title: TWRP can not find partitions

text:
# Question
Title: TWRP can not find partitions
I had installed CWM recovery and used it to restore previous rom once and now I installed TWRP recovery (and I hope it replaced CWM because I used Odin3 to install both of them). Now I need to create backup of my device before wiping; But there is no partition detected in TWRP to backup:

Here is what shown on my device when I goto backup page and the errors shown after trying to backup:

Screenshots (click images for larger variants)

# Answer
The error was because my partitions were marked to be read only and TWRP version 2.7.0.0 was not checking that!

I installed TWRP version 3.0.0 and before starting new version it asked me a confirmation to make partitions editable and this simple step solved the problem.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-5, twrp, partitions
---


# Question
Title: New contacts added to my phone get deleted after sync with my Google account
Any time I add a new contact to my Google contacts, the second I turn on my WiFi it gets disappeared. It's been for over a month on Android 4.3 and 4.4 I have tested. This is new and I have not had this before. I guess the problem lies with the synchronization with Google account.

Note that this is not the case with Phone or SIM card contacts. That's why I am sure the problem lies somewhere in sync.

Is there any official issue that I'm not aware of?

# Answer
> 1 votes
solved!

I had the problem for a while, I now tried to add the contact to another google account (I have 2) - this time to the main account the phone is registered on.

The contacts have yet to disappear!

hope this will continue working (I know this isn't the best solution, cause what if you don't have 2 accounts?!)

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


# Question
Title: What does "Can't send message on card 1, error 21" mean?
I'm trying to send an SMS with Messenger on my new Nexus 5X running Lollipop, but sending always fails with `Can't send message on card 1, error 21`. Receiving SMS and making phone calls works fine. What's going on?

# Answer
Most likely **the destination phone number is formatted wrong**, which can happen particularly when importing contacts via third-party tool.

In this particular case, I used *My Contacts Backup* for iOS to export my contacts to VCF, then imported from Gmail. In the process, some numbers were wrongly formatted as `+61 0 4xx` when they should be just `+61 4xx`, causing the highly uninformative error message above. (The `21` error code actually comes from the operator's network, and has nothing to do with Android as such.) Removing the extra `0` solved the problem.
> 9 votes

# Answer
If above mentioned methods are not working, you may try installing 3rd party SMS applications (eg., EvolveSMS) instead of Google messenger. Hope it helps.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: sms, system-error, google-messages
---


# Question
Title: Pros and cons of rooting using apps ("Soft Root") compared to other methods ("Hard Root")
There are quite a few app based rooting methods. A recent review 9 free software apps to root Android devices, points to some of them and there may be more apps, paid or otherwise.

From what I understand,

**Plus Points**

1. Ease of rooting
2. Don't need a laptop or computer

**Minuses**

1. Based on exploits, so may not work if exploits are denied by OS updates
2. Difficulty in unrooting (as I see on some forums for my device Huawei Honor 6)

**Questions:**

* What are the pros and cons apart from above?
* If a device has both options - app based rooting and rooting by methods by developers, which one should I opt for?

**Note:** I am not seeking app suggestion or recommendation.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Thanks to AndrewT who posted a link on chat, having this research paper as a refernce in one of the answers. This answer is entirely based on the this paper (May 2015) and highlights common user understandable aspects ( it has a lot of *security* related material for those interested)

---

> * What are the pros and cons apart from above?
> * If a device has both options - app based rooting and rooting by methods by developers, which one should I opt for?

**Answer:** It's all about malware vulnerability. Using Root exploits is a HUGE security risk and that over-weighs any other advantages

## What is Soft Root and Hard Root?

* **Soft Root :** Root is obtained directly by running a piece of software (i.e., root exploits)- either by directly installing on the device or requiring `adb` shell through a PC connection
* **Hard Root :** Root is obtained by flashing su binary externally via an update package or ROM

## Malware Threat - in general

* Even though legitimate, many convenient one-click root methods operate by exploiting vulnerabilities in the Android system. If not carefully controlled, such exploits can be abused by malware author to gain unauthorized root privilege.
* As described in the Android Malware *Genome Project* , **36.7% ( of 1260 ) malware samples had embedded at least one root exploit.**
* These well-engineered exploits are not well protected, it is extremely dangerous if they fall in the wrong hands.

## Who are major root providers and broadly, how does it work?

## What are the types of root expolits ?

The paper covers 78 exploits studied. In general , the order of **impact** ( from the *highest to lowest*) :

* **Kernel Exploits:** Due to its privileged position, targeting Linux Kernel is natural to achieve full control over an Android device- example ,TowelRoot
* **Library Exploits:** the exploits targeting libraries that are used by Android system processes, or external libraries used for supporting different applications, example ZergRush exploit , libsysutils used by Volume Manager daemon
* **Application and Application Framework Application layer root exploits :** exploits targeting system applications or services, mostly include vulnerable logics introduced by `setuid` utilities, system applications, or services. example is a vulnerable `setuid` utility that is only present on XoomFE devices that has a command injection vulnerability
* **Vendor-Specific Kernel or Drivers:** Vendors either customize the kernel (e.g., Qualcomm’s custom Linux kernel branch) or provide vendor-specific device drivers for various peripherals (e.g., camera, sound). Such code runs inside the kernel space and the compromise of which can also lead to full control over the device.

**Number wise** , exploits are as in figure below

## How difficult is it to lay your hands on Exploit (Source or Binary) ?

**Very easy.** Easily available from Google search, making it a cake walk for malware authors to leverage such exploits. Googling for 73 exploits lead to 68 of them being available - 46 with source code and 22 with binaries

## How do these exploits work?

Major requirements for exploits to work (ordered from *most difficult to least*) ( tag has a lot of these instances)

* **Requiring user interactions:** (6 out of 78 studied)

+ Asking the user to download an app and manually interrupt the installation
    + Asking the user to boot into recovery at least once .
    + Asking the user to manually put the device into “battery saving” mode .
    + Asking the user to open a vendor specific app and hit a button
* **Requiring `adb` shell through a PC connection:** (17 out of 78 studied). For some exploits, `adb` shell connection is required because of the following most common reasons:

+ The exploit can successfully modify a setting in `local.prop` which enables root for `adb` shell only.
    + The exploit needs to write to a file owned by group shell and group-writable (not world-writable)
    + The exploit targets the adb daemon process that requires the attack process to run with shell user. For instance, the *Rage Against the Cage exploit* targets the vulnerability of adb daemon’s missing check on return value of `setuid()`
* **Reboot:** (6 out of 78 studied) Generally, many root exploits require at least one reboot. For instance, a symbolic link attack would allow an attacker to delete a file owned by system with weak permission, to setup a link at the same location to a protected file. After a reboot, the corresponding init scripts would attempt to change the permission of the original file to world-writable, which in reality changes the permission of the linked file
* **None or permission:** (44 out of 78 studied) The exploits in this category have no hard requirements, however, some of them may require certain Android permissions like `READ LOGS` in order for the process owner to be placed in certain user group.

## Can these exploits be detected by Anti-Virus ?

Since the root exploits are highly sensitive and may be leveraged by various Android malware, it is expected that anti-virus software on Android platform can identify most of them, including the ones implemented by root providers. Overall, the result shows that the state-of-the-art security products on Android platform still **cannot address root exploits effectively**

4 representative Android anti-virus products were used to test the *largest provider (name not revealed)* having 167 exploits. Because originally downloaded exploits from the providers database have packed the actual exploit code and employed a tamper-detection mechanism, study crafted 3 different versions for every exploit:

1. Original exploit fetched directly from providers servers, with packing and tamper-detection on.
2. Unpacked exploit, which will expose all actual exploit logic to anti-virus products.
3. Re-packed exploit with tamper-detection disabled.

Exploit binaries engineered by large root providers are surprisingly **“clean”** as all major anti-virus software have difficulty detecting them as table below shows

## Conclusion

Simple. Stay away from *Soft Root methods* unless you are capable of dealing with the consequences

# Answer
> 5 votes
There are a few advantages to rooting using the official process.

1. It's officially supported on many phones. This means you can use a process that's documented by the manufacturer, and tools from an official source, or a trustworthy third party (CWM or TWRP), instead of having to run a tool that you got from some dodgy website.
2. Because it's officially supported, most of the time, a system update won't change the process, so you don't need to go looking around for "the latest" rooting method. In contrast, software updates tend to patch vulnerabilities, so exploit methods will often stop working after an update.
3. Because of the above, after you "soft root" you might be tempted to not install a system update, because that update patches the vulnerability and stops your rooting method working. With the official process, there's no reason to stay on an old, vulnerable version.

As well as the convenience of a one-click method (mentioned in the question), there are some other advantages of doing it that way instead.

1. Unlocking the bootloader to "hard root" wipes the phone, so you have to set things up again and restore data from backup. Typically "soft rooting" via a vulnerability doesn't need to wipe the phone, and that can be a lot more convenient.
2. Because rooting modifies the system partition, typically you can't do an OTA update afterwards: the updater recognises the system is modified, and bails out. But **some** "soft root" methods on **some phones** avoid this problem, so you can do an OTA update without having to unroot or flash a new system image. This is also a bit easier. Either way, you'll still have to root again after an update.
3. Since you don't have to unlock the bootloader, there's no temptation to leave it unlocked. This has the security benefit that people can't flash new ROMs to your phone (e.g. if it is stolen and they want to circumvent the screen lock or factory reset protection).

What Beeshyams says about security is important, but to my mind it's irrelevant to the question. It's good to point out or remind people that every "soft rooting" method is exploiting a security vulnerability, and malware could use just the same vulnerability to install rootkits on your phone. However, the vulnerability is there whether you use it or not. The security risk comes from the **possibility** of the rooting method. Rooting your phone by exploiting the vulnerability doesn't make it more exploitable, or worse.

If your phone **can be rooted** by a rooting app/exploit, then it is vulnerable to malware. This is true just the same regardless of whether you root it or what method you use. Not using the exploit (by doing a "hard root" instead, or just by not rooting) will **not** protect you from malware, **nor** will it reduce your exposure.

# Answer
> 4 votes
On request by OP, some details from chat:

Good question, but hard to answer: there are a few more things to consider.

1. it's not just "app based versus USB" – and even your "Difficulty in unrooting" is not necessarily the fault of "app based" in general, but rather that of a specific app causing that difficulty.
2. From a security point of view: if there's an app that can root my device – who says another app doesn't just do that without my consent? We all know there's malware out there doing exactly that (in order to integrate itself as system app, to be protected against factory-reset).
3. However, if there's no such app (and in the hope that's because it cannot be done by an app on this device/ROM), it's much harder for such malware. If then there's an easy method via USB, I feel a little safer :) It's rather unlikely some other app manages to attach an USB cable, download something to my computer, and runs that combo to do harm.

So above might count as "contra app-based" – but if such an app already exists for the device in question, there's not much we can do about. Even if we say "it's safer the other way round", that doesn't protect us against #2. Sure, we can check that before buying a device – but who says such an app doesn't pop up the day after?

---
Tags: rooting, security, malware, unrooting, antivirus
---


# Question
Title: How to lock network operator or to never go on roaming, or get out of roaming as soon as possible
I work really close to a country border, and I do NOT want my phone to connect to other operators than mine.

Sometimes the operator from my home country will be unavailable for a brief period of time, and the phone will go on roaming. (and it's useless. no phone, no sms, no web. pointless)

When I'm back in a zone where my home country operator has coverage, the phone will stick to roaming for a good while (hours), and I have to notice it and manually select my operator.

Unfortunately when the phone reboots the "choose automatically" option is re-set, so if I reboot the phone (or when it reboots itself), I have to do this again.

I have tasker, but didn't find a way. I am also ready to root the phone if needed. I just don't know how to select a network operator and prevent the phone to switch to "choose automatically" at every reboot. It's not about apn and roaming charges, I just want it to never go on roaming ever ever ever.

Any suggestion?

(device info: OnePlus One, android 5.0.1, cyanogenmod cm12)

# Answer
> 0 votes
It seems that Android M Marshmallow does fix this bug.

I am now running Android 6.0.1, CyanogenMod version 13, and the operator does not revert back to automatic-selection anymore after reset.

The exact CyanogemMod version I am running is: 13.0-ZNH2K-20160430-STABLE-Sultan-bacon.

---
Tags: reboot, mobile-network, roaming
---


# Question
Title: Lollipop update on MotoG causing no service for sim card
I was using Moto G(1st gen) phone for the past 1 year. I was using 2 sims and I didnt face any problem for 1 year. After getting lollipop update, I frequently get 'no service' for one of my sim. Initially I used to reboot the phone and it used to work. But nowadays, the issue is coming up frequently and doesnt always work with rebooting.
Any fixes, suggestions?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have a phone with the same symptoms, this worked for me, but the problem still reoccurs so I'm trying to find a better answer.

http://www.thecellguide.com/moto-g-noservice.php

In brief:

* Go into Settings -\> Storage; tap Cached Data and select Ok to clear data
* Go into Settings -\> More -\> Cellular Networks -\> Preferred network type
    + Select "2G"
* Turn the phone off, wait 10 seconds and then turn it back on.
* Go into Settings -\> More -\> Cellular Networks -\> Preferred network type
    + Select "3G"
* Select Network Operators -\> Search Networks
* Select the correct carrier and you should be all set.

I'm not sure if that article was written with the LTE version in mind, so I follow the instructions and then switch the preferred network type to LTE.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, motorola-moto-g, mobile-network, dual-sim
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to remove the switch users Icon without root?
I have a Verzon Moto E2 (so no hope of rooting) on android 5.1.

I think you cannot completely disable it without root.

I'd like to at least remove the little icon in the pull down menu. is that possible using ADB **without** root?

Thanks in advance!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately is impossible without root.

You can however Root and if you have any problem that need go to fix it, you can Unroot the phone.

---
Tags: adb, settings, multi-user
---


# Question
Title: Lowering the brightness of the camera flash
I have a Samsung Galaxy S Duos (GT-S7562L).

The camera is good, but its flash is so strong that after the photo we have to wait for 1 or 2 minutes to our eyes be able to see all clearly - it is like to when you see the sun light directly.

So I would like to change flash brightness in some way: hardware or software.

The easier but ugliest hardware way is to use a semi-transparent sticker in front of lens.

Do you know any way to change flash brightness entering some hidden settings (common settings do not have that option) or using another settings app or camera app? The phone is not rooted, but I accept solutions in this way.

# Answer
> 4 votes
This question was asked over at StackOverflow HERE

Basically, the answer is No. The OS is limited to pretty much just FLASH\_ON and FLASH\_OFF. Though I have seen some flashlight/torch apps that have a 'turbo' mode that makes the LED even brighter (but that's not what you want and these types of apps usually require ROOT access).

Another workaround is to remove the back cover, put a small piece of tissue paper over the LED (make sure the paper is still big enough to be held in place with the back-cover back on) and put the cover back on.

# Answer
> -1 votes
yes of course you can lower the intensity -- you just have to have the flash OFF mmore than on. http://www.electronicproducts.com/Optoelectronics/LEDs/LED\_101\_How\_do\_dimmable\_LEDs\_work.aspx

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-duos, camera-flash
---


# Question
Title: How can I get Reverse USB Tethering to work on my KitKat device? I've already got it running on my Jellybean device
FWIW Reverse USB tethering works great on my Jellybean device, lets assume it has the serial number 0123456789ABCDEF, here are the commands I use to get it running:

```
adb -s 0123456789ABCDEF shell su -c 'service call connectivity 33 i32 1'
sleep 5
sudo ifconfig usb0 10.42.0.1 netmask 255.255.255.0
echo 1 | sudo tee /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward
sudo iptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -j MASQUERADE
adb -s 0123456789ABCDEF shell su -c "ifconfig rndis0 10.42.0.2 netmask 255.255.255.0"
adb -s 0123456789ABCDEF shell su -c "route add default gw 10.42.0.1 dev rndis0"

```

I run these commands on my Linux machine which the phone is connected to, and on my jellybean device the browser will load a website using data over USB.

Now I have a KitKat device, and I have a similar script, i use

```
"service call connectivity 34 i32 1"

```

on the first line as kitkat needs a slightly different command, so but even after all my commands run with no error messages, when I load up the browser on the phone I simply get 'page not found'

Is there a was to fix this? I've tried pinging google from the phone and the pings work, so I'm assuming this is a software issue?

Has anyone successfully managed to do this on KitKat? Thanks

EDIT: I've done some more tests, and I think it's a DNS issue. Pinging IP addresses works fine, but pinging hostnames gives 'ping: unknown host' on the kitkat device. Pinging hostnames works perfecly on the Jellybean device, I have them both hooked up the same Linux machine right now so the only difference here is the android versions.

I have a feeling there are some extra steps or commands I need to add to my script here, as I cannot even ping the name of my router from the Kitkat device, while I can ping the IP address with no problem.

# Answer
After some trial and error seem to have managed to get it working, turns out it is a DNS issue. If anyone else has this issue then it turns out that you need some extra commands in order to get KitKat to work.

I added these on to the end of my script posted above and I can now ping google and get pings returned:

```
adb shell su -c 'ndc resolver setifdns rndis0 "" 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.1'
adb shell su -c 'ndc resolver setdefaultif rndis0'

```

Substitute 192.168.1.1 with the IP address of your router, it uses this address for DNS.

Now I'm going to try google DNS (8.8.8.8) and see if it still works, and also see if I can get it to play nice with my Jellybean device being hooked up to the same linux box.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Have you tried this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1371345 It says it's compatible with lower than 5.0 android versions.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, adb, usb, tethering
---


title: Turn screen off if tilted a certain way

text:
# Question
Title: Turn screen off if tilted a certain way
Phones in bed mean poor sleeping habits.

How would one go about turning the screen off, or fuzzing the screen (probably more practical, less subject to temporary tilt), if the device is tilted in certain ways?

For example,

* Device is vertically upside down.
* Device is locked in Portrait mode and horizontal.
* Screen is facing the center of the Earth.

Answers using apps will be accepted, but, out of interest in the theory, I will also accept answers that outline an app to do such a thing. I know that newer Android versions have screen filters and tilt sensors.

# Answer
> * Device is vertically upside down.
> * Device is locked in Portrait mode and horizontal.
> * Screen is facing the center of the Earth.

I suggest you try Automate (user guide) as well as Tasker (free trial; user guide). Both of them offer the features you're seeking. A peek:

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

Before I leave you here to tinker with those options, here is some information to ease the tinkering:

In Automate app:

* Device Orientation block can be found under Sensors.
* Device lock can be found under Interface. Practical usage requires setting Automate as device administrator.

*Tip*: It is easy in Automate to trigger an action on a prerecorded motion gesture

In Tasker app:

* Orientation trigger can be found under State → Sensor.
* Display Orientation trigger can be found under State → Display.
* System Lock action can be found under Display.

*Tip*: In Tasker you can setup multiple contexts.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: screen
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to control an android device with an external touchscreen?
I am trying to solve something here.

I am trying to figure out a way to control an android device with an external touchscreen display. The android device would either be a Samsung Galaxy Tab A or a Galaxy Alpha. I have seen many connectors that allow you to display the screen from a tablet onto a tv or monitor but no easy way on controlling it using the larger screen (probably due to the video output on the tablet not supporting touch signals?). I have seen a few threads on various blogs that can just about manage this but they seem to be out of date and I can't see why this isn't easier.

Ideally, the external monitor needs to be larger than 20 inches and be a capacitive touch screen rather than a resistive type. I am using this as a control surface for music production and performance and sadly, the screen size on available tablets isn't big enough.

I would really appreciate any kind of input. I hope I'm not being a complete idiot and that this is really easy to do. Please let me know either way. Thanks

\*Edit: Ideally, I would like to be able to use the tablet without the external screen as normal when I want. The extra screen size would be an added, optional extra.

# Answer
If both devices are Samsung they have a brand specific app called SideSync which will allow you to link the two devices via a WiFi network. It's available via the play store or direct from Samsung. I currently have an S6 edge, a galaxy tab S and a Samsung Smart tv and can control the phone or tablet via the tv and the also the phone via the tv or tablet. Not too sure if you can control the tv or tablet via the phone as I've had no reason to try. I have never come across an app which works in the same way if any of the devices aren't a Samsung but I've used this app with my current setup and with the old setup of S4, Tab 2 and older Samsung Smart tv I've owned over the last 12-18 months with no issues. I hope this answers your question.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Touchscreens are basically two devices. The image to the monitor is usually fed from the tablet via mhl or hdmi. The touch functionality is via usb to the Android tablet or phone from the monitor. You need a dock of some description which provides mhl/hdmi out and also usb into the tablet, unless your tablet has separate ports for these, in which case you would need a usb otg adaptor cable and an hdmi/mhl cable. If the tablet supports HID (human interface device) input it should work to some degree as it would see it as a mouse or touch pad. Since android 4, support for multitouch has improved so it might work. If I get it working I will let you know.

Good luck

Steve
> 1 votes

---
Tags: tablet, touchscreen, remote-control, external-display
---


# Question
Title: How can I run Google's apps without Google play services?
Most of the Google apps (nearly all) require Google play services to run, like YouTube.I never liked Google play services and play store but I've to keep them because I can't run gmail and YouTube without it. Is there any way to run those apps. without Google play services.

P.S.- Device is rooted,xposed enabled, runs on CM12.1

# Answer
> 1 votes
Theirs a WebView Application that Sandboxes all of googles sites into one application called Gapps Browser but this use the website versions...

Have you tried just saving bookmarks to the websites

I know xposed made a module to disable the google services warning, but it wrecked snap chat on my device !

MODULE LINK ADDED

MODULE LINK http://dl-xda.xposed.info/modules/xeed.xposed.dngmod\_v1\_d32fa3.apk

INFO LINK http://repo.xposed.info/module/xeed.xposed.dngmod

# Answer
> 1 votes
Google apps usually require Google Play Services and Framework. If the Google apps have a web interface, then use that in a web browser.

Usually, the web interface detects that you are on Android and ask you to load the app. If your browser supports spoofing, that is if you pretend to be using IE/Firefox for desktop, then the redirection will not happen.

So, use a browser that supports useragent spoofing.

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, google-maps, youtube, google-play-services
---


title: reinstalling Google play services?

text:
# Question
Title: reinstalling Google play services?
My Google Play Services App is missing. Not sure if I deleted it but I'm unable to do almost everything! Please help me figure out how to reinstall Google Play Services (App Icon is shape of puzzle piece)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google Play Services consists of more than just one app, it's a framework with other moving pieces with some of its parts buried in read-only /system and /data partitions.

If your phone is rooted, the best way to get around such corruption is to re-flash either the factory image, or whichever custom ROM you are running with its corresponding GApps package. Factory image will have all the necessary components, and for custom ROMs it's the GApps package that contains the Play Services framework and app.

# Answer
> -1 votes
I do not know why the problem happens. But I can tell you one thing that the same thing happened to me too. I was using an android kitkat device, suddenly my google play games app disappeared and I couldn't access several apps. Then I collected the .apk file of google play games app and installed it again. then, everything came to normal again. hope this link helps you.

To assure you even further, this is a link from my personal mediafire account.

Thanks.

http://www.mediafire.com/download/948cu7te39u733n/Google\_Play\_Games\_3.0.11\_%281917563-034%29.apk

---
Tags: google-play-services
---


title: Lenovo A6000 isn't turning on

text:
# Question
Title: Lenovo A6000 isn't turning on
My Lenovo A6000 is not working when I try booting it. It shows me a blank screen. When I press the power button multiple times, it keeps blinking showing me a white screen then black afterwards. I tried to remove the battery, and waited for a couple of minutes and tried it again. I tried charging it, but it keeps blinking.

# Answer
Try to press the Power button for 30 seconds. Also try to start in fastboot mode (usually volume up or volume down + power button) while being plugged to a computer.

Also, maybe worth a try but will delete user data:

1. Switch off the device
2. Press & hold Power and Volume up until screen changes to recovery mode.
3. Select Recovery mode.
4. Using Volume up & down for navigation. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and enter it through Power key.
5. Now, Select Yes (delete all user data)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: troubleshooting, lenovo-a6000-plus
---


# Question
Title: How to block specific URL instead of whole domain
I am looking to block a specific url like:

```
http://foobar.com/abc.php

```

instead of the whole domain of

```
foobar.com

```

I have tried to edit the host file by adding an entry

```
127.0.0.1 foobar.com/abc.php

```

but it didn't work. Tried restarting the data too.

Can anyone tell me what can be done?

# Answer
i'm sorry to tell you, it wont work.

In the hostfile you can only set an IP-Adress of an domain manually. For example: I dont want that my pc always looks for IP-Adress for ilovethis.net.

Or a better one: I have many photos, videos and audio on my homeserver. But i dont want to always type 192.168.178.178 (etc.) in my Browser.
Yes! I would add an entry to my hostfile which says: Domain home.server should go to 192.168.178.178 (looks like: 192.168.178.178 home.server)

I hope you know what i mean. This was not made for specific url, its for local DNS manipulation.

Greetings, Fischmaster
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, url
---


# Question
Title: Image captured and then deleted from gallery. Can it be recovered and get into wrong hands?
I have captured a photo with my samsung galaxy ace nxt phone, which has android os v4.4.2 kitkat. Then I have deleted it from my gallery. I haven't uploaded it anywhere, nor shared it anywhere else. What I want to know is - can the photo can be recovered? I don't want it to recover for myself, but don't want it to get into wrong hands if someone has full access to my phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, any ordinary deleted data can be restored, **BUT...**

... many programs delete data like this: They tell the hard drive (flasdrive, etc.) that the deleted area can be overwritten. Aslong you dont fill your diskspace, you can recover the deleted files full or partial.

What you can do against:

Simply use your smartphone, data will be added, deleted, modified when you do something with it.

Fill your diskspace: Well it sounds nonsense, but it works. Simply move files on your sdcard, or internal storage and fill the disk space, than delete them. The old data is finally gone.

Greetings, Fischmaster

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, samsung, photos, gallery, images
---


# Question
Title: benefits of disabling built-in apps on zte z777
On a ZTE Z777 phone, would I gain USABLE app space and storage by disabling built-in apps that I don't use ?

Also, I have read on this site that some built-in apps may or may not cause misbehaving of other things. How to know which apps are ok to disable ?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> On a ZTE Z777 phone, would I gain \[**usable**\] app space and storage by disabling built-in apps that I don't use ?

Yes and No. Yes, because if the system app1 has been updated then it would be storing the update (apk) under userdata2 partition (*/data*), which does consume good amount of space. Disabling such an app would get rid of the update (apk) as well as the user specific data stored under userdata partition. No, because not all the system apps get an update or stores considerable amount of data under userdata. However, if you disable such an app that miniscule amount of data would still be deleted, hence freeing up some space.

> \[Some\] built-in apps may or may not cause misbehaving of other things. How to know which apps are \[okay\] to disable?

You don't, although many Google apps (shipped with device) have proven to be safe to be disabled. Consider this rule: if you've a custom installed or ready to sacrifice your data then you can risk going berserk by disabling whatsoever you want (provided that you can, as an ordinary user). Otherwise, play safe i.e. do a web search to reach what system apps have folks found safe to be disabled.

---

1 System apps are primarily saved inside system partition. You cannot remove them from system partition without root access.
2 All user installed apps, updates to system apps and all apps' data is stored in userdata partition. It is the space here which counts as *usable*.

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


title: Motorola G Third Gen SD Card

text:
# Question
Title: Motorola G Third Gen SD Card
I have a Motorola Moto G Third Gen with me (the budget phone) with an 32 GB sd card (Micro SD HC-I) from ADATA. When I upload videos to YouTube or Facebook, my Storage & USB menu tells me that the SD card needs to be pulled out and put back in again for it to work. And it works, but that is beyond unacceptable. How can I bypass this issue?

Thank You very much in advance!

# Answer
I recommend trying a different class SD card, like an xc and make sure it's 32gb max as that's what the moto e can handle. And first off make sure you have it set so all files are saved to the SD card and not the device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sd-card, motorola
---


# Question
Title: How do I change the time zone (which is disabled) in Honeycomb on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?
When I first turned on my Galaxy Tab 10.1, I told it to automatically set the time. Unfortunately now the time zone is set to GMT+00:00 in the Date & time settings, and is disabled (so I can't change it). How do I enable the time zone setting so I can change it?

# Answer
> 13 votes
I downloaded a free app called TimeZone Changer to fix this problem. Still don't understand why Samsung disables this.

# Answer
> 5 votes
I could not get it to change timezone or time either. Could not make it stop using network time either. i did a factory reset (from settings | privacy), correctly set my timzeone this time BEFORE saying use network time, and that worked fine.

# Answer
> 5 votes
The problem is that the "Automatic Time Zone" setting on the Samsung Galaxy Tab defaults to on, and the preference to disable it is missing from the built-in settings application.

There is an app on the Android market specifically designed to correct this issue called Galaxy Time Zone Fix. It mimics the "Date & Time" section of the built-in settings application but adds the missing preferences.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Uncheck "Automatic - Use network-provided values". It should be the first entry in `Settings -> Date and time`.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem and network-provided values are locked/disabled and I'm not able to change them.

However using ClockSync works for me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
we struggled with this, then solved it, then months later had it again, and struggled again - did everything, but always it reverted to the default time zone after a moment or two, or three ... then did :

power off ... power on, went into Settings as soon as we could, Auto Time was ticked, Auto Time Zone not ticked, selected our time zone from the list, tapped Home & went back to our favourite app - and it has been fine since, with no reversion ...

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can go into the calendar app and under settings there is a checkbox titled "use home time zone". Check that box and then you will be able to adjust the time zone.

---
Tags: settings, samsung-galaxy-tab-10, time-zones
---


title: Cannot Shut Google play music

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot Shut Google play music
Whenever I go to shut google play music, it does, and then opens again. And again. Et cetera. Reboots do not really help (Play music starts up after a minute) and safe mode makes no difference, neither does cache clearing, force stopping, clear data, or even uninstalling and reinstalling. Does anyone know what I can do to stop it?

# Answer
Just go to Settings \> Apps \>Google Play Music and click disable. Or if you can root your phone you can permanently delete it.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Configure custom AdBlock Plus filter lists subscriptions
Using a desktop PC version of AdBlock, I can subscribe to any combination of filter lists, and so I do subscribing to *EasyList + Czech*, *Russian* and *German* lists (I am a polyglot user using many languages actively) as well as *EasyPrivacy*, *Fanboy's Annoyances* lists, etc.

But in the mobile AdBlock Plus, I could only find a set of exclusive (choose-one) *EasyList + a national list couples*, not even featuring a Czech list at all.

Needless to say, I could neither find a way to set up custom filters of my own.

Any ideas?

# Answer
With the Android version you can't have custom filters or subscriptions, you can only use what comes with the app.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There's a feature request to Add custom filter (subscription) support (ticket #257), but it's not yet implemented at the moment.

---

That said, **if your device is rooted**, you can manually *customize the **filter*** (not the subscription list, but the filter itself). However, by doing this, *you'll lose the automatic filter update*.

The interesting file is located on `/data/data/org.adblockplus.android/files/patterns.ini`. Take note that it's quite a big text file, and I personally recommend to edit it on a computer. The file has some sections defined by square brackets (`[...]`), and the filter starts after `[Subscription filters]`.

For the starter, you can mix'n'match the filters from main subscription list (look for `url` inside `<subscription>` for the filters). If you're an advanced user, or feeling experimental enough, take a look at Writing Adblock Plus filters.

After you're done with the customized filters file, I recommend to backup it somewhere safe (you certainly don't want to lose your hard work). Before overwriting `patterns.ini`, open Adblock Plus app and go to **Advanced Settings**, then set the **Subscription refresh** to **Manually**. Otherwise, the app will overwrite your filters.

Now, the AdBlock Plus should be using your customized filter!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adblock-plus
---


# Question
Title: High CPU usage and no sleep after upgrading to 4.4.4
I have a Sony Xperia E3. I recently upgraded to Android 4.4.4 from 4.4.2. I don't know if that is causing my issue, but it didn't happen before that.

I recently started noticing that my phone becomes very hot during normal usage (talking about 50-60 degrees Celcius, and in particular near the top of the screen, where the CPU is). When I looked into it I saw that I was using about 80% CPU under no load and that the device had been constantly awake in the past 24 hours, even though the screen was off most of the time.

It used to also be constantly using internet, but after I removed a certain app, that went away. It also improved on the heat a bit, but it's having the same problem again.

I ran a virus scan, and nothing came out.

I installed a task killer just to find out what app was using all the CPU, and it's the Android System. (I am aware that a task killer is unnecessary.)

What could be causing this, and how do I fix it?

Edit: I disabled Media Storage as described here and I am going to see if it helped. Looking at the CPU usage right after I disabled it, it didn't.

Edit: It worked after a few hours.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could disable the Media storage app, which solves the issue, but also breaks the stock Gallery, video, and music apps, and completely breaks ringtone selection, even if you use another app to select one. If you could live with that, disable the Media Storage app. You will need root for this. If you don't want that, you can install Advanced Permissions Manager, and remove the permission Keep Device Awake from the Media Storage app. You will NOT need root for this, and everything will keep working, and the MS app will not keep the device awake all night.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, overheating
---


title: New LG G3 randomly crash

text:
# Question
Title: New LG G3 randomly crash
I have bought a new LG G3 (D855, 16GB Flash, 2GB RAM), and rooted and flashed CM12.1 on it.

The phone works great (somewhat), but sometimes the screen turns itself off and the phone gets stuck in this state. Holding the power button neither turns the phone on nor off, and I have to remove and reinsert the battery to turn it on.

It has happened 7 times since Sunday.

I thought it might be due to overheating (a hunch), but could not find anything to confirm this.

How can I solve this problem?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Had the same issue. Solced by connecting to external power supply. Did some searching and apparently, thus cyclic crashing can be due to a bad battery...

---
Tags: crashes, lg-g3
---


title: Nexus 7 Google Logo Boot-Loop

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 7 Google Logo Boot-Loop
My stock Nexus 7 was working fine until I turned it on. The lock screen was frozen. I then hard reset the device and turned it back on. On boot the tablet gets stuck on the Google logo and never continues. Tried recovery mode, but it doesn't start. I also tried re-flashing stock from here but it hasn't made a difference. How can I fix this? Can I resolve this with fastboot?

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try clearing/formatting Cache partition from recovery and than flash a factory image.

If it doesn't work, flash a custom recovery and than format the Cache partition and try rebooting your Nexus 7.

---
Tags: nexus-7, boot, boot-loop, fastboot, troubleshooting
---


title: Help me save battery, BBS dump included

text:
# Question
Title: Help me save battery, BBS dump included
I got fed up with my Android battery life and thought I should use it only when really required. Hence, I installed a minimum number of apps: Runtastic, Runkeeper, GPS Status & Toolbox, Metronomics Beats for tracking my runs, and WhatsApp, which I use from time to time in a day. I also have installed microG Project, UnifiedNlp Location, Nova Launcher, and Titanium Backup.

I froze all the running apps and WhatsApp using Titanium Backup and unfreezing them before use. Using Amplify, I also limited some wake-locks as suggested in other threads on XDA. I also have Naptime, Power Nap for dozing and blocking background activity on screen off. I have Greenify, but not enabled.

I marked a custom reference using BetterBatteryStats last night when going to bed and checked in the morning. The battery level lost is 1.6% in 7 hours 16 minutes. Out of this, my phone was in deep sleep for 7 hours 11 minutes. So, 5 minutes of activity consumed 11% of my battery. I am not sure what is eating my battery.

Could you guys help me figure out and block it? Ideally, since I don't use my phone a lot, I am hoping that the discharge percent is less than 1.

BBS dump: http://pastebin.com/066UsAwp

# Answer
> 2 votes
> So, 5 minutes of activity consumed 11% of my battery

You are mistaken in saying this, don't forget that the phone is on *all* the time , so that too consumes power. But yes, 1.6% is a little on the higher side, but not too much IMO, considering that you have so many apps/services running

Looking at this, wake locks are reasonably under control

> Deep Sleep (): 7 h 11 m 47 s 98.8%
>
> Awake (Screen Off) (): 2 m 41 s 0.6%
>
> Screen On (): 2 m 24 s 0.6%

but, you could also try to limit these using Amplify without disrupting, what is essential to you (do you require GPS to be on?)

> *alarm* (com.fitnesskeeper.runkeeper.pro.Runkeeper): 31 m 3 s Count:0 7.1%
>
> *alarm* (com.truecaller.phoneapp.Truedialer): 31 m 1 s Count:0 7.1%
>
> *launch* (com.whatsapp.WhatsApp): 31 m 1 s Count:0 7.1%
>
> *launch* (com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2.GPS Status): 31 m 1 s Count:0 7.1%

So what you need is something that *hibernates* apps not in use like Greenify (not task killers), which is missing from your active list- wonder why you didn't enable it? ( Have a look at tag in case you are not familiar with it and in particular Android's native process management vs. Greenify) This should certainly help you in reducing battery consumption

I would also *highly recommend* you to read this XDA thread ✭\[GUIDE\]\[07-02-2016\]Extreme Battery Life Thread(Greenify+Amplify+Power Nap)✭ by V7. It gives a very systematic approach starting with battery life saving tips and how to use apps like Greenify and Amplify to reduce battery consumption. The OP is highly responsive and would revert with solutions, once you post your BBS stats as explained in his thread. I have been able to achieve 0.8% per hour consumption following his thread

**Edit:** Since freezing apps by Titanium didn't help, they appear to be poorly designed- look for alternate apps. see this in the Greenify question linked earlier

---
Tags: battery, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Enabling developer mode in Huawei Mediapad M2 10.0
Self explanatory.

Normally Android 5.1.1 allows to tap 7 times on "Build number" field in Settings-\>Tablet info.

Unfortunately the "Build number" field is absent in my Settings application.

What else can I do? I need to use the developer mode for rooting

Update: here is a screenshot. I have redacted the SN. Locale is IT

# Answer
> 2 votes
Needed to tap on the `Serial number` field. **This** is the answer

---
Tags: tablet, huawei, developer-options
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S2 factory-reset lead to boot-loop
I have a *Samsung Galaxy S2*. I factory-reset my phone from the *Settings* option, but it is taking too much time. It has been 24 hours already, but the device is only boot-looping. I've also tried to boot into recovery-mode (by holding the `Vol+` and `Vol-` buttons while pressing `Power`), but this boot-looped as well.

How can I solve this problem? The device is rooted, if that's any help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Get a USB jig, that will get you into download mode. It's just a 300k Ohm resistor that bridges a couple of pins on the USB port.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have Samsung phones that have this bug in which you go to boot-loop in almost every reboot session. I also faced this, so I luckily have a solution and see if it works.

Just turn off the phone completely, remove the battery, wait for a minute or two, put the battery back in, and start the phone. This started my phone correctly as it was previously stuck on the black bootloader screen and wasn't even going to the boot animation stage.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, factory-reset, boot-loop
---


title: Android phone without GPU

text:
# Question
Title: Android phone without GPU
I am developing an app and I am considering phones that have low GPU config. I want to know is/was there a phone without GPU?

# Answer
HTC Tattoo and Samsung Spica don't have GPU at all.

<sub>*Edited in from comments:*</sub>

These devices had chipsets which used software rendering (Snapdragon S1 (MSM7225) for the HTC and a proprietary chipset (Samsung S3C6410) for the Samsung), so there was no dedicated GPU, and the CPU took on the work of the GPU too.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gpu
---


# Question
Title: Can a hotspot android device intercepts my traffic?
i'm asking of how can an Android device that i'm connected to its hotspot can intercept all of my traffic or do other stuff.

# Answer
I don't know if you are looking for a technical, or simple response. The explanation, is that the android (Hotspot) device, acts as a **gateway**, therefore **all traffic is passed on there**. But the content of encrypted traffic (like https) cannot be seen (directly, at least).

This is **different as a normal MITM**, because the traffic route is not being changed. The gateway (or router), downloads the information while it is being sent.

There are a lot of apps that do this, like zAnti. The problem is, normally, to this to be accomplished, root is needed.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: Manually edit the bluetooth pairing list, phone keeps overwriting it with old list. How to stop that?
I have an Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and I wanted to connect my phone to an old HTC Rhyme docking station via bluetooth so I can use the speakers in it. I have all the data needed for the connection (ID, LinkKey, etc.) and I've edited the pairing list (path of it is in my case /data/misc/bluedroid/bt\_config.xml). In that folder also was an bt\_config.old file which was the same as the bt\_config.xml file, I assume this is a backup file so I overwrote it as well after editing the list. This is how the part I added to the list looks like:

```
<N19 Tag="DC:DE:CA:0B:EF:C4">
        <N1 Tag="Timestamp" Type="int">1398527119</N1>
        <N2 Tag="Name" Type="string">HTC CR M540</N2>
        <N3 Tag="DevClass" Type="int">2360340</N3>
        <N4 Tag="DevType" Type="int">1</N4>
        <N5 Tag="AddrType" Type="int">0</N5>
        <N6 Tag="Manufacturer" Type="int">10</N6>
        <N7 Tag="LmpVer" Type="int">5</N7>
        <N8 Tag="LmpSubVer" Type="int">8953</N8>
        <N9 Tag="LinkKeyType" Type="int">4</N9>
        <N10 Tag="PinLength" Type="int">0</N10>
        <N11 Tag="LinkKey" Type="binary">a5c095e620e190f248f4b8a8b3291ed3</N11>
        <N12 Tag="Service" Type="string">0000110b-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb 0000111e-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb</N12>
        <N13 Tag="Aliase" type="string">htc dock test</N13>
    </N19>

```

When I overwrite the edited list with the original one everything looks fine until I restart my phone. After that somehow the old list gets loaded and I have no idea how that is possible. Either when I shut my phone down it saves the list that is already loaded or it has another directory for the pairing list which I need to edit as well.

Anyone have any idea how I could fix this overwriting problem? Obviously both the Note 2 and my old HTC Rhyme are rooted or else I could never get the bluetooth data. If more information is needed I can provide it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I did exactly the same thing successfuly by editing the bt\_config.xml file in A HEX VIEWER in my PC and copying/replacing it using the Aoma Manager. My phone now connects automatically to the new device.

---
Tags: bluetooth, 4.3-jelly-bean, htc, samsung-galaxy-note-2, bluetooth-pairing
---


# Question
Title: Message thread with mute icon (speaker w slash through)
My message thread to my GF has a mute icon (speaker w slash through) and it doesnt alert me when she messages, how do i get rid of that? Phone just recently updated to marshmallow \> Galaxy S6

# Answer
There's a drop down box for her number when you're inside the thread. If you hit that and then tap on notification settings you can turn notifications for her sms back on.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: sms, 6.0-marshmallow, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: Google play store won't let me download apps
Google Play Store is not letting me download a game for some reason I keep trying and every time it says the same thing it says something about the authentication I don't know what that means so it's hard for me to fix it if I don't know what it means and I definitely don't know where to look in the app's to fix it

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem, so I did the following:

1. Clear cache for all apps.
2. Clear data in Google Play and Google Play Services
3. Logout of my Google Account, and login again.
4. Try installing the game.

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


title: Rooting an ASUS K012

text:
# Question
Title: Rooting an ASUS K012
I have an ASUS tablet filled with bloatware which I would like to remove very much. I've read about having to root the device, which I am willing, since I think I left some corrupted files when I was about to reinstall an app and I could not delete it with normal access. But I need to know the risks of rooting an ASUS device, if it were the same as rooting a Samsung device of the same OS, or greater.

My OS is Lollipop by the way.

Thank you, thank you.

# Answer
Since it's lollipop you'll have to unlock the bootloader before being able to root.(warranty will be void) Then you can download a compatible recovery and flash it using fastboot. You can then use the recovery to install su. Caution: Unlocking bootloader will clear all the data from your tablet. Lemme know if you understand the risk and are willing to do it. I'll write a guide for you if you want. Here's a wiki link for unlocking the BL:http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Template:Unlock\_Bootloader\_Asus
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: How do I read .csv files on my S6?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I read .csv files on my S6?
When I try to open the file to an editor I get a blank document. What do I need to read a .csv file?

# Answer
Assuming that you have an Microsoft office subscription I would install Microsoft excel. Otherwise Google Sheets
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


title: Are wakelocks only when screen is off?

text:
# Question
Title: Are wakelocks only when screen is off?
If so, can I block all third-party app wakelocks since I want the apps to run only when my screen is *on*?

I understand that this would break some functionality like receiving whatsapp messages when screen is *off*, but I am fine with it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
> Are wakelocks only when screen is off?

**No**

Quoting from Android Developers

> A wake lock is a mechanism to indicate that your application needs to have the device stay on

> The following wake lock levels are defined, with varying effects on system power. These levels are mutually exclusive - you may only specify one of them.

* As you can see from the picture *partial wakelocks* will continue to run irrespective of *state of screen*.

> I want the apps to run only when my screen is on?

This should be possible using but I haven't tried. Another alternative is using a task killer like \[root\] Servicely to *choose and selectively kill apps when the screen is on*.

**Note:** Task killers are not recommended for reasons mentioned here Do I really need to install a task manager? and various other answers in tag

For further reading: Wakelocks: Detect No-Sleep Issues in Android\* Applications

---
Tags: battery-life, wakelock
---


# Question
Title: "com.android.phone has stopped" after dirty flashing CM13
After dirty flashing my OnePlus One (bacon) from CM12.1 to CM13, I am constantly getting force close dialogs popup

```
Unfortunately the process com.android.phone has stopped

```

Logcat is filled with stacktraces like this:

```
Shutting down VM
FATAL EXCEPTION: main
Process: com.android.phone, PID: 13148
java.lang.RuntimeException: Unable to get provider com.android.providers.telephony.TelephonyProvider: java.lang.IllegalStateException: Couldn't read row 0, col -1 from CursorWindow.  Make sure the Cursor is initialized correctly before accessing data from it.
    at android.app.ActivityThread.installProvider(ActivityThread.java:5205)
    at android.app.ActivityThread.installContentProviders(ActivityThread.java:4797)
    at android.app.ActivityThread.handleBindApplication(ActivityThread.java:4737)
    at android.app.ActivityThread.-wrap1(ActivityThread.java)
    at android.app.ActivityThread$H.handleMessage(ActivityThread.java:1424)
    at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:102)
    at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:148)
    at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:5466)
    at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Native Method)
    at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:726)
    at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:616)
Caused by: java.lang.IllegalStateException: Couldn't read row 0, col -1 from CursorWindow.  Make sure the Cursor is initialized correctly before accessing data from it.
    at android.database.CursorWindow.nativeGetString(Native Method)
    at android.database.CursorWindow.getString(CursorWindow.java:438)
    at android.database.AbstractWindowedCursor.getString(AbstractWindowedCursor.java:51)
    at com.android.providers.telephony.TelephonyProvider$DatabaseHelper.getStringValueFromCursor(TelephonyProvider.java:993)
    at com.android.providers.telephony.TelephonyProvider$DatabaseHelper.copyPreservedApnsToNewTable(TelephonyProvider.java:905)
    at com.android.providers.telephony.TelephonyProvider$DatabaseHelper.onUpgrade(TelephonyProvider.java:641)
    at android.database.sqlite.SQLiteOpenHelper.getDatabaseLocked(SQLiteOpenHelper.java:256)
    at android.database.sqlite.SQLiteOpenHelper.getReadableDatabase(SQLiteOpenHelper.java:187)
    at com.android.providers.telephony.TelephonyProvider.onCreate(TelephonyProvider.java:1457)
    at android.content.ContentProvider.attachInfo(ContentProvider.java:1748)
    at android.content.ContentProvider.attachInfo(ContentProvider.java:1723)
    at android.app.ActivityThread.installProvider(ActivityThread.java:5202)
    ... 10 more

```

Once I somehow get rid of the persistent UI popup, it seems like `com.android.phone` is crashing at least 10 times per second, flooding logcat, and making it almost impossible to use the phone.

Is there any hope for a fix, or is a hard reset the only option?

# Answer
This was because of a change in the code.

As Firelord has said, clear the data for the apps, This can be done like so (**this will also delete your SMS/MMS database, so make sure to backup them beforehand**):

```
adb shell
rm -fr /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/
rm -fr /data/data/com.android.phone/
exit

```

The -f flag is for force and -r flag means recursive.
> 8 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem while upgrading to CM13 from CM12.1. You can solve this problem without deleting your database files and therefore losing data as suggested in the other answers.

The culprit seems to be broken database onUpgrade code in the TelephonyProvider of CM. The `ppp_number` column of the carriers table does not exists, but the upgrade code assumes it already exists.

I solved it by copying the telephony.db to my local Linux machine and reverting the database version to version `16 << 16 | 6 = 1048582` to force the upgrade code to add the missing columns. The `ALTER TABLE` statements in the linked code are guarded by try-catch-blocks, so that it doesn't matter if some of the columns already exists. Boot the phone into recovery (e.g. TWRP) to have adb root priviliges and avoid lock races with the Android Runtime which is constantly trying to start the telephony provider.

```
% adb pull /data/user/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db
% adb pull /data/user/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db-journal

```

Create backups

```
% cp telephony.db telephony.db.bak
% cp telephony.db-journal telephony.db-journal.bak

```

Then open the database with sqlite and set the version

```
% sqlite3 telephony.db
sqlite> PRAGMA user_version = 1048582;
sqlite> .quit

```

Upload the changed database back to the device and fix permissions

```
% adb push telephony.db /data/user/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases
% adb shell
~ # cd /data/user/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases # rm telephony.db-journal
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases # chown radio:radio telephony.db
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases # chmod 660 telephony.db

```

You could also try this on the broken system, which I wouldn't recommend. You would probably have to become root with `adb root` in order to copy and modify the files with `adb`.
> 6 votes

# Answer
I tried Sebastian's solution, but the error persisted. The accepted answer results in losing all your SMS, therefore was not an option for me. However, after booting into recovery mode and deleting the files

```
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db
/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/telephony.db-journal

```

the phone worked perfectly again. The files seem to contain only auto-generated data, so it is safe to delete them.
> 4 votes

# Answer
If you are unable to get in to an adb shell or remove the directory from your phone because it is unusable you can also remove the directory from whitin TWRP recovery.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Had the same poblem after updating from CM12 to CM13. Here is how I was able to fix it:

I removed these two directories

```
/data/user/0/com.android.providers.telephony
/data/data/com.android.phone/

```

completly from my phone (Nexus 5). I used `ES Explorer` to do so, I had to turn on `Root Mode` and `Show Hidden Files` to be able to delete files in that directory.

Call log and SMS are still there, cannot see any disadvantages resulting from deleting those directories. Everything seems to work smooth again.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, rom-flashing, custom-roms, force-close
---


# Question
Title: What is this icon on the status bar that looks like a cracked egg? (see screenshot)
I'm using Samsung Galaxy Note 5 on Android Marshmallow. I was just wondering what that oval-shaped symbol near the top center was.

# Answer
> 2 votes
According to a mod to remove the icon on XDA Forum, it's **RCS Service**.

According to GSM Association (GSMA), the one behind the development of RCS technology,

> **What is RCS?**
>
> Rich Communications Services (RCS) is the platform that enables delivery of communication experiences beyond voice and SMS. It provides consumers with instant messaging or chat, one to one or to groups, live video and file sharing across devices on any network.
>
> RCS marks the transition of messaging and voice capabilities from Circuit Switched technology to an all-IP world. It shares the same IMS investment and leverages the same IMS capabilities as VoLTE and video calls over LTE.

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


title: Headset not found on Xperia L

text:
# Question
Title: Headset not found on Xperia L
I've bought Sony MBH20 headset and Bluetooth transmitter ASUS BT400 to use it both for skype calls and with my Xperia L.

When I unpacked the headset I've succesfully paired with my Xperia.

When I tried to pair it with PC i removed it from list of bluetooth devices in the Xperia and paired it with PC (Win7, 64 bit).

From that moment I cannot detect the headset with my Xperia. It displays other bluetooth devices but not the headset. I tried turning the headset off and on, I tried to remove the hadset from devices in the PC and I tried to clear cache and AppData of SmartConnect app.

In all cases I can find, add and use hte headset with the PC but Xperia stll resist to detect it.

Is it caused by:

* Deleting the headset from Xperia's list of (paired) devices?
* Pairing with the PC resuilting in switching the headset's BT to be visible only for the PC?

How can I force the headset to connect to available host (PC or Cell phone), if both are active, connect to the last paired?

# Answer
After removing the pairing from the phone, the phone won't be able to see the headset in its normal mode any more. To connect to it again, you need to pair the phone with the headset again. To make the headset visible again, you need to put it into a special "pairing mode" which makes it visible to all devices for a short time.

The way of doing this varies from one headset to another, but typically you might hold down the power button for a longer time, until the light on the headset blinks (if there is one). On headsets with a volume control, you might need to hold one of the volume buttons before pressing the power button. (I've seen that on a Jabra headset.) With the headset in its pairing mode, search for devices from your phone and you should be able to see it and pair with it. After that, the phone will be able to connect to it automatically, like before you deleted the pairing.

It's very unusual for peripherals to only be able to hold one pairing at a time, so once your headset is paired with both the PC and the phone, you should be able to connect to either. You can only connect to one at a time, though. To learn more about how Bluetooth pairing works and pairing with multiple devices, you might like to read my related answer.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, sony-xperia, headset
---


# Question
Title: How can I prevent installation of NEW applications on an Android 5.1 device, but keep auto-updates of existing applications?
We will soon have to provide a phone to a person who is obviously not familiar with IT stuff at all, and not capable of learning anything about information security, etc. (and probably not capable of learning anything really) They must have ability to communicate with us and there will be no one near them to "repair" the device in case something gets really broken.

I thought that it will be a good idea to provide them with a couple of necessary applications on the device and then block installation of any other new apps (both from Google Play and from anywhere else). However, the standard auto-update process of Google Play should be working (at least because otherwise messaging/VoIP apps will soon become obsolete and stop working, and for security reasons, too)

So the question is — what are the possible solutions to prevent the user from installing non white-listed applications?

Also, we think that the person will not try too hard to circumvent the restrictions. So, maybe even a simple solution (just hide all unwanted icons, including Google Play, from the launcher / app list) will do, but this is risky, and I am not sure that is possible with all kinds of stock UI. So it's interesting to know if there are any better solutions.

## Update

Solutions which do not rely on the fact that the user doesn't know (their only) PIN/password are preferable, because a working screen lock can be useful to reduce damage caused by device loss/stealing.

# Answer
> 4 votes
There are multiple approaches you could take:

* a solution. That would pin the user to a certain app or group of apps defined as "kiosk"
* apps, which are often a specific variant of kiosk
* use an App-Locker

The latter most likely is the approach best fitting your current case: You can define which apps should be "locked down" and which not. Locking e.g. settings and the Playstore app, while are disabled, would prevent any new installations. With auto-updates enabled in the Playstore app, these would still be applied automatically.

For additional details, be welcome to click the tags (for questions using them), or take a look into the corresponding tag-wikis: kiosk-mode, parental-control, unknown-sources.

Note that, to prevent installations via the Google Play web interface, the user ***must not*** have the credentials of any Google account linked to the device (no chance otherwise).**1** These do not necessarily correspond with the lockscreen PIN/password/pattern, so this is no contradiction to your requirements.

---

**1:** credits to Firelord for pointing this out

---
Tags: google-play-store, security, 5.1-lollipop, parental-control
---


title: Remotely remove all phone's data

text:
# Question
Title: Remotely remove all phone's data
I gave my phone away without removing the photos on it,now I know the gmail's account on that current phone.

Is there a way to remove all the data,or at least the photos on that phone,when I have the account running on it ? maybe install an app remotely ?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try to log in to the Android Device Manager.

You need to sign in with you google account (must be the same as on phone). If your phone is still linked to your account and if it is connected to the internet you can fully remotely wipe your phone (= factory reset).

If the new owner has already changed the account, you have no chance to delete any data.

---
Tags: applications, gmail, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: How can I cause a dummy notification in Android 6.0?
I'm trying to set my phone up so that notifications won't show up in certain situations. To test my set-up, I need to create a notification myself, so I can see whether it shows up or not.

What's the easiest way to create a fake or dummy notification, without having to write an app to do it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Looking for this?

(Click image to enlarge)

It turned out that major apps can easily do this, at least Tasker (free trial; user guide), MacroDroid and Automate can.

(Click an image to enlarge it)

**Note:**

* In Tasker, Action to create a notification from a task is available under *Alert* action category.

**Test run**: use the play button in the main window of the task.
* In MacroDroid, the Action is named *Display Notification*.

**Test run**: long press your macro and choose *Test Actions*.
* In Automate, the block *Notification show* under Interface category can create notification. For that block, *Proceed* should be set to *When dismissed*.

**Test run**: press *Start* in the default window of the flow.
* In each of the the said apps, you need not to assign a trigger at all.

It might become tedious if you're to create the dummy notification multiple times, so I suggest you try an app which can execute an app shortcut with convenience, such as:

# Answer
> 0 votes
Install the DO app: https://ifttt.com/products/do/button. Inside it create a DO recipe using a channel called 'IF notifications'. Set a message and you're ready to go - every time you'll hit that button, a notification will be posted. Tip - you can enable a floating button for this recipe too to make it more accessible.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Another approach install Pushbullet on your phone and PC/browser. Then whenever you push from the other device, you'll get a notification on your phone :)

---
Tags: notifications, 6.0-marshmallow
---


title: Is this Official ROM of gt-i9506?

text:
# Question
Title: Is this Official ROM of gt-i9506?
Device: Samsung Galaxy S4 gt-i9506. The size of some (linked removed because faulty) Samsung ROMs is 1.3 GB while CyanogenMod corresponding ROM's size size 0.3 GB here. I cannot understand so big difference. I want to get a stable release.

---

Is the former the official ROM of gt-i9506?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The size of more than a gigabyte is true. I also flashed the official ROM of this device a short while ago. As already explained, this is caused in the difference between the very light CyanogenMod Rom (about i think 60 apps preinstalled) and the heavy, overloaded Samsung Touchwiz Rom (about 300 apps preinstalled).

For official samsung roms / firmwares i recommend the site SamMobile.com. They have all of the official roms for all samsung devices and are very reliable. The only negative point is that you have to sign up to download files and even then you have incredibly slow download speeds. You only get high speeds with paid subscription. But there is a "workaround" there:

An XDA user developed a brilliant tool called SamFirm Downloader. With this tool you don´t even need to sign up to SamMobile. You just need to enter the information of your device and ROM and the tool downloads this ROM with full (possible) speed from the SamMobile servers. You can get the tool here (download link under attachments of first post).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the newest version of SamFirm Downloader in this XDA post and unzip it.
2. Run the program
3. The only required information are model and region.
4. Fill in the **model** field. Model in your case is "GT-i9506". If you have a different phone you can google for the device model number or look on the sticker under phone battery.
5. Fill in the **region** field. This field decides which rom version (vendor) you get, as every single vendor like T-Mobile has its own firmware version. You need to enter the vendor code. You can find it for your specific country and vendor on this site. Just click at the **Select country** drop down menu, search your provider and copy or remember the short (3 letters) at the end of the line. Don´t download directly from this site as it´s very slow.
6. The checkbox needs to stay on **Auto**
7. Click on **Check Update**. If your model and region code were correct, it should have retrieved the correct (newest) firmware for your device.
8. If you want to get the ROM checked for download errors after download completed, check **Check CRC32**.
9. Check **Decrypt automatically**. You actually could do it manually after download, but why don´t let the program do it automatically?
10. Leave the rest as is and finally click on **Download**

You´re done! After some time you have the final zip-archive in the folder of SamFirm-Downloader which you need to unzip and then you can flash it with Odin.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, samsung-galaxy-s-4, rom
---


# Question
Title: Disable Gmail app swipe to delete for IMAP account
The Gmail default action swipe to archive make sense for Google accounts.

Now, when I added a normal IMAP account, the swipe action is defaulted to delete, which is dangerous.

Are there any way to enable swipe for archive only, but not delete?

# Answer
It seems that this isn't possible at the moment. The support article for Gmail on Android states:

> \[You can\] set default action & swipe to archive or delete messages for Gmail accounts. For non-Gmail accounts, the default is always delete, so even if you change this setting to archive, your messages will still be deleted.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You go into the gmail settings. -\> the email account -\> and the I think it comes under swipe actions. I'm not 100% as I've been using Google inbox but it sounds right...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: email, gmail, google, imap
---


# Question
Title: Factory reset Samsung Galaxy S3 without screen
The screen on my Samsung Galaxy S3 has bitten the dust, and is now remains completely black. The phone otherwise seems to be working, however (sounds play, the notification lights light, the touch screen seems to respond, etc.)

I think I'll give it away to anyone who wants it for parts. But first I want to wipe my data off it. Unfortunately, since I can't see the screen, instructions such as "Scroll down to 'Factory reset'" won't work.

Can anyone tell me the exact sequence of button presses to do a factory reset from the bootloader, without seeing the screen?

(Unfortunately, the phone isn't set up with Android Device Manager.)

# Answer
> 2 votes
You could use recovery mode and guess the controls from resources available online or you could use adb if u had developer options enabled and type:

```
adb shell
--wipe_data

```

**EDIT:** I read the comments on your question and it looks like if u wanted to reset it you can go into recovery (Home+VolumeUp+Power) and then press volume down twice and then press power and then press volume down 6 times and then press power again.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This link shows the exact clicks for factory reset without a screen: http://visihow.com/Is\_there\_a\_way\_to\_reset\_a\_Samsung\_Galaxy\_Note\_3\_without\_the\_screen

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, factory-reset, broken-screen
---


title: Steps to update rooted Galaxy S6

text:
# Question
Title: Steps to update rooted Galaxy S6
I have a rooted Galaxy S6 on 5.1.1, the first and only version I rooted my device on. I want to update to Marshmallow and still have a rooted phone. What are the steps I need to do to make this happen?

# Answer
## Updating your Samsung smartphone to a stock firmware

Most Samsung smartphones can be flashed with the Odin Tool. But before you can flash you have to get your devices model number, a compatible firmware, the USB Drivers and Odin.

1. Get your model number: Visit your settings menue - navigate to "About Phone" and see if you can find your model-number. See here for typical model-numbers of a Galaxy S5.
2. Enter your model number on sammobile and download the most up-to-date firmware. If there is one for your region then take that - if there is no update available for your region you can flash other regions aswell. (If you are experiencing problems with connectivity, flash another modem)
3. Make sure you have the Samsung USB Drivers for Windows installed
4. Follow the steps on the download page of your firmware:

> ```
> Extract (unzip) the firmware file
> Download Odin v3.10.7
> Extract Odin ZIP file
> Open Odin v3.10.7
> Reboot Phone in Download Mode (press and hold Home + Power + Volume Down buttons)
> Connect phone and wait until you get a blue sign in Odin
> Add the firmware file to AP / PDA
> Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked
> Click the start button, sit back and wait few minutes
>
> ```

This process works for rooted aswell as unrooted samsung phones. Your phone will be running an unrooted (stock) firmware after this process.
To root your phone again - visit Chainfire's site and select the appropriate package for your device-model. Then extract this file and flash it like the other package. (Start Odin, select the .tar.md5 file into the AP/PDA slot of Odin and start)

## Use a custom ROM

You can also use a custom ROM to update your phone to a newer android version. You'll need to install a custom recovery (like TWRP) and download an appropriate ROM zip.

> ```
> Download Odin v3.10.7
> Extract Odin ZIP file
> Open Odin v3.10.7
> Reboot Phone in Download Mode (press and hold Home + Power + Volume Down buttons)
> Connect phone and wait until you get a blue sign in Odin
> Add the TWRP Image(https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxys6.html)(twrp-3.0.2-0-zeroflte.img.tar) to the AP-Sector of Odin
> Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked - disable the Option "Auto-Reboot"
> Click the start button, sit back and wait few seconds
>
> ```

When it is done (Odin shows the "PASS" message) - press and hold the Volume Up+ Power Button on your device until it restarts - release the power button as soon as see the boot-up screen. If you want to install ROMs - visit XDA-Developers and look into the Android Development section.

If you have downloaded a ROM zip, copy it to your device, boot into TWRP and wipe /system, /cache, /dalvic. Flash your zip file with TWRP and boot up to the new ROM :)

Sources and further reading: Root Samsung Galaxy S6 and Install TWRP Recovery (All Models)

---

Warning: This process will very likely trigger the KNOX fuse and you're going to loose warranty in most regions.
> 0 votes

# Answer
So long as you don't try an OTA (Over The Air update, such as you would be offered with a stock phone), you shouldn't lose root. You just need to choose and flash a new ROM. There are many ROMs you could choose from but I always used Cyanogen Mod on my rooted phones. CM has it's own updater, so you can update with this in future.

Google your options and make sure you follow instructions carefully. With many ROM's you will need to install the Google Store app manually if you want to install apps in the normal way after your update.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, 6.0-marshmallow, 5.1-lollipop, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


title: Recover Pictures

text:
# Question
Title: Recover Pictures
Ok, so I just dropped my android 5.1 Moto G. the screen is unresponsive and has lines and squares running along it.

I was wondering if there was any way to recover photos from this phone, as it works, but when I connect to the computer it is locked, and, as the screen is unresponsive, I cant unlock it.

Thanks, Josh

# Answer
Get an OTG cable and connect it with your phone. Unlock it. Install Vysor for future use. Download something like solid explorer and copy everything to SDCard. Now remove the card and transfer it to your PC/Laptop.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, 5.1-lollipop, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: What is the difference between .dex and .apk file?
.dex and .apk file: What are they and how do they execute ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Actually, an APK file is a ZIP file, where you can found the Magic Number `PK` in the file header. It contains not only `classes.dex` but also other meta files such as `AndroidManifest.xml` which contains the basic configuration of this file.

A .dex file is just... uh, I regard it as a "real" executable, like an .exe file in Windows or an ELF in Linux, which contains the machine code(for Dalvik VM).

# Answer
> 0 votes
> What is the difference between .dex and .apk file?

.dex file Compiled Android application code file.

Android programs are compiled into .dex (Dalvik Executable) files, which are in turn zipped into a single .apk file on the device. .dex files can be created by automatically by Android translating compiled applications written in the Java programming language.

Reference: Answer by Vineet Shukla

---
Tags: applications, kernel
---


title: How to Prevent CM13 Calling by Itself?

text:
# Question
Title: How to Prevent CM13 Calling by Itself?
I noticed today that my Samsung Galaxy S4 with CM13 (unofficial Kyasu's ROM) called two my contacts itself; those contacts were those which I keep in my blacklist; which was also why I had react to the incident. I have a passlock in my phone so calling itself is not possible without a break into my system. This implies me that my ROM was cracked, and used for own targets. This is the second time, I notice that my phone calls itself; first time, it called my favorite contact one week ago; in the other end, my friend heard only machine/random noise. Therefore, I would like to add additional measures to control the security/privacy of my phone.

---

How can you prevent your phone calling itself?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found out more stable ROM. It was not the official one which has noise artifacts, for instance. I found some patches made by Temasek/arter97 here at points (8) and (9). Using them solves the artifact noise problem, which occurs in the official CM13 and kyasu's ROM. I also switched to Temasek ROM which seems to be one of the most used unofficial ROMs. It is the most stable ROM that I have found for the device. It also supports updates directly in the software.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, security, privacy
---


# Question
Title: What are the SEC80 and SECD00 Android Wi-Fi capabilities?
I have been collecting Android `ScanResult.capabilities` for a while and have encountered some settings I can't find any description of.

`[ESS][SEC80][SECD00]` and `[WPA2-PSK-CCMP][ESS][SEC80][SECD00]`

These were on two different access points scanned by a Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android 5.0.

What is `SEC80` and `SECD00`? They seem to be enabled together. Any link to an explanation for the two Wi-Fi capabilities will be much appreciated.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You're in luck! Several years ago I was thinking about extending some aspects of WPA and wanted to test using my phone. It seemed that you need to add these as flags, so that made me dive in the Android source code, specifically `wpa_supplicant`.

Then @schroeder posted a link to your question on a private chat room, and it instantly rang a bell. I went back to the `wpa_supplicant` source code and traced it back a bit until I found references for the flags. If you look at line 89 there, you can see that the scan results entries ordered in the same exact order they appear in scan results console, so from there you can see that they're "flags" and you can go back in the source code to where they're declared.

Anyway, these are called '**802.11 Access Point security flags**'. Here's the reference list of the flags used in Android. For instance, `[SEC80]` would be `NM_802_11_AP_SEC_GROUP_CCMP`. I'm not really sure what `[SECD00]`, but the 802.11-2012 specifications might give you some hints.

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


title: Qmobile Forgotten Unlock Pattern

text:
# Question
Title: Qmobile Forgotten Unlock Pattern
I've forgotten the unlock pattern for my Qmobile i7i and it does not provide me with the option to enter my email, backup pin, etc. Factory restore is not an option as there is important data on the device.

How can I bypass the pattern lock?

# Answer
Well, first you can do is to make the backup of all the files which you can do so by copying all the files from the phone to your PC via USB connection.

The files you copied will include the contacts, media, system related file. Once you have copied all files then you can later copied back to your phone after phone reset.

Here is the link to reset your phone:

http://www.morenews.pk/2016/01/02/factory-reset-qmobile-noir-android-smartphone-forgotten-lock/

Another link:

http://www.phonerework.com/hard-reset-qmobile-noir-i7-to-unlock-pattern-lock/
> 0 votes

---
Tags: locked-out, pattern-lock
---


title: Recovering Audio from Unrecorded Call

text:
# Question
Title: Recovering Audio from Unrecorded Call
On my Asus Zenfone 5, how can I recover/playback the audio of a previous call that I did not record?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Without a phone that automatically records everything (I doubt you could carry it, the storage unit would be pretty heavy), if you didn't choose to record the call while it was ongoing, there's nothing you can do to get it back.

Well, you could try the special "TARDIS Recorder" app. You can only download it from either Gallifrey's cell network or from The Doctor's sonic screwdriver, or you can get it for free from the restaurant at the end of the universe. Beware the Hounds of Tindalos who might pursue you through the corners you cut!

---
Tags: call-recording
---


# Question
Title: Can I safely install Android system updates with disabled Gapps?
On my Nexus 5x for personal choices I disabled all the Gapps (Google apps) via the Settings menu, included "Google Play Services" and "Google Services Framework". With these two apps disabled the Software Update screen is not available at all, so I'd like to install the May 2016 security patch with the Adb Sideload method.

The question is, do I risk any bootloop or any other issue if I manually update while those apps are disabled?

I would say no for several Gapps because if so they wouldn't even let me disable them, but the two mentioned above are required to get the update screen, that's why I'm worried about it. The phone has the stock ROM, no unlocked bootloader, nothing unusual.

# Answer
I answer myself, just updated and everything has gone smooth! Nice!
> -1 votes

---
Tags: adb, updates, google, ota-update, side-loading
---


# Question
Title: Quickly send file from phone to PC via internet?
Is there a service/app that provide this functionality? I imagine the inversion of Awesome Drop.

# Answer
> 17 votes
A service like Dropbox should be able to do this for you. It'll sync the files up to the web, and then your PC (with Dropbox installed) should pull them down.

# Answer
> 4 votes
GTalkSMS is able to send, browse and download files from your android phone via XMPP (gTalk). It's also a remote SMS notifier and has various other features.

Note: According to the FAQ I have to disclose that I am involved in GTalkSMS. GTalkSMS is an open source GPL licensed Android app. Everyone can contribute.

# Answer
> 2 votes
**Via email**

Well of course this works, but I hope there is a quicker, better, more straightforward way.

# Answer
> 1 votes
With so many alternatives this days, the best options tends to be an application that allows us to work with multiple solutions.

FolderSync and the free version FolderSync Lite, both by Tacit Dynamics available from Google Play Store, allows us to do just that:

> FolderSync enables easy sync of files between cloud storage and Android devices.
>
> FolderSync is a application that enables simple sync to cloud based storage to and from local folders on the device memory card. It currently support multiple SkyDrive, Dropbox, SugarSync, Ubuntu One, Box.net, LiveDrive, HiDrive, Google Drive, Google Docs, NetDocuments, Amazon S3, FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV or windows share (Samba/CIFS) accounts, and support for more platforms are planned.

# Answer
> 0 votes
MAXS (Modular Android XMPP Suite) is able to exchange files over XMPP.

Note: According to the FAQ I have to disclose that I am involved into MAXS. MAXS is an open source GPLv3 licensed Android app. Everyone can contribute.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your Android device and the PC are in the same local network, e.g. connected to the same Wi-Fi access point or the same router/switch, and you have Total Commander installed + WiFi/WLAN plugin, then you simply long tap the \> Send To \> Send via Wi-Fi (Total Commander), and then enter the displayed URL in your browser. Or use the QR code if you want to share to another mobile device with a camera.

# Answer
> -1 votes
the easiest way is this little software named Sego for me : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nex.sego

---
Tags: sync, files, file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: Problem copying files with unusual characters in their names to the Galaxy S4 SD card but not to the phone
I run Gentoo Linux on my laptop. MTP connection to my phone works well, and I can see both the phone memory and my SD card. I can copy files to and from both to my laptop with no difficulty. The laptop is exclusively UTF-8 filenames.

I was copying some music files from my laptop to the phone, when I noticed a series of errors with files whose names contained punctuation.

Specifically files called '08 - ¿Por Qué?.flac' and '01 - Visión: Bautismo En La Cruz.flac' would not copy over to any directory on the SD card.

They would copy with no problems to the Phone memory itself, and can be played from there. Files with names containing accented characters copied fine, for example '07 - Unción En Betania.flac'. Files named '0?8 - Por Qué.txt' and '?08 - Por Qué.txt' also caused errors, but a file called '08 - Por Qué.txt' copied normally

I assume this is problem with the SD card file system, and its support for Unicode. any suggestions for managing it. I can (and have) renamed the files, but that is only a partial solution. Anyone got any better ideas?

# Answer
Yeah you´re right. The problem is caused by the file system of the SD card. Probably you use **FAT32** as file system of your SD card which is using the **OEM character set** (Read more). And the OEM set seems to not contain some characters you need as you found out.

So you need a different file system on your SD card which is using UTF-8 character set (**NTFS** on your lapto does, and also the internal memory of your phone supports it (which could be an ext like **ext4**).

But the best cross OS supported file system should be **exFat**. As you can see in the Wikipedia entry it supports **UTF-16** character file names (just a variation of UTF-8). Also with this file system you have the ability of storing files bigger than 4GiB, which is not possible on FAT32.

So backup your files and format your SD card with the program of your choice (you can use even the basic windows integrated formatting tool). Then the problem should be gone.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: file-management, mtp
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent two-factor code being exposed on lock screen in messages notification?
On Lollipop, the text message notification on the lock screen includes some of the content of the text message. For two-factor code text messages, this will display the two factor code to anyone holding the phone even if they cannot unlock it. This seems like a security issue.

There seems to be a setting that more carefully hides the contents of notifications on the lock screen but that makes many of the other notifications useless it is hides data which I feel is useful and harmless to share.

I guess the options are:

* Hide the content and put up with the inconvenience on other apps in the name of security.
* Disable notifications from the messages app but then I have no way to know if there are new messages without manually checking.
* Hide the content and petition other app makers to not respect that setting if the content isn't sensitive. Though I can easily think of examples that I might not consider sensitive but others might.

Are there other options available here? I'd love it if the messages app had a setting to control that behaviour. I'd be happy with the text message sender being displayed instead of the content.

# Answer
> 3 votes
It is possible to control the nature of the notifications on a per-app basis. If you go to:

* `Settings > Sounds and notifications > App notifications`

Then you can select the **Messages** app and toggle on the `Hide content on lock screen` option. This isn't as useful as the macro driven approach from Firelord as it hides both the sender and the content. It would be preferable in the case of this question to show the sender but not the content.

Note that this option is only available if you have selected to `show all notifications` on the `Sounds and notifications` settings menu.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I would say the first notification in first image would serve as a good replacement for the first notification in second image.

(Click an image to enlarge it)

Given that an SMS usually contains information considered private in nature, I would suggest you setup an task which would remove the notification created by your default messaging app but instead place a new notification with sender's address only. Opening that new notification would open the default messaging app and if needed, perhaps the particular thread as well.

Following is a successful demonstration performed using MacroDroid:

MacroDroid defines a set of trigger(s), action(s) and constraint(s) as a macro. You would be needing two macros here.

### Macro 1:

* *Trigger*: Empty Trigger
* *Action*: Launch Application → select your messaging app
* *Constraint*: ignore
* *Name*: *Launch messaging app*

### Macro 2:

* *Trigger*: Notification → Notification Received:

+ *From*: choose your default/preferred messaging app
    + *Text Content*: you can play with this but I suggest you begin with blacklisting any notification from messaging app. For that, select *Any* to trigger for any notification.
* *Action*:

+ Clear Notifications → Select Application(s) → select your messaging app
    + *Display Notification*:

    - *Icon*: change as appropriate
        - In the first text field write: *\[not\_title\]*

        *\[not\_title\]* corresponds to Notification Title (the title of the notification which acted as the trigger).

        You may be interested in dealing with further information from the notification. For that, tap the button next to the text field and see the information for yourself.
        - In the second text field write anything that you need. As an example, you can write: *Double tap to open the message*
        - Tick *Invoke macro when pressed* and select your first macro i.e. *Launch messaging app*
* *Constraint*: Device Locked/Unlocked → Locked
* *Name*: as appropriate to you

This is how the said macros works: whenever any notification from your selected messaging app would show up when the device is locked, the notification would be immediately removed and a new notification from MacroDroid would be generated with the same title and your custom text. If you single/double tap the notification your selected messaging app would be launched.

(Click an image to enlarge it; the two macros I created)

It is possible to easily make a similar automation task using Automate app.

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Tags: sms, lock-screens, security
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# Question
Title: Galaxy S4 - Cannot turn email notifications OFF
Probably after a software upgrade, my phone now vibrates and makes a sound whenever an email comes in. This is annoying and keeps me up at night! I have unchecked email notifications but it hasn't stopped. Can anyone help?

# Answer
> 0 votes
go to settings, find aplications menu find your e-mail client that spams notifications, click it. you will find buttons like uninstall or delete app's data. there should be a checkbox for notifications. you can disable them. now app dosent have permission to throw any notifications on you

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Tags: notifications, samsung-galaxy-s-4, email
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title: E:failed to verify whole-file signature

text:
# Question
Title: E:failed to verify whole-file signature
I have the original Samsung firmware on my Galaxy Mega 5.8

It doesn't have any of the Google Apps on it, so I decided to flash the G-apps. I got into recovery mode, and selected the appropriate G-apps ZIP, `gapps-jb-20130813-signed.zip`

However, I keep getting the "E:failed to verify whole-file signature" error. I've tried downloading zips from different sources, including the CyanogenMod Wiki Downloads page, the problem seems to persist.

**More**

Here's a list of the steps I took: (My phone is rooted)

1. Download the G-apps zip file.
2. Put it on the root folder of the SD card.
3. Reboot into recovery mode.
4. "Install update from external memory", selected the g-apps zip file.
5. Got the error.

I would really appreciate any help that I can get.

I've also tried downloading the google services framework, play store and google login service APKs separately. However, the play store simply opens and closes. (Installing Google apps; "Google Services Framework has stopped" after installation )

# Answer
> 1 votes
This may help some folks: In my case the error was caused by a corrupt copy of the data file to the USB drive. On the offchance that I had yanked the USB out too early, I recopied, and after that the "whole-file signature" was OK and allowed the firmware update to complete.

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Tags: rom-flashing, google-apps
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