title: No Audio, Samsung Galaxy S4

text:
# Question
Title: No Audio, Samsung Galaxy S4
A few weeks ago, my phone's APN list got corrupted, causing me to lose mobile data; a series of firmware flashes, modem updates, and backups and restores fixed the APN problem, but now the entire sound subsystem is non-functional. The speaker and microphone do not work in any app.

Example symptoms:
Dialer - pops up a "stopped responding" dialog when making or receiving calls; selecting 'wait' in the dialog allows the call to complete, but with no incoming or outgoing sound.
Sound Recorder - pressing record pops up a dialog "Internal Application Error. Microphone may be in use."
YouTube - all videos show "There was a problem while playing. Touch to retry."

Phone details:
Samsung Galaxy S4 (Sprint), model number SPH-L720. Rooted, running Android 5.1 (& 4.4) (CyanogenMod 12.1 various nightlies and 11 snapshot).

Things I have tried (without success):

* Factory Reset (without restoring backups, just to see if sound works)
* Re-flash various ROM versions; cm-12.1-20150917-NIGHTLY, 20150922, 20150926, 20150928, and cm-11-20141112-SNAPSHOT-M12-jflte. The 20150917 nightly and 20141112 snapshot versions have previously had sound working, so it's not a bug in new ROM versions.
* Combinations of the re-flash with factory reset.
* Reboot with SIM card and micro SD card removed.
* Re-flash modem/baseband to earlier version (was running OH1, now running NAE; have not flashed all the way back to MF9, which is the version that was running the last time I'm sure sound worked, but this was a move of desperation, since the modem firmware **shouldn't** impact the sound system.

I'm at my wits end. I feel like with the above, I've re-initialized every location that could possibly be affecting the sound system, and yet, I can never get any audio input or output from the phone.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Providing what worked for me, in case someone else has the same problem:

A helpful suggestion over at xda-developers.com by developer bilgerryan indicated I should Odin a *full* stock ROM, in order to replace whatever corrupted data was causing the problem. Long story short, in the process of looking for progressively "fuller" stock ROMs after several failures, I ran across this thread, which provided a tar which "contains the NON-HLOS.bin modem.bin sbl2.mbn tz.mbn aboot.mbn rpm.mbn sbl3.mbn".

Flashing that tar fixed the problem completely, and since it doesn't touch the system or data partitions, it didn't require backing up or restoring anything. (Although you should always back up your data before flashing anything, just to be safe.) After that, I re-updated the NON-HLOS.bin and modem.bin to the further updated versions I had installed when sound wasn't working, and it continued to work. So the problem was in one of: tz.mbn aboot.mbn rpm.mbn sbl2.mbn sbl3.mbn

Huzzah for having a working phone again.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-4, audio, microphone, speaker
---


# Question
Title: How do you progress through the Droid Explorer unpack option?
I'm using a Windows 7 PC and am trying to unpack an \*.ab backup file created using Helium. If I right-click on the file in Windows Explorer and select the Unpack option that now appears after installing Droid Explorer 0.9.0.4, I'm first asked for a password. I provided none when creating the backup, so I simply leave the password field blank and press OK to continue.

Then, something weird pops up, and I'm not sure how to continue. I see this window, asking me what I want to open java.exe with:

Is that supposed to pop up at this point? Am I missing something that should be installed that would avoid this? I have Java 8 Update 31 currently installed on this machine.

# Answer
This looks like (as stated in my comment above) that it has to do with the Path of Java not existing in the windows PATH environment variable.

I am adding your comment as well as part of this answer:

> Weird, that was (sort of) it! Java was in fact in my PATH environment variable, but it was using the directory C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\ which contains only 3 symlinks to my actual Java bin folder. Double clicking on any of the symlink shortcuts results in the window I noted above. I temporarily changed my PATH variable to point to the real Java folder, and then your Unpack feature worked fine. (I then put my PATH variable back, since I don't know what potential security issues I'd open myself up to by leaving it altered.)
> 1 votes

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Tags: droid-explorer
---


title: Use image file as camera

text:
# Question
Title: Use image file as camera
I need to use an image file instead of a camera for Android apps that want you to use a camera app to take a photo (for example, Google Drive scanner). I don't need to use apps that use the camera directly, such as WhatsApp.

*The question was edited so it matches the answers. See edit history to see the actual question.*

# Answer
There are 3rd-party "fake camera" apps that will let you to choose an image instead, such as:

* ~~Image2Camera (free)~~
* ~~Fake Camera by New Horizon Apps (free)~~
* Fake Camera - donate version by Vaclav Balak (paid)

Note that *you need to have the image inside the (emulator) device storage first* for these apps to be useful.

Also, since these apps are not really a camera app, opening the apps directly won't be really useful (other than, perhaps, to read the instruction for app usage). Instead, when you want to take a picture from an app, these apps will be selectable as "camera" app instead, then you can select the image on the device.

**Disclaimer**: I'm not affiliated with any of these apps.
> 14 votes

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Tags: camera, android-emulator
---


# Question
Title: How can I forward texts to my  tablet and reply back?
I have a tablet running Android 4.0.1, and a cell phone running 2.2.

**When I'm working on my tablet, I would like to be able to see my texts and phone calls get forwarded to the tablet**, which doesn't have a SIM card, and be able to interact with them as if I was on my cell phone, preferably over wi-fi and/or bluetooth. Is this possible? Paid solutions are acceptable as well.

# Answer
If you're in the USA, use Google Voice \- it allows a user to make voice calls while on WiFi and also allows sending / receiving SMS.

Also look at Tablet Talk for your SMS needs at least. In early development, there's also Phone Link

If you're working on your tablet, I believe the simplest solution for voice calls is to have a bluetooth handsfree paired with your phone so you can make and receive calls.
> 6 votes

# Answer
I've tried several solutions like TabletTalk, Desksms, but none of them was really reliable. Two weeks ago I found mysms which works very similar, but for me works a lot better.

You install mysms on your phone and on your tablet (there's a seperate tablet app for this) and it immediately syncs your messages from your phone to your tablet. If you send a message from your tablet it will also be synced back to your phone. You get notifications for new messages and have a few settings to optimize them for your use. As far as I know there's no option for forwarding calls, but for texting it's just great!
> 6 votes

# Answer
Use Tablet Talk. I use this between my phone and tablet, and it works flawlessly. Auto syncs messages between the two, and forwards texts and calls to the tablet when connected. Has lots of settings to autoconnect, and suppress notifications on the phone when it pushes things to the tablet. I have it setup to connect whenever both my phone and tablet are connected to my home wifi network, or when the tablet is tethered to my phone. It even has a floating notification window that you can enable, so you can quickly reply to an incoming text, then get back to whatever you were doing on your tablet. Brilliant app, barely use my phone at all any more.
> 4 votes

# Answer
You could use GTalkSMS. It may not be easy to configure for the average user. But if you get the idea, create some XMPP Accounts and are able to install one of the many XMPP Clients for Android on your tablet, you get exactly what you want.

Note: According to the FAQ I have to disclose that I am involved into GtalkSMS. GTalkSMS is an open source GPL licensed Android app. Everyone can contribute.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can get your SMS off your phone to your tablet via DeskSMS. Works well, I've been using it for nearly a year now. It'll also forward your SMS to your email and you can reply via email just as if you were texting.

Phone calls is a bit trickier without Google Voice. The best Android app solution in Canada now that GV has closed the 403 area code hack is probably Bud Phone, which gives you free calling within and to most Canadian cities. If memory serves, you can forward your phone to it or it to your regular phone. It's run by FreePhoneLine.ca, which is a pretty reliable VOIP telco.
> 0 votes

# Answer
MAXS (Modular Android XMPP Suite) allows you to send and receive SMS messages over XMPP. Using an XMPP client on your tablet you can therefore receive and reply to SMS messages from your Android smartphone.

It also allows you to control various aspects of Android, includes a SMS/Call/Battery notification and reply system. Additionaly it is able to send and receive files to and from your Android device. There are many other features too.

Note: According to the FAQ I have to disclose that I am involved into MAXS. MAXS is an open source GPLv3 licensed Android app. Everyone can contribute.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I use PushBullet in the Google Play Store. You install PushBullet on all of your devices (even Windows and Mac computers, Android Phones, IOS and they also have browser plug-ins for every browser out there.

Once installed on each device, you have to sign in with your Google credentials.

Now, when a text (or any other notification comes in such as a Facebook message or what have you), the app gives a pop-up on the computer or tablet allowing you to respond to the message, dismiss the message, mute the app, etc.

It doesn't sync your text message history onto each device, but it does allow you to receive messages on each device and respond to them. Your cell phone, of course, has to be powered on, as the messages are still being sent and received via your phone and relayed to your other devices.

If you are running a device any earlier than Android 4.4, you can't reply to messages, only receive them.

Another feature of PushBullet is that you can send files, links, photos, etc. from your PC to your device, and vice versa. It's an easy way to transfer files.

Their website is www.pushbullet.com
> 0 votes

# Answer
MightyText works for me. Also does some other helpful things when my phone is out of reach.
> 0 votes

# Answer
For text on your tablet, I found an app on Google Play called TextNow. It gives you "text number" in the area code you want and you can text any number (all for free and not just for "app to app" text only...). Did you find how to make and receive phone call on a tablet without a SIM card?
> -1 votes

# Answer
You could get HeyWire on your tablet, its completely free texting, they have small adds in the bottom, but you will hardly ever notice em. They give you a new HeyWire number though. You dont have to buy it or spend any money at all, you just have to download it and install. It doesnt send your cellphones text messages to your tablet though. Ive been using it for months now. Its quick and very simple..
> -1 votes

# Answer
Just found this forum while searching Google. Downloaded mysms onto android phone and onto tablet, enabled tethering on the phone, connected the tablet to the phones Hotspot and it works like magic.
> -1 votes

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Tags: sms, remote-control
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title: Galaxy Note 2 stuck at Samsung logo

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy Note 2 stuck at Samsung logo
I have a Galaxy note 2. My phone is stuck at Samsung logo and restarts every 2 seconds. I've also recorded my problem here I was trying to install a Custom ROM while this occurred, Any help would be appreciated

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. First, you should flash your device back to the official software. This site was useful for me.
2. Once you have returned the device to the original software, attempt to flash the alternate ROM again.

If you installed the latest ROM, the problem will likely be reported soon on the site you obtained the ROM from.

---
Tags: rooting, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Every app in GAPPS works fine except Google Play Store and Google Play Services. How to fix them?
I've done the factory reset, yet I see the popups "Unfortunately Google Play Services has stopped". I've tried reinstalling the GAPPS but a weird situation came up. I can sign in but the pop up Google play has stopped kept bugging. Plus every app under GAPPS works fine except for the Google Play Store which I cannot connect although I've signed in into my Google Account.

The two apps (Google Play Store and Google Play Services) has troubling me so much. I've tried reinstalling, clearing Cache, factory reset, and I can't find the button to uninstall updates for these two preferences. I've tried dozens of APKs, and various versions. I'm using the Lenovo Vibe Shot Z90-7 with Android 5.0.2, running on Vibe UI V2.5.

# Answer
I installed a GMS Core(Google Play Services) `version 7.5.71(1955121-448)` apk.

I'm using Google play `ver 3.1.11 (2044178-836)`

This worked for me.
> 1 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, 5.0-lollipop, crashes, google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: How do I see if my Android Nexus received the latest security updates?
I'd like to check the patch level of my Nexus. I'm using Lollipop 5.1.1 build LMY48I. Under 'System updates' in 'About phone', it says 'Your system is up to date'. Should I assume that includes security updates?

# Answer
In Marshmallow (Android 6.0) there will be an additional bit of information on the 'About' screen showing the "Android security patch level". This should show the date of the last security update that your phone has. How you will know that this is the latest available is unclear though.

Source

As for pre-Marshmallow the best suggestion I have is to look at the factory images page and see what the latest build number is for your device. Depending on which device you have there should be a newer version than LMY48I, most likely build LMY48M.
> 3 votes

# Answer
The Build number, e.g. `LMY48I` (found in 'About phone') can be looked up in the Android Security Updates list, or the list of Android factory images.

In this case you can see `LMY48I` refers to the August 2015 security update, but there has been another update since then: `LMY48M` for September.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you mean the Android Device Protection (ADP), then according to Google,

> applies only to devices running Android 5.1 or higher that came preinstalled with Android 5.0 or higher, such as Nexus 6 and Nexus 9.

References ..here and here.
> 0 votes

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Tags: updates, security, ota-update, 5.1-lollipop
---


title: Mute a single contact on WhatsApp

text:
# Question
Title: Mute a single contact on WhatsApp
Basically I still want to receive the messages from a contact but on lesser priority. I don't want a notification to appear when this contact messages me.

It is possible to mute a group chat, *but not for single contact*. Or I haven't found it.

How to mute a single contact on WhatsApp?

# Answer
> 1 votes
In the conversation click the three dots in the top right \> View Contact \> scroll down and select Mute.

Or go to contacts, tap the profile picture on the left, click the "i" icon, to view the contact and scroll down and select mute.

Using WhatsApp 2.12.250 on Android 5.1.1 (Nexus 5).

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you want to mute a group conversation, Whatsapp -\> Click conversation you want to mute -\> top right theres the options menu (three dots) -\> Mute.

In that menu, you can deselect the notification setting or mute the conversation for a period of time.

I don't think there is a mute for a single contact though.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is an option in the Settings -\> Notifications. When you go to section "Group notifications", there is an option to set the notification tone, vibrate or popup notification.

In my case, I've turned off the vibration and set tone to "no sound" and it's fine for me.

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Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How can I make tasker close these apps as though I've swiped them away?
I want to make it close all the apps in here.

I've tried this already:

But it doesn't do as intended, since the apps dont leave the recents. Any ideas?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You don't need root, but you do need to have Tasker or equivalent.

Open Tasker, create a task, select "App" and select Launch App. Select the app that you want to hide from recent list. Put a check next to "Exclude From Recent Apps". Exit out of the action to save it.

You can then either open the app using Tasker or export the task as an app. Install the app that you've created. You can now load it without it showing on the recent list.

Hope that helps!

# Answer
> -1 votes
You must manually close in your settings

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Tags: nexus-5, tasker
---


# Question
Title: Add a driver to phone for win7 machine to detect
recently bought a Vodafone Smart Ultra 6, tried to connect it to my machine (Win7 64-bit pro) and it came up with "USB Driver not found".

Now, here's why this is an issue:

1. I have internet on my phone but not on my desktop
2. the only way to get that file because of point 1) would mean having to transfer the driver to my pc from my phone.. which I cant because there is no driver!

is there a way I can unzip the driver to a certain folder on my phone that Windows will see? Or will it be a long & tedious case of copying the images by hand onto the desktop in the drivers folder?

Thanks,

# Answer
No, there is no way to do this without, at minimum, writing custom code for the USB interface on your device. Devices that present drivers this way do so through a standardized interface that uses generic drivers (that the system will already have), often appearing to be a CD-ROM. If you can't see something like this or an existing storage location on your phone, you're out of luck.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, usb-drivers
---


# Question
Title: Speech recognition not working in Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G
Has anyone experienced it before? The speech recognition (Google Now and speech input) is not working in Redmi Note 4G at all. I've tried cleaning cache, re-training, re-authentication, etc. but every time it says- "Didn't catch it. Please try again." Can anyone please tell me what's wrong? Thanks for your help!

P.S: I'm having excellent WiFi connection with mic turned on. I've also checked all permission settings.

# Answer
Apparently, this is a known hardware issue on the RedMi Note 4G. The top microphone doesn't work, only the bottom one. Talk directly into the bottom of the phone and Google Now should work just fine. BTW, the 3G version of the RedMi Note (w/ MTK chip) works just fine. Chinese QA sucks.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same issue and fixed it with these changes:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to BUILD.PROP
2. Search for: `persist.audio.fluence.voicerec=true`
3. Change it to this: `persist.audio.fluence.voicerec=false`
4. Reboot your Device

Google Now and Maps both work fine and recognize "Ok, Google"
> 0 votes

# Answer
Change the language in Google settings to "English US' and then retrain the voice.... I tried this in Redmi 2 and it worked for me...
> 0 votes

# Answer
Well, you have to enable it in manage permission. Go to settings - general settings - app - google search - manage permission (scrolldown to last) - enable trust this application and auto start. Thats it. Please ensure permission in given to this app for data/wifi as you choose.
> -1 votes

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Tags: google-now, voice-recognition, microphone, xiaomi
---


# Question
Title: whathappens if i hit the manage space button in google play services
what happens when I hit manage space button in google play services im trying to free storage space so I can download an app

# Answer
Here is what happens when you press the "Manage storage" button in Google Play Services through App Management:

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

Tapping any of the apps on the "Search Data" page just goes to that app's "manage" page.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Gallaxy S3 recharging prob-Master reset? will I loose contacts?
I've had a Gallaxy S3 for a little over one year without problems. All of the sudden it won't charge up. Barely to anything after being turned off and plugged in for hours! I've switched chargers, even tried usb to PC, switched batteries with my husband, same problem. It's my phone, not the battery. I've done a cach partition wipe. No change. NOW...to my question. I am looking at doing a master reset. Will I loose my contacts and pictures?? Thank you for helping me. Can't afford a new phone at this time.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, a master reset will wipe your downloaded apps and personal data.

You could backup your photo's on your PC. Another option would be Google Drive or any other cloud service.

Your contacts you can open contacts under settings. There should be import/export option. Then you can export them to your sim card or what every option is available. Also another option that maybe available is to save them to your Google or Samsung account.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


# Question
Title: My Phone will not recognize USB connected
There is no USB options when I connect to pc. I have tried a Galaxy Avant phone with the same cable and works, so it is not the computer or the cable. I have turned off and on USB debugging. I have tried so many " solutions" and still nothing.

Phone: Rooted Galaxy Avant (T-mobile) Kitkat 4.4.2

# Answer
> 1 votes
* First of all, please make sure that you have latest Samsung USB driver installed on your computer, if not please update it or download latest version from this page.
* Second, make sure that USB cable is working properly.
* Third, if USB cable is ok, driver is up-to-date and you still won't able to connect, then type in your Phone app this string `*#7284#`and check the option `MTP + ADB`, press `save and reset`. This should solve connection issue.

P.S. If appeared `*#7284#` "service screen" is different which means you can't see the `MTP + ADB` option please post the screenshot here.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, usb, stock-rom, samsung-galaxy-avant
---


# Question
Title: New phone: How to transfer game progress?
I'm planning to buy a new Android phone and I'd like to be able to transfer the progress I have made at several games to the new device, so I won't have to play all the levels again from scratch.

I currently have an HTC Desire and will buy an HTC Evo 3D.

There's probably no simple/general solution to this.

But I was wondering if anyone did something similar and could provide some advice (e.g. where to look for files that might hold game progress information).

# Answer
There are two places you should look for, the external memory (SD card or a directory that is used for similar purpose) and the internal memory (the `/data/data` directory). You may need to be rooted to access the latter.

In the best case scenario, the game saves all your progresses in the cloud, then you just need to reenter your login and it's all restored. This is typically only the case for online games.

Some games may provide a menu to export the save data or an external app to do so, if they exist then you should preferably use them.
> 6 votes

# Answer
If you are on Android 4.0 or up, you can use the `adb backup` resp. `adb restore` command even without rooting your device. The syntax is:

```
adb backup [-f <file>] [-apk|-noapk] [-shared|-noshared] [-all] [-system|nosystem] [<packages...>]

```

To do a full backup, this would e.g. mean `adb backup –apk –shared –all –f /backup/mybackup.ab` (resp. `adb restore /backup/mybackup.ab` to restore the backup on the new device). But keep in mind this would mean "all-or-nothing" -- you cannot restore single apps this way. So you rather might want to include the *package names* of the apps to transfer. To find those, e.g. look up the apps on Google Play -- you'll find the package names in the URL (`id=<package_name>`). Your backup command then would look like:

```
adb backup –apk –shared –f /backup/mybackup.ab com.foobar.app1 org.foobar.app2 net.foobar.app3

```

Restore stays the same, as `adb restore` always restores everything from the backup file (no selection of parts available here).

For a list of available ADB commands, see e.g. here.
> 17 votes

# Answer
You might also look into an app like Titanium Backup or MyBackup Pro and choose to save user apps + data and then restore to your new phone.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I recently transferred game progress using my computer from an LG phone to a Droid Maxx. I will use Fallout Shelter as my example because the website said game progress/purchases could not be transferred.

1. I created a folder on my desktop for files from the LG and looked through the phones files until I found `com.bethsoft.falloutshelter`.
2. I moved that to the folder I created on the computer. I had started a new game on the Droid Maxx so I could find where to put the file from the computer.
3. Once I found the `com.bethsoft.falloutshelter` file on the Droid Maxx I replaced it with the copy I put on my computer.

I loaded up the game and all of my progress and purchases had been transferred to the Droid. This works for games, photos, and music. I do not know if this works with iPhones.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Honestly, if you don't want to root, you're screwed, and even then it rarely works properly.

You can manually back up some of your games or use non-root backup apps, and the few that use the cloud are a blessing, but most game progress just won't back up and is lost in the process due to lack of root access.

Backup apps work for about 30-40% of games but aren't worth violating your warranty by rooting IMO. If you want to violate your warranty on your new device, go right ahead, but don't say I didn't warn you. If your phone decides to brick on you one day, you lost your money.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you use Dropbox, Astro File Manager, and APK Extractor apps, you can move games and all saved data to your new device without root.

1. Open Astro FM, hit the top-left button, then hit location
2. Open Dropbox and set up an account
3. Find the game files/folders in Astro FM and long-press, copy files to the new Dropbox account
4. Download APK Extractor and open it, find your game, and hit extract
5. Go back into Astro FM and find the extracted file and copy that file to Dropbox
6. On the new device, open Astro, go into Dropbox, and copy files to new device in the same location they came from on the old device
7. Finally, copy the extracted APK file to SD
8. It will ask if you want to install, hit yes, and enjoy

Note: you need to allow outside apps by going in settings then apps, check the box that allows outside apps
> 0 votes

# Answer
You should check out Helium - App Sync and Backup which work's without root. The Google Play Store page for Helium has a video showing you how to use it (or click here).

It's worth mentioning, if you don't want to purchase premium use the PC download feature, which let's you store the backup on your PC, then restore it on another device.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I did it with Minecraft, you just have to find your game progress in your old phone storage (I recommend you to do this with a File Manager). If you can't find it, look for it on Google for a specific game (find on Google where is the progress for that game stored).

Then install Wi-Fi file transfer from Google Play on the old phone so you can access your old phone from your new phone. Then download data progress on your new phone. And then just put downloaded data on the place where the game progress is on the new phone.
> -1 votes

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Tags: applications, backup, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: How can I record sound before outputting?
I have some apps that I want to record the output sounds locally before outputting to speaker, Bluetooth or any other output. So I get clean unadulterated audio, before any audio output mods.

My devices are rooted, some have custom ROMs.

Is there a way to do this internally, without any programming/coding knowledge? Can this be accomplished? Preferably with out hooking to PC as that prevents local saving.

* include steps.
* include references

---

Please excuse lack of tags, limited on choices.

# Answer
SCR Screen Recorder is a screen(+audio) recorder app.

**Note: root access is needed for internal audio recording.** Also, the internal audio recording was said to be an experimental feature, which might not work on all devices.

1. Download and install **SCR Screen Recorder Pro v1.0.5** (not SCR 5+ Pro v0.1.3, which doesn't need root, but only works on Lollipop and doesn't support internal audio recording)
2. Open the app, it will display overlay buttons on the screen.
3. Open the SCR Settings (middle icon, the one with cog icon)
4. On the "Audio" header, tap **Source** and select **Internal**
    * Optional: if screen recording is not needed, it's recommended to select the lowest setting on the "Video" header to decrease the file size. (e.g. 426x240 resolution)
5. Open the target app to be recorded
6. **Adjust the volume from the Android device** (important!).
    * Note: since SCR uses the same audio stream as the source, the volume when the app plays the audio is used as the input. This means that if the audio is not recorded with 100% volume (e.g. 70%), the loudness of the audio will decrease when it's played back (i.e. similar to playing the "recorded audio on 70% volume" with 70% volume, thus the final output is more-or-less 50% volume compared to the original audio)
    * Ideally, if there is an external speaker, it's possible to set the volume to 100% in Android and adjust the volume to a comfortable zone on the external speaker.
    * Optional: turn off any notification on all apps to prevent noise.
7. When ready, tap the **Record** button (first icon with orange color)
8. To stop the recording, either:
    * open the app once again (from notification or app launcher), or
    * turn off the screen for 2 seconds

---

**Addendum by anonymous user**:

With root: when the settings have been configured to use internal audio and the notification icon is popped up, tap the home button (don't close SCR) and open any sound recorder. It will record the sound internally instead of with a mic. (tried with a 3rd-party HI-Q MP3 recorder, unsure about others..)
> 5 votes

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Tags: audio-recording
---


title: Save a number during a phone call

text:
# Question
Title: Save a number during a phone call
How can I save a number during a phone call? The scenario is that I'm calling someone to get the phone number of someone else. If I just type the number in the dialer, it disappears when the call ends.

Opening some kind of notepad application is cumbersome both saving and retrieving: tap home, tap applications, find the application, start a new note, type number, end call, copy number, paste number into the dialer (how to do the last step is another question)

# Answer
I found that Number Saver is the closest to a solution. It adds an icon to the notification area when on call and will even automatically switch to speakers when run during a call
> 4 votes

# Answer
I was also looking for something like this, but then found out a solution that works for me.

While on call, click Home button and go to contacts and add new contact. The active call stays in notifications and you can bring it back up anytime.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I have a Samsung Galaxy, and when I am in a call I have the ability to create a memo by pressing the menu key, and selecting the memo option.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Call writer app can do the trick.You can easily take notes and also save numbers during a call.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It is not a perfect answer but most note applications should support automatic hyperlink creation with phone numbers. In my case I use ColoreNote and the process would be "open app" -\> "create new note" -\> "write #" -\> "hangup" -\> "click on number" and the call starts...
> 0 votes

# Answer
On my phone (Nexus S), all outgoing calls are logged in the call log -- from which you can long-press to add the number to your contacts.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: phone-app
---


title: Whatsapp on dual sim

text:
# Question
Title: Whatsapp on dual sim
I want to use dual sim phone with one number registered with whatsapp and another number with data pack , is it possible?

# Answer
> 2 votes
> I want to use dual sim phone with one number registered with whatsapp and another number with data pack , is it possible?

Yes. In dual sim Android phones, you can only use one sim's mobile data at once. You can choose which sim to be used with mobile data in settings.

And WhatsApp doesn't require the same sim's mobile data. After installing and sms/cal verification, you can use any means of data connection to use WhatsApp. Even you can remove the sim and use the application as long as you didn't reverify Whatsapp sms/cal from a different phone.

On dual sim phones, you can even use two whatsapp accounts for both sims if your android version supports multiple user. Android Lolipop and above supports multiple users on phones. While you can enable multiple users on Android 4.2 to 4.4, you may need root access and `build.prop` tweak to do that. Just create a second user and install WhatsApp in it and register it with second sim.

Using modified version of whatsapp on the same user account with official app might have issues, since both apps share the common directory "WhatsApp" on sdcard, conflicting with database.

# Answer
> 2 votes
## Short answer

**No**, because WhatsApp doesn't officially support multiple accounts.

## Longer Answer

It's technically possible, but you'll need two different versions of WhatsApp. Customised ('*modded'*) versions of WhatsApp exist, and if you install both the official version and a reliable unofficial version, you can in fact have two WhatsApp numbers on the same phone.

However, you shouldn't do this if you're concerned about privacy because the unofficial versions of WhatsApp aren't vetted by any authority and might compromise your device.

Furthermore, there always remains a possibility the unofficial version will simply stop working, because WhatsApp doesn't like them and has begun cracking down on them. There are even (unsubstantiated, and later refuted) rumours that WhatsApp will permanently ban users of unofficial clients.

Instead of installing an unofficial version, you *can* edit the `build.prop` file to make it appear as if two copies of WhatsApp are completely different applications but you will definitely run into issues later on as both will try to save messages and media to the `/sdcard/WhatsApp` folder, resulting in conflicts and confusion.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, dual-sim
---


# Question
Title: How do I set a separate launcher as default?
I have a Huawei Y300 with Emotion UI. I want to change from the stock Huawei launcher to Holo Launcher. On launching Holo and pressing home, I do not get any options and am directly taken back to the stock home screen.

How do I set Holo as the default launcher?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found an option in the `Launcher Settings` of Holo Launcher which allows choosing the default launcher.

Setting it to the correct one (Holo/Default) takes care of the issue.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You have to clear the defaults in the `Settings > Application > Your default Launcher`. Then when you tap the home button, you will be asked to choose a launcher. You select the one you want and mark that as the default.

Generally when you install a new application, it clears the defaults for that category. So installing Holo should have done that for you. I wonder why that did not happen.

# Answer
> 2 votes
When you hit the home button, an option should pop up asking for the user to choose a launcher. If this is not happening, you probably have the stock launcher set to default.
Try checking Settings-Applications-(Tap on your stock launcher app)
and then scroll down to find "Clear defaults" button.
Hitting the home button should now bring up that pop up we're looking for.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is another way to change it. The Emotion UI is set up as default, so first to do is to clear the default option by going to Settings \> Manage Apps \> ALL and open Huawei Home then choose the option Clear Default. Now just press Home botton and it will ask which launcher you want to use and you can set up the new one by default.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found the answer on YouTube somewhere. You should go to `Settings » Manage apps`, then at the bottom tap `Default app settings`. In there is an option `Launcher`. Done!

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, launcher
---


title: How long should a factory reset take?

text:
# Question
Title: How long should a factory reset take?
I did a factory reset on my LG Optimus L70, and it showed a screen that said "Erasing..."

Shortly after, it showed the MetroPCS splash screen, and it's been stuck on this screen for over 2 hours. How long should a factory reset take?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Factory reset has already been done. Now you need to take the battery of or reset the phone again. Thats the only way that its gonna work.

---
Tags: factory-reset
---


title: SELinux and chroot system call

text:
# Question
Title: SELinux and chroot system call
*TL; DR: This is a question about the final step, in a portable, developer-oriented rooting process, that works across all Android machines. It is not based on any exploit - it is something that we are legally and morally allowed to do, as developers, to our own machines. If I get an answer and manage to chroot inside my Debian, I will make a concise blog post detailing all the steps of this process for all the fellow developers that want root access to their tablets - and don't want to trust dubious-origin "one-click-roots" that do God-knows-what to their machines (botnet members?)... The only dependencies will be the machine's kernel sources (which the manufacturer is legally obligated to provide) and the boot partition image (`boot.img`), which is 99% of the times inside the manufacturer-provided Over-the-air updates, or individually downloadable as a standalone flash-able image.*

So, a week passed where I spent all my free time on my new Android tablet.

And I have almost completely succeeded - in creating a portable, developer-oriented process, for achieving root in my Android 5.0.2 tablet.

But there's one thing missing yet - I can't do a chroot (which I need to run my `debootstrap`-ed Debian!)

**What I did so far**

1. First, I did a minor patch in my tablet's (manufacturer-provided) kernel sources, and then compiled my own kernel - where I disabled the checks for changing *SELINUX enforcing mode*. Specifically...

In `security/selinux/selinuxfs.c`:

```
...
if (new_value != selinux_enforcing) {
    /* Commented out by ttsiodras.
    length = task_has_security(current, SECURITY__SETENFORCE);
    if (length)
        goto out;
    */
    audit_log(current->audit_context, GFP_KERNEL, AUDIT_MAC_STATUS,
        "enforcing=%d old_enforcing=%d auid=%u ses=%u",
        new_value, selinux_enforcing,

```
2. I then changed my initrd image's `/default.prop` to contain: `ro.secure=0` and `ro.debuggable=1`
3. Since my manufacturer's `initrd.img` was missing it, I also compiled `su.c` from https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/extras/+/master/su/ and placed the resulting binary under `/sbin/su`, making sure it is set to SUID root (`chmod 04755 /sbin/su`).

After that, I packaged the new kernel and the new initrd, as I explained in Episode 2 of my previous post \- and booted from my own image:

```
adb reboot boot-loader ; fastboot boot myboot.img

```

**So, are you root?**

Yes, it initially appeared to be successful:

```
$ adb shell

shell@K01E_2:/ $ id

uid=2000(shell) gid=2000(shell) groups=1004(input),1007(log),1011(adb),
1015(sdcard_rw),1028(sdcard_r),3001(net_bt_admin),3002(net_bt),
3003(inet),3006(net_bw_stats)
context=u:r:shell:s0

shell@K01E_2:/ $ ls -l /sbin/su /sbin/_su
-rwxr-xr-x root     root          131 2015-10-03 10:44 su
-rwsr-xr-x root     root         9420 2015-10-03 01:31 _su

(the _su is the binary I compiled, set to SUID root, and "su" is
 a script I wrote to tell "su" to add me to all these groups...)

shell@K01E_2:/ $ cat /sbin/su

#!/system/bin/sh
export PATH=/system/bin:$PATH
exec /sbin/_su 0,0,1000,1028,2000,2001,1004,1007,1011,1015,\
   1028,3001,3002,3003,3006

```

And I have now achieved root:

```
shell@K01E_2:/ $ su

root@K01E_2:/ # id

uid=0(root) gid=0(root)
groups=1000(system),1004(input),1007(log),1011(adb),
1015(sdcard_rw),1028(sdcard_r),1028(sdcard_r),2000(shell),2001(cache),
3001(net_bt_admin),3002(net_bt),3003(inet),3006(net_bw_stats)
context=u:r:shell:s0

```

I am 100% sure I am root - not only because `id` says so, but because I can also do things that normal processes definitely can't:

```
root@K01E_2:/ # ls -l /dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/boot
lrwxrwxrwx root root 2015-10-03 10:47 boot -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p16

root@K01E_2:/ # dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p16 of=/dev/null bs=1M
16+0 records in
16+0 records out
16777216 bytes transferred in 0.569 secs (29485441 bytes/sec)

```

Lo and behold - I can finally read raw partitions out of my tablet!

And SELinux is indeed in "down, dog" mode:

```
root@K01E_2:/ # getenforce
Permissive

```

But... there are *still* things I can't do:

```
root@K01E_2:/ # mkdir /my_mnt

root@K01E_2:/ # mount -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk1p2 /my_mnt
mount: Operation not permitted

```

That is, I can't mount my EXT4-fs formatted 2nd partition of my external SD card.

I also can't chroot to my lovely `debootstrap`-ed Debian:

```
root@K01E_2:/ # chroot /data/debian/ /bin/bash
chroot() fail
Operation not permitted

```

**Is it because of SELinux?**

I don't know - I am new (very new - one week old) to SELinux. I thought that when you put it to sleep (`getenforce` reporting "Permissive") it no longer interferes...

Apparently, I was wrong. Down the rabbit hole we go again...

Could it be because of my process context?

Remember that `id` returned... "uid=0(root) gid=0(root)... **context=u:r:shell:s0**"

Can I change that context? Being root and all, can I move away from `shell`? And if so, move to what?

The answer to the first question is `runcon`:

```
shell@K01E_2:/ $ runcon u:r:debuggerd:s0 /sbin/su

root@K01E_2:/ # id
uid=0(root) gid=0(root)... context=u:r:debuggerd:s0

```

Good. But what context will allow me to `mount` and `chroot`?

Reading some more about SELinux, back in my main machine, I parse the `/sepolicy` file on the root of the `initrd.img`:

```
linuxbox$ $ sesearch -A sepolicy | grep chroot
allow init_shell init_shell : capability { chown sys_chroot ...
allow init init : capability { chown dac_read_search sys_chroot ...
allow kernel kernel : capability { chown dac_override sys_chroot ...
allow asus-dbug-d asus-dbug-d : capability { chown sys_chroot ...
...

```

OK, a number of possibilities! Especially that `kernel` one seems promising:

```
shell@K01E_2:/ $ runcon u:r:kernel:s0 /sbin/su

root@K01E_2:/ # id
uid=0(root) gid=0(root)... context=u:r:kernel:s0

root@K01E_2:/ # chroot /data/debian/ /bin/bash
chroot() fail
Operation not permitted

```

Darn.

Who the heck is blocking me from `chroot`ing?

Any advice most welcome...

# Answer
> 12 votes
*Who the heck is blocking me from chrooting?*

It wasn't SELinux - that was a wild goose chase (`getenforce` returning "Permissive" means that SELinux is indeed no longer in the picture).

The culprit - after adding quite a number of `printk` in the kernel's source to trace the failures of both `chroot` and `mount` \- turned out to be *capabilities*. More specifically, Android's "capability bounding set" - you can read all about them via your `man` (`man 7 capabilities`) and I confess I have never before bothered looking into them - my everyday UNIX tasks depended on them and I had no idea... try this in your linux box to see for yourself:

```
$ getfattr -d -m - /sbin/ping
getfattr: Removing leading '/' from absolute path names
# file: sbin/ping
security.capability=0s......

```

See? Ping is no longer SUID root - it uses information **stored in the filesystem's extended attributes** to know that it has access to the raw sockets layer (so it can do it's ICMP thing - at the IP level that is).

Anyway, I digress - the surgery point in my kernel where I stopped the "drop my capabilities set" - in an arguably disgusting, "let them all march in" manner - was this (`security/commoncap.c`):

```
static long cap_prctl_drop(struct cred *new, unsigned long cap)
{
    if (!capable(CAP_SETPCAP))
        return -EPERM;
    if (!cap_valid(cap))
        return -EINVAL;

    // ttsiodras: come in, everyone, the water's fine!
    //cap_lower(new->cap_bset, cap);
    return 0;
}

```

This means that capabilities are NEVER dropped - a very secure configuration, indeed :-)

```
$ adb shell

shell@K01E_2:/ $ su

root@K01E_2:/ # chroot /data/debian/ /bin/bash

root@localhost:/# export PATH=/bin:/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:\
     /usr/local/bin:$PATH

root@localhost:/# cat /etc/issue
Debian GNU/Linux 8 \n \l

```

Hello, my sweet Debian :-)

Oh, and "Root checker" works, too - I snipped "su.c", so everyone in my tablet can become root:

```
int main(int argc, char **argv)
{
  struct passwd *pw;
  uid_t uid, myuid;
  gid_t gid, gids[50];

  /* Until we have something better, only root and shell can use su. */
  myuid = getuid();
  //
  // ttsiodras - Oh no, you don't :-)
  //
  //if (myuid != AID_ROOT && myuid != AID_SHELL) {
  //    fprintf(stderr,"su: uid %d not allowed to su\n", myuid);
  //    return 1;
  //}

```

Now that it works, I must make it work properly - i.e. allow only my `termux` and `Terminal Emulator` users to invoke `su` and `chroot`, and not let everyone and their grandmother in :-)

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


title: Broken screen and touch

text:
# Question
Title: Broken screen and touch
I have a HTC One M7 and long story short the screen is completely destroyed but the phone still works because i still get beeps and LED blinks when someone messeges me. I would like to get my pictures and contacts off of it but when i try i have to unlock the phone to get a access to the files and the touch screen is broken so that isnt possible. Also i cant see whats happening on the screen which makes the situation even worse. Can someone please help me get my files off without having to physically put in the pattern. Please and thank you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have rooted your phone you can try to use android control. It allows you to see the screen and touch the screen through ADB but it is a bit hard to get working sometimes.

If you can see the screen you can try an USB OTG cable with a USB mouse attached to it. I had this for a week when my touch broke down physically, people tend to look at you weird with this but it works quite well.

---
Tags: htc-one, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Asus Zenfone 6 doesn't see SIM cards, keeps booting itself. How to troubleshoot the issue?
I have a problem with Asus Zenfone 6 device, which worked well on stock firmware with minimal amount of additional installs for about a year. This is a dual SIM phone and it has both SIM card slots used.

At some point the device stopped "seeing" both SIM cards, and started self-booting (gracefully, with reboot notice) every 2-3 minutes.

A sequence of factory resets and firmware updates did not solve SIM card problem. Other than this, the phone worked well: recovery, installed new firmware, WiFi etc. The situation got better with last firmware update coming with Android 5: the phone simply does not see SIM cards now, without rebooting itself any longer.

* While I tend to think it is simply a hardware problem, how do I go about troubleshooting the problem from as a developer?
* I have `adb` connection, I can grab logs (`adb logcat`, `adb bugreport`) which contain lots of data, I can connect via shell. It is a lot of data, what do I check there specifically?
* Or, how do I check hardware configuration to detect details of anomalies (missing SIM related devices or configurations), or hardware related logs?

# Answer
> -1 votes
try adding a small piece of tissue on the top of the sim card slot, i have the same problem and it seems like the slot is loosen up, so you will need something to keep the slot pushed down , for example : paper, tissue, etc. but , tissue works the best.

---
Tags: sim-card, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Where is the Developer options in the Settings on the S6?
On the S3 it was easy to find. I clicked on everything under Settings. I can't find it. Where do I access it?

# Answer
> 10 votes
Follow the instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About device.
2. Tap Build number 7 times.

After tapping build number two or more times, a toast will be shown on the screen telling you the progress:

> You are now X steps away from being a developer.

After tapping the build number 7 times, you will be notified you are a developer.

Now, Galaxy S6 developer options will be available in the Settings menu.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>
3. Go to Settings → Developer options.
4. In the Settings menu, you can find the Developer options right above About device. Tap Developer options.
5. Enable Galaxy S6 Developer options.
6. In Developer options page, drag the switch to right to turn it on. The color should change to green as shown below.
7. Use Galaxy S6 Developer options.

For example, you want to turn on USB debugging on Galaxy S6. You can tap USB debugging as shown below. This will enable USB debugging for Galaxy S6.

# Full list of Galaxy S6 developer options

* Take bug report
* Set desktop backup password
* Stay awake while charging (screen will not sleep)
* Bluetooth HCI snoop log
* Processes stats (lists the stats of running processes)
* USB debugging (you can then run ADB command from PC)
* Revoke USB debugging authorizations
* Include bug reports in power menu options
* Allow mock locations
* View attribute inspection
* Select app to be debugged
* Wait for debugger
* Verify apps vis USB
* WiFi verbose logging
* Aggressive WiFi/cell handover
* Allow WiFi roaming scans
* Buffer size for logging
* Show touches
* Show pointer location
* Show screen updates
* Show layout boundaries
* Force RTL layout
* Window animation scale
* Transition animation scale
* Animator duration scale
* Simulate secondary displays
* Force GPU rendering
* Show GPU view updates
* Show hardware layers update
* Debug GPU overdraw
* Show non-rectangular clips
* Turn on 4x MSAA
* Turn off hardware overlays
* Simulate color space
* Use NuPlayer (instead of AwesomePlayer)
* Prevent USB audio routing
* Strict mode
* Show CPU usage
* GPU rendering profile
* Turn on OpenGL traces
* Do not keep activities
* Limit background processes
* Show all ANRs (app not responding)

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


title: Nexus 5 weird charging behaviour

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 5 weird charging behaviour
I've had my Nexus 5 for about a year and a half now, but lately it's showing weird charging behaviour (check battery history graph):

I leave it charging every night and it's supposed to reach 100%, now it doesn't even go beyond 48%. What's going on and how can I fix it?

# Answer
In the end I just decided to let the battery drop down to about 3%, restart the phone and then charge. Now it's fine again!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery, nexus-5, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: How can I delete all images in the album on my Sony Xperia S?
I synched all my photos with Lightroom, now would like to delete them from my Phone. There is no delete function in the Sony Album (Android Album?) however. How can I get rid of all photos taken?

# Answer
**Deleting based on File Extension:**

You may install Terminal Emulator from Play Store. Open it and enter the commands.

```
find $EXTERNAL_STORAGE $SECONDARY_STORAGE -iname "*.jpg" -exec rm {} \;

```

You may replace `*jpg` with `*png` , `*jpeg` , or other extensions involving picture formats.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Connect your device to a computer and find the folder that stores the photo. Then select all with CRTL + A, right-click and select Delete option from pop up menu
> 0 votes

# Answer
It's very simple step and there is no need to install any app.

1. Go to album
2. Press and select one picture/video
3. Once you select a picture you will see top right corner option
4. Open it and you will see select all

Select all images including videos and delete it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: photos, sony-xperia
---


title: What is a vCard and how to read it?

text:
# Question
Title: What is a vCard and how to read it?
What is a vCard and how do I read it? It popped up in a message from a friend and I don't know what it is. Please explain.

# Answer
A `vCard` is contact information in a standardized form, accepted by most applications that deal in people or contact information. It is transportable between systems of differing operating systems, because of its defined form, generally: Name, Address, Phone Number, Notes, etc.

In Android, the standard application to read this is called either `People` or `Contacts`. If you open the application and find the activity menu about it, one of the allowed processes will probably accept the data through "Import".

If you received it attached to a message, possibly even the messaging app will allow the import to the correct place in your system. See if its activity menu allows some processing of the attachment, similarly "Import".
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts
---


title: Recover account difficulty

text:
# Question
Title: Recover account difficulty
## Context

An acquaintance has a strange problem with her Google Account. I'm a developer (not Android specialist) while she's just a plain user.

She forgot her Google account password, but her old tablet still has it and she can send and receive e-mail using both e-mail and gmail apps.

We tried recovery from old and new tablet.

Google offered to send an SMS to her phone (Google displayed only last 3 digits, which match), nothing received on her phone. Same for automated voice message.

When recovering from another computer, Google asked for the complete phone number, we typed it and got a reply that it was wrong, which suggests it was changed.

The e-mail address for recovery is wrong (Google displays first 3 letters which don't match).

At this point we suspect her account was hacked by someone who changed the contact options to prevent password recovery.

We also tried the option to answer questions but she does not know exactly the last login date and creation date of the account. We tried anyway but Google replied it didn't match. At this point I understand that it is difficult for Google to tell if our request is legitimate or not (after all our exact behavior might be the behavior of an attacker).

## Questions

* (1) I'm wondering if it is possible to recover the password by digging (even through adb if needed) in the e-mail app config (Gmail add and e-mail app have the password).
* (2) What else can we do?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just found this, which does not work on my personal device (permission denied, not rooted). Will try again on the affected user's device.

This gives a path: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?s=36bdbe78a049f9e358a0421113d922c2&p=54912072&postcount=7

> Browse to /data/user/0/com.android.email/databases and copy EmailProvider.db to your computer. Other phones might have their database in a different location. Download and install Sqlite Database Browser from sourceforge.net if you haven't, and then skip down to the sqlitebrowser instructions here:

This gives instructions and a different path (presumably because of different Android version): http://ubuntu42.blogspot.fr/2011/11/android-recover-mail-password.html

Summarized:

> ```
> adb pull /data/data/com.android.email ~/email_of_phone
> sudo apt-get install sqlitebrowser
> sqlitebrowser
>
> ```

---
Tags: password
---


# Question
Title: How to partial sync Dropbox contents to my device?
Is it possible to sync only *some* folders of Dropbox?

I have 5GB+ files on Dropbox cloud, but only want a few folders to be synced to my Galaxy Tab 7.7.

# Answer
Yes there's a way. It's called Foldersync. It allows you to set up folder pairs to sync and the full version even allows you to sync on changes. It also supports several other cloud services.
> 6 votes

# Answer
You could use a different account for the phone, and just share the folders you want to sync to the phone account.

15 Oct

Saw a down-vote, so perhaps it was not clear. It is quite easy to share files between Dropbox accounts.

Of course this is only relevant if you use a DropBox app that doesn't allow selective syncing. (There are many DropBox apps)
> 0 votes

# Answer
I have a Galaxy Tablet (GT-N8013). In the dropbox application, you can 'star' specific files or folders to download to your device. This is useful if your tablet will be offline (no wifi) for a period of time. Changes that you make to the document on the tablet will be saved to your dropbox folder,and when you re-connect to the internet will become available almost immediately.

If you are going to be somewhere that has wifi, the dropbox folder allows you to open the documents from dropbox, use them, make changes or notes, and save back to dropbox. This makes it very easy to take documents to meetings via the tablet using the dropbox folder.
> 0 votes

# Answer
In the Dropbox app, you can press and hold a file, then choose "Favorite". This will store it locally and make it available for offline access.

The option is not available for folders, so if you want access to a new file you'll need to sync, then mark each new file for download.

Jeepers, though, they didn't make this easy to find!!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: dropbox
---


# Question
Title: Check OpenSSL version in Android with Java runtime or shell command
I have a problem with checking OpenSSL version in Android device. I've tried to `grep OpenSSL` from `system/lib/libssl.so` with java `runtime.exec`, but it doesn't work?

Anyone can help me, how to make a command to check OpenSSL version in Android?

# Answer
> 2 votes
`grep` doesn't really like binary files, but you can extract the strings from the binary and grep those using `strings`. This binary is not available on most stock ROMs, but you can use Busybox or a similar tool to use it on most devices.

On my device the following command lists the correct OpenSSL version used by libssl.so:

```
strings /system/lib/libssl.so | grep -i openssl

```

This gives me the following output:

```
OpenSSLDie
OPENSSL_cleanse
OPENSSL_DIR_read
OPENSSL_DIR_end
external/openssl/ssl/bio_ssl.c
external/openssl/ssl/d1_both.c
external/openssl/ssl/d1_enc.c
external/openssl/ssl/d1_lib.c
external/openssl/ssl/d1_pkt.c
external/openssl/ssl/d1_srtp.c
external/openssl/ssl/s23_clnt.c
external/openssl/ssl/s23_lib.c
external/openssl/ssl/s23_srvr.c
external/openssl/ssl/s2_clnt.c
external/openssl/ssl/s2_enc.c
external/openssl/ssl/s2_lib.c
external/openssl/ssl/s2_pkt.c
external/openssl/ssl/s2_srvr.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_both.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_cbc.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_clnt.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_enc.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_lib.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_pkt.c
external/openssl/ssl/s3_srvr.c
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_asn1.c
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_cert.c
OPENSSL_DIR_read(&ctx, '
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_ciph.c
OPENSSL_malloc Error
OpenSSL 1.0.1j 15 Oct 2014
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_lib.c
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_rsa.c
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_sess.c
external/openssl/ssl/ssl_txt.c
external/openssl/ssl/t1_enc.c
external/openssl/ssl/t1_lib.c
external/openssl/ssl/t1_reneg.c
external/openssl/ssl/tls_srp.c
DTLSv1 part of OpenSSL 1.0.1j 15 Oct 2014
SSLv2 part of OpenSSL 1.0.1j 15 Oct 2014
SSLv3 part of OpenSSL 1.0.1j 15 Oct 2014
TLSv1 part of OpenSSL 1.0.1j 15 Oct 2014

```

I can't confirm that this works for every device, but I see no reason why this would fail.

---
Tags: shell, command-line, java
---


# Question
Title: can i get back up of photos. I've lost my android phone
i've lost my phone 2 days back in which my Google account was registered however i'm not able to find those pictures & videos now in my google account. I'm not sure if i had clicked on back up photos link or not. Is there any way i can get those photos. Plz help as i've so many memories captured in that phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Assuming you used Google to backup your photos, any backed up content would appear on Google Photos.

In addition, try using Android Device Manager to locate your phone, if possible. Or at least lock it.

---
Tags: backup
---


# Question
Title: Phone "last seen" on WhatsApp after it was lost - how is that possible?
I recently lost my cell phone. The following has happened:

* At 6 PM I used it for the last time. I sent a WhatsApp message, and I asume I left WhatsApp open.
* At 8 PM I realized the phone was gone.
* Strangely enough, at 9 PM I was "last seen" on WhatsApp, according to multiple friends I have as contacts.

How can this bee, when my phone is protected with a six digit pin code? I see two possibilities:

* Someone has stolen or found my phone. But how could they get past the pin code? Is it possible to bypass for someone in the business of stealing cell phones?
* WhatsApp has for some reason registered me as online even though the phone has been in sleep mode (or whatever you call it when the screen is black but the phone is not turned on).

Which of these two is the more plausible? Is there a third possibility?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found my phone again - I had just misplaced it. I can be very sure that no one touched it while it was lost. I therefore conclude that WhatsApp can indeed register you as "last seen" even though the phone is just in sleep mode.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, lost-phone, password-protection
---


# Question
Title: Ringing volume is reduced after after updating Moto G2 to Android Lollipop
After updating my Moto G2 to Lollipop 5.0, the ringing volume of my phone is reduced. Can anyone help me with a fix?

# Answer
I suggest you to perform clear cache on your device. This steps will remove any temporary files that may be causing the problem, but will not delete your files or settings.

1. With the phone powered off, press and hold the `Volume Down` \+ `Power` button at the same time and release after two sec.
2. Press the `Volume Down` button twice to highlight "Recovery mode"
3. Press the `Volume Up` button to restart into Recovery mode. You'll see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark and the words "No command."
4. Hold the `Power` button, do not release it, press the `Volume up` button and release it (hold on the `Power` \+ `Volume Up` button and release).
5. Use the volume buttons to scroll to "Wipe cache partition" and press the `Power` button to select it.
6. "Reboot system now" will be highlighted, press the `Power` button to select it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I hope I can help as my Moto g 2nd Gen had the same problem and it's running ok for now.

You are going to need to plug your phone into a computer and on AUTO PLAY click "OPEN FOLDER TO VIEW FILES".

1. Go to Media folder \> Audio \> Ringtones
2. Copy all ringtones and go back 3 tabs to the main storage page of your phone
3. Open Ringtones folder and paste your ringtones
4. Close the window, unplug your phone and cross your fingers it has solved your problem.

Worked for me so I hope this helps others.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, calls, motorola-moto-g2, volume
---


# Question
Title: How to display, hear, and control an Android device using PC?
I used Mobizen. However, only the screen shows up. The sound doesn't come from my PC. Also I do not think I can control my Android device from my PC.

Any way to do that?

I want to connect via Wi-fi. Mobizen seems to be web based which means information would go through Internet first before showing up on my PC.

# Answer
If you want to control your android device from you PC you just have to install "AirDroid" app from play store you can control all you media of your device from PC and read/write/send/ SMS messages live screen control use device camera from PC and so many features. You just have to connect your device with a WiFi also with the same WiFi your PC !
> 1 votes

---
Tags: remote-control
---


title: New folder 'androidlav' in gallery

text:
# Question
Title: New folder 'androidlav' in gallery
I use Samsung Galaxy Note 5. I found a folder `androidlav` in the gallery section which has been formed automatically, and it contained a screenshot of MakeMyTrip app.

Does this happen to anyone? Can anybody explain this? Can I delete it?

# Answer
The folder is created by AppVirality SDK.

Before v1.1.18, the folder is not hidden, and can be read by gallery apps.

> Version - 1.1.18
>
> Major Changes:
>
> Hidden androidlav folder from Android image gallery.

You can delete it. If it comes back, which it might if you open MakeMyTrip again, you should report it to them.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gallery
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 7 in Fastboot (recovery) not activating USB connection
I realise this is asked countless times but I genuinely believe my question is unique, please bare with me as I explain.

My Nexus7 (2013) is not working in fastboot mode, I connect my Nexus 7 and run the following:

```
$ adb devices
List of devices attached
07c15663    device

```

The Nexus 7 appears (once authorising adb), so I then reboot to fastboot (or bootloader):

```
$ adb reboot bootloader

```

The Nexus 7 reboots into fastboot correctly and I see the usual screen:

Nexus 7 in fastboot mode (click image for larger variant)

However, when I issue any fastboot commands it cannot see the device:

```
$ sudo ./fastboot devices
[empty response]

```

...and lsusb doesn't see the USB Connection:

```
$ lsusb
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 006: ID 5986:0266 Acer, Inc
Bus 001 Device 005: ID 0a5c:21e6 Broadcom Corp. BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 [ThinkPad]
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 147e:2020 Upek TouchChip Fingerprint Coprocessor (WBF     advanced mode)
Bus 001 Device 035: ID 045e:0745 Microsoft Corp. Nano Transceiver v1.0 for     Bluetooth
Bus 001 Device 034: ID 046d:c049 Logitech, Inc. G5 Laser Mouse
Bus 001 Device 032: ID 1a40:0101 Terminus Technology Inc. 4-Port HUB
Bus 001 Device 031: ID 1a40:0101 Terminus Technology Inc. 4-Port HUB
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub
Bus 003 Device 030: ID 0bdb:1926 Ericsson Business Mobile Networks BV
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub

```

to add to this weirdness, once it's booted up properly the Nexus 7 appears as a Nexus 4 in lsusb:

```
$ lsusb
[...]
Bus 001 Device 060: ID 18d1:4ee2 Google Inc. Nexus 4 (debug)
[...]

```

I'm so confused, what have I done to my poor Nexus 7?? Please Help!

Also:

* The device seems to freeze after extended periods in fastboot at which point the only solution is to push and hold the power button for 10secs (hard power off).
* I can use fastboot with my Nexus 4 without any problems

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you tried putting the proper drivers in the right locations on your filesystem? This has been an issue with my Nexus 7 as well, and was solved by acquiring the proper drivers.

Also, it seems from your fastboot screen information your Nexus is fairly custom at this point (product name usually reads `grouper`, the device codename, yours seems to call itself `FLO`?). This may affect what drivers are required, but I am not an expert in driver compatibility. Perhaps, due to the ambiguity of what can be flashed to the fully unlocked Nexus line, you may actually have pushed Nexus 4 firmware to your device, and due to the fact that they differ only in size, it may appear to you to still be running the software for the 7.

It appears your device has, in the fastboot information, a slot for reading to the user what carrier the device is currently subscribed to. This should, to the best of my knowledge, only appear on the Nexus 4, or the GSM capable 3G enabled version of the Grouper (Nexus 7). It can be very easy to push the files for your phone to your tablet accidentally, and might be worth consideration.

If you have a WiFi only device, this is likely the issue. A quick way to discern if you have the Nexus 4 software on your Nexus 7 is to run an application that has a user interface which is programmed to change from the phone to the tablet (a list of such apps should be easily found with a Google query. I believe Gmail is one, but that may be blurry for us with the Nexus 7 because it is considered a "Phablet", a hybrid style device).

I recommend trying to erase all Android drivers on the host computer, and reinstalling the specific drivers for the Nexus 7 only, then after hopefully solving the issue, redownload the other necessary drivers for other devices, only after this issue has been resolved.

If that is not helpful, I would consider a full overhaul of your system through pushing a Google supplied system image through `adb`, and using recovery partition to erase everything and reinstall stock flavor of this device. It may also be possible fully through `adb`, since you say it is detected when using that utility. Hope this helps you somehow :\]

To sum it up, you either have interfering drivers, or have given your device its cousin software from your phone, a very small difference in terms of observable functionality assumably, but large for accessing the fastboot function.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem, but it turned out that `adb` didn't have to see the device in order for `fastboot` to see it.

I'm guessing you want to flash Android 5.0 to your Nexus 7?

I just did that by following these instructions. An extra thing I had to do was adding a udev rule, as described here. (However, I removed the `GROUP ="plugdev"` part of the rule, since other sources omitted that.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I experienced the same thing and I found that it was because the USB ID was different in fastboot mode.

The answer by poolie to the question Android fastboot waiting for devices helped me solve my issue on Fedora 22.

Rather than restarting the udev service, I issued the command:

```
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules

```

---
Tags: usb, nexus-7, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: How to correctly identify your phone model and version?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and I'm trying to do a fresh reinstall of Cyanongenmod.

I see in their website that there are three different versions of this phone: https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Devices#vendor=%22Google%22;searchable=%22galaxy%22;

Now I am confused and don't know which version I have? I bought it in Portugal. But is there a way to automatically identify the phone?

Thank you

# Answer
Go into settings then About Phone and it should display everything you need
> -1 votes

# Answer
Download CPU-Z. It helps to correctly identify your phone model, among other features.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-nexus
---


title: How to play song unlimited time?

text:
# Question
Title: How to play song unlimited time?
There are 2 songs in my playlist. I want to listen first song once then secondary song unlimited times. How to do that ?

Thank you !

# Answer
Just listen to the first song as normal. When the second one starts playing click on the **repeat(1)** button and...

Enjoy!
> 1 votes

# Answer
VLC allows you to easily loop files/playlists.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: music
---


# Question
Title: Getting "Application relies Google Play Services, which is not supported by your device. contact the manufacturer for assistance" error on custom ROM
I have Micromax A114 Canvas 2.2 and I change its ROM every time I'm bored of the existing one. But this time, when I changed ROM of mobile and tried booting it with Note 4 ROM (though it is not Note 4) which upgraded my Android 4.2.2 to 4.4.4., Google apps do not work here and giving this error

> `<Application Name>` relies Google play services, which is not supported by your device. contact the manufacturer for assistance".

I have tried upgrading Gapps for 4.4.4 and also installing version which is compatible for 4.2.2 but it does not solve my problem.

Can someone please help. I don't want to change this ROM because I'm liking it for now.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You may install any unofficial version of ROM made for your device, but you cannot expect everything to work.

If you really want newest Android version on your mobile, you may forward your request to the device manufacturer, which in your case is Micromax.

The Google Apps packages for particular Android version doesn't mean they work on every device with the appropriate Android version. They can be guaranteed to work on devices that pass the `CTS`. On such devices, if a bug like you have encountered occurs, you can file a bug report.
There is nothing much you can do to make Google apps work.

Alternatively, you may use the last Android version that your manufacturer released. Google apps on almost all devices get auto updated to the latest versions, and you wont encounter any such force close issues.

---
Tags: custom-roms, google-play-services
---


title: Remove Google App from non-rooted phone

text:
# Question
Title: Remove Google App from non-rooted phone
Is it possible to Uninstall Google App without root permissions ?

It consumes more internal memory and drains battery.

I already gone through a thread to **disable it** but uninstalling may free-up some space and saves battery.

# Answer
It's not just about Google apps. You can't remove any system app without root privileges. The reason is very simple. You need higher privileges (system; root) to write the `system` partition which contains those system apps and you don't have it. `system` partition is mounted in read-only mode by-default.

Unless that partition is already mounted in read-write mode, a system app uninstaller would first have to remount the partition in read-write mode and then would begin the procedure of removing the app. To remount, they require root permissions while you're asking something impossible here.

Thinking about wouldn't help here because it doesn't have the privilege to remount that partition too.

As for freeing some disk space, know that disabling those Google apps and clearing their data from **Settings → Apps → All apps** should be enough because even if you somehow end up achieving the impossible, you won't be able to see any difference since the issue is associated with `data` partition, not with `system`. See Where in the file system are applications installed?

As for any concern about the battery, you may be able to save some juice using Greenify.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: uninstallation, default-applications
---


# Question
Title: Tasker: continually check for shell command result and run task when it matches
I've got the following shell command that checks to see if a particular process is running:

```
pgrep -x com.package.name

```

It either returns a process ID if the process is running, or it returns empty if it's not. How can I pop this into a tasker profile that checks every few seconds and runs a task when it sees that the result is empty?

The ultimate goal here is to keep near 100% uptime on a process that has a tendency to crash multiple times a day.

# Answer
I see two ways to do what you want.

Run a time based profile and set it to repeat after every `n` minutes. Then follow your logical actions in the task of what to do when it crashes.

The other option (since the former doesn't give control on seconds but minutes and hours) is to execute the task manually or at some point automatically (say at 10:00 AM) but make an infinitely looping task.

For example, consider the following actions:

**Note**: Anything with and between `<>` has to be replaced with your custom values.

1. Code → Run Shell

* Command: `<YOUR_COMMAND>`
    * Store Output In: `%Grep`
2. Create this action based on what to do when the above command returns nothing i.e. when the process is not running.

When doing so, set an 'If' condition under that action. E.g. under the action **App → Launch App**, the `If` condition would be `%Grep` `Isn't Set`.

Note that I'm not talking about using a separate `If` action.
3. Add a wait of the amount of seconds/minutes/hours you want using Task → Wait
4. Now is the time to make an infinite loop. Use the action Task → Goto

* Type: Action Number
    * Number: 1

All we've done here is to execute a command then execute an action if only the first command didn't yield anything, then wait for sometime and then repeat the whole procedure.

At some point, you would want to get rid of that infinite loop. You can either consider disabling and re-enabling Tasker or make a stop action in another task using Task → Stop, and execute it manually.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: tasker
---


title: Pause download using wifi

text:
# Question
Title: Pause download using wifi
Am downloading WWE immortal on Google play store and am using WiFi connection, pls how do I pause the download, each time I close the connection it's starts from the beginning again, pls I need help

# Answer
> 0 votes
No this is only possible in the MIUI because it uses a separate download engine. There is no option to pause play store download in stock Android as of now.

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: Recover deleted SIM contacts

text:
# Question
Title: Recover deleted SIM contacts
I have an Android phone. I accidentally deleted some of my SIM contacts which were not synchronized with my gmail account (actually, I hadn't synchronized my SIM or Phone contacts ever). Is it possible to recover those deleted SIM or phone contacts using software or any other method?
Please someone help.
Thank you.

# Answer
Unfortunately, you cannot.

You need direct access to sim memory for that to work. Any app that exchanges data (standard read and write of contacts, sms, few other id's) with sim card will pass the request to the micro controller on the sim card. And I don't think it is possible for apps to have data recovery level operations on the sim card's memory.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode
---


title: Regex Caller ID (match suffix)

text:
# Question
Title: Regex Caller ID (match suffix)
I get calls from a queue from my phone provider. The phone provider distinguishes these calls by adding a suffix.

```
12345678
```

becomes

```
1234567801
```

I would like to make a contact with a phone number which matches all numbers matching the suffixed numbers in order to have an at a glance recognition of queue calls, as opposed to direct calls.

Is there any way to achieve this? Can it be done with tasker?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't know about any app that would allow creating a contact with wildcard or regex but you can consider Tasker to execute a particular action as a recognition of those particular numbers.

* Profile: State → Phone → Call

+ Type: Incoming
    + Number: `*01`

    `*` is the wildcard here which would match anything. `01` is the suffix you want at the end of the number.

How you want to recognize those numbers is up to you. Under a task you can show a:

* Toast: Alert → Flash
* Notification: Alert → Notify
* Popup: Alert → Popup
* May be, a Scene like this:

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

# Answer
> 0 votes
You may create a single contact with multiple numbers. Just copy \>\> paste the original number into a new number field and add the suffix. I don't think there is a limit to the number of `phone number` fields.

---
Tags: contacts, tasker, automation, caller-id
---


# Question
Title: Google Cardboard magnet not working with Nexus 4
I have bought Google Cardboard for my Nexus 4, but its side magnet to go inside the apps is not working. I don't know what's wrong. Can anyone help me?

# Answer
I bought a cardboard, working with Nexus 4. It had the same problem as described, but I managed to solve it. see the picture attached, I extend the moving range far more 50 mm, and it works(clicking now!)
> 1 votes

# Answer
In my experience it's very finicky. Try entering a cardboard app and using the center dividing line on the screen as a guide to positioning. If that still doesn't work, I usually move the phone left in very small increments until I can get it to work.

It may also depend on the manufacturer of the Cardboard set. The magnet is using the phones magnetic sensors to trigger a command. If the magnet they provided isn't strong enough or is positioned incorrectly, it won't work.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I have dark shader + N4. I had to remove the magnet and wave it near the phone. Ugly but effective.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, google-cardboard
---


# Question
Title: Configuring wired network connection with WiFi still enabled
I have a Nexus tablet and a USB-OTG + USB/ethernet connected. I have proved the hardware works by disabling WIFI and ifconfig'ing up eth0 with

```
netcfg eth0 dhcp

```

ping, traceroute all work as expected.

If instead I leave WIFI enabled, but then do a simple

```
ifconfig eth0 172.16.100.1 netmask 255.255.0.0 dev eth0

```

and connect the wired ethernet to a machine configured at 172.16.100.2 I cannot ping it.

```
# ifconfig wlan0
wlan0: ip 10.1.10.238 mask 255.255.0.0 flags [up broadcast running multicast]
# ifconfig eth0
eth0: ip 172.16.100.1 mask 255.255.0.0 flags [up broadcast running multicast]

# netcfg
<snip>
p2p0     UP                                     0.0.0.0/0   0x00001003 da:50:e6:2d:b2:14
eth0     UP                                172.16.100.1/16  0x00001043 50:1a:c5:fd:83:dc
lo       UP                                   127.0.0.1/8   0x00000049 00:00:00:00:00:00
wlan0    UP                                 10.1.10.238/16  0x00001043 d8:50:e6:2d:b2:14

# cat /proc/net/route
Iface   Destination     Gateway         Flags   RefCnt  Use     Metric  Mask            MTU     Window  IRTT
wlan0   0000010A        00000000        0001    0       0       0       0000FFFF        0       0       0
eth0    000010AC        00000000        0001    0       0       0       0000FFFF        0       0       0

```

traceroute seems to show the packets are still routing through 10.1.0.1 (wlan0)

```
# traceroute 172.16.100.2
traceroute to 172.16.100.2 (172.16.100.2), 30 hops max, 38 byte packets
1  10.1.0.1 (10.1.0.1)  1.648 ms  1.220 ms  1.526 ms
^C

```

Manually replicating the -net 172.16.0.0 route makes no difference.

What have I missed to set up the routing correctly?

Is the p2p0 interface interacting in some unexpected way?

# Answer
In systems with two interfaces (such as this Android device with wlan0 and eth0), routing is not automatically setup to use two gateways. This is why 'traceroute' shows that the traffic that you'd like to go out on \`eth0' is actually going out on 'wlan0'.

Another way to confirm this is:

```
# ip route get 172.16.100.2
172.16.100.2 via 10.1.0.1 dev wlan0 <snip>

```

The solution is to configure multiple default routes by adding a new routing table for traffic on 'eth0' and then adding appropriate rules to the routing rule set. See this article for an example. (Even though the article describes a Linux system, the two commands you need to use, namely 'ip route' and 'ip rule', are available in Android.)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: networking, usb-host-mode
---


# Question
Title: Spotting Cause of Excessive Battery Drain
I have a Nexus 6 phone and it has always been amazing with battery power, I can usually go 2-3 days before absolutely needing to charge it and that's with heavy news reading, game playing, phone calls, texting, using the camera, and updating apps. It does all this while having this configuration:

* It IS rooted, wouldn't have it any other way.
* It has a STOCK Google provided image from Google Developers (currently running LYZ28M)
* It is connected to an AC 5.0 ghz Wireless channel.
* Bluetooth is OFF by default, use very infrequently to connect to a headphone to listen to things for about 10-30 mins.
* All animations are disabled in developer mode.
* By default the auto-rotate is disabled.
* Location is set to power-save mode (wifi only).
* Display lighting is set to auto with ambient enabled.
* Camera is to HDR+ (no flash).
* Most background services are disabled (except Play Services, UI, etc which are required).
* SMS auto-retrieve is off (even though I don't have the original Stagefright issue anymore, can't speak to the Stagefright 2.0)
* Power history puts the distributions as follow (no shockers there):
    + Cell Standby (46%)
    + Screen (23%)
    + Android OS (11%)
    + WiFi (5%)
    + Google Play Services (4%)
    + Android System (3%)
    + Phone Idle (3%)
    + Voice Calls (1%)

Now that all being said, the set of apps installed on it have always been the same between each re-image that I have done since 5.0 to 5.1.1 now.

However, starting about 1-2 weeks after the latest update, it is draining BADLY, when I said badly I mean within a max of 6 hours (minimum usage) to less than 2 hours (heavy/normal usage) it will drain. To add to the mystery, I have Battery Saver Mode enabled to kick in at 15%, when that happens, if I click on turn off battery saver, it will IMMEDIATELY begin shutting down, which makes NO SENSE, I have turned it off in the past with no issues.

Does anyone have any idea what's going? or can suggest a tool that allows me to snoop with a greater degree of granular control to see what is causing it to actually drain so badly? I have read all the other similar "battery drain" questions and none of them seem to really apply to me (at least I don't think) but resulted in why I included so much detail about the device, so it will save the trouble of having to ask about details of the system.

Much appreciated, thank you in advance.

# Answer
GSam Battery Monitor is an excellent program that will give you an extremely detailed report of what is using your battery and to what extent. However, what I believe this may be is the Mobile Radio Active bug. It is one of the most starred Android bugs in existence. Essentially, when apps that use data are turned on (such as Facebook or Skype), the Android system forgets to turn off the radio until the app that asked for the radio in the first place is force stopped. Google has acclaimed that the issue is fixed in Android M, but I do not believe they have plans to fix it for Lollipop. (I am looking for a source of proof and will edit this when I find it) In the meantime, Greenify will automate the process of force stopping apps when you don't need them, however, you may stop receiving notifications from these apps.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: battery-life, 5.1-lollipop, nexus-6
---


# Question
Title: Check Email on Time / Turn on Wi-Fi on time
I really need this piece of advice, I've been tortured for months now and don't really know how to solve this.

The problem is I can receive working emails at night. But I don't want to be waked up at 5am. Still, I don't want to wake up at 7am if there were no emails at night. I had a temporal solution which was to use apps for automatic turn on of wi-fi. It would sometimes turn on wifi on 7 am, so my Gmail app would check emails. But these apps fail once in a while so you are never quite sure if it's working or not.

Some people suggest using different audio profiles, but it won't help since, for example, if there was a letter at 5 am and audio profile starts working at 7 am it won't ring again, because it was already in my inbox.

Please, your suggestions are very appreciated. I'm tired of sleep deprivation. If you know any mail apps that can check email in specific periods of time this would be perfect.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Some smartphones come with "Do not disturb" functionality. You can use this function to mute all calls and alerts, apart from your selected exceptions on the time range that you set.

---
Tags: email, automation
---


# Question
Title: Bypass "Swipe up to unlock" on Android Lollipop lock screen
I recently flashed my Nexus 4 to Android Lollipop using the factory image.

I have set a pattern lock for unlocking the device. But whenever I turn on the phone, I have to click on the little lock icon or swipe upwards to bring up the pattern unlocker dots.In KitKat or earlier versions, those dots would come up as soon as I turn on the phone.

Is there any way to set the pattern dots visible on lock screen by default? I went through all the settings but in vain.

# Answer
> 15 votes
As far as I know, currently there is no setting to turn off the "safety lock" due to the addition of notifications on the lock screen. (Strangely, the lock is still there even if the user chooses not to display any notification)

The best bet to bypass this is to use Smart Lock's Trusted face, a new feature in Android 5.0 Lollipop similar to previous face unlock. You can bypass both "safety lock" and "pattern lock" simultaneously by looking at the phone while on the lock screen. I would say there is no downside (as far as my experience goes). If it fails to detect your face, then you just have to swipe up and draw the pattern normally.

How to set up:

* Go to Settings - Security
* Tap "Smart Lock", confirm your current pattern lock
* Tap "Trusted face" and follow the instruction

# Answer
> 4 votes
Adding to what Andrew T. posted, one can also have

* Trusted location: Phone will not challenge user with the pattern lock if the user is present at the location added in this setting. Home and Work locations will be present by default, more locations could be added.
* Trusted devices: One can add bluetooth devices such as Android wear or bluetooth headsets etc. Phone will recognize those devices and will bypass pattern unlocker.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Official stock Android doesn't support that, but Cyanogenmod does since September 2015 in CM 12.1 ROM.

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Tags: security, 5.0-lollipop, pattern-lock
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# Question
Title: How to determine which app is creating a notification
I am running Android 2.2 on HTC Legend. I have a LOT of applications installed on it.

Today, after I changed my mobile operator, a notification appeared in the top bar. When I click on it, it says that my connection to Google is wrong and asks for the password.

However, since this is a dialog overlay, I have no mean to know if it is an application that I can trust (like a native one), or some sort of scam.

Any idea on how to identify from which app/service this message comes from?

# Answer
> 4 votes
This method does not work on Android 2.2.

Tested on **Kitkat Android 4.4.2**

Long press the notification and select `App info`. It will take you to the settings app and show the details of the app the notification comes from.

on **Lollipop**

A long press shows you the name of the application instead of the notification.

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Tags: notifications, notification-icons
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# Question
Title: Check whether moto g 2nd gen refurbished or not
I bought moto G 2nd gen mobile two days ago from Flipkart. Phone is nice but sometimes it has some lags, battery doesn't stay more than 4 hours of continues use of 3g. I found a small dot size crack in top of my phone but it just didn't matter and I continued using the phone. After seeing some posts here I wondered if this phone is refurbished or not. I can get to the RTN menu by typing neither `*#*#786#*#*` nor `##786#`. Also I tried something like installing launcher pro and selecting shortcut from hidden menu. But nothing worked. Now I want to know how can I find out if my mobile is refurbished or not. My mobile came with the Android Lollipop update.

# Answer
On some devices, yes, there is a way. I am not certain which specific devices this works on, but there are two methods you can try. The most platform agnostic way to do it is generally the following:

1. Install a launcher that allows you to create shortcuts to Activities. ADW Launcher and Launcher Pro are both free and allow this.
2. Long press on an empty space on your home screen and select `Shortcut->Activity`.
3. Look for one of the following in the list of Activities. Either:

A. A package named `com.android.hiddenmenu` which you can expand to reveal the RTN activity OR B. An activity simply named `com.android.RTN` (this is what I have on my Galaxy Nexus, CM9).
4. Create a shortcut to the RTN activity. If given a choice between multiple ones, select the "View" activity.
5. Launch RTN from the shortcut and look for the "Reconditioned Status" entry in the list. If it says "Yes" then it's a refurb. If it says "No" then it isn't (or it has not been properly noted as one for some reason).

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

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The less portable (manufacturer dependent) way of doing this is to open your dial pad and enter the dialer code `##786#`, which will also take you to RTN if the dialer code is supported. On some devices it may also work with `*#*#786#*#*`.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can contact your wireless carrier and give them the IMEI. They'd able to tell you if it's been activated on their network before, at least.

You can also contact Motorola to check on the status of the warranty and whether or not the phone has ever been sent back to them for service, etc.

The IMEI is the "International Mobile Station Equipment Identity" - a number you can usually find in the "About Phone" section of a phone's settings. On your phone I think it would be Settings \> About Phone \> Status.
> 0 votes

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Tags: motorola-moto-g, 5.1-lollipop
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# Question
Title: Insufficient storage error on android phone
Please help me, my thL T6 pro device has enough memory available but I can't download. It's so annoying. Please help me.

Available storage 3.5g but it says insufficient storage.

# Answer
Download Clean Master (Boost & AppLock) and clean your device. Then try to install the apps. I think this would work.
> 0 votes

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Tags: ram
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# Question
Title: How to avoid roaming question on dual-sim calls?
I have a mobile phone with a dual-sim slot and I inserted a SIM in each of them.One of the SIMs get logged in in national roaming which is ok as there is a cooperation between my native service provider and the "foreign" one. I use a separate app (Roaming Control) to handle roaming correctly.

If now I am logged in in the foreign net and I call out to anybody I get a message, to confirm using roaming and not the secondary SIM which is in its native net:

> Roaming warning
>
> The SIM card that you are about to use is now in roaming. Would you like to continue?

I have to confirm manually which is no problem as long as I have the phone in my hands.

If I am sitting in my car and I use a voice dialer this is nasty: The call does wait for the entry of my decision but does not show the question as the display is in general turned off beforehand. Thus I have to wait for the ring tone and if it is not coming I have to take the phone in my hands (!) and confirm the roaming.

Is there a way to disable this warning?

# Answer
In my Android 4.2.1, I have to set **Settings → SIM Management → Roaming → Show roaming reminder → Never**.

Alternatively, use to disable the notification for a particular SIM.

Setup ADB in PC, enable USB debugging in device, connect the device into PC, launch a shell on latter and follow these instructions:

To enable data roaming for default SIM, enter:

```
adb shell settings put global data_roaming 1

```

Changes would take effect immediately. For SIM2, change the key to `data_roaming_2`.

If you want to know the details about this command, enter `adb shell settings`. You would easily come to know what the aforesaid command would do.
> 2 votes

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Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, dual-sim, roaming
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# Question
Title: Did factory reset, attempted to flash CWM using SP Flash Tools and fastboot but to no avail. How to unbrick Lenovo A316i than?
Phone isn't mine, nephew got it bricked and doesn't know what was the reason of it.

Well, phone shows some life, if booted in normal way logo appears (for some reason instead of "Lenovo for those who do" there is "**Globe**" text appears) and it probably indicates custom firmware, though I didn't found one with this name in internet. Now - list of what I can:

* Can start device in normal way, but it freezes on logo screen
* Can enter the recovery mode, but it is *stock version* and capable of quite few things!
* Can enter the diagnostics mode, but it's quite useless.
* Can charge phone, related animation with battery shown whilst.
* Can do something with ADB or fastboot, as Ubuntu recognizes device normally (I've set up `/etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules`)
* Can do something with SP Flash Tool 5.1532 (and probably older versions of 5.x, but I didn't try them).

Device is - *Lenovo A316i, based on MediaTek MT6752, with Android 4.4.2*. PC: Ubuntu 14.04.1 x64

What I've tried:

* To wipe all data and set settings to factory default - didn't change a thing
* To change default Recovery with CWM Recovery using SP Flash Tool, but it freezes on red load bar, console output tells that COM Port is opened and program is waiting for something:

```
USB port is obtained. path name(/dev/ttyACM0), port name(/dev/ttyACM0)
USB port detected: /dev/ttyACM0
BROM connected
Downloading & Connecting to DA...
COM port is open. Trying to sync with the target...
```

This doesn't help much and doesn't hurt too;
* To flash Recovery with fastboot tool, using command "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img" and here some bug appears too:

> sending 'recovery' (5394 KB)... OKAY \[ 0.252s\] writing 'recovery'... FAILED (remote: partition 'recovery' not support flash) finished. total time: 0.267s

I spent about 6 or 7 hours on it, reading tons of text and my head slowly started to melt, so I decided to ask about this to specialists.

Is there any way to upload firmware knowing there is no way to root it first since OS doesn't load, probably impossible to upload CWM Recovery tool, and there is fastboot mode which doesn't work properly?

# Answer
I spent another few hours trying things, and ended up going to a friend who had Windows on PC, with this guide: Lenovo A316i Stock Firmware - xdafirmware on this site placed archive which had everything needed in it:

* Unmodified stock firmware which doesn't require modified Recovery
* Lenovo USB Driver executable
* Smart Phone Flash Tool 3.x (probably 3.1336 I didn't watch concrete version)

And guess what? I managed to install driver and flash firmware in matter of minutes, and got phone booting fixed!

P.S. So, the solution is to use 3.x SP Flash Tool and right firmware, but since 3.x isn't runnable on GNU/Linux, well you have to install windows first!
> 0 votes

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Tags: unbricking
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