# Question
Title: Huge data usage started last month - 4GB over mothly average
I have an HTC One (M8) with Cyanogenmod 12 (12-20150625-snapshot-yng4nao09n-m8) which I have been using since June. Before that I had a different version of CM on the same phone and did a full reset. Late September, high data usage by the Android OS system showed up like the bogeyman out of nowhere. I've had a 3GB plan for 2 years and have never once gone over until now where I am over by 4GB.

Verified Backup and Sync is turned off for the phone and for photos. I also cleared the cache and data for Google Backup Transport, Google Play Services, Google Play Store, and Google Services Framework, rebooted, and thought I had the problem solved, but installed My Data Manager and waited.

The built in Data manager shows everything as Android OS, with no option for me to restrict. Data Manager caught it happening today and says its EasyAccessServices. What is EasyAccessServices, anyway? In All Apps the option to disable EasyAccessServices is greyed out.

Every data jump has been in the same amount: 0.64GB (650-680MB). It will happen at different times of the day, on random days. This has got me tearing my hair out in frustration. I've got some rollover data built up but I can't afford too much more of this.

**EDIT**: Its been explained that EasyAccessServices is the pointer/gesture app built in to the OS that basically acts as the touchscreen driver. I can't tell if the data was uploaded or downloaded, but maybe the app is trying to update itself and failing. Looks like `com.htc.easyaccessservice` is version 2.0.831094.

**EDIT2**: I can Force Stop the application. When I do I still can use all the gestures I can think of in NovaLauncher and Facebook.

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

# Answer
> 0 votes
After trying everything I could think of, I did a factory reset on the phone. So far no more issues.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 5.0-lollipop, data-monitoring, htc-one-m8
---


# Question
Title: How to copy events in KitKat 4.4 Calendar?
How do I copy events in KitKat 4.4 Calendar? That possibility to copy events has been removed from the calendar.

# Answer
It seems the only option are third party apps. I found Informant, which is sort of like Pocket Informant (same dev), I used on my blackberry. It seems that stock apps for Android are becoming more and more featureless. I guess "they're" trying to promote using third party apps, I guess, I don't know.
> 2 votes

# Answer
* Open Calendar
* Click on List tab
* Find Event to copy, then press on it and hold until a popup window appears
* Choose Copy

Something similar can be done from the Month tab...

* Select the day of the event
* Find Event to copy just below the month calendar
* Press and hold until a popup window appears
* Choose Copy
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, calendar
---


# Question
Title: How to not be asked every time whether to use TouchWiz Home or TouchWiz Easy Home?
On my Samsung Galaxy SIII Neo (Android KitKat 4.4.2), as soon as I reboot the phone and enter my password to unlock the screen I get the following dialog box, asking me which home screen app I want to use. I am then asked the same question on several other occasions (such as when I exit another application, perhaps one that fires up by default when the phone starts):

Click to enlarge
I always click on Always, and then OK in the following screen:

Click to enlarge
The problem is that every time I reboot my phone I get asked the same question. Is there a way to permanently store this setting (and perhaps change it at a later time via the phone's Settings app)?

This seems like a bug on my particular Samsung device (since I haven't had the same problem on other Samsung phones I have tried). I wonder whether there's a way to fix it.

# Answer
You have said that if you select Google Now launcher the problem does not happen. It sounds like Google Now is forcing the choice. If you do not use the Google Now, I would suggest uninstalling it and this should fix the problem for you.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, launcher, samsung-galaxy-s-3-neo
---


title: My phone is in an update boot loop

text:
# Question
Title: My phone is in an update boot loop
I have an update for my Samsung Galaxy Exhibit.
I clicked on *Update* and it started updating my phone, but now it goes to the update screen, loads about 25% and then restarts my phone. It has been happening for a half hour now, what should I do?

Taking the battery out did not help, either.

# Answer
Two options depending on the status of your phone.

1. If you are rooted and have a custom recovery (and backup), simply reboot into recovery and restore a backup of your original rom.
2. If you are not rooted, then you will need to download the original firmware file (try SAMMOBILE.COM) and then flash it using Odin - There are lots of tutorials on how to flash using Odin, so I won't go into detail. Once you have successfully done this, then re-download the updated firmware, as it sounds like your original download is corrupted.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: hardware, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Can Android phones/tablets access W-Fi network drives?
There are many WLAN routers currently available which have a USB port to connect external HDDs. These are than easily available on Windows machines directly in Windows Explorer, they look like common network drives.

If I used an Android-based smartphone or a tablet which support WLAN, would it be possible to access these network drives somehow? I'm entertaining the idea of getting a tablet, and it's important to know if I can access a larger storage than what would be available locally via an SD card (if such a slot even would be present on a particular specimen).

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe most of these routers mount your drive as a network samba share (like windows file sharing), which android phones can access with apps, like ESFilexplorer or AndSMB. They can stream off it or download files to SD card.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I used ES File Explorer on Android phone to access a hard disk attached to a Wi-Fi router and it was able to play content directly without copying to my phone.

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


title: Automating a widget launch

text:
# Question
Title: Automating a widget launch
I'd like an ability to automate launching a widget. Specifically, what I'd like to do is link the Ustream's "Broadcast Now" widget into an automation app like Tasker or Automate (preferably the latter).

I've looked around and a lot of things (like the AutoShortcut app for Tasker) claim to be able to do this, but I've had no luck as yet.

Is it possible to do this?

# Answer
Popup Widget 2 can help. See my answer for How do I launch a widget from a shortcut on Home screen? for its *know-how*.

Once you're done adding your widget in that app, in your automation app, there should be an option for you to launch a shortcut. Choose Popup Widget 2 shortcut → your widget.

You can also use Short Launcher app to treat the Popup Widget Shortcut 2 as an app which may help in automation.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: app-widgets, automation
---


# Question
Title: Activate Tethering with ADB - Android 5.1
I'm on LINUX, and I've create a simple script to activate : \- Data connexion (3G/4G) switch ON \- Enable tethering switch ON \- Change PC ethernet connexion

So I've just have to plug my phone on my USB, and launch my script and voila :)

But, recently I've got a new phone (Xiaomi MI4c) which works with android 5.1.1 And my script isn't working properly, and I don't know why !:crying: Everything works, except "enable tethering" with ADB:

```
#adb shell su -c 'service call connectivity 30 i32 1'
Result: Parcel(
  0x00000000: 00000000 00000002 00000006 006e0062 '............b.n.'
  0x00000010: 00700065 0064005c 00000000 00000006 'e.p.\.d.........'
  0x00000020: 00740062 0070002d 006e0061 00000000 'b.t.-.p.a.n.....')

```

And nothing happend

adb works fine :

```
# adb shell su -c 'service list connectivity'  |grep connectivity
54  connectivity: [android.net.IConnectivityManager]

```

I've found this :

```
service call connectivity 32 i32 1 on Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0)
service call connectivity 33 i32 1 on Jelly Bean (4.1 to 4.3)
service call connectivity 34 i32 1 on KitKat (4.4)
service call connectivity 30 i32 1 on Lollipop (5.0)

```

How can I see which number should I use to enable this functionality with ADB ?

Thanks for your help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'm uncertain behind the reason because I reached the result using *trial and error* but this command would do the job for Android 5.1.1:

```
service call connectivity 31 i32 1

```

As expected, you need root privileges.

Also, you may be able to get something interesting from the source code of a service, in this case, it would be android.net.IConnectivityManager.

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: Tune-in to next radio station on FM radio without unlocking the phone
I'm using Moto E 1st gen. on Android KitKat. I'm used to listening to FM radio while travelling, but whenever I want to tune-in to other radio station, I have to unlock the phone first because I'm using a pattern lock. I'm also using headset, but there's no control buttons, so I can't change the radio station with it.

Since it's difficult to unlock while travelling (moving) and sometimes takes too many attempts, is it possible to tune-in to next radio station without unlocking? Perhaps a widget on the lock-screen?

# Answer
Have you tired to double press the button in your headset? The stock radio player app should do it. And in case if does not there are plenty of apps (Headset Control Center to name one) in market that can recognise the double press and do a task for you, which could be change the radio station.

**Update:** After realizing the absence of headset button through the OP's comment, I suggest to use Tasker and Intent Radio app. The concept is that the Tasker can be used to identify a trigger. This could be head set plug in, head set removed, power button pressed, volume buttom pressed, movement gesture - few listed out of many options. This trigger will raise an intent to the Intent Radio which can change the radio station.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: fm-radio
---


title: How to prevent apps from reloading...?

text:
# Question
Title: How to prevent apps from reloading...?
In my phone (Moto E2 running on 5.0.2) while I'm using facebook, I found a frequent reloading issue.

The problem happens only when I go to an external link to read some articles and after switching back to the app it shows only a white background and it load from the top, previously it used to show from where I left off, first I thought it may be bug in facebook app, then I noticed all my apps are having such a crazy reloading problem, another example is google plus, but luckily after reloading it show from where I left off..!

It can be a virus issue or a setting issue, so before I reset my phone I would like to know if there is a tweak or solution for this...

# Answer
> 1 votes
Might be a problem with the device's firmware - to be more specific with the LMK (low memory killer) which is part of the Android System. I have heard of quite a few Motorola devices with multitasking problems. A good article about memory management / the LMK and OOM on android can be found **here**.

> Google’s OOM\_ADJ values for devices with limited physical memory (512 MB) will allow the LMK to kill the foreground process (running application) after the ZRAMis filled and all cached applications (previous foreground apps) as well as the restartable background processes have been killed

Furthermore there various issues have been submitted to **google** and they seem to have partially fixed these issues in android 5.1. Most custom roms seem to have addressed these issues aswell. You might want to update to the **latest available build** for your device to increase your multitask performance.

> Actually, the issue is not entirely fixed in 5.1.1. The activity manager keeps killing and restarting tasks even in CM12.1. Its just that the killing is not as aggressive as it was in 5.0.x, and after some uptime, the system does attain a sort of steady state, where killings and restarts are very few.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop All Adverticement to my phone?
seriously i hate advertisements because they disturbing my enjoinment on my phone, even in my other account like facebook, twitter, gmail they suddenly appeared.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Advertisements are often used by developers to finance their free applications . But if your device shows more advertisements on screen than content it might become a problem.

There are 2 reasons why your android device shows a lot of ads:

1. The individual apps have ads included
2. You have adware on your phone

So first make sure that you don't have any adware/malware installed on your phone. To do this, you can install a trusted adware scanner like **Malwarebytes Anti-Malware**.

To deactivate inbuild ads you need to root your device. If your device is rooted, you can install **AdAway from f-droid**. Note: You don't need to install F-Droid, just download the apk from adaway and install it. (you may need to accept the installation of applications from untrusted sources inside your security settings). This will block the most common advertisements by altering your hostfile configuration.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have **Root Access** you can go for software like AdFree

AdFree removes most ads in the browser and other apps. Basically It does this by nullifying requests to known host names in the system hosts file.

---
Tags: ads
---


title: Remove com.browser.player malware

text:
# Question
Title: Remove com.browser.player malware
`com.browser.player` suddenly appeared to my installed application when I connect to a wireless data. It periodically shows advertisement on the screen which is annoying.

I tried to uninstall from **Settings \> Applications \> Manage applications** but it's still there.

How to remove it?

# Answer
According to Julius's post on Android Central, you need to turn off its device administration first.

> Settings -\> Security -\> Administration, then Deactivate it. Now you can uninstall it.

Assuming you have Samsung device (based on the original revision),

> 1. Press Home key and then tap Menu key \> Settings \> More.
> 2. Tap Security, and then tap Device administrators.
>
> From User Manual for Samsung Galaxy S3 by Sprint

For other model, please consult its user manual.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If yours is a rooted phone you can use system app remover like No bloat etc to remove system apps. Try searching for system app removers online. I don't think the option is there for non rooted phones
> 0 votes

---
Tags: malware
---


# Question
Title: Mobile network sign disappears, replaced by "stop sign" icon
I am using Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 N8000 device. I have SIM card inserted for mobile data usage. First time, it is working as I captured status bar image as shown with mobile data sign :-

but after some time, mobile data sign disappears and "stop" sign appeared as shown in the picture :-

What does that stop sign mean?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The icon will appear when your mobile provider network is down. No signal at all, so SIM appears as out of service.

<sup>(Image courtesy of Android Central's Forum)</sup>

---
Tags: samsung, mobile-network, notification-icons
---


# Question
Title: How to properly downgrade a phone that shipped with a newer version of Android?
I recently purchased two Samsung G5 phones from Amazon with the intent of ROM development on a downgraded version (the phone shipped with 5.0). I took one of the phones and successfully downgraded the device to an earlier 4x version without issue. It was only later when I attempted to do this on the second device that I ran into problems.

As it turns out, the same firmware I flashed on the first device does not seem to work with the second. After a bit of research I realized that the second device was of a different locale. Both devices, however, have the same model number. So this leaves me with the following questions:

* What is it about different locales that may make firmware incompatible for same model devices? (Aside from carrier types: GSM, CDMA)
* If a phone ships with a newer version, is it possible that downgrading may be impossible?
* If not, what information, aside from the model number and region, is needed to select the proper firmware version for a deivce? (PDA,CSC, etc appear different across firmware versions)

Speaking to the third question listed above: I have attempted to flash countless 4x firmware images (for the correct model and region) only for the phone to get stuck at the Samsung splash screen.

# Answer
> 2 votes
### Different Locales:

It is possible that the *different locale* is shipped with a different bootloader.
This bootloader is responsible for loading up Android and may contain additional checks for stock firmwares before booting. It is also possible that the device was shipped with different hardware (Qualcomm/Exynos processors), so that Android has to include the needed kernel modules and firmware modules to work on that particular device.

### Downgrading a device that shipped with a newer version of Android:

It's certainly possible that an updated bootloader may prevent you from flashing a *complete* older version. There are ways to circumvent this:

* Don't flash the bootloader: Some bootloaders just prevent you from downgrading themselves, but not the rest of the firmware. It is then possible to flash just Android and use an older version with the new bootloader (possible on the Samsung Galaxy S3, personal experience)
* Use a custom ROM: Custom ROMs are usually free to be installed, even if the device shipped with a newer version of Android. They just don't allow them to be checked, because they are not stock. Thus it's in my opinion the best way to downgrade your device. (Let alone all the advantages of having a pre-rooted, debloated device).
* Don't downgrade at all: Older versions of Android often carry bugs, security issues, missing features and warnings in your IDE, that make app development a pain. ROM development only needs a *compatible, unlocked* bootloader and a custom recovery, so don't worry about upgrading Android on your device. (Unless you got the device from a carrier that puts their custom stock ROM on their devices, then try to *not* upgrade at all and wait for the community to come up with ways to unlock the bootloader and flash a custom ROM)

### What information can help you to find the right firmware:

* Go to *Settings -\> Device Info* and read your Baseband, Build number and Build version
* Look up your IMEI on the box or behind the battery on your device (or look for *Status -\> IMEI information*, if your Settings app contains this information)
* (if you are unsure which firmware to use because there are different hardware layouts): Get the serial no. of the mainboard. Because currently all phones are SOCs (system on a chip), you should be able to determine whether to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon, Exynos, MediaTek etc. version of the firmware you are looking for.
* If in doubt, ask on the appropriate forum on xda-developers; most major devices have sub-forums like *"General Help"*, *"ROM development"* etc. The people that are active there know what they are doing and should be able to help you out.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, device-firmware, downgrade, localization
---


# Question
Title: How can I tell if I have Samsung or Google calendar app installed?
I have a calendar app installed (rooted Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Android 4.3)

App Info shows version "4.3-N900VVRUBMJ7", which matches Samsung's instaled Android version.

How can I tell if it's a standard Google Calendar app, or Samsung's version of it or Samsung's proprietary app?

(the main reason is that I need to ask questions about it here, and I need to specify which calendar app I'm using :)

# Answer
I figured out an answer.

Went to Google Play and opened Google Calendar. It had "Install" button, meaning it wasn't already installed.

Coupled with the Calendar app's ID matching Samsung firmware #, it means the app I have is Samsung's calendar, not Google.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: calendar, samsung-galaxy-note-3, google-calendar
---


title: New phone - New SIM or Old

text:
# Question
Title: New phone - New SIM or Old
I am getting a new phone. I have an old Galaxy and am getting a new(er) one to use with my pre-paid plan ($30/mo unlimited).

I plan on keeping my old service and phone number.

Should I use my old SIM card or use the new SIM that comes with the new phone?

I don't know if there are any reasons why I should keep my old one (like keeping data) or to use the new one (such as new features or security reasons).

# Answer
> 1 votes
If the new SIM uses the same phone number and plan, throw out the old SIM and use the new one. If it seems to change your number, keep the old one if it fits in the device.

The new one is indeed likely to be more secure.

---
Tags: sim-card
---


# Question
Title: How does the Linux filesystem on Android get mapped to "Computer\PhoneName\Phone" on Windows 7?
I am trying to figure out, when I use `adb shell` I see a filesystem with directories such as `/storage/emulated/0`. When I connect my Android phone to Windows 7 I see something like the following folder: `Computer\JohnDoe(GT-I9301\Phone`.

I would like to understand how the Linux filesystem gets mounted under Windows. Does Windows mount only a specific part of the filesystem or does it reorganize everything into a new view?

# Answer
> 1 votes
By default, when connecting your device it gets mounted via . Our mtp tag-wiki gives some details on this; basically, only parts of the device's storage is exposed – usually only the SD card(s).

In easy terms, you can think of this as something similar to your "Windows Shares", where you define directories to be available over the network (with the latter being an "USB network" using MTP): Android would "hand" it the SD card as "mount point" (in case of multiple SD cards, like one internal and one "physical", that would make two items). According to the protocol, everything below that should be shown as-is, like when mounting a remote drive. I don't know how Windows is supposed to name the "entry points", but it shouldn't re-arrange things below them. Your `Computer\JohnDoe(GT-I9301)\Phone` entry most likely reflects your internal SD card (`/storage/emulated/0`).

---
Tags: file-system, usb-connection-mode, mount
---


# Question
Title: Will resetting my KitKat android force me to upgrade to Lollipop?
I have a galaxy s4 running a rooted kitkat system. If I upgrade to lollipop I cannot root phone (which I need!) Will doing a factory reset force me to upgrade or will I retain my kitkat system?

# Answer
> 1 votes
A factory reset of your phone will not cause an upgrade of the operating system. You will still have the whatever OS you started with.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, 5.0-lollipop, rooting, factory-reset
---


title: I have a hard bricked nexus 7,

text:
# Question
Title: I have a hard bricked nexus 7,
I have a hard bricked Asus nexus 7 i have tried everything can find to "unbrick" it. i get to the google logo and thats as far as it gets. anyone got any ideas.

I can get to fastboot mode. I can move the choices from start to restart bootloader to recovery mode to power off to start. I have pressed the power button on each choice. if i hit start it goes to the google logo and freezes there. If i hit recovery mode it goes to the google logo and no farther. hit restart bootloader comes back to start then hit the power button and the google logo comes up and freezes. same at the recovery mode. Power off is the only thing that works.

Thanks for the help

# Answer
did you try to get an image for your nexus device from this place: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images?hl=en and flash it ? If nothing is wrong with the hardware then this will help, just follow the steps provided on that page.

By the way, i've upgraded my nexus 7 to the latest Android 5.1.1 and i could not use it, because it keeps on freezing, rebooting. Had to downgrade back to 4.4.4 and now my device is back.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-7
---


# Question
Title: How to write an NFC tag with Driving Directions?
I want to write an NFC Tag on a sticker with something that will directly open Google Maps driving directions to a specific address. I've tried using "NFC Tasks" / "NFC Tools", but haven't found any preset that seems to fit the bill. These come close:

* "**Address**: Open an address"; and
* "**Geolocation**: Open an geolocation".

But obviously those tasks don't open *driving directions*.

To clarify, on my Nexus 5 with Android 6.0 (but also on 5.x if I remember correctly) I have the option to include a Maps widget on my home screens that do exactly this. When adding such a widget I get this settings screen:

Clicking this widget does what it says on the tin: fires off driving directions.

With NFC Tasks you can write URLs, so I tried writing:

```
http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=some+address+here

```

But that opens Google Maps *in a browser*, not the Maps application itself.

With NFC Tasks you can also write custom data, but I wouldn't know how to format my custom data for this specific task. The "Pro" version of the tool can write "Send Intent" tasks to tags, but I can't figure out if that's what I need (before I go out and buy the pro version).

I've gone through the suggested duplicates and similar questions, but found no relevant info.

Bottom line: **How do you write Driving Directions to a specific location onto an NFC tag**?

# Answer
There is a way to create a link to a Google maps' destination which automatically detects user's location and triggers the driving directions. You can find how to do it here, in particular see the voice 'Directions (detect user's current location as starting point)'. You just have to write this link on your tag NFC, with any app that provides the possibility (like NFC Tools). The problem may be the storage capacity of your tags: this kind of link is bound to require a lot of bytes. You can choose the bigger size of tags, which cost more, but be sure the link fits, or you can use a provider of shorten link (which I suggest).

Edit: I didn't see you already tried something similar. With mobile browsers, like chrome, if you open a link that points to google maps you should be redirected to the app. Maybe you set your browser to open this kind of links by default instead of the app?
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-maps, nfc, google-maps-navigation
---


# Question
Title: Configure screen on/off: charging/time of day
I want to configure my tablets such that if the device is plugged into a charger and it is between, say, 7 am and 10pm, then the screen doesn't turn off, otherwise, it will. Is this possible?

Edit ------

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can create a profile with the criteria that needs to be meet for it to work. E.g Time and Power.

1. Create a Task
2. Choose Display -\> Display timeout
3. set the timeout 59 Secs, 59 mins and 23 Hours or longer if you want

***This is were the instructions differ from the above user***

4. Go to your profiles tab
5. Create a new profile
6. Chose the first Context/trigger as the time frame you desire, which is 7am to 10 pm
7. Chose the wanted task
8. Once the profile has been created click and hold on to the time setting context/trigger (The box within your profile that you created)
9. After that you get shown with a list of items, click add \> State \> Power and then chose the desired choice (I left it as any - this includes AC, USB and Wireless charging)
10. Click done. Now you have created a profile that activates only at a certin time while it is being supplied power

Hope I could help you get this working.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can do it easily enough with Tasker. You can create a task that:

* checks if the device is on charge (to do it you can either use the extended variable %myPOWER provided here or create your own global variable)
* checks for the time of the day
* sets the screen timeout to 'never'

Create a task with two actions. The first one:

1. Choose Display -\> Display timeout
2. Set all sliders to the maximum, it means never power off the screen
3. Add this 'if' condition (tap the plus sign at the bottom of the page): %myPOWER = ac (use 'Math: Equals' to set the field in the middle)

For the second task, set minutes to your normal timeout time and add the condition: %myPOWER = none.

Now create a profile:

1. Choose 'Time' as the context for the profile
2. Set from 7:00 to 22:00
3. Enter the name of the task you created

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich
---


# Question
Title: Whatsapp message not delivered before deleting account
I had sent a message to a friend of mine in WhatsApp. However, it could only reach the server (one tick). But owing to personal problems, I deleted my WhatsApp account before the message was delivered. Will the message still reach my friend?

# Answer
Yes, it'll be delivered, because it's on the server. You cannot control it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Can I use XPrivacy as an Antivirus?

text:
# Question
Title: Can I use XPrivacy as an Antivirus?
I am using XPrivacy + Xposed Framework. is it safe to consider that malware can be controlled thank to Xprivacy?

# Answer
> 1 votes
**Long version**

Ok so let me first highlight what XPrivacy can and can't do.

Up to Android 6, permissions to access critical data and resources like contacts, calendar, camera, microphone etc are granted at the time an app is installed and are not revocable at all. Some solutions let you revoke those permission afterwards, but this often leads to crashes because apps do expect to have access to those resources. Therefore, at some point solutions like XPrivacy decided to not revoke permissions but to provide fake data. For example, if you "soft revoke" the contacts permission, an app will not get an error when trying to access them but will receive an empty contacts list. So what can XPrivacy do? It can guard your privacy by altering what apps can read.

Now, let's talk about malware on Android. In contrast to desktop systems, classical malware like viruses or rootkits are not possible in Android as long as there is no severe flaw in the Android itself. The reason is, that each app is sandboxed and only given restricted access to resources (eg via permissions). By the way, this is also the reason why antivirus on stock Android does not work the way we are used to from desktop systems. As the antivirus is also sandboxed, it cannot monitor, change or restrict other apps that might be malware. So what malware are we talking about now? Most common are combinations of trojan horses and spyware. To be more precise, apps that pretend to provide benign functionality but also spying on you. Also, a lot of actually non-malicious but overly-curious apps exist that provide real functionality but also collect your data.

Now we can actually get to the answer of your question. If you use XPrivacy to revoke permissions of the spyware, there is not too much it can do. But the problem is, that spyware is often disguised as a benign or well-known application which might not work properly with fake data. So there are two possibilities now when treating a malicious app. Either you detect it to be malicious and remove it, or you do not detect it (because it might also have real functionality) and then you won't restrict its permissions so that it does not work anymore because you think it is a regular app. This social engineering component is a big problem.

**Summary/Short version**

XPrivacy does not find apps that actively use known vulnerabilities and does neither modify nor closely inspect potential malware. It just allows you to restrict app permissions. So in contrast to classical antivirus approaches known from desktop operating systems like windows, you have to decide what to restrict and where. In general, it is a good idea to restrict apps to the least set of permissions that needed to function properly (principle of least privilege). If you do this consequently for ALL apps, chances are high you also restrict malware. But as long as there are apps that for example need the internet permission for their benign activities but also to upload data that the spyware collected, this approach is simply not enough.

So no, **you should not rely on XPrivacy to defeat all malware. It is just a tool for you, so its utility depends on your choices**.

---
Tags: malware, antivirus, xposed-framework, xprivacy
---


# Question
Title: keep screen from dimming down when running certain app?
My 2.3.5 Android phone is set up to dim down the brightness after 30 seconds of inactivity, and shut off and lock the screen after another 30 seconds. After that, I need to unlock the screen to regain access to the running app. I would like to be able to keep a certain app with the screen accessible, while keeping the same configuration for any of the other apps. So instead of having a phone-wide system of brightness dimming, I would like to have an app-specific system. Any ideas?

# Answer
That's easily possible using Tasker (I do the same for selected reading apps to *increase* the timeout to 2min, while also having the 30s default for all other apps):

* **Condition:** App (select the apps you want to keep the screen active for)
* **Task:** Display Timeout (configure the timeout interval using the sliders)

Alternatively, in "Task" you could also let *Tasker* switching the *keyguard* off to disable the lock screen.

At least concerning the display timeout adjustment, this might be possible with other automation apps as well, such as Llama -- I'm not sure, as I use *Tasker* I don't use the others. Though *Tasker* might look a bit pricy (~5 EUR) and complicated, after you figured out how to use it you will find it worth every cent. Until then, there's a free trial available on their homepage.
> 3 votes

# Answer
There is an app you could use: Stay Alive! Keep screen awake
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, settings, screen, screen-brightness
---


# Question
Title: I want to transfer my android internet app info (saved passwords/log on info on browser)
I have a note 3 and will be transferring to my note 5 soon. I want to find out if there is anyway i can just transfer the app with the existing internet browsing info with the login info i already have in the cache. The cache has not been cleared so I want to directly transfer this to my new phone so i don't have to re-log into and re-enter all my passwords for the sites.

Is there a way to do this?

Just to be clear: I want to open up my internet app on note 5 as it is on my note 3....so that the login info and stuff is already there so i don't have to find all my logon info again for the sites i visit.

Many thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
A solution without root is described in Full Backup of non-rooted devices: using `adb backup` you can grab all (or selected) apps including their data from your old device, and then restore them to your new device. I'd recommend taking separate backups from all your apps, as `adb restore` is an all-or-nothing without the possibility to select what to restore – and you probably want a "clean transfer", leaving "garbage" out.

### Instructions

So the recommended steps would be:

1. installing the required ADB stuff to your computer, see Is there a minimal installation of ADB?
2. performing an ADB backup for all your apps. If you're using Linux on your computer, my tool Adebar can assist you with that, creating shell scripts to backup/restore each single app and more (on Windows, Ultimate Backup Tool might offer something comparable). If not, you can list all apps via `adb shell pm list packages <X>` (with `<X>` being `-3` for user apps you want to backup including their `.apk` files, and `-s` for system apps where you want only the data from – as you couldn't restore the `.apk` anyway due to read-only `/system` file system). Then run `adb backup -f <appname>.ab -apk <user_app_package_name>` for each user app, and `adb backup -f <appname>.ab -noapk` for each system app. Hint: `com.android.sharedstoragebackup` will take a while and create a huge file, and you probably can skip that; it's the contents of your SD card(s).
3. for each backup file you want to transfer to the new device, run `adb restore <file.ab>` with the new device connected

### A few caveats and tricks

### Further readings

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use Titanium backup (requires root access on both old and new devices)

Make the backup of the internet app on note 3, copy the backup in your new device, download Titanium Backup in new device, restore the backup but be sure to restore only the data. Titanium backup offers 3 types of app restores: App only, App+Data, Data only. Use the "Data Only" option as using the "App+Data" restore option may replace the internet app with an older version (Note 3 would have older app version than Note 5).

This shall restore all the saved data of your old device to your new device.

---
Tags: samsung, internet, cache
---


# Question
Title: Moving /storage/sdcard0 from NAND to a removable MicroSD card: will it break anything?
# Background information

I own a Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G running Android 4.1.2. It comes with 8 GB of built-in NAND flash, which is almost full by now. Luckily, it also has a MicroSD card slot.

My carrier doesn't offer handset subsidies. I hope not to have to upgrade to a new phone before the BlackBerry Priv comes out: I want a device with a physical keyboard.

On my device, `/storage/sdcard0` occupies 2 GB out of the 8 GB.

Of the 2 GB:

* OsmAnd offline maps take up 800 MB.
* Downloaded podcasts and whatnot take up about 600 MB.
* Google Translate's offline data takes up 200 MB.
* The rest is miscellaneous.

Because I'm not running Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" or higher, my device doesn't include support for adoptable storage.

# My questions

I'd like to move `/storage/sdcard0` from built-in NAND (8 GB) to the removable MicroSD card I've bought (32 GB). The entire MicroSD card is formatted as FAT32. In the place of the old `/storage/sdcard0`, I plan to leave a symbolic link.

I've experimented a bit, and it's clear that I'll have to root my phone first. That's fine.

I wonder:

1. Does `/storage/sdcard0` include any file ownership or permission data which I don't want to lose?
2. Will Android (and all my apps) work fine even if `/storage/sdcard0` is actually a symbolic link instead of a folder? If you believe they'll work fine, then how do you know this? :)
3. Is there anything else I should know before doing this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Multiple things in this context:

* apps might directly support using the external SD card as storage, check with their settings. This will save you some headaches, as it then works without "tricks". When changing to the new storage, apps might even offer to copy/move their data over, which would be the easiest thing for you to do.
* As Gokul mentioned in his comments on your question: it's not as simple as just creating a symlink from the old storage to the new – after the next boot, that is most likely gone (which can be worked around by editing the boot image – or by facilitating `init.d` with a fitting script, if supported). You could however symlink each directory separately (e.g. `/storage/sdcard0/foobar -> /storage/external_sd/foobar`, which should do even without root and, more importantly, survive a reboot without "additional tricks"
* both external storages use VFAT, so no user permissions covered (VFAT doesn't support them), so "nothing to lose" in this context ;)

---
Tags: external-sd, sd-card, storage, file-system, file-management
---


# Question
Title: How are good, fair, poor and bad defined for signal strength?
How are good, fair, poor and bad defined for signal strength in terms of dBm, in most Android phones or telecommunication community?

Are they defined the same for mobile network and for WiFi network?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 4 votes
It depends on the technology of the mobile, i.e. CDMA 1xEVDO (Verizon & Sprint 3G), UMTS (AT&T and T-Mobile 3G), LTE (all carriers 4G LTE).

In general, for 3G:

* -116dBm to -108dBm is bad
* -108dBm to -103dBm is poor
* -103dBm to -95dBm is fair, and
* pretty much anything \> -98dBm is good to very good.

For LTE, it's:

* -120dBm to -115dBm is poor
* -115dBm to -105dBm is bad
* -105dBm to -95dBm is fair, and
* \> -95dBm is good

None of this however is absolute to guarantee the quality of service (QoS). There are many factors that go into QoS. In urban areas, there is much more interference from various sources including the operators' own network that affects speech quality and throughput speed.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I can answer this for WiFi: received signal strength indicator (RSSI) in the 802.11 standard is only required to be orderable. This means for a single device you can tell when its reported value x is greater than its reported value y, but not by how much because there may be no real scale. Every device can report different values for the same real signal power, and the values across devices are not directly comparable because they can each use different values and they may have no scales. A device is only required to be able to tell a signal is stronger or weaker than another signal.

For reference, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received\_signal\_strength\_indication

---
Tags: network-signal
---


# Question
Title: Disable personal language library feature of Swype
I dislike the way keyboards build a personal language library. I currently use Huawei Swype and whilst yes, every now and then I can clear the library, I would like to not have to do that.

Is there any way to disable this feature on Swype?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you tried using the **Google Keyboard** application? It pretty much allows you to **disable personalized corrections** and a few more options.

You have the option to change the following settings:

* Block offensive words: Block Google Keyboard from suggesting potentially offensive words.
* Auto-correction: Set the spacebar and any inserted punctuation to automatically correct mistyped words.
* Show correction suggestions: Show suggested words while typing.
* Personalized corrections: Set Google Keyboard to learn from your typing to improve its suggestions to you.
* Suggest Contact names: Use names from your contacts for suggestions and corrections.
* Next-word suggestions: Use the previous word in making suggestions.

source: Google Support Page

---
Tags: swype
---


# Question
Title: htc evo 3d wifi connected but internet not working
this is my first question on android, so I hope I will not miss anything. I bought my phone from friend probably 5 years ago, so there is no warranty. I used to login to wifi networks with no problems, but probably yesterday I clicked on "save network" (my wireless home network). For some reason, it stored my network with weird ip address(169.254.169.59), that I can not delete from phone.
My router automatically asignes 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.2, ...
I tried renaming my wifi SSID and connected to it. Again, ip address in my mobile phone is 169.254.169.59. I tried connecting to two different wifi routers, my mobile still has this weird ip address.
I also tried connecting to that saved network manually with ip address I set (192.168.0.15). After connecting, my phone claims it has ip address 169.254.169.59.
How do I get rid of this saved ip address? I tried reseting my phone. I do not see any other usefull settings in my phone. I can not delete saved network (I did not see any options for deletion).

* Android version - 4.0.3
* HTC sense 3.6
* Software number = 3.28.401.1
* kernel = 3.0.16-ge733186

How do I fix this? Is it possible without factory defaults reset? My phone has never had a jail break.

# Answer
I probably made a mistake that I thought I had two routers, but actually I had router and wifi extender. I was working with extender as router, trying to restart it and alter settings. But after I intalled main router, my mobile connected. So I guess main router had saved that weird ip address for my device and kept it. Restarting main router made it work.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, htc, htc-evo, htc-evo-3d
---


# Question
Title: In Chatsecure conversations, what is the meaning of the little ticks and crosses?
I noticed that after each message when OTR is enabled, 2 little ticks or crosses appear in the message bubble. Sometimes they change color from black to white.

What is the meaning of these indicators?

I think it something to do with message delivery and /or to flag the recipient has read the message, but I would appreciate a definitive explanation!

# Answer
> 0 votes
One check means it was sent.

Two check means it was delivered, though not necessarily read.

One check with One X means it was sent, but no delivery receipt was received.

---
Tags: instant-messaging, xmpp
---


title: Tasker: Turn wifi on/off scheduled

text:
# Question
Title: Tasker: Turn wifi on/off scheduled
Looking for a way to turn off my wifi everyday at 9:30 pm. And turning it back on at 7:00am the next day automatically everyday. Tried a few profiles, none really worked.

Thanks for your help.

# Answer
I don't know what profiles you've tried, but that's one of Tasker's easiest jobs:

**Condition:** *Time* (set start and end time)

**Task:** *Net › WiFi* (set "off")

That's it. At "start time" WiFi will be switched off, and and "end time" the setting is reverted to what it was before the condition matched. If you want to be sure that's always "WiFi on", use an exit-task similar to the described task, just with *Net › WiFi* set to "on".
> 6 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, tasker
---


# Question
Title: Enabling USB debugging from open file system access using custom recovery
Of course this should be possible, but finding the correct files to modify is the real question.

Assuming we can boot into a custom recovery and have full access to the file system, has anyone investigated the steps for enabling USB debugging?

The motivation for this request is that I have a device that will not fully boot, so a log dump would be very helpful in this case.

# Answer
The correct file to modify is the build prop. Which can be risky to modify. This will enable everything needed. Through the file system modify the build.prop or with a computer. If the custom recovery is TWRP or possibly CWM. Then adb comes pre-enabled. Then you also need root and a computer with adb.

1. boot into your custom recovery.
2. Plug your device into your computer and open an elevated command prompt.
3. Throw these commands.

> adb shell
>
> su
>
> mount -o remount,rw /system
>
> cd /
>
> echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1" \>\> default.prop
>
> echo "persist.service.debuggable=1" \>\> default.prop
>
> echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb" \>\> default.prop
>
> echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1" \>\> /system/build.prop
>
> echo "persist.service.debuggable=1" \>\> /system/build.prop
>
> echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb" \>\> /system/build.prop

I have done it this way with a nexus 4 and since this is the build prop. Here are some others that have too.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, file-system, usb-debugging
---


# Question
Title: Lollipop update - Where did my active display setting go?
I have a 1st gen Moto X (2013, Verizon). I received the lollipop update (5.1) and I want to change the notifications on active display. I don't see this setting anywhere.

How can I change my active display settings?

# Answer
Open the moto app. It looks like a rainbow colored star. On the top right, tap the gear. On the bottom right will be the display settings.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, moto-x
---


# Question
Title: Retrieve Files From Device in Bootloader
I'm working on an android application. I accidentally turned on a developer option(I'm guessing RTL Layout), and now I get the message "..System UI has stopped working". I tried to clear the cache partition in recovery mode and that did nothing. I don't mind doing a factory reset but I just want to get files off the phone as I don't believe a backup. (My phone is the Droid Turbo if that matters) When I connect it to my computer via USB it is not recognized. I believe it was set as PTP connection on my phone. It does not show up when I run `adb devices`. However in recovery mode, when I choose "apply update from ADB" it shows up when I run `adb devices`(with the word sideload next to it), but I cannot seem to find it in the device manager. I tried to pull/backup through adb but I get "error: closed". Is there any way to retrieve my photos/etc before/after I factory reset. Thanks!

# Answer
> -1 votes
Did u tried to boot phone to fastboot mode, on my phone I do that this way: Pull out battery for 5 sec, put battery back, an then hold power + volume down key. Than u can try using pull command. What device do you have?

---
Tags: adb, factory-reset, bootloader
---


title: How to disable stock lock screen

text:
# Question
Title: How to disable stock lock screen
I have LG G4 and I am using Picturesque Lock Screen in place of default Lock Screen. After the last update of Microsoft lock screen things have changed. I have both the lock screens are enabled by default i.e. stock LG one and the Micrsoft one. How would I disable the stock lock screen. I can do anything because I have root access. Thanks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Did you tried to disable Microsoft lockscreen in settings\>apps ..? If you after that again get two lockscreens, than go to settings\>security\>lockscreen and set lockscreen security to 'none'.

---
Tags: lock-screens, lg-g4
---


# Question
Title: Creating a playstore account for someone
I purchased an android for my stepdaughter who lives in another state. How can I set up a play store account for her so she can download apps? I have an IPhone myself

# Answer
To setup the Google play store account. You just need to setup a Google account within the Android device. This can be done when the phone is first turned on in the initial setup or can be done in settings within accounts. Google support
> 1 votes

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Tags: google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: How do I disable Gmail app when consolidating into 3rd part Email client?
I decided to go with Blue Mail (Type) as my Android Email client. My question is how do I (or maybe should I) disable the Gmail application when I am using a consolidated Email client? If Blue Mail is doing the work, I don't want Gmail also syncing mail ....or maybe I do...I am not sure how to proceed.

Many thanks to the community for advice

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can simply disable the gmail application, or turn off synchronization of your account in gmail. This will not prevent other applications from accessing your gmail account.

---
Tags: email, gmail, 5.1-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Unable to set custom ringtone on Moto G 2 after upgrading to Lollipop
I'm unable to customize the ringtone on my second generation Moto G after upgrading to Lollipop. I tried doing it normally from the Android settings, but just got a default "beep" sound instead. Only the built-in ringtone works properly.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Someone put this as an edit instead of an answer:

> Instead of setting ringtone under setting --\> Sounds and notifications, try to set your ringtone from your player \[Ex: ES File Explorer --\> sdcard --\> download --\> your song. Play this in ES media player --\> set ringtone \].

and someone else tried to edit this in:

> 1- change ur choice music into .ogg format (try fx file explorer it may able to rename any format u want)
> 2- put that music file on the ringtone folder on phone where hangout ringtones are present 3-now power off ur phone and start it
> 4-go to phones and notification folder u got ur choice music as a ringtone

# Answer
> 1 votes
Please Try this way, Simply Place the Your Ringtone in FileExplorer--\>sdcard--\>Ringtones--\>yourRingTone file.Its working.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have the same problem here's how I solve the problem.

Copy the song you want to set as ringtone to your internal memory / ringtones folder and set it as your ringtone. Note setting ringtone from sd card won't work.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, motorola-moto-g, ringtone
---


title: Problem in wiping cache partition?

text:
# Question
Title: Problem in wiping cache partition?
I'm a moto g first gen user on 5.0.2 and I want to clear my cache. I've done it before on kitkat, and I've had no problem.

But now, I'm having a problem. After pressing the volume down and power button, I reached the list of options. Then I selected recovery. But after that, I get the moto symbol, then a black screen for 2-3 seconds, then the android logo with an exclamation mark saying "No command."

The next step is to press and hold the volume up button for 10-15 seconds and then while holding, to press and release power button. But nothing's happening. I get stuck over there. On other forums I've read what people have suggested but it's basically the same thing.

I tried this 6-7 times but not happening. What should I do?

# Answer
> 1 votes
try this if you haven't figured it out yet..

https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/HRALDucgBq4

Wiping the System Cache Partition Wiping the system cache partition will not delete any files or data but always remember to backup anything important on a regular basis, ie/ photographs, music or document files.

If your device is switched on, power it off.

. . You'll see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark

While holding the Power button, tap and release the Volume Up button - a menu should appear. (Do not hold the Volume Up button down as this will reboot the device). Use the volume buttons to scroll to "wipe cache partition" and press the Power button to select it.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, partitions, cache
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop Google Play Music from automatically downloading my library?
I listened to some of my music library on Google Play for the first time, and unbeknownst to me, it started to download the whole library (12,00 plus tracks) to my phone, completely using up my storage. I can't find ANYTHING that allows me to stop it or limit it's downloading. Has anyone else had similar problems?

# Answer
If you are using the Google Play Music app Touch Menu on your device and see if Keep on device is checked. If yes uncheck it. You can also touch the blue pin to stop making it available offline. For more information on this go to https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1250232?hl=en
> 1 votes

# Answer
I found this article below that was helpful for cleaning up what I didn't want and keeping the free music that I did want. Instructions:

* Select "Free and Purchased" in the left side menu (or where ever the menu is, google may change this tomorrow :P )
* You can then use shift-click to select multiple items. (Shift-click: Hold shift down and then click the top song to delete, scroll to the bottom and hold shift again and click the last song you want to delete.)

https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/apps/E3mRmjLwMjk/SfYzCXb33WwJ
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Cannot install Chrome or Google Drive on Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (P1000)
I tried to install Chrome or Google Drive on Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Android 4.0.4) but the app page in Google Play says "Your device isn't compatible with this version".

Can I install an older version? Or is there any workaround.

I updated my system.

*Later update:* Any other application that I tried to install was giving `Error retrieving information from server. [RPC:...]`

# Answer
What I had to do to solve this was

1. Go to `Settings > Accounts`
2. Remove the Google account
3. Add back the Google account
4. Go to `Settings > Applications > All`
5. Clear data for applications 'Google Play Services`,`Google Play Store\` (basically any system service or application from Google that had to do anything with Play Store)
6. Reboot the tablet

Now I can install applications, including Drive and Chrome.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab-10
---


# Question
Title: Lenovo A6000 Plus boots into recovery mode after downloading system updates
Today I downloaded updates for my Lenovo A6000 Plus. It asked for rebooting so I hit OK. But when it reboots, it says like:

> Android System Recovery \<3e\>.

The options it shows are:

* reboot system now
* apply update from ADB
* wipe data/factory reset
* wipe cache partition
* apply update from SD card

I have tried all the four options but with no good results. I attempted update from SD card, but I don't know what file it requires.

# Answer
Finally, I got the solution. Follow the instructions listed below, step by step:

1. At first, you have to download system software in your memory card through another phone. Download the file from here (size of about 1GB; a ZIP file).

**Note**: Aforesaid link is for Lenovo 6000 Plus.
2. Remove your phone's battery and insert the memory card in it.
3. Start your mobile. It would show the same screen as it did earlier. Tap "install updates from SD card" and navigate to the file you have downloaded.
4. Select the ZIP file you have downloaded.

Now enjoy the latest Lollipop version on your mobile and your problem is also solved.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, stock-android, lenovo-a6000-plus
---


# Question
Title: Do devices with a fingerprint scanner secure access to the bootloader/recovery
Pretty simple question but as I have never owned a device with a fingerprint scanner... basically I was wondering:

**If you secure your device with your fingerprint - is it possible to access the bootloader or recovery without it?**

I have tried searching but did not come up with any results answering my question. I'm asking because I thought it would be kind of clever to secure the bootloader and the recovery. If your device gets stolen / you loose it, then the thief/finder could not flash a fresh rom/firmware onto your device making the device useless for him.

**If the bootloader and the recovery can't be secured like this - do you know why?**

Thanks for your feedback!

# Answer
> 2 votes
In answer to your first question, I'd say yes. If there was a serious error with the fingerprint sensor hardware or a glitch with the software, you'd need to somehow recover your device. And if something isn't working, then where are you left?

And in answer to the second question - the fingerprint software is pretty high-level and out of fastboot's (the general Android bootloader. Samsung use another one, called Odin) control really, however I guess it could be implemented if it's necessary. However, it would also be unnecessarily complicated to implement this in the bootloader, and would require quite a lot of communication between both fastboot and the Android system whenever the device gets turned on to make sure both software layers use the same fingerprints, etc.

I do see your point with protecting recovery with a fingerprint - TWRP is Linux based and so could theoretically support it, but then someone could simply overwrite it with a stock recovery image.

---
Tags: security, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: Broken, unresponsive screen: how to recover data on this otherwise working phone?
today my Huawei Ascend P7 has met its sad end, falling 2 meters to its screen-death. The phone still rings, turns on and off, and the volume buttons still work, but the screen doesn't work at all. It will not let me transfer data without accepting the connection in the phone, so I can't just go in with Android File Transfer. I have found guides for Samsung phones and Motorola phones, but I can't find one that will work with my Chinese Hauwei phone.

I do have Google Play activated and it lets me remotely install apps, if that helps.

> Is there a generic method of recovering data from the phone with a broken screen?

---

Other notes: I my phone should have Android 4.4. It does not have an SD card, but I can find one if that would help. It does not have any special settings on, just standard Android.

# Answer
I would try plugging the phone into your computer with a USB cable and copying all the files you can to your computer. Then transfer the files to your new phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: data-recovery, file-transfer, broken-screen, huawei-ascend-p7
---


# Question
Title: What is this circular icon that keeps appearing/dissapearing?
This keeps appearing/dissapearing on my icon bar, and I can't find any reference to it. Can anyone shed some light on this mystery?

# Answer
This means that the audio you are playing at this moment is **supported by** the "**DolbyAudio**" sound-enhancement. Seems like you are using a **HTC ONE M9** then - it is a replacement for the BeatsAudio engine to enhance your music.

I found the explanation on a **german site**. Credits go to them.
> 3 votes

# Answer
This icon comes from BoomSound, installed on your HTC device. Android Central forums has a thread about it. This icon pops up when there is sound to play on anything active on the device. Web pages, messages, anything including something with sound.

Quoting from one entry:

> The thing about BoomSound that it is set so that it automatically works whenever any sound is played through the built-in speakers.
>
> It never really bothered me, however, it would've been nice if they made it possible for the user to turn-off BoomSound, this way users can choose to use it or not.
>
> So even receiving a phone call or a notification will trigger the BoomSound to work.

Here's a page that describes settings available for it, even if it is describing the M9.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


title: What is exynos5-fb.1 wakelock?

text:
# Question
Title: What is exynos5-fb.1 wakelock?
Samsung Galaxy S4 running stock Android 4.3. This wakelock is mysterious. What is it? It's taking up a big chunk of my Awake time. How do I stop it? Thanks

# Answer
> 1 votes
It is You Tube. Even after turning my tablet off, while charging, or not, You Tube starts running, on it's on, and wont stop until I force stop it. Everyday when I seen battery drain or battery not charged after hours of charge time the first thing I do is check task manager and there it is, You Tube running.

---
Tags: wakelock
---


# Question
Title: How to improve battery lasting in Android?
I know the thread What can I do to increase battery life on my Android device? which is a subset of this question. I want to understand how you can improve battery lasting in Android, which is a much broader topic than the original. I am especially interested in Android versions later than 4.4 because of Xposed installer, a necessity of Greenify's applications, is developed for those versions but still in the experimental phase.

I see this after morning use in Samsung Galaxy 4 and Android 5.0.1:

which is too fast. I am using battery saving mode and disabled step-counter from my phone.

How can you use better battery in Android?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can increase you battery lasting by making this settings on your phone:

* Go to settings-\> Battery, check which app is consuming your battery, you have to get rid of that.
* You should off the unnecessary hardware radio's \[wifi, bluetooth, Internet\], if you are not using it like at night.
* Turn off the app services which are not useful, by going to settings-\>apps.
* Remove if any live wallpaper or widget you had used on home screen.
* Turn down the brightness and turn off Automatic Brightness.
* Update your apps.
* Put the device on Airplane mode if you are not using it like on Flight.
* Use power control app or other battery saver app.
* You can use Greenify app that can really help you in saving battery life.

Hope that helps.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you have a rooted device with Xposed Framework installed, you can use Deep Sleep Battery Saver. It works better than many others because it has the ability to hook into the phone and control it directly. But don't install Xposed Framework just for a battery saver.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Follow whatever tips you can do that KMDigital suggested prior to this in case it is an app or apps causing your problem.

Also consider the battery age. Over time batteries become less and less efficient. You can replace your battery with an extended battery as well. It makes your phone heavier as a result, but your battery time will improve significantly.

If you do have spotty or no coverage, do use airplane mode, your phone uses more battery when it's searching for a signal or the signal received is low. Also turn off wifi when you don't need to use it but you expect cell coverage instead of airplane mode.

---
Tags: battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Hangouts: How to make the phone dialer default (instead of the hangouts dialer)?
Following a recent Hangouts update, when using Android 5 on Nexus 5, in an SMS conversation with a contact, touching the "handset" icon automatically launches the Hangouts dialer, while I would like to use the default phone dialer instead.

I did not find any option to change this back to the previous behavior. Is this possible at all?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you don't really need the hangouts dialer, you can disable it (as I believe it's now a separate app). Try: Settings -\> Apps -\> All -\> Hangouts Dialer -\> Disable.

If you can't disable Hangouts Dialer, you can uninstall it. Hangouts will still function as normal.

# Answer
> 0 votes
## Set default hangouts dialer to "Cellular Network (The default dialer you want)"

If you clear the cache on the dialer (hangouts dialer), it should prompt you the first time after that (when something triggers the dialers) asking which dialer to use. You can select "always" on the regular dialer. This will use your cell service, not Hangouts.

# Answer
> -1 votes
System Settings \> Apps Manager \> Hangouts \> Clear default values (exact wording may differ, I'm translating from my language)

---
Tags: phone-app, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: Two errors that refuse to be resolved, Google Play, Android 2.2.1
I have an old phone (LG Optimus V) running Android 2.2.1. I recently took it out and would like to download some apps on it. It automatically updated Android Market to Google Play by itself, but for some reason, it wouldn't let me download anything at all.

I keep getting two errors:

1. Google Talk authentication failed
2. Error retrieving information from server. \[RPC:S-7:AEC-0 4SL6-CLLI-5VT2I\]

I have tried everything:

1. Clearing all data for Google Play and Google Services Framework
2. Uninstalling updates for Google Play
3. Restarting the phone
4. Resetting the phone to default factory settings
5. Creating a new Google account

I'm still getting the two errors above, and I can't download anything. Is there anything else I can try to resolve this problem?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Information pulled from http://wikitechsolutions.com/1222/error-while-retrieving-information-from-server-rpc-s-3-aec-and-rpc-7-aec-0

> Method 1: Level: Easy

* First we have to remove our Google account settings on this device. Go to: Settings \> Accounts \> Google \> Delete Account.
* Then, we will: Settings\> Applications \> All\> Downloads \> delete data.
* Settings\> Applications \> All\> Play Store\> delete data.
* Settings\> Apps \> All\> Google Services Framework \> delete data.
* We turn off the device. Turn it on again.
* Settings\> Accounts\> Add Account

**If not then try**

> Method 2

Please read carefully. If the download does not work from the device, you'll have to download it to your PC. Then copy it to the device, using the USB cable to a folder on the external memory (microSD).

The Facebook app is the one most commonly generating this error, so we will focus on that. If needed, changing app files can be applied to almost any application that is giving you this problem.

Facebook version 3.8 is what we want :

Download Facebook 3.8 APK

**How to get downloaded APK files to update through Google Play Store**

1. Enable installation from Unknown Sources
    * Settings\> Security\> and check the box for Unknown Sources option
2. Locate the APK file you downloaded using a file manager.
3. Open and install the APK file.
    * If installed version is newer than the downloaded APK, uninstall it & reboot, then continue.
4. Open the application and login into Facebook with your username and password.
5. Close the application and reboot.
6. Open the Play Store & check for updates.
7. Remove the check from step # 1, for added security.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had an old Motorola Droid that I was trying to use the same way, ran into same problem. My phone is longer on the Verizon network, I think this was the source of the problems.

Tried lots of the stuff listed. Here is what finally worked for me. I suspect there may be a way to succeed without resetting your phone and loosing all of your installed apps/settings.

* Reset the phone by going to Settings -\> Privacy -\> Factory data reset (don't "Backup my data")
* Here is where these instructions differ from everywhere else after a reset:

1. When the phone reboots, skip the activation step. (Because this phone can no longer be on the carrier's data or mobile phone network, as you probably have a newer phone using the same number, and if not, you still do not plan to activate it, this will be a Wi-Fi/bluetooth only phone)
    2. When it wants you to register with an existing google/facebook etc. account or create a new account using google, decline. We will come back to that. This stupid thing has not bothered to get on a wi-fi network yet, how can it possibly link to an account?
    3. Skip through the tutorial etc. until you get to the desktop screen.
    4. Go into settings, and enable airplane mode. This will prevent it from trying to use the mobile data network for any part of the account linkup.

    + Settings -\> Wireless & network settings -\> Airplane mode (before you do that, you may want to disable Mobile Data) Settings -\> Mobile network Settings -\> Data enabled
        + Now you can attach the phone to a google account. When I succeeded, I was using a google account I had created on the phone 10 minutes earlier before the last reset. (My phone wouldn't let me delete the original account without doing a factory reset.) I don't know if you can attach your phone to the original account you used when the phone was active, and have this method work.
    5. I then went into Settings -\> Accounts & sync settings and disabled Auto-sync, and then added my new google account.
    6. I then went to Market, and was able to download the app I wanted. (Note that the original name for the Google App store was called Market, not Google Play. If it offers to update to Google Play, I recommend not doing that, unless you have to to download a newer app.

BTW, I didn't record it, so I don't know what the phone's versions were before the original reset, its currently Android 2.2.3, Kernel 2.6.32.9-g68eef5 android-build@apa26#1 build number FRK76. I rooted one of my old Droids, don't remember if this was that one.

---
Tags: google-play-store, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Google music: offline listening after subscription expires?
I am thinking about getting a subscription to google music after seeing so many good reviews (plus, the same subscription will allow you access to Youtube Red when it comes out! *source*).

I just have this doubt: if I can't renew my subscription one month, will I be able to hear those albums that I made available for offline listening? How does that work?

Thanks

# Answer
Google music doesn't store the songs you save offline like if they were normal downloads, instead it saves them

> in a randomized folder structure with obfuscated file names.

So you can't just browse them with a file manager and have access to them; they are in a cache of sort. When the subscription expires, Play music provides to delete them from your phone. If you think about it, this would make the subscription system useless, resulting in a financial loss for Google. You can try, though, this app (root required) which is able to locate the files and "decrypt" them, to make them available as simple stored files. Note also that the app currently doesn't work on Marshmellow. For more information and a guide on how to use Play music exporter check this article.
> 1 votes

# Answer
As far as I know, Google Play Music (the app) stores offline music in it's data directory. This is device dependent, and you'll need a file explorer such as ES File Explorer to access the files directly. If you have the music stored on the device itself (so not a microSD card or external storage), they'll be located in somewhere such as `/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.google.android.music/files/music` or `/storage/sdcard0/Android/data/com.google.android.music/files/music` \- they are all MP3 files, and the filenames are all numbers, eg: `245.mp3` or `14.mp3`. If they are stored on external storage, again it is system dependent, but one possible location is `/storage/sdcard1/Android/data/com.google.android.music/files/music`.

Anyway, I'm not sure if these files get deleted when your subscription ends/you cancel it, you you could always copy them to somewhere else (for example, `/storage/sdcard0/Music` or `/storage/emulated/0/Music` for internal storage, or `/storage/sdcard1/Music` for external storage.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Is there any shortcut to turn on flashlight in Android?
I have tried the most popular applications but no default shortcuts. For instance pressing the button long time could be one. I am using Samsung Galaxy 4 and Android 5.0.1.

Is there any shortcut for a better flashlight in Android?

# Answer
A non-root method I propose here requires AutoInput, Tasker (both are paid apps with full free 7 day trial), TeslaLED and AutoShortcut.

## Instructions:

1. Setup all the apps and launch Tasker
2. Profile 1: Event → Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration

* Keys: Home
    * Key Action: Key Down
3. Task for Profile 1: (Actions):

1. Variables → Variable Set: `%Set` to `0`
    2. Task → Wait: 1 Second
    3. Task → If: `%Set` `eq` `0`
    4. Plugin → AutoShortcut → Configuration → TeslaLED Toggle
4. Profile 2: Event → Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration

* Keys: Home
    * Key Action: Key Up
5. Task for Profile 2: (Action): Variables → Variable Set: `%Set` to `1`

The explanation for the instructions can be found at the bottom of my answer for Prevent Accidental Reboots when holding down the power button.

As for the duration of long-press, the minimum I could satisfactorily test was one second (*Wait* action manages it). If your device is fast enough, you may have some good results for milliseconds. Configure *Wait* as per your wish.

Also, alike my other answer, the long-press for screen off would work if there involves a traditional hardware button (like Power button) which can be pressed and not simply touched.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This is as far as I understood your question. You simply want to attach an action to long-press of Home key. This action, at the moment, is about activating the flashlight.

Since you can opt for root, you can also consider opting for Xposed Framework (the installer here may not work for Samsung devices running Lollipop. You would need to visit XDA forum).

Use Xposed Additions to attach an action to keys. Use TeslaLED to enable flashlight (use an alternative if this doesn't work).

Optionally, read my answer for Page up and page down in web pages and elsewhere to become familiar with the interface of Xposed Additions.

All you've to do is:

1. Install and enable Xposed Addtions module. Launch it.
2. Go to Buttons → optionally configure Long press delay → Add new Key and configure it.
3. Select the entry for your key → Add new Condition → Screen On → Screen On → activate Long Press → Long Press.

Replace Screen On with Screen Off, if required. Screen Off would work only for hardware buttons, such as Power button (buttons which you can actually press).
4. Either choose Torch or go to Shortcut → TeslaLED Toggle.

Done!
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, samsung-galaxy-s-4, user-interface
---


# Question
Title: How can I tell if my installed Android version, not CPU, is a 64 bit or 32 bit one?
As long as a **64 bit CPU** is supposed to execute **32 bit programs**, it is sometimes hard to know which one do I have installed on my device.

There are programs that require this knowledge, like the Xposed Framework installer.

What could be considered the **proper method**, whether be it ADB, command-line or software?

I used to do on desktop Linux:

```
 sudo uname -a

```

Maybe there is some equivalent for Android?

Further data:

* Some programs that should inform about this are not clear enoguh for me. This is a example of some AIDA64 report. Even when it shows 32 bit, is this info about the operating system? I would say it is just about the hardware:

<sub>(Click image to enlarge; my AIDA64 is in Spanish)</sub>

> Question extended to this other

# Answer
> 10 votes
`uname -m` will display the architecture of the *running kernel*. This is different than whatever your hardware may be capable of running.

Unfortunately, you have to know which architectures are 32-bit and which are 64-bit. But you can easily find this out.

For example, my m7 displays `arm7l`. A quick search confirms that this is a 32-bit architecture, meaning that my running kernel was compiled as a 32-bit executable.

---
Tags: hardware, system-info
---


# Question
Title: Drawer button to toggle enable/disable lock screen
I am looking for a way to enable the addition of a button in the android drawer which acts as a toggle for enabling/disabling the lock screen. I want to use it to toggle lock screen on when I have to put the phone in my pocket, and lock screen on when I leave the phone on my desk.

Thanks.

# Answer
Finally! Someone developed an app which enables you to lock the screen by tapping a notification drawer entry or in several other ways. The app can be found on the play store. Here it is:

Screen Lock

Screen Lock Pro

Regards.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, user-interface
---


# Question
Title: Method for installing apps on corporate devices to be deployed to users
I'm trying to figure out what the best method is to pre-install and setup the airwatch agent on devices that are going to be deployed.

Currently, we log into Play store with our generic account and install airwacth agent, set up the phone for the user, then remove our generic gmail account.

This process causes issues though because when the user later logs in with their own gmail account, the app we installed under our own account doesn't auto update. It does allow the app to be updated if they manually navigate to it in the store but even doing this doesn't seem to add the app to their auto update list (I had thought that maybe doing one manual update would effectively cause their account take ownership of that app but it doesn't seem to be the case).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try these:

1. I don't want to sound stupid, but have you selected the auto-update setting to be turned on for the app on the play store? You can turn on auto-update in the settings of google play store app and then navigate to the app and press the menu button and tick the auto update button.

**Or**

2. Delete Airwatch and ask the users to download the app again. They can then recive auto-updates as the app is linked to their account

**Idea:** From what I know you can deploy apps via Airwatch, so try deploying the Airwatch app update to the phones. *(This is only an idea, It probably wont work, but is worth a try*

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-account, accounts
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to enable Qi Wireless charging for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X?
Is there a way to enable Qi Wireless charging for Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X? They had wireless charging in all the previous Nexus models and I'm sure it's a hidden feature in there somewhere.

# Answer
> 4 votes
No, out of the box it won't. The reason is that wireless charging requires specific hardware to work. Indeed it is possible thanks to electromagnetic induction; in simple terms: there is a coil inside both charger and phone, connected to the battery. The charger generates an alternating elecromagnetic field in the coil, with which the phone's coil pairs, generating current which charges the battery. It will be possible, although, if some firm produces specific covers with the necessary hardware embedded, which already exist for some flagship phones, so there will be a workaround.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Seems that you can hack the Nexus 5X and integrate a Qi Receiver into the phone:

http://www.phonerepair.us/blog/nexus-5x-teardown-disassembly-qi-wireless-charging-mod-demo

---
Tags: nexus-5, wireless-charging
---


# Question
Title: will win 7 ask for password to sync files
I have an Android phone. It is encrypted. It has a password to login. I connected this to a Windows 7 computer. It shows it's connected as a media device.

1. Was wondering if Windows 7 computer can sync the files of my android phone without asking for the password ?
2. Lets say it somehow did get the files, will the files be encrypted with a password or would they be decrypted already before the transfer was over to the win7 computer ?

The big CAVEAT is that I was using my phone While it was connected to the PC and hence the phone was Unlocked.

# Answer
When using the `Media Transfer Protocol`, the phone handles all the encryption/decryption while transferring files.

The Windows7/AnyOther PC cannot access the files on device till the device is connected and phone's screen is unlocked.

Windows7 will never ask your phone unlock password or any other passwords. All it needs is the device to be connected and lockscreen unlocked. The rest of file transfer will be handled by phone.

All outgoing files from the device are decrypted and sent. And all incoming files to the device are encrypted and stored.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: encryption
---


# Question
Title: HTC One M7, "Other" storage category seems too large
It hasn't become a legitimate problem but I'm on my way there because I met a person who showed me how their HTC One ended up with really large Other category size in Settings -\> Storage free disk space report.

So, currently my 32GB storage is consumed like this:

8.03GB Apps 5.64GB Music 1.87GB Photos & Videos 7.21GB Other 9.24GB Available

So, that looks insanely large to me. More than Music or close to Apps.

I'd like to be able to review somehow what takes up those 7.21GB. Does anyone have an advice as to how I could see what exactly is those 7.21GB of data? Because it keeps growing over time. I do use the Clean Master app, and it saved tens of gigs of space but still Other keeps growing and I don't want to wake up one day to a phone that is full of data I can't manage.

# Answer
> 0 votes
My own best explanation so far, is the fact that a number of applications may cache some data during the course of actively using them. Data that can't be classified as any of the standard categories, such as Music, Video, Pictures, Applications, etc or Android's accounting methodology fails to recognize this cached data, or doesn't bother to look in places where it's located.

Also, there is another type of applications that use a specific model when the application itself remains small size which, once it is installed, downloads gigabytes of "data files" that are not recognized by Android as part of this Application. For example, a lot of games seem to be doing this but it's not uncommon to see other applications to download any type of data files (dictionaries, etc.)

So, basically the problem and a challenge of identifying what exactly eats up disk space and why Other category is so big is because Android's accounting structures are far from perfect. It just clearly fails to associate "data files" and any cached data with an installed application, which is what normally a user perceives as a logically convenient way to answer the question of "How much disk space does program X take up?". Android simply attributes it to Other category that usually looks disproportionately large on just about any Android system I've seen so far.

---
Tags: internal-storage, htc-one
---


# Question
Title: Do not disturb/Priority mode until next alarm on Android 6.0
Android 5.1 introduced an option of enabling priority mode until the next alarm. I used that feature on a daily basis.

Now, with the redesign of the Do not disturb/Priority mode in Android 6.0, I can't seem to find that option. Further research suggests that this feature has been removed.

So first, am I missing something obvious and that option is still there? And second, If this option was indeed removed, is there a more 'advanced' way of getting the priority mode to end after my next alarm?

# Answer
**Update: this feature is back on Android 6.0.1**.

According to Android Police - Android 6.0.1 Brings Back The "Until Next Alarm" Option For Do Not Disturb Mode,

> With Android 6.0.1, the "until next alarm" feature makes its triumphant (or rather quiet, I suppose) return. Good to know!

---

> So first, am I missing something obvious and that option is still there?

Looks like it has been removed on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Nexus 5 on the same Android version also only have 2 options: *Until you turn this off*, and *For x amount of time*.

> And second, If this option was indeed removed, is there a more 'advanced' way of getting the priority mode to end after my next alarm?

Automation apps like Tasker (paid) may be able to replicate the same behavior as the one on Android 5.x Lollipop.

1. Create a profile for an alarm clock
    1. On the *Profiles* tab, tap the **+** button
    2. Select **Event - Date/Time - Alarm Clock**
    3. Press back to finish
2. Create a task to turn off Priority mode
    1. Select **New Task** on the pop-up (or from *Tasks* tab, tap **+** button)
    2. Input the task name (e.g. "Turn off DnD", optional), then tap the checkmark
    3. Tap **+**, select **Audio - Do Not Disturb**
    4. For **Mode**, select **All** (this means "allows all interruption", which is the same as turning off Priority mode)
    * If this is the first time using Do Not Disturb, Tasker will prompt a dialog box to turn on **Notification Access**. Select **Yes**, tap **Tasker** to enable it, and select **Allow**.

Basically, this will make *all alarms turn off the Priority mode*. To refine the time, (e.g. for a specific alarm at 6 AM on weekdays), add other contexts (e.g. **Time** and **Date**) by following How to create a profile with multiple context in Tasker?
> 3 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, alarm, do-not-disturb
---


# Question
Title: Google Play : An error occurred while getting the status of your purchase
I'm unable to buy apps from the Play Store.

This is the message I get when trying to buy the app from a desktop computer :

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

This is what I get when I try to purchase the app from my device (Nexus 5) : It's in French, in English :

> Unable to process your order. please try again

I have already tried clearing the cache for the Play Store app on my device, cleared the cache on my browser on my desktop computer, and I tried 2 different credit cards (one Visa, one Mastercard, both working on Amazon).

I am able to download free apps, and was able to purchase apps from the Play Store in the past. My phone runs Android 5.1.1 and is not rooted.

Does anyone know what the problem could be or even where I could find more helpful error messages?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Silly me, I was trying to purchase the app with the same Google account as the one I use for publishing apps, which is clearly forbidden by Google's policies :

> Please note that it is against Google’s policies to purchase your own application. You will receive an error message when you try to purchase your own application.

Pitty that the error message wasn't a bit more helpful, but the mistake was mine anyway.

---
Tags: google-play-store, paid-apps
---


title: Help? My samsung s5 has a weird problem

text:
# Question
Title: Help? My samsung s5 has a weird problem
My samsung s5 heats up for no reason. I have tried factory reset my phone. There's no problem after i factory reset. After i download an app,the heating starts..but when i turn on power saving mode,the heating stops. What's the main cause of the heating? The source can't be from an app. It does not matter what app,it just start to heat up when there's app and does not heat up when i turn on power saving mode. I have tried safe mode...it works for awhile and starts to heat up when i turn off.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If I may elaborate on Vivek's answer, it is likely being caused not so much by apps running in the background but by *what* apps you have running in the background. When you put your device into battery saver mode, it disables all apps' ability to connect to the internet without being the app you are currently interacting with. Some really bad offenders in abuse of background data (connecting to a website when you are not using the app) are social networking sites such as Facebook and messaging apps such as Skype and Kik. Google's mobile radio active bug only augments the drain. Greenify will automate the process of shutting down these power-hungry apps.

Additionally, check to see if any app is causing an issue with wakelocks. The active section of the battery graph would be almost solid.

# Answer
> -1 votes
It happens due to apps running in background. This also causes battery drain. If you feel it really annoying then I have a solution. You just need to download an app named **DS Battery saver**. This app is good on saving battery and heating.

---
Tags: battery-life
---


title: Can Nexus devices be SIM locked?

text:
# Question
Title: Can Nexus devices be SIM locked?
I have Nexus 4 from Fido (Canadian provider). I want to use with another provider, but I don't know if it's locked by Fido.

I read this discussion and see opposite points of view:

> NEXUS devices are never locked, period.

but:

> Indeed, all Fido phones are locked to Fido.

Which is true? Can Nexus phone be locked?

# Answer
> 2 votes
For your case, posted by Fido's rep,

> I wish to clarify something. All phones sold by Fido are locked with the exception of Nexus phones.

---

But for general case, apparently, **yes, Nexus devices can be SIM locked**. These articles proved that even Nexus 6 (which can be considered as quite new at the time of writing) on AT&T are SIM locked.

* Extreme Tech
> The uproar truly started when it was confirmed that the AT&T Nexus 6 is SIM locked to that carrier. This is the only Nexus phone that’s ever been SIM locked (the Galaxy Nexus LTE wasn’t locked, it just didn’t have the hardware for other carriers).
>
> ...
>
> That SIM lock and the tethering check are a bit trickier — these are both deeply ingrained in the core of the device.... The SIM lock, which keeps the phone from working on other networks, is included in the baseband software. Again, there’s no way around that without major hackery.
* Android Police
> It appears that the carrier's Nexus 6 variant is SIM-locked, won't let you tether without verifying your subscription status, and has AT&T's suite of ringtones as well.
>
> ...
>
> The SIM lock is stored independent of the ROM, somewhere that factory images don't touch. Presently, the only way to get rid of it is to get the unlock code for your device, which can be obtained by AT&T after your contract is fulfilled or the device is paid in full (assuming you bought it on a payment plan). If that doesn't work for you, there is also the option of purchasing the code from a 3rd party.

Also, a user manual from Vodafone for Galaxy Nexus, a forum thread by Verizon user and XDA forum proved that Galaxy Nexus could be SIM locked too.

---
Tags: nexus-4, sim-unlocking
---


# Question
Title: Looping through Terms and Verify Google Account after hard reset
I have a recent Samsung Galaxy 6S Edge phone that had to be factory reset. After the factory reset it will loop through the 'Terms and Conditions' acceptance screen and the 'Verify Google Account' after I enter the Google Account email and password correctly. After entering in this information the phone will go back to the Terms screen and ask to verify the google account again. Google notifies me that the account was accessed through this phone.

Any thoughts of what the trouble might be?

# Answer
You will have to wait 72 hours, then try again and it will probably work. .. my guess is that you changed your google password, its a anti-theft thing that Lollipop 5.1 has. anyways nothing you can do but wait for 3 days from the time you changed your google email password. I had this same problem and figured out the reason after reading some threads.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, troubleshooting, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: ADB Doesn't recognize device when on Clockwork Recovery Mode
I'm trying to install another rom on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and when in the Clockwork Recovery Mode, the ADB quits recognizing the phone. When I boot to the SO, the pc normally recognizes it, I gave authorization, I have usb debugging on. When I boot into recovery mode, it quits recognizing, thus not letting me upload the rom.

# Answer
I had similar situation with Xiaomi Mi3 W. It was totally working while in OS, but not recognized by ADB when in recovery (CWM). In this particular case it was driver problem. When phone was working normally, it identified itself as MTP device, so Windows had neccessary drivers already installed. But when in recovery mode, it isn't neither MTP nor USB-flash device.

Check Windows Device Manager, it should show some unidentified device (with yellow question mark). If so, right-click it and choose "Update driver", then install standard ADB generic drivers provided by Google (they are labeled "Composite ADB Interface" or "ADB interface" or something like that). Then reconnect the device and see, if `adb devices` shows anything. It should now display your phone id and say it's in "recovery" state.
> 1 votes

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Tags: adb, recovery-mode, cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: Recovery broken -> “adb devices” doesn't find my Xiaomi Mi3
So a few days ago I finally looked out for a custom ROM avaible for my Xiaomi Mi3 td. I found an Android 5 Lollipop ROM (by ivan) and thought that I test it and maybe look for some bugs. So far so good, but after installing cwm and flashing the ROM I couldn't use the recovery anymore. It just showed me that broken (red) android logo.

First I tried to flash to stock rom with MiFlash (software from xiaomi to flash roms - like odin for samsung), but my phone was not recognized by MIflash. So I tried adb. "adb devices" doesn't show anything! The only good thing is, that I can still use the Android 5 (aosp) rom, but it's full of bugs I can't do anything. All debugging things are working (usb debug, the mtp is working too)! But only if my phone is booted in the system.

# Answer
I might have misinterpreted your question, but to enable ADB to list Xiaomi devices, you need to update `adb_usb.ini` and put Xiaomi vendor IDs there:

* On windows go to `c:/Users/{your-username}/.android`
* On Linux `~/.android`
* Open the file `adb_usb.ini` in a text editor and add these three lines:

```
0x8087
0x2080
0x2717
```
* Save the file, open a CMD (or terminal) and enter the commands:

```
adb kill-server
adb start-server
```
* Reconnect the device, type this in CMD, now it should be recognized.

```
adb devices

```

Source here.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can flash your device in Fastboot mode. Hold Power and Volume-Minus button, phone will enter Fastboot. Then connect it to the computer and use standard "fastboot" utility from Android SDK. This way you can reflash recovery partition (or any other partition) even if other modes are not working correctly.

Alternatively you can try to reinstall drivers while phone is in recovery mode. No special driver is needed when phone is working normally, because it acts like MTP device. When in recovery, it acts as ADB Interface, so you should install Google ADB drivers to make phone work while in recovery.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, recovery-mode, restore, xiaomi
---


# Question
Title: Chrome not downloading PDFs on Marshmallow
I migrated from a Nexus 5 to a Nexus 5X using "Set up nearby device". On the Nexus 5 when I visit turtletrader.com/pdfs/babe-ruth.pdf in Chrome it offers to download the PDF. On the Nexus 5X it doesn't do anything.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I was able to fix this by the following:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Apps
3. Select Chrome
4. Clicking Disable
5. Enabling again

Then when I try to download a PDF it asked for permission to access the folder.

As pointed out in the comments a better fix is:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Apps
3. Select Chrome
4. Select Permissions
5. Enable Storage permission

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, pdf, 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: fast boot oem unlock does nothing. No output
I tried unlocking the bootloader of my Yuphoria with the following command

```
fastboot -i 0x2a96 oem unlock

```

But this is the output that I'm getting.

> ...
> OKAY \[ 0.001s\] finished. total time: 0.001s

It does not show any kind of warning that the data on the phone will be erased. ADB and fastboot is detecting the device. Here is the output for `fastboot -i 0x2A96 oem device-info`

> ... (bootloader) Device tampered: true
> (bootloader) Device unlocked:true
> (bootloader) Charger screen enabled: true
> (bootloader) Display panel: OKAY \[ 0.005s\] finished. total time: 0.005s

I tried flashing the recovery.img after that but it does not work. What am I doing wrong? I work on Linux (Ubuntu 15.04)

Edit: Here is the link to the CM page where I got the instruction from. I followed all the steps mentioned on the page.

# Answer
I finally got it to work. I tried flashing the recover using the command:

```
fastboot -i 0x2A96 flash recovery twrp.img

```

That didn't work. So instead I booted directly into the recovery mode using:

`fastboot -i 0x2A96 boot twrp.img`

Once I was in the recovery mode I was able to flash the ROM normally.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, root-access, recovery-mode, fastboot, micromax-yu-yuphoria
---


title: Live wallpaper installation location

text:
# Question
Title: Live wallpaper installation location
I've got Samsung A3 on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and some time ago I installed a few live wallpapers, but they are not showing in installed apps so I can't uninstall them.

With the WiFi Transfer app, I can look through the whole file system, but I can't locate them to manually delete it.

Where are live wallpapers being kept in the system?

# Answer
Live wallpapers can be uninstalled like normal apps.

1. Open "Settings"
2. Choose "Apps"
3. Find the live wallpaper
4. Uninstall

I you installed the wallpapers from the Play Store then you can remove it from the Play Store app.
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung, live-wallpaper
---