# Question
Title: Allowing restricted accounts to use gmail/hangouts
I'm pondering deploying a fleet of nexus 7 tablets, but I'm running into a few hiccups on managing the fleet.

I would like to do the following:

* Use multiple restricted accounts on each tablet
* Allow access to the browser
* Block google play store (easy enough with restricted accounts)
* Allow each account access to individual gmail/hangouts for communication (not an option with restricted accounts - as it appears it is blocked and uses the primary user's info)

Is there any work around to allow restricted accounts to access gmail/hangouts?

Thanks,

# Answer
> 2 votes
The main difference between a "user profile" and a "restricted profile" is that a restricted profile doesn't have its own Google account, which is needed for Gmail and Google+ Hangouts. A restricted profile with a Google account in it is just a normal user account.

If you want to restrict access to features in a normal user profile, you need to use software to impose a security policy. This will also allow you to remotely/centrally manage each device.

---
Tags: gmail, nexus-7, restricted-profiles, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: How can I resize the system partition in NAND using PhoenixSuit / Livesuit?
I'm using a Android 4.2.2 ROM (sun7i\_android\_sugar-cubieboard2-8192cu.img) for Cubieboard.

I need more room in system partition for install more goodies!

After flashing, the partition table is like this:

```
NAME          SIZE MOUNTPOINT LABEL
nand          3.8G
|-nand1        16M            Volumn
|-nand2        16M
|-nand3        16M
|-nand4       512M
|-nand5       512M
|-nand6        16M
|-nand7        32M
|-nand8       320M
|-nand9        16M            PRIVATE
|-nand10      256M
`-nand11      2.1G

```

The SYSTEM partition is the nand4 (nandd). As you can see, its size is 512MB. (http://linux-sunxi.org/Android/partitions)

Inspecting the sys\_partition.fex file, I can see nandd info:

```
;------------------------------>mmcblk0p7/nandd
[partition]
    name         = system
    size         = 1048576
    downloadfile = "system.fex"
    user_type    = 0x2

```

The first point is: 1048576 is not 512MB ( it's 1GB ).

Any changes in this file do NOT changes anything in final result after flashing the re-packed image (the partitions size does not change).

How can I change the partitions size in "Stock" ROMs before flashing to NAND?

1. All of these steps is working fine: Unpacking stock ROM, repacking stock ROM, flashing stock ROM (with PhoenixSuit).
2. I don't need resize the partition IN the device. I need resize BEFORE flashing, to share my new ROM with other people.

# Answer
I will consider not possible to tell PhoenixSuit resize Android partitions. So I will give up.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You must say yes when PhoenixSuite ask if you want to format the flash, Else it don't change the partition size, even if you changed the sys\_partition.fex.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


# Question
Title: Find out which firmware to use to revert to stock ROM
I bought the SG3 (GT-I9300) 6 months ago from Amazon Germany. I have Cyanogenmod 10 installed but wanted to revert it because I'm selling the phone. I want to use this guide to revert it, but I'm not sure which Firmware I should download from sammobile. I didn't get the phone from a specific service provider, so I have no idea which firmware I should use. Any help?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can use a SamMobile ROM, but be sure that the model, the country and the original carrier match the phone as different carriers often require different radio drivers if they use different radio spectrum for bandwidth. If you don't know which carrier there are several routes you can use to determine it:

1. find out which radio you have on your device and match it to the appropriate carrier's
2. find out what frequencies your current carrier uses and use that to determine the equivalent carrier for the SamMobile ROMs
3. the version of CM you installed should also tell you which radio is on the phone, on the CM website
4. you can also get the information directly by dialing the code `*#0011#` on your phone, tho it may not be overly helpful (GSM900 is helpful, for example, but WCDMA is not - if it's WCDMA you'll have to look up the Rx(download) and Tx(upload) to determine frequency)

FWIW, I find that Odin generally is easier to use than Kies for flashing ROMs.

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can download Android 4.3 for s3 i9300 for your device From sammobiles. I think Android 4.3 released in Germany.

OR Else If you have the back up before flashing the ROM, you can restore it from Recovery

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-3, stock-rom
---


title: Viber photo sync

text:
# Question
Title: Viber photo sync
My husband is having an issue with photos being sent to him via the Viber app are being synced and posted directly to his Facebook page! How does he stop this?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I think this is done by Facebook's photo sync, not Viber. See Facebook's help page on how to disable photo syncing.

# How do I turn photo syncing off?

## Android

1. Open the Facebook app and tap the top left main menu in your sidebar
2. Scroll to the bottom and select Settings \> App Settings
3. Choose Don't sync my photos

---
Tags: facebook, viber-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Is there a "clean" Android I can reinstall on my Galaxy S4?
I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 and the OS that came with it has many problems IMO. It feels equivalent to the bloated Windows install that would come on my Dell PCs in the 90's, so I'd like to re-install a "clean" version of Android.

Does such a thing exist?

Is it the case that there is a "clean" Android with a basic UI, Apps container, wifi functionality etc. from which most other distributions extend? Or do I have to search all the various ROM forums and try different ROMs out (hopefully I'm using the right terminology here) until I find one that I like?

I want something as close to iOS features as possible - just a sticky list of apps at the bottom of my screen, app groups, minimal number of pre-installed apps to name the main features I'm hoping for.

# Answer
Unfortunately there is no "base" install for Android phones in general, as pretty much every carrier and manufacturer except Google customize stock Android for their phones. As someone else mentioned, CyanogenMod is the closest you're likely to get to such.

That being said, the easiest way to ditch bloatware is to use an app like Titanium BackUp to "freeze" the app. This prevents it from running and from appearing in the app drawer. The good part about this is that it ensures that you can receive future updates from your carrier/manufacturer, as changing ROMs (or deleting bloatware installed as system apps) will cause future updates to fail.

If you want to reclaim internal SD card space, you can do a backup of the app first so that you can restore it later if/when you need to update the system.

You'll need to root/jailbreak your phone in order to use TiBU's freeze feature, but if you're thinking about installing a different ROM this shouldn't be an issue.

There are free solutions for freezing, deleting and backing up apps as well, but TiBU is a darn good app and worth a few bucks (tho the UI can be a bit confusing for some)

If you want to get into heavy customization of phone system features, your best bet is probably Xposed, a framework for installing addons to expose and control Android features. It can be wonky with TouchWiz, tho, which most Samsung phones have on them.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You should try out http://www.cyanogenmod.org/, they have a version of their ROM for pretty much every major device out there. They try to stick to the AOSP (Stock/Vanilla) Android as much as possible. If you use a stable version or a mile-release you'll probably never have any problem with it. If you want the latest features, you can use the nightlies, but they might have some bugs from time to time.

On my Galaxy S3 I've got a Android 4.4.2 ROM that is based on cyanogenmod source with some added components. While the stock Galaxy S3 OS is not even on Android 4.3 yet.
> 2 votes

# Answer
There are Custom ROM's available in this site http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4 . In custom ROM's OS will be clean and even you can remove unwanted Apps.

For installing custom ROM's, you have to root your phone. Your phone warranty become void when you do this. Please read the T&C from their sites.

There are so many developers working for custom ROM's. Read the forum carefully before doing this.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In your case, because there was a Developer Version of the phone (maybe called Play or Google edition) there likely is a clean version of Android, with just the 'Pure' Google Android experience available. Check the the XDA forum where you will likely find a ROM.

Otherwise, here is a promising link: http://www.technobuffalo.com/videos/how-to-turn-a-galaxy-s4-into-a-google-edition-phone/
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, rom, operating-system
---


# Question
Title: What keyword will help me search for music player app that plays by folders?
I used to own a galaxy s3, and the default music player had that feature. Then I upgrade to a nexus 5, and it seems like it's missing it.

I'm huge fan of organizing my music by folders on my phone's hard drive, so I need an app that can do that, or figure out how google music app does it.

How can I search for these kinds of apps?

# Answer
A good keyword combination is already given by your question: a music player which should play folder-wise should be found using the keywords "folder play", "folder player", and similar combinations. In fact, there are even some players named exactly such, e.g. Music Folder Player, Folder Player, and many more.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: music-player
---


# Question
Title: Changing email smtp settings for existing account
When setting up a new email account it is easy to enter the various smtp settings. But I can't seem to find how to change existing settings on my existing email account. There seems to be no "change" ability on email.

I'm using a Galaxy S3 running android 4.3 Thanks, Gary

# Answer
From the Email app, press the menu key, then choose **Settings**. Pick **Account settings**, then click the account you want to change on the next screen.

After that, you have to scroll to the bottom to get **More settings**, and to the bottom again to change the **Incoming settings** and **Outgoing settings**.

Samsung appears to have taken lessons from Microsoft on hiding important settings behind "advanced" buttons!
> 3 votes

---
Tags: settings, email
---


title: Karbon Smart Tablet 1- Problem

text:
# Question
Title: Karbon Smart Tablet 1- Problem
I have an Karbon Smart Tablet 1 - Android version 4.0.3. Most of the applications like Watsapp, Viber, doesn't work. Whenever i try to install these apps from Google play store , it shows " YOUR DEVICE IS NOT COMPATIBLE". Is there any solution for this problem ?, Pls suggest guys \>\> THanks in advance

# Answer
> 0 votes
Converted from my comment, as there were no other answers:

The apps you name most likely need to access your *phone number*, or using *SMS* to unlock their features – but your tablet cannot provide such, as it has no telephony functionality.

You could try, however, to install them on your phone, extract the `.apk` of the apps with e.g. AppMonster, and side-load it to your tablet. While this way the apps might *install*, they might still have problems running (without being able to access your phone number), or even might refuse starting up at all.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, tablet
---


# Question
Title: Google Hangouts: Conflicting online status information
Another *"I don't quite understand what is going on in Google Hangouts"* type of question....

So - when I view Hangouts via my Android app (running under KitKat), my girlfriend's status is **ALWAYS** shown as online (green speech bubble next to her picture), **even when she is not online**.

Conversely, if *at the same time* I log into my GMail account, her status is shown as **NOT online** (no green line under her name). How can she be both online and offline!!?

What the hell is going on here?! Has anyone else had this issue?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Once you sign-in to the Google Hangouts app in an Android device, you will always appear online until you sign-out of the app. Shutting down the phone, or even uninstalling the app won't do it. I'm not sure why she appears offline in Gmail.

---
Tags: gmail, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: Notification bar turns green when I'm having a phone call (Galaxy S4 Plus)?
Whenever I talk to someone and the Phone app and the phone call in progress is not in the foreground, the entire Notification bar turns all green on me. See the screenshots below. When I return to the phone call it disappears (i.e. turns back to normal/black).

Is this normal? What does it mean then? Does this happen to any one of you with a Galaxy S4? Is it a bug? If this is a "feature" of the phone, how can I get rid of it? I've looked at settings but couldn't find anything relevant.

The phone is a Galaxy S4 Plus (GT-I9506) on Android 4.2.2 (stock ROM and everything, brand new, retail version, unlocked).

# Answer
The green is a notification that you're still on a call.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: notification-bar, phone-app
---


# Question
Title: What are the hardware requirements for Battery monitoring?
I looked at the hardware compatibility list, but there is no mention for a requirement of a battery monitoring functionality in the hardware. But, all phones display the battery level with the BatteryManager API.

# Answer
As far as I know, there is no particular requirement.

You will get battery monitoring details when you send particular commands to the battery.

That is, the battery **itself** will have hardware for that.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery, resource-monitoring
---


title: Using an external SDcard with KitKat?

text:
# Question
Title: Using an external SDcard with KitKat?
On a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition running 4.4 and non-rooted (I'd prefer not to root a device used for professional development purposes)

Having stored some ebooks on my external SDcard, I decided that I wanted to add some audio as well (as my internal device storage is quite full.)

As far as I can tell not one app (nor adb) can perform any write operations to the external SDcard's root directory.

The one exception that I've found is that my ubuntu computer, *can* create and rename directories inside /storage/extSdCard/Android/data/ even though none of my apps can.

Is there a workaround for this that doesn't involve rooting the device?

# Answer
Google has screwed up the KitKat API, apparently Google thinks there is a big security problem with external SD cards. Apps will have to be changed to use a different API call, so expect that nothing will use external SD cards for a long long long time (small percentage of KitKat users and even smaller percentage of KitKat users with external SD cards).

There are a lot of people asking similar questions and some partial workarounds but nothing good. Even Googles own Gallery app doesn't read the external SD card.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, storage, 4.4-kitkat
---


title: Free (libre) SSHD for Android?

text:
# Question
Title: Free (libre) SSHD for Android?
How can I install a **sshd** server (with **scp** support) on Android **without relying on Google Play Store** for my safety?

Rooting the device or compiling the application is not a problem, but so far I'm unable to find proper instructions. I don't need a GUI either, some kind of on/off switch would be nice tho, but that's not required.

# Answer
As you already figured out, there's *SSHelper* hosting its own `.apk`. But you might also wish to check with F-Droid, and find out there are even more SSHd's to download without using *Google Play Store*.

**Edit:** As it turns out, I wasn't aware *F-Droid* also features forums, and the above are only forum links. To compensate: You can also find some SSH Server apps on 1mobile, e.g. SSH Server. The website allows you to simply download the `.apk` from your browser, no login required. Other than with *F-Droid*, I'm not sure concerning their reputation, though.

Apart from that: In my experience, it's always worth checking the resp. dev's website, where they sometimes host their own `.apk` files for download. If not, asking them helped me as well :)
> 3 votes

---
Tags: ssh, open-source
---


title: Bricked GT P1010

text:
# Question
Title: Bricked GT P1010
I was trying yesterday to flash my p1010. I found on internet that I could put jellybean but it didn't work out and now my tab is stuck on the galaxy tab logo and is not booting the system. I'm able to go to download mode as well as to recovery mode and I tried to install new firmware on my tab but I can't find the right version anywhere on samfirmware.com there is only link to chinese vesrion and i bought mine in UK in 2011. IF anyone could send me over some links to good working firmware i'd be really thankfull ...

# Answer
> 0 votes
Here is the link containing the comprehensive list of firmare available for Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Wi-Fi GT-P1010.

Download the correct file for your region and flash it.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, rom, samsung-galaxy-tab, unbricking, restore
---


# Question
Title: Samsung S3 4.3 update - Cannot change notification sound?
My phone is a T branded device. It's got that AWFUL loud and NOISY notification/startup sound. It wakes the dead as well.\*

Back with the 4.1.2 update, I changed it to one of the stock notification sounds, and it was working. Just as you would expect it to be. **Now**, after the update, even if I set my new notification sound, it won't change. Even settings say I have "Temple bell", but then I get this aaaaawful T-mobile sound.

\[\*\] When I bought the phone I set up an alarm. The alarm was so loud I almost had a heart attack. Yes, that default sound is *that* bad. It's terrible.

# Answer
Thanks to @Shywim's comment, I checked the settings of the Messaging app. Indeed it's got a custom notification sound settings. (You can adjust the settings only if your phone is **not** muted.)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notifications, 4.3-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: WiFi is disabled when I enable WiFi Direct
I have a Sony Ericsson Arc S, running on Android 4.0.4

I rooted my cellphone and added `android.hardware.wifi.direct.xml` in `/system/etc/permissions/`.

I can see the WiFi Direct option in my `Settings`. When I enable WiFi Direct, it shows that WiFi Direct is opened, but the WiFi is disabled. If I enable WiFi, my WiFi Direct changes to disabled.

When I run WiFiDirectDemo, it fails when I enable WiFi Direct. Once it reaches `discoverPeers`, `WifiP2pManager.ActionListener` returns 'Discovery Failed : reason Code is 0'.

I don't know what happened. Does anybody know how to enable WiFi Direct for my phone? Or is it impossible? Why?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Very possibly my solution has nothing to do with the real problem of this person, but the topic is the same, so I consider this answer may help someone:

It is very common nowadays for AP's (access points) to have dual-band frequency 2,4Ghz and 5Ghz and to assign same SSID for both bands. Not all devices have 5Ghz support and, even having it, they may choose the 2,4Ghz band, since they may have bad signal at their current spot for the 5Ghz. The point is that if you are accessing your LAN from a different AP, or using different bands in the same AP with each device, your devices won't be able to use wifi-direct without engaging an adhoc connection between them, thus they will disable the wifi connection to your AP. The simple solution is to use different SSIDs for each band, and connect with both devices to the same SSID (if both can connect to 5Ghz, go for it).

Different combinations:

* A) different AP's same local network - wifi turned off to adhoc between devices
* B) same AP different band - wifi turned off to adhoc between devices
* C) same AP same band - bingo! wifi stays on in infraestructure with my AP

---
Tags: wifi-direct
---


title: How to remove installed Viber sticker?

text:
# Question
Title: How to remove installed Viber sticker?
I don't know how to remove the installed sticker in Viber list. Mine is quite long now.

# Answer
It's not yet supported.

From viberfaq (answer posted a month ago):

> At the moment it is unfortunately not possible. You can uninstall Viber, and when you reinstall, Stickers will be gone from your Sticker folder (but this will unfortunately result in message history deletion).
>
> In the future we plan to add a feature that lets you remove Stickers from your folder.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: viber-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Is there an app for quickly toggling between different settings presets / profiles?
I am aware of apps such as Power Toggles, Extended Controls etc.. All of there however allow you to toggle each setting as a separate entity. I was wondering if there is an app which allows you to save custom presets of settings and then quickly toggle between them. For example - home (wifi on, mobile data and gps off), car (wifi off, mobile data and gps on), mountain (wifi, mobile data off, gps on) etc..

# Answer
> 2 votes
Search for `profile` in Google Play.

You'd find apps like:

* MyProfiles
* Quick Profiles
* etc

Those are not my recommendations. It's up to you to see which one works best for you.

---
Tags: settings, app-widgets
---


# Question
Title: How to detect incoming call is a forwarded call?
I want to know if the incoming call is a forwarded call when my Nexus 5 is ringing. Is it possible?

# Answer
Check out Forwarded Call Alert Free ROOT. It also has a paid version, and an XDA thread.

*There may also be other apps that can do this that I may not be aware of.*
> 1 votes

---
Tags: calls, nexus-5
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to force my application to run at the background
This is not a duplicate of this question - Is there a way to force an app to remain running in the background no matter what? because it mention about Android ver 4 and also about lack of memory.

My question is is there a way to force a particular android apps for Android version below 4 to run in the background when the phone is sleeping? Also, I should be able to call those android apps that I specific to run in the background to come to the foreground for me to interact with.

The problem is that some apps, they stop working when the phone when to sleep (due to power saving). Some apps even prompt errors. However, I need them to run in the background. Also, I know that I can use 'Force close' to force a apps running in the background to stop but I just could not find a way to make a particular android apps to run in the background whenever I needed.

# Answer
> 2 votes
It's up to the developer of an app to specify what it should do in the background. Apps have two kinds of component. (Actually, there are more kinds, but they're irrelevant to the question.)

The first, *activities*, can display on the screen, and can only run in the foreground. However, when you leave an activity with the home key, it gets an opportunity to save its state, so when you next run the same activity, it can appear in the same state you left it. (For example, an email app might display the same email you were looking at before, instead of going back to the inbox.)

The second kind, *services*, run in the background, and don't display on the screen. They have to be written in a different way to activities, to make sure they don't run down the battery, and they have some control over when they start and stop running.

If an app doesn't save its state, or gives an error when you come back to it after using a different app, you should report that to the developer of the app, so they can fix the bug.

# Answer
> 0 votes
> My question is is there a way to force a particular android apps for Android version below 4 to run in the background when the phone is sleeping?

It depends on the app.

If it can run in background, just press **`Home`** button, or open any **other** app (i.e.: **without Exiting this app**), It will be running in background.

> I should be able to call those android apps that I specific to run in the background to come to the foreground for me to interact with.

Just **open that app again** (i.e.: **Switch to that app**). It will start working in foreground again.

---
Tags: applications, 2.3-gingerbread, 3.0-honeycomb
---


title: OpenVPN vs built in vpn

text:
# Question
Title: OpenVPN vs built in vpn
I am running an openvpn server with open key infrastructure at home that I connect to whenever I'm away. I am at the moment running this via the official openvpn client app, but found that there is a vpn setting in the system settings. Are there any advantages with one over the other, or could I just get rid of the extra app and go with the "native" option?

I am using cyanogenmod 10.1.3-RC2-I9300 4.2.2 on a Samsung Galaxy S3

# Answer
I used to use PPTP, but switched to OpenVPN, which is now what I prefer.

As far as security, OpenVPN is known to be pretty bulletproof. PPTP is the only one with real issues, though it's still fine for protecting against your average dope using Firesheep at Starbucks.

Given the recent NSA revelations I personally wouldn't touch the ones by Cisco and/or Microsoft (PPTP, L2TP) with a 10 foot pole. The other ones supported by Android were designed in the open by committee (the IETF), which I know nothing about other than we now know the NSA tried to influence that kind of thing. But I think it's unlikely they seriously broke them if they tried so whether that bothers you depends on your level of paranoia about the NSA.

As far as the UI goes, the built in VPN configuration UI is a little clunky, and OpenVPN's is a little more clunky. But when you want to connect to the VPN, you have to go through a few layers of settings to get to the built in stuff, whereas you can have the OpenVPN icon right on your homescreen.

The built in VPN doesn't attempt to reconnect if you get disconnected. OpenVPN can be configured to retry a certain number of times. This was big for me.
> 5 votes

# Answer
You can't use the native option for OpenVPN as it's not compatible with IPSec, IKE, PPTP, or L2TP, which are the only types of VPNs supported by Android:

http://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/341-openvpn-compatibility.html
> 3 votes

# Answer
All VPN protocols (PPTP L2TP, OpenVPN) have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some points that might be useful to consider:

1. OpenVPN is the protocols least likely to be blocked by servers or firewalls and generally thought to be the most secure. It's because both PPTP & L2TP uses fixed ports, if your service provider or firewall blocks certain communication ports used by PPTP or L2TP, they won’t work while openVPN can be configured to use any port (on the server side) and supports multiple protocols.
2. Most operating systems and devices have built-in support for PPTP and you simply need to fill in a server address, a username and password to configure and no additional software is needed while OpenVPN requires installing additional software. On some devices it can be complicated. Sometimes a user is required to deal with certificates, configuration files, etc.
3. In terms of speed, generally speaking, less encryption means greater speed but at the cost of less security. However, if your devices are of reasonable speed this should not be a major factor. Some people say openVPN on UDP is the fastest but according to my own experience on pureVPN, they are all more or less the same. Speed depends much more on your connection to the server and other factors.

In a nutshell, it's best to consider your security requirements and pick a protocol accordingly.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, vpn, openvpn
---


# Question
Title: Easiest way to automatically pause music when removing device from Dock?
I'd like the music on my Droid 4 to automatically pause when I pull the thing out of the dock, no matter what. I don't need it to auto-play again later, just go to pause and stay there.

What's the easiest way to do this? I'm willing to buy an app if it makes this simple.

I normally use the built-in music player, but again I'm willing to try something else if it would help.

If it's relevant, I have the phone set to not go into the dock app for desktop use.

# Answer
> 1 votes
As I've mentioned in the comments already (and which harbichidian thankfully approved), this can be done using :

* **Condition:** State → Docked
* **Task:** (put something here you want to be done when placing the device in dock, or substitute some dummy like "Variable Set: %DUMMY = 1")
* **Exit Task:** Media Control → Pause

There might be several other approaches to this. I still hold *Tasker* being at least one of the better solutions (if not even the best) is you can do so much more with it. Just check the questions tagged "tasker", or follow the links in our tasker tag-wiki to get an idea.

---
Tags: music-player, dock, motorola-droid-4
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to play music from an android phone in a from an ipod/iphone dock
There are many devices on the market that have a docking station for iphones, ipods and ipads that allow to play the music from the ipod through their speakers, and many time also to control the ipod through the docking station. For me, it's the stereo of my car.

Is there some way (obviously with an adapter) to use those docks to play music stored on an android device?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Looks like you will need a 3.5mm connector to iPod proprietary 40-pin converter. There are some available on eBay here: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/ipod-female-connector (note -- this link is temporary once the items are sold; if someone finds a permalink to a product page please edit my answer and add it).

# Answer
> 0 votes
I'm not aware of any adapter for Apple's connector. But if you're open to alternatives, maybe I can introduce you to a solution I'm currently using:

On my Android device, I've installed BubbleUPnP. As the name suggests, this app is dealing with DLNA/UPnP: it's a client, a server, and a control point at the same time – which gives you multiple options, provided the "other end" supports DLNA:

* you can access your Android device from the other end, and select the titles (music, movies) you want to stream from it
* you could do the same thing the other way around
* if the "big one" can act as a "media renderer", you can use *BubbleUPnP* to tell it what to play

I lately used it in the last described way: browsing my tablet, selecting a video, and telling my TV to play that – all from the tablet. The first way also worked pretty well: From my TV, I browsed my media gallery, and selected an entire directory of photos to be played as slideshow. Same would of course work for music. And that would even do with my receiver, without turning on the TV.

---
Tags: music-player, ios
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# Question
Title: What does this notification icon that looks like an arrow with a plus sign mean?
I'm running stock Android 4.4 on my Nexus 4, and I keep seeing this weird icon that looks like a gray tag or arrow with a plus sign in it.

I don't know any app that does this, and there's never a matching notification when I pull the notification bar down. What does this mean?

# Answer
This icon simply means that there are more notifications to show, but there isn't enough space left in the top status bar to show all notification icons (that's why it doesn't have a matching notification).
> 23 votes

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Tags: notification-icons
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# Question
Title: Is there a way to control the app and notification volumes at once on a phone like there is on a tablet?
Whenever I want to change the volume for apps on my phone, I have to open up an app that makes sound. If I try to do it at other times, it only changes the notification volume with no option for others.

Like this page says, this is an option for tablets, where you can just expand the volume controls when they pop up and then adjust either one. Is there a way to get this expanding functionality on a phone?

I guess that they made it like that to save screen space, but neither a button nor a slider bar comes anywhere close to filling up my screen, and I would appreciate being able to do this.

I have a rooted Nexus 4 with Android 4.4.2 and have the Xposed Framework installed.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've found that CyanogenMod has something like this, but I didn't really want to install that just for easier volume controls. I found that there's an Xposed module called GravityBox that includes this. It included a lot of other stuff that I didn't care about too, but thankfully someone extracted this specific feature and repackaged it as ExpandableVolume. I installed that, and it works great now!!

Example 1
Example 2

# Answer
> 1 votes
That depends on your Android version and device, but based on what you said it seems like you should be able to. You can try **Volume** in Settings, or you can download Volume Control and control various different volume levels and settings.

Several attempts to get this are posted here, but it doesn't seem like some devices have it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I like Slider Widget - Volumes.

> A small Widget that gives control of the screen brightness and the sound volume directly from your home screen. You can easily manage those with the widget's slider or your hardware buttons. With a double click, you can also use the buttons to toggle. Slider Widget shows 6 Categories (e.g brightness or ring volume), which you can choose from 7 categories (more below). You can also change the order of the categories displayed in Slider Widget.

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Tags: volume-control
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# Question
Title: Updating app that has newer version than the store it was bought in
I bought an app in the Samsung Play store, only to find out later that there is a newer version available in the Google play store.

In case the developer doesn't update the Samsung offered version, is there some way to update it using Google Play? When I got to the app in Google Play it recognizes that I have the app installed and even offers to let me uninstall (but not upgrade) it. If I try to uninstall it warns me that Google play didn't install it and asks if I really want to uninstall so I'm not sure what dangers might lie there. If I go through with it, might I perhaps be able to re-install from the Google Play store and get the latest version, or might something get totally messed up?

# Answer
> 2 votes
No, you can't update it from Google Play. It would be like buying your phone from Carphone Warehouse and then expecting Phones4u to help you out with a problem just because they sell the same phone. Or buying a music download in Google Play and expecting to be able to download it from iTunes. You've paid Samsung for the app, not Google.

If you uninstall it via the button in Google Play, the app will just uninstall in the usual way. You'll be able to reinstall it from the Samsung App Store if you change your mind, but you still won't be able to download it from Google Play unless you buy it there.

Just wait a week or two to see if there's an update. Apps uploaded to Samsung's App Store have to be "certified", just like Apple's, so there is often a delay before a new version will appear there.

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Tags: google-play-store, samsung
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title: View internal Storage use

text:
# Question
Title: View internal Storage use
I'd like to view use the meager internal storage on my HTC Evo. The phone is rooted, and I have used Link2SD to move apps to the SD card. I am also using DiskUsage by Ivan Voyosluk to monitor use of storage. The DiskUsage app, however, does not seem to make a clear distinction between internal storage and external. It appears it may be calculating the total by following the symlinks onto the SD card. I'd like to know how much internal storage is actually being consumed by my apps. I am continuing to run into the problem of running out of my meager internal storage while there is a huge amount of unused space on on my SD card.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Several helpful apps are mentioned in the answers to What can I do to manage my phone's internal storage? Guess the question and its answers would be useful/interesting to you anyhow.

Apart from that, there are also our useful command line utilities, which you can execute in a terminal (either via `adb shell`, or using a terminal app):

* `df`: stands for "disk free", but also shows the used space. Is not interested in files or symlinks, just operates on the entire partition. So this should list you up how much space is used/free on each storage.
* `du`: a close relative, "disk used". Is not interested in "divisions" such as partitions or directories by default (that can be dealt with via parameters), but checks "anything below". It doesn't follow symlinks, which might prove useful to you – as will the parameter `-s` (summary). Without that parameter, each directory would be listed up with the space consumed; with `-s` only a summary of all space used below the current location will be printed.

You will find several other useful commands in our command-line tag-wiki. For your low memory, you also might want to visit our insufficient-memory tag-wiki.

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Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: s3 bootloop switching to cyanogenmod with cwm
As i managed to mess up, I need your help! I wanted to switch from samsung s3standard 4.3 to cyanogenmod11nightly:

What I did:

* with odin flashed `CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar.md5` to get root
* backed up data,apps,efs (no nandroid, didnt know at which point that would be done)
* because I could find out ho to get the `cm-11-20140121-NIGHTLY-i9300.zip` to install without a custom recovery, I
* reflashed `philz_touch_6.07.9-i9300.tar.md5`
* deleted everything (data/factory reset, then "clean for new ROM", cache, dalvik)
* went to `Install from .zip` -\> SD Card -\> no CM11 zip file there anymore!! I put it directly in the root of the sdcard

=\> now bootloop. In the recovery I see only the standard folders, no usefull .zip

How do I get the CM11 zip again on the phone (or show it up if it is still there)?? And where exactly do i have to put it this time, as my "just in the root" option seemed bad.

I tried this Problem with updating CyanogenMod - Phone will no finish booting up but i cant get the ZIP to the phone, its not recognised in Windows as Phone/Folder =(

What is the next step before I brick everything?

# Answer
> 2 votes
As your device supports an external microSD card: take that card, put it into a card-reader (if you don't have one: now's the time to buy it; they come for less than 10 bucks), attach the reader to your PC. Now, copy the file to the root of the card, **safely unmount**, then put the card back into your phone. You should be able to flash it then.

For what possibly happened: you might have placed the file in the root of the *internal* SDCard. Recovery is looking on the *external* card.

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Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-3, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: What is the technology used in the phones which reduces blur in the photos even if they are zoomed?
What is the technology used in the phones which reduces blur in the photos even if they are zoomed?

In our old mobile phones, our phone camera pictures used to look blurred when the are zoomed. But now, it is not the case. Which technology is responsible for the reduced blur?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Are you referring to autofocus?

> An autofocus (or AF) optical system uses a sensor, a control system and a motor to focus fully automatic or on a manually selected point or area.

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Tags: camera, photos
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# Question
Title: Incorrect Phone labels for Google+ contacts
On the Samsung Galaxy S3 contacts synced from Google+ will have their phone number labels garbled.

In the following image you can see the three phone numbers associated with my contact. They are labeled (in swedish, english translation in parentheses):

1. **Arbete** (Work)
2. **Personsökare** (Pager)
3. **Annat** (Other).

In Google+ they are however labeled correctly, (swedish translation in parentheses):

1. **Home** (Hem)
2. **Mobile** (Mobil)
3. **Work** (Arbete)

I've tried all I can think of to get the labels correct but no luck:

* Syncing with Google+
* Delete and re-add the contact.
* Changing the phone number labels in Google+ and re-syncing.
* Deleting cache and data from Google+ app.
* Deleting cache and data from Google Contacts Sync.

Doing some Google searches yielded only one relevant link. Same problem, no solution.

Does anyone know if this is a confirmed bug or is there a fix?

# Answer
Seems like it is a conflict between the Samsung's Phone app and G+'s way of storing labels. Using stock Android Phone app might solve your problem.
> 1 votes

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Tags: contacts, samsung-galaxy-s-3, google-plus
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title: How Do I see hidden folders on Android?

text:
# Question
Title: How Do I see hidden folders on Android?
This always happens to me. Someone tells me to access some folder on Android (in this case `/sdcard/Android/data/com.android.lmt/`) and I can't find it. I'm using the "File Manager" app and asking it to show hidden files and folders but I still can't find the folder. This happens a lot.

Screenshot (click image for larger variant)

# Answer
> 18 votes
First, you should be aware of the difference between "hidden folders" and "inaccessible folders":

* hidden folders: names start with a dot, e.g. `/sdcard/.android_secure`. These files you can see enabling the "hidden files" option in file explorers.
* inaccessible folders: folders you won't see due to lacking permissions, e.g. those in `/data`. To protect your apps' data, those folders belong to the corresponding application, and are only accessible by the app (in the context of ; please see the tag's wiki for closer information on those). To make those visible, you need root access on your device, and a file explorer supporting that (e.g. ES File Explorer)

So while you were asking for the former ("hidden folders"), you were really referring to the latter: `data/com.android.lmt/` belongs to the *LMT launcher*.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Why not try other apps like Solid Explorer, ES File Explorer or Explorer?

They have options to show hidden files.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You should try Astro File Manager.

> **You can't find your hidden folders or files?**
>
> ASTRO FM is very robust and due to user requests, ASTRO added the ability to override "global settings" with "directory specific settings".
>
> First, go to Look and Feel under Preferences (menu, more, preferences, look and feel). Click on Show Hidden Files. If this doesn't work, it is because the directory that you have created some directory specific settings on the directory you are in.
>
> You can either:
>
> a) go back to Look & Feel and click Reset Directories which will wipe out any directory specific settings, or
>
> b) go to the directory your hidden files are in (probably your SD Card directory) and click View, Set Directory Options, and click Show Hidden Files in that directory.

Taken from here

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Tags: file-management, hidden
---


title: First battery charge on new tablet?

text:
# Question
Title: First battery charge on new tablet?
I got yesterday a Galaxy Tab 3 and I want to be sure what's the best way for the first battery charge. On the shop, they told just turn it on, wait for the battery to finish and then charge it to 100% (3 times!).

When I got home I turned it on and the battery was at 50%. But then I saw on the little book in the box that said: when you buy a new tablet, or the battery has not been used for a long time, charge the battery.

So, what do I do now?

The tablet is in sleep mode with 20% battery.

Should I turn it off and charge it? Or just charge it as it is (on)?

# Answer
> 1 votes
there is no significant difference between charging it while it's turned off or not. Modern Li-Ion and Li-Po batteries which are built into tablets and phones nowadays can handle any kind of charging very well. The only thing that should be avoided is a complete discharge as it degrades the battery MUCH faster (aka it loses capacity). With discharging I mean draining it to 0% and leaving it for some days/weeks alone.

**TL;DR**: Just use your device as you want and avoid being on 0% battery for a long time.

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Tags: battery, charging
---


# Question
Title: Ubuntu one app: how can I sync a text file edited on my android device with ubuntu one?
I've just got ubuntu one app on my android device to sync file between my android device and my desktop computer. I see that the app has the ability to automatically sync uploaded photos, can it also sync other files?

If I download a text file from my ubuntu one with this app and edit it on my android, how do I sync that file? I'd appreciate any help

# Answer
> 1 votes
I use an app called Foldersync in conjunction with Cryptonite. The former can synchronize any directory on your sdcard with a number of cloud providers. The latter handles encryption. You would use Encfs on the desktop to run the encryption there.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you want an App for Android that supports the Ubuntu One Cloud, then try

> **ES File Explorer**

It can be found in the Google Play Store for Free.

It's a file manager but has Cloud features as well. Instead of having a different App for each Cloud Service you use (Dropbox, Ubunutu One, SkyDrive, Google Drive, etc.. this rolls em all into one and it supports a decent number of Clouds. Hope that is what you were looking for.

!

# Answer
> 0 votes
It works similar to DropBox. You put a new text file into your Ubuntu One folder on your PC, you check the app in your phone, and that same file will be there waiting for you. It works both ways.

# Answer
> 0 votes
i am using aerosync it works well and it's free and unlimited storage on any number of device but no cloud storage , it's having client for all platform . but you can sync a folder i do'nt know whether it can sync the internal changes in a file or that file with the newly edited version

# Answer
> 0 votes
Dropbox is doing the trick for me! Now I can edit the same file both in Vim on PC and in "DB Text Editor" on my Android phone. All synced in second in both directions.

1. Instal DB both on your Ubuntu and Android.
2. Make link to any folder inside Ubuntu One folder on PC (say "My texts") and move such link into your Dropbox folder on PC.
3. Put some file to "My texts" and try to edit on both devices.

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Tags: sync, files, cloud, ubuntu-one
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# Question
Title: How can I disable 4G LTE on stock samsung (SGS3) or CyanogenMod?
My carrier, Sprint, has a lot of weak 4G coverage. In areas where I only have one 4G bar, the internet doesn't work. Every connection times out. However, these areas often have moderate-to-strong 3G coverage. In these situations, I would prefer to connect to the 3G network instead of the 4G one. Is there a way to disable just the 4G connection? I am looking for a solution in ether the stock Samsung OS shipped with the SGS3 or in CyanogenMod.

# Answer
You can use the code `*#*#4636*#*#` in caller app, you will find a menu called 'Testing', enter in phone information and then in 'set preferred network type' select 'WCDMA only' or 'GSM only'
> 2 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, mobile-data, 4g
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# Question
Title: Trying to restore photos from a broken S4 (AT&T), how do I go about it?
My friend broke her S4's screen, and wants to get back the photos from the internal memory. The phone does not have USB debugging turned on, so having it attached to the computer only charges it. The phone does show up in Kies and is asking for me to unlock it. I do have the pin code, but as the screen is dead, and I cannot put it in. ADB devices, and FastBoot devices do not show the phone at all. Fastboot Reboot-recovery does not do anything either.

How can I go about restoring these photos from the internal memory. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

# Answer
Alright, I managed to get it work. I hooked up a octopus USB extension to a micro USB cable on one end, and an USB keyboard on the other end. I booted the phone and then pressed ENTER, ##PIN##CODE##, ENTER on the USB keyboard and the device unlocked. This took a few tries as I was going in blindly.

Then I unplugged the USB cord, then plugged in a micro USB cable that was connected to my computer (Ubuntu 14.04). The phone showed up w/o any problems and I was able to grab files from the on-board storage.

One thing I had to do was constantly keep pressing the BACK button on the device to prevent it from locking.

At the end of it all, I successfully extracted 4GB worth of pictures.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Though not (yet) a solution for the OP in this case, I will already start summing up helpful facts from the comments: they might solve comparable issues for others. An update might follow if we find further things.

* A good starting-point for comparable issues is our data-recovery tag-wiki as well as its most frequented questions, where a solution often can be found already (see e.g. How do I backup data (SMS/contacts) from a device with a broken screen?). A search for "broken screen" might also prove helpful. Even if the devices differ, approaches should be comparable.
* A raw idea (I never tried that myself, so no guarantees at all) would be switching the device to mode. Even if you might not be able to access your files from that, you could use it to temporarily side-load (and boot) some image shipping with ADB enabled (if there is such).
* It might also be possible to access the device with ADB when booted into recovery. This very much depends on the recovery image installed (see e.g. ). No guarantees for this either – but it's surely worth trying.
* Connecting the device to a TV or the like via MHL/HDMI would at least show the output (hopefully). That way you could also test if it maybe even still accepts touch input. In case touch input is still accepted by the device, you might be able to activate this way, and then access the device via ADB – or to install some remote-management software such as Airdroid to have an interface for file retrieval and more.

If all fails, your hope is a local service center to replace your screen without deleting (or stealing ;) your data. Or a data-recovery-company (too expensive, I guess).
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you can enter recovery mode manually on vol up + home + power, give it like 20 seconds of pushing all of those buttons.. at least maybe you can hear a sound of booting up. Then plug it into your system. Run ADB and then run "adb pull / dir of you internal memory" command mine should be "adb pull / C:\DCIM" \<--default location of my photo
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, data-recovery, samsung-kies, fastboot
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title: Android phones with native SIP client?

text:
# Question
Title: Android phones with native SIP client?
I've heard from various sources that Android does have SIP support built in starting around version 2.3 Gingerbread, but I yet to see a single phone actually having it in its setup menus.

Just returned from a B&M store having played with a few recent phones from HTC and Samsung (all of them ICS, earlier I've checked a few Android 2.\* phones) - and NONE displayed any traces of SIP support whatsoever.

I understand that carrier bundled phones may have SIP disabled on purpose, but why disable SIP in the unbundled phones retailing for $400-600?

Is there out there some sort of an official list of Android phone models having SIP support available off the shelf?

# Answer
SIP comes directly with the Android system, as you said, starting with Gingerbread. You find it in the system settings: *Call Settings*, at the very end: *Internet Call Settings*:

For more details, you can also check with the page Android SIP Client Configuration and Review, which explains you all the details.

As it comes with the Android System itself, all devices with Gingerbread or higher should have it.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I have an HTC One, and even though I cannot deduce why, my settings menu did not display options for SIP setup until AFTER I unlocked the bootloader. I will clarify that ALL I did was unlock the bootloader, I did NOT flash a new ROM. Again, this makes absolutely no sense, but it worked for me.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I have had *Google Galaxy Nexus HSPA+* for a while, and it does have *Internet Calling*, which is one of the reasons why I was interested in the phone in the first place.

Long story short, it's the most horrible SIP client I've ever seen, with the most inflexible settings, doesn't actually work properly, and has all sorts of quality issues that do not manifest when using a third-party client instead. (To give you an actual example of what I'm talking about, I've somehow had this very strange multi-dozen-second delays in voice, which I have no explanation for, other than a terribly broken buffering logic, as SIP calls go through UDP, which would never do retransmission, hence no clue why someone thought that multi-dozen-second buffering was ever a good idea.)

If you cannot find the native *Internet Calling* in your phone, you aren't missing much. (I've long as disabled the said native client, and have been using a third-party client instead.)
> 0 votes

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Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, 2.3-gingerbread, voip, sip
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# Question
Title: How to play video on mobile browser's webpage WHILE ON the webpage?
On any browser I try, even with SkyFire 4.0 and Flash, when I play a video on a webpage, what happens is the video is actually played by another program(Moboplayer, SkyFire's client, HTML5 browser video player, etc.).

What I want to do is play a video and watch it streaming while still being able to:

1.Move the webpage around, scroll, navigate, select other buttons, radio boxes, hyperlinks, etc.

2.Be able to have Flash run other streaming media, such as top-bar Flash ads, flash games in the manner described above, etc.

3.Access webpages more like they're intended and viewed on a non-mobile targeted site, but through a mobile device and browser.

Here's a picture to illustrate what I mean crystal clearly:

What I want to know is what the problem is here:

1.Is it the way the browsers are programmed/configured?

2.Can't a browser app developed for Android/iOS/Windows Phone/Symbian/etc. (theoretically) be used identically with touch gesturization like if with a keyboard(such as pressing articulate little buttons, scrolling iFrames properly, running Flash runtime).

In other words, is it possible for Flash to run like it does on Windows on Android?

Why and why not?

PS: The problem is that on my device I can't find any tricks to get this done right, and I'm very limited with Flash video playback in this manner(and Flash altogether).

**Just to clarify, no, I'm not unaware of the YouTube app. What I want to do is all of the aforementioned tasks (video streaming, viewing Flash ads/animation, etc.) right from a single webpage which the .swf data lies upon(no "transferring" of data to other programs and leaving the webpage).**

# Answer
> 1 votes
HTML 5 video plays within the browser in Chrome. To use HTML 5 video with Youtube (both the mobile and desktop websites), go to http://www.youtube.com/html5 to turn it on.

Browsers won't be able to run Flash animations, videos, and games, because Adobe decided to stop supporting Flash on mobile devices. Adobe is also winding down its Flash authoring tools and encouraging its customers to output to HTML 5 instead. Because Flash is a closed, proprietary format, Adobe's free to choose to support or not support Android according to their whims, and there's very little consumers can do about that.

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Tags: browser, video, adobe-flash, video-streaming
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# Question
Title: Is there a way to find out if a given app supports GCM (like APNS)?
Is there a way to find out if a given app supports GCM (Google Cloud Messaging)?

(GCM is Google's version of APNS.)

# Answer
> 1 votes
As the developer documentation describes, an app needs the permission `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE` to receive GCM messages. This shows up in the permissions list as "Receive data from Internet" (which is a little vague, I know).

Of course, the presence of the permission doesn't *necessarily* mean the app actually will use GCM. Even if it does use GCM, it might not use it for all the uses you think it might use it for: maybe only some kinds of 'refresh' or polling operations can be replaced by GCM uses. And even if it uses GCM fully, in all the ways you'd expect, it's still possible for the app to use more power than it needs to. Using GCM is no guarantee that the app is well-written or efficient.

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Tags: battery-life, push-notifications
---


# Question
Title: Is there anything similar to APNS on Android?
Is there anything similar to APNS (Apple Push Notification Service) on Android?

(APNS uses a single TCP connection between an iOS device and an Apple-controlled server, which issues push notifications for all the installed apps on a given device, thus preventing the need for the individual apps to each maintain their own network connections for the push notifications.)

If Android doesn't have anything similar to APNS, doesn't this mean that an equivalent set of apps would always require more standby power on Android than on iOS?

# Answer
Historically, in order to promote battery life, Apple did not let the apps run in the background (until iOS 4.0 release in June 2010), but did provide this APNS (Apple Push Notification Service), which would let the app developers implement certain client functionality on their own third-party servers, which would then push the notification messages to Apple's central notification system (available since iOS 3.0 release in June 2009).

As such, anyone who would have wanted to write an app with any kind of background notifications at all during the whole iOS 3 availability window, would have had to have APNS support implemented, else, their app would have had no multitasking at all.

It would appear that this has never been the case in the Android land. Per my understanding, Google's take on APNS — ***GCM — Google Cloud Messaging*** — hasn't really taken off yet, probably because running out of battery in one day is not as evident as not having the background-notifications functionality at all, and the APNS/GCM architectures require the app developers to themselves run the extra servers on their own side, which is obviously not free, either, and would certainly require extra engineering and complexity, for achieving something that's not entirely obvious to the naked eye.

Additionally, according to a question on StackExchange, GCM is a second incarnation of Google's take on APNS, where the first one, now discontinued, was called C2DM (Cloud to Device Messaging Framework). It would appear that C2DM had quotas, which were then abolished with subsequent GCM. The exact dates on the introduction of GCM and C2DM are not clear, however, their device-side parts would appear to be backwards compatible, since they both claim to support Android 2.2 and above. Android 2.2 "Froyo" was first made available May 2010.
> 4 votes

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Tags: notifications, battery, battery-life, push-notifications
---


# Question
Title: push allert to my phone that will ignore silent profile
How can I make my phone check my website in a background every 30s and activate voice alert that will ignore silent mode if website says for example '1'? Pushing from server to phone is also acceptable but I guess much more difficult and is susseptable to hangs when conectivity is bad. So far i;ve been using Light Flow Lite and additional gmail account - sending myself any email there triggers alarm.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You could try pushover.net, which provides an easy-to-use API for sending notifications to your Android or iOS device.

It should be very efficient, because it's already using *Google Cloud Messaging* to deliver your push notifications, thus it should not have any adverse effects on the battery life, unlike your proposed solution of manually doing the polling every 30 s.

# Answer
> 1 votes
One possible solution involves the app Tasker (paid app worth every cent; head to the dev's site for a free trial). It's probably the most complete automation solution on Android (see also the tag-wiki), and supported by legions of apps and addons if you need additional features.

Hint to get started: *Tasker* can do HTTP-GET as well as HTTP-POST. It can write-to and read-from files, play with variables, and more. So for the task you're looking for: HTTP-GET the URL, compare the result with your conditions, and trigger the wanted action. I never tried this myself, so the example below might not be accurate – but it should get you started:

* **Condition:** Time, all 30s
* **Task:**
    + HTTP-GET the URI
    + Set sound volume to X IF content ~ 1
    + Notify-Sound (specify notification text and sound) IF content ~ 1

So basically, this retrieves the URI all 30s, sets the volume to a given value (if content was "1"), and triggers the alert in this case.

You might need to fine-tune this concerning re-setting the original volume, and some other things to your convenience – but the principle should be clear. Good luck, and enjoy!

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Tags: alerts
---


# Question
Title: How does Google find devices for Android Device Manager?
I've seen the news story a few weeks ago that Google has finally implemented a feature similar to Apple's *Find My iPhone*.

The weird thing is that Google says that somehow magically all old devices with old firmware can now be found, which were released months and years prior to the announcement of the feature.

How does that work?

# Answer
It's not hardware or even firmware.

It's part-and-parcel of Google Play Services, which is what Google is using to try to free Android users from the tyranny of OEMs and mobile carriers which do not provide timely OS updates (if at all).

It's not *quite* an app, although it installs like one. It's a framework upon which other apps and services can be built.

Since Google Play Services is needed by so many of Google's apps (plus others, such as Twitter) if you've updated any of your apps in the last six months or so you've probably already got it.
> 3 votes

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Tags: security, geolocation, push-notifications, android-device-manager
---


title: unlocked device vs. unlocked bootloader

text:
# Question
Title: unlocked device vs. unlocked bootloader
I've always thought that if a device is unlocked it means that it works with different carriers. If the device bootloader is unlocked, then does this mean the device will automatically work with different carriers? That is do unlocked device and unlocked bootloader mean the same thing?

All I know is that an unlocked bootloader is easier to root as commands can be sent to the device using the fastboot protocol used to boot it so it is not necessary to take advantage of an exploit on the device in order to root it.

I want to know if unlocked device and unlocked bootloader are synonymous.

Thanks.

# Answer
No, they're completely unrelated things. As you say, an unlocked device means it's not locked to a particular carrier: you can insert a different SIM card to change to a different carrier, and it will work. A locked device will not connect to another carrier if you change the SIM card.

The bootloader is the first thing that runs when you turn the phone on: it's responsible for loading the core Android code, so that Android can load itself and run. A *locked* bootloader uses digital signatures to verify the Android code it's loading, which means it will only boot a ROM (firmware image) that's signed by the device manufacturer. In contrast, an *unlocked* bootloader will load any ROM. Unlocking a locked bootloader will wipe all user data (but not the ROM) from the device. This is a security mechanism, so you can't get at the data on a phone by installing your own ROM on it.
> 11 votes

# Answer
The term "unlocked device" is as confusing as the term "ROM" (see the tags tag wiki). Only from the context one can tell whether it refers to "a device with an unlocked bootloader", or "a device without network/SIM lock".

This means, your question cannot be answered with a simple "Yes" or "No": though the terms are *used* as synonyms, "unlocked device" stays ambiguous without proper context. But it's quite more likely that "unlocked device" refers to the "network/SIM lock".
> 1 votes

# Answer
Just a precision, to be clear: bootloader-unlocking does NOT network-unlock a device. It also voids the warranty and stops any DRM'ed video/music/app from playing/working.

Lots of good explanations here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1839477
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sim-unlocking, bootloader-lock
---


# Question
Title: Stock dialer app on Andorid Kit Kat does not like to bring up the num pad
> Device: Note 2 (Verizon i605)
>
> Rom: CyanogenMod 11 (Kit Kat 4.4.2)
>
> App; ASOP dialer

Whenever I fire up my phone app to call someone, and click on the keyboard, a white box (1/5 of the screen) pops up. I have to click on it again to make it go away, then click on the dial button and the buttons show up. Does anyone have any thoughts and suggestions how to go about fixing this?

Screenshots (click images for larger variants):

dialer / phone app // pressing the num pad on the bottom gives me this little box

pressing BACK (or tapping anywhere else) shrinks the little box, and then I can hit the num pad to get the numbers back up

# Answer
I had the same issue, not with Cyanogen, but stock android in Nexus 5 phone. I solved the issue temporarily as follows :

Go to `Settings > Developer Options`

Change `Animator Duration Scale to 0.5x` (may be more. At first I set it in None, so it didn't work. Changing to 0.5x solved my problem. I didn't check other options like 1x etc).

This method solved me in Nexus 5. (Not sure about Note 2, try it and let's know)
> 9 votes

# Answer
I can't find this problem anywhere else, not even on the CM forums. My advice would be to install another version of CM for your device, maybe try a nightly or the previous stable/mr/rc version.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, 4.4-kitkat, phone-app, cyanogenmod
---


title: Multiple phone numbers per SIM contact

text:
# Question
Title: Multiple phone numbers per SIM contact
Some time ago I owned an Sony Ericson mobile phone. It was able to store a contact on the SIM card and add information like adress or multible phone numbers.

Why isn´t it possible to do the same thing on newer Smartphones?

I heard that old phones stored multiple contacts on the sim card by creating a contat for every information and combine it in the view, could that be true?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The SIM card isn't capable of managing complex records. Due to its limited storage, it only holds one phone number per contact, and also misses other details.

So when your "old phone" allowed for multiple phone numbers with one contact while storing the data on SIM, it must somehow have used multiple contacts, and displayed them in a kind of "merge view" (had it used some own format to achieve this, your SIM contacts would have become incompatible with other devices, so that approach is unlikely). While that would be doable on Android as well, it's not a standard for good reasons: How to tell which contacts to merge? By their name? There might be multiple "John Smith" entries, not necessarily pointing to the very same person.

As long as there's no standard defined, implementations might differ and thus leading to different results – which is the most likely reason it's not done at all.

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


# Question
Title: whats the use of my places in android 4.3?
I noticed there is my places under location services. It saves the office home and car location by a format I specify (wwfi bluetooth or map). How is this used in android? Am I able to find my car location for example?

# Answer
> 2 votes
According to Google Support:

> My Places gives you easy access to your important locations and personal Maps history. Whether you’ve starred or searched on your phone or computer, in My Places you’ll find your:
>
> * Offline Maps
> * Starred places (including Home and Work locations)
> * Recently viewed Maps items
> * Directions
> * Search queries
> * My Maps
> * Rated Places
> * Maps searches

# Answer
> 1 votes
From the Samsung support site:

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/howtoguide/N0000006/10628/127752

Hope this helps!

---
Tags: gps, 4.3-jelly-bean, geolocation, gps-tracking, location-services
---


# Question
Title: What are the different signal indicators avalable on the notification bar?
The signal indicator on my phone often shows "3G" or "H+" in the signal indicator. When there's no connectivity it doesn't show anything.

I'm referring to the icons in the status bar like these:

What are the different signal icons that are shown in android? I've never used an LTE/4G handset or even been on one of those networks so I'm also curious to see what indicators are used for those.

# Answer
> 28 votes
They are referring to the mobile data connection:

* **1x**: 1xRTT (slow like a dialup modem (here: 80–100 kbit/s), shows up on US Cellular CDMA networks with Google Fi in Northern California)
* **G**: GPRS (slow like dialup modem, here: 56–114 kbit/s)
* **E**: Edge (enhanced GSM, about 400 kbit/s)
* **3G**: UMTS (384 kbit/s to 7.2 Mbit/s)
* **H**: HSPA (enhanced 3G, sometimes shown as **3.5G**; up to 21 Mbit/s)
* **H+**: HSPA+ (even more enhanced/faster HSPA; up to 42.2 Mbit/s)
* **4G**: LTE (thanks to eldarerathis for confirmation); up to 300 Mbit/s
* **5G**: not yet in the wild; up to 10 Gbit/s planned

The bars obviously show signal quality, and the arrows show whether data transfer is in progress. As for the colors (your pictures show blue and gray signal icons), please refer to What does it mean when the connectivity icons in the status bar go white/gray?

# Answer
> 3 votes
On CyanogenMod 10.2, I currently got `R`, which I think means `Roaming`.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, notification-bar, network-signal
---


# Question
Title: unable to upload doc files in android latest version
I am not able to upload .doc files on my android mobile.I have Kingston software installed so whenever I use the upload button from the webpage it just displays my gallery, camera, voice and video recorder. It does not display the file browser so that I can select the file from my file system.

# Answer
By installing androZip my problem is getting resolved :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
I don't know the software you're using but I'd recommend looking into Airdroid, it installs a small application on your phone and lets you manage it from a web interface. After starting the service you can copy all data in both directions.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: files
---


# Question
Title: Why are my messages hidden under the keyboard in the Hangouts app?
Whenever I respond to an SMS or a gTalk/Hangouts message, it is hidden under the keyboard. Afterwards, if whomever I am talking with responds, their message is hidden further below. This is causing me to constantly scroll the conversation up to see what's the latest message is.

When looking in a thread, and pulling a keyboard to type something, everything looks fine. This only happens after initiating a conversation by sending a message.

My device is a Verizon Galaxy Note II running CyanogenMod 11.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Apparently, this is also an animation issue. According to an answer for my dialer app, setting the animation to .5x fixes a lot of spacing/hiding issues on the phone.

To fix it, do the following:

> Go to `Settings > Developer Options`
>
> Change `Animator Duration Scale` to `0.5x`

Many props to Abid Rahman K for figuring it out!

---
Tags: keyboard, samsung-galaxy-note-2, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: Can I connect a slimport to a DVI only screen using an HDMI to DVI adapter?
I have a Nexus 4. I would like to connect it to my desktop screen but it only has DVI (currently I'm using HDMI to DVI adapter). Would slimport work anyway?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes it works! However there is no guarantee that it will work with every DVI screen.

---
Tags: hdmi, slimport
---


title: Save merged contacts information

text:
# Question
Title: Save merged contacts information
I just spent a lot of time merging contacts from different sources (two Google accounts, Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Skype), and now my contact list looks somewhat clean for the first time in months. So far so good.

In the past, when I reset my phone (I'm a CyanogenMod user, so resetting my phone happens from time to time), I lost all info about merged contacts, which is really a pain. Is it possible to back up and restore this information somewhere, e.g. through an app?

edit: I did the merging in the stock contact manager of Ice Cream Sandwich (CM 9 alpha)

# Answer
> 4 votes
Your contacts should all be backed up to the Google account you registered your phone with, provided that you are saving your contacts to Google and not your SIM card. Check to make sure that you are using Google as your default contact list, and that syncing for contacts for that account is checked.

UPDATE: You can use Titanium Backup to migrate settings between ROM wipes for other apps/contacts.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Although just a "little" late I did create a free application called Total Backup to save and restore most of the contact joins without needing root. It can be found at Google Play or Amazon Appstore. Don't hesitate with feedback.

---
Tags: contacts, backup
---


# Question
Title: App for sharing words between PC web browser and Anroid device
I often surf www on my PC. For foreign language pages I use Firefox add-on gTranslate 0.9. It's quite convenient, just highlight a word in browser, right click, translate.

But I'd like to remember those words (along with its translation) in cloud and then have an application on my Android device which shows those words so I can learn my vocabulary.

Is there any similar application somewhere?

Eventually it can be only bare foreign word without translation, as it could be translated down in the Android application.

# Answer
You could use something like Anki. It's a flashcard program using spaced-repetition to help you learn vocabulary and other similar things. There's a free desktop app, as well as a compatible free Android app called AnkiDroid. The two apps can sync to each other through "the cloud", so you could use it to add cards on your PC when you find a new word, then learn those flashcards on your Android device.

Anki supports non-Latin characters and scripts, and you can add images too (if you want to learn to recognise a sign, for instance). You can even download *decks* of cards made by other users.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


title: DLNA through two routers?

text:
# Question
Title: DLNA through two routers?
I have been trying to achieve a DLNA / Media Share between my Nexus 5 and Xbox 360, so far I have been unable to achieve this and I decided to turn here to see if anyone could shed some light.

What I basically want to do is stream media **from my Nexus 5 to my Xbox 360**, now what makes this all quite confusing is I have a standalone router flashed with DD-WRT to handle connections upstairs, this includes the Xbox 360. The app I am using to try and achieve this is **BubbleUPnP Pro**.

The Xbox 360 has its own IP Address defined within the second router, I guess it is an Access Point as it simply connects to the main router wirelessly and then provides access through the ethernet ports.

My question is, is it possible for me to stream media from my Nexus 5 (which is connected to the Main Router) through the Access Point and to my Xbox 360? If so - will it require any action on the Main Router and what are the steps I need to take to achieve it?

Thank you -

(I have attached a image to document how everything is set up network-wise)

# Answer
That's not really an Android question, but rather network related. But the short answer is:

**It should work as long as all the devices described share the same "subnet".**

I have a comparable setup here (TV→cable→router→cable→main-router→wireless→tablet), and can use BubbleUPnP fine to stream from my tablet to my PC. All share the same network (`192.168.1.*`, netmask `255.255.255.0`), so UPnP/DLNA finds it's way from end to end. The main router acts as DHCP server for all devices in the network, no other DHCP server concurring.

If however your main router and router2 both use their own subnets, that might get tricky.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, nexus-5, dlna
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S4 USB Not Recognized by Windows 7
When I connect my Samsung Galaxy S4 (Verizon) with a USB cable to my work PC that is running Windows 7, my work PC recognizes it immediately. I see all my pictures, music, etc.

When I connect my phone to my home PC which is also running Windows 7, I get a device named "CD Drive (F:) Verizon Mobile". I see a very short list of folders and files that includes a USB driver (with an autorun) and a few Mac OS folders in it. In Device Manager, this shows up under DVD/CD-ROM drives" with a driver named "SAMSUNG File-Stor Gadget USB Device".

After a few seconds of looking at these files, Windows removes the device and replaces it with one labeled "SCH-I545". Clicking on SCH-I545, there are no files visible. I have many files and photos on my phone, but I can't see any of them in Explorer. If I right-click SCH-I545 and get Proeprties, I see a battery level, but nothing else.

Opening Device Manager, I see SCH-I545 in the list of portable devices. The manufacturer of this driver is Microsoft. I have tried uninstalling the driver, unplugging the phone, and plugging it back in, but the same thing happens.

I have tried downloading and installing the USB driver from the Samsung site, but the same thing happens.

I have managed to get Samsung Link working to load some files onto my phone, but I would much rather use a file copy mechanism.

Does anyone have an idea of how I can get my home PC to recognize the phone and let me copy files to and from it?

# Answer
After searching the Internet for similar issues, I did the following:

1. I unplugged my phone from the USB cable.
2. On the home screen, I pressed the bottom left Settings button and chose Settings.
3. I selected "... More".
4. I pressed "Developer options" in the list below.
5. I turned on the Developer options at the top.
6. Under the Debugging section, I checked "USB debugging".
7. I reinstalled Samsung Kies.
8. I started Kies.
9. After Kies started, I plugged in my phone to the USB cable.

After connecting my phone with Kies running, the Windows Update form appeared and a new entry was in the list. After the driver installation, everything worked. I don't even have to run Kies first before connecting my phone to get Windows 7 to recognize it. It just works.

I don't know exactly what series of events caused this to start working, but now I can actually copy stuff to and from my phone. (Yay!)
> 1 votes

# Answer
When you connect your Galaxy S4 to the PC via USB, open the notification center and you'll see a message that says something like `Connected to USB. Click for more options`. Click it, and then select `View as camera`. After that you, should be able to copy files from the PC to your phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, windows, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


title: Does Nexus 7 2013 have 3G support?

text:
# Question
Title: Does Nexus 7 2013 have 3G support?
Nexus 7 2013 has 4G support, but I can't find any information on 3G support. If I get a Nexus 7 4G model, can I use 3G?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The current New Nexus 7's only support wifi. They do not support any mobile data yet. But once they are released with mobile data support, you can count on them supporting older networks, like 3g (HSPA/HSPA+) as well as supporting 4g (LTE). LTE coverage is not wide enough for them to only support 4g.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Seems to support ONLY 4G.

Comparison of Nexus 7 2012 and 2013 versions.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, it does support 2G (GSM/EDGE) and 3G (UMTS/HSPA+).

Source: https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/3248332

---

# Nexus 7 (2013) Tech Specs (LTE)

## North America and Japan:

GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

HSPA+: 850/900/1900/2100/AWS (1700/2100) MHz (Bands: 1/2/4/5/8)

LTE: 700/850/1700/1800/1900/2100 MHZ (Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/13/17)

## Rest of World:

GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

HSPA+: 850/900/1900/2100/AWS (1700/2100) MHz (Bands: 1/2/4/5/8)

LTE: 800/850/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 MHz (Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/20)

---

Note that it appears that there are two Nexus 7 2013 LTE models, which differ in LTE bands, but UMTS and GSM bands appear the same.

---
Tags: nexus-7, 3g
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to transfer files to a powered off device?
Unfortunately, I have managed to delete an integral directory of the phone, which causes it to stuck on the boot-up screen. It would be very easy to repair this damage if I could find out how to mount phone's internal memory, the root directory, to transfer over any files missing.

Is it possible to do this with a powered-off device?

This in an Android 4.1.2 stock, LG Optimus E440 (L4 II) of unknown bootloader status (I don't even know if this phone has an unlockable bootloader o.O).

Furthermore, I've discovered of this "LGMobile Support Tool" Windows program, is it a legitimate LG software, and would it do something to help me?

# Answer
No, the phone is powered off, so no activities would be running to enable a transfer of files.

You need to have it powered on.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: boot, file-transfer, lg
---


title: Transfer Files to Nexus 4 with Terminal

text:
# Question
Title: Transfer Files to Nexus 4 with Terminal
I want to transfer files to my Nexus 4 using the Mac Terminal.

I tried to use the adb shell with adb push, but because I'm not root I'm not allowed to push to the sdcard.

Is there any way to mount the device as a regular drive or to use adb push without root access?

# Answer
You can't push to the sdcard's root, but you can push in any folder found in it, except `/sdcard/Android/data`.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-transfer, shell
---


# Question
Title: Flashing CM 11 on Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 (SCH-I535)
I have a Galaxy SCH-I535 from verizon (SGS3). It is not rooted, and I want to install CM 11 on it.

Is there anything else I have to do besides just running the installer?

I love my phone and don't want to break it. Do I have to root or install anything else before running the CM11 installer app? And, what should I use to back it up before hand in case anything goes wrong?

Could someone tell me what I should do step-by-step before actually running the CM 11 installer?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Too lazy to post a detailed answer. But no, you need don't necessarily need root to install a custom ROM like CyanogenMod. But, you need to flash a custom recovery like ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery which you will use to install CyanogenMod. Some custom ROMs (like CM) will give you root.

For detailed installation guide for your phone, refer to (**CAUTION**: This is for CM 10.2, but the steps should be similar for CM 11) CM's official wiki . It contains all the information you need, including back-up.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


# Question
Title: how to lock notification screen in Samsung duos
how to lock notification screen in Samsung duos to prevent access for quick toggles like Wi-Fi, GPS,Screen rotation, Screen brightness?

# Answer
That simply is absurd. You will have to lock your screen(Device lockscreen) to prevent anyone from accessing your phone's system controls. You simply cannot or wouldn't want to lock the "notifications" while using your device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notification-bar, samsung-galaxy-s-duos
---


# Question
Title: Setting up hardware accelerated Android emulation (HAXM) on Fedora or other RPM distributions?
I'm doing Android development, and the emulation is (unsurprisingly) slow. I see there's some documentation for setting up hardware acceleration (Intel HAXM) at http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/speeding-up-the-android-emulator-on-intel-architecture

This documentation covers installation for Windows and Linux, but for Linux it's Ubuntu specific - has anyone had success with setting this up on Fedora, or other recent RPM-based distro?

# Answer
> 7 votes
I've got this working on a Fedora 19 install, it's straightforward and worthwhile...

# Install virtualization

This is documented at https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Getting\_started\_with\_virtualization

install package group "virtualization"

```
sudo yum install @virtualization

```

this installs packages virt-install, libvirt, libvirt-daemon-kvm, qemu-kvm, virt-manager, virt-viewer and deps

---

# Start KVM and test

```
$ sudo systemctl start libvirtd

```

(if your distro uses the *service* command rather than new-fangled *systemctl*, you'll want use that to start libvirtd instead)

Verify that the kvm kernel modules were properly loaded:

```
$ lsmod | grep kvm
kvm_amd                55563  0
kvm                   419458  1 kvm_amd

```

You can also verify using the virsh management tool

```
$ sudo virsh list

```

this gives an empty list e.g.

```
 Id    Name                           State
----------------------------------------------------

```

You may need to log out & log back in.

# Running the hardware accelerated device

I then tried starting a virtual device (having first downloaded an x86 system image using the SDK manager) and it seemed fast (started in ~10 seconds, and UI is snappy). However the loading dialog didn't display the *"HAX is working and emulator runs in fast virt mode"* message specified by the Intel docs. Don't be disheartened; it's a nice thing to see not an end in itself.

# Finesse

Running on the command line showed an error message. You can run the emulator on the command line in the SDK/tools directory, specifying the AVD name (same as you'll see in the virtual device manager):

```
[path/to/SDK/tools]$ ./emulator64-x86 -avd <AVD name>Nexus_S_4.0.3_x86 -qemu -m 2047 -enable-kvm

```

e.g.

```
[path/to/SDK/tools]$ ./emulator64-x86 -avd Nexus_S_4.0.3_x86 -qemu -m 2047 -enable-kvm

```

this returned the error

```
emulator: ERROR: Could not load OpenGLES emulation library: lib64OpenglRender.so: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory
emulator: WARNING: Could not initialize OpenglES emulation, using software renderer.

```

this can be fixed by adding the tools/lib directory to LD\_LIBRARY\_PATH e.g. by running as

```
[path/to/SDK/tools]$ LD_LIBRARY_PATH=path/to/sdk/tools/lib ./emulator64-x86 -avd Nexus_S_4.0.3_x86  -qemu -m 2047 -enable-kvm

```

---

# Summary

I'm *very* pleased with how fast this is, and it's well worth the trouble. The emulator starts in 6 seconds on my unspectacular desktop, and runs as nicely as the real hardware.

---
Tags: hardware-acceleration
---


# Question
Title: Recover data off internal memory of a pin-locked phone?
How to retrieve data off of internal memory for LG Optimus (android 2.3.4), not rooted, locked via PIN password, and no forgot password showing up on PIN entry screen? I'm more particularly interested in contact data then anything else.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Using `adb`, you can use `adb pull` to take any file you want from your phone, event if it is protected and locked (I tried on 4.1.2, don't know if it works on more up to date versions).

Only the `/data` folder needs `root` privileges to be read and it is where your contacts are stored. If you have `root` privileges, you can look at this answer to know where you can find them.

*Note that you have to enable **USB debugging** before trying these steps.*

# Answer
> 0 votes
Why is there no "Forgot PIN" or a Mail recovery option there? :(

See if this app is compatible and use it:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.thomascannon.screenlockbypass.pro

If you have your contacts synced on your Google account, they will automatically get restored.

This might help you get the data back:

http://www.vogella.com/tutorials/AndroidCommandLine/article.html#adb\_copy

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


title: Mobile data won't turn on till reboot

text:
# Question
Title: Mobile data won't turn on till reboot
I'm using a Samsung Vibrant (aka Samsung T959 Galaxy S) (Installed Jellybean). Sometimes when I keep mobile data off for a while, it doesn't turn on. I have to reboot it to make it work again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It seems like a network problem and might not have anything to do with your phone. Try using data services by some other provider.

Also, try re-configuring the APN settings.

---
Tags: mobile-data, samsung-vibrant
---


title: Cryptic Symbols & Loss of Connectivity

text:
# Question
Title: Cryptic Symbols & Loss of Connectivity
My device lost 3G Connectivity this morning and only resumed around 10AM, when it did however, this minus icon was present.

Any ideas what it is? What it means, and how to get rid of it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Solved this, it wasnt quite blocking mode, but close. The tablet seems to have a device to suppress icons from being shown, where the wifi toggle buttons are in task bar, there is an option entitled notifications, which when toggled on can suppress icons being present in this area.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You might have the blocking mode enabled (it's an option available in Samsung devices). To disable this mode go to Settings \> Device panel, and tap the blocking mode option to enable or disable.

Source: http://www.twelveskip.com/tutorials/android/493/samsung-galaxy-s3-what-is-blocking-mode-and-how-to-use-it

---
Tags: connection-issues
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to see which apps are using GCM?
I'm interested to know how many of the apps I have installed are using GCM. Is there a way to find out?

# Answer
> 4 votes
In `Settings -> Applications`, in the permissions section, tap on `Show All` and under `Network Communication` there should be `Receive data from internet` if the application has requested push (GCM) permission.

*Tested on 4.1.2, labels and positions may differ.*

# Answer
> 3 votes
You could try Greenify. It's an app for hibernating apps so that they don't take up a lot of resources; thus, improving battery life.

However, it also lists apps in a way that lets you see which ones support GCM.

---
Tags: battery-life, push-notifications
---


# Question
Title: Light Flow not pushing email notifications to my Pebble
I've been trying to get everything set up on my new Nexus 5, and one of those things is getting notifications working properly, both on the phone itself as well as on my Pebble watch. One problem I'm having right now (which I basically bypassed with my previous phone) is getting Light Flow to push notifications to my Pebble. I know that Light Flow is handling notifications because the notification LED and vibrate settings are being used, but despite setting the "Send to Pebble" checkbox for the desired notifications, I'm not getting anything on my watch. I did have it working with my past phone, though.

Before people ask in the comments, yes, I can still get notifications on my watch if they originate from the Pebble app. However, I can't set the Pebble app to a sleep mode like I can with Light Flow. There are also notifications that I can get from Light Flow that I can't get from the Pebble app, for instance low battery warning and lost cell connection that I also want. Also, 3rd party notifications are enabled in Pebble.

**Since I know that both Light Flow and Pebble are working independently, why can't I get them to work together?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
The issue is actually caused by the feature that I wanted to make use of: sleep mode. For some reason, if the option to disable Pebble notifications while in sleep mode, all Pebble notifications are disabled, regardless of sleep state. (The release notes indicate that this was already fixed, but that apparently isn't the case.) Since I can disable notifications at the watch (thanks, @GAThrawn), I have no need for preventing Light Flow from sending notifications to my Pebble while I sleep.

Simply disable the sleep mode check for send to Pebble in Light Flow, and notifications will start flowing.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, nexus-5, pebble
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# Question
Title: Battery charging indicator went crazy on my Samsung Duos S6802
While I was playing a game, my cellphone warned me that my battery went too low. I plugged the charger but it was like it didn't work (charger indicator didn't show the bolt icon). After several efforts I found out that the battery was charging, simply the indicator didn't work. Unfortunately on my panic I had done a format (USB Storage) thinking that an installed app was causing this. However, this was not the case.

The battery charge indicator is now working half the times I am plugging it for charging. Upon going to the battery statistics, I observe a strange behavior: it shows it is almost (or half) -empty but the battery timer says that there is enough battery for 3 days while in another phone with similar battery and phone usage it shows full battery but 11h remaining time only.

How should I proceed?

Samsung S6802 - v.2.3.6 Gingerbread

# Answer
> 0 votes
The game's creators did not take right precautions for the version of android I have and it ran into some issues. Unfortunately, it is not recoverable with format; the problem isn't obvious at first sight though.

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Tags: charging
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# Question
Title: How can I tell that my phone uses the Wi-Fi connection for data traffic?
I just bought the Samsung Galaxy 2 and my monthly data plan allows me 250MB.

I have Wi-Fi at home with 100GB of data per month.

Obviously, I want to use my home Wi-Fi as much as possible on my phone, and I have no trouble connecting my phone to it.

**My question is:**
How do I know if my phone is accessing my home Wi-Fi and not my phone company's network when I access the internet on my phone.

I can see that my phone is connected to my home Wi-Fi but it is also connected to my phone company's network at the same time. **Is there a way to see when I am using my home Wi-Fi and when I am using my phone company's network?**

I am worried that if my phone connects to the phone company's network and not my home Wi-Fi, then I will end up with a huge bill. I just want to make sure I am using my home Wi-Fi when I am accessing the internet on my phone.

# Answer
> 7 votes
If you are connected via Wi-Fi, your phone will only use that connection. The only sort of data that would be required to use mobile data would be MMS (aka multimedia messages) everything else will operate with Wi-Fi if you have it.

One thing you'll also want to look into is the Wi-Fi sleep policy, to ensure you phone never disconnects from Wi-Fi if it is in range.

**Go to:**

```
Settings → Wifi → Advanced (via menu button) → Sleep Policy

```

Set this to "never", so your phone will always use Wi-Fi (if available) when it's asleep.
*This also saves battery as the distance between your Wi-Fi and your phone is a lot shorter than the phone mast and your phone!*

**Update**
If you are that concerned about using mobile data, search the market for "APN Droid", which is an app that completely turns on/off your mobile data.

# Answer
> 2 votes
There's an option to do this under Ice Cream Sandwich and later,

* Go into Settings
* Tap on *Data Usage*
* Ensure that *Mobile Data* is activated, if not, a check-box stating *Set mobile data limit* will appear underneath, checking that will bring up a informational dialog box stating *Limiting data usage*.

Now the graph chart will have two sliders active amber (*Warning*) and red (*Maximum*), by moving the amber coloured bar, that is your *Warning* limit set.

And moving the red coloured bar, is your *Maximum* limit, set that to 250Mb max as per your case, and set the amber bar to around 230Mb as a warning and ICS/Jellybean will remind you that you are hitting the limit.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Check your signal bar in the top right corner of the notification bar. If it displays the both the WiFi (quarter circle) and the 3G/HDSPA bar (right triangle), then your phone will prefer WiFi, otherwise it will use 3G/HDSPA. Also note that the WiFi signal bar is overlaid with small triangles when there is an active data transfer through WiFi and the phone signal bar is overlaid with similar triangle when there is an active data transfer through 3G/HDSPA. Also note that the when 3G is active, the phone signal bar is overlaid with 3G or H icon. Also note that when connected to WiFi, the 3G/H icon is missing from the phone signal bar, which shows that 3G/HDSPA has been disabled.

# Answer
> -2 votes
You may appear to be connected to your Wi-Fi, but you may not be connected to the internet. It's possible that the internet is down.

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Tags: wi-fi
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# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S3 camera light keeps flashing
Ever since I updated the software on my Galaxy S3 the camera light flashes randomly all day, it also flashes when my alarm goes off.

I cannot find anywhere in my settings how to disable this annoying light. My flash notification is not checked off. Please help!

# Answer
S3 users have reported similar issue while receiving calls and alarm going off at AndroidCentral forums here.

The solution posted there is to go to `Settings > My Device > Accessibility > Hearing > Flash Notification`

Un-check Flash Notification.

Even if the flash notification box is not checked, check it once and un-check it again. It should solve your problem.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Was annoying, but has stopped, by doing the following:

Go to: Settings \> My Device \> Accessibility\> Hearing\> Flash notification

Select flash, close out, return and deselect flash.

Working properly now!
> 4 votes

# Answer
This phenomenon could be due to some rogue app that is using the permissions of the camera to take pictures or activating flashlight without your intervention.

Check with some app like F-Secure App Permissions, applying the advanced filter **CAMERA**, **FLASHLIGHT** (applying **OR** operator as shown in the screenshots).

In the resulting list, look for any suspicious app (mainly a game or another app that should not be using those permissions) and uninstall it (you can uninstall apps directly from **F-Secure App Permissions** by long-tapping its name in the list and tapping **Yes** in the confirmation message).
> 0 votes

# Answer
I found it was a flashlight app I had downloaded. It had permissions to override various functions. After uninstalling the app, the flashing is gone!
> 0 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, camera-flash
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