# Question
Title: How to delete an app installed with Amazon Appstore?
I've installed an app using Amazon Appstore, but I don't see a way to uninstall it. Amazon support has failed to respond to my question after 2 days.

I prefer a method that does not involve deleting it with a file manager or some sort of root access.

# Answer
> 19 votes
From the homescreen hit the menu button and select `Settings`. Then select `Applications`, and then `Manage applications`. Find the app you want to uninstall and select it, then clear the data associated with it by tapping `Clear data` and then tap `Uninstall`.

Voila!

**Edit:** I actually just noticed this in Amazon's official help documentation for their Appstore (from June 14th, 2011):

> ...
>
> **Amazon Tested**
> To ensure the highest quality apps in our catalog, we take all submissions through a series of tests. In this process we screen the apps for known viruses and malware, test the app to check that it actually does what it claims to do, and test whether the app affects the stability of the other functions of your phone. These tests include (but are not limited to):
>
> * **Installation:** The application installs and opens, upgrades can be installed *and the application can be uninstalled by following the phone's regular uninstall method.*
>
> ...

(Italics added by me.)

Clearly they intentionally left out an Amazon Appstore-native method of removing apps you've downloaded and installed from them.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Just FYI, they have instructions posted on their site under the "Your Apps & Device" section of amazon.com/apps, support should have been able to respond to that very quickly. Uninstall is definitely lacking in the app itself.

Note: if you uninstall the Amazon Appstore itself, some apps downloaded through it may no longer function, this was confirmed with Angry Birds Rio by Droid-life.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Did you guys checkout the updated Amazon's official help documentation?

> How can I delete an app from the My Apps list?
>
> Visit Your Apps from a web browser. Select "Delete this app" from the "Actions..." drop down menu to the right of the app you'd like to delete. Confirm you'd like to delete the app and your app will be removed from the My Apps list on all Android devices registered to your account. If the app has been downloaded to a device, it will have to be manually uninstalled.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Update: From the android app go to My Apps \> Cloud, long press and it will prompt for uninstall from the Amazon Cloud level.

No more pesky accidental re-installations.

---
Tags: uninstallation, amazon-appstore
---


# Question
Title: App drawer icon gone from Cyanogenmod dock
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2, running the latest CM10.1.

I lost the app drawer icon on my Dock;
I must have deleted it.
*The app drawer icon lets you go to the app list, and the widget list.*

How do I get the app drawer icon back?
The icon looks like a circle with 6 dots inside it.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Here are two things you can do:

**(1)** Download the FREE AppDrawer app from Google Play.
It gives you a shortcut to the app list.
However, it does not give you the widget list.

**(2)** Reset Trebuchet.

**NOTE:** Use the procedure below at your own risk.
It clears (or resets) the contents of your home screen.

CM10.1 uses the Trebuchet launcher.

From your homescreen,
press the `left menu` button, and select `Manage apps`.
Look for Trebuchet, and click it.
Press the `Clear data` button. Alternatively, you may find success (without having to repopulate all of your home screens) via simply selecting "Clear Cache" and then "Force Stop" on the Trebuchet apps menu.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This happened to me as well. I finally figured it out.

It was not actually gone - it was hiding under the Contacts icon (the blue face on the bottom right). Long press on the Contacts icon, then move the icon up.

Then you should have your 6 dots back and be able to launch apps again.

If it keeps happening, either remove all the other icons or install a different launcher.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's possible that you reduced the number of items to show. Trebuchet doesn't move your icons when you shrink the grid; they simply remain off-screen. Check these:

* Settings / Home screen / Dock: Icons and Pages
* Settings / Home screen / Homescreen: Grid size and Homescreens.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I experienced the same problem with Cyanogenmod 11 and was quite disappointed that this was Cyanogemod 11's official app launcher. Icons of apps installed on SD kept disappearing after each reboot.

The only solution that worked for me was to install Google Now which installs it's own app launcher that has all the modern features and works flawlessly.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher

# Answer
> 0 votes
If appdrawer is missing then simply tap and hold your shortcut area i.e. your contacts, default messaging app arra, a pop up will appear, select default icon then select appdrawer, that's all you have your app opening button on your home screen. Thanks in advance

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, launcher
---


# Question
Title: Most of the apps crashing after editing platform.xml
I tried making writing to SD possible, so I edited `platform.xml` to add `<group gid=”media_rw” /> to “WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE“`.

When I rebooted everything started crashing. I cannot open any apps. It says it connects to Wi-Fi but cannot access the internet.

I tried:

1. Restoring original `platform.xml` \- nothing good.
2. NAND backup -\> restore to previous backup -\> copy `.xml` from there and restore it - nothing good again.
3. Dirty flash the ROM which made me unable to even go to Recovery - had to re-flash TWRP.
4. Backup all apps via ADB and restore them on my previous backup, but all the settings are messed up.

Is there anything I can do to fix the `platform.xml` issue? What could be causing everything to crash like that? I restored the `.xml`, so why is it still broken?

# Answer
Ended up resolving the issue by doing a factory reset and restoring all the apps from an old backup. Some loss but everything works at least.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: crashes
---


# Question
Title: What do these symbols mean/what apps do they represent?
What do these symbols represent?

# Answer
*Partial Answer*

---

First one is Podcast Addict.
> 9 votes

# Answer
Thanks to @vanogrid for the heads up on the second one.

It is Todoist, and I found the icon with the plus/+ here. It's a persistent notification that allows you to add a task.
> 7 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: How to get back data (backup stored in Google account) after factory resetting Samsung Galaxy Note 4?
Before factory resetting the device, I made backup in my Gmail ID. But now I can't find the backup option.

Is there any way to recover the data? If it's possible, how can I do this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
in spite of the popup which says to avoid asking for clarification, i need to ask for clarification.

What type of data. Where is/was it stored?

Reason 1 - if you are talking about sent messages and drafts gmail should store that automatically. check your folders @gmail.

Reason 2 - if this is "deleted" data on device then you have a data recovery possible by cross-compiling the foremost forensic data recovery tool for usage on your device. I have actually done this before. Though foremost is a little limited it what it can retrieve. You do not necessarily need root access in normal operation to use it if you have a custom recovery.

If you do have a custom recovery first dump the entire data partition via adb shell, usually cwm/twrp both have parted available, you will need to find out what your block device layout is, assuming it's an mmcblk type, while in recovery and connected via adb run

```
adb shell
parted /dev/block/mmcblk0

```

\[or the like, and at (parted) prompt run\]

```
print all

```

then number along the left column corresponds to the mmcblk partition. So if userdata show up at entry 18 for example, then your data partition is

```
/dev/block/mmcblk0p18

```

once you find that out back out of adb shell to your regular terminal prompt and run, using example above , your specifics will vary,

```
adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p18 data.img

```

from there you have an emrgency backup of the data partition that you can take to someone else to perform the data recovery procedure if you can't manage it yourself.

From here you can push foremost to your device after mounting /system and /data

```
adb shell mount /system && adb shell mount /data

```

and run through the routine, alternately you can mount the data partion image you pulled and try the available foremost build for your distro.

---
Tags: restore
---


title: Create symlink/mount/bind in root

text:
# Question
Title: Create symlink/mount/bind in root
I want to compile (through make) on my Android phone. I have root access.

I have almost all the things set up. But there's this hitch. All the configure files have a shebang of **#!/bin/sh**. I can execute them by *$SHELL configure* I've also set **$CONFIG\_SHELL** But some configure files execute other shell scripts and they give the **/bin/sh: no such file or directory**.

I'm thinking about creating a symlink /bin/sh -\> /system/bin/sh I've read somewhere that the root file system is the ramdisk and any changes to it will require to be done in the **init.rc** file. So, if I want to accomplish this I'd need to first create a directory 'bin' then make a symlink 'sh' in it. I doubt that **ln** will work in init.rc.

I have this another idea. Make a directory 'bin' somewhere preferably in Terminal IDE's (I'm using that) data directory. Then create a symlink in there sh -\> /system/bin/sh. Then create 'bin' in / through and use mount the first bin to /bin through init.rc

Thirdly, I can just mkdir bin and cp /system/bin/sh /bin/sh

Also, all of these methods will fail and result in boot failure if any of the source directories cannot be found.

I want to know which method will be more safe and if there exists a safer alternative?

# Answer
> 2 votes
@vishalbiswas For that to work you may also need to export PATH and LD\_LIBRARY\_PATH

you can actually script out your required set up and push that script to xbin so it be run as executable. so you would be looking at something like this for setup name the script to what works for you

```
#!/system/bin/sh
mount -o rw,remount /
mkdir /bin && mkdir /lib
chmod 755 /bin /lib
mount -o bind /system/bin /bin
mount -o bind /system/lib /lib
export PATH=/bin && export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/lib

```

the above is loose, tinker with it a little, now to close it out mostly reverse order

```
#!/system/bin/sh
umount /bin && umount /lib
mount -o ro,remount /

```

the directories /bin and /lib should vanish on reboot since they are living in ram and you shouldn't need to unset PATH and LD\_LIBRARY\_PATH as when you close your terminal instance those variables should die with it.

The other approach is to set up a no-frills chrooted arm linux in your external sd card's second partition. I use debian and customed my init.environ.rc as follows

```
# set up the global environment
on init
    export PATH /sbin:/vendor/bin:/system/sbin:/system/bin:/system/gcc/bin:/system/xbin:/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin
    export LD_LIBRARY_PATH /system/lib:/system/gcc/lib:/system/vendor/lib
    export ANDROID_BOOTLOGO 1
    export ANDROID_ROOT /system
    export ANDROID_ASSETS /system/app
    export ANDROID_DATA /data
    export ANDROID_STORAGE /storage
    export ASEC_MOUNTPOINT /mnt/asec
    export LOOP_MOUNTPOINT /mnt/obb
    export BOOTCLASSPATH [blah blah jars blah xD ]

# Debian CHROOT
    export DEBIAN_ROOT /debian
    export TMPDIR /tmp
    mount -t proc none /debian/proc
    mount -t sysfs none /debian/sys
    mount -o bind /dev /debian/dev
    mount -o bind /proc/net /debian/proc/net
    mount -t devpts none /debian/dev/pts

```

in this approach your file manager should read your chroot partition files directories and all without issue. i use total commander.

EDIT- i forgot the necessary entry in fstab it goes as follows, again adjust to your device's scheme

```
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.2/by-num/p2              /debian      ext4    rw,errors=panic                               wait

```

Here is the tutorial i learned to do the above from http://whiteboard.ping.se/Android/Debian

Do look for a fairly current distro image though. As long as you don't try to delete a bind mounted directory without first UNMOUNTING IT \[ i have never ever ever done that btw\] you won't accidentally delete your system.

---
Tags: root-access, shell, mount
---


# Question
Title: Why one cannot download the drivers of the Android OS like we do in our pc's
I know that i sound kind of a noob but i had this question from the day i started tweaking my phone .I know that without kernel sources it is very hard to get drivers for the phone for the sake of custom ROM support but my question is why can't i just download the drivers from the manufacturer website as i download for my pc .i can install the desired android version i want and if the driver is available for the respective Android version i could simply install it as an application as i would do it in my PC.what exactly the kernel sources contain.

# Answer
> 0 votes
sadly if it was an application like on the PC there would be billions of pirated versions and you would have to bother to search through all of them to find the official one. If there is an update for your phone it will appear as a notification and it will inform you that it is available.

# Answer
> 0 votes
@vishalaestro

Android doesn't work like that, many if not most "drivers" are closed source proprietary binaries and shared libraries, as well as some firmware files in kernel sources. You can't flip drivers on Android devices like you can in Windows as those "drivers" are tightly built into the Android system, tied to numerous sevices and many standard libraries as well. Your customization options without rom hopping or upgrading API level \[if that firmware exists\], comes with rooting your devices, dumping you stock recovery, disassembling the image and beginning to construct your device tree , then getting hold of android source code build system and having a ball! Should be doesn't factor into it. it is what it is.

BUT, getting hold of the kernel source and "correcting" shortcomings has alot more possibilities. check out the forums on xda \[the good ones anyway\] and you'll see what goes into the process.

---
Tags: kernel
---


title: Specific URL Blocked

text:
# Question
Title: Specific URL Blocked
I have a Nexus 9 and a HTC One M8.

On both Devices my Access to a specific URL is somehow "blocked" through browser and through App.

With blocked i mean the following behavior:

* Website (or the App) is able to load some text Data. This process takes quite some time.
* Pictures and Video wont load at all.
* There is never a "Connection Problem" Error
* If i connect to the URL over Mobile Data everything works.

Things i tried:

* Access URL over PC (works)
* Reboot Device / Reinstall App
* Reboot the Modem
* Deleted the Cookies / Cache in Chrome
* WiFi Turned off and on / Delete the WiFi and added it new
* Ping the URL form the android Device (0 Packages lost; 45ms avg)

As far as i can tell the Problem occurs between the communication from my Devices to the Modem.

The URL is www.viki.com

But i have really no clue what i could do next (besides Factory Reset, wich i would like to avoid)

Thanks for your help in advance.

# Answer
There may be packet loss occurring on your network. Try pinging the site.

Windows: ping www.viki.com(Windows will auto 6 pings) Linux: ping -c(x) www.viki.com(where x is the number of times to ping)

If the result is that there is substantial packet loss(above 10%) try clearing your DNS Cache.

Windows: type cmd within Windows search to get Command Terminal then type:ipconfig/flushdns at the C:\> Linux: Depends on the Linux distro. usually located in /etc/init.d Once in the /etc/init.d directory see if there is a file named "dns-clean" if there is just type: ./dns-clean then try to log on to www.viki.com again. Hope this helps but keep in mind that there could be other causes for your problem but this is a good start. Good Luck!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: connection-issues, htc-one-m8, nexus-9
---


# Question
Title: Why can't my tablet detect my bluetooth speaker after I reset the tablet?
I reset my galaxy tablet and it no longer detects my Sharkk Bluetooth speaker. How can I resolve this problem?

# Answer
You have to get your speaker into pairing-mode at first. You can get into it by holding the "M"-button for five seconds. After that, it should show up as a bluetooth-device on your tablet. I think, this video could also help: Review Sharkk Portable Bluetooth Speaker
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: I can use Wi-Fi to browse with my phone but I can't connect to WhatsApp using the Wi-Fi.
When I am connected to school Wi-Fi, I can browse but I cannot connect to WhatsApp or Instagram. When I am connected to Wi-Fi in other places, both WhatsApp and Instagram work perfectly fine. The only way one can access WhatsApp and Instagram using the school Wi-Fi is using a rooted phone and I don't want to root mine. Please help.

# Answer
Maybe your school has a firewall or blacklist, that blocks these sites? Is your friend using a vpn or something like that? These are sometimes easier to configure with root, than without.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Forget Android Screen Lock Pin for samsung galaxy s7262
Forget Android Screen Lock Pin for samsung galaxy s7262 tried many times not even asking for forget pin or google account details.

# Answer
Follow these instructions:

1. Root your mobile
2. Using ADB delete the file under `/data/system/gesture.key` for Gesture or `/data/system/passwd.key` for Password/PIN.
3. Reboot your mobile
4. If you were using a PIN ,it won't ask anything. You can directly start using your mobile.

Don't worry about your data as it won't be lost.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try entering the lock pin for several times, the Google password recovery will popup and will ask you for recovery options.

**If the above recovery fails, nothing else will work.**

Just go and reset you phone.

Here is a good tutorial for hard resetting your device.

Tutorial for hard reset a Samsung device
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung
---


title: WhatsApp error when trying to reinstall

text:
# Question
Title: WhatsApp error when trying to reinstall
I have installed and restored WhatsApp a million times or so when flashing and switching between ROMs.

Last night I tried something funny, and it cost me too much. I tried to install WhatsApp for another number (my phone has dual SIM). While SMS verification was happening, it got registered via my previously registered WhatsApp number.

Now even after I deleted the new no. account, I am still not able to get my old account back. When I give my old number, it doesn’t ask for SMS verification, and goes to local backup directly, but fails there and throws error.

On the other hand, I can verify the account, but cannot restore all my messages.

My messages are quite important.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is one way I hope will fix your problem:

1. Go to your phone settings
2. Open Application manager
3. Scroll and find WhatsApp and then click it
4. You will see a screen with application detail
5. Click on **Clear cache** and then click on **Clear data** buttons

It will make your WhatsApp as a fresh application. Then try to log in with your old account .

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Details to setup Microsoft exchange works on iPhone but not on Samsung S6?
I've tried to set up Microsoft Exchange on my new Samsung S6. All the details used work on my old iPhone but will not work on the Samsung S6?

I've tried downloading Outlook and doing it from in there, but that won't work either. It says my server is not supported?

# Answer
There is very good step by step tutorial for configuring the exchange account in Samsung galaxy s6

Please look into the following URL and try to configure your mobile with the given example in the tutorial using your own credential

http://support.bell.ca/Mobility/Smartphones\_and\_mobile\_internet/Samsung-Galaxy-S6.how\_to\_add\_a\_microsoft\_exchange\_email\_account\_on

And if it works please accept my answer and votes up :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: exchange, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: How to send any kind of voice messages from phone to a tablet used by a kid who can't read?
My daughter is 4 years old and she can't read. She is using an Android tablet for games and YouTube while I am away.

I am looking for a solution to send her voice messages from my phone. Any kind of voice messages would be great (voice, prerecorded messages, TTS, and more). It should be played instantly, whatever activity she has currently engaged into on the tablet.

How can I do that?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Depending on how those messages should reach the device, and based on what event they should "pop up", this could be accomplished e.g. using . *Tasker* is the most potent automation app for Android, and a.o. can utilize TTS to read text, but also can play sound files. It can react on a multitude of events such as time and location – but also on more device-specific events like battery low or a changed network state (see e.g. my list of Tasker resources for more details (and also howtos/tutorials) – especially watch out for the graphs in the lower third of that page for available events and actions). So you could e.g.:

* play a certain sound-file each day on 12:00 am (optionally: only when the screen is on, i.e. your daughter is actively using the device)
* read the content of a text file whenever that file was updated (useful in connection with some other app/service transferring that file to the device, e.g. using Dropbox or FolderSync)
* use TTS or a pre-recorded sound file to be played when she leaves a specified "safe area" (see: Geo-Fence), or when she opens a certain app
* and more

Of course you could also install some VoIP app and ring her tablet so she can pick up the (video-) call for interactive messages :)

---
Tags: accessibility
---


title: Android tablet kiosk development

text:
# Question
Title: Android tablet kiosk development
I am trying to develop a kiosk application on android. I am facing two challenges.

---

1. Once the tablet getting off due to a battery drain. it is not turning on even after the battery reached 100% . is there a work around for this ? I have seen regarding editing some files in /system/init of Android after rooting. But I have not seen any file related to battery or charging. I am using 4.1 and higher

---

2. I am experiencing a problem of battery draining. as it continuously keep display on, battery drains gradually even if the charger is connected.

Has anybody came across similar problems and find any solutions ?

Is there android devices available which , power on automatically after connecting wall charger ? Is there tablets that doesn't have battery and directly works from charger connection ?

Please provide your suggestions.

Update 1:

---

As I am using kiosk operation, I have to keep the screen on every time. I am not experiencing a quick battery drain, it drains slowly even if the charger connected , like 1 percentage in 6-8 minutes, so it lasts approximately 10 hours with charger connected. Then once it gets switched off, it needs to be powered on manually ( not power on after battery drain is a normal behavior, but is there a work around for this ?).

Actually I am not expecting the battery to get drained on a charger connected. is that a normal behavior ?

Can I do anything from the software to prevent it ? When I analyzed most of the power is consumed by screen, then wifi, then comes the application. Both are switched on all the time. Any advises on this ???

Update 2:

---

```
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS" />
<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE" />
<permission android:name="in.aivknowtech.reviews.permission.C2D_MESSAGE"/>
 android:permission="android.permission.BIND_DEVICE_ADMIN"

```

Update 4

---

As my issue is considered. It is not an issue triggered by a particular event. I assume when connecting a charger android is loading the kernel and only showing a battery symbol, When we press on power button it boots up the kernel. Is there a way to bypass it ? Or is it depended on hardware or firmware ?

If it is dependent on android, Yes there is some hack we can do about it. Else it might be not possible. :(

A similar discussion is here but no definite answer android auto boot on external power

# Answer
@aivknow tech

I did this on Samsung Galaxy Tab sm-t330nu

edit the lpm service entry in init.rc from

```
service lpm /system/bin/lpm
    class charger
    critical

```

to

```
service lpm /system/bin/reboot
    class charger
    critical

```

Result = from powered off state, plug in charger, battery icon displays briefly, then device reboots to normal operation.

to mod your device's service in your init.rc in the

> on charger

section find that equivalent service.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: Hidden gesture to scroll to top of SMS list, or glitch?
I've noticed that sometimes my phone (Samsung Galaxy S3, Android 4.3) jumps to the top of a SMS list. This is a useful feature that I'd like to reproduce but I never found a gesture or option for that.

According to these answers, there is no predefined gesture on Android and the solution is to install an app on a rooted device. However, a couple of times it worked as such by tapping twice on the top edge of the phone; I don't know if it's an undocumented feature and is supposed to work this way, or it's a glitch.

# Answer
If you're running the stock version of Android 4.3 on your S3, this is actually a feature provided by Samsung's TouchWiz. You can find the toggle for it in `Settings > System > Motion`. You can find documentation for it on Samsung's support section. It says:

> **Double tap to top**: When viewing a long list, like your contacts list, or scrolling through a website, tap the top of your device twice to be taken back to the top of the list or page.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: sms
---


title: Getting total CPU time of a process

text:
# Question
Title: Getting total CPU time of a process
I need to get the total cpu time of a process in android. I am trying to use adb shell top commands, but it gives only cpu usage in terms of percentage.

But I need the total cpu time of the process. I can get this info in my Ubuntu, but I could not find a way to get the TIME+ column in android.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You didn't mention which version of Android you are running, but I believe this will work in most modern versions. The exact location within the settings may change depending on version and device manufacturer.

If you go in to Settings -\> Battery and then select an app, you get some or all of the following details:

* CPU total time in seconds
* Keep awake time in seconds
* Data send
* Data received

I believe these details are valid from the last time the device booted.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This little shell script I just wrote should work. It parses `/proc/<PID>/stat`.

```
#!/system/bin/sh

if [ $# -ne 1 ]
then
    echo "Please provide a PID"
    exit 0
fi

pid=$1
stat=/proc/${pid}/stat
line=$(sed 's|.*) ||' $stat)
utime=$(echo $line | awk '{print $12}')
stime=$(echo $line | awk '{print $13}')
cputime=$((10 * $stime + $utime))
echo $cputime # milliseconds

```

---
Tags: shell
---


# Question
Title: How to fix file permissions on Android 5 so that a certain app can access certain files?
Background: I had a rooted Nexus 4 with Android 4.4.4 that was working well. Then I got the notification to update to Android 5. To this end, I flashed the stock recovery for Android 4.4.4 from Google and started the upgrade (but I did not unroot the phone, maybe this was a mistake). The upgrade process itself went smoothly. After the upgrade, I re-flashed TWRP 2.8.2 and re-rooted with SuperSU 2.36, and made a backup.

Then, I realised that some data (photos, E-Books, …) were missing. Well, not actually missing, but located under a spurious "0" directory (/storage/emulated/0/0). Additionally, when I attempted to access my E-Book-Folder directly with FBReader, it told me there were insufficient permissions to access the directory.

First, I tried the "Fix Permissions" button in TWRP, but that put me in a boot loop. After restoring the backup, I used the TWRP file manager to move all data from the spurious "0" directory to where they belong and deleted the now empty "0" directory. Rebooting once again brought up the "Optimizing apps" screen, but only for 7 apps. Now I can access my E-Books again, but still no (old) photos in the Google photos app. Photographs taken after the backup show up fine. With the file manager or the terminal, I can access *all* photos just fine once I call `setenforce 0`. The permissions shown by `ls -Z /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera` look alike on all photos, both visible and invisible in the photos app: `-rw-rw---- root sdcard_r u:object_r:fuse:s0`. So my guess is that there is some additional SELinux permission I have to set on the older image files so the photo app can access them. Therefore my question is: what permission concepts are at work here, and what commands are necessary to assign files/directories to a certain app? Thanks.

*Update:* I just found out I can take new pictures only with setenforce 0, so there has to be some major SELinux breakage somewhere.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try using Supersu 2.49 beta for Lollipop (LP) 5.0.

Do a full unroot first.

I have LP 5.0 Touchwiz on my Samsung tab with SElinux enforcing and functioning root. The Supersu version in your recovery can probably be replaced by unpacking your recovery with any number of methods and/or tool-sets, and replacing the archive. The better approach would be to update your recovery if one is available. Also, fix permissions scripts need a different/new approach as of Android 5.0.

This is my imperfect fix permissions script for my other Samsung tab running LP 5.1.1:

```
#!/system/bin/sh
mount -o rw,remount /system
find -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find -type d -name '.*' -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find -type f -name '.*' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '.su' -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find -type f -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.h' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.a' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.o' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.so' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.so.*' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.c' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.cpp' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.cgf' -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find -type f -name '*.xml' -exec chmod 644 {} \;

```

---
Tags: updates, root-access, file-permissions, selinux
---


# Question
Title: Location high accuracy mode with wi-fi turned off
My understanding: location mode «High Accuracy» is more efficient than «Device only» because it unburdens some of the GPS task by using Wi-Fi networks information.

Consider these settings:

* «Scan always available» is set to «off»
* «Keep Wi-Fi on durin sleep» is set to «always»

If «location» is enabled in «High Accuracy» mode, but the Wi-Fi is disabled, does this mean that location works as if in «Device Only» mode?

So in order for the «High Accuracy mode» to actually work you have to have either «Scan always available» «on» **or** the Wi-Fi on. Is that correct?

# Answer
No, high accuracy mode without WiFi is not the same as device only because

1. The mobile network provider location source is also used in high accuracy mode but not device only.
2. Assisted GPS may be used to reduce the time to get a location fix when you use a network connection, either WiFi or the mobile data connection. "Download GPS assisted data only over WiFi networks" determines whether the mobile data connection is used for assisted GPS. Information about the GPS satellites expected to be in view is passed over the data connection, and this is much faster than the GPS receiver searching for satellites.

No, for high accuracy mode "to actually work" does not require WiFi. GPS provides better location accuracy (~5m) than WiFi location (~25m) regardless of whether WiFi is enabled. That is why it is called high accuracy. WiFi location is much faster than GPS, but not as accurate. For many applications, it may be sufficient to know what city you are in but not what street.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, 4.4-kitkat, settings, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: How to automatically enable WLAN when an app requests location info?
I currently have WLAN enabled all the time for triangulation, even when I'm not near an access point I can use. Is there any way to automatically enable it whenever an app requests location information, like it is done with the GPS?

# Answer
As far as I know this is not possible. IMHO, it contradicts Google's incentive to have an as best as possible geolocation service.

Some background information:

* Google maintains a huge database for its geolocation service ("Access coarse location" permission). It consists of:

+ Wifi access point mappings: Wifi MAC address resolve to a geolocation
    + Cell tower mapping: Cell tower ID's resolve to a geolocation
* This database is "community" crowd-sourced by the huge Android user base, aka. everyone that has **Google's location service** enabled (see below)
* Google is interested to have a high quality database, i.e. convince you to opt in to allowing your phone to be part of the crowd-sourcing
* Hence: If you want to use 'coarse location' services from Google you opt in to constant data mining as long as it's enabled

PS:

* Disabling Wifi only cuts you off from one of the possible information sources. Having Cell tower ID's will still give you coarse location, but with lower accuracy
* Some may recall the Skyhook vs. Google dispute where Google seemingly pressured Motorola and Samsung to prefer Google's own geolocation service over that of Skyhook (out of fear for losing part of the crowdsourcing community if those two big players would have used the 3rd party Skyhook service). Source: TheVerge
> 5 votes

# Answer
There is now a feature that turns on WiFi for location purposes. Settings-\>Wi-Fi-\>Advanced-\>"Scanning always available"

You can turn WiFi off to save power, but still have location requests turn WiFi on temporarily.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: How do I get past a VPN lock screen as I've never entered a password?
I downloaded Private Internet Access vpn to a Nexus S which also had Tor installed. Tor asked did I want to set up a VPN. I said yes. Nexus S vpn dialogue came up. I decided no and hit the back button to return to Tor. Went to front door to answer a knock with the phone in my hand.

Looked at the phone and saw a lock screen saying emergency calls only with a cursor blinking at me. Tried the random five wrong passwords with no result or no dialogue. End result no way back to the phone. Dont want a factory reset n losing my data. Ice Cream Sandwich runs (ran !) on the phone. Q: POssible hack ? Thanks for any suggestions.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can remotely wipe your phone from https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager and that will remove the lock, sorry for your luck.

* Edit: Looks like you can replace the lock from there using the lock feature there too, might be useful to you, to avoid wiping.

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S2 USB port blown, need to transfer files via wifi
Power supply port on my Galaxy S2 is shot and I need to backup all of my data/content/contacts, but can't do it via USB. I've tried a couple wifi transfer apps, but am not convinced the transferr is viable. (I can see some stuff, but others are 'Directories' or 'Executables' and won't 'Unzip' on my mac.

Phone is Samsung Galaxy S2, model SCH-R760X, Android vers. 4.1.2.

IIRC, I'd tried using SmarterDroids 'Wifi File Transfer' and have looked at several others, but would appreciate advice from other users.

I would note that I'll want to transfer the data to a mac, then eventually an iPhone 5.

I can provide more info if needed.

Any suggestions or solutions for this situation? Thanks, K

# Answer
Total commander with the LAN plug-in will let you copy the files to a regular shared drive, or you can use the wifi tool to setup a temporary custom share with another phone/tablet - it creates a share then displays a QR code which the other device then scans. Fast, free and easy. You will need to zip it first and create a shared drive on the MAC (which doesn't need any software but you can install it if you want).

Total commander https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander

LAN plug-in https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.tcplugins.LAN

Root is not needed and zip/unzip is included.

Contacts you should be able to sync with an email account and pull from there to the iPhone
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-transfer, wifi-direct
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to run fastboot in a recovery mode shell (without connecting to PC)?
I have a method for **unlocking the bootLoader** of my HP SlateBook x2 running Android v4.3 consisting of:

1. Booting into **recovery**.
2. **Connecting** to PC via USB cable.
3. Sending the **command** `fastboot -i 0x03F0 oem unlock` to the Android device.

But this device has an incredible problem: it *sells without USB cable* (LOL), so I have **no USB cable** at all.

But I have **installed TWRP recovery**, that includes a **root command-line shell**. So, as long as I can not connect via ADB bridge by using USB cable nor ADB via Wireless (the recovery mode does not detect the Wi-Fi card), I was wondering if it would be possible to **use this shell** to send the `fastboot` command from recovery mode in the stand-alone device (without any connection to PC, as long as it is not possible).

Any ideas, please?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Fastboot commands are for the bootloader, not recovery, so even if you send the commands from recovery, it would do no good since you would be in recovery, not the bootloader.

According to all the information I could find about this "tablet," including information from HP, indicates that there is no way to access fastboot since there is no USB port and HP doesn't make a dock-port to USB cable for the tablet. Edit: apparently HP does have a cable for it, but it may be difficult to find and isn't cheap.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I know I'm late with this answer, but for the future readers, you can unlock your bootloader on-the-fly with an app. Assuming you have root access and a standard unlockable bootloader (`fastboot oem unlock`), you can use Trickster MOD. You can see its XDA thread for more info.

Look under the "Tool" sub-menu and toggle "Bootloader Lock State". If you're even still keeping up with this post, how do you have TWRP with a locked bootloader?

# Answer
> 0 votes
No, there's no way to send a fastboot command from the device itself. When the device is in fastboot mode, it's a very dumb device and can't even give you a shell or turn on the Wi-Fi. The `fastboot` program is the only way to send it the command to unlock the bootloader.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, fastboot, shell
---


# Question
Title: How do I stop Skype from automatically logging in?
I log out of the app and it's fine for a while. But it seems to be logging in without me manually doing it, and it's really annoying. And I'm not even logged in on my Laptop!

# Answer
Press the menu button, go to settings, in the privacy section uncheck "Save my password", then sign out.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>
> 0 votes

---
Tags: skype
---


# Question
Title: E-mails sent from Android not syncing to IMAP "Sent" folder
I'm using the stock e-mail app of Android 4.1 (Motorola razr i), and when I send a mail from the phone, the mail app afterwards shows the sent mail in the "Sent" folder, but it seems that folder is not synchronized via IMAP. Thus, I cannot see those mails from my PC e-mail client.

Is there any configuration for this, or will I have to use K9 or some other app?

# Answer
Unfortunately, the Stock Android Email app has the IMAP folder names hard-coded in the application, they cannot be changed by the user. The app expects the folders to have the following names:

* Inbox
* Outbox
* Drafts
* Trash
* Sent
* Junk

If your IMAP server uses different names, they are not properly synchronized with the Email app. There are two solutions to this:

1. Use different Email app
2. Get Android source code, modify names in Email application, rebuild Email application and replace original Email application on your device with the modified one

However, the second solution (of course) requires a rooted device and basic knowledge of how to build an Android application. But, I can say, I tried it and it works. The file where the names are stored is `<Android-source-code-root>/packages/apps/Email/res/values/strings.xml`. See the following excerpt:

```
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "inbox" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_inbox" translatable="false">Inbox</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "outbox" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_outbox" translatable="false">Outbox</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "drafts" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_drafts" translatable="false">Drafts</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "trash" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_trash" translatable="false">Trash</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "sent" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_sent" translatable="false">Sent</string>
<!-- Do Not Translate.  This is the name of the "junk" folder, on the server. -->
<string name="mailbox_name_server_junk" translatable="false">Junk</string>

```

I have no idea why Google decided to make the names unchangeable withing the app. Probably they want to force people to use Gmail (I was told, the folder names work with Gmail).

If anybody with programming skills is motivated, I would love to see a patched version of the Email app, where the names of the folders can be adjusted in some configuration dialog. Should not be a huge thing to implement, I just did not have the time for it.
> 8 votes

# Answer
Download Microsoft Outlook and have it replace your default Android app. When I did this the problem was fixed without making any special changes.
> 2 votes

# Answer
**I have found a solution** for this problem with my Internet provider that doesn't involve hacking the app or anything so complicated. In the Android Mail app (Android 5.0 on Samsung Galaxy S5; the same app was present under Android 4), go to **Settings****Manage accounts** → (select the account) → **MORE SETTINGS** (button at bottom of screen — scroll down) → **Incoming settings****IMAP path prefix**. Enter the appropriate IMAP path prefix. (Get that info from your ISP. For my ISP, it was: **INBOX**) I did this today, and now my Sent folder syncs just fine, same as all the other folders.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: email, imap
---


title: defining functions in TWRP

text:
# Question
Title: defining functions in TWRP
In "normal" android you start up a Terminal emulator or do "adb shell" and then from there you can defining a function by:

```
function name
{
 #code
}
name #runs "name"

```

But by using adb shell over TWRP it says the command "function" cannot be found. the command "whereis function" and "which function" provides no outputs and leaves me baffled. Any idea how to define function in TWRP, preferably over adb shell

# Answer
> 0 votes
When in recovery mount your /system using adb shell mount /system

though twrp can be twitchy otherwise use in-twrp mount function to mount system and you should have full room to do what you need. In recovery you have a functioning kernel, so after mounting your system you should have every thing at your disposal

```
adb shell mount /system
adb shell
~ # mount | grep system
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system on /system type ext4 (rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered)
~ # export PATH=/system/bin:/system/xbin:$PATH
~ # which busybox
/system/xbin/busybox
~ # which sh
/system/bin/sh

```

---
Tags: adb, shell, twrp, bash
---


# Question
Title: How can I find my Chrome bookmarks from Windows?
I dropped my Galaxy S4 SGH-M919 running KitKat not rooted and the screen broke. I can connect to PC using a USB. I was able to copy all the other data I needed using this method. But I had a few bookmarks in Chrome i would like to copy. I can't find these files anywhere I look. I don't have my android chrome synced to anything. And I can't set that up at this point. Is there any way this is information is findable?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Short answer: No, you can't access those bookmarks from the PC that easily.

### Why so?

Because Android's UMS and MTP only gives you access to content under `/storage`. Chrome's bookmarks are stored in its data directory (`/data/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/Default/Bookmarks`). A normal user doesn't have the privileges required to access `/data` directly.

Even ADB backup isn't allowed because `android:allowBackup="false"` is set in Chrome's Manifest file.

---

While the device is not rooted, I should mention in brief methods to get those files when the device is rooted:

1. Use a root file explorer like ES File Explorer to access Chrome's data directory. Copy the bookmark file to SD card, and then use PC to copy it from SD card.

You can use `adb pull` directly or indirectly as well.
2. Run a file server like FTP and set it's root directory at `/data/data/`. Access the server on PC using Wi-Fi/hotspot or USB tethering. This is the direct access I like to have.

There are other methods for rooted devices, but because the screen broke and the device is not rooted, the chances are none. Sorry!

---
Tags: bookmarks
---


# Question
Title: Parted says external SD card has no partitions, but Android can still read it
I have a 16GB external SD card that I'm currently using for my music collection. Android reads it just fine, and CWM mounts it perfectly. I'm on Gingerbread (I have my reasons).

I opened up `adb shell` and used `mount` to figure out where this SD card was mounted. It listed the SD card as being `/dev/block/mmcblk1p1`:

I opened this device up in parted (`parted /dev/block/mmcblk1p1`) and used `print` to find out what the partitions were on the device. To my surprise, it says there are... none:

How is this possible? Android can mount it and read from it just fine, but parted apparently thinks there are no partitions on it. I get the same results when it's unmounted.

# Answer
> 0 votes
you're just running parted wrong, instead of

```
parted /dev/block/mmcblk1p1

```

it's

```
parted /dev/block/mmcblk1

```

and at the (parted) prompt

```
(parted) print all

```

---
Tags: external-sd, shell, samsung-galaxy-player
---


# Question
Title: How to pipe output of dd to a computer via adb shell?
I've accidentally wiped my phone and lost all my photos. I'm going to try to run photorec on an image of my phone.

What I'd like to do is somehow something along these lines:

```
adb shell
dd if=/data of=/file/on/my/computer/not/on/phone

```

Is there any way to do this? I'm using a linux PC.

I saw this related question (Create a dd image of a Android 4.4.4 for forensics?) but it writes to the same device - my device is a nexus 6 so I don't have an sd card to write to (and doing so would likely over write the data I'm trying to recover)

# Answer
This functionality has not been implemented in ADB yet. However, there are workarounds that some users have come up with. Check out this thread on XDA Developers for more information on how you can work around this limitation.
> 1 votes

# Answer
in recovery and like this

```
root@kali:~/Downloads# adb shell
~ # parted /dev/block/mmcblk0
GNU Parted 1.8.8.1.179-aef3
Using /dev/block/mmcblk0
Welcome to GNU Parted! Type 'help' to view a list of commands.
(parted) print all
print all
Model: MMC 016GE2 (sd/mmc)
Disk /dev/block/mmcblk0: 15.8GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: gpt

Number  Start   End     Size    File system  Name      Flags
 1      4194kB  18.9MB  14.7MB               apnhlos
 2      18.9MB  71.0MB  52.2MB               modem
 3      71.0MB  71.6MB  524kB                sbl1
 4      71.6MB  71.6MB  32.8kB               dbi
 5      71.6MB  71.6MB  32.8kB               ddr
 6      71.6MB  73.7MB  2097kB               aboot
 7      73.7MB  74.3MB  524kB                rpm
 8      74.3MB  74.8MB  524kB                tz
 9      74.8MB  75.8MB  1049kB               pad
10      75.8MB  86.3MB  10.5MB               param
11      86.3MB  101MB   14.7MB  ext4         efs
12      101MB   104MB   3146kB               modemst1
13      104MB   107MB   3146kB               modemst2
14      107MB   118MB   10.5MB               boot
15      118MB   128MB   10.5MB               recovery
16      128MB   139MB   10.5MB               fota
17      139MB   146MB   7331kB               backup
18      146MB   149MB   3146kB               fsg
19      149MB   149MB   1024B                fsc
20      149MB   149MB   8192B                ssd
21      149MB   158MB   8389kB  ext4         persist
22      158MB   167MB   9437kB  ext4         persdata
23      167MB   2579MB  2412MB  ext4         system
24      2579MB  2893MB  315MB   ext4         cache
25      2893MB  2914MB  21.0MB  ext4         hidden
26      2914MB  15.8GB  12.8GB  ext4         userdata

(parted) q
q
~ # exit
root@kali:~/Downloads# adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p26 data.img
^Z
[1]+  Stopped                 adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p26 data.img
root@kali:~/Downloads# ls -al data.img && file data.img
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 111017984 Aug  5 01:03 data.img
data.img: Linux rev 1.0 ext4 filesystem data, UUID=57f8f4bc-abf4-655f-bf67-946fc0f9f25b (extents) (large files)
root@kali:~/Downloads#

```

note i interrupted the process, at game time don't do that! your block layout may vary but this is the general approach
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, data-recovery, shell
---


# Question
Title: My phone cannot access internet on a Wifi network created by mHotspot
I'm using mHotspot to create a hotspot for my phone to connect to my LAN through my laptop. It authenticates and connects but the Wifi icon has an exclamation mark on it and internet is not accessible.

I even tried creating a wifi hotspot through windows command prompt and my phone still doesn't access internet through that

What could be the issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is a detailed process covering all cases for solving the problem.

http://www.mhotspot.com/connected-to-hotspot-but-cant-access-internet-on-client-devices

Disclaimer: I'm with mHotspot.

Update: (Quoting the answer here)

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Network & Sharing Center.
2. Check Access Type for your hotspot.
3. If you have **Internet** as Access type, then your firewall or Antivitrus must be blocking mHotspot.
4. Add an exception to mHotspot in Windows firewall & Antivirus Firewall.
5. If you have No network access, stop the hotspot.
6. Update WiFi drivers and restart the hotspot.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


title: iSMS folder in the SD Card

text:
# Question
Title: iSMS folder in the SD Card
I recently installed the app 'Empty Folder Cleaner' from playstore. On running the app, I noticed that the majority of empty folders removed were from the parent folder called iSMS, in my external SD Card. Inside the parent folder, the empty folders were images, videos, etc. Does anyone have any idea regarding that? Is it some sort of a mischievous thing?

P.S - I'm running on Android 4.2.2(rooted), Sony Xperia C2305.

# Answer
* Use an application backup app to backup all your apps,(App Backup and Restore) is one app that i know of.
* uninstall all the apps from your phone, (Please be careful and remove only the apps that you installed yourself, removing system apps could prove problematic)
* delete the Folder that you dont want on the sd card, like the iSMS folder you said
* restart your phone.
* start all apps that you have on your phone, (you have removed all apps, the only ones remain are system apps)
* check if the folder was created in your storage media.
* if it was, then there is a system app creating the folder.
* if not, then one of the 3rd party apps downloaded from the play store are creating this folder
* all apps having the "modify and delete contents of your sd card" can create folders in your sd card, during reinstallation, check the app permissions carefully.
* installing each one by one and.opening and checking the sd card for the folder, you will eventually find the culprit app.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: file-management
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to store app data on the cloud
Alright. Let's see if something revolutionary works :)

In theory, Is it possible to store app data on the cloud I.e a Dropbox account, and withdraw data from it as required? I have an amazing idea, but naturally I want to know if it could work. If so, how? I have an idea with something about using a file manager to grab an apps files, putting them on a Web cloud that does not need a pass code (so a private cloud) and having files in the original data folder to link the data In the cloud, and use that? I have root, BTW.

# Answer
First, as Jared already pointed out, this is not possible without a "local copy" – i.e. without the data being present in the device's file system. Second, it won't work without root access on the device – as the directory in question (`/data/data`) is not accessible for a "normal user" (which includes apps: each app can only access its own sub-directory here).

Let's assume you're having root access on your device, this would still not be easy. Theoretical approaches:

* using an app like FolderSync to synchronize your local `/data/data` with a counterpart in your "personal cloud". *Might* work somehow.
* copying the entire `/data/data` to your personal cloud and remote-mounting it (e.g. using SSHFS with SSHFSAndroid or some other remote mounting). Again, *might* work – but if your network connection drops, apps might crash, plus you may risk data inconsistencies and data loss.

Apart from the risks named, there are more concerns:

* privacy and data security. Might not be a concern if you're just doing that within your own (home) network, but it at least introduces another attack vector.
* you might be tempted using such a "network share" with multiple devices simultaneously. Don't. That would be the best way to corrupt your data, have your apps crashing, and more.
* performance: if all your app data have to be read from/written to the network each time you access them, it would slow down things noticeable. And I mean, *real* noticeable here – not just some digits somewhere after the decimal point.
* file permissions and ownership must be maintained, which might prove tricky (depending on the remote storage).

If it were such an easy thing to do, it would have been done already – especially considering Google wants us to put all our data into their cloud. There are good reasons speaking against that (and I'm pretty sure this answer is far from covering them all). So while this might be *technically possible*, it's definitely *not recommendable*.
> 2 votes

# Answer
> Is it possible to store app data on the cloud I.e a Dropbox account

Yes, it is possible to backup app data to the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, etc.). The device will need to be rooted or you would have to use adb backup. There are plenty of apps on the Play Store that backup and restore both APK and app data.

> and withdraw data from it as required?

No, this is not possible. Apps depend on local files.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: storage, file-management, cloud
---


title: New hangout indicator meanings

text:
# Question
Title: New hangout indicator meanings
I have started using hangouts now that it has merged in with all my sms messages and it's cool.

However i was wondering if someone could explain the indicators that show up at the bottom left of the screen to me?

I currently know:

* TinyPortrait(transparent) = current point user has read to
* Dots (...) = user is typing

Unknown

* TinyPortriat(Solid) = i thought this might mean they are up to date, but considered it could be that they are watching the screen?
* Small Phone Icon = No idea what this means.

Are there any others?

# Answer
TinyPortriat(Solid): The user is reading the conversation.

Small Phone Icon: This indicates that the user is using the hangouts app on a mobile device.

TinyPotrait (Faded): The user read your messages above the icon.
> 3 votes

# Answer
There also seems to be a little green phone handset (unlike the white full phone mentioned in my question), indicating they are in a call.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I believe the solid green means you are using Hangouts and the person is online.

The SMS indicator means you are texting instead of using Hangouts.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The green phone icon means the user is in a call with someone else. It goes away once they hang up
> -1 votes

---
Tags: sms, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent extra folders from being created in my external SD card?
I have an HTC desire 820s running on Kitkat 4.4.4.

I have set phone storage as my default write disk in Settings. However, when I open ES file explorer, I always find that many folders named like *ucbrowser*, *whatsapp*, *blackmart* etc., have been created in my external card. Even when I delete them all and check after sometime, I find that they have been recreated.

Can you tell me how to stop these folders from getting created? I want them to be created in my internal SD card, not in external SD card.

# Answer
In KitKat by default, non-system apps (for example Es file manager) cannot make changes to the external SD card outside of their data directory due to security policies.

To get around this issue, you can use your device's built in file manager to manage the external SD card.

If your device doesn't have a system file manager, you'll have to root the device to give Es full access to your storage.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Application storage location setting (internal or external SD card) in Android system settings involves location of application's private files such as databases or preferences. These files cannot be accessed by user unless the user has root privileges.

Application may create additional folders on it's own on your external SD card and nothing can be done about that from the perspective of the system. This is your case. The only thing is to check settings inside the app itself that could offer to disable saving of additional data.

I'm not 100% percent sure what you mean by "i have set phone storage as my default write disk" since as far as I know there is no system wide setting for default application storage location. If you edit your question I may provide additional info in my answer.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, file-system
---


title: Google Rewards for in-game purchasing

text:
# Question
Title: Google Rewards for in-game purchasing
I have several gmail account each has its own rewards account. How can I use the accumulated rewards dollars for "in-game" purchases?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you're talking about your Google Play Store balance, you can pick that as an option from the payment dropdown on your device the same way you would pick one of your credit cards, or carrier billing. However, in my experience you have to have a balance large enough to cover the entire purchase -- you can't split it between store credit and another type of payment.

---
Tags: google-play-games
---


# Question
Title: After Lollipop - when I add account there isn't an option to sync contacts/calenders - only email
Just installed Lollipop on my Xperia Z3, now when I add an email account there is no option to sync contacts, calenders or tasks - only email. I used to be able to see my work calender (Outlook active xchange) but now the option to see/sync the calender is just not there. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the account, but the only option is to sync the email. All my work contacts have gone too.

Google account calender is still there. When I go to each account, Google is the only one with the option to sync the calender.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had this same issue. I had to delete the account and do the manual setup instead of the automatic installation using m.outlook.com as the server name. Once this was done it gave me the options to sync contacts, calendars, etc. Before that on the automatic setup it was only giving me the option to sync email.

Hope this helps if you didn't get it working by now. Odd thing was that mine just recently started doing this it wasn't right after the Lollipop upgrade. So no idea why it started.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, sync, email, calendar, sony-xperia
---


# Question
Title: How to delete search history from Settings app?
In Android, it's possible to search for a specific setting by clicking the magnifying glass in the top right corner of the Settings app and typing. However, I haven't found a way to remove earlier search queries.

I have recently misspelled a word, and it always pops up when I search for something else.

Is there a way to clear the search history, or, better, to remove a specific search?

# Answer
Clearing the Settings App data will **not** reset any of your settings to their original state, but should clear the search history.

---

In the settings, navigate to your apps and find **Settings** and tap on **Clear Data**. The app should close and when opened back up, the search history should be cleared.
> 2 votes

# Answer
**Note**: I've tested this solution on CM12.

---

Three answers saying the same thing but are rather extreme in their approach. I want to remove one query out of dozens I made. Why should I remove everything just to remove one? Not fair!

First things first:

> In Android, it's possible to search for a specific setting by clicking the magnifying glass in the top right corner of the settings app and typing.

I don't think that's true for any stock ROM. This seems to be a CM specific feature, and based on the tags, the ROM is CM12.1.

It is an assumption that if you're using Cyanogenmod then the device would be rooted. Considering it to be the case, install SQLite Editor.

The queries that you make using the lens icon are saved in a table `saved_queries` with time-stamp, under the database `search_index.db`, located in the data directory of **Settings** (`/data/data/com.android.settings/databases/search_index.db`).

### Instructions

1. Launch **SQLite Editor**
2. Under **Apps** tap **Settings (`com.android.settings`)**
3. Tap **search\_index.db**, or do a **Full Scan** if you don't see the entry
4. Go to **saved\_queries**
5. Choose the search query you don't want to see in **Settings**, and select the trash icon at the top

Changes would take place immediately. If not, force-close the Settings app from **Settings → Apps → All → Settings**, and then proceed with aforesaid instructions. You may optionally reboot as well.

---

## I heard that you like fancy stuff

You can use to achieve the goal. The commands would be:

1. This command would give you the schema of `saved_queries` table:

```
adb shell su -c 'sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.settings/databases/search_index.db ".schema saved_queries"'

```

Output would be:

```
CREATE TABLE saved_queries(query VARCHAR(64) NOT NULL, timestamp INTEGER);

```

The columns are `query` and `timestamp`. Use this resource to know the details about sqlite commands.
2. List all the entries in the table `saved_queries`:

```
adb shell su -c 'sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.settings/databases/search_index.db "SELECT * from saved_queries"'

```

Output would be like:

```
pin|1437892238443
berserk|1438802356524
manga|1438802367295

```

The output is in the order of schema you saw in the last command.
3. Select and delete your search query from the table:

```
adb shell su -c 'sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.settings/databases/search_index.db "DELETE from saved_queries where query=\"pin\""'

```

You can confirm from the last command that your query is gone for good from the table, and so as from the search entries listed under lens icon of **Settings** app.
4. As said in first part, you can force-close the **Settings** app if needed. Do:

```
adb shell su -c 'am force-stop com.android.settings'

```

You can use a terminal app like Terminal Emulator to achieve the goal as well. Simply do `su`, and then follow the `sqlite3` commands (i.e. remove `adb shell su -c ''` from the commands).

---

## Screenshots before and after tweaks:

<sub>(Click image to enlarge; hover to see detail)</sub>

---

## For Non-rooted devices

No salvation other than doing **Settings → Apps → All → Settings → Force Stop → Clear data**, as suggested in other answers. (Don't bother about this step because your custom settings are saved in **Settings Storage** app (`com.android.providers.settings`)). You can't access the data directory of **Settings** app since you don't meet the privileges to access it.

Furthermore, you can't do tinkering with backup taken using `adb backup` either as `android:allowBackup="false"` is declared in Manifest file of **Settings**, which means no backup is allowed at all.

We're good to go now!
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can try to clear cache or data of Settings application. Do this by opening the Settings application and opening Apps. Scroll sideways to the All tab and find the Settings application. There press the Clear cache button. If this does not help try pressing the Clear data button and confirming the action.
> 0 votes

# Answer
On Android Lollipop,

```
Settings > Apps > ALL > Settings > Clear Data

```

A confirmation dialog asking "Delete app data?" will open and on pressing `OK` the Settings app menu closes by itself and your previous searches won't be displayed.

*Note: This will not change/affect your Phone Settings anyway but only clears the Setting's App Data.*
> -1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, settings, 5.1-lollipop, search, search-history
---


# Question
Title: How to get rid of lock screen in Samsung Galaxy S2?
Lately, instead of just being shut down my Samsung Galaxy S2 shows this screen (see screenshot).

How can I get rid of it? I don't want to see this screen ever again. Somehow it appears only while I'm driving my car

**Update(10/8/2015):**

This screen appears **ONLY** whike I'm driving my car and the **phone is connected to charger**

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

# Answer
> 1 votes
You mean you want to just disable the lock screen completely? Here's how to do it:

1. Open your settings.
2. Go to Security and open your lock screen settings.
3. If you have a code or password set for your current lock screen, enter that code and continue.
4. Choose *none* as your lock screen option.
5. Lock your phone and unlock it again, it should open up your phone straight away and not show a lock screen.

(source)

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


# Question
Title: "kswapd0" is taking up some of my device's CPU time even though I don't have any swap. What's going on?
Using Ozcan ROM 6.3 on my Samsung Galaxy S4, I'm observing **kswapd0** process making CPU laggy. The same thing happened on another TW KK ROM - Omega. After researching on it for weeks, I realized that it's the process that does the SWAP job - transferring RAM contents to storage when memory is low.

***Presently, I don't want to use SWAP, so the following are the workarounds that I tried to disable SWAP:***

* Tried Apps like **Swapper2, Reset Swap** to delete swapfile. The process vanishes for few seconds but it looks like the swapfile again gets created (checked by using command, free).
* Used the command `swapoff -a` (to Stop swapping on all swap devices) but it gives me an **error -** `swapoff: /etc/fstab: No such file or directory`.

**So, my Queries are as follows:**

* Why and how does SWAP gets enabled automatically? Is the kernel or ROM responsible for it?
* When actually could the SWAP partition be created when I didn't do it manually? On flashing the ROM?
* What I'm doing wrong in the `swapoff` comand? After reading about the same error, I think it's related to the location of the swapfile. So, how can I know the location of the swapfile? Any suggestions on disabling the SWAP permanently or making kswapd0 use less CPU if the lag is not directly related to SWAP?

(Originally posted on XDA)

# Answer
> 1 votes
It might not be possible to disable kswapd0. Even if it's possible to disable it, you should not try. You see, kswapd0 does important work even if you don't have a swap file.

On the Ubuntu Stack Exchange website, psusi explains:

> Swap space is only used for data that is not backed by any other file. Data that is mapped from other files on disk (such as executable programs) is still swapped to their respective files even if you don't have a swap device.

You should visit psusi's original answer and vote it up.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, samsung-galaxy-s-4, custom-roms, swap
---


# Question
Title: Transfer all sms from gingerbread to laptop
I want to transfer all my sms from my old phone HTC Explorer with Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread) to my laptop. How can i do it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You Could Try this application. It works on HTC and android, ITcan sync Contacts and backup sms just like Samsung's PC suit.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, sms, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: Android forgetting default launcher every few minutes
Starting last week, my HTC One running ARHD 31.5 keeps forgetting the default launcher. Every few minutes, it will forget the setting and ask me for a launcher when I hit the home button.

So far, I haven't found a pattern yet. Here's what I've tried so far:

* restarting the phone
* removing the default setting via `Settings > Apps` and setting it fresh
* tried different launchers to rule out the launcher deleting the settings
* updating the ROM (seriously)

It happens both when the phone is locked, or when I keep it unlocked and basically not doing anything but keeping the screen alive. After a few minutes, the default will be gone.

Any ideas how to debug this are welcome.

# Answer
It's still unclear what is causing this to happen and I have found only one other mention of the problem so far. In the end I simply disabled the stock launcher by freezing it using Titanium Backup and also disabled all other custom launchers. Soon as only one launcher is available, the dialog goes away. More of a workaround then a solution, so if anyone has an idea how to continue debugging, then I'm open to any suggestion.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I'm having the same issue likewise on Nexus 4 and on Nexus 7 (2012), with Android 4.3 and persistent after updating to Android 4.4. As I don't have rooted devices, the only 'solution' I've seen was deinstalling the nova launcher. Nova launcher was the only alternative launcher I've had installed and with only the default launcher left, the dialog is gone. A pity, though, as Nova enhances the user experience considerably.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Is strange, I also go the same problem. But then, I used titanium backup to move the default launcher from a system app to user app. Only after that, I am able to set other launcher as default.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try the "Fix Permissions" option in the custom recovery. Also try wiping caches and Dalvik Cache. If they didn't work try disabling any cleaners, taskers, etc. Also check "Accessibility" in settings to see if there are any services that could potentially be causing the problem. I would recommend doing these sequentially (but not necessarily in any particular order), so you can isolate what was causing the problem in the first place.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Scan all the applications installed to see if there are any `android:proprity="-1"` in `intent-filter`s. (I know `com.taobao.taobao` breaks)
> 0 votes

# Answer
Go to Settings -\> Home. If there is any non launcher app (E.g. Times Job), then remove it and select the launcher you want as default. That might solve the problem.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 4.3-jelly-bean, launcher, default-applications, htc-one
---


# Question
Title: When you lock down a Lollipop device to disable Chrome's incognito mode, this creates an XML "restrictions file". What actual XML is inside the file?
**Note:** If this post is too long to read, please see the summary in the last paragraph.

I own an aging Samsung Galaxy S Relay cellphone. It's running Android 4.1.2 and has a built-in physical keyboard. I don't want to upgrade to newer hardware. They say in the XDA Developers forums that, if I want a built-in physical keyboard, the Galaxy S Relay is still the most powerful option available — even though it uses technology which is more than two years old.

I want to help prevent myself from viewing pornography. (I've already joined a twelve-step program for sex addicts, but I still want a second layer of protection.)

I've installed the Qustodio web filter. This web filter only lets me choose between two web browsers: the Android stock browser, or Google Chrome. But it's easy to get around Qustodio. Oddly enough, all I have to do is to enter my browser's incognito mode. Qustodio claims that, when I enter incognito mode, it can detect what I've done and stop me from surfing the web; but, in practice, I've found that it can't.

In a help center article, Qustodio LLC does admit:

> Please note that our incognito blocking feature is still experimental.

Fine. Well, I want to *reliably* stop myself from entering my browser's incognito mode.

I suppose I could switch to a different browser. I could choose the K9 browser. But their (Firefox-based) browser is poorly rated and hasn't received any security updates in the last two years.

Google Chrome for Android is now open source. I suppose I could modify the Chrome source code to disable incognito browsing. But it would be a hassle to keep the browser up to date.

So I guess I'd like to set the relevant Chrome policy instead. I'd need to set the IncognitoModeAvailability policy to 1 in order to disable incognito browsing.

On recent versions of Android (and definitely on Android 5.0 "Lollipop" and newer), you can use an app such as Google's BasicManagedProfile sample app. This will call the DevicePolicyManager's setApplicationRestrictions method (see documentation or source). This method will eventually call the UserManagerService's writeApplicationRestrictionsLocked method (see source). The latter method will, in turn, write some XML to a "restrictions file" in a place where Google Chrome knows to look.

Because I'm running Android 4.1.2: I doubt that I can run the sample app. And I'm sure I can't call either of the two methods.

I suppose I could upgrade the phone to a newer OS. T-Mobile doesn't offer any updates newer than Android 4.1.2. On the XDA Developers forums, "Magamo" points out that CyanogenMod seems to have withdrawn official support for the device a while ago -- even before any stable Lollipop-based ROMs were released. I could choose and find some other ROM. But I've never installed a third-party ROM before, and would rather not learn how to do so.

Dear users of Android 5.0 or higher:

What actual XML does this "restrictions file" contain? Where does it get saved?

(I suppose I could fire up Lollipop in the official emulator and find out for myself, but it's simpler to just ask here.)

Perhaps I can simply create a "restrictions file" in the correct location on my Android 4.1.2 device.

**TL;DR:** When you reconfigure a Lollipop device in order to disable Chrome's incognito mode, your action will cause an XML "restrictions file" to be saved to disk. What actual XML is inside the file? Where is the file stored? I want to try manually creating a "restrictions file" on a Jelly Bean device in order to see if it will do what I want.

# Answer
> 4 votes
The XML file alone will not help you. Chrome doesn't read the contents of that file directly. Instead, it accesses it via Android's UserManager.getApplicationRestrictions. In order for this to work, you actually need to set up a "work profile" on your device. In order to do that, you actually need to run the BasicManagedProfile app you have mentioned; this also requires encrypting the device.

Android 4.1.2 is kind of old. From searching at http://www.androidxref.com/, it looks like it lacks UserManager.getApplicationRestrictions. Luckily, there's another way to disable incognito browsing in Chrome. Try that way instead.

---
Tags: security, chrome-for-android, privacy, parental-control, content-filter
---


# Question
Title: Why does SIM toolkit not work with most custom ROMs?
Most custom ROMs have problems with `Stk.apk` (the SIM toolkit part of Android) not functioning properly. The question is not the missing application (running Oxygen, I have the app but it is not working), but something systematic (dependency on RIL?).

I'd like to know why so, and what can be made about it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Well, the SIM toolkit is initialized in 2 modes, dedicated mode and raw mode. SIM toolkit also depends on the modem you are using. If the modem does not support the dedicated mode, you won't be able to see the SIM toolkit in your UI as it sends raw data to the upper layer (URCs) in raw mode.

---
Tags: custom-roms, sim-card
---


title: Multiple running application instances

text:
# Question
Title: Multiple running application instances
I'm an owner of Android 4.2.2 device.

For a while, I can see identical apps in `Settings->Apps->Running`:

* "Baidu IME" x 2
* "Google Services" x 2
* "GO Weather EX" x 3
* "GO Launcher Z" x 2
* "GO SMS Pro" x 2

Would they all have just two instances I would think that this is caused by two google accounts registered in the system, but why then I have three running "GO Weather EX"?

# Answer
Usually in Android,The processes may look the same. But it may do different functions.Inn Your case, GO Weather EX kill the two instance & check if that app works properly and comeback to Settings-\>Apps-\>Running page. If again 3 instances are running then Each of them may do different functions
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, task-management, processes
---


title: Is continuous focus a 4.0-only feature?

text:
# Question
Title: Is continuous focus a 4.0-only feature?
The http://www.android.com/about/ice-cream-sandwich/ page details that Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" introduced two interesting features for Camera: **“continuous focus”** and **“zero shutter lag exposure”**.

Have both of these features been removed or disabled post 4.0? My Galaxy Nexus seems to have neither since the 4.1 and 4.2 over-the-air upgrades.

Holding a 4.2 Galaxy Nexus still and taking a picture with auto settings and without flash in a relatively-very-well-lit nightclub takes about 3 seconds, and taking another picture right away takes another 3 seconds, seemingly indicating that both features are completely absent in stock 4.2.

# Answer
In low light(or in very bright light) scenario, '**Zero shutter lag**' feature won't work because the camera module and the software together will do some heavy work to capture picture really good. Try taking picture in good lighting condition(during daytime) to test Zero shutter lag functionality.

In some phones, **Continuous focus** makes use of accelerometer sensor to detect the movement of the phones to refocus the camera. This may not work when there is very slight movement. You can also check this during good lightning conditions
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, camera, 4.2-jelly-bean, focus
---


# Question
Title: What device is listed only as Android on list of devices that accessed my account?
I have an LG Optimus Zone 2. On the list of devices that have accessed my account one shows up as Android, but no other information is given. What type of device is this? Why aren't there any details shown for the device?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Visit the Devices and Activity page to review the recent activity on a device. This page will show you the list of activities with all the devices you accessed your account with.

> You can see a list of devices that have accessed your account in the last 28 days or are currently signed in to your account Click on a device to see your last activity on it, including the last date and time it connected to Google. For example, if you have apps that automatically sync with Google, you’ll see the last time they synced.

You can view the `Device`, `Location`, `Browser` and `Date & Time` information by clicking on that device. If you’re unsure about the activity, and think someone else may have access to your account, follow the steps to remove that device from your account.

<sub>---- Screenshot - Android Device Detailed Info ---- Source</sub>

> **Remove device access**: If you lose a device or notice any suspicious activity on it, you should remove the device’s access to your account.
>
> 1. Go to your Devices & activity page.
> 2. Click on the device.
> 3. Click Remove access.
> 4. If you don’t see a button to remove access, follow the steps to secure your account

Source: See devices with access to your Google Account

---
Tags: security
---


# Question
Title: Can't uninstall app says already uninstalled
I am working on a game an I decided to change name of it. Now I can't uninstall or install my game. When I try to install it says it is already installed and when I try to uninstall it shows something like this (My game is at the bottom of the list):

Click image for larger version

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have solved my problem with turning to guest mod which is new on Xperia with lollipop update, then I uninstalled it from guest user. It solved my problem.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This may be a simple glitch! Try some troubleshooting...

1. Turn off developer settings.
2. Install ES file explorer. Go to App manager in the Es file explorer.
3. Try to uninstall the app from that app manager. IF u still cant do that?
4. Delete the app directory(your own app) & restart the phone.

---
Tags: uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: How to remove Google box from home screen
I believe this app is called S Voice. How can I remove it completely?

Sometimes it pops up when I unlock the tablet without me trying to open it. And even if it didn't I would want to remove it anyway because I don't need the functionality it provides (I don't even know what it is.)

# Answer
That's Google app (formerly known as **Google Search**).

> Google app for Android: The fastest, easiest way to find what you need on the web and on your device.
>
> * Quickly search the web and your phone or tablet
> * Use your voice to search and more
> * Get personalised results based on your location

<sub>(Click image to enlarge; image modified but originally taken from Play Store)</sub>

As for how to disable it, see How to disable Google Search? -- usually, it is **Settings → Apps → All apps→ Google (or Google Search) → Disable**.

While I was able to disable this app in my CyanogenOS 12, there is an answer here which contradicts with my statement. Perhaps, it is still valid for some specific scenarios. I recommend a look at it.

To remove it, see Rooted Phone but still can't uninstall Apps.

Also consider https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/86475/nexus-5-stuck-in-boot-loop-after-disabling-google-search.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Well that should be the Google app. You can try to deactivate it if you go into settings - applications - Google - deactivate / deinstall updates.

S-Voice is the samsung voice search. It gets triggered by a double home-button click on some samsung devices. If you open up S-Voice and go into the settings, you can deactivate the trigger. You may even be able to deactivate it like the google application.

I hope this helps you.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, samsung-galaxy-tab
---


# Question
Title: Moto G 2nd Gen receive calls but shows no display
My Motorola Moto G 2nd Gen fell in water. I quickly removed it from the water, and tried to dry it. I went to Service centre, got it fixed, and since then saw no problem.

Two weeks later, the phone subtly goes blank. I get calls and notifications but can't see anything.

How do I fix this issue?

# Answer
> My Motorola Moto G 2nd Gen fell in water.

Unfortunately, as with most unprotected electronic devices, water does unspeakable things to cell phones. It's for this reason that diagnosing challenges with water-logged phones is time consuming and unreliable.

Water can short circuit the device in the short run, water also leaves behind moisture. This moisture causes rust and calcification of any contacts and other exposed metals inside the device. It is entirely possible that this process has caused your screen to lose connection/power to the device it's attached to.

**Best case scenario:** Take it back to the service centre and see if they will fix it again (whether or not they'll ask for money this time is up to them). It could require a new ribbon cable or other quick part to get it up and running again.

**Worst case scenario:** It's not repairable, and if it is, you may continue to encounter challenges like this until the device ultimately fails completely.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: screen, motorola-moto-g2
---


# Question
Title: How can I do a screen recording on the S3?
I need to record my screen as I'm using a specific app to show the issues showing up that a developer is unable to replicate. How can I achieve this? Is screen recording even possible on Android?

OS: 4.1

# Answer
Most screen recording applications require rooting your phone, unfortunately.

You can try EASY screen recorder NO ROOT (paid version here): it is the most well-rated screen recording application that does not need root I am aware of.

A few other applications:
> 1 votes

# Answer
First of all, download and install Android Studio with ADB (or ADB standalone). Open command line application in your system, and enter:

```
adb devices

```

If it shows your device connected to computer, then you are good to go. If not, turn on Developer options in your Android device and allow Debugging over USB. Reconnect device. If it's shown with previous command then type:

```
adb shell screenrecord /sdcard/movie.mp4

```

where `/sdcard/` is the place where the movie will be saved in your phone.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I haven't done a screen recording in a phone, only in a computer. But if your unit is already rooted, you can try to download "SCR Screen Recorder" from the Appstore. It will work on rooted devices only.

Good luck!
> 0 votes

# Answer
According to this site, you can capture your phone's screen at high frame rates into a high-quality MPEG4 video. The application is not free unfortunately, but there is a demo version for free that I reccomend you to try.

Hope this helps.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Using USB On The Go files with the stock android music app?
I have a Huawei Accend Mate 2. I have a flash drive with a micro USB connector (as well as a USB connecter). I have music files on it. Is there a way I can get the stock music app to "see" these files? I would like to include them in playlists etc. without loading them all to the phone itself (micro SD card).

---

The only name is Music and it is version 4.7.16. The only way I can see the files is with ES File Explorer. If I tap a music file when I am in ES File Explorer, it will play but only after a little pop-up message saying something like connecting to 127.1.1.1 or something like that. It does not seem like the apps on my phone see the files on the USB drive.

---

I could but I have a bunch of playlists set up in the stock music player. I would also run into the same problem with other files like pictures and video. I expected the On The Go function would have made this a bit more seamless.

---

The phone does see the flash drive is there since it does power it. However, I can only access the files with ES File Explorer. Accessing them from that APP will let them play but I can not access the files without going to ES File Explorer to find them.

# Answer
If the stock music app is confined to internal storage \[sdcard\] and can access any directory in /sdcard that contains media you can try a bind mount between the \[media containing directory\] in your otg-device and a specified new directory in /sdcard

```
mkdir /sdcard/more-tunes
su
chmod 755 /sdcard/more-tunes
mount -o bind /path-to-otg-device/tunes /sdcard/more-tunes

```

just remember to unmount the /sdcard/more-tunes directory if you don't need it anymore BEFORE you delete it.

Less stressful option would be a softlink in the same\[ish\] way.

```
su
busybox ln -sf /path-to-otg-device/tunes /sdcard/more-tunes

```

for this approach you can just delete the symlink without risking loss of media files, but i don't know if your default app will follow the symlink.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: music-player, usb-on-the-go
---


title: Connection timeout to single IP

text:
# Question
Title: Connection timeout to single IP
I have a strange problem and I am not sure how to debug this.

My Android phone (OnePlus One, Android 5.1) is connected to my WiFi (FritzBox 7490) at home. Everything works fine except connections to my own server which is used for ownCloud, e-mails, and other services. **Every connection attempt results in a timeout**, regardless of the service used (HTTP, HTTPS, IMAPS).

The first attempt to find the cause for this was to try other devices in the same WiFi network. And yes, every one of them is able to establish the connections. However, if I try to connect with my OnePlus One using **another WiFi or mobile data**, connections are also possible.

So now I am in a bad position. The manufacturer of my WiFi router says "Other devices are working, it must be the fault of your phone.". And I already hear CM developers say "Other WiFi APs or mobile data works, it has to be your WiFi router".

My last attempt was to reset both the phone and the router to factory settings, without any luck.

Does anyone has a clue about how to debug this kind of problem?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Okay, I found it. According to this serverfault question, TCP timestamps cause the error. I disabled the option on the server with

```
sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_timestamps=0

```

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, wi-fi, networking
---


# Question
Title: Would Android 4.3 mount exFAT formatted external SD card automatically without requiring additional software?
Would Android 4.3 mount exFAT formatted external SD card automatically without additional software?

# Answer
exFAT support is kernel based. open terminal and run

```
cat /proc/filesystems

```

if in the subsequent listing you see

```
.       exfat

```

your kernel supports exfat file system unless the build is skunky. if the in the listing you see

```
nodev     exfat

```

then you don't have exfat support. In one instance i've seen, even though the kernel may have exfat support, the rom may not, or it's "broken" in some way. As to the formatting of the card, i believe it needs to be formatted exfat and unaligned. Else, it should mount like any other external card with one exception, the entry in your fstab for the external card. If the entry for `<type>` is vfat, then you may have a problem. The entry should be auto or, if you know how to unpack and edit, then repack and flash your boot.img, you can specify exfat.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, 4.3-jelly-bean, mount, exfat
---


# Question
Title: How can I automatically clear my browsing data when I exit Chrome?
I don't like having my searches and web history hanging around forever. Therefore, I wonder: Is it possible to automatically clear browsing data on exit in Google Chrome? If it cannot be done with Chrome, do you know of any other good web browsers with this capability?

P.S. I am not willing to root my device just for this purpose. Therefore, I'm looking for a solution which does not require root access.

# Answer
It's not possible with Chrome on a non-rooted device unless an app has access to Chrome's data directory, which could be the case if that app is owned by Google, or it's a Chrome plugin. Both type of apps doesn't exist as of now. So the short answer i.e. without root access, would be NO, you can't automatically clear browsing data on exit in Chrome for Android.

---

That said, somebody owning a rooted device may come looking for an answer in future. Here we go with a solution!

**Note** that this solution is reached by *Trial and error*. I experimented something and it seemed to work *perfectly* on my devices running Android 4.2.1, 4.4.2 and 5.0.2, and using Chrome v43.0.2357.93, which means I don't claim any knowledge of what the files (mentioned below) actually do or are used for.

## About Chrome's data directory

* Location of Chrome's data directory is `/data/data/com.android.chrome`.
* Most of the browsing data (e.g. History, Top sites, Web Data, Cookies, Log in Data) is under `/data/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/Default`, which is the profile path.
* Opened tabs are under `/data/data/com.android.chrome/app_tabs/0/`. `0` is the UID of primary user.

All we're going to do is delete the files responsible for resuming the previous browsing data when Chrome is loaded again. We'll simply use a script to delete those files and the deletion will be automated by .

## Script

```
#!/bin/sh

data_dir='/data/data/com.android.chrome';
data_ac_dir=$data_dir/app_chrome/Default;
rm -f $data_ac_dir/History* $data_ac_dir/Web\ Data* $data_ac_dir/Cookies* $data_ac_dir/Visited\ Links $data_ac_dir/Favicons* $data_ac_dir/Top\ Sites* $data_ac_dir/Login\ Data* $data_dir/app_tabs/0/* $data_dir/app_chrome/Local\ State;

```

The script is very simple.

1. First line is a shebang.
2. Lines starting with `data` are creating variable and feeding directory location as the value.
3. `rm -f` is to remove forcefully the files *viz.* History, Web Data, Cookies, Web Links, Favicons, Top Sites, Login Data, app tabs, Local State. `*` is a wildcard.

**Note that this solution would not affect the Bookmarks or Preferences.**

However, if you want even Bookmarks and Preferences to be cleared, simply add the following command in a new line at the bottom of the script:

```
rm -f $data_ac_dir/Preferences $data_ac_dir/Bookmarks*;

```

Save the file as `Del_chrome_data.sh` (`.sh` is important), push it into the root directory (`/sdcard`) of internal SD card and make it executable using as:

```
adb shell su -c 'chmod 667 /sdcard/Del_chrome_data.sh'

```

If you use a terminal app, do:

```
su
chmod 667 /sdcard/Del_chrome_data.sh

```

Check `chmod` to know about its usage.

Also, I do not change my script permissions in the manner noted above. I simply make them executable in my Linux machine and then push them into my Android device.

## Instructions for Tasker

1. Install and launch Tasker. Its accessibility service needs to be turned on for application based profile.

Go to **Settings → Accessibility → Tasker →On→OK**.
2. Under **Tasks** create a task named `Del_chrome_data`.
3. Create an action in it through `+`**Code → Run Shell**, and fill these details:

* **Command**: `sh /sdcard/Del_chrome_data.sh`
    * Check **use Root**
    * **Store Errors in**: `%Catch`
4. Under **Profiles** create an application based profile through `+`**Application** → choose **All**, and **Invert** at the bottom → select **Chrome**.
5. Link the task `Del_chrome_data` in it.

<sub>(Here is the exported profile, in case you run into trouble.)</sub>

Now, you may simply launch Chrome, do your browsing, open other apps, come back to Chrome, and nothing would seem to be affected.

Remove the Chrome from recent tasks list, launch Chrome, and *voila!* you would notice that the previous browsing data has been purged automatically.

You can also configure **Tasker** to run the task based on time, if you desire time based removal of browsing data.

**Note**: It took around 2-5 seconds on my devices to purge the files. Perhaps, those devices are slow.

We're good to go!
> 5 votes

# Answer
I would use firefox. It has an option to clear on exit. You do have to go to the menu (which you can access by tapping the menu icon) and hit quit every time, but seeming as there is no way I know of in chrome, It's better than nothing. Firefox does take some getting used to though, so switch with caution.
> 5 votes

# Answer
I don't think it is possible because Chrome doesn't have lots of personalization.

Instead, try Maxthon Web Browser that allows you to surf the Internet without saving the chronology.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, privacy, history, search-history, browser-history
---