title: Serious battery drain (Screen, Android OS) after JB upgrade
Since I upgraded my Samsung Galaxy SII from Android 4.0.4 (ICS) to 4.1.2 (JB), my battery life has decreased dramtically.

Running ICS I could easily have ~25% battery left when going to bed, after about 20 hours of moderate use. That is with a few phone calls, reading work/private e-mails as they arrive, occasional news reading, internet browsing and Facebook.

My usage pattern is largely unchanged, but since the moment I upgraded to Jelly Bean, I can barely make it through a working day without charging.

Looking at earlier battery stat screenshots (I'm a nerd, guilty as charged), my phone would use about 2-3,3%/hour. Now I see usage of between 5,7% and 10,6% per hour!

The top power consumer is, as always, the screen, which takes up 35-45% of the power used - just like before. Only now, it has drained the same amount of power, 2-4 times faster - or about 1% of the total battery capacity each minute it's been on.

<sup>(click images to enlarge)</sup>

*72% of the total capacity used, of which screen consumed 38% (relative) or 27% (absolute)*

*Android OS* has moved up the list of power consumers. Now using typically 16-17% (relative) or 12-17% (absolute), as opposed to the previous 9% (relative) or 5% (absolute).

I never switch off WiFi completely, unlike GPS which is switched off (thanks, Facebook) unless I actively need it. Display is set to auto-brightness - just like before.

I have completely drained, then fully re-charged, the battery at least three times, to re-calibrate the battery gauge. It didn't help my battery life.

Any idea of what's going on here and how to fix it (short of doing a factory reset)? How can the screen suddenly drain the power so fast? What's causing Android OS to burn more fuel as well?

# Answer
You are suffering the same problem I was after upgrading. Look in the direction of either Google Now or Google Maps. Good chance you have 'Report from this device' set in Maps Location Settings. This is murder on your battery! I disabled it and am now back at about 2% - 3% per hour on 3g with light use throughout the day. I also disabled Google Now for good measure, but I didn't notice any real improvements from that.

I do still notice much higher battery consumption than 4.04 when having wifi on. At home, I have reverted to 3G after seeing it burn through the battery at 5% per hour even without any active use.
> 6 votes

# Answer
Finally, I did a factory reset on my S2 and now the battery lasts the way it used to with ICS. ):
> 3 votes

# Answer
There is a possibility that one of the app installed in your phone keeps the screen on even when it is locked. If possible, connect through adb and see which apps are active.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem with battery drain. I can tell from your name that you must be from Denmark. I found my battery drainer in a danish app. Yousee musik was set to automatically download on wifi. Since I turned that setting off my problem was gone!
> 0 votes

# Answer
I have the same problem and I found that it's the WiFi. If I turn the WiFi off, battery drain is less than 15% in 12 hours for my use. Yesterday I turned the WiFi on in the afternoon and the battery was at 96%. I stayed home connected to my WiFi all day and did not use the phone all afternoon. At 8:30PM the battery was down to 19%.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, samsung-galaxy-s-2, 4.1-jelly-bean, battery, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Stop Gmail notifications when receiving email from particular sender
Is there any way to stop the Gmail app from popping up a notification if you get an email from a specific sender?

My specific case is that I get a lot of emails from a careers site that I'm not usually interested in reading immediately so don't need to be notified about them. There's a related question on the site but this is asking for the opposite.

# Answer
From the Gmail web interface, create a rule to give it a *label* of your choice and skip the inbox. Then, from the Gmail Android app, change the settings for that label to not notify you.

In more detail, the first part is:

* Log into Gmail in a browser, and click the settings button (gear icon).
* Click the **Filters** tab, then **Create a new filter** at the bottom.
* Set the settings for the filter: in this case, use the **From** field.
* Click the search button (magnifying glass) to check your filter, or go straight to **Create a filter with this search**.
* Put a tick in the **Skip the inbox (Archive it)** checkbox, and another in **Apply the label** and choose the label you want or create a new one from the drop-down.
* Click **Create filter**.

Then, starting from the main screen (folder view) of the Gmail app:

* Click the overflow menu (three dots in the top-right)
* Choose **Manage labels**
* Choose the label you just set in the filter
* Make sure **Label notifications** is turned off.
> 9 votes

---
Tags: email, gmail
---


title: Galaxy S3 missing "Accounts and Sync"

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy S3 missing "Accounts and Sync"
I have Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 version 4.1.2 and I lost the "Accounts and Sync" under settings. I added the "Auto sync data" under Data usage and it still does not sync automatically with my calendar. My question are:

1. How can I restore the "Accounts and Sync" ?
2. How can I control Auto sync mode on each application?

Thanks

# Answer
> 6 votes
Android 4.1.2 doesn't has an *Accounts and Sync* option under settings, it just has the text *Accounts*, each of your account in a row (if you have any account added to the device) and the plus sign at the bottom to add more accounts.

"Auto sync data" MUST be enabled. Go to "Settings \> Data Usage \> Click the MENU button on your device \> Check "Auto sync data."

Autosync for each application is under each application menu. For example, if you have your google account configured, you have to select Google \> and there you will see the sync options. In this case you will see sync calendar, contacts, etc and their respective checkboxes to enable/disable them.

Check the screenshots/steps to get there:

1. Go to settings \> accounts and click the one you want to setup.
2. Once inside, click on the account name with the sync icon.
3. You will see the sync options for that account.

# Answer
> 3 votes
While Peter's answer is correct, there's more to the story, at least on 4.1.1. I know the OP says 4.1.2, but I add this in case some or all of it is the same in 4.1.2, or for the sake of anyone with 4.1.1 who happens by this question.

There is a global `Sync` setting available in the notification panel widgets. It's all the way to the right (you'll have to scroll the widgets to see it):

From what I gather, this isn't there in 4.1.2, unless you reconfigure the notification switches to put it there. The tricky thing is, you can get there another way, as indicated in the OP. This option is also available by going to `Settings` -\> `Data Usage` and tapping the menu button:

This is an *awful* design, in my opinion. But that's the way it is. What you see in the items under `Settings` -\> `Accounts` can change based on whether or not `Auto sync data` is turned on. For example, with it switched off, the Google account sync options look like this:

and with it switched on, they look like this:

So, to make sure that your phone will automatically sync with your Google calendar, you need to enable `Auto sync data` and *then* check `Sync calendar` under the Google account sync options (because the check box won't be there until you turn `Auto sync data` on).

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found the answer (whether it's the best way to do it I'm not sure!)

I removed the Google Account and re added it.

It asked me to sign in and once I had, a page came up where I could tick or untick each part of google that I wanted to sync, ie: email, contacts, calendar, internet, books etc....

it all seems to work now!

Paul

# Answer
> 0 votes
I just had the same issue.

The first answer won't work if you updated from 4.1.1 to 4.1.2, while having sync toggled off.

The simplest solution is to add the sync button again in the notification panel. Then, toggle it on from there.

The settings to modify the buttons in the notification panel (panel at the top of the phone) is under `Display > Notification panel`. Drag and drop the icon into the notification panel after removing unwanted icons.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Sync can be turned on from the pull down menu (windowshade) from any screen. I just found it.

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Tags: sync, samsung-galaxy-s-3, settings
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# Question
Title: Host usb application not recognizing my usb devices?
I ran Chainfire's USB host diagnostics in my tablet. After completing the diagnostics, I got the following results:

```
  KERNEL
  claims support             yes
  device detected            no
  VERDICT
  os support                 no
  3rd party apps             no

```

If this is the result in my tablet, can I get the list of USB-connected devices through USB host applications running in my tablet?

Please let me know.

# Answer
This result indicates that your device claims to support USB host mode, but that it doesn't actually work.

There are 6 reasons I can think of that would cause you would get this result:

A. You did the test wrong and didn't plug things in at the specified time. Try it again and follow the instructions exactly.

B. Your USB host cable is defective or is not actually a usb host cable. Try it again with another cable or the correct cable.

C. You used an improper device (e.g. a device that tries to draw more current than the tablet can supply, like an external hard drive, rather than a flash drive) and thus the test failed as it couldn't detect the device, because the device was unable to power up successfully. Try it again with a different device.

D. Your device claims it supports USB host mode, but due to a software bug, it doesn't work. An update or custom ROM may fix this.

E. Your device claims it supports USB host mode, but the hardware doesn't actually support it. You're SOL unless you can return this device to exchange it for a Real Tablet.

F. Your device is a weird piece of work regarding USB. Some android devices (such as the HTC Incredible S) technically implement USB host mode, but they won't provide power to the attached device. In this case, you need to provide the juice yourself, via a self-powered hub or similar.
> 3 votes

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Tags: usb-host-mode
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title: Link2sd gives "Mount script error"

text:
# Question
Title: Link2sd gives "Mount script error"
Im using a rooted Samsung Galaxy ACE with 2.3.4. I installed link2sd and I have a 1Gb ext2 (I tried with fat32 also with the same result) partition. After starting the app and selecting the partition I get this error:

```
MOUNT SCRIPT ERROR
Mount Script cannot be created
Mount: Invalid argument

```

Any ideas?

# Answer
> 3 votes
do you have busybox installed? Open up terminal emulator and type `busybox` if a load of stuff comes up on the screen, then you have busybox installed.

Next, type `mount` into terminal emulator, if a load of crap comes up then you do have mount installed.

Otherwise, download the `BusyBox Installer` app on market, and download an older version of busybox. The same if you already have it installed, as the newer versions have loads of errors.

If that doesn't work, then I suggest emaailing the developer with a bug report.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You don't need busybox. Custom or stock rom has this issue. Backup up memory card and repartition from CWM recovery mode.

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Tags: link2sd, mount
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# Question
Title: How can I determine why my phone won't sleep?
When my phone won't go to sleep, what is the best way to trouble-shoot what the problem and/or offending app is?

(In my case I am running CyanogenMod, and so I don't know if the solution will be the same or different than for stock Android)

# Answer
> 1 votes
First, look at which apps are runnng (including services). Then use Titanium Backup to freeze on of those apps (exclude regular system apps/services, unless you've determined nothing else is the culprit) and see if your problem stops. If you haven't found the offender, un-freeze and try another.

# Answer
> 1 votes
When your phone wont go to sleep, check for wakelock using apps. Programs like "Wakelock detector" will help you to do that. Good luck!

Reference: Wakelock , Wakelock detector

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Tags: standby
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# Question
Title: HTC Desire Z key number two misbehave at times
HTC Desire Z touch key number 2 (ABC) occassionally presses itself repeatedly without any apparent trigger. In such cases, I press the power button on/off to quieten it down. Is it a software or hardware problem. This happens infrequently but when it starts it is quite annoying as you cannot do anything with the keyboard as other keys do not respond to touch.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is very likely to be a problem with the touchscfeen hardware. To test this, try installing a drawing/painting app from Google Play. Open the app, get into painting mode, and leave it for a minute. If you start getting paint appearing at the same point (where the `2 ABC` soft key shows up), you know that part of the touchscreen isn't working. In the same way, try painting in the app and check whether any parts of the screen can't be painted on.

If there are any stuck parts of the screen, you can try giving them a wipe with a slightly damp, soapy cloth. Turn the phone off to do that, and make sure you dry the screen before trying to use it again. If that doesn't solve the problem, you're left with sending the phone back to the shop, or making a warranty claim, depending on how long you've had the problem.

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Tags: keyboard, htc-desire-z
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