# Question
Title: Google App and Google Play Services force close - SecurityException
My friend's Samsung Galaxy S phone (with CM11) has been recently having an issue, where Google Play Services has been randomly crashing with this message in the logcat:

```
java.lang.SecurityException: attempting to read gservices without permission: Neither user 10103 or current process has com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES.

```

The same thing happens to the Google App upon trying to perform a search in it.

# Answer
Make sure that the GApps flashed onto the phone after flashing the ROM is indeed supported on that ROM. If you are using the package provided by Cyanogen then please download Delta GApps below. The package provided by Cyanogen has some bugs.

GApps for all KitKat+ CMs

1) Download the base package for KitKat

2) Download standard Addons for KitKat

3) Download any other addons for KitKat you may want.

4) Transfer files onto your device.

5) Boot into your custom recovery.

6) Wipe Cache, Dalvik Cache.

7) Install/Flash the zips/packages.

8) Boot into CM11.

9) Try opening them now. If you're unable to open Clear Data of all the Google Apps and try again.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s, google-play-services, force-close, google-search
---


# Question
Title: Yu Yureka hangs after being updated to Lollipop
Yesterday, I updated my device to Lollipop, and now it hangs. I have deleted many apps, transfers the to SD card, though it still hangs.

How do I resolve this issue?

# Answer
Did you dirty flash the ROM? Meaning, did you not clear `/data/` before flashing the ROM.

Dirty flashing can cause severe lag and many unexpected problems. Please try formatting data partition and flashing ROM again.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, micromax-yu-yureka
---


# Question
Title: How do I edit my home address for Google Now/Maps/Latitude?
I just upgraded to the Galaxy Nexus. In the new Google Now, the traffic for my home destination is listed incorrectly. I also noticed that the Home address for myself under the People listing is incorrect. If I try to edit my local profile, there is no field for address. Long pressing on the address only allows me to copy it.

How can I update my Home address?

# Answer
> 13 votes
Update May 3rd, 2015:

My previous answer was for a much outdated platform (latitude doesn't even exist anymore as far as I can tell). Here are some steps for current Google Maps.

1. Open the Maps application.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. There should be an option to *Edit home or work address*.

Previous answer below for historic purposes...

I finally figured out how to do this and thought I would explain (since it is not very obvious).

1. Open up Google Maps or Latitude
2. Click on yourself (the tag that shows your name, last update time, and city)
3. You should be able to click a `Location history` option
4. With the history open, click the settings button in the lower right corner
5. There are options to change your home and work addresses!

Hope this helps someone in the future.

# Answer
> 4 votes
On my Android 4.3.1:

* Open **Maps** from your phone
* Pull the menu
* Select **Settings**
* **Edit home or work**

# Answer
> 2 votes
Easier solution:

* Click the button on the top left next that says "Maps"
* Select "My Places"
* There is the button for "home"
* Tap and hold to get the option to edit it

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same problem but didn't see the described GUI on my Galaxy S3. So here's how I did it:

1. Opened up Google Maps
2. If on the routes/navigation screen, hit the back button until you return to the default map view with a search bar up top.
3. The search bar should have 2 icons on the right: one for routes/navigation, and one that looks like a user icon. Click the user icon.
4. The screen should now have your full name up top, your user image next to the number of reviews you've written, and directly below that, your home and work addresses. **Tap and hold** on the address you want to edit.
5. A new screen should appear with a search box up top, but there should be a home or work icon on the very left of the search box. Simply type or search for your correct address and then hit "Done."

# Alternate Method

1. Again, open up Google Maps and hit the "back" button, if needed, to return to the default maps view.
2. Hit the "menu" button on your phone or just tap the little menu tab at the lower left corner. This should cause a menu to slide out from the left.
3. Tap the "Settings" option and then tap "Edit home or work".
4. Then simply **tap** on the one you want to edit.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you'd like to do this on a desktop, you can go to maps.google.com, login with your Google account and click `My Places` on the left. This shows your current Home and Work address along with a little location history, and you can find `Edit` under the dropdown menu next to each entry.

# Answer
> 0 votes
July 19th, 2015 (on PC via Google Chrome)

1) Navigate to maps.google.com

2) In the search bar, type "home". Your current saved address will appear below.

3) Click \[edit\] and fill in your new address. Then click \[Save\] or press \[Enter\].

I was getting frustrated with seeing how far away everything was from my last house!

# Answer
> -1 votes
What about going to http://contacts.google.com, log in, and then edit the information about yourself ? In particular, you can edit your postal address and indicate it as your home address.

---
Tags: google-maps, geolocation, google-latitude, google-now
---


# Question
Title: Lollipop screen not locking, even after removing smart lock etc
Since I played around with smart lock, my device just does not lock anymore. I disabled smart lock, I cleared all credentials, I removed device administrators, accessibility accesses (Lastpass). Nothing helped.

Can anyone give me a procedure to reset this setting?

Thanks.

# Answer
Actually the thing I missed is that I was so annoyed by the double lock screen that I used the system profiles feature to create a profile which disabled the lock screen completely. Once I re-enabled the lock screen everything returned to normal.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, lock-screens, oneplus-one, smart-lock
---


title: System Memory on Android

text:
# Question
Title: System Memory on Android
This is my first time here. I wanted to ask if 4.96gb of system memory is normal. My phone is Samsung Galaxy s3 that is 16gb and system memory is the top consumer of my memory. It wasn't like this before. It takes alot of space in my phone.

# Answer
Yes, it is. As you may know, qll device with storage do not give yoy wccess to all 100% of it. For example, a Samsung galaxy tab 2 uses 3.41gb as system. So, as devices get newer, more stuff (apps and features) are added, meaning more used. So, long story short, yes it is normal. Enjoy your device :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.3-jelly-bean
---


title: Mobile data/Wifi schedular

text:
# Question
Title: Mobile data/Wifi schedular
I am using android version 4.3.. Usage of mobile data or Wifi consuming more battery power I need to turn them on/off for every 30 mins. So is there any options or apps available to schedule them??

# Answer
Aside from the comment posted above, DS Battery Saver (available in the Play Store) has the functionality to turn off both data types and automatically turn them on to refresh data at specified intervals.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: How to add a new word to keyboard by backspacing and clicking on its suggestion?
It used to be that if I were to type a new word, like `Androidenthusiast`, it would suggest other words. I wouldn't select any, press space, backspace, and then it was there as a suggestion. If I clicked on it, it would say "Click again to save", and so I did and so it did. But as of late, it has stopped doing that.

I can't find the settings in `Language / input` \> `Keyboards` anywhere. Can't remember when its behaviour changed. Nexus 5, running Android 5.1.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The option is gone. It used to be that it just wouldn't show up for those words which were already in your personal dictionary. Now it doesn't appear for any word whatsoever.

It was probably a recent update to the Google Keyboard app which broke this functionality. The Google Keyboard app updates for everyone so it wouldn't matter that my Nexus 5 is running Android 5.0 and yours is on 5.1, everyone got the bad end of the deal.

---
Tags: keyboard, text-input
---


# Question
Title: Contacts backup with multiple Google accounts
How can one manage backup when you have one device or two devices and 2 or 3 Google accounts? (Work, personal, family)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Firstly, go to the new Contacts preview page by Google on your PC. Sort through the incredible mess that is sure to be there. Log in with all your accounts and then import and export your contacts from one account to another to segregate them into the proper categories (as you said, Work, Personal, Family). I suggest that you keep a single dedicated account for each category, for the smoothest experience. You can mix usage of all your accounts too, but that would just mean unnecessary hassle.

Then, whenever you save a new contact on your phone, make sure you select the appropriate account from the drop down menu at the top of the new contacts page.

Remember, any time you make a mistake in saving a contact, don't try to deal with it on your phone. You will end up creating a bigger mess. Just use Google Contacts on PC and deal with it thoroughly.

---
Tags: backup, google
---


# Question
Title: Can you reset a password for a restricted profile?
I have a restricted profile that is asking for a password, and it is not taking it. As the owner, I would like to be able to reset this password.

Long Story: The restricted profile is my son's. Since it was setup we have always used a pattern to unlock. I made the mistake of locking his tablet remotely using Android Device Manger, and setting a password. That password did not work on his profile. I switched to my owner account, and it worked fine. Now, however, his profile is asking for a password to be typed, and nothing works. I assume he set it to something he has forgotten since he has used pattern lock for a long time. ADM seems to have reset the screen lock to password instead of pattern on the profile without resetting the password itself.

So, any way to fix this short of deleting and creating a new restricted profile?

# Answer
I spent three hours on the phone with Google yesterday for the same issue. They said there is no way to reset the password. They said I have to delete and add the user back, losing all data, pictures, game progress, etc. There is also no way to prevent a child from setting a password. Clearly the people at Google have not thought this through. It is definitely not a "kids mode".
> 3 votes

---
Tags: password, android-device-manager, restricted-profiles
---


# Question
Title: Lg optimus L 70 system update won't work
I had checked my system update file and there is a file with 200 mb to download. I click on it and that annoying little message comes up: Insufficient storage available to download......I have 765 mb available. I google it and it's a pretty common but solutions put on absolute garbage and the \*#9900# thing won't because it only works for Samsung. Another thing, should I even update or it doesn't matter and I can leave it how it is. Please help because I can't find anyone with my phone type and in my same situation. App updates and downloads work fine, just this stupid thing. Please help, anyone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have an SD card slot . Shove a 2gb+ card in there and point it to download to the SD card. You can use chrome or some other browser that will let you change download location for every download. Only if this does not work - you can try increasing the space in /system /System and /mnt/sdcard1 these are different partitions.Try clearing the /system partition by moving some apps that do not appear to be needed system apps. This can be done using Link2SD app. You have to be very choosy- if you select some vital app and make it non system it can be a problem.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy s3 mini continuously rebooting
I woke up to find My Samsung Galaxy s3 mini asking me to select a language and time and sign into my Samsung account, like it was a brand new phone. As I tried to do this it kept rebooting. eventually I managed to sign in, but it continues to reboot every minute or so and a few of my widgets are missing. After researching I uninstalled the Samsung push app but it keeps going back to the sign in start page, but it reboots before I can sign in and there is no way to skip it.

I have removed my battery, SIM card and SD card, but it is still happening. I also tried a factory reset, but every time I click on it me phone restarts and nothing has changes.

Does anyone know what is going on or what I can do to stop it rebooting?

# Answer
> 1 votes
First method-

* Reset the device (press and hold POWER button for 8-10 seconds).

Second method-

1. Press and hold VOLUME UP and Home(center) button, then press Power until the phone vibrates. Wait until you see the Android logo then release all the buttons.
2. Select Wipe data/Factory reset with VOLUME DOWN key, press Power (right hand-side).
3. Select YES -- this deletes all user data.
4. After format, press Power again to reboot phone (select reboot system now).
5. If your device is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold Samsung Galaxy S3 hard reset for 8-10 seconds. The device will reboot automatically.

Third method-

1. Factory format entering sgs3 mini format code. Enter \*2767\*3855#.

*Note - Warning! All your data including contacts, messages etc. will be lost! Copy all your necessary data/Contacts/Messages etc. to SIM or make backup to your PC before full reset! Take out SIM card before full reset. Source: Hard-reset.com.*

# Answer
> -3 votes
I had the same issue Solution: battery replacement.

---
Tags: factory-reset, samsung-galaxy-s-3-mini
---


# Question
Title: Embedded YouTube videos have sound but no video
Whenever I come across a page with an embedded YouTube video and press play then the sound will be heard but the video will be blank (a black screen).

The controls work just fine - it's just that I don't have any video.

If I attempt to rotate the phone to landscape, then the video will briefly show just before the screen is rotated and then go back to being black again. Sound will continue to play just fine. If I attempt to rotate the phone back to portrait then the same thing happens again.

This problem occurs in Chrome, but also in any apps where the browser has been embedded (eg. Feedly and Facebook).

My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9300) running CM11-20141115-SNAPSHOT-M12-i9300.

Is there any way I can resolve this?

# Answer
If the problem is only with embedded videos, just click on the link to the actual video on Youtube. Or try long pressing on it to get the link to the video URL.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, chrome-for-android, video, youtube
---


# Question
Title: Accidently deleted the device calender? Can I recover or add new?
My device is an Xperia Z2 D6503 running Android 4.4.4. I was using iCal Import/Export CalDAV to import `.ical` files into my device calendar.

Using this same app, I accidently deleted my device calendar. I cannot see the 'device calendar' anymore in the list of calendars in my phone's default calendar app.

Can I recover this calendar or add a new device calendar? I am guessing iCal app has deleted `com.android.calender`.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I guess you have to download a new calendar.

I recommend you get Google Calendar.

Check 12 of the best calendar apps available for your Android smartphone today, See if that helps.

---
Tags: calendar, sony-xperia-z2
---


# Question
Title: Disable power-off menu when screen is locked
I own a Samsung Spica GT-i5700, how can I disable the power-off menu when the phone is locked. I am running CM7.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This feature is in Cerberus Anti Theft and also in some custom android Roms (Such as Exodous). It doesn't require root but like any anti-theft software there is a paid version as the free one is limited to 30 days. But you could try the Smart Screen Protector App which is also mentioned in one of the other answers.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I dont think it is possible with that ROM. What you can do is to change the button's task when phone is locked (like Activator on iOS). I think CM7 isn't supports this feature but you can simply find it by google it (button task changer or something like that).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try the Smart Screen Protector application from the play store. It claims to disable the lock key when the screen is locked even with the pin. Doesn't require a ROOT device

If it does not work then you can increase the delay time as suggested by the app.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The Xposed plugin PowerMenuPlus may. If you add A fake power button and lock description, it will stop you device being turned off while locked, and confuse those trying to turn it off.

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-spica, power-options
---


# Question
Title: Rooting the Samsung Galaxy LITE (SGH-T399)
I have recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy Lite (SGH-T399). I am having trouble rooting it. It would be easy if I had a Windows PC, but I only have one Mac and one Linux PC. Instructions on how to root the phone would be helpful.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is really easy ways to root your device from linux/mac using heimdall which is an open source alternative of odin PC. I will put two methods one auto root ,and an other one to root using heimdall choose the one that suite you best.

First I should say : in my opinion self rooting apps are not really secure ,since you will root blind when you have no custom recovery ,which makes it really hard to get back to a working phone if something goes wrong specially for your device ,like you may noticed on XDA there is a lot of bricked phones without solution. if you still want the auto root follow method 01 ,if you don't method 02 is for you.

**Method 1:** using impactor (Mac OS and linux)

1. Get Cydia impactor for your OS Mac OS X , Linux 32bit and linux 64bit
2. Depending on you OS for mac OS install the software and run it ,for linux extract the archive somewhere where you have the right to execute then open impactor.
3. a window like the figure below should appear.
4. Leave the window open and grab your phone ,GO to `settings > developer Options > activate USB debugging` also see if there is an option called `Verify apps over USB` if there is unchecked it.
5. Now go to `settings > security` and check unknown source.
6. Plug the phone to your PC.
7. On the window of impactor click on start (make sure your phone screen is on it will show an authentication pop-up for adb accept it) and wait if the process succeeded you will be asked to reboot your phone ,if not this method will not work for you go to **method 02**.

**Method 02 :** using heimdall on linux (ubuntu and it's variants)

like you said in the question :

> "It would be easy if I had a Windows PC"

We will do the same method but we will use heimdall instead of Odin

**Pre-required :** :

* Download CWM or TWRP (both odin version choose one of your liking) and save it on your PC then extract it you will have a file named recovery.img put it somewhere safe.
* Download UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.00.zip and put is on your phone's SDcard we will need it later

in my example here I will be using ubuntu ,the method remains the same for other ubuntu variants and the same for Mac OS except for the installation part `(see method 3 for info)`.

1. install `heimdall` and `heimdall-frontend` using this command

`sudo apt-get install heimdall-flash heimdall-flash-frontend`
2. Once the installation is done launch heimdall-frontend

`sudo heimdall-frontend`

This is what heimdall looks like :

3. Power down your phone then Press and hold Volume down + Home button + power key until the warning screen appears Press Volume Up to go into download mode.
4. Now Plug your phone to PC.
5. On heimdall front end go to `Utilities` tab

6. click On detect ,you should read device detected on the console at the bottom.

7. Now that your device is detected we are going to get your current partitions information as a .pit file.
8. stay on Utilities tab ,click on `save as` then choose where to put the .pit file once done click on download

9. Now switch to `Flash` tab

10. Now click on Browse and choose the Pit file we saved earlier.

11. Now the `Add` button (on the right) should be click-able click on it.
12. click on `partition name` on the left ,a roll down menu should appear choose recovery.

13. Click on `Browse` under the `partition ID` (not the one under `PIT` !) then choose recovery.img we extracted earlier.

14. Now that we are all set , make sure the repartition box is not checked ,that the partition name is set to recovery (look at the above screen-shot) if every thing is right ,click on `start` at the bottom right.
15. while heimdall is flashing don't unplug your phone ,don't close heimdall ,don't open other programs ,don't touch the pc or the phone until heimdall show the message f`lash successful` and your phone reboots ,if it doesn't click and hold power button until the phone shut down.
16. Boot into recovery (power + home + volume up) , (optional : Do a full backup might be handy in case something go wrong) then flash UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.00.zip we downloaded and putted on your phone earlier.
17. Now reboot your phone ,you are rooted and have custom recovery installed

## Method 03 : On mac OS

replace the first step by this :

# References :

heimdall french ubuntu doc (couldn't find english version)

heimdall installation and compilation cyanogenmod wiki

heimdall prebuild downloads on github

heimdall source code

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you tried towelroot? You can visit the towelroot website and download the apk file. Make sure to enable installation from unknown sources if it's not enabled already. Generally that option is located under `Settings\Security`.

# Answer
> -1 votes
1.Install VirtualBox on either your Mac or Linux 2. Install VirtualBox Extension Pack (on VirtualBox download page) 3. Install a Windows virtual machine of your choice 4. Enable USB 2.0 in VirtualBox for the Windows VM 5. Install Kingo andriod root inside Windows 6. Root you are welcome.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Even if all other ways fail, you can still root it the manual way:

1. Go to http://androidsu.com/superuser/ and download the latest su binary for your phone. (ARM, 3.1.3, I'd assume)
2. Put the downloaded zip file into the root directory of your phone's SD card.
3. Shut down the phone.
4. Boot the phone into recovery mode. On Samsung devices, this is done by holding \[VOL UP\]+\[HOME\] during boot.
5. Select "Apply update from SD card" and navigate to the zip file and confirm.
6. The SU binary is now being installed. Reboot your phone afterwards.
7. Install the app "Superuser" (`com.noshufou.android.su`) from the PlayStore.

Your phone should now be rooted. Test it by running the Superuser app.

Alternatively, there's this instruction from XDA.

---

I cannot provide guarantee that this will work. Certain phone manufacturers take the process of rooting your phone as a void of guarantee.

---
Tags: root-access, linux, samsung
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to uninstall stock apps in Sony Xperia E3 Dual?
My device has 4GB of internal Storage, but it only shows 2GB. Apps have taken 1.7GB of space alone. Any idea for how to uninstall the stock apps such as as Hike,Line, and others. The only option I see is to disable them but no option as uninstall.

# Answer
> 0 votes
# You'll need to be rooted

1. **Gain** root access.
2. Install Titanium Backup or an equivalent
3. Select **Batch Actions** (top right corner) \> **Uninstall all users & system apps**
4. **Pick the system apps you want to remove**, then press the checkmark at the top right hand corner

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, uninstallation, system-apps
---


# Question
Title: Wifi network listing freezes on Nexus 4 after Lollipop update
I have a Nexus 4, and finally decided yesterday to update to Android 5.0, after being fearful of bug reports. And wouldn't you know it, I've found a nasty bug.

Nearly every time I try to display the list of Wifi networks in the Settings, the system freezes for about a minute, then I get prompted saying

> Settings isn't responding.
> Do you want to close it?
> REPORT WAIT OK

If I wait long enough (by hitting 'wait' or 'report'), then I eventually get the list of wifi networks, and everything appears to work normally\* from that point.

If it's relevant, my phone also has the problem described in this question, and the update to Lollipop didn't fix it. So I'm thinking a factory reset may be in order....

<sub>\*I say normally, I had to wait a similar amount of time to authenticate to the network at Starbucks through the authentication web site, but once I was authenticated, everything appeared to work normally. I have no idea if this is actually a related problem, so I only mention it in passing.</sub>

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had this problem recently and solved it by removing old saved networks in the WiFi settings. I found that there were a huge number of networks with names that were strings of letters and numbers.

1. To remove saved networks open 'Settings' and choose 'Wi-Fi' (and wait for it to load).
2. From the 3-dot menu choose 'Saved networks'.
3. You should see a list of networks in a similar format to those shown below:
4. Remove any you don't recognise (tap the network name and tap 'Forget'):

Once all of the unrecognised names have been removed the list of WiFi networks should load without freezing the system.

NOTE: I have found that this can occur again after a while, in which case repeat the steps above.

---
Tags: wi-fi, settings, nexus-4, 5.0-lollipop, system-freeze
---


# Question
Title: Can I force a WiFi connection retry after x minutes?
The Wifi SSID in my home is the default SSID of the used router. (I have no means to change it, unfortunately). The problem is, if I travel around my city, my Android phone inevitably finds a network with the same SSID but the password doesn't match. Since then, the network is stuck in "Authentification failed" until I manually force a reconnect.

Is there a way to force my phone to retry connection attempts to known networks e.g. every 5 minutes?

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are numerous applications on Google Play Store. I had a similar problem a couple of months ago. I used an application named WiFi reconnect as I recall.

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: How do you check if your phone has IR blaster?
I downloaded some apps from the Play Store for controlling my TV using my phone. One of the requirements for it to work is that your phone must have an IR blaster in it. How do I check if my phone has an IR blaster?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can check if your phone has it on Smartphones with IR blasters (Wikipedia)

**Note**: the list may not be exhaustive.

> 2013
>
> * HTC One
> * HTC One Max
> * LG G2
> * LG G Flex
> * LG G Pro Lite
> * LG Optimus F6
> * LG Optimus G Pro
> * LG Optimus L9 II
> * Samsung Galaxy Note 3
> * Samsung Galaxy S4
> * Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
> * Samsung Galaxy Mega
> * Sony Xperia Z (Japanese version only)
> * Sony Xperia Z1 (Japanese version only)
> * Sony Xperia ZL (Discontinued)
> * Samsung Galaxy J
> * ZTE Nubia Z5S
>
> 2014
>
> * HTC One (M8)
> * Huawei Honor 6
> * Huawei Honor 6 Plus
> * LG G Pro 2
> * LG G2 Mini
> * LG G3
> * LG G3 S (Vigor)
> * LG L90
> * LG G Vista
> * LG Volt
> * Samsung ATIV SE
> * Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo
> * Samsung Galaxy Note 4
> * Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
> * Samsung Galaxy S5 Active
> * Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos
> * Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini
> * Xiaomi Mi 4
> * ZTE Grand Memo II LTE
> * ZTE Grand X Max
> * ZTE Nubia X6
> * ZTE Nubia Z7
> * ZTE Nubia Z7 Max
>
> 2015
>
> * HTC One (M9)
> * HTC One M9+
> * LG G4
> * LG G Flex 2
> * Oppo Mirror 3
> * Samsung Galaxy S6
> * Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
> * Samsung Galaxy S6 Active
> * Xiaomi RedMi Note 2
> * ZTE Grand X Max+
> * ZTE Nubia Z9
> * Samsung Galaxy A8 Duos

---
Tags: hardware, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: How to understand Android 5.0 internal memory usage?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S5(*SM-G900F*) which should have 16GB eMMC as an internal storage:

Are Android OS system files stored on the "System memory" portion of this internal storage? Or is there a separate non-volatile, but writable(because phone supports OS upgrades) memory for this? Is this internal memory partitioned? What is the difference between "Used space" and "Miscellaneous files"?

# Answer
Samsung simplifies the breakdown a lot more than stock Android (I'm using a Moto X 2014) but I can help you understand what each portion of your storage is used for.

**Total Space**: Obvious, but going to cover it any ways - this is the total amount of storage space your device provides for ALL it's storage needs. This will be broken down into the sub categories below.

**System Memory**: The definition of "Minimum amount of storage space required to run the system" is an over-simplification, but it's correct. This memory chunk contains the portion partitioned to hold things like the kernel, bootloader, recovery, and (Samsung-modified) Android system files. Also contains whatever modifications the manufacturer shipped with Android (in your case, all of Samsung's proprietary apps and features). This isn't some special type of memory for these files, just a separately partitioned part of your available 16GB.

**Used Space**: This is the part of memory dedicated to self/Google installed applications (not the pre-installed Samsung ones).

**Cached Data**: This is the part of memory dedicated to storing the cached data apps use to function.

**Miscellaneous Files**: This is essentially data stored on the device that isn't an app, an app's cached files, or Android system files. Things like music, videos, pictures, and anything else you throw onto the storage via USB or some sort of FTP ends up here. Some apps also create folders to store large amounts of non-cached data on the device, that will end up in here too. Feel free to tap on the "Miscellaneous Files" to see a basic breakdown of folder and data that fill this portion of memory.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: How can I make voice search know that a certain first name is always that specific contact?
I have a Nexus 5 with the Okay Google search feature. I can theoretically use it to send text messages hands-free.

However, my wife has a common name, and I have several other contacts with the same first name -- and it wouldn't be surprising for me to know someone with the same last name too. And, she has a work phone number instead of mobile. So, instead of being convenient, there's a whole back-and-forth interrogation.

There must be some way to tell it that when I say "text Karen", I always get *my* Karen. Right? I tried to look for some "remember this decision" setting, or for some way to mark people as special in the People app, but no luck.

I could come up with some silly nickname, I guess, but I don't want to have to do that. I'm hoping there's some real solution.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Would this help? Then you could say "text my wife"...

Add relationships to your contacts

---
Tags: contacts, google-voice-actions
---


# Question
Title: How to access the calculator history on AOSP Android KitKat?
The native calculator app on Android 4.4 has a "Clear history" option, but I have no clue on how to see this history.

I've tried swipe movements, clicked on every possible button, and even held down the menu button as described here, but I could not make the on-screen keyboard show up.

Has anybody had more luck trying this?

# Answer
There is currently no way of accessing the history without a device that has a scrollwheel. For some reason, Google didn't implement any UI or touch screen functions with the history, and therefore the only way to access it is to scroll down with a scrollwheel. There's a bug report here.

There's an improved calculator app from CyanogenMod called CyanogenMod Calculator, which has a history. (The link should work but is untested since Google Play throws an SSL certificate error on my current connection)
> 8 votes

# Answer
I have a Galaxy Note(1) running 4.1.2, and to access the calculator history I just click the little triangle/arrow at the top of the on-screen keypad.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try using the volume buttons to scroll through the history.

I'm using Fairphone on stock Android 4.2.2.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The two bars at the middle top of the top #'s shows the history. Just tap on them.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, vanilla-android, calculator
---


# Question
Title: Ways to consume Linux and open-source related news on Android device?
I would like to read Linux and open-source related news from my Android device. My current solution is a *gReader Pro*, which supports 4x4 widget and I have configured it to display RSS feeds from multiple sources:

The problem is, that often those RSS feeds show only the title or short summary and one still needs to visit the web page to read the whole article. Is there a way around this or only solution is to use RSS sources which publish full articles as RSS? In addition, I tried with few "personal magazin" apps like *Flipboard*, but I still ended up at the news-source web-page.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try Pocket or Readability. They are both Android apps that parse HTML into more readable formats without having to visit the site.

---
Tags: rss
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Keyboard of keybinding of switching input methods
How do I disable the 'Shift + Space' keybinding of Samsung Keyboard, which triggers the toggling of input methods? I use a physical keyboard, and it is quite easy (and annoying) for my system to misinterprete my ' Capital letter followed by a space' into switching the input methods.

Also I don't want to root my device.

# Answer
I use a Microsoft Wedge keyboard and what solved it for me was installing SwiftKey or some other keyboard alternative and setting that as the default instead of the Samsung one.

This is a fantastically annoying default shortcut that's impossible to turn off and easily identifiable to anyone using an external keyboard and writing in English, every single time I would write "I", it would eat the space after it and change language instead... The problem probably exists for all physical keyboards as with the on-screen keyboard the shortcut still exists, but most people are not fast enough to trigger it there.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, external-keyboard
---


title: How does CF-Autoroot work?

text:
# Question
Title: How does CF-Autoroot work?
What's the theory behind how CF-autoroot is able to root android devices?

I'm wondering on what techniques it used to run su?

Does it use a custom/patched Linux kernel? Or it is based on local root exploit?

I couldn't find CF-Autoroot source code, so I assumed that is a closed-source project.

# Answer
> 7 votes
On Nexus devices, at least: CF Auto-Root works by unlocking the device's boot loader via fastboot (if it isn't already unlocked), then sending the device a custom boot image (kernel and ramdisk) that it should run instead of booting from the built-in system or recovery partition. It's analogous to booting your PC from a CD or USB drive instead of from the hard drive.

(This is a supported feature of the `fastboot` program included in the Android SDK; it doesn't involve any exploits. If you look at the script that comes in the CF Auto-Root package, you'll see that it really just runs `fastboot oem unlock` and `fastboot boot` commands.)

Once the custom boot image is running, it has full access to the device (just like the built-in system software does), so it copies some files (the `su` program and superuser APK) into the system partition. On recent Android versions (5.0+), it also makes some changes to the kernel's SELinux configuration that are needed to allow the root account to be functional. Then it reboots the device so that it'll boot from the (modified) kernel and system partition.

---
Tags: rooting, security, root-access, kernel, superuser
---


# Question
Title: Where I can find factory home screen layout file?
Where I can find factory home screen layout file?

I would like modify default layout which will persist after I will make a hard reset.

Best

**Edit**

device: Lenovo A6000, kitkat 4.4.4

rom: orignal stok rom from Lenovo

home screen launcher: LenovoLauncher com.lenovo.xlauncher

# Answer
Izzy opined it correctly here that the only sensible place for having factory home screen layout is the launcher's APK itself.

Since I don't own a Lenovo device let alone your specific model I used my MTK device running stock 4.2.1 as the testing ground. It has stock launcher (`com.android.launcher`).

About that thing called factory home screen layout -- a launcher usually has one or more databases inside its `/data/data/..` directory, and one of that database has a table named `favorites` (name could differ among launchers but the idea is same). (See my answer for How can I manage “desktop” icons to know what I'm talking about.)

The default setting that you see is nothing but code in the APK creating database(s) from scratch and populating the `favorites` table with hard-coded entries (like "Contacts", "Phone", "Messages", "Chrome" at the dock).

E.g. See this code snippet from the source code of `com.android.launcher`:

The code is available here. If you look closely at few lines above the line 262, you would see that the code is creating a new database with proper schema and then populating the database with `favorites` table which is available to it.

At this point, I didn't bother digging more to know, where does this `favorites` table or the related content is saved, since my conclusion is drawn from custom launchers as well who also have a different but a factory layout (clearly not saved outside the APK).

I would recommend taking a look at the source code (provided that you can find it first) of your default launcher, or extract the APK and dig under `res` folder. I found some interesting stuff under `res/xml/`.

---

Oh, if someone wants to experiment on OP's question then I suggest you do **Clear Data** from **Settings → Apps → All apps → `<Your Launcher>`** since it would have the same effect as doing a factory reset (not Hard reset).
> 4 votes

---
Tags: screen, file-system, rom, home-screen, system-apps
---


# Question
Title: How do I remove the 'Whatsapp' button in Firefox's menu?
The big green button in the second row of the menu, shown in the image below. It does not appear as a Firefox addon, and Whatsapp itself doesn't seem to have any option regarding this.

Screenshot - Firefox (Click to enlarge image)

And how can I prevent stuff like this getting added to Firefox in the future? This seems to have the same potential for abuse as the desktop browsers' 'toolbars' system, and I wish to preemptively disable such changes to the browser.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Whatsapp is the last app you used to share a link. To change it to something else, you need to share a link with another app, or if you want to remove any app icon from the menu, just uninstall and install the app again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
That's the last application you shared with. Share with another application or just ignore.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, firefox-for-android, share-menu
---


title: Auto shutdown after about 15 minutes

text:
# Question
Title: Auto shutdown after about 15 minutes
I have a HTC G1 Dream device. I noticed that it has a problem.
When I unplug it from charger, about 15 minutes later it shuts down.

Is there any solution for this?

P.S Factory reset won't help here. I've tried this about 3 times.

# Answer
Sounds like a bad battery, use logcat or a battery monitor and see what happens when it shutdown.

I had a device that would do the same but it would last 2 hours instead and under load would go about 5 mins :p A new battery sorted it out in the end. But if you can get a new phone as once the battery starts to go the other compentnets will fail as well. If you cannot afford to do by a new phone at least backup on TB on a EXTERNAL SDCARD. so if worse comes to worst you have all the data for all your apps.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: shutdown, htc-dream, 2.3.3-gingerbread
---


# Question
Title: Enable the keyboard on the right side of the emulator
I am currently using the latest Android SDK. Whenever I run a device, I can use the hardware buttons on the right side and the D-Pad.

But, there's no qwerty keyboard below it. Is there any way to make it show up?

Old emulator layout (with QWERTY keyboard)

New emulator layout (without QWERTY keyboard)

# Answer
Find the emulator's configuration in your `HOME` directory.

```
~/.android/avd/<The_Device_Name>/config.ini

```

Here the `The_Device_Name` is the name of the android virtual device your created using the AVD Manager.

Open this configuration file(.ini) using Notepad editor and change the setting to have the below line which enable the keyboard

```
hw.keyboard=yes

```
> 1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, 4.2-jelly-bean, emulators
---


title: Android gmail app

text:
# Question
Title: Android gmail app
In micromax canvas, i am unable to find account settings in gmail app . I need to add recovery mobile number to my gmail account in my mobile ? how to do it in specified mobile?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Gmail app for android have no option to change your account settings. Instead you should add a phone number using a web browser. Inorder to set up a recovery mobile number or email address:

> 1. Sign in to your gmail account.
> 2. In the "Personal info & privacy" section, select "Your personal info".
> 3. Choose "Phone".
> 4. If adding a phone number, select "Add Recovery Phone". Or, if editing a phone number, select edit .
> 5. Follow the onscreen instructions.
>
> *Note: You must use a mobile phone with text messaging turned on.*

---
Tags: applications, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: How to know how much recent activity has been seen by a person having access to my Gmail account?
My estranged wife has possession of my phone. I locked her out of Gmail access as soon as possible. Despite my efforts I can't view from my PC in my security settings how much recent activity she saw on my Gmail and what she was browsing while on my device. I'm afraid that my opportunity to obtain this info has passed because I didn't check the history before I signed out of all devices. Is there still hope ?

# Answer
If you used Chrome for Android as your phone's web browser, you should be able to view its history by opening Chrome on your desktop, going to History, and selecting "Other Devices" (also requires you are signed into Chrome on your PC, and, I believe, a sync setting enabled in PC Chrome).

For other apps, though, most do not retain any such logs, let alone provide a mechanism for remotely accessing them.

(Keeping an activity history on the device itself would be impractical due to the limited write lifecycle of the internal storage; Chrome retains your browsing history in the cloud as a convenience.)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gmail, browser-history
---


# Question
Title: How does Android WebView Update from Google Play work?
One of the touted features of Android 5 is the updates of WebView through Google Play.

The official documents state:

> The initial release for Android 5.0 includes a version of Chromium for WebView based on the Chromium M37 release...

and:

> Although WebView has been based on Chromium since Android 4.4, the Chromium layer is now updatable from Google Play.

1. Does it mean that the default built-in "Android Browser" is now actually Chromium M37 after updating to Android 5.0?
2. Does it mean that the default "Android Browser" auto-updates itself like the evergreen browsers on desktop? Assuming Play Store account is set up.

After updating a Samsung Galaxy S4 to Android 5.0, What's My User Agent? shows that the default Internet Browser is "Chrome 34". What's going on?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It means that applications that use the WebView class (for displaying a web page within an app, basically) will now use the Chromium version of WebView and thus render things the same way Chrome does, rather than the old way. This also allows it to be updated so that any rendering/other errors can be fixed, instead of you permanently being unable to see/use certain pages or elements within WebViews.

And yes, the old Android browser has been replaced by Chrome as the default bundled with Android.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, samsung-galaxy-s-4, stock-browser, chromium
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent Google from asking for location permission when enabling GPS?
I took this new phone which had a notification about an update. Thinking it is like Windows OS where I must have the newest updates for proper security practices- I agreed for the update.

Turns out it has become a Lollipop device now. It wouldn't be much of a problem except that the owner who has no Google account and want to stay away from them as much as possible, sharing as little info as possible- now gets a popup every time she turns on the GPS, asking her to share her location with Google ("use Google location services"). She keeps hitting 'Decline', but other than being annoying, the demand is obviously destined to be accidentally accepted one day.

I've spent the entire day looking for a solution and I'm fairly desperate. I am not allowed to install any 3rd party GPS app on the phone nor can I revert to the previous version if it involves me downloading some file from the internet (not from an official source) and trying to flash the device (I'm inexperienced and afraid to brick the device as well).

Can anyone help?

P.S.:

* Funnily enough the popup has a "decline" button, an "accept" button, and a "don't ask me again" tick box- however when you choose the tick box- the "Decline" button disappears (turns grey).
* I just want to add that it goes without saying about a root being out of the question.

# Answer
> -1 votes
**How do you get ride of the pop up ?**

* Hi ,there is a simple solution go to `settings > location > Mode` and choose device only , the phone will use only the GPS sensor to get your location it is more than enough because any app that want to get your location will get your Coordinates (X,Y,and altitude too -height above sea level- )

**What is causing the annoying pop up ?**

* The pop up shows up becuase you choose high accuracy when you choose that option the phone will use ,your cell network ,wifi hot-spot and GPS sensor to determine your exact location in order to do so the phone need to send hotspot location or network antenna location.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, gps, location-services
---


# Question
Title: How can you find which carrier a LG D803 is locked to?
I bought a LG D803 and it came locked to an unknown carrier. All the unlock services require the information of which carrier the phone is locked to give me an unlock code. So, how can I find that out?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The System Version of the device is usually unique to a carrier, due to the changes carriers make to the stock software in most countries. You can find that value in `Settings > About Device > System Version` and plug it into Google.

---
Tags: sim-unlocking, lg-g2, carriers
---


# Question
Title: Phone connected as USB storage but PC can't connect to SD card
I have a Huawei Prism II, and my laptop is running Win7. When I connect it to my laptop's USB port, I get a notification that says "Connected as USB storage," but when I go to My Computer, the phone is showing as:

```
CD Drive (E:) Mobile Partner
0 bytes free of 7.75 MB
CDFS

```

So the SD card's memory isn't available to transfer files. When I go to the Notifications screen and tap "Connected as USB storage", the radio button for "USB storage device" is already selected. I can select the "Media device (MTP)" option and successfully perform file transfer to/from my SD card this way, but I'm wondering why the "USB storage device" option doesn't make the SD card available.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It looks to me you need the USB driver on your pc. Search Huawei site for "USB driver". Also set "USB Debug" on (on your phone, that is. I don't know if this alone would solve your problem, though).

# Answer
> 1 votes
My phone is Amoi N828 and I have a similar problem. My workaround is disable the USB debugging :) Then reconnect your phone to the computer :)

Hope this help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
SOLVED!

My phone is an HTC Droid Incredible running Android Jelly Bean 4.1. I had the same issue as well, but as Tiana suggested, I turned off USB debugging, rebooted the device (not power off, but actual reboot) and it worked fine.

I had turned on USB debugging previously because I was downloading CM10 but had forgotten to turn it off afterwards.

# Answer
> -1 votes
First Go to \[settings\]. Then go to (general column). Then go to \[developer options\]. If you are not getting developer options, then in the same area go to \[about the device\]. Go to \[build number\]. Tap on it 5-7 times. Then go to developer options. I guarantee this will help you.

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode, huawei
---


# Question
Title: CM11 Kindle Fire - "Incompatible with other applications(s) using the same shared user ID" with Google Calendar
I'm running Cyanogenmod 11 (KitKat 4.4.4) on my 1st Gen (Otter) Kindle Fire, with GApps installed.

I can install other apps just fine, I installed Slack with no issues. However, when I went to install Google Calendar, I got this error:

```
Incompatible with other applications(s) using the same shared user ID

```

I've been looking through forums and I haven't found anything that has fixed it. I've tried a fresh GApps installation, wiping the cache, reinstalling the ROM, nothing has worked. I tried to look into the files and could not find a `packages.xml` file, so I cannot take out the line of code I've seen mentioned that could be causing issues.

I'm seriously stumped by this and would love any input!

# Answer
In order to solve this, I had to install the APK file myself for Google Calendar after downloading it and allowing my device to accept 3rd party apps. Since then I've had no issues!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 4.4-kitkat, google-apps, amazon-kindle
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to disable or remove the [ T ] Tesco navigation button on a Hudl?
Some years ago we bought a Tesco Hudl (the first one, not a Hudl 2). It features a small Tesco button on the navigation bar. Its presence on the bar is not an issue but there is a problem where the device periodically starts registering presses to this button, opening and closing the Tesco website every few seconds. The only way to stop this at present is to lock the screen using the power button, wait a few seconds, then resume normal use. The manufacturers were clearly aware of screen issues, as one of the software updates that rolled out claimed to address this and did help. The device is so old, it would make no economic sense to physically repair but disabling the button that registers the click would make the user experience much better.

Yesterday I looked around for ways to disable or remove this button. It seems that some years ago people on MoDaCo created a custom firmware for the Hudl that did not have the button. I tried to download the binary last night and the server seemed to through errors, so I assume it does not have the file any more. Further to this the version of firmware this mod seems to apply to the more recent version installed on the Hudl. The Hudl is running Android 4.2.2 and a later ROM version than the 20130923 specified for this alternative image.

A few people also suggesting using some software to remove or disable the soft button without loading a new ROM image. I have managed to ''root'' the Hudl and install the Xposed framework but I have not been able to find a tool that would let me modify the \[ T \] softbutton. I have been able to change the style of the other Icons (which might be a welcome relief to my partner as she hates the Lollipop NavBar icons on her Nexus 4), but not alter the Tesco icon.

Please can someone provide some simple instructions of how to remove or disable this NavBar soft button? As I have mentioned it is a rooted Hudl 1, running the latest over-the-air firmware.

# Answer
Well that took quite a bit of work. In the end I was able to get the custom firmware for the Hudl mentioned on the MoDaCo forum. After that the difficulty was getting the USB Drivers up and running to get the Hudl happy as an MTP device. I think this is how it went...

**Enable Developer Settings & USB Debugging** \- This Hudl is an Android 4.2.2 device so you got to `Settings > About Device` scroll down to *Build Number* and then tap it 7 times. After that you will find that you can go to `Settings > Developer options` then enable *USB Debugging*.

**USB Drivers** \- Honestly I don't know what I did to finally get this working. Even with the Android Development Kit installed the drivers did not load correctly. Some scrabbling around took me to the AndroidCentral Forums from which I downloaded a MotoHelper Driver, extracted the files from that install executable and then installed the 64 bit driver version under \MotoHelper\_2.1.32\_Driver\_5.4.0\\$TEMP\ (this took me two attempts). After failing to get an Unknown Device to install as a composite mtp devices, I tried replacing some of the other ones that came up; a Hudl and an MTP device. That did not work so I unplugged the device, plugged it back in. Eventually a second Hudl device appeard and this I could choose to be a Composite MTP which then let `adb devices -l` see the thing.

***Backing-up the old and installing the new SystemUI.apk*** \- This turned out to be the easy bit. Follow the instructions from the MoDaCo forum post. Navigate to wherever you have the new .apk in a console and then: `adb pull /system/app/SystemUI.apk SystemUI.mybackup.apk
adb push SystemUI.apk /sdcard/SystemUI.apk
adb shell
su
stop
mount -o remount,rw /system
cp /sdcard/SystemUI.apk /system/app/SystemUI.apk
chmod 644 /system/app/SystemUI.apk
reboot`

I am very grateful to PaulOBrien for getting the modified ROM setup and providing the instructions that got me most of the way.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rom, stock-rom, xposed-framework, softkey, navigation-bar
---


# Question
Title: How do I factory reset/wipe Galaxy Note 2 with no screen?
My phone's LCD is broken but the rest of the phone works 100%. I can't do the normal steps to erase the phone because I can't interact with the menu on the screen to do so. I would like to erase everything so I can sell the phone to somebody willing to have the screen repaired.

# Answer
> 4 votes
1. Hold volume up + Home + Power Key wait for 3 mins
2. Press volume down 3 times
3. Press power button
4. Press volume down 6 times
5. Press power key

That will do a hard reset.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you have the Android SDK installed on your computer (otherwise, see e.g. Is there a minimal installation of ADB?), you can use the `fastboot` utility for that – provided *USB Debugging* was activated on the device (which might be the default in recovery mode):

```
fastboot erase data
fastboot erase cache

```

These two commands should erase everything from the `/data` (user-apps and data) plus `/cache` (app cache) partitions. So then you only had to take care for information stored on the SDCard(s), which you could erase e.g. via UMS/MTP (concerning the internal SD). There might be ways to do this via `fastboot` as well.

Take care to not erase things like system or recovery, as that would render the Android system unusable – which is not what you want. Entering the `fastboot` command without parameters lists up what you can do with this utility (syntax etc.).

For more details, you might want to watch some introductionary video: Fastboot clean erase tutorial: that describes a complete erase of the device, followed by a re-flash.

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Hold Volume Up + Home + Power key
2. Wait for three **seconds**
3. Release buttons
4. Press Volume Down three times
5. Press Power button
6. Press Volume Down **seven** times
7. Press Power key

That will do a hard reset.

1. Wait 60 seconds.
2. Hit Power again and it will reboot the phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Neither of these answers worked for me when this happened to my friends phone. USB debugging was never turned on because she had no need for it. The screen however was completely busted after being dropped face down on the sidewalk. The only way that I could find to clear her data was to connect the Galaxy Note 2 to my Ubuntu box and delete all the directories except for "Android" and the "device\_id.txt" file. I hope this helps someone else.

# Answer
> -1 votes
If your device is registered with Android Device Manager you can erase from that site.

---
Tags: factory-reset, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Manage photo Library on Facebook Messenger app
I was just wondering if there was a way to modify the folder structure on the Facebook and Facebook Messenger app to use the folders already set up in the Gallery to select photos, rather than selecting *all* at once and ordering them by "last modified".

To explain, I have several folders in my Gallery app - "Camera", "Facebook", "Friends" etc. When using the Facebook and Facebook Messenger apps, and I want to share a photo, I just get *all* of my photos, seemingly organised by the date they were last updated (including if the photo was edited).

So is there a way to get these apps to use the folder structure I have in my Gallery app, rather than the current setup?

# Answer
The only way to do this I know of is to circumvent facebook when selecting photos.

## To do this:

* go to your gallery
* select the photo(s) you want to send
* press share on those
* choose the method as facebook or messenger.

If you want I can explain in more detail, just comment if that's the case.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: photos, facebook, facebook-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Applied Pin Lock screen to Galaxy S6 Edge, forgot password, need to get photos from phone
I have tried using Google android device manager and end up with

"Since Google has verified that a screen lock is already set, the password you entered won't be needed."

Samsung's find my mobile site will not work because I didn't register device prior to being locked out.

I am desperate to get the photos and videos from the phone. They are memories I want to keep, please help.

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can use your Google account to unlock the phone.

Here's the steps from Google:

1. After you've tried multiple times to unlock your device, you'll see "Forgot pattern" on your lock screen. Touch Forgot pattern.
2. When prompted, enter the Google Account username and password you previously added to your device.
3. Reset your device's screen lock.

---
Tags: lock-screens, locked-out, android-device-manager, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: Why does the play store show "deactivate" instead of uninstall
I was reviewing the recent update changes for the Outlook app when I noticed that instead of the normal uninstall button, it says dectivate instead:

Screenshot showing the button (click to enlarge)

I don't believe that this is a core app as its a Samsung phone (specifically the Core LTE).

Why is the play store showing deactivate instead of uninstall?

# Answer
This is probably because you have configured Outlook as a Device Administrator. This prevents you from uninstalling the app. If you wish to uninstall Outlook you will need to go to `Settings` \> `Security` \> `Device Administrators` and uncheck Outlook. This will then allow you to uninstall the app.

Steps taken from Nexus 5 so may differ slightly on other devices
> 8 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to fix Cyanogenmod 7 hanging on boot animation after NO firmware changes
I've been using my Google Nexus S with Cyanogenmod 7 for about a year now. Sometimes it rebooted out of the sudden or locked up but all in all worked well.

Today I rebootet the phone und since then it hangs during boot at the animation with the rotating circle.

**How do I fix the phone and get it booting again?**

Unlike many issues I found on the web I did not play with the firmware recently. Unfortunately it's been quite long since the last backup. **I need to dig my data from the device.**

Ways acceptable for me to go:

1. analyzing and fixing the issue
2. getting all my data and install new firmware (while updating to CM10)

**Analyzing the issue**

I installed the Android SDK on my computer (for `adb` and `fastboot`) and successfully ran ClockworkMod Touch Recovery image which proves the the phone hardware is actually fine. Copying files from the `/sdcard` directory worked and I could open a shell but `adb logcat` doesn't work for me. The program keeps "waiting for device".

This is what I had done before:

* phone hung and restarted by removing and reinserting battery
* date and time were set to 2005-01-01 00:00, reset (never had that before)
* installed or updated several apps through F-Droid app "store"
    + installed And Bible
    + updated Barcode Scanner
    + maybe updated/installed something else, but can't remember because I browsed through F-Droid quite a long time and read dozens of app descriptions
* status bar crashed, phone still usable but started reboot to get status bar again
* Booom! Phone hangs forever on boot animation

I have the feeling that the Google logo with the open lock which is displayed before the CM boot animation begins stays longer than before. But I am everything but sure.

**Making backup**

As I cannot run any backup apps I have difficulties doing a **reliable** backup. I set up my phone not to sync most of my data to Google. Yes, I missed doing regular backups for some time because I find doing so is not elegantly possible with Android (compared to `tar c /home` or even `mksquashfs` or `rsnapshot` on Linux).

What I need at least in declining order of priority:

1. calendar
2. contacts
3. some app's data
4. saved wireless credentials

What I already got using ClockworkMod Touch Recovery:

* copying `/sdcard` with `adb pull`
* Running backup from the ClockworkMod Touch Recovery menu -- I have no clue what is actually backed up

The ideal way would backup the whole phone so I could install CM10 and retrieve any missing data from the backup or restore the backup to get the current state.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
It could even be a corrupted cache file. If you are able to boot into recovery (CWM) you can perform backups, wipe dalvik-cache and cache and install a current CM7.2. Once in recovery you should be able to mount /data with adb also to run tar, but try the gui.
> 0 votes

# Answer
First wipe the Dalvik cache, then reboot. If that doesn't work, wipe the cache too.

If clearing cache is not working:

* Backup your device's system partition with `adb pull /system`
* Backup the data partition with `adb pull /data`
* Or use `adb backup -apk -shared -all -f something.ab`

After that do a factory reset and restore the backup afterwards.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, backup, samsung-nexus-s, boot
---


# Question
Title: Unable to add restricted profile on Xperia Z2 tablet
I would like to add a restricted profile. I'm on an Xperia Z2 **tablet** (so **not on a phone**, where you can't use restricted profiles) running Android 5.0.2 and I'm the "Owner".

When I go to `Settings` \> `Users` there is no option `Add user or profile`, only `Add user`. When I tap `Add user` no `Restricted profile` option is shown:

Also when I tap `OK` no options regarding restricted profiles are offered.

According to this support article by Sony on multiple users, it should be possible on the Z2.

I tried adding a PIN screen lock for the Owner account. That did change the information in the alert shown when adding a new user, but that didn't show the restricted profile option.

# Answer
I turns out that LTE versions of the Xperia tablets (tablets with a SIM slot) are treated as if they are a phone, so the option is disabled:

https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-Z3-Tablet-Compact/missing-restricred-user-profiles-on-android-5-0-2/m-p/956279#M455

I opened an issue at Google:

https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=180281
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sony-xperia, multi-user, restricted-profiles
---


title: Android phone as a GSM gateway

text:
# Question
Title: Android phone as a GSM gateway
I am currently in a foreign country. Is there anyway which I can make calls using my home country Android device from here? I mean I connect to that phone through VoIP and Android device set up a call through GSM network.

# Answer
According to this very well written document, this is NOT possible.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: voip
---


# Question
Title: Error retrieving information from server
Whenever I try to download an app from Google Play Store, it allows me to accept the App Conditions but I don't see it downloading. A sign that shows there's an error pops up, 'Error retrieving information from server. \[RPC:S-7:AEC-0 ZVSF-VF44-KHLR\]'.

What should I do? Please help. I need to download an app.

# Answer
> Goto Settings \> Apps \> All \> Clear Cache and Data for these apps \> Play store, Download manager and Google Services framework.

Remove you google account from your `Account > Google` section under your phone `Settings`.

Reboot your device and add your google account back and then try to download/update the apps from the Playstore.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, system-info
---


title: HTC 510 is vibrating uncontrolablly

text:
# Question
Title: HTC 510 is vibrating uncontrolablly
My HTC 510 is vibrating uncontrollably , but there isn't any notification. What to do ? Its becoming very annoying! Please get to me as soon as anyone can, thanks !

# Answer
Check Settings, Accessibility and ensure that Notification reminder is off.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: notifications
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to sync wifi between devices?
Are there any apps or methods to sync saved wifi between Android devices? Basically it would remember the wifi name and password if you logged into it once from one device on all devices synced.

# Answer
Wifi credentials are actually not stored very securely at all, (plain text!), but in a system folder, meaning that only a rooted app could access it. Google's backup is your best bet.

It's stored in the `data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf` file, for the record.

If your phone is rooted, there are apps like Wifi Key Recovery and Wifi Password Recovery that can get you the keys, but I know of no apps that will automatically sync these as well.
> 1 votes

# Answer
This feature is built into Google Services, although my experience is that it sometimes struggles when moving to a new device or if you have multiple devices.

On the device that has the Wi-Fi Settings you want to keep, go to `Settings -> Backup & reset` there is a `Back up my data` option which includes `Backup application data, *Wi-Fi passwords*, and other settings to Google servers`.

Other applications might have a hard time doing this as I would expect Wi-Fi credentials to be securely stored, like passwords. That might mean root enabled applications can do it but I do not know of any.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, sync
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to restrict an app's permissions to a specific folder(s) (and subfolders)?
When installing an app, depending on the app, access to the filesystem is required and requested at the time of install. Is it possible to restrict this to specific folders(s) and their subfolders? For example a photo editor or diary app: why would such apps need to be able to access the whole filesystem.

If not it might not be a bad idea, security-wise...

# Answer
Could work in theory.

Every app installed on an android phone is given a user id starting from 10000 for the first app and a group with the same id is created.

**BusyBox** (and root, maybe?) required!

To get the uid of an app, execute the following in a terminal emulator.

```
dumpsys package com.example.myapp

```

Replace **com.example.myapp** with the package name of your target app.

1. Format your storage (external/internal) with ext4, assuming you have a backup of all the files.
2. Restore the backup.
3. chown and chmod the folders you want to restrict. Basing your restrictions on groups will be a better option.

Again, it's just theory. May or may not work. ***If you didn't understand any of the steps, get proper knowledge about them or don't try them. This may cause temporary as well as permanent data loss.***
> -1 votes

---
Tags: file-system, permissions, file-management
---


# Question
Title: F-Droid 0.91 disappears after being installed as system app on cyanogenmod 12
I tried to install F-Droid (0.91) as system app on Cyanogenmod 12. The installation succeed but after that the F-Droid icon disappears.

Of course i tried to restart more times, i tried also to reinstall F-Droid as standard app from an apk but it crasches when i try to start it... probably for a conflict.

Someone knows if i can try something, i.e. where i can try to find the executable?

# Answer
> 3 votes
You can solve that as follows:

1. Completely delete the old F-Droid app (e.g. uninstall using *Titanium Backup*)
2. Get the latest .apk from F-Droid and put it on your device
<sup>(either download directly with your Android web browser, or use `adb push`)</sup>
3. Login to your device either via a app or using `adb shell`
4. Obtain root privileges by executing the command `su`
5. Make sure to have the `/system` partition mounted read-write

```
mount -o remount,rw /system

```
6. Now get the downloaded `FDroid.apk` to `/system/app`. Change to the directory you've downloaded/pushed it to and run:

```
cp FDroid.apk /system/app

```
7. Secure your `/system` partition again

```
mount -o remount,ro /system

```
8. Reboot

Now F-Droid should be available to you again. Enjoy the great pool of open source Android apps!

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, system-apps, f-droid
---


title: Unable to purchase apps

text:
# Question
Title: Unable to purchase apps
I am new to Android but have got a new phone running 5.0.1 using my Gmail account administered by my university in New Zealand. However I am unable to purchase apps in the Google Play store. I am able to download free ones but no any for which I have to pay money. Instead I get an error which says

Error while retrieving information from server\[RPC:S-7:AEC-0 ...\] The ... is a 13 letter code in the format XXXX-XXXX-XXXXX which seems to change everytime I try.

I have tried restarting, updateing, clearing the cache of the play store, Download Manager, Google play services and have added and removed my primary gmail account and done the same. I have done everything suggested here: https://support.google.com/googleplay/troubleshooter/4592924

How can I fix this?

Thank you.

# Answer
I also posted on the Google play store forum and Byteguy posted suggested that my university was likely blocking purchases. This had not occured to me and sure enough when I set up a new Google account things worked fine.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: OnePlus One randomly soft-reboots after wipe
This didn't use to be a problem until I wiped my phone and reinstalled 05Q.

Now, approximately every hour or so my 1+1 spontaneously soft-reboots. It's not a hard reboot; my phone is encrypted and it never asks me for the encryption password. It just randomly reboots for no reason, sometimes when I'm using it, sometimes when I'm not.

Sometimes, after doing so, the start of the remaining battery usage information automatically resets to the time of the reboot. Other times, it doesn't reset, and just displays random blank intervals. The reboots are driving me nuts, since they recently made me miss an alarm.

It's not WiFi or Bluetooth or even data (I've tried disabling all of these)... for the life of me I can't figure out what it is. Before the wipe, I also had 05Q, but it had been upgraded from earlier versions. But after wiping I just installed it directly. It's obviously a software issue, since it didn't use to be the case until I wiped and re-imaged it. I thought it might be because I used ART after the reinstall instead of Dalvik, but the problem persisted after I switched back to Dalvik and cleared the cache.

I can't figure out how to diagnose it either; I don't know which log files to look at because it's a soft-reboot and not a hard-reboot.

Any ideas on how I can fix or even diagnose this? It's driving me nuts; I'm missing reminders because of it.oneplus

---

### Edit:

Here's the data from adb logcat...

```
(...)
[ 07-22 14:15:12.668 15394:17283 D/LBSSystemMonitorService ] handleMessage what - 7
[ 07-22 14:15:12.668 15394:17283 D/Wiper_jni ] Send Passive Location.[ 07-22 14:15:59.998 15394:15589 D/PowerManagerService ] acquireWakeLock: ignoring request from android
[ 07-22 14:16:59.998 15394:15589 D/PowerManagerService ] acquireWakeLock: ignoring request from android
[ 07-22 14:17:56.398 15394:15589 D/PowerManagerService ] acquireWakeLock: ignoring request from android
[ 07-22 14:17:59.998 15394:15589 D/PowerManagerService ] acquireWakeLock: ignoring request from android
[ 07-22 14:18:38.408   213:  213 I/rmt_storage ] rmt_storage_connect_cb: clnt_h=0xf conn_h=0xb88b9fb8
[ 07-22 14:18:38.408   213:  213 I/rmt_storage ] rmt_storage_rw_iovec_cb: /boot/modem_fs1: clnt_h=0x1: req_h=0x17 msg_id=3: R/W request received
[ 07-22 14:18:38.408   213:  213 I/rmt_storage ] wakelock acquired: 1, error no: 42
[ 07-22 14:18:38.408   213:  620 I/rmt_storage ] rmt_storage_client_thread: /boot/modem_fs1: clnt_h=0x1 Unblock worker thread (th_id: -1198791904)

```

# Answer
I think I figured it out. As described on `/r/oneplus`, it seems to have been due to me denying "Keep Awake" permission to Android System to avoid the annoying wakelock bug that drains my battery.

It seems that denying it to Google Play Services should be enough here.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: reboot, oneplus-one
---


title: How to stop one app from ever updating?

text:
# Question
Title: How to stop one app from ever updating?
Recently BBC updated their app with the new Material theme, and it completely ruined the app, I reverted back to the previous version using Titanium backup, and I want to ignore BBC app updates indefinitely for now. Much like Windows ignore update etc. Is there a way to do so in the Play Store?

# Answer
There is no such functionality in Play Store. However, some backup/restore applications, such as Titanium Backup (that you mentioned) as well as MyBackup support the ability to completely remove or break the Play Store link.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: How can I identify Mobile Speaker issue and how to reduce the noise while Music is playing in Speaker?
I'm using Samsung Galaxy Grand2.Recently I'm facing Noise(with some vibration) while listening to Music in Mobile's Speaker.How to confirm that it's mobile speaker issue and also how to fix it? Kindly help understanding it.I'm using KITKAT version of Andriod.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The thing is behind the phone speaker side there were dust particles with little Oil which caused the phone to have noise and vibration rather than flawless Music:) So be careful in presence of oil.Never allow oil to have contact with Mobile.

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, 4.4-kitkat, samsung-galaxy-grand-2
---


# Question
Title: Strange ALT key behavior running c4droid on my droid 3
I am encountering a strange behavior while using ALT keys while editing a text file with c4droid on my Motorola Droid 3. If I use an ALT key to type a character such as `{` or `\`, the ALT key seems to "stick", and I am forced to type a character before I can type a normal keyboard character. No combination of keys seems to be able to deactivate the ALT key other than simply pressing one key, and having it output one undesired character. The output looks like

```
int main((nt argc...

```

instead of

```
int main(int argc...

```

Do I need to perhaps modify the keymap? How can I alleviate this problem? I hope I am describing the issue properly.

# Answer
Since this behavior appear only in the c4droid app ,it isn't a system problem but a problem with the c4droid app ,I suggest you send a feed back to the app's dev ,the implementation of supporting physical keyboards is in the app it self ,or may be there is an option in the app's settings to remap or choose keys behavior.

**Email address of the dev:** n0n3m4@gmail.com

C4droid's Play store Page
> 1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Restrict Internet access to a particular app only for a specific time period on an unrooted device
I have an app that behaves poorly. It is constantly uploading stuff in the background. I think I could get it to use less power if I could impose some sort of "parental control" type feature on it. I'd like the OS to tell this app (and only this app) that there is no network (wifi/data) connection whenever it asks, except for two separate hours of the day (then if I have a connection, the app can use it for that hour).

Is there any setting that does this?

# Answer
This doesn't apply to Wi-Fi, but the Android system has a per-app setting "restrict background data" that will completely stop the app from using mobile data *except* when the app is running in the foreground (i.e. it's the active app).

To access this setting, go to System Settings \> Data Usage, then scroll down to locate the app and tap it. Then scroll down to find a checkbox for the setting.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, networking, permissions
---


# Question
Title: How to unlock my HTC desire 816 w after too many pattern attempts?
I got my phone locked after too many pattern attempts. Now it is asking me to enter my Gmail credentials. I tried that too but nothing is happening.

I have active data service but it is not enabled in my phone.

I tried to hard reset my phone, but when I tried to enter into Recovery mode by pressing Power button + volume down key, nothing happened. Fastboot is enabled.

How can I unlock or reset my phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I solved it. Keep the phone switched on then press and hold POWER button plus VOLUME UP key. Once the phone switched off press the VOLUME DOWN key instead of UP key (don't release power button). It will disable fast boot and bring up boot screen.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It depends on which OS you are using. It is my understanding that phones with newer OS cannot be unlocked/reset if the device password is not known.

This is an attempt to make it more difficult for people to reset stolen phones.

Bottom line, depending on your specific device OS - you may need the password to unlock it.

---
Tags: htc-desire, fastboot, locked-out, pattern-lock, hard-reset
---


# Question
Title: How to delete dumpstate/logcat on Moto E
My phone is running out of internal memory. So I searched online and found a solution, which was to dial \*#9900# and then delete dumpstate/logcat. But when I dial the same on my MOTO E, I dont see anything happening. It Just says USSD Code running and closes. My phone is running on Lollipop 5.1. Can you please help me delete dumpstate/logcat?

# Answer
> 3 votes
You are running an USSD(SIM specific) code. Once you enter the last character of an MMI code(usually a pound or hash(#) symbol) your phones parses the code and open the menu for you automatically.

Dumpstate, logcat files are stored on the `/data/log` partition that, unless you root the phone, you and none of the apps you install will have access to it.

Dialing `*#9900#` and selecting `Delete dumpstate/logcat` clears the logs even if your phone is not rooted and this seems to work only on some Samsung Phones. So that excludes the Motorola phones.
<sup>(based on the comments from this blog post)</sup>

**Note**: *If you enter the MMI code in the dialer app your phone's MMI parser will automatically open the secret menu after typing the last character of the code. If the MMI parser of you phone doesn't recognize the code, then it will not work in your phone and pressing the dial button after entering the code will run USSD code to your network provider*

You can try using adb commands to see if you can get help clearing logcats of you phone. The following command clears/flushes the entire log and exits.

```
adb logcat -c

```

http://developer.android.com/tools/help/logcat.html

But before trying all these things you need to see the frequent questions under the tag and its tag-wiki for what to do when your phone storage is almost full.

---
Tags: insufficient-memory, 5.1-lollipop, motorola-moto-e
---


# Question
Title: Can I use my Android device as remote control for my SmartTV?
As a similar question was deleted by its owner while I wrote up the answer, I decided to share it this way.

I have a Samsung SmartTV, and want to use my Android device to remote-control it – including switching TV channels, adjusting volume and, if possible, the full spectrum of features the SmartTV offers. My Android device does not have an IR blaster, and I'm not speaking of "buying additional hardware" for it.

Is this possible – and if so, how?

# Answer
> 4 votes
There are multiple possibilities to remote-control your Samsung TV with your Android device. For one, there are a bunch of Samsung TV remote control apps giving you a wide range of choices.

A second variant would involve FHEM on your PC (this is a home automation software, and there's a module available for Samsung TVs – I use this, so I can vouch for it) and, optionally, the andFHEM Android app. This way you cannot only use your Android device, but any device with a web browser to remote control the TV – and even integrate it with some other (home) automation stuff. For example, using you could have your TV turned off (or mute it) whenever you receive a call on your Android device – or turn it on as soon as your device connects to your local WiFi. Much more is possible, of course :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've used https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.peel.smartremote an my Samsung TV, works fine and can connect to my set top box too.

---
Tags: remote-control, smart-tv
---


# Question
Title: No /system/build.prop in Nexus 7 (2012 / Wi-Fi) + Android Lollipop 5.1.1 after fresh installation
I've just updated my \[old\] Nexus 7 (2012 / Wi-Fi) to Android Lollipop 5.1.1 following the "standard" procedure I've alway gone through since I've owned it;

Here's what I've done so far:

1. Booted into the bootloader
2. Unlocked the bootloader via `fastboot`
3. Flashed everything via `fastboot` using a custom `bash` script

```
#!/bin/bash
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-grouper-4.23.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
sleep 5
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.3-grouper.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img

```

<sub>\*This did nothing more than flashing the stock Android Lollipop 5.1.1 (LMY47V) (nakasi) firmware for Nexus 7 (2012 / Wi-Fi) images downloaded from Google Developers, aside from the recovery image, which was the ClockworkMod Recovery 6.0.4.3 image instead.</sub>

4. Booted straight into the recovery mode
5. Downloaded and pushed SuperSU using `adb push UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip /mnt/sdcard/0/`
6. Installed SuperSU via the recovery mode

And here is where I got stuck. The idea was to edit `/system/build.prop` in order to force the first setup to allow me to skip the Wi-Fi connection step, however apparently there's no `/system/build.prop` whatsoever in the system.

Here's what I tried through the `adb` shell (as root):

```
user@debian:~$ adb pull /system/build.prop .
remote object '/system/build.prop' does not exist
user@debian:~$ adb shell
~ # ls -la /system/
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for localtime!
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for GMT!
__bionic_open_tzdata: couldn't find any tzdata when looking for posixrules!
drwxr-xr-x    3 root     root             0 Jan  1  1970 .
drwxr-xr-x   22 root     root             0 Jul 23 07:40 ..
drwxr-xr-x    2 root     root             0 Jan  1  1970 bin
~ # find / -type f -name 'build.prop'
~ # exit

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
The `/system` partition wasn't mounted; I've noticed this only manually browsing the `/system/bin/` folder, which was empty.

I mounted the partition within the recovery mode by browsing to "mounts and storage" and by selecting "mount /system"; afterwards I've been able to run `adb pull /system/build.prop .`, edit the file and upload it again running `adb push build.prop /system/build.prop`.

To unmount the partition afterwards, one might browse to "mounts and storage" and select "unmount /system".

---
Tags: nexus-7, 5.1-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: What's the complete map from letter to mobile network type?
I was wondering about what all letters mean. Specifically the "R" that I'm currently on.

I found this summary by some provider, but it doesn't contain the R-symbol that I'm on right now.

These are the symbols I've found thus far:

* G GPRS
* E EDGE
* 3G 3G
* H HSDPA
* H+ HSDPA+
* LTE LTE

# Answer
> 3 votes
The letter R means that you are roaming. You are out of your mobile provider home country or you are roaming while using a virtual mobile provider. Some providers that don't has his own network can cause that your phone shows a roaming signal, dependent of your phone firmware.

---
Tags: mobile-network, data-connection
---


# Question
Title: Set up and install non play store apps to multiple devices?
I set up roughly 10 android tablets running version 4.4.2 a day, running through set up manually, customizing the settings and downloading an .apk and setting that up.

I was wondering if there is an easier way to run through all this, whether it's a software that could allow me to remote control all of them at once since they all go through the exact same steps, using a script or anything really?

Thanks in advance

# Answer
Indeed there is something to make your task easier – though not in the way of "remote control all of them at once", but working sequentially. Here's a "simple approach":

1. Prepare your first device (let's call it "master" here): install all the apps you want to have it, set them up if needed.
2. Create a full ADB backup of the "master" (for details, please see Full Backup of non-rooted devices)
3. Now, for each device, restore that "master backup"

This should definitely work, but with a few restrictions:

* it works best if all devices are of the same brand and model, running the same Android version. It *might* work for devices not fitting (all) these criteria, but then special care must be taken (e.g. better not include "system stuff")
* limitations come up concerning some data, such as SMS, which are protected against being backed up (don't ask me why)
* limitations apply to apps protecting themselves against backups (by setting the `ALLOW_BACKUP` flag to `FALSE` in their manifests)

You might be able to work around the latter two limitations by rooting the "master", installing the *Xposed Framework*, and use the Backup All Apps module. You then would need to fine-tune step 2 to have the backup only include the packages you want (i.e. explicitly specify/include them on the command line).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: installation
---


title: rooting my Videocon A55qHD

text:
# Question
Title: rooting my Videocon A55qHD
How can I root my Videocon A55qHD? I mean the steps to be taken, and if required to install some app, and if required from where to be installed.

# Answer
If it's an OS \<4.4, you can likely just sideload towelroot on it and do it that way.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: Bluestack - Can't login to game as keyboard doesn't show
In BlueStacks I'm trying to login to 8 Ball Pool (by Miniclip) but there's no way to type. The android keyboard doesn't show and my pc keyboard is not working at that point of the login.

How can I log into this game?

# Answer
In BlueStacks Settings, go to IME settings then click OnScreen Keyboard. Go back to 8 Ball Pool (Or any Miniclip game) and when you click Email or Password to log in the OnScreen Keyboard will now show. This worked for me.
> 1 votes

# Answer
After a restart, the language setting default keyboard was turned on while it needs to be turned off. Once I turned it off the regular android keyboard was back.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, bluestacks
---


title: How to force an apk to install?

text:
# Question
Title: How to force an apk to install?
I have an early build of CM12.1 running on my ZenFone 2 and I'm working on trying to get the ASUS camera app to work with it, however when I try to install the apk, it fails.

`adb install` gives me `Failure: [INSTALL_FAILED_DEXOPT]`. I was wondering if there was any way I can "hack" the apk in order to force it to install the app anyway, instead of throwing an error.

# Answer
That type of issue is mostly often caused by an app going over something called a "Dex limit", which has to do with the external libraries an app uses. If you're interested, there's an explanation over on Stack Overflow.

This type of problem has been solved for some people by wiping the device and reflashing.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, camera, apk, asus-zenfone-2
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to make an android phone only run one app and nothing else?
I want to take an old android phone and turn it into a dedicated calculator. In other words, I'd like to make it so I boot up the phone and my calculator app is running, and there is no way to access any other app, the home screen, app drawer, anything. No lock screen either. Just this app and the settings app, which there would be a shortcut too in this app.

Is this possible? Is android the best OS for this project? Is there an easy way to make this happen?

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you didn't have the requirement of being able to access the settings (the settings app is part of the launcher in some ROMs), this would probably be easier. In that case, you could simply build a custom ROM that boots straight to calculator. The main disadvantage would be the absence of even a battery indicator.

# Answer
> 2 votes
There is screen pinning in lollipop which you can access from the recent apps screen. This will keep the pinned app open. The home button will be disabled, no notifications will show, and the lock screen is bypassed. If you need to unpin the app, you hold the back and recent apps buttons for about a second.

You did mention this is an old android phone, which will most likely not have lollipop (Android 5.0+), so unless you can somehow update it or flash an updated ROM, then you can't use screen pinning.

---
Tags: applications, settings, calculator
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# Question
Title: Does restoring a TWRP backup restore everything, including the ROM?
Suppose I were to do the following:

1. Make a backup with TeamWin Recovery (TWRP)
2. Delete everything (not the backup of course) including my ROM and all
3. Flash a new ROM, then after having fun with all that, delete everything once more
4. Restore the previous backup via TWRP

Would my ROM, my apps, and my data, all be restored to their original state?

# Answer
**Yes**, your earlier ROM will be fully restored **as long as you backup *system partition* as well** since that's where the ROM resides. If you wants your apps and apps' data, then you should back up ***data partition***.

**Note:** Backup feature doesn't backup SDcard's content. If you delete all the data of the SDcard you will not be able to restore it.
> 6 votes

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Tags: backup, restore, twrp
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# Question
Title: Galaxy S3 is stuck at Samsung logo splash screen and won’t charge
A little bit of help would be highly appreciated.

A few days ago, my Samsung Galaxy S3 started freezing randomly. I had to remove the battery in order to restart it. Yesterday the problem got worse: whenever I try to turn the phone on, it freezes in the first splash screen (the “Samsung Galaxy SIII GT-I9300” screen). When I push the power button for a few seconds in order to turn it off, it goes off but then turns on by itself immediately after and freezes again in the first screen. I have to remove the battery in order to turn it off.

When I try to charge the phone with the mains charger or with the USB cable connected to my PC, a gray battery icon with a static circle inside appears and the screen doesn’t change. After several minutes, the phone gets warm, but there’s no evidence that the battery is charging (the icon of the gray battery with a static circle inside is still there).

I took my wife’s S3 battery (50% charged), put into my S3, pushed the power button and the phone froze at the same point (“Galaxy SIII” screen). I’ve also tested my battery on my wife’s S3: it charged normally and her phone worked flawlessly. I guess this means it’s not a battery issue.

I’ve already tried to clear the cache partition or even factory reset my phone (removed the battery for a few seconds, put it back, then pushed Volume Up + Home + Power for a while), but it didn’t work either (the Android System Recovery screen never appeared).

The phone is rooted, but I’ve never installed any custom ROM.

I’ve read many android forums and tried a few workarounds, but nothing seemed to work.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sounds like it might be the "sudden death syndrome" problem. If so, Samsung should fix/replace your phone for you (even if you've rooted it):

http://androidcommunity.com/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-suffering-from-sudden-death-syndrome-20121221/

# Answer
> 0 votes
It could be a problem with a launcher such as Nova or Apex or it could be a problem with a 3rd party application. Try starting in safe mode and see if it is that :)

# Answer
> 0 votes
My S3 was stuck at the splash screen and couldn't go into recovery mode, and rebooted constantly when I plugged in the USB. So not quite like yours but similar enough that people might see my answer here.

My battery charge was at 8% when the phone quit (I tried to delete some corrupted movie files). I fixed it by turning it on till it was at the splash screen, then plugging it in and leaving it for about ten minutes. Eventually I heard the sweet sound of it continuing to boot up.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Dont worry, your phone is not officialy dead. It's in bootloop because of some corrupted partition or filesystem. Only one way out. You need to get into Download mode and flash some custom or stock rom using ODIN tool with full wipe. make sure you have 100% charged your battery , before doing such things. You can easily find ODIN and ROMs for your model. If you dont know how to proceed, contact some friends or colleagues of your who had done such things earlier. You can also do this, just you need to follow the steps. Your best resource will be XDA forums.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, charging, system-freeze
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title: Alarms Sounds/Songs

text:
# Question
Title: Alarms Sounds/Songs
Am I able to set my alarm sound as a song I have downloaded (either Google Play music or a third party music downloader) instead of the preset "sounds"? I have a files explorer already installed if needed. Thanks.

# Answer
Download the app ringtone maker. Make the alarm/ringtone, save it and select it as the sound.
> 0 votes

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Tags: music, music-player, alarm, google-play-music
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# Question
Title: What is the fastest way to turn the phone into silent mode?
The title kinda tells it all. Sometimes I need to turn silent for a meeting and the procedure is like:

1. Unlock the phone
2. Click on `Menu`
3. Go to `Settings`
4. Click on `Sound`
5. Enable `Silent mode`

Apart from (1), which can't be shortened (can it?), I want to minimize the remaining 4 clicks.

EDIT: I have a Nexus S, but I'm more interested in things that are not specific to models. Also, please feel free to add model-specific answers, as other people may find it useful.

# Answer
> 10 votes
Personally, I think that the easiest way (apart from sliding right to left, but that's not available on all phones) to put the phone into silent mode is to **hold down the `power button` for a short period of time, then select `Silent mode`**.

# Answer
> 8 votes
It CAN be shortened!

You can silence your phone straight from the lockscreen by **sliding from right to left.**

See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTQ-c7QJdYQ#at=4m

# Answer
> 4 votes
Holding the Volume-Down button on most Android devices from the home screen will drop to silent mode.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can also a widget on your home screen to toggle between silent / vibrate / normal modes.

Too many to list. Most popular ones work well.

# Answer
> -1 votes
There is an android app named as Profilo which provides a lot of features to silent your phone quickly. This app has four features location based, voice based, time based and a shake functionality. The quickest way is that shake your mobile once and it will be silent. Shaking again will unmute it. You can schedule your phone as well. You can save a location. At that location your cell phone automatically will be on silent mode. Here is the link. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptrekkers.profilo

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Tags: settings, silent-mode
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# Question
Title: What framework/app executes the lockscreen on android 4.2.2
Im looking to modifying and perhaps changing the way the lockscreen works. I have heard about keyguard.apk but I cant seem to find that in system/app or anywhere in the device. So I wonder which file executes the lockscreen code and contains the resourcea.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Its been a awhile since I went hunting around those files but I believe its in \system\framework\framework-res.apk

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Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean, lock-screens
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