# Question
Title: Can I remove the .nomedia file from Google Music downloaded music folder?
I'm running version 4.1.511 of the Google Music app. When it downloads songs for offline use they are stored in

> /sdcard/Android/data/com.google.android.music/cache/music

This folder has a .nomedia file in it which prevents the media scanner from scanning the files. This means other music apps that I run don't see the songs?

Is there any problem with removing the .nomedia file from this directory so that the files can be scanned and picked up by other media players?

# Answer
> 4 votes
The .nomedia file is for the reason you stated. You can safely remove the file and other apps will be able to pick up the medias in that folder.

In any case, if there is any problem you can easily create that file again. It can be a empty file with the name .nomedia. You can use programs like ES File explorer to explore to that directory and create the file.

EDIT: As per the comments below which contains very useful information:

* Your Music apps may recreate the .nomedia file when you launch it.
* Other players will only be able to play the music if only the musics are DRM free.

---
Tags: google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Can I disable the camera sound in the new ICS camera app (in silent mode)?
Android got a brand new camera app with ICS. The old camera app from previous android versions didn't play a sound when the phone is in silent mode, the new one does. Obviously this can be somewhat anoying in some situations.

Can this sound be muted?

*Note: I'm asking for an answer that **doesn't require a rooted device**. I'm aware that I can rename/delete the sound files from the system (as documented in this question), but I'd rather not root a device just for this.*

# Answer
> 6 votes
Alright, I went through the sourcecode and the answer is surprisingly obvious:

Yes, this can often be muted by **simply using the volume keys** while using the app or adjusting the volume of the media audio channel in the preferences. The media volume is used, regardless if the device is in normal, silent or vibrate mode. But it depends on where you bought your device if this works *(I guess)*, some devices enforce audio over a channel that can't be muted.

**More (technical) details:**
*The camera app checks the device configuration (system property `ro.camera.sound.forced`) whether it should play the camera sounds over a system-enforced audio channel that can't be muted. If this setting is off, it uses the media and music channel instead.*

*In case that it uses the music channel, it ignores when the device is in silent mode though. This might be a bug/small oversight by the authors. This is why you have to adjust the channel volume instead.*

*I guess the property mentioned above is set depending on where you buy your device, since the sound is required by law in some places/countries as explained by eldarerathis in the comments.*

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, camera, silent-mode
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible use an Android phone as a telephone switchboard?
I'm looking for a way to convert my Android phone into a telephone switchboard.

The goal is to have the ability to redirect incoming calls to another telephone number. But if this is not possible (I don't know if any Android terminal is able to redirect calls in real-time), perhaps there is an intermediate solution: the mobile pick up the telephone, launches a recorded message ("Please, say what is the purpose of your call"), waits until the user says something, and then put a music loop until somebody picks up the telephone.

I don't know if I explained :) But the final goal is to substitute an expensive internal switchboard with an inexpensive cell phone network driven by an Android phone. Is there something similar?

# Answer
I was looking for something similar and it is hard to find one that would work for Android.

---

However, it is not so expensive to have a really good phone switchboard, you may use a very old computer with a phone modem and utilize the landline, for example, you can get an almost-for-free, an old PC computer from garage sales or bank or company that is in the process of updating their IT systems, (like a Pentium II or III).

Then install either Windows XP or Linux alongside a PBX server which you can download for free for both systems. Sure it will take a little bit of time and patience to configure, but the end result will be worth it if done properly.

A switchboard that will change a PC at your office to a desk phone. Even, you can also have an intercom facility as well (where users can call each other without using land line just over your LAN - just PC to PC), even you can join remote branches or offices into one phone system.

Then you can have internal numbers like 1214 or of your own preference and choice, and share the one line over many users, and the most beautiful part is that there's no need to make new wires and get phone sets!

Search for 3CX (for Windows) or Asterix for Linux.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Not quite what you are looking for, but Google Voice will let you forward calls to other numbers based on time of day or defined "groups" of people that call you. Essentially, it will "ring all the phones" you want it to and then you pick up on any of those phones. For example, you could have a mobile phone, a work phone, and a home phone. You could have Google Voice ring all three phones at once when someone dials the Google Voice number.

Also, US only.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calls
---


# Question
Title: Prevent volume rocker from disabling silent mode
On my Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, everytime I bump the volume rocker the phone comes out of silent mode. I hate this. The only way I want my phone going into or coming out of silent mode with a hard button is by holding the power until the modal shows up. Is there any way to prevent the volume rocker from knocking the sound back on when in silent mode?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There are some apps that will do this for you:

RingGuard: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.x475aws.android.ringguard&hl=en Volume Locker: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.hourdb.volumelocker&feature=related\_apps

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, volume-control, silent-mode
---


title: Share to bookmark

text:
# Question
Title: Share to bookmark
Is there any way of having a "Bookmark" as part of the items in the "Share" options that show when one clicks "Share" on a given app?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I found an app Bookmark Home which adds *Add bookmark* to the share list. If you send a bookmark to it, it will be stored in the apps own storage, but there is an export option to save all of them in the Browser bookmarks.

---
Tags: bookmarks, share-menu
---


# Question
Title: Can I run CyanogenMod without mobile service?
I am wondering if I can run CyanogenMod on a phone without service? I have an HTC Incredible and am thinking of upgrading to a new phone and wonder if I can give my old phone to my daughter to use like an iTouch works where you only have internet access via a wireless connection and cannot make cell phone calls but can use applications.

# Answer
Yes, even plain Android will do this. I've heard of some unlicensed phones that didn't properly finish setup unless you had a SIM card but it shouldn't be an issue with CM.
> 6 votes

# Answer
I used to have an Incredible - moved on to a Nexus! - and I noticed a ROM in the XDA forums that was for Wifi only, ie, device without a data plan.

You can search here for it.

There is also a Wifi only mod that can be found here.

Link to Wifi Only Thread.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, cyanogenmod, htc-droid-incredible
---


# Question
Title: Can I use the default music app in ICS without linking it to my google account?
I somehow cannot use the music app in android without linking it to my google account first.

So - against my will - I linked it to my google account. I did this because I was hoping to remove that link later from *within* the app. As it turns out, this is not possible.

I do not use google music and want to avoid granting access to private data when it's not necessary.

## Question

* Can I use the default music app in ICS without linking it to my google account?

# Answer
I'd guess this isn't CM9 specific, but based on a quick test on my Kindle Fire you can just hit the `Back` button on the account select screen the first time you launch Music and it will simply skip it. Also, you can unlink your account by clearing the Music app's data in your settings (`Settings->Applications->Music->Clear Data`).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, music-player, google-account
---


# Question
Title: set another CDMA operator in a verizon wireless galaxy tab
Got a galaxy tab 7 SCHI800BKV verizon wireless tab. It has no rim/sim port. Question is if I root the device will it be possible to set my country's CDMA operator in the device?

Thanks for your help.

# Answer
The device may have to be unlocked first. Rooting will not Unlock the device. You will also need information from the network you want to run the device on. Like if the device is supported on their network, if they are able to active the device (they will be able to tell you if they support it if you give them the ESN/MEID) and what their mobile carrier code is (SID/NID/MCC).

I did find this info that may help once it is unlocked:

> From here, I will walk you through programming the tablet for ota activation with that carrier.
> If its the verizon galaxy tab, to get to the programming menu go to the notepad and type \**772 to get to the manual programming.
>
> the spc code will always be 000000
>
> from here touch down 3 times
> clear out the directory number with 10 0's
> then hit down
> then clear out the msin with 10 0's
> from here touch down
> here you will change the system id to what is necessary for that carrier.
> then you will hit left or right and then enter
> then hit down 4 times and you should see mcc, put the mcc number here
> then hit down 4 times, and the home sid should match the one you input, then you will change the NID for that carrier as well
> then you will hit down 64 times, and make sure cdma homesys reg is yes
> then hit down 6 times to where it says slot cycle index, change this to 1 by hitting touch here and clear it and hit 1
> then exit service
> 2 votes

# Answer
Generally speaking, rooting is completely unrelated to unlocking.

CDMA unlocking is also more difficult than SIM unlocking a GSM phone, and CDMA phones need to be activated on the network, unlike sticking a SIM in an unlocked GSM phone and doing whatever you want. You'll need help from both carriers (Verizon to unlock, your carrier to activate) in order to do this.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab, sim-unlocking, cdma
---


# Question
Title: Where did the galaxy live wallpaper go in ICS?
Since I've upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich on my Nexus S, the galaxy live wallpaper - which was part of Android - is gone.

Can I get the exact same live wallpaper for ice cream sandwich? It looks something like this:

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can try to switch your current live wallpapers with the Gingerbread pack the Nexus S came with. This will need your device to be rooted though.

As seen on this topic on xda-developers, you can use Root Explorer (or any other application that can get into the android filesystem, like Root Browser Lite) to switch your with livewallpaper.apk file located on *system/app* with this one, which contains the stock Gingerbread live wallpapers from the Nexus S, and possibly the one you're looking for.

--

Also, there's some really similar live wallpapers available on the Market, including one called Galaxy Core 3D LiveWallpaper, which looks almost like the one you're looking for.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, live-wallpaper
---


# Question
Title: Can android smartphones (with Wi-Fi enabled) be detected by other WiFi devices?
So that the other Wi-Fi device knows an android phone (with wi-fi enabled) is nearby?

# Answer
When you say that Wi-Fi is enabled I'm taking you literally: that Wi-Fi is enabled but is not actually connected to an access point (hotspot).

So the answer is no.

Just enabling the Wi-Fi on your phone does not make it visible to other devices. It just sits there listening passively. No one around you can see your wi-fi or get it to respond.

If you set your device to be a Wi-Fi hotspot (typically for tethering purposes) it will emit a signal called a beacon that allows other devices to see it.

Also, if you turn on Wi-Fi Direct then it can be seen, but this is a new feature in Android 4 that is not widely used yet and I don't know much about it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
And if you are using a open wifi network for example on a café, then you can be watched with a simple app called droidsheep.. But all devices can be detected by such app, even mac and windows and IOS... So just be careful when you are using a open wifi network...
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Is the Websocket protocol supported on Android?
I haven't been able to find much information on the state of Websocket implementation. Is it currently supported in the stock Android browser? If not, are there any browsers for Android that do support it?

# Answer
No, the stock Android browser (Chrome) doesn't have support for Websocket. But other browsers e.g. Opera has support for it in the latest release, but it's disabled.

See Compatibility tables for support of HTML5
> 2 votes

# Answer
Neither Gingerbread nor Honeycomb browsers support web sockets. However, Firefox Beta v.7 and Firefox Aurora (which is a nightly of v. 8) both support the current spec of web sockets off the box.
> 3 votes

# Answer
The browser in Honeycomb 3.2 does support WebSockets.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Just did a little investigation...

My Xoom (currently up to date), does NOT support the following:

WebSockets,
SSE (Server Sent Events),
WebWorkers,
getUserMedia();

:( x4
> -1 votes

---
Tags: browser
---


# Question
Title: Turning on encryption for an Android 4.0 device
I need to encrypt my full file system on Android device. From this link, I understand that Android provides support to enable full file system encryption based on a password but that need to be enabled explicitly. However, this link doesn't give complete details about the implementation (particularly for new users).

Has any one enabled this kind of encryption so far? Do people think that this is safe to do or it has some other drawbacks?

# Answer
> 8 votes
In Honeycomb the option is in `Settings -> Location and security`. In Ice Cream Sandwich it's at `Settings -> Personal -> Security -> Encryption`.

If you're wondering about how Android does encryption, take a look at this: http://source.android.com/tech/encryption/android\_crypto\_implementation.html

Naturally encrypting and decrypting requires some overhead, but I wouldn't expect it to be too bad. Undoing encryption does require a factory reset, so if you're doing it "just to try" you may want to do a backup first. If you're worried about security then I would definitely advise you to use it.

---
Tags: security, 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, encryption
---


# Question
Title: Do I have to install a custom ROM if I root?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Does rooting require a custom ROM?

I have an HTC Desire S with the stock ROM.

Can I root the phone but keep my stock ROM, that is the one provided by HTC ?

Or do I HAVE to install a custom ROM if I root?

And what is ClockworkMod. Is it a custom ROM ?

# Answer
You don't have to install a custom ROM, you can use a stock one. There's usually rooted versions of stock ROMs readily available for most devices, with the only difference between them and a completely stock ROM being the addition of Superuser and the `su` binary (and often busybox). If your device is supported by a simple software rooting method (HTC stuff often is) then you can simply root and be done.

ClockworkMod is not a custom ROM, it is a custom recovery image. The recovery system is basically a minimal environment and GUI that exists on a separate partition and can be used to backup or restore your device's state, install new ROMs, and perform some other functions that can help you fix your system if it gets into a bad state. The differences between these and other things is covered pretty well in What is the difference between: Rooting, Jailbreak, ROM, Mod, etc.? and What is ClockworkMod Recovery and what is it for?
> 6 votes

---
Tags: rooting, custom-roms, stock-android, htc-desire-s
---


# Question
Title: How to recover files from SD card on HTC Merge?
So today somehow my phone completely reset itself. I went into my local wireless office and they helped me a bit. My phone has lost all of it's contacts and apps (no biggie) but the employee told me that pictures and video would still be on the SD card. I can't find my pictures *anywhere* on my phone. Would they still be on the SD card? If so, how can I get to them?

Thanks

# Answer
> 1 votes
If there are video or photo on sdcard you see it to plugin your sdcard on device to can read an sdcard. On htc there are no encrypt of data on sdcard by default

# Answer
> 1 votes
try using a file explorer like this Astro File Manager on your phone and you will be able to see all files, photos , vids stored in your memory either phone memory or SD card

---
Tags: htc-desire, sd-card, hardware, images, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: Messaging input language is supported by Android or by handset makers?
I am interested in buying SE Xperia Ray running on Gingerbread. An export set is selling $100 less but was told that it does not support messaging in Chinese. My question is whether messaging input language is supported by Android or by the handset maker, Sony Erisson? If by Android, do I need to root handset and update firmware directly from Android? If by maker, then I need to go to the maker for the language pack. Is it worth the trouble to save on $100?

# Answer
Do you ask wheather your keyboard will have Chinese input? Best part about Android is, that you can easily change the stock keyboard with whatever you like. You just install it like a normal app, and select is as input method. Bulgarian is supported, not only keyboard layout, but even text prediction. I am pretty damn sure there are some good keyboards that will provide Chinese for you. Smart Keyboard Pro (I think) has one, you might check its features in Android Market. You can probably find text prediction in Chinese, do a search in Android market, too :)

If you want the whole ROM(menus,etc) to be in Chinese, though, this is ROM dependent, so it is not easy to change this, you will have to root. In short: A good keyboard will cost you 5-6$, so you are saving 95 :) I hope I understood you question correctly.
> 2 votes

# Answer
in android market there are lots of messaging apps that support languages not supported by the device , specially chinease , so you will not have problem with that,

many applications are built to support specific languages that are not supported by android so there also if in that app chinease is supported you will not have problem , but the issue for you will be in gmail app , facebook app, twitter app , these depend on fonts and language supported by the OS only
> 1 votes

---
Tags: languages
---


title: Preparing A500 for warranty service

text:
# Question
Title: Preparing A500 for warranty service
I have a rooted A500 with HC3.2 and I strongly believe that the focus problem is hardware. Since I'm under warranty I don't think I'll waste my time and send the tablet to repair.

Two questions:

### How do I fully backup my device (let's say "snapshot") in order to easily restore all apps, wallpapers, settings, etc (possibly accounts too) when it returns? I can easily backup programs, but I don't know about their data. I also have a Bitcoin wallet there, so I need to back my private keys up in order to receive coins at the same address later.

### How do I un-root and downgrade the firmware to Acer's original stock 3.0? When I updated Recovery I did a backup, so I believe the final step is to restore that backup.

By the way, does Acer consider rooting a warranty breach for hardware problems? I know many manufacturers don't care if you change their firmware when you send them a device with clear hardware problems, but they eventually restore everything to stock.

Thanks.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I could have found the solution by myself. Not sure because I haven't tested it yet.

For the backup/restore: Titanium Backup (tutorial)

For the downgrade/unroot thing: first I could restore Acer's original recovery via Acer recovery installer, then I could downgrade to HC3.0.1 with this

I'll give it a try

# It works perfectly!!!

---
Tags: restore, unrooting, acer-iconia-a500, downgrade, warranty
---


# Question
Title: How can I view my phone's screen on a computer in real time?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How do I project the screen of my android phone for a presentation?
> How to capture video stream from Android phone screen and show it on laptop?

I have made a demo app and it's installed on my phone. I want to be able to show the app in action from my phone using a projector.

The way I see this happening is if I can share my phone's screen with my laptop. Is there an app to help me do that?

Note: The main reason for me not to use the Android device emulator is that it runs extremely slow and at 100% of CPU usage which I don't think is good for my laptop. I have a moderately spec-ed machine, and I need to find a why to do.

# Answer
> 2 votes
do check

http://www.mightypocket.com/2010/08/android-screenshots-screen-capture-screen-cast/

http://code.google.com/p/androidscreencast/

# Answer
> 2 votes
One that I have used is Webkey. It requires root.

---
Tags: screen-sharing
---


title: Android App for StackExchange

text:
# Question
Title: Android App for StackExchange
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Is there any app for Stack Exchange?

Is there an android app for StackExchange sites and if not is there one in development?

# Answer
> 4 votes
I know of 3, there may be more: I found these on stackapps.

DroidStack
Stack Remote
StackAnywhere

None of these apps really allow you to "login" and you can't ask or answer questions. This is probably a limitation of the StackExchange API. It also doesn't allow you to vote (since you are not logged in).

---
Tags: applications
---


title: hosts file keeps reverting

text:
# Question
Title: hosts file keeps reverting
I run `adb shell` and append a line to `/etc/hosts` using

```
echo IP DNSName >> hosts

```

It works for a some time and then reverts back to having only a single entry for localhost.

Any idea what could cause this? I am using temp root using VISIONary and I am connecting my HTC Desire HD adbd via WiFi, because it refuses to identify my handset via USB.

# Answer
No idea why it's doing it, but you could stop it by changing the permissions on the host file to read-only.

To set a file to read-only, log in as root via ADB (or use the Terminal application and log in as root) and then enter:

`chmod 444 <path-to-hosts-file>`

If you need to edit it again later on, enter:

`chmod 644 <path-to-hosts-file>`
> 2 votes

---
Tags: networking, htc-desire-hd
---


title: Cant access abd

text:
# Question
Title: Cant access abd
I cannot access abd on my computer it is quite annoying. I don't know what the deal is.

I have tried to modify the path variable on my system variables. It didn't work.
When I try to access it in cmd the command comes back "abd is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

# Answer
It looks like you are calling the application by the wrong name. It is **ADB** not ABD. The message you posted from the console is when the file (or command) doesn't exist in the current directory (or in the environment path)

It stands for Android Debug Bridge.
> 4 votes

# Answer
You might need to reboot after changing the system's PATH variables.

In any case, if you navigate to the directory where ADB is installed before issuing commands, you won't need to modify anything.

```
cd C:\AndroidSDK\platform-tools
adb devices

```

This should work, assuming you installed the SDK to C:\AndroidSDK directory.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: usb-debugging
---


# Question
Title: Tagged for Android not compatible with Mi320?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Why are some apps on the market incompatible with my device?

I use CSL Mi320 and I tried to download 'Tagged for Android'. The problem is that it stated that the app is incompatible with my phone. Why is that?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Could be a number of things. App developers can set the minimum requirements for their apps which the Market will check before letting you download and install them. The phone's OS version could be less than what the app requires, the screen resolution could be too low (320x480 of your phone as can be seen on the bottom of this page,) the phone could be missing some hardware component required by the app (e.g. GPS, front-facing camera, etc.) The best way would be to contact the developer with your phone's specs, and inquire as to why their app is incompatible.

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


# Question
Title: Handle private/company wiki from an Android phone
I'm currently using the Oddmuse wiki to document things, both personal and work related. What I'd like to do is to find an Android app along with a wiki engine which enables me to read and make changes to the wiki with my phone. Using only the browser is unintuitive and hard to use.

How can I do this? I'd rather use MediaWiki or DokuWiki, but I don't know of any apps which can both display and let me log in to edit the wiki.

# Answer
I am falling in love with ikiwiki. ikiwiki uses MarkDown which means you can use any text editor to edit your pages. You can push changes to your server using SVN or git (many other options are also available).

Check out ikiwiki and see if it may be able to provide you with the solution for which you are looking.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wiki
---


# Question
Title: Will encrypting my Droid X2's SD card make me lose the ability to view files on it from my PC?
I recently purchased my first smartphone, a Droid X2. I was listening to the radio and heard security advice about protecting data on smartphones. It specifically said you should install antivirus software, password protect and encrypt your data on the smartphone.

Under Settings & Security it has the option for Data Encryption.

Should I set up data encryption and will I lose the ability to plug in my phone to my laptop and edit or view data on the SD card?

We have data encryption on a laptop at work. If I use this feature and encrypt my memory card I am unable to read the data on my personal computer at home.

# Answer
> 1 votes
According to this forum post, the SD card is not fully encrypted. Rather, after you enable encryption any new data is encrypted.

So for example, if you take a picture, then enable encryption, then take another picture, the first picture will be unencrypted but the second will be encrypted (assuming your pictures are saved to the SD card). If you pull out your SD card and try to look at the pictures elsewhere you'll only be able to view picture #1.

**However**, putting your phone into PC mode and connecting it to a PC will allow you to view and copy both the encrypted and unecrypted files. At least according to that post. So to answer your question: No, you will not lose the ability to plug in your phone to your laptop and edit or view data on the SD card.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think so.

I have files that I used to copy from my SD card to my PC using the USB Mass Storage option under the "USB connection" pop-up that I could use -- no problem. I checked the flag under Settings-\>Location & Security-\>Data encryption-\>Storage encryption and now I can't read them. I tried unchecking the box, it says that future files will be decrypted, but existing files will remain encrypted.

---
Tags: encryption, motorola-droid-x2
---


# Question
Title: Why do App Locker apps need so many permissions? Am i safe?
I've been trying to password protect an app, and it seems that the permissions vary from app to app for App Lockers.

Why do so many of them require full phone access?

Is there any danger if i use a popular and well known on such as https://market.android.com/details?id=com.morrison.applocklite?

# Answer
The first part of your question "Why do so many of them require full phone access?". This is for 2 reasons.

1. The granularity of the Android permission system groups many system APIs under a small number of permissions.
2. App lockers need low level access to disable/enable apps.

I assume that by "full phone access" you mean something like the "*modify global system settings*" permission. This permission is probably going to be required by app locker applications to prevent someone from disabling the lock without authorization, but it's hard to say, since I didn't write the app. In the context of this question there are a few other permissions that make sense to me, e.g., "*retrieve running applications*" and "*automatically start at boot*". It's likely that most app locker apps will request at least those permissions.

The rest of the permissions would be unnecessary just for locking an app, but may be used for other reasons. For example, I don't know why the app needs to *intercept outgoing calls*.

For what it's worth, I ran the apk through http://android-permissions.org, and the tool reported that this app is not over privileged, meaning that inside the app, there is code that makes use of all the permissions requested. This isn't good or bad, it just means that the developer probably isn't requesting unneeded permissions.

To answer the second part of your question, you are probably ok if you install that app, but we can never be sure. An update might make the app start doing something different that you find unacceptable, or the app may already be transmitting your phone number or IMEI to some remote server. Who knows.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: applications, security, lock-screens, privacy
---


# Question
Title: Reinstalling core / stock messaging app on android 4.0
I have got samsung galaxy nexus running ice cream sandwich (android 4.0).

I accidentally uninstalled the core messaging app on my phone and no longer have the stock messaging app. Is there anyway I can reinstall it without resetting my phone?

Please advise.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Since you were able to remove a system app, I assume that your Galaxy Nexus is rooted. Depending which ROM you are running, you should be able to download a copy of that ROM, extract the "Mms.apk" from system/app subfolder within the zip, and then push it via ADB to the same location on the phone. (For stock ROM you might also need Mms.odex file from same location.)

```
adb remount
adb push C:\path\to\file\Mms.apk /system/app/Mms.apk

```

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich
---


# Question
Title: How to download apps without a wireless data plan
I bought an i7500, no data plan. I had assumed that connecting to my router would allow me to download apps from the marketplace; apparently not. I get a message about not being able to connect via the SIM data plan.

Is there a way for me to download and install apps without actually getting a data plan?

# Answer
You can always use sites like SlideMe.org, which "mirror" many Market apps and allow you to download them without registering your Android device. Beware of stolen apps, though (i.e. paid apps which are available for free). You can also use the Marketplace app with only a wireless router in range.
> 0 votes

# Answer
xda developers has a guide for this. See Guide: Using Android Without a Data Plan. I cannot verify these instructions but the comments in the xda thread seem positive.

Below is the section regarding getting apps:

> The easiest way to find apps is to type the app name and apk into google, but most of the time, this does not work (and is illegal for paid apps, unless you get it from the dev directly). Since this doesn't usually work, you can get apps using a special avd and the android emulator.
>
> 1. Download/Setup the Android SDK and Download the accessmarket.rar file (originally found at http://tech-droid.blogspot.com/2009/...-emulator.html)
> 2. Copy the contents of accessmarket.rar to C:/Users//.android/avd/ - you might have to enable "show hidden files" in folder options to see the .android folder
> 3. Edit C:/Users//.android/avd/AndEmu.ini, and change the username in the file to your username
> 4. Start SDKSetup.exe, then click Virtual Devices, launch the device called "AndEmu"
> 5. Once this is started, download ASTRO file manager from market (it works in this emulator!) - ASTRO will allow you to backup the apks for apps that you download from the market. (NOTE: for protected/private apps, you can use Titanium Backup to back them up)
>
> 5.5. You can download any app from the market, and back it up
> 6. The apps you backup will be backed up to /sdcard/backups/apps/
> 7. You can use one of the following adb commands to pull these files from the emulator:
>
> adb pull /sdcard/backups/apps/ /AndApps
>
> This will download all of your backed up apps to a folder on your root drive called AndApps
>
> or
>
> adb pull /sdcard/backups/apps/.apk /AndApps/.apk
>
> This will copy a single apk of your choosing to /AndApps/
> 8. After you do this, you need to copy the apk to your sdcard (either by taking the card out, or using the SD Share widget), and then you can install it to your phone with ASTRO
>
> Note: Special Applications:
>
> Some applications like to let you download themes and such within the app, without any other source. Most of these applications store files on a folder named after the app (com.something.something) so you can download the stuff within the app on the emulator, and backup the folder on the emu's sd card and put it on your phone.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Simply, install Amazon App Store. Its the only app store on planet which could compete with official Android Market. It also provides one paid app for free daily.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Do you need a data plan to install Amazon's App Store?
And does the http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get-appstore/android have the same exact apps as on Android Market?

Followup from How to download apps without a wireless data plan

# Answer
As long as your device is allowed to install apps from *Unknown Sources* (Check Settings), there's no need of data plan to install Amazon AppStore. Carriers don't (and, can't) lock every third-party app to promote their data plan. In fact, it may become a legal issue for them.

Amazon AppStore isn't exact copy of Android Market, but it has really a large no. of app collection, thanks to e-commerce giant. Its the only app store for Android which could compete with official Android Market. In fact, its a threat for Android Market.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: amazon-appstore
---


# Question
Title: Does automated mapping with voice come pre-defaulted in Android without needing a data plan?
Navigation is yes -- Does Android come with free navigation in non-US contries?

And it has voice -- Talking GPS software for Android?

But do you need a data plan?

# Answer
GPS in most of the smartphones are aGPS.

> "Standalone" or "Autonomous" GPS operation uses radio signals from satellites alone. A-GPS additionally uses network resources to locate and utilize the satellites in poor signal conditions.

So in my phone HTC Desire, it automatically updates some GPS system file via Internet so GPS lookup can happen quickly. However, in normal GPS operation it won't require Internet so it doesn't require a data plan.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: gps
---


# Question
Title: Sending all contacts *with number* via Bluetooth
I would like to transfer all my contacts to a different phone from my Android 2.2 device. In my phonebook I disabled showing contacts without numbers. When I choose sending via Bluetooth however all contacts show up, thousands of them without number. I would like to send only those that contain number. I have the option "select all" but this includes and sends all contacts. How could I send only the ones with numbers?

# Answer
I am also a android phone user. To my knowledge it is not possible. when you import all your conatacts it dumbs everything into a single \*.vcf file where with only this file you can export it to an other phone, it does not allow users to select their individual contacts to do so as you have mentioned. The only way is to delete it manually by choosing the contacts individually.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sync, bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: Do batteries on new devices start discharging even when plugged in to the adapter?
On my old phone, HTC Hero, when it was connected to the charging adapter and the battery level reached 100%, it never went down when plugged in, like the battery wasn't used at all and the phone was running from the charger instead.

On my new phone, HTC Evo 3D, I left it plugged in into the charging adapter in the evening and when I woke up in the morning, the charging LED was green (implying the charging was complete) and the battery level was 98%, which seemed like the phone "discarded" the charging adapter after the charging was complete and started running from the battery, even though it could have gone from the charger.

Is this normal for all new devices, or at least for HTC Evo 3D?

# Answer
The device does not run on the charger. It will always run on the battery, unless the battery is not present.

The discharge you see can be from just applications on the device running in the background. The charger stops charging the battery when it reaches full status. Note that this may not be 100%, even on a brand new battery. My battery doesn't charge past 96% any longer. Once it reaches that, it reports full and the device stops charging the device.

The device stops charging once the battery reports full so it doesn't over charge and damage the battery. This is why you probably see that the battery is at 98% after leaving it on the charger for a while. It does charge full (any probably to 100%, or close to it) but then the device stops charging once it is full. It wont just start charging the battery again when it drops below full, because this can also damage the battery if it was constantly charging/not charging the battery.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: charging, htc-evo-3d
---


title: Data voice calls app

text:
# Question
Title: Data voice calls app
Does a free app exist in the UK which can be installed on two android phones allowing you to make free data voice calls over an internet WiFi connection for free without having to register a new account with the app installed?

For example, with Skype, you have to register a Skype account before you can start using the application.

# Answer
You can try viber. You only need to put your phone number.

Personally I don't like it because of the UI and their notification mechanism but its a matter of personal flavor.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: calls, data-connection
---


# Question
Title: Syncing / sending Google Maps landmarks to Android Maps
I can save Google Maps landmarks on the desktop browser maps.google.com service to my own maps. However is it possible to sync / send these maps to Android Maps?

* I will look a destination landmarks beforehand on my computer
* I sync them to phone
* When I arrive to a destination (city) I can use my Android to navigate around

If this is not Google Maps I am free to use alternative services as long as desktop mobile sync connection exists.

# Answer
On Android 4.0 at least, the "maps" app has a "My Maps" layer. It will show you your saved maps.

On older versions of Android (sorry, but I can't confirm this) I think there's a separate "My Maps" app.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sync, google-maps, google-maps-navigation, maps
---


# Question
Title: Controlling a Google TV remotely via SSH
I have a Sony Google TV running firmware 3.2. Is it possible to install a simple SSH server and log into it remotely via SSH, and then issue commands to change TV channels, load websites in Chrome, etc? I've seen some similar questions on this topic, but nothing specific to Google TV devices. I tried installing SSHDroid and QuickSSHd, but the Market said that neither were "compatible with my device".

# Answer
> 2 votes
Apps must be coded specifically to allow for installation on Google TV devices. In 3.2 update, Google even disabled side-loading of apps, so the old trick from 2.x days to install APKs via a dropbox account won't work.

Modders from GTVhacker site managed to find an exploit in Sony units that allows for installing a custom kernel and a rooted build of 3.2. With that build it's possible to enable side-loading of apps, and then you can install them via ADB:

```
adb connect 192.168.1.XXX:5555
adb install C:\path\to\apk\AppName.apk

```

Where "XXX" is the IP address of your GTV box/TV.

Keep in mind that the usual warnings of rooting apply, such as voiding the warranty, etc.

---
Tags: ssh, google-tv
---


# Question
Title: How to restore/add google search to android browser - Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830L
I own a **rooted** Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830L. My carrier decide it was a good idea to remove Google search from the default android browser replacing it with a absolutely useless search engine they provide (which I hate with the burning passion of a thousand suns). If I go into the browser's settings \> Select search Engine, I get the carriers engine as the only option.

Is there a way to install google search or restore the browser back to a non carrier customized version?

I already have Opera mini installed but I want to use both so please do not suggest this as a solution.

# Answer
Since you are rooted, you could try to replace the Browser app with one from a "stock" rom that doesn't have the different search engine. The problem would be if the device is odexed, you might not be able to just replace the app. in which case you would have to install a completely different ROM for the device.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Are you able to access the Google Search app to install it from the Market? This will allow you to add the Google Search box to your home screen, as many Android devices have it set by default. I'm pretty sure that this should also add it to to the browsers list of search engines for those who want to search from the address bar.

Other than that you'd just need to change your browser's home page, which (assuming your carrier hasn't locked that down) you should be able to change in the browser's settings (open the browser, press `Menu`, scroll down to and click on **Set Home Page** and change to http://www.google.com (or your regional version)).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: browser, samsung-galaxy-ace, google-search
---


title: How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S?
How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9000?

# Answer
Enable *USB debugging* from `settings -> Applications -> Development` then connect your phone to a machine that has *SuperOneClick* installed. Open *SuperOneClick*, click the `root` button and...*viola* :)
> 7 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, rooting
---


# Question
Title: What are the advantages of a separate tethering app over the built-in tethering controls?
I just rooted by AT&T Galaxy S2 (SGH-i777) to troubleshoot battery usage. I also would like to tether my laptop (OS X Lion) to make use of my phone's data connection intermittently while traveling.

I see both "USB tethering" as well as "portable WiFi hotspot" under `Settings --> Wireless and network --> Tethering and portable hotspot`. Should I use this feature or install an additional tethering application?

What \[if any\] are the advantages of a separate tethering app over the built-in tethering controls?

# Answer
This is probably largely a preference thing, but a couple of things I can think of off the top of my head:

* The built-in tethering may only be usable with an extra fee on top of a normal data plan, whereas third-party apps with work regardless. I'm not really privvy to AT&T's plans these days, so I can't say for sure in your specific situation. This mostly only applies to stock ROMs, as a non-stock ROM usually also subverts any kind of tethering fee (e.g. CyanogenMod).
* Many third-party tethering apps will give you a display of data in/out when running so you can keep track of your data usage. Some also display battery level and temperature.
* The built-in wireless tethering provides WEP/WPA encryption and the like, but some third-party apps support additional security such as MAC address filtering and the like.
* Not all devices are supported by all third-party apps, but the stock tethering should obviously work on your device if it's enabled in the settings. Third-party apps may in some cases require a custom kernel in order to function the way you would expect (in infrastructure mode) and will create an ad-hoc connection on unsupported devices/kernels (not really ideal).
* The built-in tethering may have better widget integration. On CyanogenMod ROMs, for example, you can enable/disable the wireless hotspot from the power control widget, whereas you'd need a separate one for a third-party tethering app.

If you don't need the "power" tools and such then the stock tethering should function fine. I've generally used that on my EVO and I certainly have no complaints about stability or speed as compared to other apps I've tried. From that standpoint I've not noticed any real difference.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, tethering, wifi-tethering
---


title: Multiple force closes

text:
# Question
Title: Multiple force closes
I have intermittent issues with multiple apps forcing closing. This has happened on both my current ROM (Miui) and every version of Cyanogenmod I've tried.

Usually this problem crops up again a few months after a fresh ROM install or factory reset. I'll switch from 3G to Wifi, or vise versa, and then everything on my phone that uses background data will start force closing. The most usual suspects are Google Services Framework (com.google.process.gapps) and Facebook (com.facebook.katana), but almost any app seems to force close including ScoreCenter, Docs, and Smooth Calendar.

In addition to the force closes, the other big symptom is that I can't turn off or on airplane mode, mobile network data (3G), wifi, or background data syncing - but usually not all at the same time. Sometimes I'll be able to turn on Wifi but not airplane mode, or other times I'll be able to turn 3G off but Wifi won't turn off. Sometimes I'll be able to turn a service off or on after a reboot, other times not. Sometimes when I reboot a service that I turned off before will be back on again, other times not. Incredibly, utterly frustrating.

Neither rebooting, fixing permissions, nor wiping dalvik cache seem to help. I've only ever gotten my phone to work again by fiddling around with the radio settings and pulling the battery for hours before something magically starts working again. This most recent time I've even removed my Google account from the phone but that hasn't helped either. I know a factory reset would make this problem go away (for a little while, at least) but it always returns - I want to find the root cause and change whatever is making it happen in the first place (especially if it's something *I'm* doing!).

I know that this issue involves the interaction between app syncing and the wifi/3G radios but I have no idea what or why. I've uploaded a logcat here \- I hope you all can make heads or tails of it. I saw `E/ACRA ( 1296): java.io.IOException: No space left on device` and presumed it might be a partition storage space issue but all the partitions I could see (including those that require root) still have space.

Thanks in advance, I'm super frustrated with this one.

# Answer
After investigating further and looking at the partitions again, it turns out that I did have a totally full /data/data (as described in a previous question).

For posterity, here's what I did:

Because DiskUsage, the app I normally use to investigate partition usage, had locked up as well I fired up Terminal Emulator (luckily it was still working) and followed this advice I found in an XDA thread:

> You can check \[the partition utilization\] by running this command as root:
>
> `df /data/data`
>
> If you see % used = 100 then this is your problem.

It was, in fact, 100% full. As soon as I moved some apps to my SD card my phone immediately started working again. I must've misread the free space of the partition when I first looked into it (doh!). The radio issues I was sure were involved ended up being a red herring.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: htc-droid-incredible, force-close, cellular-radio
---


# Question
Title: How do I back up (and restore) my phone before installing a custom ROM?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How to backup an Android device?

I am thinking of installing a custom ROM such as CM7 on my AT&T Galaxy S2 (SGH-i777). I have already rooted it.

What is the best practice for backing-up (and potentially restoring) my phone?

Notes for answerers:

1. I'm interested in step-by-step instructions to obtain a canonical answer rather than links into forum threads.
2. Will the method described be able to recover the phone if the ROM install process fails and "bricks" the phone?
3. Can the backup be moved to external storage (such as a computer) or is it only resident on the phone's internal memory. If it can be preserved off-device please describe this process as well.

# Answer
This is going to vary a bit by device and recovery system, but in general if you want to perform a full, 1-to-1 backup of your phone's internal memory you would need to:

* Root your device and install a custom recovery. The most popular recovery is probably ClockworkMod. How you install it will vary widely by device, but ROM Manager can do it for you on most popular devices. You simply launch ROM Manager and select "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" from the main menu.
* If using ClockworkMod, open ROM Manager and select "Backup current ROM". This should do all of the work for you.
* If not using ROM Manager **or** if you use a recovery other than ClockworkMod:

+ Reboot your device into recovery mode. This again varies by device, but ROM Manager has a "Reboot into recovery" option that works *regardless* of what recovery you have installed. Another option is to issue `adb reboot recovery` from a connected PC with ADB configured and set up. There may be other requirements for getting into recovery depending on your device (e.g. the Kindle Fire is very different from others).
    + Navigate to the "Backup/Restore" or "Nandroid" menu (or similar).
    + Select "Backup" and (if needed) select which partitions you would like to back up. Some recoveries will also give you the option to compress the backup.
    + Select "Perform backup" (or similar) and wait for the process to finish.

Once the backup has been performed you should be able to use it to recover from many "soft" bricks. However, the two situations you would not be able to recover from with a backup alone would be:

* Your bootloader is invalid/corrupted/etc
* Your recovery partition is invalid/corrupted/etc

In both of thse scenarios, you would first need to fix the offending partition (bootloader or recovery) before being able to restore the backup. Basically, anything that prevents you from accessing your recovery partition will also prevent you from using your recovery to restore your backup. Such situations are, I would say, fairly rare. You **can** use a backup to recover a bad `/boot` or `/system` partition, so flashing a kernel or ROM should have an extremely small likelyhood of permanently bricking your device (unless it modifies your recovery or bootloader, as noted above).

You *may* be able to flash an uncompressed backup from `fastboot` but this would depend on what recovery you are using and how it performs its backups. As I recall, ClockworkMod simply uses `dd` to create the image and they actually will flash correctly on some devices. However, I would **strongly advise researching this before trying** as a bad fastboot write could soft brick you as well. Of course, as long as you don't try to overwite your bootloader you won't lose access to `fastboot`, so in some ways this could be a "nothing ventured, nothing gained" situation.

To actually restore a backup you can:

* In ROM Manager select "Manage and Restore Backups", then select the backup you wish to restore from.
* If not using ROM Manager **or** not using ClockworkMod:

+ Reboot into recovery
    + Select "Backup/Restore" or "Nandroid" (or similar)
    + Select "Restore"
    + Pick the backup you would like to restore from (if more than one)
    + Select the partitions you would like to restore (if givent the option)
    + Select "Restore" and wait for the process to finish

Nandroid backups are, by default, stored on your external storage device in pretty much every situation. Some exceptions may be devices with no separate external storage (e.g. devices like the Galaxy Nexus) where the `/sdcard` directory is actually on the physical internal storage. In any case, though, it will save to your `/sdcard` directory, which is readable from a PC as USB mass storage or `adb`. You can copy a nandroid backup off of your phone and onto a computer for safe-keeping, then copy it back over later if you need to restore.

To do this you can simply plug in your device and look for a path like `/sdcard/nandroid` (or `/sdcard/TWRP` for TeamWin recovery, possibly elsewhere for others). Then you can copy the contents of the folder over to your computer. Alternatively, you can pull it with `adb` by plugging in the device and issuing something akin to:

```
adb pull /path/to/backups

```

...from a PC shell.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, custom-roms, backup
---


# Question
Title: My HTC EVO 3D is unresponsive after charging
For about the past month or so, whenever I pull my HTC Evo 3d off the charger (wall primarily, haven't tested against USB yet) the phone is unresponsive for anywhere between 15-60 seconds, and it's getting worse.

If I pull the phone off with the display turned on, it will stay turned on in a frozen state; it does the same if I pull it off with the display off, just frozen with the display turned off. The battery is frequently incredibly warm but not quite hot. The unit is running stock Android (after a couple of updates; 2.3.4 Gingerbread, Sense 3.0).

* What could be causing this? To me it sounds like some kind of power regulation problem, perhaps from it switching from AC to battery power.
* How can I diagnose what is going on that is causing the overheat (is overheating a regularly reported defect of the Evo 3D)?
* I am becoming more worried about long-term damage not only from the freezing, but from just charging my phone. So, most importantly, what steps should I take to fix it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have minimized the impact of this problem by disabling the `[Stay Awake]` setting (Settings | Applications | Development).

This setting had been enabled and once I had turned it back off the screen display became responsive sooner after unplugging. Apparently this setting on the HTC-Evo 3D is problematic.

---
Tags: charging, system-freeze, htc-evo-3d
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to completely brick your Android phone by using a Custom ROM?
I understand that you can completely "brick" (render unusuable) your iPhone by attempting to Jailbreak incorrectly.

Whether or not this is actually the case, is it possible to do the same with your Android phone? Or is the nature of that operating system and the handsets such that you can always install a new ROM on it if everything goes pear-shaped?

I assume there could be a difference due to how closely the iPhone is tied to iTunes, compared to how independent Android phones seem.

# Answer
Yes it is possible to brick and that is why all root methods and custom roms give warnings on their threads. But that said, it is very hard for someone without much knowledge to "brick" a device as long as you follow the directions given. HTC does a great job on their devices and makes it difficult to brick them. Almost always there is a fail safe of some kind.

Most people that claim they bricked their device are mis-using the term and just throwing it around. Even someone that completely cracked their screen and could not use the screen of the phone was still able to successfully root and pull off needed files. The brick cries are no different now then they were with Windows Mobile devices that people tried to unlock. Every time someone saw the bootloader screen they cried brick, but just didn't understand that screen was normal.

If you want more reading on the topic, check out XDA Forums. Also I wrote a guide on XDA forums for rooting and backing up information, tips, etc. While the article was specifically written for the Evo 4g, most of the information still applies to any Android phone. I recommend checking it out for more info.
> 9 votes

# Answer
To get specific: Bricking your phone generally requires damaging the bootloader, called a "hard brick". Webs is correct that most bricks are actually "soft bricks", where the phone won't boot up *past* the bootloader but can still be fixed. If you can get into the bootloader, you can normally re-partition the phone and flash good software.

In some cases of hard bricks, you can use a USB jig to force the device into a mode where new software can be loaded when the normal methods for getting into the bootloader fail.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, rom-flashing, restore
---


# Question
Title: Does the official Google Plus Android client use HTTPS for automatic photo upload?
I'm at a conference using their (open) wifi. Normally I don't bother to tunnel my connection because I figure anything I care about (email, banking, etc.) goes over SSL/HTTPS anyway. It occurred to me, though, that my Plus client is set to automatically upload all my photos anytime it finds wifi. Are those photos going "in the clear"?

# Answer
I have verified that Google+ version 2.4.1.271037 on Android 4.0.3 uses HTTPS for instant upload.

I did what @shambleh suggested and performed a network trace at my Internet gateway. Enabled instant upload, snapped a picture, and saw a bunch of traffic hitting Google servers (IP address 74.125.226.70, but remember this may change) on HTTP port 443. Using Wireshark, it's clear that the traffic is encrypted.
> 2 votes

# Answer
It is hard to tell which protocol is being used in the G+ app (especially since Google is trying out new protocols like SPDY lately).

This is by no means a guaranteed approach, but you may be able to take some steps to answer this one yourself using information from the SO post Monitor network activity in Android Phones. They recommend using a tool called Shark for Root which seems to be like Wireshark for Android handsets. Please note, that if you aren't very network savvy, the output may be difficult to interpret and will probably require an install of Wireshark on a PC to interpret.

Note: If I get a chance in the next few days, I'll try out this approach myself and update the answer.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: security, google-plus
---


# Question
Title: How can I prevent hyphens causing text input to break in the Android Browser?
I have a Verizon Motorola Droid Pro (Android 2.3.3), and a persistent aggravation with the browser application.

Whenever typing in an input field and using a dash `-` that is adjacent to its preceding character, the next character I type is placed *before* the dash, and then the cursor placed before the dash. That is, assuming I'm trying to type `android-browser`:

1. I type `android-` At that moment, the cursor is correctly *after* the dash.
2. I type `b` The `b` is placed before the dash, and the cursor is now located after the `b`, before the dash. So if I kept typing I would end up with `androidbrowser-` with the cursor still before the dash.

This only happens in the Browser application, when I am inserting a dash that is adjacent to its preceding text. So if I were trying to type `android - browser` it would work fine. In order to get around this, I have to type `android-` and then manually move the cursor (although the end location is *exactly where it already is* at the end of the text!)

This happened before the Android system update a few months ago too, and I had hoped that the update would fix it... but, no dice!

I've considered that an alternate browser could be a solution, but I'd prefer to stick with the Android browser, I think.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It seems that, as noted in the comments, changing my keyboard app has solved this. I was having trouble with my default kb app going to 100% cpu when entering text lately, so that prompted me to try a new one, finally.

I have tried multiple times while typing this answer to get the behavior to occur again, and it won't. Yippee!

---
Tags: browser, input-methods, motorola-droid-pro
---


title: How can I root the Galaxy Tab 10.1?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I root the Galaxy Tab 10.1?
How can I root the Samsung GT-P7510? I've tried z4root and many others, but they all seem to support Android 3.1 and not 3.2. I gather 3.2 is specifically designed to eliminate the exploit that z4root and others depend on.

# Answer
You will need to flash a pre-rooted 3.2 ROM onto your Tab.

A Google search brings these instructions for installing a custom Recovery:

> First, you will need Windows computer. If you don’t have one, borrow a Windows laptop from your friend or family member.
>
> Second, make sure you’ve installed Galaxy Tab 10.1 Windows drivers. (Download it here)
>
> Third, put your Galaxy Tab 10.1 into ODIN download mode by holding down both Power Button and Volume Down buttons. Right after the Samsung logo shows, you will see two menus, let go of both buttons immediately and then hit Volume Up button, you should be in ODIN download mode.
>
> Fourth, download the tabrooteasy.zip file and unzip: Download tabrooteasy.zip
>
> Run the Odin3 v1.85.exe program, then choose PDA, choose “recovery-cwm\_4.0.0.4-sam-tab-10.1.tar.md5″ and hit Start.
>
> You can reboot your Tab 10.1 by holding down the Power button.

The instructions go on to rooting Android 3.1, so you will need to slightly alter those. Instead of using the "root" ZIP included in the package, you will need to obtain a pre-rooted Android 3.2 ROM. There are many such ROMs available on XDA-Developers forum, so take your pick (e.g. this one,) download the ZIP file, and copy it to the SD Card.

Continue on with the instructions to reboot into the ClockworkMod Recovery:

> Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery by holding down both Power Button and Volume Down buttons. Right after the Samsung logo shows, you will see two menus, let go of both buttons immediately and then hit Volume Down, then Volume Up button, you should be in ClockworkMod Recovery.

You will now need to perform a factory reset/data wipe to avoid any compatibility issues. With the volume buttons for up/down, navigate to "wipe data/factory reset", and select it by pressing the Power button, and then scroll down to and select the "Yes" option. Once that operation completes, you can continue with the instructions, substituting the file name they are suggesting with the one you've downloaded:

> ... choose “install zip from sdcard” (using Volume buttons) and hit the Power button. Next, choose “choose zip from sdcard” and hit the Power button. We are going to zip the Root/SU files again by going to “choose zip from sdcard” and hit the Power button. Choose the *\[ insert file name of downloaded ROM here \]* file and hit the Power button, the hit the “Yes” button.
>
> When that is done, you just need to reboot your Tab 10.1 and you should have a fully-rooted Android 3.2 Galaxy Tab 10.1.

According to some comments this method should work on the WiFi-only model of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (GT-P7510). However, you might encounter issues transferring the downloaded files onto the Tab. A comment suggests a work-around:

> Ok folks. I got my Galaxy GT-P7510 wifi only tab (build HMJ37) rooted. Since I was not able to transfer the Samsung zip file to the root of the tab even tho Odin successfully installed the Clockworks recover file I decided to try a different approach. I transferred the Samsung zip file to the Alarms folder of the tab. I then shut down my tap and powered it back up in Clockworks recovery mode. When in recovery mode I selected “install zip from sdcard”. I then selected “choose zip from sdcard”. I selected the folder “Alarms” then selected the Samsung zip. I then selected “Yes – Install Samsung zip”. After the successful install I rebooted the tab, went to apps and BINGO…..SUPERUSER!!! I then successfully installed several apps that required a rooted tab.

Good luck!
> 3 votes

# Answer
Yikes. I'm glad I didn't find this answer when I searched for a way to root mine.

This method

1. is idiot proof (although take care to avoid a misclick. Some menus do not have a 'go back' option.), and
2. does not require a pre-rooted ROM, a data wipe, etc.

Otherwise it's similar to the other answer. You can root your tab without losing anything. This works fine for 3.2 systems - for probably Samsung's last 3.2 update, before their year 2056 release of the ICS update.

(If you then want to install CM9 or like, you'll do the data wipe anyway, *but there's still this advantage to this method*: after you root the tab, you can use ROM Manager to install CM9. When I first tried to install CM9, the script failed with a bogus error, and then the nandroid backup *also* failed, leaving me half of a stock install. Very tense period there, before I installed ROM Manager and it Just Worked(tm).)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-tab-10
---


# Question
Title: rooting Samsung captivate with the new gingerbread release
I just got a message from my cell provider that the official Gingerbread release is out for the Samsung Captivate. I recently rooted my phone so I could install non market apps. Will I have to un root to upgrade, and after I have is there a tool that will let me re root? All the Google searches I did brought up old results.

# Answer
To install non market apps, u dont need to root your phone . :\ I dont think u need to unroot your device for updating it through samsung kies. But after updating to Gingerbread, your device is automatically unrooted.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, 2.3-gingerbread, rooting, updates
---


# Question
Title: Rsync does not preserve permissions while rsyncing from Android to Laptop
I am trying to do rsync from my android phone to my laptop. The problem that I am facing is that the permissions are not getting preserved even when the `-p` flag is used. I have also used the other flags such as `-o`, `-g`.

What may be the reason and a fix for this?

# Answer
Is your SD card formatted as FAT32? If so, that's why - it's a FAT32 limitation.
> 6 votes

# Answer
You might try this `rsync -rltDv --chmod=u=rwX,g=rX,o=rX`
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sync, file-permissions, rsync
---


title: Disable all software installation

text:
# Question
Title: Disable all software installation
Is there a way to block (by a password/PIN code or what else) all kinds of software installation on an Android tablet/smart phone?

I understand it is possible to block by a PIN code Market app instalation, but that only works for paid apps, and there are other ways to install applications other than the Market.

Rooting is not a problem.

Thank you!

# Answer
Unfortunately Android doesn't offer this functionality out of the box. There are several 3rd-party apps on the Market that can help though.

I personally use App Protector Pro on my son's tablet. This app allows you to set a PIN and then set up a "block list" of any installed apps, including system ones. Among other apps, I added Settings and Package Installer to this list. This presents the "password" prompt upon installation (or un-installation) of any apps, including from alternative markets (Amazon Appstore, GetJar, etc.) and even side-loading APKs. App Protector Pro itself is also by default set to be on the "protected" list.

Of course if your device is in the hands of a person that is somewhat knowledgeable of Android OS, they can do a bunch of things to circumvent this sort of protection, such as a factory reset from Recovery console, for example.

**\[5-year Edit\]:**
Android 5.0 introduced restricted profiles feature. This allows you to block new installs from Play Store, and disable already installed apps for restricted users. Unfortunately this feature is only enabled for tablets. Phones still have to rely on 3rd-party "lock" apps, with varying degrees of success.
> 10 votes

---
Tags: applications, installation
---


# Question
Title: What does debug.sf.hw in build.prop mean?
It is advised here and there to add `debug.sf.hw=1` to `build.prop`.

They say that this "makes Android render GUI with GPU". This looks very suspicious because what does it debug then (and since when debug speeded up anything)?

So I'm just curious about what does this setting (property) actually means?

# Answer
> 6 votes
I believe what it stands for is "Debug SurfaceFlinger Hardware", and there's only one (that I know of) reference to it in the Android source code (in DisplayHardware.cpp):

```
// debug: disable h/w rendering
char property[PROPERTY_VALUE_MAX];
if (property_get("debug.sf.hw", property, NULL) > 0) {
    if (atoi(property) == 0) {
        ALOGW("H/W composition disabled");
        attribs[2] = EGL_CONFIG_CAVEAT;
        attribs[3] = EGL_SLOW_CONFIG;
    }
}

```

Or, in English terms, the system reads the value of the `debug.sf.hw` flag. If it has a value and that value is equal to zero it disables hardware compositing, otherwise it skips over that block of code.

I think there's something of a misconception in that the default should be to have hardware compositing enabled, but you can set `debug.sf.hw=0` in order to disable it. So really it is a debug flag, but setting it to 1 (strictly speaking, any non-zero value) would explicitly cause compositing to remain enabled. As far as I know, though, the only time it should really have an impact is if the device's default value is 0 for whatever reason.

---
Tags: settings
---


# Question
Title: VZW Galaxy Nexus exhibiting bizarre charging behavior
Lately I've noticed some weird behavior with my Galaxy Nexus. I am rooted, but running stock ICS.

Here is what it's doing wrong:

* Phone sometimes will not charge, I must turn it off for it to start charging
* Taking phone off the charger doesn't remove the lightning bolt \[charging icon\] from the notification bar.
* Phone begins alerting constantly at 14% battery.
* Battery life seems shorter

Is this likely to be an app doing this? I don't want to wipe my phone if possible, so is there a way to track down the cause?

# Answer
According to the official bug report here, starting at about post 26, it seems the sentiment is that this is a hardware issue.

I have contacted Verizon and they are shipping me a replacement. I will update the question again if this does not permanently resolve the issue.

http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=23789&q=label%3APriority-Medium&colspec=ID%20Type%20Status%20Owner%20Summary%20Stars
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery, charging, samsung-galaxy-nexus
---


# Question
Title: changing x10 mini pro keyboard from querty to azerty CM7 pro's ROM
I've just managed to install CM7 Ron on my Xperia x10 mini pro but when I type with the physical/slide keyboard I can't seem to change it from querty to azerty any ideas?

# Answer
You may want to try 3rd-party keyboard apps that support transliteration of physical keyboards.

I've previously used AnySoftKeyboard, and with the appropriate language pack (e.g. French with has the AZERTY layout) it will transliterate physical keyboard as well.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, custom-roms, sony-xperia-x10-mini-pro
---


# Question
Title: Do I have to do anything different when flashing a ROM with Odin if I'm coming from CM7?
When I first flashed CM7 on my SGS, I had an issue with my sim card and had to revert to stock. However, Odin got stuck and I my phone refused to go into download mode (see my comment in this question for some details). When I finally got it to go into download mode, I did the same as before but without re-partitioning, and it worked.

Does the fact that Odin got stuck on me last time I came from CM7 mean that I did anything wrong? Should I have done anything differently due to the fact that I came from CM7?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I don't think so. Usually repartitioning solves this kind of issue, so it's strange that the reverse was true. I've seen recommendations that you should do a factory reset before and after flashing a new ROM, so you might want to try that.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s, rom-flashing, odin
---


# Question
Title: Why do I see less memory on my Asus tablet then specified?
I have asus eee pad transformer tf101. In application/running I see `195mb used+ 366mb free = 560mb`. But it should be 1 gb by specification!

Then in Quodrant in section memmory I see:

```
Total: 745932 KB
Free:106624 kb
inactive: 256736 Kb

```

Summing them up I get 1109292. btw what does inactive mean?

So why there are different amount of using memory and specified?

# Answer
> 4 votes
An part of the RAM is reserved - often for the GPU - and not useable by the dalvik VM and Apps. This is not uncommon: Samsungs Galaxy S has also 512MB but only 334MB are useable by Apps. This can differ from ROM version to version.

---
Tags: asus-eee-pad-transformer, ram, 3.2-honeycomb
---


# Question
Title: Mark as unread button in email application?
is there a hidden "Mark as read" button I'm not aware of in the email app in Android?

# Answer
> 4 votes
This probably depends on the device, as devices with custom UIs (TouchWiz, Sense, Motoblur) will have different email applications. On CyanogenMod (and I believe vanilla Android) you simply tick the checkmark next to the message or messages you want and the button slides in from the bottom.

---
Tags: email
---


title: Active auto correction like in iOS

text:
# Question
Title: Active auto correction like in iOS
I'm pretty new from Android, just dumped my iOS device.

I find it pretty annoying with this feature missing that is auto correction and auto-complete.

In iOS whenever you misspell a word or type a keyboard key near the desired one, the system will automatically change it to the correct word unless demanded otherwise.

Also the auto complete contains hell of a bigger dictionary.

Do you know of a similar app/setting in Android? It takes me much more time to type in my Android.

# Answer
Stock keyboard (as well as most 3rd-party keyboard apps) has both auto-correct and auto-completion (a.k.a. "suggestions") built in. Access the keyboard settings via Settings -\> Language & input -\> Android keyboard. From there you can enable and fine-tune the auto correction and suggestion options.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: ios, auto-correct
---


# Question
Title: Are apps in SD card available after a factory reset?
If I move some applications to a SD card and perform a factory reset, will they be available when I plug the card back again after the reset, even if the device's primary account changed?

# Answer
> 3 votes
To add to @Mattthew 's comment, even if you move the apps to SD card part of them always reside inside internal memory. Also the system needs to know what apps are installed, apps like Market need to know about them. So, no they won't work after factory reset.

For big games like from gameloft the extra data you downloaded from inside the game will work though. I don't know what will happen to this with the new Market policy of allowing upto 4GB files.

---
Tags: external-sd, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: Can I limit Kindle purchases to only 1 device on my account?
I have 3 kindle devices linked to my account for my kids to read books as well. We each buy our own books on the one amazon Kindle account however at times we dont want to share our purchases onto each others device. Can this be done?

# Answer
> 4 votes
I am assuming that you are talking about Kindle Fire which runs (heavily modified) Android OS.

All purchases made on a Kindle are linked to whatever Amazon account you are signed in with, not the actual device. If you wish for your purchases to be separated, you will need to have a different Amazon account for your second Kindle Fire.

Now the problem is that there is no way to share purchases between accounts. As far as I know, you cannot add a second Amazon account to the Kindle (like you can with multiple Google accounts on plain Android.)

---
Tags: amazon-kindle
---


# Question
Title: <HTCData><Facebook> auto sync after changing ROM
I had stock rom for my HTC Wildfire S with HTC Sense and facebook. I had joined contacts - Google account and Facebook friends. Now I flashed to Cyanogen mod 7 and they are not synchronised. But I noticed, that every contact (which was synced before) has Note with hash like: `<HTCData><Facebook>id:xxxxxxx/friendof:xxxxxxx</Facebook></HTCData>`

Is there any way to put it back together automatically?

Thank you

# Answer
> 1 votes
CyanogenMod does not use the `<HTCData><Facebook>id:xxxxxxx/friendof:xxxxxxx</Facebook></HTCData>` tag as HTC Sense does, so this can just be deleted.

The Facebook contact sync is setup inside the **Facebook for Android** app (Settings -\> Sync friends with Contacts). This should automatically add Facebook pictures and contact info to Contacts.

However, I have experienced that the contact pictures do not always sync after a reboot, until I have opened the Facebook app and scrolled through my friend list (then the images are loaded). Therefore, I installed another app called SyncMyPix for the picture synchronization.

---
Tags: contacts, cyanogenmod, sync, facebook
---


# Question
Title: Is Google Play Music the same as the stock Android Music App?
Is Google Play Music (formerly Google Music) the same app as the stock Android Music app?

I have a Nexus S running Android 2.3.6. I live in a country, Italy, where the Google Play Music service is not yet available. Some time ago, due to an Android Market glitch, then Google Music appeared among the apps installed on my phone.

The Market kept nagging me to update to the latest versions, which always failed because the app is not installed and I can't install it from the Market in my country. Before uninstalling the Google Play Music app entry, I'd like to make sure it's not the same as the stock Music app, which I instead want to keep.

# Answer
> 3 votes
No, it's a completely different service.

In fact, it's a cloud service with an Android app; whereas the Music app is simply a local music app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google (Play) Music is a separate and quite different app from the stock Music app that comes pre-loaded on most Android handsets. It is possible to have both installed alongside each other without any issues. Uninstalling Google Play Music should not in any way impact the stock Music app.

---
Tags: music, google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Update Market Application to Google Play Market Application
I have the problem with latest update which re-brands "Market" app to "Google Play Market" app.

At one moment "Market" icon disappeared from both home screen and applications. I was seeking for the solution to that, found some (weird at the time) "Play Market" update installed and have uninstalled it. This brought back "Market" application.

Later I have seen that this was a silent patch which I should not uninstall!

Problem is, that, when I start "Market" app it ONLY displays following page in browser: https://play.google.com/about/android-developer-policies.html

I am stuck here with this page, and the app is not updating again to "Play Market"

Does anyone know how to resolve this?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Try clearing the data for the Market and rebooting the phone. Then log in to the Market, wait a minute, then back out and continue using your phone with the internet connection active. Hopefully the Market should update itself within a few minutes.

Or, you can just download and install the .apk. I rely on Android Police for the latest version; they've posted 3.9.16 here.

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates
---


# Question
Title: Getting "The application [APPLICATION NAME] ( [APPLICATION ADDRESS] ) has stopped working unexpectedly. Please try again"
I have a Motorola Razor running on Android Version 2.2.2.

Over the past 3 days, whenever I turn on the phone, the following message appears on the screen:

> "The application \[APPLICATION NAME\] ( \[APPLICATION ADDRESS\] ) has stopped working unexpectedly. Please try again". Application name: Email, Messaging, Google Services, Market, The Weather Chanel, etc.

After force closing the initial message, up to 10 similar messages appear until the home screen finally opens.

If I click on the Google browser or any app, the error message(s) again appears and as a result I cannot access the Internet or run any apps.

Does anyone out there know how I can solve this issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sounds like a database got corrupted, but perhaps it's just cache. Try clearing your cache via ClockworkMod Recovery if you have it or an app like this if you don't. Running "Fix permissions" in CWM or ROM Manager might also help if you're rooted.

If that doesn't work take a look at your logcat and see if there are any errors that are more clear about what the problem is. Otherwise I'd probably opt for a factory reset; unfortunately, I don't think it would be easy to track down what exactly was corrupted without more info.

---
Tags: motorola-droid, force-close
---


# Question
Title: Alarm which could Ring even when Device is Off
Android smartphones are smarter than traditional mobile phones in all aspects, but I am unable to find this smartness in one aspect: In those classic mobile phones, there was an option to ring the alarm even when device was off. The device was turned on temporarily to ring alarm, then turned off.

How to do this in an Android device? I know, its not possible by app unless supported by firmware. So, I am asking for ROM hacks etc.

Please, don't answer if its "You Can't" or "Not Possible" etc..

# Answer
> 5 votes
NoMoarPowah! (alternative link) can boot the phone up based on your scheduled alarms, in time for them to ring. It only works on certain Samsung devices.

---
Tags: applications, rom, alarm, device-firmware
---


# Question
Title: Is there a voice action shortcut in ICS?
Android 4.0 doesn't have a magnifying glass search button like most pre-ICS phones. I'm actually one of the people who used the long-press search button often with voice actions.

Is there a similar shortcut in ICS, now that it doesn't have the search button, or am I stuck going back to the home screen/app list?

# Answer
Are you using the Galaxy Nexus? On your home screen you will see the "Google Search" bar. On the right, inside this bar, you will see a microphone symbol. Tap it.

I believe you are stuck going back to this screen.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, google-voice-actions
---


# Question
Title: Is Google Play rebranded app being pushed to India?
My Android Market is still Android Market. I am eager to update it manually, but I prefer official way when payment is involved.

In India, only app store is available.. no music, book and movie store. So, I have been guessing maybe it'll not be pushed to India. Is there any such policies?

# Answer
The "Market" to "Play" renaming is just a re-branding of the store. It won't change any of the underlying availability or features. You will have to ask Google (good luck!) about if/when additional feature will be made available in India. So there is nothing to be gained by "upgrading", other than satisfying the Google marketing department.

Here are some details from the Google Play FAQ:

```
Q: What types of content are available in my country?
* Paid Apps: Available in these countries
* Movies: Available in US, UK, Canada, and Japan
* eBooks: Available in US, UK, Canada, and Australia
* Music: Available in US

```
> 4 votes

# Answer
As PT says, the update will be made in India, but the movies etc, wont be available in India. Its only the name and the icon of the Market/play app which will change.. Maybe sometime in the future we will get the other services...
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: What's the Android Devices section of Google Dashboard for?
I noticed the Android Devices section of Dashboard is empty for me. I've had 3 android devices so far, all synced with my Google account. The Android Market section of Dashboard correctly shows my download count.

What is that section for? Why don't my devices show up under it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
On my dashboard it shows my devices and a list of application data that is stored on the server. Do you have backup enabled to Google servers? It is usually a setting in the Privacy menu.

---
Tags: google-account
---


title: Suspend a phone

text:
# Question
Title: Suspend a phone
I was wondering if I could suspend my phone.

Let's say I'm running out of battery and I'm also expecting an important call in a few hours time. Instead of shutting down the phone and starting up again, it would be better if I would be able to suspend it like normal Linux laptops.

I'm using HTC Desire with official 2.3.3 update.

# Answer
There really is nothing a "suspend" mode would give you over simply shutting the phone off, other than maybe a slightly faster resume Vs. boot-up time.

With that said, most Android devices are engineered with battery life in mind. However a phone still must function as a phone, so cellular and data radios must be enabled, touch screens must respond to input, etc. All these things are a drain on the battery.

There are many apps on the Market that can help with mitigating this drain, especially when the battery is low on power. With an app like Juice Defender, for example, you can set up profiles that automate disabling data connectivity and only enabling it once in a while for short periods to check for e-mail, etc.

There are lower level tweaks as well. Custom kernels combined with 3rd-party ROMs allow you to underclock (opposite of overclocking) and undervolt the CPU when the phone is not actively in use, take advantage of different CPU governors that are more battery-friendly, etc. However these require a phone to be rooted, with an unlocked bootloader in order to install these custom kernels and ROMs.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The Motorola Razr has a sleep option which works like that so it is possible to do though it probably has to be done at ROM level.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, htc-desire, battery-life
---


title: Change sort order of contacts

text:
# Question
Title: Change sort order of contacts
I have a HTC Legend with Android 2.2. My contacts usually have first name and last name filled in. The ordering and display consists of `<first name> <last name>`. Since I know most of my clients by last name primarily, that doesn't really help.

I know of the combobox when editing a contact name where I can switch that. However, the last time I received an update of Android that was changed back to `<first name> <last name>` for all contacts. Obviously I want to avoid that.

Is there a way to change the display and hopefully the sorting order to `<last name> <first name>` that survives updates and whatnot?

# Answer
In the Contacts app (or Phone app if you don't have a direct link in the launcher) press the 'Menu' button then select 'Display Options'.

You should find two categories to choose from, 'Sort list by' and 'View contact names by'.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts
---


# Question
Title: How can you add an reoccuring appointment at the last day of every month in the calendar
Is there a way to add a reoccuring appointment to the calender in Android at the **last day of every month** ?

# Answer
Not exactly. Here is what I ended up doing. Maybe it will work for you: In my case, I wanted an appointment to appear at a specified time on the last day of the month and remind me 1 hour early. I ended up making my appointment on the 1st day of every month and then setting reminders to SMS message me 25 hours early and 24 hours early, respectively.

It seems that if you want it exactly on the last day, most people resort to setting up 12 separate appointments, one for each month, that repeat annually. But, then you'll have that 29th day of February to deal with as was the case this year. Mine worked anyway...
> 2 votes

---
Tags: calendar
---


# Question
Title: Where can I find local installation files?
I'm rather new to Android development. Where I work there are pretty tight security measures (firewall etc) preventing me to download API 15 from within Eclipse. We configured Eclipse's proxy settings to match IE's, but this didn't fix the issue. Finally, I took my laptop home to circumvent the issue. Everything works great now, except for the fact that my colleague has a company desktop and needs to work with android as well. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to perform an update on his pc? / Does anyone know in what system folder the Android SDK stores the API15 installation files?

Thanks alot!

# Answer
> 2 votes
I know it's off topic, but the instructions are on the Android developer pages here. See the section under "Troubleshooting ADT Installation".

> If you are still unable to use Eclipse to download the ADT plugin as a remote update site, you can download the ADT zip file to your local machine and manually install it:
>
> 1. Download the current ADT Plugin zip file from the table below (do not unpack it).
> 2. Follow steps 1 and 2 in the default install instructions (above).
> 3. In the Add Site dialog, click Archive.
> 4. Browse and select the downloaded zip file.
> 5. Enter a name for the local update site (e.g., "Android Plugin") in the "Name" field.
> 6. Click OK.
> 7. Follow the remaining procedures as listed for default installation above, starting from step 4.
>
> To update your plugin once you've installed using the zip file, you will have to follow these steps again instead of the default update instructions.

Just download the zip file to a USB drive, follow these instructions and you're good to go!

---
Tags: updates, installation, file-management
---


# Question
Title: nytimes app - transferring marked articles - from old device to new one
Switching from HTC Aria (Android 2.2?) to Galaxy Nexus (Android 4.0.2). I had lots of NYTimes articles saved as "Favorites" in the NYTimes app. My intention is to transfer this data so that it is usable on my new phone? I am capable of intermediate to advanced solutions.

It seems that the NYTimes app creates a new folder every time it syncs. I haven't found where the individual articles are marked "favorite" and thus where the articles are then stored.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I'm going to try to give an answer that applies both to the NYT app and to apps in general. The short answer is make sure that you setup both phones with the same Google account and sign into your NYT account in the app.

If an app is properly designed (and I would assume that the NYT app is) then user settings, such as favorites, should get transferred to your new phone automatically.

Some apps use the data backup/transfer functionality that is built into Android, which relies on you setting up both phones with the same Google account.

Some apps instead sync user data to their own servers, which typically relies on your signing into the app with their account. The NYT does have its own system of users accounts and allows you to sign into your account in their Android phone app (oddly, this is missing in their Android tablet app).

If an app does not implement either of these then you should give it a low rating (using the built-in Android data backup/transfer functionality is super easy so apps really should implement it).

The principle exception to this is cases where your data is very large, i.e. media files, in which case the app should provide functionality or instructions to assist you in moving your data.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Titanium Backup (requires root) is able to back up and restore app data.

---
Tags: sync, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: How does Android calculate battery consumption by apps?
How does Android measure energy used by individual hardware component? How does Android measure energy used by each individual process?

# Answer
> 11 votes
Android tracks events that affect battery usage and stores this information in batterystats.bin file. Some examples:

* length of time screen was on with a specific brithness setting
* which application (or non Android app process) and how long held a wake lock (prevents device from sleeping)
* CPU usage per process (Android app or other process)
* phone signal strength
* GPS usage
* etc.

Android computes how much power each Application or component (e.g. screen) uses based on configuration information included on the device by the manufacturer.

Not everything is measured so the statistics can be sometimes misleading, but it gets better with every Android Platform release.

Battery statistics can be dumped from the device using:

```
adb shell dumpsys batterystats

```

Here is interesting fragment of a post by Diane Hackborn with more details about wake locks power consumption:

> There are two ways power from wake locks is computed.
>
> 1. On some chipsets, simply holding a wake lock needs to prevent the CPU from going to a full deep sleep. In the reported battery usage, this extra power use will be distributed across all apps holding wake locks.
> 2. Even if the wake lock itself doesn't cause power use, holding a wake lock in one app can allow other applications to run and CPU when they wouldn't otherwise. (For example, some app may have a { sleep(1); do something; } loop that wouldn't run if no wake locks are held.) To address this, half of the CPU usage of applications is distributed to be blamed on the ones holding wake locks.

---
Tags: battery, hardware
---


# Question
Title: Google maps wants a login now? Is there a way around this?
I've managed to get away with running my Galaxy S without every hooking it up to a Gmail account, but sometime in the last couple of weeks (I think following an OS update from Sprint) Maps started objecting that I'm not logged in.

It's a little unnerving -- why do I need to be logged in to search for an address?

I'd love any suggestions for getting around this. Happy to root my phone. I've got OSM installed, but it doesn't do address searches unless I'm missing something.

# Answer
Your three options are probably:

1. Downgrade Maps
2. Use the browser-based Google maps (perhaps in incognito mode if you're paranoid)
3. Use some other map application

Regarding OSM, I think they don't have an official app, so you could also try to use an app that uses their data. The OSM web site allows address searches, so that may just not be implemented in the app you're using. There's a bunch of OSM compatible apps and their features listed here.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: google-maps, privacy
---


# Question
Title: Alternate (keyboard) task switching method for CM9
I frequently switch between a terminal and a web browser/kindle while working on the device with a bluetooth keyboard. The method I used on the stock 3.2 (with TouchWiz) ROM:

1. press the home key on the keyboard
2. down-arrow, which selects the top-left icon on the current home screen (generally the terminal)
3. arrow to the app I want
4. press enter on the keyboard.

CM9 foils this method by putting the focus on the search bar and voice search stuff at the top of the homescreen; I can't arrow-down from there to the icons I'm interested in. (EDIT: if I remove the search bar, focus still does not go to the app shortcuts.)

I use both the Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android 3.0 and Samsung's own keyboard/dock. At least on the logitech, holding the home key has only the effect of delaying the 'go to home' action. It has Fn-keys for mail, web, calendar, music. I really only need a quick method for three apps.

*What are my options for task switching on CM9, using a keyboard?*

*Misfeatures* of a method:

1. Tasks are presented with changing order. This means that I have to examine the screen to make a choice - it foils muscle memory.
2. Tasks are linearly presented. This wastes three of my arrow keys, and - already, with just three tasks - creates an artificial distance between the first and the third task. I'd like to create my own sense of distance between tasks - as I did in the 3.2 method above, by having terminal first, kindle to its right, the browser just below it, and then secondary apps arranged elsewhere.
3. Every recent task is presented. I generally *don't* want to switch back to Settings - or to the app I just tested, am now rebuilding, and will launch as part of the installation process.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The other answer works (to remove the search bar and rearrange icons below the `:::` button) works fine, but *only in a landscape orientation*. Even in landscape, pathological arrangements of icons can be stumbled upon.

I've settled on this method:

1. Use a firewall (e.g., DroidWall) to block 'Google Search', which I never use, and which I don't want broadcasting my task-switching.
2. To switch to another app, press the Home key and then begin typing the name of the app (the search button isn't necessary.) When the app shows up, down-arrow to it and press Enter.

How convenient this is obviously varies depending on the names of the apps you wish to switch between, and on the other apps you have installed, and on whether you indeed do not ever use Google Search. It's also about half as fast as the 3.2 method.

# Answer
> 0 votes
My 3.2 method *does* work with CM9, and the default launcher (Trebuchet), with these adjustments:

1. Go to Settings-\>Launcher-\>Homescreen-\>Search Bar, and remove it. Keyboard focus will default to the apps button (the `:::` icon) at the top right
2. Arrange icons on the right side of the screen instead of on the left. Down-arrow, from the apps button, will go to the top-right icon in the same way as it used to go down to the top-left from the search bar in 3.2

Other launchers are also an option (Go Launcher EX duplicated the old behavior, although it forces phone UI elements), but this is the shortest path if you're otherwise content with Trebuchet.

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Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-tab, task-management, keyboard-shortcuts
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