# Question
Title: Why Android phones do not have firewalls?
By default, Android phones don't have firewall (unless the user roots the phone and installs it themselves).

On Windows PCs, they have a built-in firewall, and warn the user of security risks if they disable it.

That doesn't make sense, since phones aren't being less exposed to malicious networks than computers. And even more, most Android phones can't be updated to received the security patches after the OEM support period ends, while Windows PCs still can receive security updates for a long period of time.

# Answer
Most consumer firewalls block incoming connections only and allow all outgoing traffic. This is to make configuration easier; you enumerate what services you are running and want to allow, but you do not need to enumerate all the kinds of outgoing connections you want to allow.

Most Android devices do not run as servers. Setting up a server process that can listen and respond continuously breaks power-saving features. If you want to send data to an Android device, you get the Android device to connect to you, possibly alerting or sending via cloud messaging, which is a connection setup and managed for power-saving from the Android client-side.

What will a consumer firewall do for a device that isn't running services? Nothing, because there is nothing listening that you can block traffic to.

If you run server processes on your Android device, this situation obviously changes, but this is not the expected normal usage.
> 9 votes

# Answer
Since your home router blocks all incoming ports by default, and your phone still works, you can still use a firewall, but I don't see an actual reason for that.

The truth is, there is no need for a firewall for Android devices as long as you use reputable Android apps from the Google store. You are unlikely to encounter any issues as long as you are not using any suspicious apps which leak information (even reputable apps from the Play Store may leak private information to third parties for the purpose of advertising, and that one may not like it).

Even though you installed a firewall on your device, you are not fully protected against WiFi eavesdroppers in cafes, coffee shops, airports, schools, and hotels. In such a case, you can secure your wireless internet connection using a VPN connection to create several security layers. When connected to a VPN, all your Internet traffic is sent from your computer/device through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN provider’s network. Thus it’s encrypted and secured from any local Wi-Fi eavesdroppers at the hotspot.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, networking, firewall
---


# Question
Title: How to stop web page from opening Android Instant App?
For example, this very site, when I click on a notification, it opens the page in the Android Instant App.

I normally browse Stack Exchange sites on mobile web (mobile web version is great!).

Ever since it prompted me to try the instant app, I haven't been able to make it stop using the instant app.

The only workaround is to long-press a link then open in new tab. Then I can navigate to the new tab to see the web version.

# Answer
The sure way is to **disable the whole instant apps feature**.

From Google Play Help,

> ### Change how you open instant apps from links
>
> You can change your settings to open links into instant apps or websites. If you turn on “Upgrade web links,” and click certain links, the instant app may open and you’ll be able to use some of it’s features, without actually installing the full app. If the setting is turned off, the link will open in a website. Learn more about instant apps.
>
> 1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store app .
> 2. Tap Menu and then **Settings**.
> 3. Select **Google Play Instant**.
> 4. Turn on or off **Upgrade web links**.
>
> Even when this setting is turned off, you can always continue to try instant apps by clicking on links that are Google Play branded.
> 2 votes

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Tags: instant-apps
---


# Question
Title: Can't disable password on Android 6.0 (EMUI 4.0)
I had to go somewhere and due to my paranoia, I decided to lock my Huawei P8 Lite. Since that day I can't disable the password beacuse I always get this note `Disabled by administrator, encryption policy, or credential storage`

The only Device administrator is Google's Find my phone, which I deactivated and is not the problem (so I switched it back), I cleared all credentials from Security, I really don't know what else to do.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Thanks to xavier\_fakerat's comment that mentioned Android Central Forum. You need to do this:

1. Set up a pattern password with a backup PIN
2. Double-tap the power button to activate the lock screen
3. Do wrong patterns 5 times (at least 4 dots touched to be counted as an attempt), then wait for the cooldown
4. Select backup PIN, enter your PIN and you could select "none"

# Answer
> 1 votes
The accepted answer did not work for my Android 5.1 version. This is what worked:

1. Go to **Settings** → tap **Security** → clear all credentials.
2. Go back to **Screen lock**. The option NONE will be available. You can then remove the screen lock.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, security, lock-screens, huawei
---


title: Why isn't Android using kernel v4+?

text:
# Question
Title: Why isn't Android using kernel v4+?
While i understand that the patches needed to "support" Android operations aren't in the mainline kernel distribution, I don't understand why it isn't being ported to newer kernels.

Newer kernels come with a load of improvements in a lot of architecture-independent areas, as well as in a lot of architecture-dependent areas.

FWIK, I see almost all Android distros, starting with Google's, are sticking with kernel v3.4. Yes, v3.4.112 is an LTS kernel, but so are v3.10, v3.12, v3.14, v3.18, v4.1 and v4.4! (source: kernel.org).

So, what is holding Android back to v3.4?

# Answer
> 3 votes
1. Google's Android specific features were not included in the mainline Linux development. So they took the then LTS branch and added their own code.
2. Android does not use or include the native GNU C Lib, it uses Bionic.
3. OEM specific changes could not or were not included in the mainstream branch.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As of mid-2017 this should finally have landed (example)

You can read more about which version is where here

---
Tags: kernel
---


title: Is it safe visiting Droidmodapk.com?

text:
# Question
Title: Is it safe visiting Droidmodapk.com?
Should I visit Droid Mod Apk site for Android Apps?

# Answer
No. App piracy sites like this one are unsafe to download apps or games from. Usually the apps you're downloading have malware added to them, and sometimes they have only the malware and don't even contain the app they claim to.

We get so many questions on this site from people who install malware onto their own phones and then can't remove it: sometimes even a factory reset, deleting all the user data, is not enough.

Online security is mainly about thinking about motivation and trustworthiness. If this site really had access to all these paid apps and games, why would they run a high-traffic website - effectively paying for you to download them? If they didn't expect to get a big reward - by turning your phone into a botnet or stealing your data - why would they bother putting in all the SEO keywords? (SEO keywords are those repeated phrases you see on the site, like "APK OBB for Android download" on every link. Repeating the same phrase on every link isn't something an honest website does, because it makes the design worse, but dishonest websites do it to improve their Google rank.) Not having any contact information - or any clue about who operates the website - listed on the site is another red flag. Even the whois data \- the official internet record of who owns and operates the site - is hidden behind a company in Panama.

Consider all those factors and then decide if you want to install software that you got from these people.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: applications, apk
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to force a phone to use USB for data but not charge from it?
My plan is to use my phone (Google Pixel) as a screen for a raspberry pi, and I'm worried that my power supply isn't sufficient. Is there a way to prohibit the Pixel from charging while still maintaining data flow? I haven't done much electrical work and I don't know if phones are equipped with this option, let alone if it's even possible. My power source is, if memory serves me, 3000 mWh, capable of 5 volt 2 amp (I can verify later if that turns out to be important).

UPDATE:

Upon some deeper searching, (not sure how I missed it to begin with), I found some posts suggesting commands such as `echo 0 > /sys/class/power_supply/batterycharging_enabled/charging_enabled`. My updated question is, then does this actually work? How does it work?

# Answer
Considering usb C can send power in both directions, I'm assuming you can set the phone to power an external device using in phone settings, and this way you would avoid it pulling power from your source.

A side note though : 2A is quite a number, unless you're running rpi hot or powering something else my educated guess is that it should be enough for both.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, charging
---


# Question
Title: Playing live streams directly from web page?
do you know is there any way to watch VLC streams from my android phone (nexus 5)? I found several pages that provide streams directly (e.g. http://www.gletvuzivo.pw/2015/02/rtl-2-uzivo-stream.html) and in this example you can see that first two tabs require x-google-vlc-plugin to play the stream. I can use the link with flash player but I'd prefer to watch them via VLC (either VLC player for android or directly from web page).

Is this even possible?

I'd like to thank anyone in front for the answer.

Regards, Yowitza

# Answer
i think MX player is better than VLC so you can try Live Streams

or for VLC

Open Chrome web browser, browse to chrome://plugins Now, you will see an option, “VLC Web Plugin”. If this line is available, you have successfully installed the VLC player plugin for Chrome.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


title: Overheating Android phone

text:
# Question
Title: Overheating Android phone
After the replacement of the LCD screen on my device, it started to overheat, and so my smartphone is restarting as a result of the overheat. I disassembled the phone, and it seems that the connection within the screen is causing those overheats. Are there any tools for Android to confirm that the screen is the cause?

# Answer
No, this is a hardware problem, and the hardware doesn't have fine-grained enough sensors to isolate it. There might be two thermometers in your phone - one inside the system-on-chip, to check whether that is hot enough to be damaged; and one inside the battery, to perform the same purpose. To isolate where in the system a hardware problem (such as a short-circuit) might be, it would need separate thermometers on every component, and current or voltage meters to identify shorts. Consumer phones just don't have that, so the information isn't available to Android.

If you had a thermal imaging camera, you could find the sources of heat in the hardware while you use the phone. If you had a multimeter, you might be able to probe various parts to find a short. But those are both electronic engineering tools, and using them is well outside the scope of this site.
> 0 votes

# Answer
With CPU-Z you can look up which sensors are too hot, but therefore you have to know how hot things can be and where they are located. This would mean you can do a closer look a this point and in theory you can look closer to the point where it is that hot which would mean you would find a short circuit or a cable with too much resistance which you could then replace.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: hardware
---


# Question
Title: Different app language from system language
I maybe am wanting the impossible I want the system to speak Dutch but also that the apps stay speaking english

I can change the system language to Dutch but then many apps also start speaking Dutch and that I don't want

The idea behind is just a very crude safety measure at startup as non Dutch speaker you are lost so the number of potential users is severely restricted :)

While I can use English for the rest

But is this possible?

# Answer
I don't think you can, unless it's a rooted phone. Apps will always be shown in the system language if a translation is available. English is used as a last resort. Not to mention this is a very poor security measure.

*Root option: install Xposed, look for a module named App Locale.*
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, languages
---


title: Android Auto language tied to phone?

text:
# Question
Title: Android Auto language tied to phone?
I have a Nexus 6P and just got a car with android auto, i use my phone and most of my things with English language (i'm used to English for tech) even tho i live in a Spanish speaking country.

Now heres the question, is there a way to set Android Auto to Spanish for example without changing the entire phone setting? Other people than me might want to use the head unit and would have to use English.

And then here's another interesting thing, when using the TTS feature to read messages, obviously its impossible to understand anything when reading Spanish with an English voice but what happens if i have messages in both Spanish and English, wouldn't it be nice to have it auto detect the language and use the appropriate TTS system regardless of the phone language?

# Answer
> 1 votes
For future reference: What worked for me was setting the search & voice language inside the Google App to German. Voice commands / TTS is now German while the UI is still English (my prefered way).

# Answer
> 0 votes
I actually had the same question today, I tried using http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.mods.appsettings to change Android Auto locale settings, and it sort of worked... the home notifications are in Spanish now (i.e. shows "X mensajes nuevos"), but the maps, music, and notification aloud reading are still in English, I will try setting other components to Spanish later (whenever I have time), but let us know if you find something useful first.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I use the xposed App settings module mentioned early, and change the android auto locale, but also change the google search app locale and notifications and voice recognition work in Spanish

---
Tags: languages, voice-recognition, text-to-speech, android-auto
---


# Question
Title: How to add the voice typing key to the LG keyboard on Android 6?
How can I add the voice typing key to the LG keyboard on Android 6? I use an LG 4.

E.g. on Gboard I could:

(Click image to enlarge)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here it goes:

Open Settings → Language and keyboard → LG keyboard settings and there go to keyboard height and layout, then to QWERTY keyboard layout. There you will have option to rearrange some buttons. One of them will be settings button (a gear like button). On it will be 3 dots. Tap it and the microphone icon will show up. Just tap on it and you are good to go.

(Click image to enlarge it)

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, keyboard, voice-recognition, lg-g4
---


title: Local html page on LG G Pad F 8.0

text:
# Question
Title: Local html page on LG G Pad F 8.0
For ease of use, I would like to transfer all of my recipe images and html files to a folder on my tablet so that when I open the main html document in the tablet's browser, pictures of the recipes would be present and when I find one I want, I just tap the photo and a new page pops up with the recipe.

I can write html on my laptop, however when it comes to tablets and Android, I'm a bit lost when it comes to the `img src ="path"` and a `href="path"` . This is a simple webpage that has a table with pictures of the dishes, and when one picture is tapped the actual recipe comes up in a new page. Could someone please guide me in the right direction?

# Answer
I'd say in general you should refrain from using any absolute paths in your HTML file,they will almost definitely break as soon as you change devices, and is probably a bad practice regardless of the purpose.

If you want to do this property I'd strongly recommend creating a master folder for all your recipe related files where you'd keep all the involved assets, like HTML files, photos, and maybe some sort of index.

Then maybe store all images in the same subfolder called *Pictures* or whatever suits you, and refer to them always using a relative path like `src="..\pictures\cake.jpg"`.

Same goes for the link to the recipes `href="recipes\deserts\pudding.html"` always keep reative paths instead of absolute ones.

You can then freely transfer or sync your folder structure to your tablet (or any other device for that matter) and have it work seamlessly without additional trouble, as long as you keep the sub directory structure intact.

Doing all this by hand at this day and age seems quite arcane though, if you don't mind me saying. You could consider upgrading to something like TiddlyWiki to automate part or all of the process.

It is a totally self contained, fully offline single file mini wiki/outliner/database that works from a single HTML file containing all the necessary html, JavaScript, CSS, and data.

You can use it partially just to automate building your index and link to your existing html recipes, or fully convert your discrete recipe files into one unified database.

Its real power however lies in its builtin tagging and searching functionality that would make accessing your recipes a whole lot more convenient and faster, so transferring your recipes would be beneficial in the long term. You don't even have to do it all at once, you can gradually transfer files one by one and keep some as linked external HTML files.

It is also highly configurable and hackable, if you say you already write HTML on your laptop you should have little trouble entering the world of TiddlyWiki markup scripting. You can learn more about it at the TiddlyWiki Google Group, I'm sure there are already plenty of user cases for recipe storage there.

You can still keep your data in a fully open, human readable file format, accessible anywhere there is a modern browser.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: lg, html
---


# Question
Title: Why can't I move apps from internal storage to SD card on my new Android 7.1.1 device?
Just bought the Moto E4 Plus. Installed a 64gb SD card to hold all my apps so they don't hold most of my 32gb of internal storage. I'm running Android 7.1.1 and I can't move any apps to the SD card. Even ones that I was able to in previous Android versions. Why is this?

# Answer
It can be because of manufacturer-integrated changes - some manufacturers like to disable Android features of their choice like does Xiaomi in their MIUI, for example.
> 1 votes

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Tags: external-sd
---


# Question
Title: What is this "4 white bubbles with a red dot" notification icon?
I see this in my notification bar, but I have no idea what it is

Scrolling down my notification bar doesn't show what it is, and my notification log doesn't show it either.

What is this?

# Answer
It's Google Assistant. See this
> 2 votes

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Tags: notifications
---


# Question
Title: Mobile VR headsets: hardware or software?
1. Does the Google Daydream View headset contain any electronic hardware/software components it it? If so, what are their roles?
2. Same question but for the Samsung Gear VR.
3. The Gear VR has a label on its side that reads "Powered by Oculus". What does that even mean?

I think it's safe to say the Google Cardboard has no electronic components inside the headset, right? So that's off the list.

# Answer
Look at the teardown of the two devices:

Gear VR \- contains circuitry for the capacitive touchpad on it, plus sensors for detecting if the user is present and USB for connecting it with the phone (presumably to send/receive the above 2 signals).

Daydream View \- same for the touchpad, plus NFC chips for one-touch pairing with the phone, and Bluetooth for communication with the Daydream controller.

Gear VR is co-developed with Oculus and thus bears their mark.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: headset, samsung-gear-vr, samsung-galaxy-gear, daydream, daydream-vr
---


# Question
Title: ADB can detect devices but it can't detect device in recovery move
I am using mac. I am trying to install twrp on my Galaxy Note 8.0 GT-Nn5120, via adb. ADB can detect the device when in normal mode but when i boot into recovery mode, it can't detect the device.. What do I do

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can't ADB in recovery mode, not with a stock recovery. You can only ADB Sideload which is used to flash zip packages (updates, gapps, etc). To install TWRP, you need to flash it in Download mode.

1. Download TRWP or here
2. Boot in Download mode (Hold volume down then briefly press the power button. Press Volume up to confirm).
3. Download and unzip Odin then launch it.
4. Click on PDA or AP button and select TWRP file you downloaded previously (Should be in .tar format. If in zip, unzip it)
5. Click on Start button
6. When you see PASS, disconnect the phone and power on (Hold volume up this time: you should boot in TWRP recovery )

---
Tags: adb, recovery-mode, twrp
---


title: Samsung Tab GT-P5100 stuck in bootloop

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung Tab GT-P5100 stuck in bootloop
PLS HELP MEE!! I was playing with my tab and all of a sudden it started rebooting itself every minute. after that there was this screen asking me to download a custom OS. i don't want to, so i pressed volume down button (it says there to press volume down to cancel. volume up to continue). but i was shocked when it started to download. there was odin which i don't know what it means and says that 'downloading.. do not turn off target!!' so i was too scared to do anything so i just waited for it to finish but sadly it took very very long and i just let the battery drain. when it finally shut down i charged my tab and tried rebooting it. but unfortunately it just stuck in bootloop :(

# Answer
> 0 votes
Seems like you inadvertently booted in Download mode (You held volume down while powering up your device). You should've just cancelled the process and everything would be fine.

Okay now you are on a bootloop, you can try booting in recovery mode (Holding volume up then briefly pressing on power button).

From there just perform a factory reset and your device should boot normally. Only a con: data loss.

---
Tags: boot-loop
---


title: Sim card issues

text:
# Question
Title: Sim card issues
I have a samsung j1 ace sm-j111m

If I start it without a sim installed it doesn't display the 'no sim' warning

If I start it with a sim installed it doesn't change the top icon for a sim being installed.

I've tried the online guides, ping tests fail and no luck I've tried using the sim card info app and it discovers the sim info and voicemail notifications come up

Thoughts? Possible fixes?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you installed a custom rom? Sometimes custom roms can give this sort of problem. If you are using a custom rom revert back to the stock rom.

---
Tags: applications, samsung
---


# Question
Title: How do I disable Google Chrome from using regional google search?
I am using a VPN app and I don't want google to give me Arabic searches if my VPN is Arabic (besides, the whole site is mirror-imaged, since Arabic is written backwards). I want every search on Google to go to either google.com or google.co.in. I have tried searching, but all of them are about Chrome in PCs, and not for Android.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Installed the VPN app and checked

Easiest way is to choose an English speaking location like USA instead of app choosing the location in *auto mode*

Alternatively, use other search engines available under Chrome settings → search engine. It appears Chrome picks up default search engine based on location, which happened to be Arabic based on the choice of VPN

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can visit these addresses below everytime you want to do a search or simply bookmark it. There is no way to add a custom search engine on the mobile Chrome version.

Google Search No country redirect or www.google.com/ncr

And now when you search with Google Chrome, it will always search using Google.com in English without the country redirect.

---
Tags: google, chrome-for-android, languages
---


# Question
Title: Open PDFs Automatically from Browser in Google Drive or Google PDF Viewer
Is it possible to configure Android to automatically open PDF links in an application such as Google Drive or Google PDF viewer instead of clicking link, then selecting the PDF from Notification bar.

The following question Android Tablet - Download PDF and open it on browser is similar but the accepted answer with using pdf.js plugin in FireFox is a discontinued product.

We plan to deploy many Android tablets where users just use them to print PDFs, the default UI experience seems counter intuitive.

We just want user to select PDF in browser, open it, and select print; ideally replicating the simplicity of how iOS works for viewing / printing PDFs.

The tablet used in Galaxy Tab S2 running Android 6.0.1.

We cannot use Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer as the PDFs we need to print don't print correctly with Adobe PDF viewer.

# Answer
Cloud Viewer add-on for Firefox opens PDF links without downloading the file.

> View PDF, DOC, XLS and PPT files without downloading them to your device. Save downloading time and space on your device. Here's how it works: Just before a compatible file starts to download, you are prompted to open the file in the Google Docs Viewer instead. If you choose to open in the online viewer, a new tab is opened and the viewer is loaded.

It does give the print option also but I haven't verified it. Tested on Firefox `55.0.2`, the latest on Play Store

On clicking a PDF link, you get a self explanatory dialog as below
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, pdf
---


# Question
Title: How can you determine what programs you installed last?
Following my question about logs I wonder if there is a way **to determine the last updates and applications which have been installed**.

**Does Android keep a chronological list of installed programs and updates ?**

*I am running Froyo 2.2.1 if that should make a difference.*

# Answer
> 5 votes
AFAIK, **Android Market** shows the list of installed apps in chronological order. So the latest app you've installed should be on the top (first) of the list. The app that was installed before this - should be the second.

# Answer
> 2 votes
**Note:** *This is a partial answer*.

---

Android keeps a note on when an app was last update or first installed.

Setup in PC, enable USB debugging in the device, connect the device into PC using USB cable, launch a shell on PC and enter:

```
adb shell dumpsys package | awk '{if(/pkg=Package/) {print $2} else if(/firstInstallTime/) {print $1" "$2} else if(/lastUpdateTime/) {print $1" "$2"\n"} }'  | tr -d '}'

```

`dumpsys package` gives detailed information about all the packages installed in the system. Each package *et al.* is listed with `firstInstallTime` or `lastUpdateTime`.

Your output would be like:

```
com.estrongs.android.pop
firstInstallTime=2015-07-04 15:49:50
lastUpdateTime=2015-07-04 15:49:50

com.google.android.syncadapters.bookmarks
firstInstallTime=2013-04-24 13:33:43
lastUpdateTime=2013-04-24 13:33:43

com.sika524.android.quickshortcut
firstInstallTime=2015-06-01 01:14:17
lastUpdateTime=2015-06-01 01:14:17

com.google.android.youtube
firstInstallTime=2013-04-24 13:33:47
lastUpdateTime=2015-06-26 18:29:27

```

After every blank line the first line is the package name of an app (e.g. `com.estrongs.android.pop`). Follow the bullet points at the bottom of the answer here to know how to get the app's title/label from package name.

As for sorting the time in descending/ascending order, I don't know anything about that.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I use the App Brain app on my phone, https://market.android.com/details?id=com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.apps&feature=search\_result you can choose which order to show installed apps (name, date installed, size, storage location)

# Answer
> 1 votes
OK you will probably tell me why do I bump an old thread, but this is still relevant and comes up in google.

I use application Nofitication History which acts as a kind of event log because it records all notifications. In cathegory com.android.packageinstaller you can see history of all system installations and updates. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evanhe.nhfree

You can also search by keywords like added, removed or updated

---
Tags: applications, updates, installation
---


# Question
Title: How to restore contacts from Google account?
I backed up my contacts to Google account using Gionee S-plus through "Settings/Advanced settings/Backup & reset/System backup and restore/Backup to Storage" . Pls how will i restore my contacts using Gionee M2.

# Answer
In Gionee M2, go to Settings \> Account \> Google then put your Google account and password. Now you should see Sync, check contact in the list. Let it sync and go in the Contact app you should have all your contacts back.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, restore
---


# Question
Title: Swipe required before pattern unlock on Android 6.0 Marshmallow
I have a pattern screen lock set on Samsung Galaxy S6, and with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow upgrade, I must swipe before I get the pattern.

Can I disable the required swipe, and just open the pattern unlock screen?

# Answer
## myLock utilities (Lockscreen improvements)

Does the job for me on my Nexus, Samsung Galaxy, and YotaPhone with Marshmallow and Lollipop. Work without root permission.

## Screenshots:
> 1 votes

# Answer
I cannot confirm whether this feature would work on your particular ROM but it definitely works for stock Android 5.x and 6.x. You would need a rooted Android, **compatible Xposed Framework installed** and GravityBox \[MM\] installed and activated.

In GravityBox, under *Lockscreen tweaks* go to *Direct unlock* and choose *Standard* or *See through*. Select *Default* under *Direct unlock policy*.

(Click image to enlarge)

This would make sure to show the unlock phase of lock screen whenever the device is *securely* locked and screen is turned on.

---

1 Xposed Framework *for stock Android \[based\] ROMs*: Android 4.x, Android 5.x and 6.x
> 0 votes

# Answer
This is by design and cannot be changed without installing a different launcher. Personally, I like the swipe as the lock screen looks neater without the numbers on it all the time.

I think the reason this was done was to accommodate for the new Lollipop lockscreen notifications - instead of displaying in the status bar, they display on the lockscreen. There would be no room for them with a keypad in the way.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, 6.0-marshmallow, lock-screens
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to hack android phone by contacting the target over Gmail or Skype, if the target does not downloads suspicious files sent over?
In other words, how safe is having Gmail or Skype conversations with complete strangers on android? Suppose the target is wise enough to not open any suspicious files sent to him. How else could his phone be hacked?

I have heard that it is possible to know the ip address of the sender on Skype. But a cyber criminal knowing your ip address is the same as a burglar knowing your address. The information is necessary but not immediately sufficient.

Also, which, between Skype and Gmail is safer for the user in these cases? I guess Gmail is safer, but don't know why and by what amount. Also, how exactly does the danger increas for users using old version of the android- like 5.1 or 4.4.2, let's say? I guess the older the version, more the risks.

Sorry for sounding paranoid, but one is afraid of things one does not understands, they say. Thanks for helping...

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android Apps are sandboxed. If someone can "hack" skype, they may be able to get data from the skype app, possibly including contact list, login credentials and chatlogs. Further they may get everything, what the skype app can access, which probably includes the phone's address book as well.

If your phone has a remotely accessible flaw, which would be a reason for the fear that somebody could get your ip address, you have bigger problems than your skype contacts and should upgrade your android ASAP. Further, modern skype isn't peer to peer anymore but a skype server is used. Finally your phone will be most the time firewalled in your LAN or in cellular networks because of CGNAT. Which may be false security, i.e. if somebody is in the same WLAN like you.

I am not aware of any remote security flaws in android, but there are many local ones in older android versions, including ones triggered by special image files (which could be sent via skype) and similiar attack vectors.

---
Tags: security, gmail, malware, skype
---


# Question
Title: Uninstalled system applications appear after reboot on HTC Desire X
I have tried a lot of things which mentioned in different forums such as:

* delete using root ES File Explorer.
* delete apk files from `/system/app`.
* clear Dalvik cache after uninstall (manually removing `/data/dalvik-cache` and `/cache/dalvik-cache` and using CWM recovery.
* all mentioned earlier together several times.
* Even reinstall ROM wiping data/factory reset and clearing Dalvik cache using recovery.

But no result. And I get something like this on startup if I clear Dalvik cache:  So there is a location from where OS gets these apps, isn't it? How can I get rid of these redundant apps?

**Update:**

Here a link where I downloaded ROM: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2249760

# Answer
I fixed it by enabling S-OFF on my device. Here more details https://androidforums.com/threads/uninstalled-system-applications-appear-after-reboot-on-htc-desire-x.1178166/#post-7596175
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, storage, htc-desire, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: applying updates to no name Androids (Homtom HT20 in this case)
I have barely managed to get into the recovery environment. The phone has everything stock.

The attempt to `adb sideload [update_file].zip` has failed with a timeout exception. The device has developer options enabled I a am able to freely use adb on it (in normal mode, not recovery)

The attmept to apply the update file from SD card also fails like this: I first click to apply update from SD card, select the file, then I get the resting robot with "No command." text. If I leave it like this, it will stay here for afew minutes then reboot all by itself - checked the ROM version and it looks like still the old one. If I try to get exit this screen with "power" + "vol up" it goes into a menu screen made out of "reboot now" or "continue with the update" - none of which are of any help.

Any chance for this pretty broken phone to get its update ?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Based on @beeshyams comment i have dug deeper only to find out that the Chinese phones have their own way of updating the ROM. Namely through the "Sp Flash Tool". More on the process at http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=469340 (in English - https://translate.google.ro/translate?hl=ro&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2F4pda.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php%3Fshowtopic%3D469340) I might try to root it as well depending on how much of a fix this update made for my flaky internet connection problem.

---
Tags: adb, updates, recovery-mode
---


title: Flash Soft Bricked Locked Nexus 6P

text:
# Question
Title: Flash Soft Bricked Locked Nexus 6P
How can I get my soft bricked Nexus 6P working again?

I don't mind flashing it, losing all data etc. I'd rather have it done now than send it away to be *fixed*.

It's caught in a boot loop where it only makes it to the white Google logo, then restarts. I can get to the bootloader and occasionally I can get to stock recovery mode.

Running `adb oem device-info` returns:

```
(bootloader)    Device tampered: false
(bootloader)    Device unlocked: false
(bootloader)    Charger screen enabled: false
(bootloader)    Display panel:
OKAY [  0.058s]
finished. total time: 0.058s

```

Running `fastboot flashing unlock` returns:

```
...
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
finished. total time: 0.021s

```

What is my next step here? Any help is appreciated.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I think your bootloader is locked you need to get the unlock key from the manufacturer website i have done it on sony phones to look at an example visit the sony developer site and read as much as you can to understand better what is going on

---
Tags: boot-loop, bootloader-lock
---


title: Remove App icon background

text:
# Question
Title: Remove App icon background
I have a Xiaomi mi5 (MIUI 8) and I would like to remove the white background of these icon but I don't know if It is possibile

# Answer
> 0 votes
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9BY9VLrcBPjNjY3eXhkQ25aMHM/view

From above link download a .mtz file(theme file) and apply that theme.

You need a designer account to apply third party themes

Signup for designer account at http://designer.xiaomi.com

It takes 24 hrs for designer account verification.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't own a Xiaomi device, but on my Samsung J5 I have the option to remove those background at **Settings \> Displays \> Icon frame**. Check to see if there is something similar.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can download another launcher from the PlayStore that looks like you want it.

There are many launcher that look like the one from MIUI and even more themes.

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can try using nova launcher and apply the Android stock icon pack from the look and feel option in settings. It will remove the backgrounds in the icons. Alternatively, you can try using some icon packs if you are not a fan of the stock circle icons. I made a list of popular icon packs for Android on my website. Check them out Top 5 Android Icon Packs

---
Tags: xiaomi, app-icons
---


# Question
Title: What is the difference between Mobile Data and Data Roaming?
I just need some explaintions regarding these Mobile Data and Data Roaming. Turning-on the Mobile Data alone won't let me go online. So, I need to enable the Data Roaming first before my Smartphone can go online.

Questions:

1. What's with Data Roaming? Why I need to turn-on the Data Roaming before I can go online?
2. What's the difference between Mobile Data and Data Roaming?

I would be happy if someone can answer my queries. Thanks :)

# Answer
> 2 votes
Both are the same except Roaming is when you get your home carrier data connection using onather network. The same apply for calls.

Usually using your phone on roaming can cost additional fees so always contact your carrier for informations.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Mobile Data is Internet access via mobile signals (4G/3G etc.)

From home.bt.com article

> Data roaming is the term used when your mobile phone is using data on a mobile network, away from your home network, while you're abroad.

So whenever you're using mobile data outside your registered region, you're **roaming your data**. While Data Roaming is active, higher data fee often applies.

Go Google.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Mobile data is the one which allows your phone to connect with the internet. But if you are away from your home location or if you have purchased your sim card somewhere else, then your mobile network will be on roaming. This means that every time you initiate a connection, the signal has to connect to a network that is different from your home location. This is because, your cell network is only registered to a particular region. So, if you move beyond that region, you have to enable roaming to use the mobile data, because you are roaming.

---
Tags: mobile-data, roaming
---


title: Cannot undo "forget Bluetooth device"

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot undo "forget Bluetooth device"
I have an Asus Zenfone running Android 6.0.1. and a Bluetooth headset (Philips SHQ6500) that I had paired but accidentally selected the forget option. Now it's impossible to re-connect it because the phone cannot see the headset at all. I restarted both devices and did a hard reset for network settings but the problem persists. Googling didn't help so I'm stuck at the moment.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I faced a similar situation. Following steps worked for me. Some of the steps might be redudent.

1) restart your phone

2) reset network settings (Setting\> back and restore )

3) change the phone bluetooth name. (I assume this is the solution)

4) set the bluetooth device in pairing mode (long press the power key).

And it worked for me. Probably, executing only step 3 would be sufficient.

I hope I saved your precious 30 minutes:)

---
Tags: bluetooth, headphones, hard-reset, headset
---


# Question
Title: fastboot responds, except that it won't flash my recovery image
I have installed Cyanogenmod (v13) on a Xiaomi Redmi 2 phone. So, it all worked, but then I tried a manual update. I booted into recovery (TWRP), and flashed the new cyanogenmod ZIP file; then flashed the gapps ZIP file. But when I rebooted, I found two problems:

* the device won't finish booting (gets stuck)
* recovery mode is gone. If I try to boot into recovery, the Mi logo stays there forever

So, I could get into fastboot mode. Then I tried using the `fastboot` tool from a Linux PC.

The device responds properly:

```
# fastboot devices
78768331    fastboot

# fastboot getvar version
version: 0.5
finished. total time: 0.003s

# fastboot oem unlock
...
OKAY [  0.003s]
finished. total time: 0.003s

# fastboot erase recovery
erasing 'recovery'...
OKAY [  0.041s]
finished. total time: 0.041s

```

**But**, when I try to flash a recovery image, it gets stuck:

```
# fastboot flash recovery cm-13.0-20160705-NIGHTLY-wt88047-recovery.img
target reported max download size of 268435456 bytes
sending 'recovery' (11136 KB)...

```

I have tried this from two computers:

* from a notebook, when I plug the device it is correctly recognized as a USB 2.0 device (`syslog` says it's a EHCI device), but no data is transferred. After some time, the kernel reports that "task fastboot blocked for more than 120 seconds" and prints a stacktrace to `syslog`.
* from a desktop computer (also Linux), the device is only recognized as OHCI (USB 1.0), and no data is transferred. But in this case, unlike the notebook, when it tries to transfer, the keyboard stops functioning (OHCI, I suppose).

I also tried a Windows flashing program for Xiaomi devices, which I ran on Virtualbox, but it didn't recognize my phone.

What else can I try?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Fastboot is so unpredictable, ouch. Try the following steps.

* **Check if your cable is the stock one**. If not, at least make sure it supports file transfer in fastboot mode.
* **Check that USB drivers are installed properly**
* **Try to rename the recovery file to just "recovery.img"**, I know it looks stupid, but it did the trick for me.

Finally, `* the device won't finish booting (gets stuck)
* recovery mode is gone. If I try to boot into recovery, the Mi logo stays there forever` yeah, obviously it doesn't boot, you erased the recovery partition.

Also, I think for fastboot flashing isn't really needed to erase the partition you are going to flash.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I deleted the old img files( that were used for flashing earlier) from adb and fastboot folder abd the error was rectified automatically…

---
Tags: rom-flashing, recovery-mode, linux, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: Unfortunately, Google Play services has stopped?
I recently bough an Android computer from China. However, it does not have Google Play Store on it. I've tried downloading and installing the Google Play APK. The installation appears to be successful, but it freezes each time that I try to open it, with a message saying "Unfortunately, Google Play services has stopped" The system has Android Version 6.0.1 and Kernel version 3.10.0.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Naturally, you cannot simply install Playstore as user app. First, it needs to be a system app, and second it depends on several other Google apps (GSF, Google Services Framework – see Wikipedia). For details, please check with our google-play-store tag-wiki and especially follow up to How can I install the Google Apps Package (Play Store, …) on my Android device?

Alternatively, you could e.g. use the the YalpStore app (and optionally the microG framework, an open-source GSF alternative – not really needed by *YalpStore* but would provide the needed services for other apps usually depending on GSF).

---
Tags: google-play-store, kernel
---


# Question
Title: Can't move System from one phone to another using twrp?
I have a HTC desire 510 (broken) and a HTC desire 510 (rather unharmed).

I made a backup of the system on the old one to the new one using twrp 3.1.1 to the external sd card.

If I put the sd card in the new phone, I can't restore the backup to the new phone, as the backup is not shown to select in twrp. On the other hand the backup of the stock sw I did on the new phone is available for restore. What can I do?

# Answer
Found the solution in the thing called „internet“:

(in the following it is assumed, that all backups are stored to a SD card).

TWRP stores backups with a „serial number“ of the phone. i.e. when looking into a SD card, there is a folder called TWRP/BACKUPS. Inside this there are subfolders named after a unique ID for every phone. E.g. CC48TY402141 or something like this. I think TWRP derives this code from the IMEI and possibly from other information on the hardware of the phone. Inside such a subfolder all backups from a certain phone ares stored.

To convince TWRP to restore the backup from my old phone to a new phone I had to do the following: I made a backup of the stock software of my new phone. TWRP then created a new subfolder with the ID for the new phone in TWRP/BACKUPS, and stored the backup of the stock ROM there. Then I moved the backup out of the subfolder from my old phone into the new subfolder. After restarting TWRP the backup from my old phone was available and could be restored to the new phone without any hassle.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: backup, twrp, htc-desire, restore, device-migration
---


# Question
Title: How can I prevent certain websites from appearing in my Google search results?
I'm looking for a method to stop a given list of websites from appearing in my Google search results. Any chance I can achieve this?

# Answer
For Android phones, You have to just click on the options button at the top right corner of the website you want to block and then select not interested in stories from xyz.com. Google will now stop showing anything from that website to you. If you are using the Chrome Browser on PC, then you are lucky. Because, Chrome has an official extension called Personal Blocklist just for this. You can download and install it from here.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, google-search
---


# Question
Title: How to change messaging and phone app in Oppo R9s?
Is there a way to change messaging and phone call apps without the phone defaulting to stock on an unrooted Oppo R9s?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Whatever settings you change for the messaging will not make any difference, the phone will always revert to the default app. I took this up directly with OPPO and had the following response: *"We decided not to allow customer to set 3rd party applications as default message application, for security of the devices cannot be guaranteed. We also want to let you experience our built-in application and to be spared from the malfunction like virus, bug or etc."*

Not the response I wanted or expected!

# Answer
> 0 votes
A simple way is to download an alternative app from the Play store and then replace it with the stock app in your app drawer. This way you will always open that app instead of the stock one. However this does not guarantee your incoming calls or messages will be received in that 3rd party app. You can try using Truecaller app though. It allows you to replace the stock app with it.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Follow these steps for changing the default app for messaging :

1. Go to **Settings**
2. Select **Apps**
3. Select **Configure Apps** (Top Right icon)
4. Select **Default Apps** under **Advanced**
5. Tap on your messaging app

Now,the list of messaging apps will pop up which you have installed on your device. Select the one which you want to make default.

Repeat the same for the Calling app.

Hope this helps.

---
Tags: sms, calls, stock-android, default-applications, oppo
---


# Question
Title: How to set the google maps app foremost while driving
I have been using google maps for a while now as my driving guidance/maps app. It does have one slight inconvenient, while you are driving you'll get all notifications to still crop up space on your screen, and for some apps they might even get in the way of your maps.

Is there a way to keep google maps, or any other maps app for that matter, foremost on my screen?

If I set the phone in driving mode, can I stop other apps from getting screen space/time all at once or is it in a per app basis?

# Answer
Use **Android Auto**.
This will reduce the accessing time for Maps or Any other application required while driving.
Also During driving and using android auto, you'll have a better experience of Map as the notifications from other apps won't bother you as they do on running the Maps app directly.
Reason for this is to minimize the interruption of other apps while driving.
Android auto is designed with keeping these points in mind and to make driving safer.
> 5 votes

# Answer
For me (Android 6 on a Sony phone), "screen pinning" does this, with no need for third party apps.

The option for me is in "Settings", "Security", "Screen pinning", which you set to "on". You pin an app by swiping up on it from the overview list, then clicking the "pin" icon which will appear. To unpin a pinned app, press and hold the "back" and "overview" buttons at the same time.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The simple thing you can do is to snooze all your notifications before you start driving. This way you will not receive any notifications while you are using the Maps app and there will not be any interruptions and you can access all your notifications once your travel is over. Alternately, you can download offline maps in Google and switch off your internet completely. This way you will not only receive any notifications, but your battery will also be saved if you are travelling for a long time.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, maps, driving-mode
---


# Question
Title: When will my device get the Android 8.0 update (Oreo)?
Android Oreo was officially released on August 21, 2017. It adds features such as picture-in-picture and AutoFill.

You can review the high-level changes at the Android developer website.

Of course, not all devices will get this update right away, even at release; others won't get it at all. Manufacturers and carriers often choose to add their own custom modifications, which tend to delay the official release.

**When will each device get Oreo, either officially or unofficially, if ever?**

See also:

# Answer
### This community wiki will list all of the known and rumored dates for devices.

If you have an update please edit this wiki here, but make sure to follow the format that's been established, and the following guidelines:

1. Keep devices in alphabetical order listing the manufacturer and model
2. Specify if the date is confirmed or rumored and **link to the source**
3. If there is an unofficial release, link to the site where it can be downloaded

# Phones

## Asus

## Blackberry

## Google

## HTC

## Huawei

## LG

## Motorola

## Nokia

## OnePlus

## Samsung

* **Galaxy A3 (2016)**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy A3 (2017)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy A5 (2016)**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy A5 (2017)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy A7 (2016)**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy A7 (2017)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy C7 Pro**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy C9 Pro**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy J1 variants**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy J2 (2016)**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy J3 (2016)**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy J5 (2017)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy J7 (2017)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy J7 Prime (OnNxt)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy Note 5**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy Note 8**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy Note FE**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy S6 series**: *never* rumor
* **Galaxy S7**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy S7 Active**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy S7 edge**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy S8**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy S8+**: *TBD* rumor
* **Galaxy Tab S3**: *TBD* rumor

## Sony

* **Sony Xperia XZ Premium (G 8141, G 8142)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia XZS (G 8231, G 8232)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia XA 1 (G 3121, G 3123, G 3125, G 3116, G 3123)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia L1 (G3311, G3312, G3313)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia X Compact**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia XZ (F 8331, F 8332)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia X Performance**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia X (F 5121, F 5122)**: *TBD* rumor
* **Sony Xperia XA 1 Ultra (G 3221, G 3212, G 3223, G 3226)**: *TBD* rumor

# Tablets

## Asus

## HTC

## Samsung

# Other
> 9 votes

---
Tags: updates, android-versions, 8.0-oreo
---


# Question
Title: Android Revolution HD on GT-N8010 wifi won't turn on
I just flashed the Android Revolution HD rom on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (GT-N8010). My device was in 4.1.2 and now is on 4.4.2. I seem to have one big problem: After pressing the wifi toggle slider it looks as if it would turn on but immediately goes back to off.

I've checked that the rom I used is the right one. So, what would be the cause of this? And more importantly, how could I solve it?

Thanks in advance!

Schlotty.

Link to the ROM thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2119547

# Answer
> 1 votes
Since ARHD is a stock-based ROM, it's possible you'll need to be on the latest stock ROM before flashing it, so as to make sure the baseband, etc. are up-to-date.

In case your carrier doesn't offer a 4.4.2 update, find them on SamMobile and download one for your generic region, or another carrier in the region, so as to get the right set of language (not all languages are available in all firmwares). Making sure the model number matches is the only other thing you need to do. Back up your data, then flash the update with Odin. After booting up the new stock OS, flash the recovery and then ARHD once again.

---
Tags: wi-fi, samsung-galaxy-note-10.1
---


title: "Screen overlay detected" dialog?

text:
# Question
Title: "Screen overlay detected" dialog?
I have a Nexus 5 phone and ever since I allowed a system update, it won't let me post pictures to Instagram. It keeps talking about turning off a "screen overlay", but then when I try to follow the steps to get to that setting, it just sends me in a loop and doesn't actually let me change anything.

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

# Answer
# Simple Resolution / Answer

I had this same problem with my Nexus 5X, using Android M. I also went ahead & turned all the permissions off, *except* for **Twilight**, the suspected culprit. I still had the problem. So I went ahead and also turned over the overlay for **Twilight**, and I did not have the problem.

So, ***Twilight is the "problem"***, in my case and in the case shown above. (I put problem in quotes because it seems to me like Twilight should not be to blame in this case. Instead, multiple overlays should be possible.)

---

# Where is This Setting??

For those who had this problem, or want to understand what we're talking about, here are the steps to get to this "hidden" setting, within Android M:

1. Open `settings` (the nut / gear).
2. Scroll down to `Apps`.
3. From within the `Apps` portion of `settings`, again choose the `settings` gear / nut.
4. Choose `Draw over other apps`.
5. *(Optional)* Click on the `additional menu` (the 3 dots), then choose `Show system` to get at ***all*** of the apps that are asking to draw over others, including system apps like `Phone Services`.

---

# What's Really Going On?

Last little tidbit: I am not 100% certain about this, but from what I know of Android, it seems things work as follows in Mashmallow:

* Permissions are not asked / required upon app installation, but rather upon when the app needs that permission. Similarly, some permissions can be granted or rejected... the app will work to the best of its capability, if the permission is rejected.
* Since this is the case, any time an app asks for permission to a particular thing, such as drawing over other apps, the user's *yes* or *no* response is recorded.

+ As the user, you can change your response later, which is the essence of what that pop-up window is asking: the window is saying, "I cannot do what I need to do, unless you change your answer to that earlier problem". (However, without highlighting which app is the actual problem, the error seems fairly useless, IMHO.)
> 15 votes

# Answer
This is a kludge and probably only a partial solution. I followed the messages to the permission screen, selected the option "apps with this permission" then proceeded to turn off the overlay permission on all apps that had it set on. I was then able to enable the permission that the app I was running required. Because I turned off the permission on all apps, I do not know which app was causing the problem. Will see if any apps stop functioning as I expect.
> 10 votes

# Answer
There are three places to check. Not just one.

## Non-system Apps

`Settings` -\> `Application Manager` -\> `Apps with Overlay Permissions` -\> `Apps with Permissions`

## System Apps

Same as above, but with `Show System Apps` turned on

## Accessibility Apps

`Settings` -\> `Acessibility` -\> Scroll to the bottom. It lists app names. Just turn them all off for now.

http://www.renewandroid.com/phone-tips-and-tricks/screen-overlay-detected-170.html
> 2 votes

# Answer
There are some apps that are handled as Accessibility Services, for instance, Assistive Touch.

You can find them under *Settings -\> Accessibility -\> Services*.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: settings, nexus-5
---


# Question
Title: Android Smart Lock: Why is there no option to use WiFi?
My Android device (v. 7.1.2) offers several options to use the "Smart Lock" feature.

This feature uses some rules to automatically disable the lockscreen.

Available rules are:

* Trusted place
* Trusted Bluetooth device
* Trusted face
* Trusted voice
* On-body detection

I am surprised that there is no option to use a trusted WiFi network.

Some forums state the risk for the WiFi network to be spoofed. I don't understand how the risk is different: an attacker could spoof a Bluetooth device as well.

What could be reasons for not allowing a WiFi-based unlocking while allowing Bluetooth-based unlocking?

# Answer
> 32 votes
> Some forums state the risk for the WiFi network to be spoofed. I don't understand how the risk is different: an attacker could spoof a Bluetooth device as well.

The risk *is* different. It's not possible to spoof a *paired* Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth peripheral and the phone exchange keys as part of the pairing process, so both of them can securely identify the other. When the devices connect, they each challenge the other to prove they have the secret keys. If it didn't work this way, it would be trivial to "man-in-the-middle" attack the connection by pretending to be the peripheral. Then the attacker could eavesdrop your phone calls or music, or whatever it is you're sending over Bluetooth.

Authentication works a bit differently in Wi-Fi. See this question on our sister site Super User for more discussion on that. In open networks, and networks authenticated using WEP, WPA, or WPA2-PSK, the network doesn't authenticate to the phone at all. The phone has to prove that it has the secret key (the network password), but the network doesn't have to prove anything. There are no "trusted Wi-Fi networks" in this sense. Only networks authenticated with WPA2-Enterprise, which use a certificate pair, prove their identity to the phone, by showing a certificate signed by a certificate authority (just like HTTPS websites). Presumably, Google didn't think it was worth adding an option that would only work with the least common type of Wi-Fi network, and the confusion it would cause their users.

Interestingly, Wi-Fi spoofing is already a security issue for the "trusted place" option. The location system uses visible Wi-Fi networks as one input to determine where you are, and as we've seen, that can cause huge inaccuracies. Spoofing this deliberately means looking at the networks that are visible in your "trusted place" and spoofing several at once. Your neighbourhood phone-snatcher won't be able to unlock your phone this way, but government agencies and organised industrial spies probably can: especially if they also use a screened room to block GPS and cellular signals.

# Answer
> 7 votes
What you ask would certainly be possible, but it should be restricted to when a device is connected to a Wi-Fi network using sufficient security, i.e. WPA2 authentication/encryption. Probably it was left out because it would be hard to communicate to a non-technical user why they could use certain Wi-Fi networks for authentication but not others.

In contrast to what @DanHulme wrote in his answer, when using WPA2 authentication with pre-shared keys (WPA2-PSK), *both* the station and the AP have to prove that they know the passphrase in the four-way handshake. A rogue WPA2-AP *cannot* give access to a client by just "accepting" the client's password. On the other hand, everyone who knows the PSK could fake an AP (WPA2 Enterprise does have an advantage here over WPA2-PSK).

---
Tags: wi-fi, security, bluetooth, smart-lock
---


# Question
Title: Forgot pattern for my old tablet; no recovery mode available, ADB key not verified (new computer)
I have a 2013 Nexus 7. This nexus 7 is rooted and has an unlocked bootloader but however has no recovery option. (When the device was rooted for some reason it removed the recovery and now has no recover option. Device simply says no recovery).

Now I had to store it when I moved living locations and forgot about it. When I opened the container after about 2 years and found the tablet I then attempted to open it. However when I stored it I realized I HAD SET A LOCK SCREEN PIN NUMBER ON IT! I have purchased a new computer since then so the computer doesnt have the USB debugging key on it for ADB to work on the tablet and I cant unlock the tablet to accept my new computer because I forgot the lock on it!

I am even willing to do a factory reset but I cant even do that because there is no recovery on this tablet. Is there ANYTHING I can do to get this lock screen off?? Hacking the software, programs, factory resets, hard resets, ANYTHING will work.

Anyone have any ideas?

# Answer
Since the bootloader is unlocked you have a variety of options to pick from and they don't require ADB.

### Flash the recovery image to do factory reset

You can use to flash a compatible recovery image. You can either pick the stock recovery image from official source or choose a custom recovery like TWRP.

When you're in fastboot mode, issue these commands in your console:

```
fastboot flash recovery FILE
fastboot reboot

```

Replace FILE with the location where your downloaded recovery image exists.

Now you can boot into the recovery mode and do the factory reset.

### When recovery image still doesn't work

If recovery image still doesn't work for you, issue these commands in fastboot mode to factory reset the device.

```
fastboot format data
fastboot format cache
fastboot reboot

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, usb-debugging, locked-out
---


# Question
Title: zsh scp completion of remote files doesn't work when running SSHHelper
Running SSHelper is a great way to access files on your phone. But completion of remote files (`scp` and `rsync`) using zsh doesn't work though. While using `sshfs` is a workaround but sometimes you just want to pull/push a quick file, it's not really satisfying.

Where lies the culprit, and how can I get file completion working properly via `zsh`?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The culprit is android's crippled `ls` command. Zsh's completion run `ls -d1FL` which `/system/bin/ls` doesn't understand.

A way to fix this is to edit `/data/data/com.arachnoid.sshelper/home/.ssh/environment` such that `/data/user/0/com.arachnoid.sshelper/bin` is the first entry in `PATH`. (SSHelper ships with a more complete `ls`)

Note that SSHelper might rewrite this file on updates?

---
Tags: ssh, rsync
---


# Question
Title: How do I assign an action to long pressing the home button?
I want to fix it so the home button long press kills a particular app. I can't see the option for home long press in Tasker or Macrodroid.

Galaxy S5, rooted, CM Marshmallow, Xposed installed.

# Answer
Macrodroid doesn't offer an action based on home key trigger. Macrodroid developer in app forums says

> It's impossible to create such a trigger because the home button is a fundamental part of the OS and there is no way to intercept the button press.

I don't know Tasker, but guess the same limitations would apply, so you would need to find an alternative way. One method below:

Since you are on CM, you can use Gravity Box Xposed module

**To kill foreground app**

Navigation keys action → Home key → long press action → Kill foreground application

**To kill a particular app** \- combination of Gravity Box and Macrodroid

Navigation keys action → Home key → long press action → Custom actions → toggle *applications* to reveal *shortcuts* → Macrodroid Shortcuts → Add new macro

Trigger → Empty Trigger

Action : Kill application → choose application from drop down menu
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-5, tasker, xposed-framework, home-button, macrodroid
---


# Question
Title: Change default account in "Add new contact"
I have several accounts on my phone. When I add a new contact, my Google/Gmail account is always preselected, but I always want to add my contacts to another one, and quite often I forget to change the account.

**Is it possible to change the default account so I don't need to switch account every time I add a new contact?**

Phone: Lenovo Moto G4 Plus with Android 7.0

# Answer
I'm not very sure but perhaps it would be help be for you go to **Settings-\>Accounts-\>Google-\>(turn off) contacts.**
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, settings
---


# Question
Title: How to activate vibration on call connection
I bought lyf water f1 phone at that time vibration on call connection was working by default. But now suddenly it is stopped .I don't know why I want to restart it again same feature could anyone help me regarding this . Os is marshmallow

# Answer
go to **Settings-\>Sound-\>(enable)Also vibrate for calls(Option)**
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow
---


title: Anyway to split apps sharing an UID?

text:
# Question
Title: Anyway to split apps sharing an UID?
For a while, I had an exclamation mark instead of a signal status in the top bar, and some apps didn't realize they were connected to Internet when other worked perfectly. Thanks to **AFWall+** logs, I found the issue. I need to allow access to an app called **com.android.engineeringmode**.

But this app is tied (in OnePlus 3) with some others, as you can see in this screenshot :

I'm OK to allow access to **EngineerMode**, but certainly not to all this bunch of apps (especially camera or fingerprints services).

After searching the web, I found that all theses apps are linked in **/data/system/packages.xml** using the *sharedUid **1000***. But it is said to never change the UID of an app when it's shared (I didn't really get why).

I'm using the stock ROM (**OxygenOS 3.2.8**) from OP3, but rooted (got **Xposed** an **Xprivacy** too), so it's **Android 6.0.1**.

Is there any chance I can allow Network access to **EngineerMode** only ?

# Answer
While iBug's comment seems a better answer to the question, my real need was to have a correct Internet access detection over the system.

In order to fix my issue I had to open an **adb shell**, type in

```
settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0

```

Then reboot. The exclamation mark went away and problematic apps behave better now.

For the record, this prevent a check on Google's servers. This check was impossible with my firewall's rules.

Thanks to Dan Hulme and iBug for their help.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I don't think it's possible to change this without recompiling the ROM. You can't change the UID of apps after they're installed because they won't be able to access their files any more, and because it will confuse the app permissions system.

Maybe there's some other way around the problem with Xposed, but I don't know about that. It might be possible for an Xposed module to detect the exact call the package is making (to distinguish it from the calls made by other packages in the same process), and mark it for AFWall to allow it. That way you wouldn't need to split up the apps at all.

An alternative might be to find *where* it's trying to send traffic to, and whitelist that address for that process. Again, this would solve the specific symptom without splitting the apps. If it's the captive portal detection, it's probably `http://client.android.com/generate_204`.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The solution that *Dan Hulme* has provided is right and I'd like to make it clearer: You have to re-compile the ROM but wait! Open the source for *EngineerMode* and look for something in `AndroidManifest.xml` like `sharedUserId="android.uid.system"` and **change it** to something else.

That's the fundament of a shared user ID. You must modify the app so that it doesn't require a shared UID anymore.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: settings, firewall
---


# Question
Title: Apps and OS will crash seemingly at random
I got this new phone (An LG K 20 Plus from MetroPCS, model# LGMP260, running 7.0) roughly a month ago. Roughly a week afterward, apps started crashing out of nowhere. Sometimes, it was triggered by actions. If I clicked the wrong thing, whatever app I was in might crash. If I scrolled too fast, the app might crash. If I tried to load something big, the app might crash. This mostly happened with Relay for Reddit, but mostly because I really only used that app. But more often than not, it would just be in the background at random. I would often get "Photos has crashed" messages, despite not even having opened Photos. It wasn't even the app I was running sometimes. During these weeks, some of the highlights of apps crashing have been:

* Nova Launcher
* Home
* Call Management
* System UI
* Settings
* LG Keyboard
* Google Play Store
* Google Play Services

Reboots don't even help much. Sometimes, it will just freeze on the MetroPCS screen during boot. Others, it will boot, but then show just a black screen until I hold down the power buton to turn it off. Others, it will boot, but then say "System UI has stopped," and I have to take out the battery to reboot it. And sometimes, it will just boot normally, sending me back into the normal crashes. Oh, and I can't even google anything because Chrome always throws an "Aw, Snap!" message whenever I go to any page whatsoever.

And now recently, Google Play Services have been giving me some trouble. It would often start randomly saying "Google Play Services has stopped" every few seconds until I reboot. And then, two days ago, the Play Store would start crashing when I went into it. Upon inspection, I found out that Play Services had decided to just uninstall itself. I found a mirror and reinstalled it from an APK, but it would either say that Play Store wasn't installed, or was updating. And then yesterday it went back to normal like nothing happened.

I even tried resetting the phone. Twice. It didn't work. In fact, it took me a while to set it back up because it would give me the "Google Play Services has stopped" message *during the set-up sequence.* And then, after a dozen reboots or so, it decided to grant me permission to re-enter.

There's no way this is a software problem, or a reset would have fixed it, right? Is this a hardware problem? Do I need a replacement phone? I apoloize for the wall of text, but there's a lot going on that I need to address. Thank you for your advice.

# Answer
I am having the same issue. Try booting into safe mode. That's what I did. This should give you some info on if this is a software problem or a hardware problem.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: reboot, crashes
---


# Question
Title: Clearing user data for Google Play Services
I am using Samsung Galaxy On7, Android 6.0.1.

My phone internal memory is quite small, 8GB. Moreover, apps like MS Word and Excel, which can be moved to sd card, come inbuilt, as a result of which I cannot move them to sd card. So, I clear user data for apps as much as possible, so that space can be freed up.

Now, I see that Google Play Services is using up 68MB of data. I want to clear this data, but as this is one of the basic apps on which the phone runs, I want to know what might be the ill consequences of clearing this data. Will apps no longer run or I'll face grave troubles if I clear this user data?

# Answer
From experience ;
You won't face any grave troubles or troubles for that matter -worst case being you may be required to log in again into Google accounts. But this isn't going to fix your storage problem as it gets recreated

But don't delete Google Services Framework data. Your Google based apps will stop working and you may need to install apps all over again or do a factory reset / flash ROM again ( this was the option I chose when things turned troublesome )

Thanks to Izzy for additional inputs on Google Services Framework

> Google engineer explains why you shouldn’t clear Google Services Framework data | TalkAndroid.com. That would essentially reset the ANDROID\_ID assigned to the device, so a lot of apps will feel like "factory reset". Especially those using GCM might behave strangely then (need to re-register with the corresponding servers as the ID changed)
>
> ANDROID\_ID is set on first start and usually lives until you do a factory-reset; details can be found in my (Izzy's) article Android Identifiers: How Android devices and their users are identified.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung, google-play-services
---


title: Note 3 stuck on "Odin Mode"

text:
# Question
Title: Note 3 stuck on "Odin Mode"
I wanted to check if I had an unlocked bootloader or not and I pressed "Reboot into bootloader mode" in recovery mode.

It now has a black screen with a green android robot saying "Downloading... Do not turn off target!!"

I'm panicking what do I do how do I get out of this mode??

# Answer
> 0 votes
I fixed it. `Power` **+** `vol up` **+** `home` ( pressing all three simultaneously) should work. Hope this can help someone else who gets stuck!

---
Tags: recovery-mode, odin
---


# Question
Title: Can I use a windows 10 computer with Bluetooth as a trusted device for Smart Lock?
I have a desktop computer with an old Bluetooth 2.0 dongle and a HP laptop with Bluetooth 4.0 that I can pair successfully to my LG G3 running stock Android 5.0, but when Secure Lock asks me if I want to add that device as a Trusted Device, it fails and it tells me that I can't use that device.

Can a Windows machine be used as a trusted device at all or do I have to change some setting?

# Answer
There is some evidence suggesting it can be done, however only devices that are **currently connected** and in range can be enabled, so make sure you're connected to the device you want to use i.e Windows 10

> Device-to-device e.g tablet, PC (as opposed to device-to-peripheral e.g smartwatch ) connections only remain established during the time of need such as data transfer.

Some users have suggested using Bluetooth services on PC, to keep constant connection. Examples include Bluetooth audio service, or connecting the PC an input device (remote control), Obex or even DUN so as to prevent connection drop.

Credits

Trusted devices not staying connected
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, bluetooth, smart-lock
---


title: Kindle fire 5th gen root

text:
# Question
Title: Kindle fire 5th gen root
Hi I have a kindle fire 5th gen that is on 5.4.0.0 fire os is there any way I can root or downgrade to a rootable version?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've been researching this for a long time now and as of yet there doesn't appear to be any way.

I tried doing a LOT of outside-the-box research using info from other android devices that operate in a similar way.

I've tried unlocking the bootloader by compiling my own unlock file using cuber\_unlockbl, I've tried the old psneuter method. All to no avail.

Unfortunately this seems to have been on-going for some time since update 5.3.2.1 and with the new 6th gen Fire released it seems interest in breaking open the newer firmwares has dwindled in the communities. Most answers on xda just forwards people to the main page where it is stated that nothing can be done.

You have probably already done this, but you CAN install the Play Store on 5.4.0.0 That seems to be the best there is.

It's a shame. I bought my first fire 5th gen tablet new and installed a custom rom on it. I liked it so much I bought this one, but they were no longer available new and I had to get this one refurbished. It came on 5.3.2.1, and upon enabling WiFi it almost instantly updated to 5.4.0.0.

I actually had told it to disable updates, but aparrantly there is some OTA update method Amazon use and it just updates anyway...

Very poor from Amazon to be honest. Since they are discontinued it would be nice if they released an update and unlocked the bootloader. But that is NEVER going to happen.

---
Tags: amazon-kindle-fire
---


# Question
Title: Cant unlock phone after using Google's Find my Device
I forgot my phone's pattern lock, when I used Google's Find my Device, it just locks my phone and I don't know what to do. How can I get back in to my phone?

# Answer
I don't know how new your phone is, but some of the older builds allow you to do a factory data reset, and it clears off the password. If you were lucky and had USB debugging enabled at the time of locking it up, you could do a backup of your stuff to your computer before you do the factory reset. I use Mobogenie, although some people say it's buggy, and it does have a lot of adware. I'm fairly sure you should be able to use Mobogenie on it even if the device is locked. By the way, as far as i know, Google's Find My Device is for only if it's lost or stolen and you want to find it, or lock it up so a thief can't access it. EDIT: To unlock your phone via ADB without factory reset(if you had USB debugging enabled), read this answer to another post here.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: locked-out, android-device-manager
---


# Question
Title: What about unknown or hidden folders in android after connecting with PC?
My iBall BraceX1 tablet runs on Android 4.4.2.

Whenever I connect my tablet with my PC, I see folders that I marked in following snap.

Please let me know about these folders.

Regards FewL

# Answer
These appear to be hidden folders in your external storage.

> Android is based on Linux, and that fact shows itself in how it handles files and folders. To keep it short, Linux/Unix, and therefore Android, hides any file that starts with a dot `.`, which has become a common convention to hide certain things that users wouldn’t normally need to care about, like app config/settings, databases etc.

You wouldn't normally view these files on your Android device, sd card even though these directories are present. As such you could use suitable file explorers such ES explorer, Astro manager etc to unhide these directories.

Unlike Unix/Linux systems, Windows doesn't hide files/folders that start with a `.` (dot prefix), and thus are visible when the sd card is mounted on a Windows system.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: How is Android allowed to use the name "Oreo"?
Oreo is a trademark. Did they approve this? Do they not have a choice? I guess this is potentially good press, but if the OS has big problems they're not going to be happy when the "Oreo" name is associated with the problems by the press.

# Answer
> 11 votes
Google paid nothing, but has a "pure co-branding partnership" with the owner of the trademark, Mondelēz, according to this article.

> Google did not pay the famous cookie's maker, Mondelēz, any money to use the name, said spokeswoman Valerie Moens, who in an email called it a "pure co-branding partnership." The company said in a news release, however, that it and Google will partner on a "variety of global initiatives designed to create innovative, playful experiences for both OREO and Android fans." These, Moens said, will include a drone flight that projects a holographic version of the Android and Oreo superhero, some Android and Oreo-branded cookie giveaways, and four short films featuring the new character.

So in this case, allowing Google to use the name "Oreo" is seen as beneficial to both organizations and will be used for inter-company marketing.

# Answer
> 2 votes
At least to the public's knowledge the Oreo twitter account the Oreo company reached out to Android first.

> @sundarpichai L’Oreo, Monsieur Oreo, Nouveau Oreo…Oreo… we’ll always be l’ready, @Android . #Lollipop

I'm sure the co marketing is helpful on both sides but yes ace is right nobody paid anything.

---
Tags: 8.0-oreo
---


# Question
Title: Can gmail notifications be customized by label?
I have filters configured on my gmail account to add labels to incoming messages based on sender, subject, etc. I'd like to configure the default gmail client to apply different notifications based on these labels. This post suggests setting up multiple gmail accounts, but that would quickly become unworkable, IMO. I've tried to change the notification settings while in a label view, and long-pressing on the label name in the label list screen, but neither leads to the desired result. I'm hoping there's something I've missed...

# Answer
I just happened upon the **GMail Label Notifier** app. I think this will do exactly what you want.
> 4 votes

# Answer
This has recently become a feature in the native GMail app.
> 5 votes

# Answer
**No**, not in the native Gmail App.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Yes they can!

```
Open GMail App
Settings
Select Account
Manage Labels
Select Label
Select "Sync Messages"
Customize!

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gmail, notifications, filter
---


# Question
Title: does this cable (hdmi cable for galaxy s4) works for Grand Prime or grand prime plus
does this cable

works for Grand Prime or grand prime plus

P.S. i have RROS 7.1.2 Rom Installed On My grand Prime And The OTG Function Works Properly

# Answer
No. These cables rely on the phone supporting MHL (more than just OTG), which the Grand series, being low-end phones, clearly don't.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-grand
---


# Question
Title: Nougat notification bar limited to three icons?
I had Marshmallow on my Samsung S6 before, and I would sometimes have many, *many* notifications - all the way to the system icons on the right.

Now I have Nougat on the phone, and it invariably shows a maximum of just *three* icons plus an ellipsis (...) to indicate that there are more. Of course the hidden notifications are the ones I am really interested in; the others are more or less static based on running background apps.

* Is there a way to adjust the limit of how many notifications are shown?
* Is this a Nougat "feature", or a Samsung "feature"?
* Is this specific to only some Samsung regions?

The notification LED seems to work as usual, so there's that.

I use "DRE" for my SM-G920F but I'm aware there are other regions that would also work on this phone. They probably all have various combinations of bloatware; if only I could find a bloatless version...

# Answer
> 1 votes
you can limit the Galaxy to only show the last three notifications in the status bar to keeps things clean and orderly. Head into Settings \> Display \> Status Bar and make any necessary changes.

# Answer
> 0 votes
While I can't confirm that this is Samsung-exclusive, I've got my phone showing 5 notifications right now in the status bar (OnePlus 5, Oxygen OS (Nougat, stock, very close to AOSP).
I don't know if there is a way to change this on our phone, but usually static notifications are given a very low priority, and are so shown last. Those apps may have a setting that can be changed in their settings section. Alternatively, you may be able to set an app to only be able to create low-priority notifications. I'm not sure how this will impact the functionality, so you would have to give it a try, but it may work for you.

---
Tags: notifications, 7.0-nougat, notification-bar, notification-icons
---


# Question
Title: How does the Google Calendar app determine which images to show me for the seasons?
The Google Calendar app for Android has these illustrations for each month:

They fit my current location (northern Europe) very well, but if I was in the southern hemisphere (where the seasons are opposite from here) or the tropics, they would not fit.

I'm guessing that these images may change based on the user's location. If that's the case (which I realize it may not be), then how does the app determine this? Is it based on the geolication of the Android device, or the country of the Google Account the user is using?

# Answer
These are independent of the location. I live in India and see exactly the same images as you posted for those months in question. Very few parts of the country experience snow and definitely not where I live. Wiki on Calendar also didn't mention that these are location based and it appears universal. These images can't be disabled too

Only the holiday calendar is country specific
> 3 votes

---
Tags: calendar, geolocation, google-calendar
---


# Question
Title: Kindle Fire HD 8.9 not getting unbricked after going into fastboot mode
I have a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 inch tablet on which I tried to install stock android OS but failed somehow. Now the tablet when started shows only Kindle Fire logo.I have tried various links on XDA and found that it can go into fastboot mode but nothing more than that. Tried Kindle Fire Unbrick Utility which is failing saying " *device not found* " . Same goes with Kindle Fire System Restore tool for Kindle Fire 8.9. So the problem is storage part of tablet not getting detected. Due to which it is not possible to send/ copy system restore images / original rom / any custom rom to the tablet. Can anyone help ? Thanks in advance. Following links I have referred :

1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2011126
2. http://rootkindlefire.com/kindle-fire-root/how-to-root-convert-kindle-fire-hd-8-9-into-pure-android-tablet/

# Answer
> 0 votes
From my understanding, if you can't boot into recovery by first pressing the volume down button and holding it, while pressing and holding the power button, your tablet is lost. You will need recovery to flash the firmware that came with your tablet, if I am not mistaken. If there is another way, you might want to wait for another answer. If your tablet is still under warranty, send it back to Amazon for a one time courtesy replacement.

---
Tags: amazon-kindle
---


# Question
Title: Wi-Fi Calling feature on Pixel - How do I tell if it is using it?
I came across the Wi-Fi **calling** option in settings and thought I'd give it a try since my cellular **phone** connection with Verizon is very spotty at my house.

It is supposed to use whichever has the strongest signal between wi-fi or cellular. Under the settings it says "Cellular Preferred" which I don't see how to change, although it has a setting for "Roaming preference" which I changed to Wi-Fi, but this doesn't change the "Cellular Preferred" label on the main settings screen.

I'm trying to determine if it is actually using the wi-fi connection when making a call. There is no indication on the status bar that is any different whether it is turned on or not. Theoretically it should be using the wi-fi since it is a much stronger signal.

To be clear, I'm talking about using the actual "phone", I'm not talking about wi-fi vs cellular data transfers, which is more obvious as to which you are using.

Is anyone aware of how to tell which one it is using?

Thanks

# Answer
I have a Samsung, so behaviour might not be identical (although a quick google seems to suggest it is near enough). When my phone determines that cellular signal is not strong enough and switches to wifi-calling, an icon does appear in the status bar next to the wifi indicator. It looks like a phone icon with the wifi logo above it. The phone icon in the dialler also changes to this modified version.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, calls, google-pixel
---


title: Password protecting shell access

text:
# Question
Title: Password protecting shell access
We distribute android devices to other developers so that they can develop on our devices. We want them to be able to install / uninstall / debug apps, but we don't want them to be able to run `adb shell` and look around in the file system. Our devices are rooted. Is it possible?

# Answer
It might be possible by modifying **su**  source code. You can modify so that some commands require a password such as the shell. Create your own custom su based on the device.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: adb, shell
---


title: What makes flashing ROMs risky?

text:
# Question
Title: What makes flashing ROMs risky?
I would like to play with developing Android ROMs for learning purposes and for maybe I can fork my current ROM and change interesting stuff in it.

I would rather be **not** happy at all with a bricked device, but how likely is that to happen?

**As far as I know**, if the bootloader is untouched, flashing even garbage should leave the device repairable since one can still go in flash mode and flash a new rom because the bootloader is fine. Right?

Also I presume hardware can't really be damaged by bad software, can it? (I need a compelling reason if you say yes)

So theoretically, my device can't really break by flashing and trying a custom ROM even if its faulty or even there happens an error during flash, no? (given I don't touch the bootloader)

# Answer
> 2 votes
As Death Mask Salesman pointed out, you need to be sure that the flashing process itself doesn't overwrite the partition table or the bootloader. But even if the flashing itself doesn't cause an unrecoverable problem, it's still possible for a broken ROM to break the hardware of the phone.

Here's a real-life example from when I worked on ROM integration. One of my colleagues bricked the development hardware we were working on by flashing a ROM where the kernel had had the CPU throttling and thermal cut-out disabled. The development board ran with the CPU at max speed for a couple of minutes and then melted the SoC.

Hardware can very much be damaged by drivers that have been edited or compiled with the wrong options. Overclocking the CPU or GPU (a popular feature in custom ROMs) carries its own risk of overheating - especially if your phone is slightly off-spec. Some kinds of screen backlight can be damaged by running them too hard, which the driver prevents in normal use. Also, some components such as NFC chips and secure elements have anti-tampering "fuses" - if you blow one of those by accident (by writing to the wrong hardware register), it might be irreversible.

This is why rooting or flashing a custom ROM voids the warranty.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms, unbricking, development
---


# Question
Title: LG phone starts on recovery mode automatically
My LG phone was rooted and TWRP was installed on it. I try to update my Android version using the LG software update center, and after downloading updates, I tap on install. But after my phone restarts to install updates, it goes into recovery mode, and after rebooting the system again, it automatically goes to recovery mode.

I restore my system backup to fix it, but it doesn't make it better.

How can I fix it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
When you root your phone or installs TWRP you give up on Android updates. Those two things don't work together because when you root you change the system image, and to install updates you need to have stock recovery too. So download latest firmware and flash it on your device (TWRP and root will be lost).

---
Tags: root-access, recovery-mode, lg
---


# Question
Title: Transfer WhatsApp chat history to new device
I've got a new phone (Samsung) and want to transfer my WhatsApp chat history from my old device to it. Is this possible, and how to do it? I have a WhatsApp backup file for that date.

# Answer
1. Go to WhatsApp \> Settings \> Chat's and Calls \> Back up chats
2. Connect your old phone to a computer
3. Go into the device's internal storage and search for the folder *WhatsApp*
4. Copy it to your computer and plug in your new phone.
5. Open internal storage and copy the folder *WhatsApp* to your internal storage.
6. Install WhatsApp on your new phone (if already done, clear data of WhatsApp), set it up and you'll be asked if you wan to restore the backup.
7. Click yes and enjoy.
> 2 votes

# Answer
As referred in the WhatsApp FAQ:

> You can transfer chats from one Android phone to another. To do so, please follow these steps:
>
> 1. To start, make a backup of your most recent chats.
>
> * Go to **WhatsApp**Menu Button**Settings****Chat settings****Back up chats**.
> 2. Next, transfer this backup to your new Android phone.
>
> * If your phone has an external microSD card, take the microSD card out of your old phone, and pop it into your new one.
>     * For phones that have an internal memory / internal SD card (like most Samsung devices), you will need to transfer the /sdcard/WhatsApp/ folder from your old phone to the same folder of your new phone. There are a couple of ways you can do this. You can use a file explorer or even transfer the backup files to your computer.
>     * Please note that it is possible to be missing some files during the transfer. Please double check to make sure all the files you wish to transfer over to your new phone are included in the backup.
>     * If you are unsure about what kind of SD card you have, we recommend checking your phone's specifications on your phone manufacturer’s website.
> 3. Once you have safely transferred your backup, you can install WhatsApp on your new Android phone.
> 4. During the installation process, WhatsApp will automatically find your backup and ask you if you would like to restore it. Once restored, your old chats will appear on your new phone.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Go to **settings**, **chat settings** and choose **backup conversations**. Now go to your **phone storage** (internal SD card) via file manager, go to the file named **Whatsapp**, go to the **databases** folder (i.e. `/sdcard/Whatsapp/Databases`). Choose the one **without any date** in its file name. It is the latest one. Transfer that file to the **same location** in your new device after installing Whatsapp. Now when you open Whatsapp for the first time in your new device, it will prompt you to **restore** the chats. This does not need the phone to be rooted :) Good luck :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
Just copy your WhatsApp folder from your device to your new device, install WhatsApp and it will automatically tell you that he found a backup as long as you use the same SIM card.

You don't even need to activate it again because the backups are registered to your inserted SIM number. Just make sure you place it in the root folder of your new device.

For some reason other answers although correct look very complicated.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Backup chat history via your gmail account. then restore chat history in your new device

Go to backup WhatsApp → Menu Button → Settings → Chat settings → Back up chats via gmail account.

login new device restore chat history via gmail account
> 0 votes

# Answer
WhatsApp now allows backup/restore via Google Drive. This is by far the easiest method for moving to a new phone. The WhatsApp FAQ page is pretty straightforward, but here's the bit that you'll need:

### Backup on Old Phone

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Menu Button \> Settings \> Chats \> Chat backup.
3. Tap Back up to Google Drive and set up the backup frequency to your liking.
4. You will be prompted to select a Google account that you will back up your chat history to. If you do not have a Google account, tap Add account when prompted. Please remember the Google account you are using for the backup.
5. Tap Back up over to choose the network you wish to use for backup. Please note that backing up over cellular may result in additional data charges.

### Restore on New Phone

1. Make sure the same Google account that was used to perform the backup has been added to your phone.
2. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
3. After verifying your number, you will be prompted to restore your messages and media from Google Drive.
4. After the restoration process is complete, tap Next and your chats will be displayed once initialization is complete.
5. After restoring your chats, WhatsApp will begin restoring your media files.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can try the following

> FileDrop
>
> If you're looking for an app that keeps things simple, then I tink you're going to like FileDrop. It's a free app you can install from Google Play and is very easy to use.
>
> When you first install the app, you'll see that it's divided into two sections. The top part will ask you to sign into your Dropbox account, and the bottom part will show you all the files you have on your Android device.
>
> Don't worry if you didn't previously create a folder since you can create one directly from the app. Just tap on the drive icon on the top left and tap on Create Directory. If you want to rename a folder that's where your WhatsApp content will go, you can do that too.
>
> How to Backup Your WhatsApp Files to Dropbox
>
> The option you need to tap on is ¨As Sync Directory¨. Now, tap on the folder you want the WhatsApp backup to go to. Switch to the bottom section of the app and scroll until you see the WhatsApp folder. Tap on it and then select what you want to backup. I chose Media.
>
> Then tap on the SD card icon and select As Sync Directory. Once you've done that tap on the cloud and sun icon to the right of your display. Tap on the Turn On Sync Feature and then enable Use Sync. After that, it should automatically start backing up your WhatsApp content.
>
> If you want the app to automatically backup your WhatsApp content, tap on the Turn On Sync \> Sync Policy \> Enable Auto Sync.

Source: How to Backup WhatsApp
> -1 votes

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger, data-transfer
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