title: Google calendar syncing problem

text:
# Question
Title: Google calendar syncing problem
I have a problem with syncing with the Google calendar. Although the syncing in most cases does work, for some events it just doesn't sync. I create events on Google Calendar, but they don't show up on the phone. Actually, I create them over iCal, which is also synced to Google Calendar, but that shouldn't matter. I checked and all events are online on Google's servers.

Do you have any idea what could be wrong and how I can force it to sync?

(HTC Desire)

# Answer
I had similar problem. I had to clear calendar cache - than re-sync worked for me. The cache clear method is very similar like in this answer, but I clear the official Calendar storage:

Go to `Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications`. In the top of the screen select `All`. Scrool down to `Calendar Storage`, then open it, tap to `Clear cache` button. Re-sync (Google) Calendar. You're done.

*Maybe you have no `Calendar Storage` app, than I sorry, I have HTC Wildfire.*
> 9 votes

# Answer
Try clearing the calendar's cache (`Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications`, choose the application, then `Clear Data`) and then re-sync (how to do that depends on the app).
> 7 votes

# Answer
If you have multiple calendars, it would be worth checking that the calendars you expect are enabled on the handset. In Calendar, `Menu button -> More -> Calendars -> Menu button -> Add calendars` then check all the calendars you want displayed.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I had a similar problem where one of my calendars stopped syncing. (The whole calendar, not just some events.) Toggling the show/hide setting didn't have any effect, but removing and re-adding the calendar fixed the problem.
> 0 votes

# Answer
i had the same problem, some events from colledge iCal format just wouldn't sync, first time it happened, I force closed it an turned off my phone and it seemed to work, now it happened for the second time and now I tried what somebody suggested here as well as on the other sites, cleared data from the phone because I have everything backed up on my gmail calendar and it seems to be working... for now...
> -1 votes

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Tags: htc-desire, sync, calendar
---


title: Dvorak on android?

text:
# Question
Title: Dvorak on android?
How to change the default on screen keyboard on Optimus V to Dvorak?

# Answer
> 7 votes
I'm not sure is Dvorak is available on stock firmware for Optimus V, but there are many 3rd-party keyboard apps on the Market that have it (some require a separate download via a plugin.)

Once installed, activate it by going to `Menu -> Settings -> Language & keyboard`, and marking the checkbox next to the newly installed keyboard app. Then bring up any text field (e.g. Google Search) and long-press it. Tap on the "Input method" menu item, and you will be presented with the list of all currently installed and enabled keyboard apps. Select the one which has Dvorak layout and you will immediately be able to use it.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Have you looked on the Market? There seem to be a few Dvorak keyboards available.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.reyn.truedvorak&feature=search\_result https://market.android.com/details?id=net.xenionsh.android.dvorak&feature=search\_result

You should probably shop around and try as many as you can find. If you don't know how to switch to an alternate keyboard you've installed, look here: http://www.simplemobilereview.com/change-your-android-soft-keyboard-system/

If you're looking to change whatever keyboard you use now to the Dvorak layout, that may be harder. It would depend on which keyboard you're using.

---
Tags: keyboard, lg-optimus-one
---


# Question
Title: Preparation steps for sending a phone back under warranty
I'm sending my (unrooted) nexus s off repair under under warranty, and was just wondering if there any precautions I can take to limit the amount of personal info on the device, lest the engineers take a look through my contacts/emails etc.? (ideally without resetting phone to factory defaults)

Main ideas I've had so far are:

* Associating the phone with a brand new google account and deleting the old ones
* Moving all sd card content to computer
* Clearing caches

# Answer
Resetting the phone to factory settings (`Menu -> Settings -> Privacy -> Factory data reset`) and wiping the microSD card (after backing up its contents) should be all that's needed.

Factory reset dis-associates the phone from your Google account, removes any custom apps (installed on internal memory) with their data, and clears all the caches.

*\[Edit\]*
P.S. There is a good chance that the manufacturer (Samsung in your case) or whoever you are sending your phone to for repairs might send you a different handset. Depending on their service terms, they may simply ship you a brand new Nexus S, or even a refurb. So jumping through hoops to leave your installed apps intact might be a waste of time.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Basically, it looks like you want to clear everything except your apps. Is that right? If so, I'd just use something like App Manager to back them all up, and then do a factory reset. If you back them up to the SD card they should be safe, but you can always copy the backup to your computer.
> 1 votes

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Tags: privacy
---


# Question
Title: how can i make my phone not show "Other contacts" from my gmail account?
I have a google acount set up, and i had lots of contacts in my address book that got synchronized with the ones in my phone address book.

I've found out that i can organize my contacts into groups, and then make those groups "not sync" with my phone, but i have no way of un-selecting the group named "other contacts", basically thats the group where all unassigned or recent contacts go. That is very annoying.

How can i make my phone not fill up my phone agenda with my email contacts? Is there any other sollution other than deleting the contacts from my "other contacts" every day?

# Answer
My Motorola Droid 2 (VZW) has a similar problem. My contacts menu has a "Display group" option. This shows several options:

* Create a new group
* All contacts
* Favorites
* User created groups
* Facebook contacts
* Google contacts
* Phone contacts

As you can see there is no way to specify Google contacts that aren't "other contacts" except to create my own groups. Unfortunately whatever group I show does NOT become the default group that shows every time I open contacts.

I have decided to solve the problem just by using workarounds.

* For the couple people I call the most I have widgets on the home screen to call that specific person. (Long press home screen -\> Motorola widgets -\> Contact quick tasks)
* For the next tier of people (I will call them more than once in a while) I just use favorites. Either Long press home screen -\> Shortcuts -\> Dialer -\> Favorites ... or just hit the call button and choose the favorites tab.
* When I have to resort to the full contacts listing I just start typing the person's name and that narrows the list to a manageable size.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I'm not sure how this works on Morotola Defy (Moto is known to replace the stock apps with their own versions), but in standard Android installation (2.1 and above) you can pick which groups are displayed in the Dialer/Contacts apps. Launch the Contacts app, then go to Menu -\> Display Options. Under the "Choose contacts to display" section, expand your Google account and you should be able to un-check any group, which will hide its contacts.
> 2 votes

# Answer
> How can i make my phone not fill up my phone agenda with my email contacts?

You can set it to only display contacts with phone numbers if that helps.

In the contacts app, check the option: Menu-\>Display Options-\>Only contacts with phones
> 0 votes

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Tags: contacts, gmail, motorola-defy
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# Question
Title: What is the round circle next to the "do not dispose in household waste" icon on my Moto Droid?
There is a round indicator of some sort under the battery cover approx 3/16" of an inch in diameter. It is located to the left of the "Do not dispose with household waste" icon (looks like a trash can with an X over it. The indicator appears white with red "X"s; I believe it has been this way since the phone was new, but I can't be sure. What does this indicate?

Edit: Added picture

# Answer
> 4 votes
Perhaps it's a water damage sticker -- it might go more red if water gets on it, or something.

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Tags: motorola-droid, hardware
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# Question
Title: Android How to set new default user for Android Marketplace
I have a Sprint Samsung Captivate phone, and I am somewhat sharing it with co-worker. Problem is that every time I want to download an app free or otherwise, her username comes up and prompts for password. I would like to add own email and download under that without removing her account. Much easier said than done. I cannot seem to get her logged out and a new prompt for username and password where I could enter my user name. This is a much tougher problem than I ever imagined.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Unfortunately you can't do this. You would need to entirely remove your account (the primary phone account) from the phone and add hers as the primary account, which would perform a factory reset on the phone. Hopefully future versions of the Android OS will support multiple users, especially the tablet versions, but currently it does not.

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


# Question
Title: How do I set up VPN for connecting from Nexus One to my home network?
I'd like to set up my handset to be able to VPN into my home network.

At home I have the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH wireless router running dd-wrt firmware. My handset is Nexus One running the latest (as of this writing) CyanogenMod7 ROM nightly build (Android version 2.3.4)

Preferably, I'd like a step-by-step guide on configuring OpenVPN on the router and on the handset.

# Answer
I've been interested in trying this for a little while, but for now I have just been using SSH. The guide I've been eyeing on the subject is here, which is using OpenVPN to DD-WRT on Android.

It seems pretty straightforward.
> 2 votes

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Tags: nexus-one, cyanogenmod, vpn
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title: How to save messages as Draft

text:
# Question
Title: How to save messages as Draft
I own and Optimus One(Froyo). I want to type some couple of messages(for the same contact) and save it for sending later. How to do that?

EDIT: User wishes to save message templates that can be re-used at a later instance.

# Answer
> 2 votes
For saving drafts, GMail and Email both save drafts automatically when you leave the app or lock the phone. For SMS, it should keep any text you've entered in the text entry field until you send or delete it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
In Handcent SMS, you can save commonly used snippets as QuickText

# Answer
> 1 votes
why dont you save message as **Memo** ...You can view anytime you want... and when you wish to send...simply go to that Memo and tab their for 2 seconds... It will pop-up **Send-Via**...Choose **Messaging** Option...and then Send...

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Tags: 2.2-froyo, sms, drafts
---


# Question
Title: How do I perform a  Print Screen on a Galaxy Ace?
I looked at my gallery one time and I saw that I accidentally print screened an image. I was wondering if you guys know how I did that? My phone is a Galaxy Ace, and I have no app for that. It just happened.

# Answer
On the Samsung Galaxy range of phones, running Samsung's TouchWiz enhancements to Android, you can take a screenshot of the screen by holding down the `Back` button and tapping `Home`.

This doesn't work in some apps that take an action immediately when you press Back, but as most apps don't carry out the action until release the Back button, this will work for them.

See also this previous question: taking a screenshot of an android phone?
> 7 votes

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Tags: screenshots
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# Question
Title: Backup link between gmail, facebook, twitter contacts
I have contacts from my GMail, Facebook and Twitter account. In my GMail accounts, I've saved my contacts with their first names or nicknames, so I end up having to manually link most of my Facebook & Twitter contacts with my GMail contacts. If I do a factory reset I have to repeat this process all over again. Is there a way I can backup/maintain the link between my contacts so that, after a factory reset, I can simply restore the links between contacts?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe backing up the data for the Contacts Storage and restoring it should restore linked-up contacts. You can do this with an app such as Titanium Backup (requires root).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes it should work.

If you look at your contacts in GMail you'll see an extra piece of data that stores the link information. At least mine have that for my HTC Desire.

This is what I see.

```
<HTCData><Facebook>id:123456789/friendof:123456789</Facebook></HTCData>

```

This means the sync data isn't stored on your phone at all, just as part of the contact info in Google.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Haven't tried, but this seems to be the solution:

> If you use Titanium Backup, after you've re-synced your gmail/Facebook/etc. contacts, restore the "\[CONTACTS/CALLS\] Contacts Storage", reboot and done. This of course assumes you also back this same setting up prior to wiping/loading a new ROM

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Tags: contacts, backup
---


# Question
Title: Connecting to internet using Wi-fi portable hotspot or bluetooth? which one is more battery saving?
I have EDGE internet connection in my Samsung Europa I5500L (Froyo 2.2). I can connect to the Internet from my laptop using both **bluetooth** or **making a wifi hotspot** from the device using that EDGE connection.

`{internet}-----[phone]-----{wifi/bluetooth}-----[laptop]`

My question is which one will be more battery saving for both my laptop and mobile?

Thanks for your answer.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Generally Bluetooth uses less power. On my HTC Desire, I use Bluetooth because it lasts longer and consumes much less power compared to Wi-Fi hotspot when connection is idle.

---
Tags: bluetooth, battery-life, wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to install Open Office in Android?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> What is a good application on Android to open Microsoft Excel files?

Is there any way to install Open Office in Android Emulator, So that I can Open XLS sheet in Android Emulator for my apps.Any help will really be appreciated. Thanks a lot

# Answer
> -3 votes
yes it is android market you can install it in your device . QuickOffice is also there in Android market for reading XLS documents.

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Tags: microsoft-excel
---


title: How to revive crashing market app?

text:
# Question
Title: How to revive crashing market app?
My Android 2.1 tablet crashed while the marked app was installing some apps. If I open the marked app now, it always shows that two apps are installing right now, and crashes immediately. Any ideas on how to fix that problem? I already removed the apps the market thinks it is installing, but that did not help. :-/

# Answer
The way I generally deal with truculent apps is by following each of these steps until it starts working again.

1. Force stop
2. Clear cache
3. Clear app data
4. Restart the device
5. Uninstall/reinstall (this may be tricky with the Market app)
> 5 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, crashes
---


# Question
Title: Can the Aldiko reader show pdf files in it's catalog screen which are not present in the ebook folder?
I have the following situation :

1. I purchased an Android pdf book which was downloaded on my PC
2. I used **Dropbox** to transfer it onto my Android device (*Archos 101*)
3. When clicking the downloaded book in the Dropbox Android application , the Aldiko read was launched, ready for my to read my book.
4. However, this **book was not present in the Aldiko book case view** when I later on started Aldiko again

*Hence my question:* **is it possible to let Aldiko list books which are not present in the eBook folder ?**

I can't move the pdf into eBook, because Dropbox will download it happily again, when it doesn't find it.

I don't want to have duplicates ( the book is rather large , but even when it wasn't , I don't like the idea of having exact files in multiple locations ).

# Answer
Possible workaround: Turn the `ebook` folder into a symlink to the `dropbox` folder. Or if subfolders word, create a `dropbox` symlink inside `ebook`.
> 2 votes

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Tags: ebook-reader, ebooks, aldiko
---


# Question
Title: Synchronise intervall for Facebook for HTC Sense
I'm pretty new to the world of Android. Though I managed to solve almost all of upcoming problems on my own, I'm having troubles with this one.

I'd like to increase the number of synchronisations of *HTC Sense* with Facebook so its updates are in line with those of Twitter.

In *Settings* --\> *Accounts and Synchronisation* --\> *Facebook for HTC Sense* --\> *Update Frequency* (the terms might be different; I've got a German UI and translated just on the fly) I can switch between

* every 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 hours
* once a day

On the other hand for *Twitter for HTC Sense*, I've got

* every 5, 15, 30 minutes
* manual

in addition.

As I'm using the *Friend Stream* Widget, I'd like to have the Twitter and Facebook synchronisations of the same frequency.

How can I achieve this? Preferably without installing any additional apps or widgets.

Thanks for your answers.

# Answer
Al's right, you can't change the sync frequency for Facebook beyond what they provide.

**Edit:** The below only applies to the regular Facebook app.

But also, all that Facebook syncs is your contacts (and possibly events to the calendar). It doesn't sync news feed items or notifications, those are only loaded when you actually open the app. So unless your Facebook friends list changes more often than every hour, syncing more often would be useless.
> 1 votes

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Tags: sync, facebook, htc-sense
---


# Question
Title: How to set vibration ON when getting e-mail (Gmail)?
Using Android 2.1-update1
It seems there's no "vibration" settings in the menu regarding this!
Thanks for any answer!

# Answer
> 4 votes
Go to `Menu > More > Settings`, make sure that "Email Notifications" is checked then "Select Ringtone \> Silent" and "Vibrate \> For All Gmail notifications".

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Tags: gmail
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# Question
Title: Email client not showing signed emails (mail is still on server)
I'm having trouble reading signed emails (in the mail app, not gmail).

The email client only shows: "mail is still on server" message, not the email content.

# Answer
> 6 votes
As far as I know, this is simply a bug in the HTC email application. You can try using a different client (K9 supports signed messages, I believe), but beyond that you'll have to take it up with HTC and hope that they decide to fix it at some point.

Here's a related XDA thread where someone includes what he says is a response from HTC regarding the issue. There's also a thread on the Android Central forums where someone reports the same bug (and no solution). Those threads are a little on the old side, but I don't believe HTC has fixed this yet.

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Tags: email, htc-desire-hd, encryption
---


title: Email app with HTC mail feel?

text:
# Question
Title: Email app with HTC mail feel?
Is there email app that has the HTC mail feel? HTC mail blocks cryptographically signed messages, which I finally figured out today. Is there some replacement besides K9?

It is for phones that are always on and receive floods of emails for multiple accounts.

I only care about IMAP(s) connections, not MS exchange.

# Answer
There are email replacement apps, but unfortunately the few that act similar to HTC Mail will cost money.

Touchdown by Nitrodesk: Touchdown is my preferred email replacement as I use the exchange functionality, and imap protocol. It can tie into most major email services, and also offers some premium features for business users.

Enhanced Email: A more powerful revamp of the stock Email app that is starting to become popular. It offers some premium features and the developer is very responsive if you have run into issues.

Moxier Mail (free trial): Offers support for all major protocols, its user interface is probably the closest to the HTC Mailapp.

Maildroid (free): Never used MailDroid, but it is yet another email replacement. The upside is there is a free Ad supported version.

Hope those help!
> 4 votes

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Tags: email, htc, imap
---


# Question
Title: How do I detect if I have a Super AMOLED or LCD Screen on my Nexus S?
Many sources are citing that the Nexus S is shipping with 2 different types of screen due to Super AMOLED shortages. As I am in the UK it is likely I will have the Super LCD, which I read somewhere is inferior compared to the Super AMOLED.

How can I tell which one I have? What are the main differences?

**Update:** Found the answer here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1022216

Looking in 'Baseband version' under 'About Phone' reveals that a baseband beginning wth I9020 is the Super AMOLED or I9023 for Super LCD.

# Answer
Look at something black (e.g. an image of only black) on your phone, and shut off the lights. If you've got an AMOLED screen, it should be pure black (virtually no light emanating). With an LCD it will be significantly brighter/greyish.
> 8 votes

# Answer
regarding if the Super AMOLED is inferior: Android update 2.3.3 introduced a color temperature correction, which many users complain turned their screen color "ugly and yellowish" http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-s-233-update-bringing-unwanted-screen-issues.

The color change appears to still be present in the newer 2.3.4 update, and some have begun to suspect that the fact that not everyone is seeing this color change, may be related to which screen the phone has; with the SuperAMOLED being associated with the yellowish color and the LCD not having the yellowish color.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, screen, super-amoled
---


title: MyTouch 3G Slide screen went Blank?

text:
# Question
Title: MyTouch 3G Slide screen went Blank?
I have contacted Tmobile and they are going to be resending me a replacement. But I am wondering what all is stored on my phone that I am losing access to? And is there potential for when I send it back to Tmobile that they will be able to access my private calendar, files, emails, etc? I can't do a reset of any kind because it won't respond to anything. But I hate that I had text messages on there saved with information for future reference and my reminders from my calendar my alarm, etc are all still working because I'm getting the vibrations and music to alert me of these, I just can't view them.

This seems like a common problem with the 3G Slide, as they didn't even hardly question me about a replacement, just told me to try reset it, when it wouldn't reset they said they'd send me a new one.

Basically just wondering if there is any possible way to access my info on my old phone.

Thanks

# Answer
If you install the Android SDK on your computer, you can connect the phone via USB and use the `adb` tool to perform a factory reset on your phone. That will erase all your data. You can also use `adb` to retrieve files and data before doing the wipe.

To retrieve files, type the following at the command prompt / terminal on your computer (make sure it's running in the directory where you have the SDK):

`./adb pull phone-file backup-file`

For example,

`./adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/myphoto.jpg C:\backups\myphoto.jpg`

And to wipe the phone:

`./adb wipe data`

You might need to try some variants of that, and on some phones you will unfortunately need to be rooted.

More info on adb: http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/adb.html

**Edit:** There's a better way to do a factory reset! It's harder without a screen, but not impossible.

1. Power the device off. If the device is unresponsive and does not turn off, remove the battery and then re-insert it.
2. Press and hold the Home key and the red End key for 30 seconds, the release.
3. Wait a few seconds, then press the Home key and the Power key again.
4. Wait 30 seconds, then press Volume Down twice. Click the Power button once.
5. Give the phone a few minutes to do the factory reset.

With-screen instructions are here.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Your personal information like Contacts, Tasks and all this kind of stuff are synced automatically with your Google account by default and when you login at your new phone all this information will get pushed into your new device.

I don't know, but maybe T-Mobile will transfer your files from the defective unit to the working one, but I'm not sure about this possibility. I suggest you to ask them if they can transfer your files from the old to the new one, but remember that your private stuff like Contacts will get synced OTA.
> 0 votes

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Tags: backup, factory-reset, htc-mytouch-3g-slide
---


# Question
Title: Synchronize the contact's default phone number
I've upgraded my HTC Desire to a Galaxy S. In the HTC, I had a default phone number for each contact (typically, the mobile number).

After linking the new device with my Google accounts, the default settings are gone, and I have to redefine them manually in my Galaxy contacts.

Is there a way to sync the default number attribute with my Google Account, so that they will be copied from one phone to another?

# Answer
> 7 votes
I believe if I understand your question, the linking between your Google account happens automatically (as it should) when you log into your Google account on your handset, and your contacts all synchronize. However it sounds like some of the merging of duplicates, and what number is the "default" number get lost? For this I would definitely recommend the Gmail application online. All you need is to login from a computer and select "contacts". Then just go under *"more actions"* and do *"find and merge duplicates"* That should give you just one contact per person. This is your best option if you have lots of contacts, some are duplicates, or other information not entered or organized correctly. It can be quite time consuming and tedious to do editing from the handset. If this is not what you are asking, you may have to rephrase the question slightly.

When you say "sync the default number" that is rather ambiguous sentence. For example, I log into Gmail, click contacts, and then select one of my friends. There it shows me the numbers stored on my phone (in the Google cloud). If I were to change the numbers shown, that change would be reflected when I grabbed the handset next. Are you looking to make one number the default number for that person? And have it do so automatically?

**Edit:** After doing a little more research, it looks like this question was addressed here at the Google forums. The last comment in the list (by ratgurrl) mentions exactly this frustration. And despite what you do on the phone, when you resynchronize you lose the preference settings you put in the handset, and the 'DEFAULT' will revert to whichever contact number is at the top of the list on that contact in Gmail. So the REAL answer until Google addresses this: log into Gmail, and move the one you want as the "default" contact to the top of the list.

---
Tags: contacts, sync, google-account
---


title: What is the default clock known as?

text:
# Question
Title: What is the default clock known as?
What is the default clock (that appears at the top right corner, next to battery indicator) called?

# Answer
The clock don't have a specific name, although if I do need to mention them specifically, since the top bar is usually called the notification bar or status bar, I'd probably call them notification bar clock or status bar clock.
> 4 votes

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Tags: stock-android
---


# Question
Title: Gingerbread has drastically reduced my battery life
I have a Nexus One, and since upgrading to 2.3.3, my phone lasts several hours less compared to 2.2.x. I've swapped out to a new battery, which didn't make a difference. In about 14 hours (of nothing more than texting), my phone is at less than 15%. When I check the Battery use under Settings, Android OS is always the top battery consumer.

What can I do about this? Every other update besides this one has been great, but Gingerbread is a total disappointment.

**Update:** This is 100% an issue with wifi. After disabling it, the battery usage of Android OS has dropped from 40% to 2%. After 16 hours on battery, it's still more than half charged. I'll keep investigating...or revert, because I think Gingerbread just looks fugly.

# Answer
As of **2.3.4** this issue is fixed. For other users on previous versions, I temporarily solved this problem by disabling Wifi all together.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Revert? If the OS itself is not sleeping properly, you can't do much else besides install a kernel or ROM that behaves better.
> 5 votes

# Answer
If it is a Wi-Fi issue, have the stand by settings changed with the new installation?

Settings-\>Wireless & Networks-\>Wi-Fi settings

Menu-\>Advanced-\>Wi-Fi sleep policy

Has this setting changed from to Never (Which will keep the Wi-Fi on all the time)?
> 2 votes

# Answer
Have you tried updating the battery statistics? It is said to help with battery life in some cases.

1. Charge the phone completely.
2. While still on the charger, boot into recovery.
3. In recovery, reset the battery statistics.
4. Reboot the phone.
5. When it has booted completely, unplug the charger.
6. Run the phone until the battery is completely flat and the phone turns off.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Shutting down or ringing an alarm when the phone leaves a certain range
I need to make the phone available for all people in a building, for example. If someone were to try to walk outside of the building with the phone, the phone would shut down or a loud alarm would sound. Any thoughts?

# Answer
As Lie says, you can achieve most of this with Tasker (Market link or Dev's Site) . Tasker can detect your phone's location using GPS or based on the cell towers or wifi access points it can see.

I **don't** think you can set the phone to shut itself down based on this, but you could definitely make it play a loud sound, or even send an SMS message or a voice call to a particular number.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Matt H's answer in conjunction with Prey might be useful for you.

Have Tasker send an E-mail when the phone leaves the building. You read the E-mail and mark the phone as "stolen" in Prey. Prey gives you a lot of options about how you want your phone to react to being marked as stolen. You can lock it down and force the GPS to stay active as long as the battery isn't dead, letting you know where the device is.

Yay for daisychaining answers, btw.
> 3 votes

# Answer
You can probably do this with Tasker or Locale.
> 2 votes

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Tags: automation, alarm, shutdown
---


title: SMS on HTC Desire is not working

text:
# Question
Title: SMS on HTC Desire is not working
My HTC desire has problems with the texting (sms). Sometimes it doesn't show the thread of my text messages or if it does and I try to click the person to see what they've texted, its a white screen and doesn't do anything. Then sometimes it does go to its original screen and when I click SEND to send a text, it says please wait for a very long time until I click the home button and it goes back to a white screen and its only the texting that is messed up.

Does anyone know how to fix these issues?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Both the default Android messaging app and the HTC Sense app are buggy, as far as I've heard. Until they get their act together, I recommend trying another SMS app and seeing if it's any better. Handcent SMS would be a good choice.

---
Tags: htc-desire, sms, htc-sense
---


# Question
Title: Can I run Android 2.2 on an Android 2.1 ZTE Racer?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?

I'm going to buy a ZTE Racer which comes with Android 2.1. What can I do to upgrade it to 2.2? ZTE didn't release an official upgrade. Would CyanogenMod be an option?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The CyanogenMOD wiki lists supported phones; the Racer isn't included. Looks like there are some custom ROMs on MoDaCo, though.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, custom-roms, zte-racer
---


# Question
Title: phone not visible to finder (on mac) suddenly
When I connect my phone to my mac via usb, I no longer see it in finder. Nor does it automatically launch iphoto as it used to.

On the other hand, I can see it from sdk tools like ddms, and can access the files that way (with usb debugging turned on, of course). I can also see other android devices just fine.

Is there some setting that got turned off somewhere?

MyTouch 4g, Froyo.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try disabling `Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging` in conjunction with setting `Settings -> Applications -> USB settings` to **Mass storage**. If that doesn't work, and enabling USB debugging doesn't work, then I would assume it's an OSX issue. You could try reinstalling the official drivers, if there are any.

---
Tags: settings, usb
---


title: Flash Rom and Recover Later

text:
# Question
Title: Flash Rom and Recover Later
I Want to put Android 2.3 on My Phone, its an ZTE Racer with Android 2.1 and the Manufacturer hasnt released the new version i have found a Rom, But im afraid to do it and lose my phone, can anybody tell me how to get my actual version of android back it up so if something goes wrong i can recover later? and how to put the new ROM on the Phone?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You need to install a custom recovery, which can back up your original ROM so you can restore it later. The Clockworkmod recovery is generally considered the best, there's a build of it with instructions for the ZTE Racer at MoDaCo.

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


# Question
Title: How do I take a screenshot on a Honeycomb tablet?
Is there a built-in mechanism to take a screenshot on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1? Or is there an app I can download to do so (without rooting the device)?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Unfortunately, it does not appear that straight Honeycomb (Xoom, Samsung 10.1, etc) devices have the ability to take a screenshot without some help.

If you have the SDK downloaded you are able to plugin your device and take screenshots using your computer. However, that sounds really inconvenient. Instructions can be found here under "Debugging Tips" http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/debugging/index.html

There was also an independent app released on XDA for Honeycomb devices called Screenshot ER. One caveat, it does require root. http://www.xda-developers.com/android/take-screenshots-of-your-honeycomb-device-with-screenshot-er/

Market link at https://market.android.com/details?id=fahrbot.apps.screen&feature=search\_result

# Answer
> 3 votes
Partially stolen from this answer (and here's third party confirmation):

Hold the `Back` button and tap the `Home` button (or, if that doesn't work, tap both at the same time). This is part of Samsung's TouchWiz interface, it doesn't work on other devices.

On most other devices, the only way to take a screenshot without rooting is to use the Android SDK. You would connect your phone to your PC via USB, run `ddms`, select your phone, and hit `Ctrl`+`S`.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab-10, screenshots, 3.0-honeycomb
---


# Question
Title: How come some apps won't download from Market?
I have a rather odd thing happening to three apps in the Market, all free. I tried to install Google Maps and Angry Birds Seasons from the market, but the downloads or installations failed and now I can't download them at all. They both show up under My Apps but rather than the Update or Installed statuses that all other apps in My Apps show, these two show FREE. When I try to install them all goes normally until the message displays saying the download is happening, but it doesn't. The downloading icon appears in the status bar for the briefest moment before disappearing again.

I have Aldiko Book Reader installed and indicating that there is an update available. I believe that the download or install failed when I first tried to update and now the behaviour is the same as described above. I try to update but the download doesn't happen.

I have successfully updated and installed other apps in the meantime. For now it's only those three that are stuck. The initial cause of download/install failure may have been lack of memory but there should be enough memory available now.

I am using an HTC Desire running CyanogenMod-7.0.0-RC2 (Gingerbread 2.3.3). Anyone have any ideas on how to resolve this problem? I've looked at the Market in application management but the clear cache and clear data options are not available.

# Answer
> 3 votes
simple2ext (as described here: http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/20328-solution-to-unable-to-download-big-apps-from-the-market/ ) did the job for me. I am also running CM 7.0.3 and had problems with downloading big apps from market. Sometimes it helped clearing the dalvik cache but not always.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had something similar happen to me months ago, and the only solution I found was to make sure my apps and accounts were synced with Google and doing a factory reset. The thing was I was stock at the time, and I don't know how a factory reset will affect CyanogenMod. I'd jump on their forums and see if anyone else is having a similar issue, and if not you should submit a bug report to them so they can see if it's a bug in their release candidate.

**Edit:** Since this is a pretty old question and CyanogenMod has been updated I think it would be worth it for you to upgrade to 7.0.3. I haven't had any issues at all with the market now that I've moved to a stable version of CM7 so hopefully your issue has been resolved in the newest stable release.

---
Tags: google-play-store, cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: How do I change a Google account for Android mobile (Xperia 10)?
When I first set up my Xperia 10 (running Android 1.6) I selected a 'dummy account', not knowing that it might be somewhat difficult to change it afterwards to a real account (I wasn't warned).

I want to avoid hard resets or losing too much data. Is there a recommended procedure for this case?

# Answer
Should be pretty easy.

1. Just go to `Settings > Accounts & Sync`
2. Remove the 'dummy' account
3. Add the real account

You can even leave the dummy there for now. Android supports multiple accounts.

*Note: I'm running Android 2.1 so the menu options may be slightly different, but the idea and results should be the same.*
> 1 votes

# Answer
As a fellow Android 1.6 user (I'm on an HTC Magic), I can confirm that there is no easy and safe way to change the Google Account that your phone links to.

Anything you've saved into Google Contacts, Google Calendar, etc can be exported and imported into your other account fairly easy, other settings and data aren't so easy.

Factory resetting your phone is the only real option here, note that if you've bought any apps from the Market you are out of luck here. The Factory Data Reset option is under the SD Card & Phone Storage menu, and you really need to be careful about using it for the reasons above.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try this:

`Settings > Applications > Manage applications`

Scroll down till you find “Google Apps” click on it...

Simply hit the "Clear data"....
> 1 votes

# Answer
Factory Reset is the only option that you have. But be sure that all your data is backed up.

If you are running on Android 2.1 version then you can try Erazzer Free this app to change the primary google account. But to use this app your phone must be rooted.

As you are running on Android 1.6 resetting the phone is the only option you have.

Before doing anything just do a backup of all your data on your phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-account, sony-ericsson-xperia-x10
---


# Question
Title: How come some apps don't show-up on my phone's Android app market?
Fxcamera is a popular app, but it's not showing in my xperia x10 mini's app market search. I tried:

1. fx
2. camera
3. ymst
4. fxcamera

None gives the result. In fact, after that I've tried many apps which are listed on the internet market site http://www.android.com/market/ but not on the market app.

I live in India, is that why the apps don't show up? Is there a way to install the apps download them directly or something? Is it related to my carrier or mobile network provider?

# Answer
It could be because of a few reasons:

* The app is a paid app and your country does not support purchasing paid apps (I don't know if India can or not yet?)
* Your phone does not meet the min SDK requirements of the app. For instance, the app may require 2.1+ features, but your phone is running Android 1.5 or 1.6
* Your phone is missing a feature that the app requires in order to use it (things like SD cards, trackballs, etc.)
* The app is carrier limited (Skype was an example of this)
* Market bug. Occasionally there are listing problems in the market, especially if an app was recently updated
> 11 votes

# Answer
It happens the same to me... And for such popular apps as WeatherBug, which is supposed to work with "all android versions", according to them. I'm running ecclair (2.1 update 1) of the same device (xperia x10 mini). I couldn't find the WordReference app either, which I don't think requires too many features.

So, according to Bryan's answer, and for these specific cases, I would point to...

> * Your phone is missing a feature that the app requires in order to use it (things like SD cards, trackballs, etc.)
> * Market bug. Occasionally there are listing problems in the market, especially if an app was recently updated

But, what can of special feaure can require a dictionary? Could it be becuase of the littlescreen size?
> 1 votes

# Answer
1. Pl check your Gmail account with which you logged into Market site is the same Primary Gamil account on your phone.
2. The second reason that your phone doesn't support the listed apps.

But I am using Xperia mini Pro. I have those apps installed on my phone.
> 0 votes

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


title: How to backup Angry Birds saves/data?

text:
# Question
Title: How to backup Angry Birds saves/data?
I need to reinstall my Android ROM but before I would like to backup my Angry Birds savegame/data/scores.

Do you have any idea how can I do it?

# Answer
> 26 votes
Angry Birds' data would be stored inside the phones memory under the folder **Data**. Access to that folder is not permitted to you or any app for security reasons.

Without having **root** access there is no way to access that folder or backup your app. However once you've obtained root access you could either extract the data yourself or use an application like

Titanium Backup:

# Answer
> 37 votes
Yes you can back up your Angry Birds data, **without rooting your phone**! It takes a few steps, and it's a manual process, but pretty easy nonetheless. This works with my Samsung Android 2 phone.

1. Install the Android SDK onto your computer from http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html. You will be using the ADB program, part of the SDK's Platform-Tools.
2. Connect your Android device to your computer **in debugging mode**. On my Galaxy S Android 2 phone, I had to go to Settings / Applications / Development and turn on USB Debugging before connecting the cable.
3. On your computer, start a Command Prompt and run these commands:

```
    cd "C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools"
    adb pull /data/data/com.rovio.angrybirds/files/highscores.lua C:\MyBackup\ab_highscores.lua
    adb pull /data/data/com.rovio.angrybirds/files/settings.lua C:\MyBackup\ab_settings.lua

```

Of course, supply your own directory names depending on where you installed the Android SDK, and where you want the files saved.

To restore the files later:

1. Reinstall Angry Birds and complete at least one level. (This ensures the device has the appropriate directories.)
2. Connect your device in debugging mode and start a Command Prompt, as done above. Run these commands:

```
    cd "C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools"
    adb push C:\MyBackup\ab_highscores.lua /data/data/com.rovio.angrybirds/files/highscores.lua
    adb push C:\MyBackup\ab_settings.lua /data/data/com.rovio.angrybirds/files/settings.lua

```

Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes! The Android SDK is provided by Google, the developers of Android, for use by software developers that write applications for Android devices. ADB, its Android Debugging Bridge is the official way that Google wants developers to interact with their Android devices. As long as you are careful with what files you push/pull, it's fine.

Q: How about Angry Birds Seasons?
A: Same as above, but type "angrybirdsseasons" instead of "angrybirds" (and of course change the name of the local backup file!).

# Answer
> 7 votes
There is a program called "Angry Birds Backup" on the market that allows you to back your progress up without having root access. I've not tried it myself, but I've heard good things. You can read more about it on their web site at http://www.angrybackup.com/

# Answer
> 4 votes
I used a program by Antbee called Angry Birds Backup. It worked great, and it was free. For Seasons and Rio, I used Angry Birds Seasons Backup and Angry Birds Rio Backup by Whitney Powell. All three worked flawlessly. It saved me from having to root my phone and/or replay all those levels.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I can't test this since I am rooted, but I assume ADB will allow you to access the data via shell. At worst you can copy over the data into a directory on the sd card. Restoring it would be problematic.

ADB = Android Debugging tool as part of the android SDK.

http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

Fortunately unrevoked has a tool to root your phone as an application exploit so that you don't get the 100% root (can do nandroid and replace kernels) but you can run titanium backup.

www.unrevoked.com (unrevoked forever is the 1-click root). Check their list for supported devices.

As long as your phone is not bricked, this should not void your warranty as long as you just run titanium and remove unrevoked + titanium when returning the phone.

---
Tags: backup, angry-birds
---


# Question
Title: How to retrieve a system file of Android?
I ve deleted the file "fw\_bcm4329.bin" from the root of the SD card, right now I cannot connect by my pc with the tethering of android.

Anyone knows how to retrieve this file?

I have a

Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 with Android 2.2.1 Froyo

thank You

max

# Answer
> 1 votes
This XDA post provides a Multiupload link, where you can download that file.

# Answer
> -2 votes
I have used the ASTRO File Manager. You should be able to use this free Android Market app to locate and manage all the root files. If you deleted this firmware binary file in the SD card, it probably is gone. I have not heard of any undelete app for Android.

---
Tags: wifi-tethering, samsung-galaxy-ace
---


title: Netflix: Is there an app yet?

text:
# Question
Title: Netflix: Is there an app yet?
Is there an app to play videos from Netflix and Hulu for the Android?

# Answer
**Yes there is**!

Today Netflix released an offical App.

Netflix Blog post about release.

Currently Netflix playback is supported on the following phones:

* HTC Incredible with Android 2.2
* HTC Nexus One with Android 2.2, 2.3
* HTC Evo 4G with Android 2.2
* HTC G2 with Android 2.2
* Samsung Nexus S with Android 2.3

If you don't have one of these devices but you do have an HTC or Samsung device you can try this method here to make the Netflix app work on your device. I have not tried this myself as I have one of the supported devices. Try this at your own risk
> 12 votes

# Answer
Netflix recently posted on their blog that they will begin to roll out support for individual devices in the coming year, but not a generic Netflix app. They claim:

> The hurdle has been the lack of a generic and complete platform security and content protection mechanism available for Android.

You can read the entire post at http://blog.netflix.com/2010/11/netflix-on-android.html .
> 5 votes

# Answer
As of today, no there is nothing public. Like Matt says, you can find this out through other sites instead of asking here. A simple Google search will give you results of speculation and rumor like this:

http://mashable.com/2010/08/07/netflix-android-app/
> 4 votes

# Answer
No, as of Sept. 18, 2010, but according to this story Netflix appears to have hired Android developers, almost certainly for this purpose: http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/08/10/netflix-android-app/
> 3 votes

---
Tags: streaming, television, netflix
---


# Question
Title: How can I find better quality video streams to my Android phone?
I'm looking for an app that will stream television and/or movies to my phone on 3G. I have a long commute and find that apps I've used (tv.com mainly) have poor selection or quality. Since Android does not have Netflix or Hulu available, what are some other apps that would allow me to watch streaming video without considerable lag?

# Answer
Today Netflix released an offical App!

> Currently Netflix playback is supported on the following phones:
>
> HTC Incredible with Android 2.2
>
> HTC Nexus One with Android 2.2, 2.3
>
> HTC Evo 4G with Android 2.2
>
> HTC G2 with Android 2.2
>
> Samsung Nexus S with Android 2.3
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, video, 3g, streaming, netflix
---


# Question
Title: what do you call the black bar at the bottom of the Honeycomb interface?
I'm googling for a problem with the black bar on the bottom of my ASUS Transformers screen. the one with the navagation icons, notifications, and battery info. I'm not sure what the official name for that UI element is.

ps: i solved my origional problem. this bar thickens to addjust the aspect ratio when using HDMI output though I still dont know it's name.

# Answer
> 3 votes
To answer your question on what the 'black bar' is at the bottom of the screen - it appears to be called the `System Bar`. I thought it was the `Notification Bar` but apparently that is part of the `System Bar`.

Here are several links that I found in my search:

Android 3.0 Highlights from Android Developer site

TalkAndroid.com

Esato.com

PhoneArena.com

StackOverflow Question where someone called it a 'System Bar'

---
Tags: 3.0-honeycomb
---


title: Where do i get an HTC-Hero ROM

text:
# Question
Title: Where do i get an HTC-Hero ROM
I have an HTC Hero Android Version:2.3.3, i want to figure out if i can downgraded it to a previous version that the Hero can actually handle.

* I don't know if my android is rooted, and not sure how to find out
* I don't know if my phone is upgradable/downgradeable or not and
* and I have no idea Where I can get a nice clean ROM for my phone

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's probably rooted. If not, then it was in order to install 2.3, and it can be rooted again. If you have the SuperUser app, that should be a clear indication that it's rooted.

You should definitely be able to downgrade.

The best source for ROMs is generally the Android Development subforum for a particular device on XDA. In this case, this subforum.

---
Tags: htc-hero, rom, updates
---


# Question
Title: Why does Android have such problems remembering last know location?
I've never been able to figure out the manner in which Android remembers its last know location. If seems to remember the location from several hours ago but not several seconds ago. I think its best to give an example of what I mean.

I was recently in the Bay Area. I was using Google maps on my Android and I happened to be around the Google Campus in Mountain View. I was using maps with GPS enabled and after a while I got a proper GPS lock which I used to navigate around the area.

When I went back to San Francisco later on I was using it to get around the city. Every time I turned on the maps it put my location back in Mountain view. About 10 seconds later after it got the GPS lock I got my real location. If I turned the phone off and on again a few seconds later the same thing happened - it thinks I am in somewhere I was hours earlier and then kicks in with my actual location. This happens all the time - remembering where I was hours ago, not where I was a few moments ago. Once I have been around an area for a certain amount of time this now becomes the new "last know location".

Why, once I get an accurate GPS lock, does Android not register this as the "last known location" instead of one from earlier?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Not a complete answer, but some background information:

* Your device can have more than 1 location provider, e.g. one based on GPS and one based on which mobile phone towers it can see.
* Android does not have a one single last known position. Each location provider has its own last known position.
* A location has additional metrics, like accuracy, when it was recorded, what was recorded (e.g. does it have an altitude component etc)

So it depends on which location provider the app uses and that can depend on or even change based on dynamic parameters. E.g. on start-up it could ask Android for the fastest location provider to get going and then switch to the most accurate one to gradually get a better fix.

# Answer
> 2 votes
It is my understanding that Android uses coarse and fine grained type location updates and these updates can have different quality metrics too. It could be that the Google Maps application didn't have GPS and Wifi signal long enough at your new location to be a high enough quality to be the last know location.

The developer docs at http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/location/obtaining-user-location.html give some example models for obtaining user locations that might give some insight to how it works. But I would guess Google Maps, and probably other maps, do their own thing.

---
Tags: gps, geolocation
---


title: App for gmail video chat

text:
# Question
Title: App for gmail video chat
I just bought HTC incredible S. It has front camera. How can begin gmail video chat?

# Answer
This is now possible (May 2011):

Check out the demonstration video.

Note that this is available only for the `Nexus S` for now, but it should soon work for all *Android 2.3* devices.
> 3 votes

# Answer
The service is not available yet for Android devices:

> Voice and video in Gmail only works with the newer version of Gmail in supported browsers: FF 2.0+, IE 6.0+, Safari 3.0+, and Google Chrome.

However, it's likely they have something in the works. In the meantime, there are alternative services like Fring and QiK.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: google-talk, video-conference, htc-incredible-s
---


title: MS Office Client for Android

text:
# Question
Title: MS Office Client for Android
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How can I create and edit Microsoft Office documents in Android

I just bought a new Galaxy Tab P1000 and I want to open my office documents like Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.

Is there already a client like Microsoft Office for Android?

# Answer
There is a great app called DocumentsToGo which lets you open MS Office files. If you want to be able to create new ones and edit them in your mobile phone, you need to buy a licence for their app, but otherwise you can use it for free.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: ms-office
---


# Question
Title: Connecting Android mobile to Mail Exchange Server
I am currently pursuing a project, and need to connect my Android device to an Exchange mail server. I am having a problem connecting my Android mobile to a Windows server. Could any body please guide me through it? Do I need to connect it using EDGE, GPRS, or Wi-Fi?

# Answer
> 3 votes
In order to connect your phone to an Exchange account follow these steps:

1. From the home screen hit the menu button and choose "Settings".
2. Choose "Accounts & sync".
3. Click the "Add account" button on the bottom.
4. Choose "Corporate".
5. Enter the full E-mail address and Password of the Exchange account you're trying to link, then click "Next".
6. This step may require you to contact your Exchange server administrator. You will need to know the name of the domain on which the Exchange server resides, and then enter it in the first field before the "\\". Leave the Password field alone, and make sure that the Server field lists either the IP address of your Exchange server or the name (commonly something like "mail.mycompany.com"). Depending on how the Exchange server is set up you may need to check or uncheck the two boxes below the Server field, but usually the defaults work fine. Then hit "Next".
7. Agree to the disclaimer (all it says is that the administrator of the Exchange server has the ability to wipe any Exchange-related information from your phone without your permission) and you should be all set!

If everything went according to plan you should start receiving E-mails right away in the E-mail app.

**Edit:** These steps should work for Android 2.2 and definitely work for 2.3.

---
Tags: email, exchange
---


# Question
Title: How can I search for or find text within a web page on the android browser?
How can I search for or find text within a web page on the android browser?

# Answer
`(Menu button) More -> Find on page`.
> 8 votes

---
Tags: browser
---


title: Upgrading developer phone

text:
# Question
Title: Upgrading developer phone
I've an HTC Magic Developer Phone running Android 1.6. I want to upgrade it to Android 2.1. Please guide me how to do this.

# Answer
> 5 votes
If your phone is actually a developer phone supplied through Google (and not a consumer phone bought through a phone company) then you've actually got an ADP2, not a Magic, beware of that when looking for ROMs as they are some subtle differences in the hardware.

Official ADP2 images are hosted by HTC at http://developer.htc.com/ but only up to Android 1.6 for ADP1 and ADP2.

If you do actually have an HTC Magic (aka mytouch 3G) then depending on your phone company there are official Froyo releases for the Magic which have been pushed out OTA by some phone companies, see this previous question for more info When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?. If going for unofficial ROMs then be careful again as there are (at least) two hardware variants of this with incompatible ROMs, the Magic A, and Magic B.

# Answer
> 5 votes
If you don't mind rooting your phone, perhaps the easiest thing to do is to flash CyanogenMod on it. The HTC Magic is supported up to CM6 (Android 2.2, Froyo). You can find more details here, be sure to read up on the wiki. It is not supported on CM7 or later (Android 2.3, Gingerbread).

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, updates, htc-magic, 1.6-donut
---


# Question
Title: How do I auto arrange icons in the app menu?
My device is a Samsung Galaxy Ace / Cooper. It's running on Froyo. I want to auto arrange icons in the app menu. Is there a way to do this? Like auto arrange alphabetically? Is there a built-in function for doing this? Or an app on the market for the same purpose?

# Answer
Some versions of the Touchwiz launcher already have the ability to sort alphabetically. Open the app drawer, press `Menu`, **View type**, and choose **Alphabetical grid** or **Alphabetical list**.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Since you're on a Samsung, I believe you have TouchWiz (I believe the Ace does, anyway). You can try the TouchWiz AppSorter app from the Market. It requires your phone to be rooted in order for it to work.

If you don't have root, one option is to wipe the data for the launcher application, which will force it to re-sort the apps. You do this by going into `Settings->Applications->Manage Applications` and finding the launcher (should be called "TwLauncher", I think). Then you select that and hit clear data. **Be warned**, though, that this will wipe your home screen settings, meaning that any widgets or home screen icons you have set up will need to be reconfigured. You can easily set them back up, but it can be a bit annoying. You'd also have to do this every time you install a new app.

Another alternative would be to install a different launcher. Most third-party launcher applications seem sort alphabetically by default from what I've seen. ADW.Launcher and Launcher Pro are fairly popular choices.

Here is a related XDA thread with some discussion (aimed at the Galaxy S I9000, but essentially the same). Some of your options do depend on what version of TouchWiz you have.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, home-screen-shortcuts, samsung-touchwiz, samsung-galaxy-ace, menu
---


# Question
Title: Com Error in Blip TV App for Optimum V Phone
Good afternoon, I am attempting to get the Android Blip application working for my phone, as of this moment it only works for the Samsung Viberant and I currently do not have that phone. Now though the power of the Internet I managed to locate the apk and was able to get it installed to my phone, however whenever I attempt to run the device I get this error:

> The application blip.tv (process com.blipnetworks.android.blipdroid) has stopped unexpectedly. Please try again.

I took a look into the apk to see if I could find the error via an SDK to give me a better idea of what this could lead to, however in my attempts of debugging and searching I was unable to determine what the issue is for this device. Any assistance would be great since the ARM 6 chip isn't supported in flash and this would be the only means of me viewing videos from that site. Thank you in advance.

# Answer
Odds are if it's only supported on the Samsung Vibrant there's a good reason why. Until Blip is released for your phone model or someone manages to modify the app for other phones you're likely out of luck.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, non-market, android-sdk, system-error
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop Samsung Galaxy Spica restarting itself in a loop?
I recently bought a used galaxy spica its in really good condition and etc..but when i launched it up there is something fishy going on...

It restarts in a loop...

As in, it boots up, i can use the phone for around minute or so, then it restarts...then again i can use it for a minute or so...and it restarts...i cant call or anything cause it restarts all the time.

It has been updates from the original 1.5 to 2.1 eclare, if you know a fix, please do tell.

# Answer
> 4 votes
If it was working before, try uninstalling the app(s) you put on it most recently. They might be the problem. After that, the first thing to try is probably a factory reset.

---

Edit: OK, so basically your ROM is totally screwed up. I would just replace it.

Some official firmware is linked in this XDA post. Download whichever you prefer, then use Odin as described below.

Download Odin for Windows (search for "Heimdall" if you are on Linux). Then do the following:

1. Put your phone into Download mode
    1. Remove the battery
    2. Hold the VolumeDown, Camera, and End Call buttons:
        1. Reinsert the battery.
        2. After a few seconds a yellow triangle with an android in it should appear, you can let go of the keys since this is download mode.
2. Start up Odin.
3. Attach the phone to USB so that Odin recognizes it.
4. Load the .tar file you downloaded (the ROM) into the PDA field of Odin. (If you got a .rar or .zip instead of a .tar, you need to extract the .tar inside the archive. A .tar.md5 file is fine.)
5. Optional: Load the 512 .pit file into the PIT field of Odin and check "Re-partition". You should only do this if you screwed up the partitions or perhaps if flashing without this doesn't work. Make sure you have the appropriate .pit file for your device variant.
6. Hit Start. Odin will tell you when it's done; if it fails, reboot your phone and try again. (This happens occasionally).

Note that you do this at your own risk; Odin is very powerful and misusing it can damage your phone. I've used it dozens of times myself safely.

---
Tags: reboot, samsung-galaxy-spica
---


# Question
Title: Why does taking a screen shot require root access?
I was thinking about this and I don't understand the reasoning behind it. iPhone users have this capability out of the box, and yet Apple is far more protective of their devices.

Whether this turns into a philosophical discussion or a technical discussion (or maybe both) I'd still like to understand why this limitation exists in Android.

# Answer
> 10 votes
No idea why it wasn't available before, but as of 2.3.3 non-rooted screen shot support was added for system apps, at least. As eldarerathis noted, there are some articles out there implying that this would let any app capture a screen shot now, but according to an android engineer this permission is only granted to apps signed by the system image's keys - it is only available to be rolled into the OS, not as a feature 3rd party apps can access.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I would think it's so that rogue apps can't transmit pictures of what you're doing. Of course, that doesn't explain why apps that read SMS or whatever don't require root :P

---
Tags: screenshots
---


title: CM7 Launcherpro Changing Dock Icons

text:
# Question
Title: CM7 Launcherpro Changing Dock Icons
I downloaded some icons in extracted them to the SD card under a directory I made called icons. I've been trying to get launcherpro to change the dock icons, however whenever I click change icon the gallery always opens up. No matter what I do I cannot get the icons to show up in the gallery. I've tried deleting the gallery cache and deleting the gallery default actions as well as placing the icons in various different places on the SD card.

I would prefer the icons do not show up in the gallery at all so I could just use a file manager to choose the new icons. However, I cannot get the file manager open when I click change icon. The only program that will open is the gallery.

Can anybody help me?

# Answer
Sounds to me like you only have one "Image Chooser" app installed, and you would need to install another. I know ES File Explorer registers itself as one, so if you install that maybe it will show up in the menu and then you can use it to browse to your icons.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, launcherpro
---


title: How to uninstall SuperManager

text:
# Question
Title: How to uninstall SuperManager
I installed the SuperManager app and every time I try to uninstall it it just stays there. Has anyone experienced that and found a solution?

# Answer
This might seem like running in circles, but try downloading and installing the "Uninstaller" app http://www.appbrain.com/app/uninstaller/com.rhythm.hexise.uninst and use that to remove Super Manager. I can't speak on Super Manager itself, but I know I've run into problems with not being able to uninstall things before, and this app has helped out. Then, once Super Manager is gone, you can just uninstall the uninstaller app and you're no worse for the wear. Good luck!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, uninstallation
---


title: Phone won't connect to mobile network

text:
# Question
Title: Phone won't connect to mobile network
As of yesterday my phone was okay as I know I had a missed call and checked it on voicemail, but today I noticed that it is showing no signal when there should be one.

The last thing I know I did was to try \*#61# to check the voicemail numbers as I was thinking of setting a longer timeout, but I didn't actually change it.

If I go into Additional call settings I get 'Network or SIM card error', but I expect that is linked to the lack of network. However, I wonder if something on the SIM is messed up.

I've turned it off/on a couple of times. Also tried a different SIM from a different service and that worked. It there anything I can try resetting?

It's an htc Tattoo on Android 1.6.

# Answer
I would bring the phone to your carrier's local store. If a different SIM card from the same carrier works, then it's possible that your SIM card is damaged or corrupted. The carrier may need to replace it for you. Keep in mind that some carriers (or authorized reseller outlets) will charge you for this.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Check your APNs. This might help: http://www.htc.com/mea-en/SupportViewNews.aspx?dl\_id=949&news\_id=654

Note: APNs are **provider specific**, the linked walkthrough covers KSA Mobily Postpaid Subscribers, but if you Google search: *(Your Provider) APN Settings*, it will turn up what you need and then just substitute THOSE values for the ones in the walkthrough.

Good luck!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sim-card, network-signal, mobile-network
---


title: How to root and what apps to use

text:
# Question
Title: How to root and what apps to use
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How do I root my device?

I have an HTC Incredible 2. I would like to know how to remove the locked pre installed apps and what apps I need for longer battery life and to maximize memory. (cpu not storage.)

My device is S-ON by the way. I know that makes it more difficult at the least, but if there is a way I would like to know.

# Answer
> -2 votes
Try this: http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/dfy5x/all\_how\_to\_root\_your\_android\_phone/

---
Tags: applications, rooting, htc-droid-incredible-2
---


title: How can I delete my texts?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I delete my texts?
I did not realize if you have more than about 400 SMS texts in one stack, the phone seems unable to delete. I have over 5000 SMS texts in one stack and I don't have the time or patience to delete them all individually.

Hope someone can help

Thank you

# Answer
> 3 votes
You should be able to go to `Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications -> All` and clear the data for **Messaging Storage** or something similar, depending on your particular device and software.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This app should allow you to do it per contact. https://market.android.com/details?id=cn.com.opda.android.clearmaster

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just throwing this out there. No idea if it will work, because I don't have any text threads with that many to test it on, but have you tried doing it in some *other* text message clients? Which one are you using now? Try it in the default text client, and then try downloading Handcent SMS or Chomp SMS and see if you can do it from there. Sometimes different apps will make it possible to do something that another app that's *supposed* to be able to accomplish, cannot.

Good luck!

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: How do I grant root privileges to an app?
I have installed Root Explorer on my HTC G12 phone. When try to view `/init.rc`, it shows 'No root privilege' and ask me to root my phone.

It seems Root Explorer didn't run as root (or this process is not added to some group with storage access). And, it seems on a non-rooted device, when the phone boots up, we are logged in as a non-root user.

Where does Android control the log-in user's privilege level? Is it in the `init` process?

# Answer
The log in user is always a **user**. You have to invoke `su` to run specific commands as the root user, and `su` will not work unless you have rooted your device to gain access to the root account (imagine it's password prtoected and you have to crack the password). To gain root access on your device, check out How do I root my Android device?

Root Explorer and similar apps will automatically invoke `su` when they are able to. The SuperUser app can be used to control access to `su`, so that you don't have to worry about rogue applications elevating themselves beyond your user permissions.
> 8 votes

---
Tags: root-access
---


# Question
Title: I Want to Download ann App That is Free and is for android 1.6, i have android 2.1 and it says its not compatible
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Why are some Apps on the market incompatible with my device?

Thats it. I Wanna Download This App
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.projectx.android.ScouterLite&feature=search\_result

And i Have an ZTE Racer With Android 2.1

What's wrong?

# Answer
It could be all kinds of things, Google won't (yet) tell. I'm annoyed about that myself (having bought a Samsung Galaxy 5 two weeks ago). Posted an item to the Google's Android Help forum, but no official response (yet...).

I'd be surprised, though, if it was the carrier. Too low camera resolution sounds more plausible (I suspect that's why I can't install Google Goggles, the Galaxy 5 camera does 2 MP only).

But... only the developer of the app could tell you which requirements they specified in the manifest.

A bit of background: an app developer can specify features her app requires. Like "device needs a camera". Or "device needs at least X x Y screen resolution". The market checks this list against the device you want to install it on, and... in your case, they don't match.
> 3 votes

# Answer
It's probably your carrier. Developers can choose which carriers to allow for their apps. As well, Google just announced the ability to allow specific devices only (not sure whether it's implemented yet). Other ZTE Racer owners have reported such Market issues.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, 2.1-eclair, 1.6-donut, zte-racer
---


title: icons for Android

text:
# Question
Title: icons for Android
I would like to assign some simple icons to Gmail label shortcuts, like an airplane for travel. Is there a convenient way to do this? Icon selection seems to go through the Gallery app now.

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you use ADW Launcher, you can create the label shortcut on your homescreen and then use icons from a themepack to customise the look of said shortcut.

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: How can I root or make my partitions mounted rw?
I can edit firmware, how can I make my firmware rooted?

I tried changing all ro in init.rc to rw, but after boot they are mounted in ro. I guess the problem is there. Also I can't remount in adb. It says no errors but doesn't do the job. So all one-click root apps can't root, because they can't remount. How can I root or make partitions rw?

Thanks

# Answer
Usually a bug is exploited to temporarily get a chosen process running as root, that is used to remount the file system read write, either startup scripts are changed and/or suid binaries added, then the file systems are synced and remounted read only again and likely the device is rebooted.

You don't normally want to have the system partition writable on an android device, even when rooted - you only make it writable on the rare occasions when you are changing it.

EDIT-Summary of comments: It appears that /system on this device is cramfs, an inherently read-only compressed file system. Likely a modified image would need to be generated on a PC and then flashed.

Search result for dealing with this problem on rockchip based devices:

http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/rockchip-based/439-how-unpack-repack-custom-firmwares-rockchip-rk28xx.html
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: Auto login to wifi networks

text:
# Question
Title: Auto login to wifi networks
My university redirects me to a https login page when accessing internet through wifi. This is irritating when trying to connect to the Internet from my Android phone. I was wondering whether there is some application to do logging in whenever that application is opened (storing credentials, of course)? If not, how can I create such an application? Is there any previous application created (with open source code) that is customized for automating logging into certain networks?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I use "Hotspot Droid Lite" for this (although I don't use the html login option)

We evaluated several in our workplace and this is one of the simplest to use.

There will be others on the market (as per Lie Ryan's comment)

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: HTC Desire S not listed on HTC support website?
I should be getting a HTC Desire S android phone in the next few days. It is listed on the HTC website at http://www.htc.com/uk/product/desires/overview.html, but doesn't appear on the HTC support site at http://www.htc.com/uk/support.aspx.

Does anyone know why this this is, or how I can get to the support page for this phone? I'd like to have a look at the Users Guide before the phone arrives.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Have you tried the manual from the International site?

---
Tags: htc-desire-s
---


# Question
Title: How do I upgrade my rooted Nexus One using OTA updates?
I have a Nexus One that I rooted years ago. It's running "stock" Froyo. I get offered OTA updates to Gingerbread, and I'd like to do the update.

When I choose the update, it reboots the phone, which brings me to the ClockworkMod bootloader. Now what?

Can I make this work somehow?

# Answer
OTA updates can only be applied to a completely stock, non-rooted phones, using the stock recovery.

If you really want a completely stock Gingerbread, you will need to un-root your Nexus One and revert to Froyo's stock recovery. See instructions here.

Alternatively, you can flash one of the custom Gingerbread ROMs. Some are very close to "stock" (only pre-rooted) while others like CyanogenMod offer other tweaks on top of the original.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, updates, clockworkmod-recovery, ota-update, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to root the Samsung Galaxy Fit?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Fit. I am not able to find any guide on the web regarding how to root it. Is there some method suitable for beginners?

# Answer
According to some users in this thread, application named "SuperOneClick" is able to successfully root your handset. You will need to install it on your computer (various Windows and Linux flavors available).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-fit
---


# Question
Title: Why is the FEATURED TABLET APPS tab in the Android market not present on my PC?
As an answer to my question about applications for bigger Android screens, Daniel answered whether I noticed the **FEATURED TABLET APPS** tab in the PC version of the Android market.

However, on my screen, **this tab is not present** :

Does anyone know why this tab is not present on my version of the Android market ?

I am **logged in to my market account**, I have a *Samsung Galaxy S* and a *Archos 101 tablet*. Daniel has no tablet, so that can't be the reason.

I am living in *Europe*, so maybe it's a territorial thing ?

# Answer
**Edit:** As per Lie's comment below, it looks to be US-only. The proxy site I use apparently changed to hosting in the UK :P

---

I'm in Canada, and also tried from a US UK (my bad) proxy. It doesn't show up.

A quick Google search shows that the URL for the page with the tablet apps should be https://market.android.com/details?id=apps\_tablet\_featured. Using this link directly doesn't work either, whereas https://market.android.com/details?id=apps\_featured (the regular featured apps) does.

So I think Google just had it up temporarily and took it down. Or, if Daniel can still see it, they're doing what Google normally does: rolling out new features slowly, to only some users at a time.
> 3 votes

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


# Question
Title: How do I upload videos and tag photos using Facebook for Android?
How do you upload a video to Facebook from the Droid and how do you tag photos from your phone on Facebook?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can't do either using the official Facebook for Android app. You have to do it through the website (presumably the full non-mobile site; there's a "Full Site" link at the bottom of the mobile version).

---
Tags: facebook
---


# Question
Title: How can I shut off sync or change its frequency?
I think the term is: how do I pull not push? I don't want the phone constantly checking for FB, new email, etc. every 30 seconds. But I cannot work out how to:

1. Limit this to once every hour or less
2. Stop it so that I can refresh when I want to know (and it doesn't keep doing it in the background)

Please advise.

# Answer
As well as the other answers, you can change the frequency that some accounts sync by going to `Settings -> Accounts and sync`. For instance, when I click on my Facebook account from there I can change the "Social networking sync interval" to none, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, or once per day.
> 2 votes

# Answer
On my phone (I simply don't know if this is a default Android thing or an SGS thing) I have a widget for power controls (I believe it's called "Activation", but my phone is in Hebrew so I don't know what it's really called).

In Froyo this gives you buttons for controlling:

* screen brightness
* GPS
* Wifi
* Bluetooth
* **Background Sync**

In Gingerbread it gives some other control whose meaning I don't know.

This allows you to enable or disable sync at the tap of a button on the home screen.

This is the same as enabling or disabling background sync from `Settings -> Accounts and sync`.
> 2 votes

# Answer
"Push" is actually more efficient than pull. With "push" your phone doesn't need to connect to the mail server every once in a while. Instead, the server sends a signal to the phone telling it whenever new mail is available.

If you are using the Gmail app for accessing your Gmail account, you are already using push and no extra settings are necessary. For other services you will need to go to each app that access them (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and go into options to find settings for "refresh interval." Most apps allow you to customize this setting, and allow for a "Manual" option, thus disabling automatic refresh.
> 1 votes

# Answer
For most apps, you'll need to go into each individual app and change their sync settings.

For example for Facebook, open the facebook app, press `Back` to get off the News Feed page and onto the screen with all the icons, then press `Menu`, press Settings and change the **Refresh Interval**.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sync
---


title: Lock widgets in place

text:
# Question
Title: Lock widgets in place
Is there any way to lock widgets in place so that a long-tap won't make them move?

# Answer
Yup - ADW Launcher has an option to LOCK DESKTOP which doesn't allow any changes to be made to the shortcuts or widgets.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: app-widgets
---


# Question
Title: Droid X - is Blur home running when you use Launcher Pro?
Based on the process list in ATK, it appears that Blur home (including the widgets) are loaded and running - and can't be turned off in any way - when you are using Launcher Pro as your home replacement.

* Is this an accurate observation?
* Is there a way to stop any of the Blur **widget** processes from starting (rooted but standard ROM) completely? Just to clarify, "replace with Blur-less ROM" is not a satisfactory answer, since Cyanogen doesn't run on DroidX due to locked bootloader.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, that's an accurate observation.

I don't have a Motorola phone myself, but from what I understand Blur is embedded pretty tightly into the ROM. Trying to remove it would be painful at best, and probably just cause your phone to start crashing. I'd recommend flashing a custom ROM that either never had Blur (e.g. something built largely from the AOSP like CyanogenMOD) or a heavily customized version of your ROM that has had Blur thoroughly rooted out and replaced with stock apps.

---
Tags: home-screen, motorola-droid-x, launcher, motoblur
---


# Question
Title: Why is my Xoom showing up as a Windows Portable Device?
I have connected my Xoom to a Windows XP64 machine, and it shows up in the device manager as a Windows Portable Device. However, it does not show up in My Computer as a Windows Portable Device as the Motorolla site says it will.

I'm unable to access the files on the Xoom, although the device shows up in Windows Media Player as a device I can sync. However, it tries to convert files to fit onto the tablet rather than just copy the files over like I'd like to do.

Is this how this device is supposed to work, or is there something going wrong with my PC?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Also, some devices show up as Mass Storage devices, only when USB Debugging option is turned OFF. See if that helps.

---
Tags: motorola-xoom, windows
---


# Question
Title: How can I zoom without multitouch in Adobe PDF Reader?
How can zoom in Adobe PDF Reader without using multitouch? I can double-tap to zoom but it is just one level of zoom. How can I zoom more?

# Answer
> 4 votes
You can only zoom without multitouch in Reflow Text mode, sadly. `Menu -> View Mode -> Reflow Text` and then hit the `T+` button that pops up when you tap the screen.

# Answer
> 0 votes
These are some alternate applications for that purpose

Beam Reader
RepliGo Reader

---
Tags: zooming, adobe-reader
---


# Question
Title: Connect XOOM to internet using a USB UMTS Stick
I have bought a XOOM WiFI, and would like to know if it would be possible to connect it to internet using an external USB UMTS Stick (Huawei E122 HSPA USB Stick). I am aware this is not supported out of the box, I would like to know what would entail trying to connect it to a USB key which by default comes with drivers for desktop operating systems.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you mean a USB ethernet adapter, then if you have one that has \[fully open source\] drivers in the mainline linux kernel, it *may* be as simple as recompiling the kernel for your xoom, installing it, and getting one of the USB otg adapter cables people have been using to read usb memory sticks on xooms. Fortunately the xoom seems more open to modified kernels than their phones.

Once it is available in the kernel, you may also need to figure out how to tell android to use that network interface - notice there's no ifconfig binary (though people have made their own). You might check with the android beagle board and android x86 projects to see how they initialize ethernet adapaters.

# Answer
> 1 votes
As of right now, I'm going to say you can't do this. Android 3.1 just added USB host support, so it is technically possible, though someone would need to build drivers or an application to take advantage of it.

---
Tags: usb, internet, 3g, motorola-xoom, usb-host-mode
---


title: Where are my photos saved?

text:
# Question
Title: Where are my photos saved?
I want to categorize/reorganize the photos in my gallery. I feel like I've been all over the place in ASTRO, looking them, but I can't seem to find them. I see my downloads, and some other photo folders I've moved stuff to while plugged in to my computer, but not the photos I've taken with the camera.

I've checked `/mnt/sdcard/dcim`, but all it has are three directories: Camera (empty), Icons (empty) and .thumbnails (full of cryptic cache files). Same story at `/sdcard/dcim` (I think those two are symlinked).

Where are my photos?

If it makes a difference, I'm on an HTC Incredible.

*edit*

In my camera settings, it is set to save photos to the phone's memory, not my sd card.

# Answer
Aha, found them!

`/emmc/DCIM`

Then most of them are in the `100MEDIA` sub directory.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Your photos should be in the DCIM folder. I have an HTC EVo and all photos from my camera are in `/sdcard/DCIM/100MEDIA/`. I doubt this would help but maybe you should try another file manager.

Try taking a photo and then go to your `DCIM` directory to see if any new folders or images are there.

It looks like you solved your issue! Just so others have a method to help themselves if they get stuck i'm adding this to my answer:

If you can view any photos in HTC photo app you can long press on the photo and select the `Details` option. This should provide you with a `File path`
> 2 votes

---
Tags: htc-droid-incredible, files, photos
---


title: Low disk storage Space

text:
# Question
Title: Low disk storage Space
I have not added applications to my phone. I have actually been deleting applications from my phone because it will tell me I have low disk storage space. Sometimes it goes away, but will come back at another time when I still have not added any applications from the market. I'm not sure how to keep it from telling me this...

# Answer
Cache from installed apps also resides on the phone's internal memory, and if not cleared in a while can grow large enough to fill it up. Go to `Menu -> Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications -> Menu -> Sort by size`. Then tap on the largest apps and tap on the `Clear Cache` button. GMail, Browser and Maps are known space hogs.

You can try various apps that clear cache with one click. For example, aCCleaner or CacheMate. Keep in mind that some of these apps require root.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, insufficient-memory
---


# Question
Title: Does ConnectBot supports SSH tunnel /authenticating with pubkey/?
Can I connect with ConnectBot to an SSH server to SSH tunnel that doesn't uses passwords, because it's only using "ssh pubkey login"?
Thanks.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, ConnectBot supports pubkey authentication and tunnels.

---
Tags: ssh
---


title: How can I live without a trackball?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I live without a trackball?
I've been using a Nexus One for the past year and half and am very happy with it as a phone. I am *not*, however, happy with my carrier and so will be trading up very soon. Amongst the current crop of 4G phones, the Nexus S has caught my attention, largely due to its similarity to the Nexus One.

One major difference between the two has me concerned, however — I absolutely *love* the trackball on my N1 and am having trouble picturing how I'll be able to use a phone as effectively without one. My main concerns are:

1. Text entry. I tend to edit my emails / text messages / etc. as I write them by jumping back and forth frequently. The trackball makes this very easy to do with great precision.
2. Games. I play a number of puzzle games (Shortyz, Vexed Pro, Andoku, etc.) which all benefit greatly from the "scroll-and-click" interface of the trackball.

Does the Nexus S (or Gingerbread) offer anything to fill the holes left by the removal of the trackball? I've seen mention of a "brand new text-selection paradigm" introduced in Gingerbread, but haven't the faintest idea what that's in reference to.

I had been hoping for something like arrow keys on the soft keyboard, but if a setting for them exists, I'm not able to find it.

# Answer
Keyboards like Smart Keyboard and Better Keyboard (\*Tap ?123 and then \<\> key to access) do indeed have arrow keys that can appear below the normal onscreen keyboard or as a separate keyboard containing arrow keys alone.

The caveat being, the onscreen keyboard will use up some of your screen real-estate while in use.

As regards games, most non-HTC Android devices are without trackpads and D-pads too (unfortunately!), so most game devs would bear that in mind. I don't know if the onscreen keyboard would work in the games you play, however.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I'll be honest it's probably not something you'll miss at all after a few weeks. My previous Android phone was an HTC Magic, apart from text selection I found the trackball pretty useless on that. Since upgrading to a Galaxy S, that has no trackball/pad/d-pad at all, I can honestly say that I haven't needed one since about the first week, I think I've found two games total that needed a trackball, and they had so many "*needs a trackball, doesn't work on my phone*" type one-star reviews, that the devs must have changed them by now.

Gingerbread has a text selection feature based on tapping in the text and dragging your finger that works very well, Samsung's Touchwiz interface has had an incredibly similar interface for text selection since Eclair (I think) and that works well.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: nexus-one, 2.3-gingerbread, samsung-nexus-s, user-interface, trackball
---


# Question
Title: Trying to uninstall a keyboard, 'uninstall' grayed out, no root
I'm trying to uninstall PDAC Multilinugal keyboard and its language packs. The uninstall button on the app is grayed out, and I don't yet have root - is it possible to remove it without root access?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Most pre-installed keyboards are system apps. System apps can't be uninstalled without root access.

---
Tags: keyboard, uninstallation
---


title: No touchscreen response when charging

text:
# Question
Title: No touchscreen response when charging
I have a new HTC Desire S in the UK unlocked from Amazon running Android 2.3.3 and HTC Sense 2.1.

When I charge the phone the touchscreen is non responsive. I have tried changing Settings \> Applications \> Development \> Stay Awake (screen will never sleep whilst charging) but this makes no difference.

The touch screen does not respond, whether the phone is dark, lit up looking for my lock pattern, or unlocked and on the home page.

If it is charging and I press the power button the screen will wake up, but still the touchscreen is disabled completely.

Hopefully I have been clear that this is not solved by the "stay awake" function (seen elsewhere).

So, in summary, when charging the touchscreen is completely disabled and changing the "stay awake" checkbox makes no difference.

Any other ideas welcome.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you have a warranty I would use it as this sounds like malfunctioning hardware, not a software problem.

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Tags: htc-desire, htc-sense, charging, touchscreen
---


# Question
Title: Need a car-friendly way to listen to music?
Here is specifically what I'm looking for.

1) I would like the ability to use gesture/swipe controls to skip tracks. This is much easier than finding a button on a touchscreen to change tracks.

2) Ability to either prevent a lockscreen or control the player from the lockscreen. I don't mind if I have to push the power button to get the screen to wakeup, but once I do, I would like the ability to control the music player without going through the Android screen lock. I see this accomplished through either a certain type of music app, or some application that allows me to control what applications prevent a screen from locking.

I have a rooted Samsung Captivate (Galaxy-S) running a custom ROM variant of 2.2.1.

# Answer
> 10 votes
Go download PowerAmp. Best $5 I ever spent on an app.

It includes lockscreen controls and I'm pretty sure you can set up lockscreen gestures to do whatever you want. I'll confirm this real quick on my installation.

**Edit:** Confirmed on the lockscreen gestures. Swiping left and right over the album art will skip the track forward and backward by default, from anywhere in the app or on the lockscreen.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, lock-screens, music-player
---


# Question
Title: How do I backup and restore SMS Messages?
How do I backup and restore SMS Messages?

# Answer
I highly recommend SMS backup+. It'll back up your SMS to a Gmail Label:

> Automatically backup SMS, MMS and call log entries using a separate label in Gmail / Google Calendar. It is also possible to restore SMS and call log entries back to the phone (MMS not supported yet).
> 24 votes

# Answer
You can use SMS Backup & Restore to export to an XML file:

> Schedule automatic backups or backup your messages anytime you wish. You can view backup contents on your phone, and choose to backup selected conversations only.
>
> Backups are created in XML format and saved to your device's SD card.
>
> The XML can then be converted to other formats, and can also be viewed on a computer.
>
> It's easy to e-mail your backup files anywhere you wish.
> 21 votes

# Answer
Use a 3rd party tool such as

These offer many other options (such as backing up call log which I'd say is related)
> 1 votes

# Answer
I recommend **VeryAndroid SMS Backup**. It is a smart Android SMS backup software that can copy and backup SMS on Android phone to computer, restore SMS backup file to any Android phone, and also send messages or chat with a friend on computer directly, exactly the same as that you do on your android phone.

It can help you:

* Copy and backup SMS from Android phone to computer.
* Restore SMS from CSV to Android phone any time.
* Send SMS & SMS Chat on computer directly.
* Transfer SMS to Android phone from other phones (iPhone, Windows Mobile, Nokia, Blackberry, etc).
* View SMS messages in threading mode on computer.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Go SMS Pro https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jb.gosms has backing up SMS to SD as a feature. It is also a great replacement for text messages with Quick Replies and sending SMS on a schedule.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sms, backup, restore
---


# Question
Title: Can I get .apk file of an installed app?
I have deployed my apps .apk file on a Qualcomm device. Now due to my bad luck my laptop on which this app was developed got stolen.So i do not have my app code with me. However i have the device on which i had earlier installed my app.

So my question is, can i get my apps .apk file from this device? if yes, then please tell me how to get that.

Any help is appreciable.

Thanks, Gaurav

# Answer
It should be located at `/data/app/`. You can access that directly if you have root. If not, you will have to use `adb pull`. For example:

> adb pull /data/app/myapp.apk C:\backup\myapp.apk

More info on adb: http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/adb.html
> 10 votes

# Answer
If you know the *installed* file name of the apk (which on some devices may be myapp-1.apk or myapp-2.apk rather than just myapp.apk) you can directly access that as an ordinary user including the one adb runs as on a secured device, so you should be able to adb pull it. But if you don't know the *installed* apk name, you cannot browse the /data/app directory without being root or aid\_system.

It might be worth just guessing at the installed name - try it plain, try it with the -1.apk, and the -2.apk, etc.

There may be another way: I believe the following will work on a secured device but don't have one in front of me at the moment to test it.

**EDIT: New idea for determining exact APK file name**

1) adb pull /data/system/packages.xml

2) Look through it for your application's codePath entry

3) adb pull that

**EDIT: With regard to the old idea below, Matthew discovered that while the per-process files under /proc have read permission on a secured device, they are empty when read by an unprivileged uid other than that of their owner. So this won't work.**

---

1) Get your app running. You'll also need a machine with adb.

2) type

```
adb shell ps

```

and look for the line with your app's name:

```
app_1     11959 907   112984 27580 ffffffff afd0c5bc S com.clevername.myapp

```

3) take the number in the second column which is the process id, and view it's virtual memory map, in this case I would type

```
adb shell cat /proc/11959/maps

```

and look for a line where it has mapped its own apk file into memory

```
43e9c000-43ea3000 r--s 001f4000 b3:06 15393      /data/app/com.clevername.myapp-1.apk

```

4) That's the file name you would need to adb pull

```
adb pull /data/app/com.clevername.myapp-1.apk .

```

Examination of the directory permissions in /proc suggests this should work for an unprivileged user, my apologies if it does not. If you are familiar with the usage of 'grep' you can use that to avoid manually scanning the output.

Addendum: I'm not really sure what the story on apps installed to the SD card is.
> 4 votes

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Tags: apk
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