# Question
Title: No way to clear the Monthly Data Limit on Huawei Mate 10 Lite, Android 7.0, EMUI 5.1
So, I'm in my 3rd month of ownership of my first (**and last**) Huawei smartphone and I have discovered yet another strange family of issues.

I have a 20GB monthly data limit from work so I rarely check my data usage. But I had a few extra charges on my last bill so I decided to check it out. (First time on this phone)

The first shock was that there was no Sum of the usage, just a graph with the daily peaks and that's it. So if it was say the 30th, then you would have to add-up 30 days worth of data to find out how much you have left. What a joke:

Anyway, so I figure that I should add a data limit and maybe that will Sum-up my usage. So I tap on the `gear` icon on the top right, then on `Monthly Data Limit` and enter **18GB**. Voila, my total appeared:

From here on, the story gets even stranger.

I tapped on the pencil icon and for some strange, inexplicable reason, you can actually edit your usage. What exactly is the point of that??? So I enter a number and tap on OK to see what happens, and now the Used total becomes whatever amount I entered:

So I decided to revert to the ACTUAL total usage and I was confronted with yet another trademarked Huawei irritation. You cannot clear your own usage, you have to enter something in that box, otherwise `Save` stays disabled:

So as a last resort I thought that I should clear my data limit and be done with all this mess. Sadly I discovered that there is no way of doing that. It seems that once you enable the data limit, you're stuck with one. You can only change the number of `MBs` or `GBs` and again like above, you **have** to enter something in that box otherwise `OK` is disabled:

I tried `Network settings reset` but all that does is **delete** your stored Wi-Fi networks (thanks Huawei) and Bluetooth devices (thanks again !)

Any ideas?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Clear "phone manager" app data, it will return limit to "not set" Works on all huawei phones.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Just clear the Phone Manager's cache and it will go bat to 'not set' if you don't want to clear its data, Setting → Apps and Notifications → Phone Manager → Storage → Clear Cache.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can reset the settings app. Find Settings app in the apps list and clear data. To check what’s using your data, go to data usage ranking. It doesn’t let you see a total unless you set a limit.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Go to settings → apps and notifications → phone manager → storage → clear data

After clear data it will go back to 'not set'

# Answer
> 0 votes
On my P20 Pro it was "Optimizer" instead of Phone Manager.

Settings -\> Apps -\> Optimizer -\> Storage -\> Clear Cache

# Answer
> 0 votes
How to reset back Monthly Data Limit to "Not set" 1st Optimizer from the home screen, Optimize it 2nd Go to Settings -\> Apps -\> Optimizer -\> Storage -\> Clear Cache & Clear Data, then restart the mobile

---
Tags: huawei, emui
---


# Question
Title: How to make it possible to save raw photos on Samsung Galaxy A3 2017?
I have a rooted Galaxy A3 2017 (SM-A320F) running Android 8.0.0. I'm trying to capture raw photos, but neither the stock Camera app nor Open Camera show any relevant options (I have enabled Camera2 API). This option wasn't present before rooting too. On another phone, unrooted Galaxy Note8, the option is present at least in Open Camera.

So I suppose the option is somehow disabled in my A3. Can it be re-enabled without switching to a completely different firmware? How?

Note that another question proposed as a duplicate is 1) asking about very old version of Android — 4.2.2, which doesn't have Camera2 API, and 2) asks simply whether there exist any apps with such functionality, which today is of course *yes*. So this one is not a duplicate. This question is about *how to re-enable the missing raw photo support* instead.

# Answer
It appears to already be possible, with the stock firmware! I was about to try tracing an NDK-powered camera app (thanks to Sisik's tutorial with a demo) with `strace` to see which API calls lead to which `ioctl`s to aid further searches, when, while trimming down the demo, I noticed that the native camera API exposes `AIMAGE_FORMAT_RAW16` with dimensions 4144×3106 on my Galaxy SM-A320F/DS. After I went ahead and tried capturing an image in this format, I indeed got a true 16-bit Bayer output, which after simplistic demosaicing and white-balancing resulted in a pretty decent raw image.

There's a small strangeness though: the bottom part of the image (pixels 2333 through 3106) is always filled with zeros. I'm not sure why this is so, but at least the upper 75% of the data are present and usable.

**How to get RAW support in OpenCamera**

Currently, OpenCamera detects whether a camera supports RAW by `REQUEST_AVAILABLE_CAPABILITIES_RAW`. If there's no such capability, the detection simply gives negative result. For SM-A320F this is incorrect, because it doesn't report this capability, but RAW16 format is among the supported output formats.

To work around this misdetection, we can apply the following patch to OpenCamera 1.47.3, and build our own APK. This patch will stub out the check for the capability, making OpenCamera search for the format desired regardless.

```
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/net/sourceforge/opencamera/cameracontroller/CameraController2.java b/app/src/main/java/net/sourceforge/opencamera/cameracontroller/CameraController2.java
index 2c6463c..939b00b 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/net/sourceforge/opencamera/cameracontroller/CameraController2.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/net/sourceforge/opencamera/cameracontroller/CameraController2.java
@@ -2062,7 +2062,7 @@ public class CameraController2 extends CameraController {
         //camera_features.picture_sizes.get(0).supports_burst = false;

         raw_size = null;
-        if( capabilities_raw ) {
+        if( true || capabilities_raw ) {
             android.util.Size [] raw_camera_picture_sizes = configs.getOutputSizes(ImageFormat.RAW_SENSOR);
             if( raw_camera_picture_sizes == null ) {
                 if( MyDebug.LOG )

```

I've reported this at OpenCamera's issue tracker as ticket 661.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Camera2 API alone doesn't necessarily mean you can shoot RAW, though you can run the free app Manual Camera Compatibility. If it shows that your phone supports RAW, you should be able to shoot RAW with the Manual Camera app itself.

Photoshop Lightroom is another app capable of capturing and editing RAW, so maybe that's worth a shot aswell.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: camera, samsung-galaxy-a3
---


# Question
Title: Can't use Foursquare because it needs Google Play Services, which "is not supported by your device"
I've installed Foursquare, but it does not start, instead I get the following error:

> Google Play Services, which some of your applications rely on, is not supported by your device.

I don't know what does this mean and how can I solve this issue to use the application. I'm using Chinese phone AMOI N 821 android 4.1.1. I live in Russia.

What should I do?

# Answer
Google Play Services provides a "backbone" of sorts not just for Google apps but other apps as well. This is part of the way that Google is letting users and apps get to more "modern" Android features *without* having to wait for carriers to update their version of the OS.

I'm guessing that the phone you're using didn't come with Google apps installed.

See if you can install Google Play Services directly.

If so, you should be good to go.

If not, you're probably out of luck.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Unfortunately Chinese Products does not support the Google Services as Google is not allowed in the China. So the Only Option i see is the VPN. Try using the free VPN services.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem with a Nexus 7. It's coproduced by Google, so it was obvious it wasn't caused by a lack of Google Apps.

In my case it was an error in the synchronization of the Google account (`settings → personal → account`). Tapping on my account, I forced the sync.

Then I closed the problematic app, restarting it. And the problem was gone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: system-error, google-play-services, foursquare
---


# Question
Title: Can't boot into TWRP recovery after flashing custom ROM?
I flashed the latest pixel experience Android Q build for Redmi note 7 pro using the TWRP recovery after unlocking the bootloader. The ROM seems to be working fine and the phone boots into it without any issues however when I try to boot into the TWRP recovery, it doesn't boot into it and instead I get a Redmi logo on the screen that doesn't go away. What should I do to boot my phone into recovery? I haven't rooted my device yet, just unlocked the bootloader.

Could it have something to do with the fact that I forgot to flash the TWRP image from the TWRP recovery?

# Answer
Remember that the custom ROM package will include the boot image too. And on A/B partition devices, the recovery rests is in the boot image. So, if the custom ROM has written your boot image, then your TWRP should be gone. What will load will depend on the recovery included in the boot image. It could be stock, something else or nothing.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, custom-roms, twrp
---


# Question
Title: How can I change the rate at which Gmail checks for new emails?
How can I change the rate at which Gmail checks for new emails?

I've noticed that when I receive a new email on my Gmail account, it sometimes take up to 15 minutes for the notification to show up on my phone (Samsung Galaxy s9, Android 9).

# Answer
> 2 votes
The new mail system does not use the classical POP/IMAP wherein there was a scheduled check on the server for new messages. Now, the notifications are directly pushed to the device by using the Google Play Services infrastructure. Most Android phones use Doze to preserve battery life. That is if the device is not being used for some time, it will enter a battery saving mode wherein it will not actively listen to incoming push notifications, instead it will wait for some time to do a routine check. As soon as you move the phone, it should wake up and do an instant check.

Most phones will have a way to *partially* allow the apps to continue to work normally under the lockscreen. The settings will depend on your device, but you can try looking into: *Settings \> Apps & notifications \> Special app access \> Battery Optimization*. In there, disable the battery optimization for Gmail app.

Screenshot:

---
Tags: gmail
---


# Question
Title: How to link cloud storage to android phone storage?
I want to link Cloud storage like Dropbox or Google drive (or other alternatives) directly to android phone storage folders like Apps, media in order to save media files to cloud storage instead of phone storage. Is there a way to achieve this?

# Answer
Without root access you cannot make cloud storage available globally i.e. to all apps on device. However, many file explorers (including MiXplorer) support remote storage access just like if it's locally available.

If you have root access you can use `rclone mount` which mounts a remote cloud storage using FUSE. All apps can see the mounted filesystem if proper permissions are set. E.g. to mount Google drive:

```
~# mkdir /sdcard/GDrive
~# nsenter -t 1 -m rclone mount GDrive: /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/GDrive --gid 9997 --dir-perms 0771 --file-perms 0660 --umask=0 --allow-other

```

All apps with `WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE` permisison will be able to read/write files to GDrive directory. For details on permissions see How to bind mount a folder inside /sdcard with correct permissions?
> 2 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, storage, cloud
---


# Question
Title: Set a custom ringtone on Sony Z3 Xperia Compact
I'm trying to set a custom ringtone on Sony Z3 Xperia Compact. I have copied the desired MP3 file into `/storage/emulated/0/Notifications`. However, on the ringtone list, I don't see the file and can't find any way to add it. There is no "Add" button in the ringtone list:

Click image for larger version

There is only a "musical notes" icon button in the upper-right corner. If I press it, the following strange screen appears containing some unknown list of music without my ringtone:

Click image for larger version

I have rebooted my phone and nothing changed. For some time after a reboot, I was unable to press the "musical notes" icon button since it was saying "Updating" or "Refreshing" in Russian. This was probably the media scanner running. So, I now know how to run the media scanner but still can't change my ringtone.

I have put the file into `/storage/emulated/0/Ringtones`. Also, I checked that it appeared in `/sdcard/Ringtones` and rebooted my phone, but nothing changed.

How can I set a custom ringtone on Sony Z3 Experia Compact?

# Answer
Based on this tutorial, you need to put your files in `/storage/emulated/0/media/audio/ringtones`.

If it still doesn't work, try opening the file directly from an Android file explorer, then click "Set as ringtone" (you may need to click on the three dots before seeing it):

(Click image to enlarge)
> 0 votes

# Answer
You need to play your audio file with the default music app.

Once the file is known in the music app, you will get an option to `Set as ringtone` if you select the file and click on the
> 0 votes

# Answer
In Android 9, any sound files stored in a folder named

```
Ringtones

```

*anywhere on the system* (`/media/ringtones` and `/Music/Ringtones` will both work)

will be found by the system and displayed as an option for a Ringtone sound

Any sound files stored in a folder named

```
Notifications

```

will be found by the system and displayed as an option for a Notification sound

You can also have more than one `Notifications` and `Ringtones` folders.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: ringtone, sony-xperia-z3-compact
---


# Question
Title: Is there a definite way to know if my phone supports USB-OTG or not?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Win phone, rooted and with adbd insecure installed (using the link here).

This is the information shown by the USB OTG Checker app:

I have added the android.hardware.usb.host.xml file into `/system/etc/permissions` folder and the USB-OTG app says that my phone is now OTG capable (before, it showed that OTG is not supported only due to the missing xml file).

When I connect OTG cable and a USB drive, nothing happens at all. Same with a USB mouse. The USB Device Info app says nothing is connected. It's possible USB OTG hardware itself is missing from this phone, but it is very difficult to find any information about this model at all (it was really difficult to get this phone rooted in the first place).

Is there a definitive way to know whether the phone supports OTG or not? Is there a Java function that I could call which would confirm OTG, or is there any function that would crash if OTG is not present at the hardware level?

**EDIT 1:**

Output after doing the procedure mentioned in the comment:

"Do with root privileges: `cd /sdcard && find /sys | sort >1`. Connect USB. Then: `find /sys | sort >2 && diff 1 2`. This will let you know how kernel treats USB hardware."

```
--- 1
+++ 2
@@ -17357,10 +17357,15 @@
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/failed_transaction_log
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/19015
-/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/19034
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/21683
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22063
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22112
+/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22152
+/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22166
+/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22185
+/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22197
+/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22212
+/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/22224
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/2788
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/2796
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/2797
@@ -17402,12 +17407,7 @@
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/5383
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/5972
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6076
-/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6343
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6358
-/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6370
-/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6382
-/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6397
-/sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6410
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6423
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6439
 /sys/kernel/debug/binder/proc/6479

```

# Answer
> 2 votes
USB OTG is a hardware capability. Software can't tell if the hardware has this capability or not if it's not configured to do so. The app you show is just confirming the presence of `host.xml` file that you have put yourself. Also you can confirm that form `adb shell`:

```
~$ pm list features | grep usb.host
# OR
~$ dumpsys package features | grep usb.host

```

For USB OTG to work, first your kernel should create a hardware entry in `/sys` as per device-tree mapping when you connect USB drive.
Secondly a device should be populated in `/dev/bus/usb/...` (and `/dev/block/...` if it's a storage device). It depends on `uevent` configuration on your ROM. Or you may also manually create device using `mknod`.

Thirdly you need to place `host.xml` file so that OS and apps can know that USB OTG support is present on device. Now apps can access USB device directly (provided that proper permissions are set on device path and node) by making use of host mode APIs.
Lastly if your ROM supports auto-mounting USB Storage devices (available on Android 6+), you should have an entry for `vold` in `fstab`. See How to disable USB OTG on Android 8.1?

As suggested, your Edit 1 shows that the changes in `sysfs` after attaching USB are only in `debugfs`, no hardware is detected by kernel.

One last thing you can do is to use a powered USB hub as suggested by @Robert in comment. Also check `dmesg` log for kernel messages and `logcat` for `USBManager` and `USBHost` messages in Java stack. If no hardware is detected then your hardware or at least kernel doesn't support USB.

---
Tags: root-access, hardware, usb-on-the-go, hardware-requirements
---


# Question
Title: Dual Messenger - Where are files stored (e.g., WhatsApp)
I had a working WhatsApp (say, WhatsApp W1 in phone PC) in my Samsung J7 Prime, Android 7, recovered with the usual *Backup to/Restore from Google Drive*, from phone A (PA).

I meant to install a Dual Messenger \- WhatsApp, restoring for it a copy (W2) from another phone (PB). So I would have

> W1 PA -\> W1 PC
> W2 PB -\> W2 PC

This is the only reference I found on how to do it (which is a workaround, as if no "official" way of doing it existed). Since some people acknowledged in comments that it worked, I followed it. I skipped the part of recovering Media from W2 PB.

Now I have the two working WhatsApp accounts, that is fine, so far. But I am left with the following file structure:

```
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/.Shared            <- From W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/.trash             <- From W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Backups            <- From W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases          <- Copied from W2 PB
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases_PhoneA   <- Renamed from W1 PC
/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media              <- From W1 PC

```

I have questions:

1. Where are files (messages, media, backups, etc.) for each WA installation stored?
2. Will I end up with a "broken" WA structure, which will cause problems? (so far everything is working fine).
3. Is `/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Databases_PhoneA` needed?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Samsung's Dual Messenger/Dual App data is stored on

* `/Internal Storage/DualApp/WhatsApp`
* `/storage/emulated/0/DualApp/WhatsApp`

\*For Samsung S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, Note9, S9, S9+, Note8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, A80, A70, A50, A30.

---
Tags: backup, whatsapp-messenger, file-system, samsung-dual-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How to disable rotation during zooming in the Google Maps app?
I'm not talking about the feature for navigation where it rotates the map based on the direction you're currently driving. The problem is that when I **zoom in and out** using two fingers it sometimes happens that I **rotate the map accidentally** instead. I know I can press the compass icon to turn it back upright, but I would rather want to block the rotation completely. I've looked through all the settings and didn't find one, is there any way I can do this?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If I open the app, and make sure I first make a pinch movement with my fingers, it doesn't rotate the map when I rotate my fingers in the same movement afterwards. So if you want to only zoom, it is best to first make a little pinch movement, to let the app know you're going to zoom.

If you on the other hand rotate your fingers first, it will start rotating the map.

If you only want to zoom in, you can also use the double tap option. That will not change anything to the rotation. But this is a little more work if you want to zoom in a lot.

---
Tags: google-maps
---


# Question
Title: How to connect bluetooth headphones to phone without know the model
I have old bluetooth headphones that I try to connect to my device. I don't know the model only the brand name.

The question is how to pair it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can look for insturction for the brand name. Usually the insturction is the same for all models.

Example for my original question about plantronics:

pairing-instructions-for-all-plantronics-bluetooth-models

---
Tags: bluetooth, headphones, bluetooth-pairing
---


# Question
Title: Change sim preference to call particular person in Dual sim
I recently changed the second sim and I want that **second sim** to call for the particular person by default, previously I have set the **first sim** to do that action,

Now I want to set those **settings to changed** or at least to be *set to default,like asking every time which sim to call,*

I **cleared data** in both phone and dialer app in *settings of app management,* but still nothing happened, the set default button is greyed out on both apps

Does any one know how to change the **sim preference setting**s to call a particular person?

# Answer
Found the answer by myself at last,

when you call that person there will be a change sim option in the top right hand screen, by choosing that we can change the sim preference and also the next time we call that person phone will ask for which sim to call.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Go to contacts -\> select the contact which you want to change the preference -\> deep press on the number -\> select clear calling sim.

Now you will be able to make calls normally with the sim card you wanted.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, calls, factory-reset, default-applications, direct-call
---


# Question
Title: How to go to the App Screen when "Swipe down for notification panel" is on?
On my Galaxy Note 10, how do I quickly go to the App screen when I enabled "Swipe down for notification panel" in the Settings Menue?

# Answer
Ok, got it, just swipe up, whereas when the "Swipe down for notification panel" feature is off swiping up AND down on the Home Screen enables the App Screen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: home-screen, samsung-one-ui
---


title: WhatsApp issue on Android

text:
# Question
Title: WhatsApp issue on Android
We have a WhatsApp number dedicated to providing training to students all over the world. We have 13191 contacts saved in phone and there are 19103 chats in WhatsApp. We also have 50 broadcast list. We are facing the following issues in WhatsApp,

1. When we set status in WhatsApp, it gets hanged. We need to force stop the app and then restart to use it again. It keeps happening when setting Whatsapp status.
2. When we reply to any chat message, it takes around 5 mins to get reached.
3. When sending any message in a broadcast list, it takes around 10 mins to reach the contacts.

We are using an Android Samsung tablet with a storage of 64GB and 4GB of RAM.

What to do to resolve the above issues?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you tried using web.whatsapp.com ? I find that using this method helps sometimes. Maybe also consider deleting the app's cache, and reinstalling the app from the google play store. Sometimes the app's cache gets fragmented.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you are using regular WhatsApp, try to use WhatsApp for business app, as it's mainly designed for businesses, hope it will be more stable for more number of chats.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Well, the answer may be not in android, but in the web service, you should maybe use this. There are some limmitations but you should try. In my actual phone, a Galaxy S5, Whatsapp freezes when I receive several notifications in a short time.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How do I change the call from my left earphone to right?
How do I change the call from my left earphone to my right one? I have trouble hearing in my left ear so I would prefer for the person whose on call for their voice to be coming from my right earphone, my phone is a Samsung s7

# Answer
> 3 votes
Go to Settings --\> Accessibility. Then tap Hearing. Towards the bottom, you will find an option for Mono Output, switch that ON. Then you can drop the earphone from one ear.

There is also a left-right sound balance. You can shift the slider to the ear you prefer.

Here is a guide to using the hearing accessibility settings on your phone:

https://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-hearing-accessibility-options-galaxy-s7

---
Tags: settings
---


# Question
Title: Is my Android device vulnerable to CVE-2019-2234 and How can I mitigate this before a firmware upgrade?
> **Background Info:** CVE-2019-2234 is a serious vulnerability or (maybe an APT) which allow other apps to record videos, take pictures, and extract EXIF data without having permissions.
>
> **Edit:** This question is other devices rather than Pixel & Samsung

I've tested this PoC (changed package name to my camera's package name) to check if is this possible on my (non Pixel) device, but all I have is the camera activity has been launched without starting recording or taking pictures.

**Launch Camera:**

```
adb shell am start-activity -n com.android.camera/com.android.camera.CameraActivity --ez extra_turn_screen_on true -a android.media.action.CAMERA --ez android.intent.extra.USE_FRONTAL_CAMERA true

```

**Launch Video:**

```
adb shell am start-activity -n com.android.camera/com.android.camera.CameraActivity --ez extra_turn_screen_on true -a android.media.action.VIDEO_CAMERA --ez android.intent.extra.USE_FRONTAL_CAMERA true

```

**Question**

**Part 1:** If this device is vulnerable are there other extras to add to make the PoC work and proof that it's vulnerable? or just it's not?

**Part 2:** If the device is vulnerable, what would be the best mitigation solution for this?

# Answer
If I understood the problem correctly the vulnerability is located in the camera apps. Updating apps is the responsibility of the Google PlayStore or in case of Samsung there is also the Samsung "Galaxy Store" which is usually comes pre-installed on all Samsung devices.

Therefore in this case no firmware update is required.

In both cases Google and Samsung have simply updated their camera apps. As the vulnerability was a responsible disclosure the updates that fix this vulnerability should be already available and will be automatically installed by the Google Play / Galaxy store.

Therefore Google and Samsung devices this vulnerability should be no longer an issue. The more important question is how many other camera apps of other manufacturer are also affected.

\[Part 1\] Regarding devices of other manufacturers there is no general way to be sure that their camera apps are affected or not. If the standard POC does not work and you want to make sure that the app is truly not affected you have to check every camera app individually if the vulnerability can be triggered in a similar way. To do so you have to decompile the app using the decompiler of your choice (Jadx, apktool, JEB, Ghidra, ...) and analyze the decompiled code.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, adb, camera, vulnerability
---


# Question
Title: Why I am getting a strange DNS server in my dhcp client android phone?
Sorry for bad english. I have a DHCP server router with IP 192.168.0.254 Everything goes well, but my phone and my tablet gets a very strange DNS 1 server: `80980492081`

Here is a screenshot:

This is very strange and is getting me mad. I don't know where that strange DNS 1 server comes from. My DHCP server settings are right.

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S5

Does anybody know what is happening?

Thank you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
An IPv4 address is a 32bit number. The common way to print an IPv4 address is to split it into 4 8bit blocks and separate them with a dot.

However an IPv4 address is also valid in it's decimal/integer representation. This decimal representation is used for your DNS IP address: `80980492081`.

Converting the number in the common IPv4 address format ends up with the IP address: `218.208.63.49`.

https://www.vultr.com/resources/ipv4-converter/?ip\_address=80980492081

---
Tags: networking, dns, dhcp
---


# Question
Title: Changing custom ROM to another one or to stock rom
Can jump from any custom rim to any other by just having twrp recovery installed ? Or do I need to first come back to stock ROM and again install another custom ROM ?

# Answer
If you want to switch to other custom ROM just go to TWRP/CWM and perform the wipes and flash it, no need to install stock ROM. If you want to go to stock ROM than you'll need pc with software to flash firmware or via download mode on phone.
> 2 votes

# Answer
To install a custom rom you need a custom recovery for your phone .Then you can switch from a stock rom to a custom rom or from a custom rom to another custom rom . You do not need to install the stock rom for installing new custom rom. But if you flash your stock rom and it vanishes your custom recovery and install the stock recovery again then you have to install the custom recovery twrp or touchwiz recovery again to switch a custom rom ,you also have to room your phone again .
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms, stock-rom
---


title: How can i hide an application?

text:
# Question
Title: How can i hide an application?
I want to hide some applications from other people who have access to my phone but be able to get to the application whenever I want. I don't want locking. I need it to be not seen on applications list.

# Answer
You could easily hide by using custom launchers like Apex or Nova.

But if this is not an option, you could try apps available on Google Play like \[ CCSWE App Manager (ROOT) \] or \[ Hide App-Hide Application Icon \] which needs root access. \*I want you to read the user feedbacks on Google Play before consider using the app because some said the icon gone forever after it was unhide.

You can also try to Disable the app from Setting -\> Apps. This will hide app icon from app drawer. You can enable it again when you need it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Lucky Patcher does that, but you will have to unhide it to use it yourself.

Home site: www.luckypatchers.com

Be careful when downloading LP :^)

PS: can be used without being root nor the machine rooted (as I do).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, app-drawer
---


# Question
Title: Where is the mount point for a USB stick on Android 9?
I am working on IMX8QM with **Android 9**. I needs to configure usb stick on **static mount point.**

Once USB stick detected, create `sda1`, after check I got:

```
mek_8q:/sdcard # df
Filesystem                1K-blocks     Used     Available    Use%     Mounted on
/dev/root                   1777588     1189664     587924     67%         /
tmpfs                       2918920     488         2918432    1%         /dev
tmpfs                       2918920     0           2918920    0%         /mnt
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12       249828      58936       190892     24%        /vendor
/dev/block/mmcblk0p14       9086336     967628      8118708    11%       /data
/data/media                 9086336     967628      967628     11%     /mnt/runtime/default/emulated

```

```
/dev/block/vold/public:8,1  3918844     1311400     2607444    34% /mnt/media_rw/2A61-DD07

```

# Answer
You got it correctly, USB OTG sticks are mounted at `/mnt/media_rw/[UUID]`.
Source:

```
// Use UUID as stable name, if available
    std::string stableName = getId();
    if (!mFsUuid.empty()) {
        stableName = mFsUuid;
    }
    mRawPath = StringPrintf("/mnt/media_rw/%s", stableName.c_str());

```

For FAT family of filesystems UUID is not the 32 digits long real UUID, but a serial number (8 digit long). So the mount point `vold` creates isn't static since Android 6. UUID (or serial number) of filesystem changes when you change USB stick or re-format it (unless you explicitly set the same UUID when or after creating filesystem). For static mount point you need to modify `vold` source code or mount filesystem manually. For more details see: How to change random filesystem label on USB OTG?

SD cards are also emulated form `/mnt/media_rw/[UUID]` to `/storage/[UUID]` but still the path is not static. See details here: How to move files to external SD card?
> 4 votes

# Answer
I have a Huawei P30 on Android 9 and a Huawei tablet on Android 8: on both, mount point for the internal drive is: "/storage/emulated/0".

Only the tablet has a SD card mounted, and mount point is "/storage/0000-0000". I see no reason for it would be different for the P30 on Android 9.

If you install Termux (a Unix shell for Android), you can go on both with a normal user and move data here and there :^)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, mount, usb-on-the-go, usb-mass-storage, aosp
---


title: Unable to copy the files to /system/app

text:
# Question
Title: Unable to copy the files to /system/app
I am working on i.MX 6Quad SABRE-SD with **Android 9**. I am facing some problem when copy the some data to system/app from USB Mass Storage,

I got error, when I mount the system to write access:

```
sabresd_6dq:/ # **mount -o remount,rw '/system'**

**EXT4-fs (dm-0): previous I/O error to superblock detected
Buffer I/O error on dev dm-0, logical block 0, lost sync page write
EXT4-fs (dm-0): re-mounted. Opts: block_validity,delalloc,barrier,user_xattr,acl,inode_readahead_blks=8**

```

And also I got error when copy the some data to system/app from USB Mass Storage.

```
sabresd_6dq:/system/app # cp /mnt/media_rw/2A61-DD07/ota/update.zip  /system/app

EXT4-fs error (device dm-0): ext4_mb_generate_buddy:757: group 11, block bitmap and bg descriptor inconsistent: 32768 vs 0 free clusters

EXT4-fs (dm-0): previous I/O error to superblock detected

Buffer I/O error on dev dm-0, logical block 0, lost async page write

Buffer I/O error on dev dm-0, logical block 1, lost async page write

```

# Answer
Configuration to unmount the system,

1. adb shell
2. reboot bootloader
3. fastboot oem unlock

Reboot the devices,

4. adb root
5. adb disable-verity
6. adb root
7. adb reboot
8. adb root
9. adb remount
10. adb push adb push 'D:\VINOTH' /system/app/

Wait until finish

11. adb reboot
> 1 votes

---
Tags: file-system, mount, system, aosp
---


# Question
Title: Android OTA update fail when increased the system.img size
I am working on IMX6Q with **Android 7** for **OTA update**. Current **system.img** size **499 MB** with this OTA update work. I increased this due to compilantion error. If **system.img is above 499 MB ota update fail**.

# Answer
Removed webview application from build. webview application is the default one in Android AOSP build. But, It takes 40MB.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, stock-android, ota-update, aosp, development
---


# Question
Title: Why can't WhatsApp write to bind mounts?
I moved all the data of WhatsApp to `/mnt/media_rw/6333-6461/WhatsApp`, where 6333-6461 is my external SD card. I opened WhatsApp to find that I could not open any previously downloaded data. This is expected.

Now, I executed the following commands in Termux:

```
$ su
# mount -o bind /mnt/runtime/write/6333-6461/WhatsApp /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/WhatsApp

```

When I opened WhatsApp, I could see all the data that I had previously downloaded. But now I cannot send or receive anything - all sending fails, camera access from WhatsApp fails, and downloading fails.

Evidently WhatsApp is not being able to write onto the bind mount. Any solution to the problem?

My phone, a Samsung Galaxy On7, Android 6.0.1, is rooted with Magisk 20.1 and running stock ROM.

# Answer
> 2 votes
> Why can't WhatsApp write to bind mounts?
>
> ```
> # mount -o bind /mnt/runtime/write/6333-6461/WhatsApp /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/WhatsApp
>
> ```

Apps cannot directly access `/mnt/runtime/write/6333-6461` or `/mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/` because `/mnt/runtime` is only traverse-able by root. Apps access `/storage/emulated/0` or `/sdcard` (symlink to the former) which is bind-mounted to `/mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/` for apps with `WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE` permission. External SD card is accessible at `/storage/6333-6461` in the same way.

When `/mnt/runtime/write/6333-6461/WhatsApp` is bind-mounted at `/mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/WhatsApp`, WhatsApp will actually try to write to external SD card which is not allowed at least since Android 4.4. This is controlled by using permissions `READ|WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE` / `READ|WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE`, GID `everybody (9997)` / `media_rw (1023)` and mount namespaces. See details in How to move files to external SD card?.

> Any solution to the problem?

There are some workarounds to set required permissions using `FUSE` or `sdcardfs` when bind mounting external directories. For details see How to bind mount a folder inside /sdcard with correct permissions?

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, bind-mount
---


title: How to bind mount libunionfs?

text:
# Question
Title: How to bind mount libunionfs?
Samsung has introduced a feature in its stock ROM that moves content of social media aps (like WhatsApp) to SD card, and then links the two folders.

I ran the following command in Termux:

```
$su
#mount | grep -i "whatsapp"

```

The following output was returned:

```
libunionfs /mnt/runtime/default/emulated/0/WhatsApp fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0
libunionfs /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0
libunionfs /mnt/runtime/read/emulated/0/WhatsApp fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0
libunionfs /mnt/runtime/write/emulated/0/WhatsApp fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other 0 0

```

I learnt from the net that `libunionfs` is a virtual file system. How did Samsung create bind mounts to this system? Normal `#mount -o bind` didn't work.

# Answer
> 0 votes
`UnionFS` does not bind-mounts, it's an independent in-kernel filesystem itself (though there is also `unionfs-fuse`). Bind-mount and UnionFS have different uses but can be considered alternative to each other in certain situations. So is `OverlayFS` and other similar implementations. These are stackable unification filesystems which unify the contents of two different directories. Files in lower directory are overlapped by files of same names in upper directory. All other files in lower directory are visible as normal files. A bind mount on the other hand completely overlays the contents of lower directory. Also see How does UnionFS work?

From your comment:

> The problem is, Termux says "no such device" if i use the option `none` in the mount command. How do i mention my phone as the device where mount should be done?

Yours seems to be FUSE based UnionFS (just the name, not related to actual in-kernel UnionFS). Android's storage framework works by dynamically changing file permissions depending on the privileges of apps accessing the files, which requires a phenomenon like FUSE or `sdcardfs` to set pseudo permission modes. FUSE mounts don't work by simply using `mount` command. You need a specific program which communicates to kernel through `/dev/fuse` and mounts the **F**ilesystem in **U**ser**S**pac**E** (FUSE). Mount is tied to that program.

I don't know exactly what's the executable name Samsung is using for FUSE mounts, you can see your running processes to find the executable binary. Then use that specific program by passing the required arguments, ownership, mode, SELinux context, source and destination directories.

However most probably the implementation would only be in a shared library to be accessed from Android framework. In that case you have to use some third party programs like `unionfs-fuse`. If you only want bind mount with correct permissions `bindfs` can also be used. For details see How to bind mount a folder inside /sdcard with correct permissions?

If you want real UnionFS, you'll have to rebuild kernel (probably with some patches). OverlayFS is a better choice, it's a part of mainliene Linux kernel (should've been built with `CONFIG_OVERLAY_FS`). You may ask a question if details required on a specific use case on Android. But that would be far more complicated to set up than a FUSE-based solution.

---
Tags: bind-mount
---


# Question
Title: Can't connect to Walmart in-store WiFi with LTE ZTE Maven Z812
The problem started about 10 days ago (10/01/2019) after some changes were made to the Walmart in-store WiFi configuration. Since then I can't connect to the in-store WiFi from my LTE ZTE Maven Z812 smartphone.

The phone seems fine, connects to all other networks. Other phones also connect just fine to the Walmart in-store WiFi network. But when I try to connect to Walmart WiFi with Z812 I get an error WiFi connection failed and no IP address.

Resetting the adapter, forgetting the network, and rebooting the phone did not help.

I noticed that the store recently split 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz access points, there are different ESSIDs for them ("Walmartwifi 2.4" and "Walmartwifi"). The Z812 does not see the 5 GHz AP but sees 2.4 GHz just fine. I tried connecting to 2.4 GHz AP from another smartphone and it works just fine.

Any ideas what might be wrong? Is Walmart blocking certain models/manufacturers from using in-store WiFi?

Additional info: I don't think it is MAC filtering. It feels like something is broken in the IP negotiation process, but I don't understand why this specific phone and this specific network.

# Answer
This appears to be an interesting but known issue with 2.4Ghz only capable phones. Here is an article that explains the issue and why it is happening. If that doesn't work or you don't trust the url, just do a quick search on Android Central Forums for "why does my phone disable wi-fi connections" and it should be the top result there.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/ask-question/865480-why-does-my-phone-disable-wi-fi-connections.html

I recommend going to your Wi-Fi settings, possibly advanced settings, and disable smart network switching. It might be "Switch to mobile data" or something else like that. Once you have that disabled forget the SSID and then try to connect again and see if it works for you. Hope that helps!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Android apps won't connect over school WiFi
I have several apps that won't connect even though I connected to WiFi. Google Chrome and browser work fine, but other apps say can't connect to the server or needs an internet connection. When I'm at home, it works fine.

# Answer
> 0 votes
My school uses a similar system, probably the same actually. What I think it is, is either **Deep Packet Inspection** or your **Firewall**.

I am almost positive, all I know is that your school blocks the applications somehow (it could also just block the website or server the app uses).

# Answer
> 0 votes
It really depends on which apps you are talking about.

Your school may be blocking certain ports. Check with the app dev to see which ports they use. This may be available through an FAQ on their site (which may include additional hints).

Your school may also have some type of content filtering solution in place. At my institution, our content filtering service is often blocking perfectly legitimate content.

Lastly, check with your school's network administrator. If it's appropriate content, they'll probably be willing to help open it up for you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I'm in college and in my case, there is a proxy. This is common, and it's sometimes a good thing because it protects the people behind it. In this case, you may need to contact your network admin and ask how to access the network properly.

If the proxy has no authentication, it's just a little setup, but if not, you may need to use some app to get authenticated. If this is the case you can try ProxyDroid (it need root access) from here or PlayStore, or ProxyAuth from here on PlayStore.

Sorry if this is not the problem, but it was in my case.

---
Tags: applications, wi-fi, internet
---


# Question
Title: What happens if I ignore the warning: "If you deny this permission, basic features of your device may no longer function as intended"?
If I go into the permissions settings for the Google app and change the Location permission from "Allow all the time" to "Allow only while using the app" or "Deny," I am presented with a warning: "If you deny this permission, basic features of your device may no longer function as intended."

I am inclined to give it a try anyway, but what might happen? It seems like "Allow only while using the app" should not be very impactful? What is Google trying to warn me about when they say that "basic features of your device may no longer function as intended." Or are they just trying to scare me into not changing the permission (so they can keep their watchful eyes on me)?

# Answer
While revoking a runtime manifest permission requested by an app, the system warning: **“If you deny this permission, basic features of your device may no longer function as intended.”** is displayed by PackageInstaller if the permission was `GRANTED_BY_DEFAULT`:

```
~$ pm dump packages | grep -E 'Package |GRANTED_BY_DEFAULT' | grep -B1 android.permission

```

All runtime requested permissions are granted by default during grantDefaultPermissions on first boot or on new user/profile creation in three cases generally as referred in official documentation, so that *“the device is usable out-of-the-box”*:

* If the app is a privileged system app (i.e. installed in `/system/priv-app/`) e.g. Settings and Google Play Services. Or the app is a system component (i.e. UID is less than 10000) e.g. SIM Toolkit and FM Radio. Some apps may fulfill both criteria e.g. Shell (`com.android.shell`, UID: `2000`).
* If the app provides some core OS functionality:

> Apps must prompt users to grant application permissions at runtime. Limited exceptions may be granted to default applications and handlers that provide basic device functionality fundamental to the expected operation of the device.

Some of these apps necessarily have to be privileged or system component apps e.g. Location Provider. Others can also be non-system apps (even installed in `/system/app`) e.g. stock Messaging and Calendar, or third-party apps (installed in `/data/app`) e.g. user installed SMS and dialer apps.
* If ROM developer explicitly creates an exception for some app(s).

However `SYSTEM_FIXED` runtime permissions (set for privileged/system apps) cannot be revoked.

> What is Google trying to warn me about when they say that "basic features of your device may no longer function as intended."

Revoking location permission would not let the app (and its dependent apps if any) access location. Nothing else should happen.

> Or are they just trying to scare me into not changing the permission (so they can keep their watchful eyes on me)?

Play Services are privileged, they won't work if you try to completely stop them keeping eyes on you.

> It seems like "Allow only while using the app" should not be very impactful?

**“Allow only while using the app”** is not a normal manifest permission. It's `appops` which lets you set location operations to foreground so that Google app won't use location in background. You can also do that from commadline:

```
~$ appops set com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox COARSE_LOCATION foreground
~$ appops set com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox FINE_LOCATION foreground

```

---

**RELATED:**
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, permissions, system-apps, google-apps, default-applications
---


title: Change vibration pattern

text:
# Question
Title: Change vibration pattern
So there is this thing that has annoyed me since my Samsung Galaxy S8. The default vibration pattern for notifications (when on vibrate mode) seems to be two short vibrations.

This is driving me nuts as I always have my smartphone on vibrate but I want it to only vibrate once, one short "bing" kind of vibration.

I tried several apps which allow you to control the vibration pattern, but they all seem to work only if not in vibrate mode or for older types of OS (\< 8). Mind you that this is pretty much only about WhatsApp, as I don't receive many messages via SMS or anything else. Changing the pattern in WhatsApp does nothing (it keeps vibrating literally exactly the same), external Apps do something sometimes (sometimes 3 vibrations, sometimes 1, most often still 2, and nothing is really reproducible). Finally, Android itself does not really give you any control over vibrations unless I miss something.

I even had a look at the source code which (if I understand correctly) hardcodes the vibration pattern fallback for vibrate mode and does not allow any changes.

I know that it sounds really stupid but this is such a big grind for me, that I even consider switching the OS, as it drives me insane. So if anybody has any help it would be much appreciated.

If relevant, the device is an Essential Phone running Android 10. There is no "Sounds and Vibrations" setting, there is only a "Sound" setting which allows me to change the call and notification sounds but not the patterns.

# Answer
Go to Settings --\> Sounds and Vibrations. There is an option "Vibration Pattern". Change that to "Basic Call".

As pointed out in a comment to this answer, probably this setting is available only in Samsung phones. I haven't checked devices from other manufacturers.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: vibration, android-10
---


title: How does Package Disabler app work?

text:
# Question
Title: How does Package Disabler app work?
There are two apps that can disable system apps (bloatware) from Samsung and LG devices. Those do not need root or any special permission. Can anyone explain how this works?

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is a difference between disabling and removing bloatwares. Disabling can be done without root, but removing them can be done with root only.

The app for LG that you mentioned changes device ownership permissions. It asks you to make itself the device owner. Quoting this site,

> A Device Owner is an application that runs as a device administrator on your Android 5.0+ device. The Device Owner app can use the programming methods in the `DevicePolicyManager` class to take control of the configuration, security and other applications on the device. A device can have only one Device Owner. No other applications can utilize the methods in that class to control the device.

As a device owner, the app can modify the partitions that cannot be otherwise accessed without root. Basically you can consider this a restricted root access (restricted because root permissions have many more privileges compared to device ownership).

Remember that making any app a device owner is kind of playing with your phone's security, so don't do that unless you trust the app fully. In root, you have an option to deny root access. Here, you won't even know what the app is doing under cover, and it might be late before you actually remove it.

---
Tags: applications, system-apps
---


# Question
Title: How do i check my Wireless earbuds Battery?
Okay, So I don't really know What's the appropriate section of StackExchange to post this question, But I'd like recommendations on that.

So i'm using new wireless earbuds that I bought earlier this week, And when i pair them to another phone (A Samsung Galaxy S10+ in this case) It seems to show battery information under the Bluetooth device's name. e.g(Battery : 100%)

Although, when i use the earbuds with my tablet (An extremely laggy and weak Lenovo tablet) It seems to show nothing under the Device's name... What can i do to make it show the Battery information? where can i get battery information about my Xiaomi earbuds?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have found the answer to this question, As User @Robert commented on my post, And i installed BatOn And now the battery usage shows up. Thank you!.

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


# Question
Title: Root integrity check on Infocus Epic 1 says "System Check FAIL!!"
When I did a root integrity check on my InFocus Epic 1 from recovery mode, it shows too many errors and at the end it says:

> Error:found 432 new files.
> Error:found 63 lost files.
> Error:found 15 modified files.
>
> System check FAIL!!

What should I do now?

# Answer
> 2 votes
> My reply is built on my assumption that the OP want to ask about his device's root status, and if it's been altered or not

---

# Check Selinux Status:

Selinux defines which process can access a given resource on your device. AFAIK, all Android device manufacturers companies ship their devices with **Selinux Enforcing (Default)**, in some custom ROMs you may find **Selinux Permissive** or **Selinux Disabled**, in those cases system will grant any permission requested by any app.

* To verify Selinux status, type the following on your command line:

```
adb shell getenforce

```
* **Possible Output values:**

> + **Enforcing**
>     + **Permissive**
>     + **Disabled**
* **Default Value (general consumer products):**

> + **Enforcing**

---

# Check ROM/Firmware signing keys:

Check if you have a ROM/Firmware signed with **release-keys** or **test-keys**. The main difference is that test-keys are available for Public and everyone know them, but release-keys are kept secret by the person who signed the ROM/Firmware, hence those ROMs signed with release-keys are more secure than ROMs signed with test-keys.

* To verify your signature, type the following on your command line:

```
adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint

```

> + **test-keys**
>     + **release-keys**
* **Default Value (general consumer products):**

> + **release-keys**
* **Example (general consumer products):**

> + samsung/dreamqltevl/dreamqltecan:9/PPR1.180610.011/G950WVLS6CSG1:user/**release-keys**

---

# Check ROM/Firmware build type:

Check if you have a Production built ROM (**or not:** maybe a debugging version)

* To verify your build, type the following on your command line:

```
adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint

```

> + **user Build:** It has a limited access; no su binary and used for production.
>     + **userdebug Build:** It's similar to user build but it has su binary, thus it's root access and debugging capability; it's used to debug technical issues, and it's a bit slower than user build in performance
>     + **eng Build:** It's a development build with lot of debugging tools, and generally it's the lowest in performance compared to other builds, not used for production.
* **Default Value (general consumer products):**

> + **user**
* **Example (general consumer products):**

> + samsung/dreamqltevl/dreamqltecan:9/PPR1.180610.011/G950WVLS6CSG1:**user**/release-keys

---

# Check if your device is Encrypted:

* To verify your device encryption, type the following on your command line:

```
adb shell getprop ro.crypto.state

```
* **Possible Output values:**

> + **Encrypted**
>     + **Unencrypted**
* **Default Value (general consumer products):**

> + **Encrypted**

---

# Check dm-verity Status:

Verity is used to check the integrity of your device, and device manufacturers using verified boot have a their methods for verifying the integrity of the kernel with an unchangeable key which is burned on the device at factory level.

* To verify if you're able to change dm-verity status, type the following on your command line:

```
adb enable-verity

```
* **Possible Output values:**

> + **Enabled**
>     + **Disabled**
* **Default Value (general consumer products):**

> + **Enabled**
* **Example (general consumer products):**

> + **enable-verity only works for userdebug builds<br>verity cannot be disabled/enabled - USER build**

---

# Check Security Level Patch Date:

Security Patch Level is another layer of security, to protect users from latest CVEs and exploits, Google works with partners and the public to provide patches for any Android devices to receive security updates at least once every 90 days.

* To verify Security Patch Level date, type the following on your command line:

```
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

```

---

You may also check SafetyNet CTS Test, but it may be bypassed by Magisk Systemless root.

---

If your device has it's default values with a user build signed with release-keys then you should not be worried about root integrity check.

---
Tags: recovery-mode
---


title: fastboot boot TWRP.img Not working

text:
# Question
Title: fastboot boot TWRP.img Not working
I'm trying to just boot the TWRP image for my OnePlus 5t to then install a custom ROM. So I typed `fastboot boot "C:\Users\Elias\Downloads\twrp-3.3.1-0-dumpling.img"` and it seemed to work and I got the output:

```
Downloading 'boot.img'                             OKAY [  0.808s]
booting                                            OKAY [ 10.119s]
Finished. Total time: 10.992s

```

But the device just shows the text: "Fastboot Mode" and doesn't do anything. I now read on this forum that they somehow removed it but it would still be possible with: `fastboot -c "lge.kcal=0|0|0|x" boot customrecovery.img` but this flag doesn't seem to exist.

The output is:

```
C:\platform-tools\fastboot.exe: unknown option -- c

```

My goal is just to install a custom ROM without actually flashing anything except the ROM. So if somebody knows a different way, it would be welcome as well.

# Answer
> 3 votes
There are different versions of fastboot.exe available.

One old version I have has the command line option `-c` as

```
-c <cmdline>               override kernel commandline

```

The recent versions for Android SDK (v29.0.5-5949299) does not has the `-c` option. Instead it has the option `--cmdline` which seem to the the exactly same thing:

```
--cmdline CMDLINE          Override kernel command line.

```

Therefore you may succeed changing the command-line to

```
fastboot --cmdline "lge.kcal=0|0|0|x" boot customrecovery.img

```

---
Tags: fastboot, oneplus-5t
---


title: How do I totally disable my phone?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I totally disable my phone?
I've bought a very cheap Android 8.1 tablet (which has 2 sim slots) just to play about with. As it's cheap, the battery isn't wonderful and it has a very short life before it needs recharging. The main culprit is "Phone Idle" which uses a vast amount of CPU time, whether I have sims installed or not. I don't actually want to use the phone at all, just the tablet features; is there any way of completely disabling the phone functions ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try turning on airplane mode and turn on wifi.

---
Tags: battery
---


title: Bug in Asus Zenfone max pro m2

text:
# Question
Title: Bug in Asus Zenfone max pro m2
I've found a serious privacy bug in system app of stock android 9.0 of Asus Zenfone Max pro m2. The problem is I am confused about where to file this bug? Should I go for Report bugs: Android or should I use ZenUI forums?

# Answer
Since it is stock Android, it would be appropriate posting as directed in the link you included in the question. Make sure it's not already reported. If it is, you can either *star* (you would get mail updates) or add if your observations add more information

In addition, report on Asus official forums too, since you say it is a *serious* bug.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: settings, 9.0-pie, bugs
---


# Question
Title: Why does Speedo On app does not show on Galaxy Store?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit2 Pro and a Samsung Galaxy Note9. I installed the Speedo On app on the phone, which requires a companion Speedo On app from the Galaxy Store for the watch.

> Samsung - If you have a Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro watch or a Samsung Gear watch, please ensure that the Speedo On app is installed on both your smartphone and your watch. To download the watch app: Select “Settings”, Select “Samsung Galaxy apps”, Search “Speedo On”, Select “Install”

However, when I search for this app in the Galaxy Store, it does not show up in the results.

I called Speedo and they assured that the device is supported and I saw reviews in the App Store with people saying they are using it the Fit2 Pro.

Does anyone have this issue? Is there a way to side-load the app to the watch?

# Answer
I contacted Samsung and they said this app is not supported on the Gear Fit2 Pro.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-gear
---


title: Missig remove option

text:
# Question
Title: Missig remove option
When I list the attached devices on my Google account in the security option and click to expand the device I wish to remove, then click on the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner, there is no option there to remove the device. Any suggestions as to how I can remove the device. Thanks

# Answer
> 0 votes
Previously it was removing access of the google account from the device and now also its doing the same. To remove account access in a specific device, just click on the 3 dots as mentioned above and click sign out.

You can also view your devices from this link https://mydevices.google.com

---
Tags: google
---


# Question
Title: Can a System-App read the data of other apps on Android 9?
I want to know if a system-app is able to read the data of other apps (the data stored in /data/data.) on Android 9.

Thanks!

# Answer
Yes! **System Apps** with the protection level signature (the System APK must be signed with the same key used to sign the ROM/Firmware), can read/write/execute/delete all data stored on **/data/data** or other folders on the device.

Note that third party apps (OEM custom apps) found on system/priv-app with protection level **signatureOrSystem** (Deprecated in Android 6.0). may not be able to do this unless they have **signature** protection level which means signed with the same key as the ROM/Firmware.

**Examples:** I've seen some chinese manufactures with their built-in data clone solutions which can make a backup to the whole APK and it's data in another phone, and IMO, this is a security risk which should not exist at all on android devices.

***EDIT 1:*** As i've mentioned before let's take a look at an Android APK which is able to copy other APKs data/data folders, it's called Amiclone "com.gionee.dataghost" from the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Gionee (which BTW, faced bankruptcy and liquidation on 2018)

* We have the following information, from version 2.1.0w\_pub build 20100022

+ **Permissions:**

    ```
    android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
    android.permission.ACCESS_MTK_MMHW
    android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
    android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER
    android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE
    android.permission.BLUETOOTH
    android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN
    android.permission.CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE
    android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE
    android.permission.GET_TASKS
    android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES
    android.permission.INTERNET
    android.permission.KILL_BACKGROUND_PROCESSES
    android.permission.MANAGE_DOCUMENTS
    android.permission.MODIFY_PHONE_STATE
    android.permission.MOUNT_FORMAT_FILESYSTEMS
    android.permission.MOUNT_UNMOUNT_FILESYSTEMS
    android.permission.READ_CALENDAR
    android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG
    android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
    android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
    android.permission.READ_LOGS
    android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE
    android.permission.READ_SMS
    android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
    android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO
    android.permission.UPDATE_APP_OPS_STATS
    android.permission.WAKE_LOCK
    android.permission.WRITE_CALENDAR
    android.permission.WRITE_CALL_LOG
    android.permission.WRITE_CONTACTS
    android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
    android.permission.WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE
    android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
    android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS
    android.permission.WRITE_SMS
    com.gionee.youju.statistics.permission.READ_PROVIDER
    com.gionee.youju.statistics.permission.WRITE_PROVIDER

    ```
    + **Signature:**

    ```
    Number of signers: 1
    Signer #1 certificate DN: EMAILADDRESS=gionee@gionee.com, CN=Gionee, OU=Gionee, O=Gionee, L=ShenZhen, ST=GuangDong, C=CN
    Signer #1 certificate SHA-256 digest: c2d992c8a4cda2eed55f69357d6759937878e9a0f0b629524e88aa81ed65f802
    Signer #1 certificate SHA-1 digest: 1bb8b4f46eafc2a06a46ba68fd8de543a5c65cbd
    Signer #1 certificate MD5 digest: b49792a5687b641492e10a29152f7454
    Signer #1 key algorithm: RSA
    Signer #1 key size (bits): 2048
    Signer #1 public key SHA-256 digest: 858b75200e11e0e62f6377b0b56beb728085823bddc31669d8348ee28b651815
    Signer #1 public key SHA-1 digest: c780dfb20637a7cedcaf78298ec1bfcb7b069da1
    Signer #1 public key MD5 digest: ceb817433cbe5a6a3c42cc7a562617ab

    ```

Also, this APK has a built-in busybox binary, and it's able to dump the whole user data from /data/data folders while transferring Apps from a Gionee device t o another.

# Conclusion:

Yes, a system APK can copy other Apps and their data, but it's not only about signature as @Irfan has pointed out in his comment, there are permissions of different levels (some of them require signature level protection) etc... But, as Android Enthusiasts replies are generally for end-users, the full details are not required to answer a question.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: system-apps, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: What is this blue button next to URL in Android Firefox?
The blue document looking icon:

# Answer
It's reader view for clutter free reading, similar to simplified view on Chrome

> Reader View is a Firefox feature that strips away clutter like buttons, ads and background images, and changes the page's text size, contrast and layout for better readability. Reader View settings are easily customizable to fit your reading preferences.

Tap it to reveal a blue circular icon with Aa inscribed, from where you can configure the settings for reader view

(Click to enlarge)
> 3 votes

---
Tags: firefox-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to root an Android phone without unlocking the bootloader?
I've tried almost any method to root my ASUS ZenFone Live, but no one seems to work. Also I only need root, no unlocked bootloader (don't want to wipe data) or custom recovery (not essential ATM).

# Answer
> 11 votes
This can be marked a duplicate of questions like this, but it's a device-specific question. It cannot be answered in a generic way, should be ***“How to root XYZ Android device without unlocking bootloader?”***

Simple answer is: **It should not be possible to root Android devices without unlocking bootloader, but is possible for some devices due to security vulnerabilities or bad security implementations**.

Android's security model recommends OEMs/SoC vendors implement a Chain of Trust which must have a hardware-backed root of trust \- a cryptographic key. On boot every software component verifies the integrity of the next component before loading it in memory. This chain of trust starts with BootROM (the very first executable code which runs on Power ON) and ends at `/system` and `/vendor` partitions. Everything in between - bootloaders, Device Tree, Linux kernel and Android OS code - is verified to be unaltered.

Since Android by-design won't allow any app (system or user) to run with root privileges, we have to modify critical parts like `boot.img` (which contains kernel) and/or `system.img` (which contains Android OS/ROM) in order to gain root access. Modifying such components means they are no more signed with OEM's private keys and hence cannot be verified by bootloader. So we have to **unlock bootloader** to break the chain of trust so that it just ignores the unverifiable state of OS. Unlocking bootloader is usually accompanied by flashing custom recovery because it makes other modifications easy.

That said, if there are flaws in implementation of Verified Boot or if there are hacks to elevate privileges from within running OS, it becomes possible to gain root privileges without unlocking bootloader. But that's very device-specific, not applicable to other devices. Power users who want to root their devices prefer to go for devices with unlockable bootloaders, rather looking for exploits and vulnerabilities which may also get fixed over time.

Note that some new devices which implement Android Verified Boot (AVB or VB 2) support user-settable root of trust i.e. injecting a new key for signing and verifying process. Such devices can be locked after flashing a (possibly rooted) custom ROM. However unlocking bootloader is necessarily required in the first place.

---
Tags: root-access, security, recovery-mode, bootloader, bootloader-lock
---


# Question
Title: Apps are not allowed by Google to read SMS messages, but why can they read OTP SMS directly?
Termux:API app has a command `termux-sms-list` to list SMS messages on the Termux terminal. However, the wiki says that it is not supported anymore because of Google.

> Usage of this API is no longer allowed by Google and we had to disable it to prevent delisting of Termux:API application from the Google Play.

But still, banking apps that use OTP authentication using SMS can still auto-read the incoming SMS and enter the password without user interaction.

So what makes them different API-wise?

# Answer
> 26 votes
**Google blocks apps from (mis)using Call Log and/or SMS permissions if they are not the core functionalities of the apps, with some exceptions and alternatives.**

SMS (`termux-sms-list` and `termux-sms-send`) and Call Log (`termux-call-log`) are not the main purpose of Termux:API app, thus the developer had to remove the permissions to prevent the app from being removed on the Play Store.

From Play Console Help,

> If your app does not require access to Call Log or SMS permissions, you must remove these permissions from your app's manifest. Details on policy compliant alternative implementation are also detailed below.
>
> ### When should you access these permissions
>
> You should only access Call Log or SMS permissions when your app falls within permitted uses and only to enable your app’s critical core functionality.
>
> Core functionality is defined as the main purpose of the app. This may comprise of a set of core features, which must all be prominently documented and promoted in the app's description. Without the core feature(s), the app is "broken" or rendered unusable.

There are some temporary exceptions that the developer can apply for (detail on the same help page), but in the end, it's up to Google's discretion to allow it or not.

On the other hand, Google also provides an alternative *exclusive* for reading OTP SMS, called SMS Verification APIs *which utilizes Google Play Services*. This doesn't require an app to request SMS permission, but the device needs to have Play Services working.

Though, **the restriction is mainly limited to the Google Play Store's policy**. Apps hosted on alternative markets or self-hosted may ignore this and just use the Android permissions as before without worrying about delisting, though users may feel uncomfortable with such privacy-invasive permissions.

---

In short, API-wise, the difference is:

1. Termux:API used **Android's permission system**, which is restricted by Google Play Store's policy now.
2. Banking (and other) apps utilize **Google Play Service's SMS Verification API**, exclusively for reading OTP SMS targeted for their own apps only.

---
Tags: sms, permissions
---


# Question
Title: How do I organize notifications on a Galaxy Note 10 - Seperate Messages from System Nots, Different Sounds, etc
Just switched from iPhone to my Note10 and i love it. However what drives me crazy is that I get tons of system notifications that all pool in the Notification bar. However, to be honest I only really want to see personal notifitaions there, like messages and so on, System Notifications better only if I request to see them. How do I seperate system notififications and message notifications. Also ho do I specify different sound, so I hear if its a Whatsapp or Insta or Facebook ...

Also, how do I make these notifications appear on the locked screen, like they do on the iphone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You'll want to play around with the notification settings in your settings app. This is will be different for you, but on my Note 3 I go into the settings app -\> Device -\> Sounds and notifications -\> application notifications. From here I can disable notifications for specific apps, and set apps as priority notifiers. imagine it's aomewhat similar with the note 10. Additionally, some apps will let you disable or change the notification sound from within the app, but here YMMV.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by separating system notifications and message notifications.

As for making them appear on the lock screen, see if you can find a related setting under notifications or lock screen. This is also under "sounds and notifications" in the note 3 settings app, although this is again likely to be different for you.

---
Tags: notifications, lock-screens, notification-bar, notification-icons
---


title: Play Store can't update apps

text:
# Question
Title: Play Store can't update apps
I have a Xiaomi Redmi 5A with mi-globe MIUI 11 ROM, with Magisk 20.0 root. Yesterday, Play Store updates suddenly stopped working. I checked the logcat and it appears it's trying to link `/data/app/com.google.android.apps.photos-Q_Pb6hixcLrelRKL6ammsw==//oat/arm64/base.odex` to `/data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp//oat/arm64/base.odex`. The "`//`" directory does not exist of course, but I don't know why is it trying to link. Here is the full logcat:

```
10-27 15:49:49.350   761  2417 E installd: Failed to link from /data/app/com.google.android.apps.photos-Q_Pb6hixcLrelRKL6ammsw==//oat/arm64/base.odex to /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp//oat/arm64/base.odex: No such file or directory
10-27 15:49:49.354  1552  1619 E PackageInstaller: Commit of session 1427524294 failed: Failed to inherit existing install: failed linkOrCreateDir(/oat/arm64/base.odex, /data/app/com.google.android.apps.photos-Q_Pb6hixcLrelRKL6ammsw==, /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp): android.os.ServiceSpecificException: Failed to link from /data/app/com.google.android.apps.photos-Q_Pb6hixcLrelRKL6ammsw==//oat/arm64/base.odex to /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp//oat/arm64/base.odex (code 2)
10-27 15:49:49.360   761  2417 E         : Couldn't opendir /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp: No such file or directory
10-27 15:49:49.360   761  2417 E installd: Failed to delete /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp: No such file or directory
10-27 15:49:49.365  3533  3533 E Finsky  : [2] qgv.onReceive(19): Error -506 while installing com.google.android.apps.photos: INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE: Failed to inherit existing install: failed linkOrCreateDir(/oat/arm64/base.odex, /data/app/com.google.android.apps.photos-Q_Pb6hixcLrelRKL6ammsw==, /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp): android.os.ServiceSpecificException: Failed to link from /data/app/com.google.android.apps.photos-Q_Pb6hixcLrelRKL6ammsw==//oat/arm64/base.odex to /data/app/vmdl1427524294.tmp//oat/arm64/base.odex (code 2)

```

# Answer
> 0 votes
Backing up the apps' data in `data/data` then uninstalling and reinstalling them solved my problem, also the next updates worked, but can you help me figuring out why did this happen?

---
Tags: google-play-store, root-access, xiaomi, miui
---


title: Google asistant keeps playing sounds

text:
# Question
Title: Google asistant keeps playing sounds
My google assistant keeps playing sounds even when th screen is off, the sound is the same as when it proposes to speak to the microphone. But I can't stop it, even after the screen is off. So I need a simple solution, I know I can stop he application by forcing stop, but I relly prefer to do it by app settings if possible, just becouse if I open the app again the problem starts again, and I use this app often, so It's anoying. I'm on Galaxy A10 running android 9.0

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you don't want to use the Assistant, you can:

1. Open Google app
2. Select More -\> Settings -\> Google Assistant
3. Choose Assistant tab -\> Phone and turn off "Google Assistant" switch

This should disable the Assistant and let the rest of Google app still work fine.

---
Tags: google-assistant
---


title: Default Alarm ringtone

text:
# Question
Title: Default Alarm ringtone
Es file explorer can set the default ringtone for Alarms (this means that when you set a new alarm, xyz sound is already selected by default). Factory "default" is set to silent.

Google Assistant will set alarms but uses the factory default sound which sisilent on my phone.

I do not like es file explorer. Is there a way to manually do this without root just as es file explorer does without root?

Are there other programs that will do this with the system sounds.?

Btw, es file explorer will not do this with system sounds but only with my personal files. Which is okay but not acceptable.

# Answer
Honestly easiest way for me:

1. Download Zedge. (Free app)
2. Look up what sound you want (it has alot)
3. Set as "alarm sound"
4. It is now Google clock's alarm default

And it also has wallpapers, ringtones, notification sounds and so on. You can use them anywhere even Facebook messenger.

Hope this helps :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: alarm
---


# Question
Title: adb sync shows Product directory not specified
I am using android in an emulator integrated with eclipse. I was trying to import my gmail contacts into my emulator. For that purpose, I exported my gmail contacts to a .vcf file (contacts.vcf) from my gmail account. Then I used `adb push contacts.vcf /sdcard/contacts.vcf` to make it move into my emulator sdcard. And then, I used `adb sync` to sync the contacts with my emulator. Unfortunately, I got the following output: `adb sync showing product directory not specified`. Somebody help me resolve this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The `adb sync` command is for people to use while developing Android ROMs. The "product directory" mentioned is part of the Android source tree, and `adb sync` can only be used with a ROM you've compiled yourself.

It has nothing to do with syncing contacts or any other app data.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Set your PRODUCT\_OUT by exporting path as explained below:

Open `bashrc` from terminal

```
nano ~/.bashrc

```

Scroll to the bottom of the file and add ANDROID\_PRODUCT\_OUT like this

```
export ANDROID_PRODUCT_OUT= <PATH TO AOSP SOURCE>/out/target/product/<TARGET>

```

CTRL+X to Exit Choose Yes when asking for an override

close the terminal and now it should work in a new terminal.

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: Why does Google Pay require location permission?
Google Pay uses mobile numbers and UPI to transact money.

Why does it require location permissions?

# Answer
Apparently, Google Pay is more than just for payments. One of its features (or bloat) is that it can find jobs for you based on your profile and location, et al.

Per Google Pay Help:

> **How do I find specific types of jobs?**
>
> We recommend jobs for you based on your profile info, location, preferences and your activity in the app.
>
> To find specific types of jobs, make sure that you update your profile info, location and preferences to reflect the sort of jobs that you’re interested in.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: location-services, google-pay
---


# Question
Title: How do I reliably access my music library in Google Play music from my car's bluetooth system
i have a Samsung Galaxy S6 and 2015 Mazda. In general, access my music via bluetooth in my car works much better when I disable Google PLay Music and only use the native music app. However, I would prefer to use Google Play Music simply because when I purchase music from the app and download them to the phone, they are not available to the native app (or any app other than Google Play music...argh!)

So, I am using Tasker to successfully automatically play Google Play Music when it connects to the car's bluetooth, and that works very well. And the music does play.

However, and this is my specific problem, sometimes I cannot access the library screen on my cars bluetooth system, where I choose the artist, track, playlist, album, etc.

Specifically, when I try to select the library icon, it says: "unable to view the content of the connected device."

Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I ended up using Tasker to set the phone up such that the moment the phone is connected to the car's bluetooth, Google Play is launched and a song is played. Then, you'll be able to control the phone's music in Google Play through the car's head unit.

---
Tags: samsung, bluetooth, google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Broken screen and touch on Acer CloudMobile S500, how to control?
My Acer CloudMobile S500 has a broken screen and the touch don't work anymore. After that happened, I connect it to my computer with USB, and happily USB debugging was turned on so I could get all my stuff from my phone.

But my question is, how can I control my phone from my computer? My phone wasn't rooted so I really don't know how to do that without the touchscreen.

I know there are a lot of the same questions like this, but all the answers didn't help me.

# Answer
Use a USB-OTG cable, then you can connect a mouse to the phone and you'll get a cursor on-screen. You can also connect the OTG cable to a USB hub, then you can connect both a mouse and keyboard. You could also connect a wired mouse long enough to pair a Bluetooth mouse/keyboard to the phone.
> 0 votes

# Answer
There are several possible scenarios I can think of:

1. Send inputs through ADB
2. If only part of the screen's touch digitizer is damaged, you can use the native Assistant Menu accessibility funtion to get a mouse pointer on-screen, trackpad style.
3. Use an adapter and plug a mouse into it, assuming they are compatible.
4. If your screen has multiple digitizers, e.g., Samsungs Note series, when one is damaged it doesn't necessarily mean the other is too; in my case, I had a phone where half the screen no longer reads finger touches, but the stylus still worked full-screen.
> 0 votes

# Answer
There is no OTG on that device, and you would need ADB authorized. the only thing left is replacing the digitizer.

Actually quite easy on that model.

Pending you have ADB: the command is

> adb shell input tap x y

or

> adb shell input text

Practice on a working phone, I think its pixel based - vertical orientation.

so look up your pixels, measure it out - mark up some packing tape or something (make a rough grid) and then type tapes to interact
> 0 votes

---
Tags: broken-screen, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: How to test my Device's capability to support WiGig?
Well, how do I test if my Device supports WiGig? My device manufacturer claims that the device supports WiGig but, I don't have a WiGig network, or at least I am not aware of that! Is there an application in Playstore which can do it for me?

# Answer
From what I can tell WiGig exists, and is part of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Running in the 60 GHz range means line of sight so streaming to VR headset appears to be a common use case.

While do you don't mention which Android device you are referring to that page does link to a list of WiGig Certified Devices which appears to be chipsets, no routers or mobile devices.

Even if you had such chipsets on your device, it doesn't mean that the antennas or firmware is configured. Given the lack of consumer hardware supporting WiGig, without more detail, I suspect it to be "marketing enthusiasm" rather than a useable feature.

**Update**

So from the comments, OP has a ASUS ROG II which does market itself to have WiGig, primarily to use the ASUS WiGig Display Dock which makes sense for high-bandwidth video streaming. Companies like ASUS will add in unique features/capabilities to sell devices.

The lack of "WiFi Certified" branding to me seems that while the ASUS ROG II can use WiGig with the ASUS Display Dock, that may be the only thing it is capable of pairing with, at least until you can test with other consumer WiGig devices, if and when they come into the market.
> 3 votes

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


title: Samsung tablet blocked

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung tablet blocked
Bonjour, Tout à l'heure j'ai ressortis ma tablette samsung a6 pour tester une nouvelle fonctionnalité de steam. En voulant l'allumer, j'ai eu un écran bleu avec écris "downloading". J'ai vu sur plusieurs forum qu'il fallait la mettre en mode recovery jusqu'au redémarrage de l'appareil, ce que j'ai fait. Seulement, j'ai malencontreusement relâché les boutons. Ce qui fait que mon appareil est bloqué, je n'arrive pas à le redémarrer. Est-ce un problème de chargeur? Ou un problème de l'appareil ? Merci de m'aider, Ziscko.

Hello ! I try to retart my tablet samsung a6, but a blue screen apears with "downlading". I learn in others forums that i have to restar my tablet in recovery mode, but i failed it and sneeze at bad moment: i didn't recovery mode until restaring. Sorry for ma very bad english.. Can somebody help me ?

*Translated using Google Translate:*

Hello, Just now I came out my Samsung A6 tablet to test a new feature of steam. Wanting to turn it on, I had a blue screen with "downloading". I saw on several forums that it was necessary to put in recovery mode until restarting the device, which I did. Only, I accidentally released the buttons. What makes my device is blocked, I can not restart it. Is it a charger problem? Or a problem of the device? Thanks for helping me, Ziscko.

# Answer
download mode is to install firmware or custom recovery. It's accessible VIA pressing power button and vol- button at the same time do if it boots all time to download maybe your vol- button is broken. Also if you want to enter recovery turn device off by holding power button or power+vol- buttons and when it's turned off hold vol+ and power to enter recovery. At recovery you should see "reboot to system option.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, downloading
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy Feel cannot find any Wifi access points
My Samsung Galaxy Feel (running on Android 8.0) cannot find any Wifi access points after turning on the Wifi.

Other mobile phones (iPhone, Xiaomi, Huawei) and computers can find more than three access points.

I've already tried factory reset.

How to fix this issue?

# Answer
Try reinstaling system completely. Sometimes this helps. It is pretty hard to find firmware for samsungs now but i can give you app for this later, then just run odin. If you need support contact me.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: How to emulate a NFC card with an Android phone?
I have installed several "NFC tools" apps, and I am able to **read** a NFC door card. It seems to be able to duplicate it (when I'll have a blank NFC card) or even **write** new NFC tags.

But I'd like to do something else:

**How to make my Android device act as a NFC tag?**

Example: since I can read and get the hexadecimal codes from my NFC door card, I'd like to make my smartphone *act as a NFC card*, so that, if I forget my door card, my smartphone could serve as a NFC tag.

How to do this?

PS: it is surely possible, because when paying with a smartphone ("contactless payment with phone"), the smartphone *acts as a NFC device indeed* for another reader (typically the shop credit card reader).

# Answer
The problems seems to be that it's not possible to emulate/modify the sector 0, which is often the UID (identifier).

This question is linked (but probably outdated).
> 1 votes

# Answer
It is possible physically for the phone hardware but there are software problems, payment works but it's provided by google. I read about using phone as nfc tag recently and even if you can make it work card reader expects like logical address from you when you connect and card has it static while android sets new for itself with every connection so you need to somehow set it also to static.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nfc, rfid
---


# Question
Title: How can I hide the most visited sites on New Tap page in Chrome?
When I open a new tab in Chrome I get a new tab that shows the google search bar and a list of the most recent visited tabs.

How do I hide all these recent visited sites without having to remove every entry manually?

# Answer
* Enter **chrome://flags** in the address bar
* Scroll down to **Show popular sites on the New Tab page**
* Change the setting from default to **Disabled**
* Relaunch Chrome
> 3 votes

# Answer
* Enter **chrome://flags** in the address bar
* Search for **"#explore-sites"**
* Change the setting from **default** to **Disabled**
* Relaunch Chrome
> 1 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Where does Android store the snapshots used on the recent apps?
iOS takes a screenshot of an app every time it is sent to the background (maybe to show as a thumbnail when viewing recent apps. Details are available on this Stack Overflow question).

I did a little research and came to understand that the same feature is used by Android also. This Stack Overflow question deals with it.

This is a security issue if these snapshots are being stored somewhere in the device and are accessible to other apps.

I wanted to test this feature for my app, but I have no idea where Android stores these snapshots. I did some Googling but found nothing about the storage location.

Where are these snapshots located? Is this accessible to users other than root?

# Answer
If what are you asking for is the location of the thumbnails displayed by Android when switching apps, then (on my LineageOS 13) they are stored inside **/data/system/recent\_images** as PNG files called **x\_task\_thumbnail.png** (**x** being a possibly random number).

Since the thumbnails are owned by user **system** and group **system**, and their octal permissions are **600**, you do need root to access them in whatsoever way.
> 4 votes

# Answer
As a follow-up to Death Mask Salesman's answer, Irfan Latif's comment, and also based on a self-experiment on Nexus 5 running Lineage OS 14.1 (Android 7.1) and self-research,

The directory is **`<SYSTEM_DIR><IMAGES_DIRNAME>`** where

* `SYSTEM_DIR`:
* `IMAGES_DIRNAME`: common values are **recent\_images** and **snapshots**, but might be customized by vendors/ROM makers.

The snapshots filename format is **`<TASK_ID><TASK_THUMBNAIL_SUFFIX><IMAGE_EXTENSION>`** where:

* `TASK_ID`: task ID (arbitrary increasing number).
* `TASK_THUMBNAIL_SUFFIX`: default is **\_task\_thumbnail**
* `IMAGE_EXTENSION`: default is **.png**

Accessing these directories and their images **needs root access**.

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Sources:
> 3 votes

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Tags: screenshots, recents-screen, thumbnails
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title: Turning off "storage full" warning

text:
# Question
Title: Turning off "storage full" warning
(Tap to enlarge)

```
Storage almost full

```

OK, nice of you to warn me, I'll take care of that later.

```
Storage almost full

```

OK, good to have a reminder.

```
Storage almost full

```

I guess I could have forgotten twice?

```
Storage almost full

```

Seriously though, do I really have to see it pop up ELEVEN TIMES during the span of a 10:46 Youtube video? Huawei p10 lite with Android 8.0.0 and EMUI 8.0.0 here. Isn't there a way to turn it off until I get to free up some space?

# Answer
Search "notifications" in the settings, select the notification access, then draw over other apps, find the phone manager and turn it off bam the annoying pop-up is gone.

Just leaving this here for people who search how to fix this, found about it myself while trying to solve the problem on my Huawei when websites didn't have the solution.

For me the warning begins to pop-up when I have less than 100mb left in my internal storage and it won't go away until I delete something. It's very annoying when watching a video and it bothers you every 20 something seconds.

You can even remove the icon in the status bar by going to apps, finding the phone manager, clicking on the notifications and disabling Display in the status bar!
> 2 votes

# Answer
I do have such warning whenever my phone storage is below 600mb. I don't think there is any possible solution to stop the warning from popping up whenever you're making use of your phone. But I'll recommend you get a cleanup application. I'm using an infinix hot 5 and it comes with XManager. Whenever I receive such warning, what I usually do is make use of the cleanup option in the XManager to get data of what is eating up my memory space. After scanning you'll get to see what you don't need. After determining that you can go ahead and delete things you don need to free up your space. That's I would recommend you to do for until there is a better solution
> 0 votes

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Tags: storage, huawei, system-error, 8.0-oreo
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