title: Unlimited Google Photos storage?

text:
# Question
Title: Unlimited Google Photos storage?
When I bought my Pixel 3, one of the appeals was that Google promised unlimited storage at Google Photos (although not at max resolution).

Now, https://one.google.com/storage and https://one.google.com/storage/management tell me that I've used 97% of my storage, and it points to various videos of mine taking up a lot of space (and I thought that photos and videos taken by this phone would not "count" in my storage quota).

In my Camera app and Google Photos app, I no longer see the obvious option that used to exist that said something like "upload lower resolution photos, which don't count against your quota".

I have Android 12.

How can I fix this so that Google Photos changes the resolution downwards of those uploaded photos and videos so that my storage quota frees up again?

I don't want my Gmail to get discontinued due to lack of space, and I don't want to pay for storage that was supposed to be free.

# Answer
> 2 votes
As you have a Pixel 3 which still has support for high quality/storage saver photo backup:

From: Google Photos Help page - Choose the backup quality of your photos & videos

> **Pixel 3**
>
> Photos and videos backed up in Original quality on or before January 31, 2022 remain in Original quality at no charge. Photos and videos backed up after January 31, 2022 are saved in Storage saver at no charge. Photos and videos backed up in Original quality count toward your Google Account storage.

> **Change your backup quality**
>
> **Important:** If you're out of storage, you can't change your backup quality.
>
> 1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app Photos.
> 2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Initial.
> 3. Tap Photos settings Settings and then Backup and then Backup quality.
> 4. Select a backup quality.

I just checked this on a Pixel 2 with Android 10, Google Photos app version 6.18.0.499567106 and was able to reach the setting.

**Okay but how can I recover space in my Google account?**

**WARNING** Prior to attempting you should archive outside of Google cloud your photos & videos before attempting to recover space in your Google account. You can use Google Takeout to archive just your photos and videos so that should any issues arise there is a copy not on Google's servers.

Alternative you can use Google Takeout to save your photos and videos outside of the Google cloud and delete manually to recover space.

**Always check that the backup contains the data you want and the backup data is viewable/playable.**

Google Photos space recovery from: Choose the backup quality of your photos & videos - Computer tab toward bottom of page

> **Reduce the size of your photos & videos** If you have photos in Original quality and want to save some storage space, change your already backed-up photos and videos to Storage saver (previously named High quality). This setting won't appear if you have unlimited storage for Google Photos.
>
> **Important:**
>
> * You can only recover storage once a day. Storage recovery won’t change the quality of your future uploads.
> * **In some circumstances, certain photos and videos may not be able to be compressed and will be stored at their original file size.**
>
> 1. On your computer, go to photos.google.com.
> 2. At the top, click Settings and then Manage storage.
> 3. Under “Recover storage,” click Convert existing photos & videos to Storage saver.

---
Tags: backup, storage, google-photos, google-pixel-3
---


# Question
Title: When I arrive to my destination using Waze, how can I tell on Waze whether the destination is on my right or my left?
When I arrive to my destination using Waze, how can I tell on Waze whether the destination is on my right or my left?

Example:

I saw some posts from 2015 stating it's not possible. I wonder whether it's possible nowadays.

# Answer
On my screen it is obvious as the destination icon is either on the left or the right of the road. Have you tried zooming in
> 1 votes

---
Tags: waze
---


# Question
Title: adb restore <freeotp backup> does nothing
I followed the guidance here to do a FreeOTP backup with `adb backup -f <backup path> org.fedorahosted.freeotp`. After I wiped my phone and tried to do an \`adb restore I get the message "Now unlock your device and confirm the restore operation." but nothing on my phone happens or prompts, nor does FreeOTP have any keys installed.

I am on Android 8.1 with adb 1.0.32 on Ubuntu 14.04.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I guess the adb from `sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb` was a bit too out of date. I downloaded the latest version from https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html and extracted just the `adb` command, which is `Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.39 Version 0.0.1-4500957`, ran it and my phone prompted for a "full restore" which sounds scary but in the end just did a full restore of the FreeOTP. After it was done I have my keys back, yay!

# Answer
> 0 votes
the new version (Jan 2023) of freeOTP allows backup and restore within the app. it updated automatically from the old version via google playstore.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.fedorahosted.freeotp

when you open the upgraded app for the first time you need to chose a password to encrypt the backup.

Attention: to restore from backup (e.g. on another device), it is required to use freeOTP/restore and there enable settings/display advanced devices and then navigate to the backup file 'externalBackup'

without advanced devices enabled, the app doesn't see the file externalBackup

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: Why does my Samsung Galaxy S10 mobile hotspot cut out after exactly one hour?
I have an issue where if I turn on my hotspot it will automatically stop working after exactly one hour, every time. I have tested this with a stopwatch several times to confirm this is the case. It's becoming a real pain because I'm always on the go and need to tether my mobile internet to my other devices for work purposes.

* I have reset my network settings.
* I made sure the `Turn off when no device connected for` setting is on **Never timeout**.
* The system software is fully up-to-date.

There has to be some setting or issue somewhere causing it. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I can't figure it out and would super appreciate any help. Are there any logs I can look at?

The way this issue presents itself is odd. The connected devices lose the hotspot connection entirely, however, the hotspot toggle on the Samsung phone is still set to On. If I search for the hotspot I can still find it, and when I try to reconnect it will take a little longer than usual and eventually say "Connected - No Internet". I then have to go back to the Samsung and toggle the hotspot off/on to get it working on the other devices again.

I'm using the exact same sim card I had in my Huawei 20 Pro before I upgraded to Samsung and this was never an issue on that phone. It seems unique to my Samsung.

# Answer
Rather than listing them one by one in the comments. These are some of the possible causes for the hotspot to stop.

1. Default setup option in Samsung to timeout is after 1 hour.
2. VPN app running that may reset it when it reconnects to the internet.
3. Lock / Limitation by ISP. ISPs in some countries are very strict about this.
4. WIFI interference or Out-Of-Range may also stop hotspot.
5. Battery Saving Mode may drop hotspot
6. Rate-limited mobile plan can do it too.
7. Connecting to a Wifi network will stop hotspot.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, mobile-data, wifi-hotspot, mobile-network
---


title: Android alarm for calendar events?

text:
# Question
Title: Android alarm for calendar events?
Is there any kind of app that creates alarm-clock style alarms for calendar events?

I use the alarm feature in the built-in clock Android app all the time to notify myself of repeating events.

I also use Google Calendar to remind myself of repeating events.

However, for some bizarre reason, Google has refused to implement any link between the two, nor create any usable kind of alarm feature for their calendar. They have an email and popup notification, but these are worthless. Unless you check your email every 5 minutes, or have the calendar web app open in a desktop browser 24/7, you won't see either notification.

This means I miss a lot of calendar events.

I can't be the only person who has this problem.

How do you link the calendar to the alarm clock so if you have an import event scheduled a couple weeks out, you can say, "blare an audible alarm on my phone 10 minutes before this so I don't forget about it"?

# Answer
I use **Business Calendar** app. I use the paid-up version but you can use the free version.

* It will link to many Google accounts and bring all the calendar entries into one view, where you can choose to view them together or separately.
* It's a two-way link, so any appointments made on it will go to Google.
* It will also dynamically notify you at the appropriate time (appointment time - reminder time).
* It has numerous settings for the display.
* It has a widget as well (I use it for a permanent display on my second home page).

App

This is the multi-account view.

I am not associated with it in any way.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Use Macintosh layout for external physical keyboard?
I'd like to connect a German Macintosh keyboard to my Android device. It uses swapped signals for `°`/`^` and `<`/`>` as well as different positions for `[`, `]`, `{`, `}` and `@`. It also has a bunch of special characters, but I don't consider those of high priority.

I tested More Physical Keyboard Layouts, but it doesn't feature Macintosh layouts (yet). I also saw the External Keyboard Helper Pro that allows to define a custom layout, but it requires a Google Account to buy it from the Play Store, but I need a solution that works with AOSP.

(Free apps on the Play Store are fine, because I can download those anonymously using the Aurora Store.)

# Answer
If remapping some keys is enough for you take a look at ExKeyMo. Disclaimer: I'm the developer. It can build an app with your custom layout built-in.

UPDATE:

ExKeyMo has two modes Simple one to remap keys and Complex one to enter custom Key Character Map file. Also there is ExKeyMo's Docs page.

UPDATE:

ExKeyMo web app is not available on Heroku anymore. You'll have to run it locally. See the project's page on GitHub.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: external-keyboard, localization, aosp, text-input
---


# Question
Title: How to chose an Android device for testing software?
The software I produce on Android isn't an app at all. It's a mathematical modelling library, built entirely with the NDK, which is tested with a command-line test harness in the ADB shell. It is licensed to ISVs, who produce apps based on it.

The library (and test harness) are only produced in aarch64 form, so I need a 64-bit device to test them on. I need something that runs as quickly as possible, with at least 10GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage for the test data I push onto it. The device needs to be able to run tests continuously for several days at a time (there are a *lot* of test cases) without running out of power. It can stay plugged into a host computer the whole time - there's no need for it to be used as a personal device.

# Answer
The simplest solution is to use a 'phone based on a SoC that uses sufficiently little power that it can stay fully charged while running its CPU full-time. This is much easier if there's no need for the screen to be powered on.

As of early 2023, 'phones based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G can meet this need. The one I've been using is a Vivo X60 Pro, with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. You can monitor the battery state through USB via `adb shell dumpsys battery`. The advantage of the 870 over the high-end 700 models is that the 800 models have twice the memory bandwidth.

I previously tried doing this with 'phones based on the Snapdragon 888, but with no success. I was unable to find one that could accept enough power to keep the battery from draining while both running at full speed *and* plugged into a computer via USB. Of the devices I tried:

* One had two USB ports, with different charge capacities. If you plugged the high-capacity port into the custom charger, the low-capacity port would not talk to the computer. If you plugged the charger into the low-capacity port, the high-capacity port would talk to the computer OK, but the low-capacity port could not keep the battery charged.
* The other had a single USB port and wireless charging. However, putting the device on the charging cradle immediately cut off communication through the USB port.
> 2 votes

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


# Question
Title: Is Phone still usable after Google Find my device erase device
well, the question says it all. I was playing around with google find my device and messed up. The worse thing, I was using my father's phone and not mine.

**Result-**
After i used find-my-device - secure device, there's a screen lock on my father's phone which is long like abc1234. The phone is unlocking with it. But when I try to remove it from settings app, it is asking for a 4 digit numeric passcode. I have tried everything and the password can't be removed. Since my father uses his phone very often due to his work, he doesn't like any kind of password since its bothersome, time-consuming, frustrating and he doesn't have the best eyesight so he messes up with keyboard when without glasses.

**What I want to do-**
Since the phone can be unlocked and data can be accessed, I have backed up the data in my laptop and planning to reset it. Now, the OEM is locked and asks the 4 digit password to unlock and reset also wants that. So, My only options remains find my device - erase device.

**What i want to know-**
Since its not my but my father's phone, I want to be and have to be extra cautious.
1 - Is there any kind of risk or anything i should keep in mind before resetting the device from find-my-device - erase device.
2 - Will my father be able to use that phone normally after the reset like he used to earlier??
3 - **Will the screen lock be removed?? (most important)**

# Answer
> 2 votes
Ok, so since no one was particularly answering, I took the risk and did it.

As for the answers for anyone who needs it in future -

1 - no that i found anything just make sure to backup your data.

2 - no problem found as well. for personalization and apps, everything was deleted, but i made a list beforehand of installed apps and their settings which took me a whole of 20-25 minutes to reinstall and set up.

3 - yes it was removed.

BTW for anyone wondering which phone it is, it's Vivo S1 Pro.

---
Tags: factory-reset, vivo, find-my-device
---


# Question
Title: How to get into my child's Family Link phone after forgotten password?
I have my daughter's Pixel 1 set up with **Family Link**. It should be running Android 10 I believe.

Recently I changed her screen lock password via my linked Parent Phone. I forgot to tell her and since she usually logs in using her fingerprint, she didn't notice the change until she had to restart her phone a month later, which enforces unlocking with her password.

Unfortunately, I forgot the new password in the meantime. If I see this correctly,

* I cannot unlock the phone using my Parent Account after the reboot, right?
* Also, since the phone has not fully booted without the initial unlock, I cannot change the password using the Family Link app because that has not started yet. I mean, I can change the password on my, it just doesn't change anything on hers.

I tried the suggestion here: How to reset a kid's forgotten phone lock-screen password?, but my daughter's phone does not have Find My Device installed.

Any ideas? The last resort would be to factory reset but I would like to avoid data loss. I think I had the phone set up for Developer Options last time I was able to access it. So if there is a way to do it with ADB or something I might try that although I would like to avoid the installation trouble if there is another way.

It would already help me to verify whether I am right in assuming that the initial boot unlock runs before the Family Link app or whether I may have made a mistake somewhere else. I am wondering whether something else is going on since the login itself seems buggy (I can enter the password once, but then the phone does not give me a keyboard for a second try, so I need to reboot again).

# Answer
You have to ask with the opposite view: Could an attacker get access to your daughters data by simply having her phone after you enabled debugging options? In a perfect world of course not. And USB debugging still requires to confirm access and `adb` still runs in the user context, not root context, so I doubt there is a "legit" way to enter your daughters phone.

## Using a vulnerability

This is probably your only bet to get into the device without factory reset and since your daughters phone is a Pixel 1 that is out of software support, there is a good chance that it could work.

One such vulnerability was the Pixel Lock Screen Bypass. I'm not sure if the Pixel 1 is (still) affected by the vulnerability, though. So please give it a shot.

There is a video by Seytonic explaining the vulnerability in detail. The steps are:

* Boot the Pixel and put in your SIM, so it asks for the SIM PIN
* **Please make sure that you have the PUK of your SIM card available to not lock yourself out of your carrier service**
* Enter a wrong SIM PIN purposefully 3 times, so it asks for a PUK
* Enter the PUK of your SIM to unlock the SIM
* The phone asks for a new SIM PIN, set it

Now the phone glitches and you pass the lock screen of Android. Once you are on the home screen you should be able to reset the password using the Family Link app on the parent device.

## Final thoughts

Because of glitches like these, it is good to not use devices that are out of software support (at least when it comes to security patches). No matter the outcome, please invest in a new phone for your daughter, unless you want her at risk of data mis-use, online-impersonation or blackmailing when her device gets in the wrong hands.

In regards of losing passwords, I use KeePass to avoid losing memory of passwords (you can use it for card PINs, passwords, all sorts of stuff). On the plus-side, it allows you to generate unique hard-to-crack passwords that you will never forget. All you have to remember is your (hopefully long) master password to decrypt your vault.

I advice against using an online password manager. It's better to store an encrypted KeePass storage (which is just the `kbdx` file) in a cloud of your choice, a self-hosted cloud preferably.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: locked-out, google-family-link
---


# Question
Title: Fastboot stuck on "Sending 'boot.img'" (TWRP, Moto G7 plus "lake")
`fastboot version 30.0.4-6686687`

Trying to temporarily boot TWRP recovery image `twrp-3.4.0-0-lake.img` on my unlocked Motorola `Moto G7 Plus`.

Phone is connected via USB `Type-C to Type-C` cord from the box to my laptop running Linux (`Manjaro 20.0.3`) Live USB system.

When I run `./fastboot boot twrp-3.4.0-0-lake.img` or `./fastboot boot boot.img` (same file, renamed) with and without `sudo`, it always gets stuck at `Sending 'boot.img' (30080 KB)` doing nothing.

`Bootloader logs` section of `fastboot` mode shows `cmd: download:01d60000`.

The PC I use now is the only PC that helped me to actually unlock the bootloader. Other PCs I have were not able to send correct `fastboot` commands (for example, `oem help` transformed to `oem helpersion`, and `oem get_unlock_data` cut to `oem get_unlock`). Those PCs had regular USB `Type-A` `3.0` ports, so I connected them to my phone with corresponding 3rd-party cable. It might be of insufficient quality though.

All files are located near to the root of extrenal SSD connected to another Type-C port, so the absolute paths to `TWRP` image and `fastboot` executable should not be too long.

`Type-C` cords are new and OK.

Motorola doesn't distribute Linux drivers for their devices.

What else could be wrong here? Please help. Any advice is appreciated.

Will update this post later with my own findings as well for people who could stumble a similar problem.

# Update 1

Tried `fastboot boot boot.img` on another PC. It is also running Linux (`Ubuntu 20.04`). Connection is from `Type-A` to `Type-C`. Wire is good. No noticeable changes. Main issue persists.

# Update 2

Was able to perform `fastboot.exe boot boot.img` on another PC under Windows 10. Don't know why it worked. Specs are different than laptops', but cable is the same. Might be a driver issue.

# Answer
An updated version of `platform-tools` works fine. Perhaps this was a bug.

To get latest `platform-tools` you can:

* `git clone --branch sdk-release --single-branch https://android.googlesource.com/platform/bootable/recovery` and build it;
    + Check this repo for some building instructions;
* Download pre-built binary executables at releases page;
* Update package with your distro's package manager:
    + Ubuntu-based: `apt upgrade android-sdk-platform-tools`
    + Arch-based: `pacman -S android-tools`

> **Note**: keep your system up to date too! USB drivers & other system parts could affect functionality of this case.
> 1 votes

# Answer
SOLUTION: connect the phone using a USB hub (even same port) :P

...worked for me.

Source: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/yet-again-fastboot-is-stuck-on-sending-boot-img.4166479/post-86491327
> 1 votes

---
Tags: twrp, fastboot, linux, motorola
---


# Question
Title: Need to connect to old device that only support 2.4Ghz wifi
I have a router at home where I don't have access to settings as it is managed by the landlord. The router has the same SSID for 2.4Ghz and 5GHz.

I also have a wifi camera that I want to connect to that does not support 5Ghz Wifi. How can I disable 5GHz wifi completely on my phones? I can't seem to find any setting on either of my phones. The devices in question are Sony Xperia 5 II and Samsung S22.

I don't want to throw away a perfectly working camera just because it is not super modern.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Added: I need to connect to the camera directly from my phone - when I open the camera app it says "Camera does not support 5Ghz Wifi, please connect your phone to 2.4 GHz Wifi". I believe, it is needed to setup the camera's Wifi connection or something.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Looks like the app is using this "obscure morse system" to transmit initial set-up data to the camera via Wifi even if the camera is not yet connected to the Wifi. Usually the packet length of the encrypted Wifi packets is used to transmit the WPA2 key to the camera so that it can join the Wifi system (Warning: transmitting a secure Wifi key just obfuscated = more or less in clear text over a Wifi network is insecure and may be intercepted by others, revealing your WPA2 key).

To make this work the camera is sniffing for all surrounding (2.4GHz) Wifi networks. Therefore the used smartphone also has to use 2.4Ghz otherwise the camera will not be able to sniff the relevant data.

To solve your problem you would have to temporarily disable the 5GHz Wifi of your router. If that is not possible you can try to force your phone to use 2.4 GHz. Some Android versions have a `WiFi Frequency Band` setting (see Wifi -\> three vertical dots -\> advanced). If your version has no such setting you can try to use pure physics:

Tha maximum range of 5GHz networks is, because of the frequency, smaller than those of 2.4Ghz networks. Thus if you increase the distance to your Wifi router or use other ways to decrease the signal strength, the phone should switch to 2.4 GHz. Make sure that the camera is placed half way between you and the router so tat it can sniff the WPA2 key and then connect to the Wifi.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WIFI are available, the camera will automatically connect to 2.4GHz. It will not even attempt to connect to 5GHz as it does not have an antenna for it. That is, it can't even see the signal.

You do not have to disable anything.

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


title: Bluetooth Process is Dying constantly

text:
# Question
Title: Bluetooth Process is Dying constantly
My phone's bluetooth keeps disconnecting and connecting constantly. I recently built my first custom ROM, Lineage OS 20 for my Redmi Note 9 (Merlin/Merlinx). Lineage OS is not officially supported on my device, so I used the community maintained device tree from here. The build went smoothly and my phone is running just fine on it. BUT I'm facing this issue bluetooth. I ran adb logcat and in the logs I found this particular line:

> Process com.android.bluetooth (pid 3034) has died: psvc PER

I don't know how to fix this. I am a complete newbie at rom development. Any insight into this would be highly appreciated. I am attaching the full 1-min long log in the pastebin. Please ask for any more info if needed. Thanks !

# Answer
Try running your phone in Selinux Permissive mode and check Bluetooth and if it does work it's just some denials you will have to address:)

I saw your trees and you have the required props for Bluetooth to work on Android 13.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, lineageos, development
---


# Question
Title: What is the easiest way for me to recover all my Whatsapp messages?
I recently got a new phone and changed my whatsapp number. However, while I was added to all previous chat groups in my new phone, I couldn't see the chat history. Since I changed my whatsapp number on my old phone as well, I no longer have the chat history for my old number.

What is the easiest way for me to restore all my messages?

I followed this link: https://geeknizer.com/read-extract-whatsapp-messages-android-iphone-blackberry/ which i got from https://stackoverflow.com/a/15427040/16197225

I managed to find an encrypted file called msgstore.db on my old android. However, this solution doesn't work for me as I don't have a paid ActiveState subscription and thus can only create public projects, but due to privacy concerns, I would prefer to avoid this method.

Also, I just thought of another question: Is it possible to use one whatsapp account for two phones?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Login back on your old device and it will detect a local backup restore the backup then make a google drive chat backup with your email address in whatsapp settings and now go to the new device and make sure to delete whatsapp and all of its data and download it again then login and restore the data from drive :)

---
Tags: data-recovery, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How do I automatically disable cellular data when at home?
I do not get service at my house.

The only way I can use my phone is over wifi.

If cell service is turned on, but has no bars, I don't receive text messages properly, they take forever if they come at all. When i turn off the cell data, I get the text messages.

How do I automatically turn off the cell data when im at home, and turn it on when i leave the house?

# Answer
I am using an app called **MyProfiles**, but I can't find it on Play Store.

However, **aProfiles** will do the job for you. It is also under development currently, others appear to have stagnated.

* You can set up profiles (with what's on or off, sound levels, etc)
* Then set up rules to switch profiles automatically (when Bluetooth/wifi turn on or off)
* It also supports location-based profiles.

I am not associated with it in any way.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: How do I get Gallery and Photos to ignore the images in a specified directory?
When I open Gallery or Google Photos, there are dozens or hundreds of albums and photos that have been automatically pulled from my Music directory, where there are lots of JPEGs that are cover art for MP3 files.

They make it so that it is very hard to find particular photos I've taken with my camera, and in any case it is useless to have them displayed there as I never want to browse music cover art in my Gallery.

I can't find any option to exclude folders, though. **How do I make it so the image files in my Music directory are not included in Gallery or Google Photos?**

# Answer
> 0 votes
Here's a solution to this old question:

NB :

* this applies to
* various hacks suggested by other answers did not work for me :
    + **.nomedia** files
    + renaming all album art files to **Cover.jpg** / **AlbumArt.jpg** / whatever

How to proceed :

1. start the **Gallery** application
2. click the bottom-right **hamburger icon (≡) | Settings**
3. disable the **Select albums to display** option. This actually controls which option will appear hereafter :
    * when **enabled** : you'll get **Select albums to display**
    * when **disabled** : you'll get **Select albums to hide**
4. leave the **Settings** page
5. click the **Albums** bottom tab
6. open the top-right menu **3 vertical dots (⋮) | Hide albums**
7. select the albums you want to hide

After that, you'll have to clear the Gallery's cache :

1. return to your Home screen / App screen (the screen having the **Gallery** icon)
2. long press the **Gallery** icon until a context menu appears
3. in this context menu, click the top-right **circled "i" ⓘ**
4. on this new **Application information** page, click on **Storage**
5. click **Purge cache**
6. enjoy

source : https://doc.callmematthi.eu/Android.html#hideAlbumArtFromGalleryApp

---
Tags: gallery
---


# Question
Title: How can I change my location without using fake GPS app?
I am using a fake GPS app on Redmi Note 11 for changing my location, but now the apps are reading that I am using a fake GPS app and they show me a notification like "we are finding a fake GPS app in your phone. Please uninstall them, then you can use the app".

I want to know how can I change my location without using any fake GPS location app or without activating any mock location app in settings?

# Answer
Physically move to a different location
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gps, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: How can one configure the default screen recording program to record the audio by default?
I use a Google Pixel 6 with Android 12. How can one configure the default screen recording program to record the audio by default? I don't want to have to manually activate "Record audio" each time I record the screen.

# Answer
I understand your concern, but you can't. That UX is a decision from Google's end and toggling it manually every time is the only option as of today.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: audio, android-12, audio-recording, google-pixel-6, screencast
---


# Question
Title: Getting "E: The repository '... Release' does not have a Release file." error message when installing package on Termux
I've tried installing numerous different packages on Termux but keep getting roughly the same error: **E: Unable to locate package**

```
$ pkg install iwyu
Checking availability of current mirror: ok
Ign:1 dl.bintray.com/grimler/game-packages-24 games InRelease
Ign:2 dl.bintray.com/grimler/science-packages-24 science InRelease
Ign:3 main.termux-mirror.ml stable InRelease
Err:4 dl.bintray.com/grimler/game-packages-24 games Release
  404 Not Found
Err:5 dl.bintray.com/grimler/science-packages-24 science Release
  404 Not Found
Err:6 main.termux-mirror.ml stable Release
  Redirection from https to 'ww38.main.termux-mirror.ml/dists/stable/Release' is forbidden
Reading package lists... Done
E: The repository 'dl.bintray.com/grimler/game-packages-24 games Release' does not have a Release file.
N: Metadata integrity can't be verified, repository is disabled now.
N: Possible cause: repository is under maintenance or down (wrong sources.list URL?).
E: The repository 'dl.bintray.com/grimler/science-packages-24 science Release' does not have a Release file.
N: Metadata integrity can't be verified, repository is disabled now. N: Possible cause: repository is under maintenance or down (wrong sources.list URL?).
E: The repository 'main.termux-mirror.ml stable Release' does not have a Release file.
N: Metadata integrity can't be verified, repository is disabled now.
N: Possible cause: repository is under maintenance or down (wrong sources.list URL?).

$

```

Solutions?

Software details:

* Samsung Galaxy S20
* Android 13

# Answer
> 0 votes
Checking all the repository links, looks like all of them are already down:

* Bintray repo has officially shut down since May 2021
* `termux-mirror.ml` redirects to suspicious pages

The issue has been known and documented on the Termux' GitHub issue, Issue #6726 - \[README\] Bintray repository hosting shut down | Error 403 Forbidden | Error 404. The gist is to **change the repo sources, either by using `termux-change-repo` or by editing `sources.list` file.**

> ### What you should do as Termux user (only for Android 7+)
>
> ---
>
> You need to pick a one of the available mirrors by using utility `termux-change-repo` or manually edit `sources.list` by replacing the Bintray URL with value obtained from Termux Mirrors List.
>
> **Beware of third-party scripts claiming theirselves as repository fixers! They could install untrusted GPG key and redirect your Termux installation onto malicious repository.** *Official tool for changing repositories is bundled within Termux and called `termux-change-repo`.*
>
> Usage of `termux-change-repo` is simple:
>
> 1. Select one or more repositories for which you want to change mirror by tapping "space" and navigating over list by up/down arrow keys. Tap enter to confirm the choice.
> 2. Pick a mirror, it is recommended to begin with mirror hosted by Grimler. Same as previously, navigate over list by arrow keys, pick mirror by space key and confirm choice by pressing "enter".
>
> Highly recommended to run `pkg upgrade` after changing mirror.
>
> ### If you get `E: Repository .. changed its .. value from .. to ..`
>
> Package manager can show you a notification with prompt which look like this one:
>
> ```
> E: Repository 'https://grimler.se/termux-root-packages-24 root InRelease' changed its 'Origin' value from 'Bintray' to 'termux-root-packages-24 root'
> E: Repository 'https://grimler.se/termux-root-packages-24 root InRelease' changed its 'Label' value from 'Bintray' to 'termux-root-packages-24 root'
> N: This must be accepted explicitly before updates for this repository can be applied. See apt-secure(8) manpage for details.
> Do you want to accept these changes and continue updating from this repository? [y/N]
>
> ```
>
> It is completely normal. Answer "yes" to this prompt. It will be shown only once per repository, so package manager will ask you to confirm for `game-repo`, `science-repo`, etc separately but you will need to confirm them only one time.

---
Tags: termux
---


# Question
Title: When using TWRP, attempts to install ROM return error this package is for X; this is a ""
I have an old NVidia Shield Tablet (AFAIK, the "original" one, not K1 rebrand, not TV one) that I decided to dug out and find some use. Unlocked, loaded TWRP... but when I try to ADB Sideload a ROM from TWRP in Recovery Mode, even this stock one I found, I get the following error:

```
This package is for "shieldtablet" devices; this is a "".

```

Considering trying to Google for `TWRP this is a ""` is absurdly impossible, I'm reaching out for help here.

I'm not an expert in Android stuff, but this seems like TWRP in Recovery Mode hasn't correctly detected what device my Shield Tablet is and I was also unsuccesfull in attempts to search for a solution that way.

I'm able to attempt ADB sideloads, I'm able to ADB push files into the tablet. But no ROM I found so far seem to get through because of TWRP seeing the device as `""`.

When I push a ROM like https://download.lineageos.org/foster\_tab and try to install from within TWRP, I instead get an "Updater process ended with ERROR: 255"

I'm also unable to flash Lineage's own recovery image. When I attempt to `fastboot flash recovery lineage-18.1-20221212-recovery-foster_tab.img`, it returns the error `FAILED (remote: (InvalidSize))`

# Answer
> 0 votes
Ok, looks like the problem is TWRP being "too updated". Version 3.7 wouldn't work, but following this advice on XDA forums, I installed TWRP 3.1.1 and could install Stock rom again.

---
Tags: twrp, tablet, nvidia-shield
---


# Question
Title: adb pull not honoring trailing slash, push ignores permissions
If I use

```
adb push mydir/ /sdcard/Documents/

```

the result is as expected: all files from within `mydir/` end up inside `/sdcard/Documents/` (just the permissions are not kept, even not when using `-a`; on the internal sdcard everything is turned into `0660` while on the external sdcard everything is set to `0771` – which might be a limitation of sdcardfs as not even `chmod 0764` on the device has any effect). But the other direction is weird: using

```
adb pull /sdcard/Documents/ mydir/

```

results in the files showing up inside `mydir/Documents/`, which is rather very unexpected. I've played with all combinations of trailing slashes (including without any trailing slashes), no dice. Even tried different versions of `adb` (thinking the one used might have a bug). Same happens when using the external sdcard, so it's not the symlink (`/sdcard -> /storage/self/primary`) fooling it.

So any clue what could be wrong here? When I search on the net, all findings suggest it should work as I expect, but it somehow does not. **How would I need to adjust above `adb pull` command so all files from inside `/sdcard/Documents/` show up locally inside `mydir/`, but not the `Documents/` directory itself as subdir?** And: **How to keep permissions as they are?**

# Answer
Took me almost a full day to find a partly solution rather by accident. While adding a wildcard (`adb pull /sdcard/Documents/*`) just leads to an error, adding a dot leads to the intended result:

```
adb pull /sdcard/Documents/. mydir/

```

has the **files** (and sub-directories) from within `/sdcard/Documents` showing up in `mydir/`, but not the `Documents` directory itself (found here when writing my question and checking suggested "similar questions").

Also helpful in this context: `adb push` supports a `--sync` option (to only transfer newer and updated files) – and while not documented, `adb pull` ~~supports it as well~~¹ (but needs `-a` in addition to keep timestamps intact). So the rather complicated work-arounds or external tools of the past are no longer needed.

```
adb push --sync local/ device/
# adb pull --sync -a device/. local/

```

No `--delete` feature, though (as e.g. supported by `rsync` – if someone needs such, maybe give 3rd-party-tools like better-adb-sync a try).

As to permissions, it seems keeping them is not possible. I gladly stand corrected on that point if someone has a solution to it.

¹ **Update:** running a few tests it seems `--sync` is **simply ignored silently** with `adb pull` even if no error is thrown: **newer files on target have been overwritten.** Not sure if implementation is planned, but with r27 (the first version `adb pull` no longer complained `--sync` would be an invalid option) being released in 2018 I'd not place a bet on that. With `push` it works as advertized, though.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: Transferring Data between old and new phone
TL;DR: Switching from A70 to Fairphone 4. What is the best way to transfer data/settings?

More context: I need to transfer data between two phones: An Samsung Galaxy A70 (2019) and a Fairphone 4. Both will be running stock and Android 11.

What is the best way to basically mirror or copy my old A70 to the new Fairphone 4?

I used Smartswitch when previously switching but I don't know if on can switch from a Galaxy phone to a NON-Galaxy phone using Smart switch.

Samsung's Websites more or less aggressively markets Smart Switch to be the way to switch to a Galaxy phone from your old potentially NON-Galaxy phone. Of course there is some marketing talk involved in there trying to promote Galaxy Phones.

In this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB3r9O2BACw) another way is showcased but I didn't see this way when switching to and from an Android phone prior.

I am afraid the A70 is going to die soon and I am unsure if my Smart Switch backup on my PC will be sufficient so I am asking this question before the Fairphone 4 even arrived.

Thank you for your help in advance! (and sorry if my English isn't perfect)

# Answer
So, I just received my FP 4 (and my A70 is still alive!) and it does indeed have the data migrating feature. Not the one with the USB-C cable but a wireless version through Google Cloud. I guess that works too just waiting for it to download now!
> 0 votes

# Answer
I am not sure either if you can transfer to a non-Samsung Device. But the process is as follows

**On Old Phone**

1. Log on to the Google Account you want to use.
2. Go to Settings
3. Select Accounts (or Account and Backup)
4. Select Backup (it could be a toggle)
5. On some phones you will have a selection list, select all
6. Proceed to Backup

**On New Phone**

1. Activate (log into) your Google account with teh backup
2. Go to Settings
3. Go to System
4. Go to Backup
5. Toggle **Backup to Google Drive**
6. Proceed

I have listed one option, there are others there.

From support.fairphone
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-smart-switch
---


title: Boot image blocked by OEM lock

text:
# Question
Title: Boot image blocked by OEM lock
I'm attempting to root a Samsung Galaxy A20s (Android 10). I've already patched the boot image with Magisk and enabled "OEM Unlocking" in Developer Options. I ran

```
adb reboot fastboot

```

However, when it reboots, `fastboot devices` shows no devices. Looking online, I found the `odin4` utility and attempted to flash the phone by

```
tar cf boot.tar boot.img
./odin4 -b boot.tar

```

However, it failed with

```
Check file : boot.tar
/dev/bus/usb/001/120
/dev/bus/usb/001/120
Setup Connection
initializeConnection
Receive PIT info
success getpit
Upload binaries
boot.img
Close Connection
Fail request receive -5
FAIL close
Fail Close Connection

```

On my phone's screen, I see

```
OEM LOCK: ON (U)
...KG STATUS: CHECKING # I can't read the beginning of the line because it's in the round corner of the screen.
QUALCOMM SECUREBOOT: ENABLE (CSB)
AP SWREV: S1, T1, R1, A2, P2
AP SWREV: K 2, S 2
SECURE DOWNLOAD : ENABLE
DID : <hex>
download mode !!
    Custom Binary(boot) Blocked by OEM LOCK

```

How do I unlock the OEM?

# Answer
Following these instructions did it for me. In summary, after powering off the phone, you have to hold down both volume buttons *and then* plug the phone into your computer via USB.

Eventually, a screen will appear which will allow you to press the Volume Up button in order to unlock the bootloader.

From the reference:

```
1. Tap "Settings" Menu on Galaxy A20s, then you have to tap "About" option.
2. Tap "Software Information" option.
3. Tap "Build number" option several times until you see "You are now a developer" message.
4. Tap "Settings" Menu again.
5. Tap "Developer options", then activate "OEM unlocking" option.
6. Now you have to activate "USB debugging" option.
7. Switch off your phone.
8. Download and install Samsung USB driver on desktop.
9. Connect your phone with computer via USB cable while pressing Volume down button and Volume up button simultaneously. Your Samsung Galaxy A20s (SM-A207F, SM-A207M) will enter into download mode.
10. Long Press Volume up button for a few seconds to enter Device Unlock Mode.
11. Press Volume up button again to unlock bootloader.

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: Pointer on map apps wrong by multiples of 90°
I have a Xiaomi Redmi 10C running Android 12 SKQ1.211103.001 and MIUI Global version 13.0.0 Stable. I bought it new in Malaysia about 8 months ago in early/mid 2022.

This phone does not have a built-in compass, neither did my two previous phones, both also Redmi phones that did not have this problem.

The problem is that map apps including MapsME and Google Maps started pointing the arrow indicating my position in the wrong direction after I'd had the phone for roughly three months.

In this screenshot I'm actually walking towards the destination marked by the flag. But the phone thinks I'm facing the other way so mainly shows the area behind me, making it look like it's in front of me:

At first I only noticed it pointing backwards, exactly 180° opposite the direction I was facing and moving. But later I noticed it would also sometimes be 90° to the left or right. Initially I thought it was a bug in MapsME which I use most of the time, but it definitely happens just as often in Google Maps.

Is this a known bug with Android, or with Xiaomi or Redmi phones? Maybe a regression on Android phones without compass as this never happened on my previous Redmi phones without compass running older Android versions.

I've tried to search for this problem using various wordings and failed to find anything similar to my problem, so I turn to the Android experts here.

# Answer
If this is a temporary occurrence then it's quite normal. When you/the car pause, the error in the GPS can make the **app** think that you are displaced. Then it would show you as going in a different direction. But this soon corrects itself, especially if you **move**.

> For example, GPS-enabled smartphones are typically accurate to within a 4.9 m (16 ft.) radius under open sky (VIEW SOURCE AT ION.ORG). However, their accuracy worsens near buildings, bridges, and trees.

From gps.gov

More discussion at gis.stackexchange

**Without a compass -**

> Google maps uses gps, so it will work fine. The actual direction your phone is facing is the only thing unknown. So if you are standing still it can't tell what direction you are facing.

From androidhiro forum

Meaning that if you are still, it can't tell, there is no compass. In this case, the calculation of direction from GPS can only come from movement.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: xiaomi, redmi, maps, compass
---


title: install app without sim card

text:
# Question
Title: install app without sim card
I need a phone to use as a wireless monitor for a go pro camera. The go pro quik software only works on android 9 or later and is only available from google play. As far as I know google play only works on android phones with a working sim card. Does anyone know, if I buy an UNLOCKED Samsung Galaxy S9 and got a temporary sim card could I download the app and would it continue to work after the sim card expired? This is the only thing I will use the phone for. If you know or have any suggestions please let me know.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You don't a SIM card to access Google Play on an Android device, locked or unlocked, you only need a Google account and Internet access (like WiFi, mobile data isn't required). You should have no issues installing apps from the Google Play store at all.

---
Tags: google-play-store, bluetooth-pairing
---


# Question
Title: List of apps on Google Play ever installed by me on any Android phone
I am running Android 12 on a Realme 8 5G Android smartphone.

I am wondering about the Google Play app that came preinstalled.

There used to be a place on my older phone in this app where I could see all apps I ever installed from Google Play, including paid apps and free apps.

However, now I just see a list of installed apps there and must remember to remember what apps I used to use on my older phone (which broke while this one was being used by another user, an now I'm the user of this phone and my username appears in the Google Play app).

Thank you for your feedback and help.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The recent Google Play App don't seem to be able to show the complete list of apps, but the Google Play web site still does:

Visit `https://play.google.com/apps` to get a list of all your apps had have or had installed.

The link above is intentionally not clickable for the reason that if you click it in a web browser on Android you will be redirected to the start activity the Google Play Store App (which does not show the app list. Instead you have to manually enter `play.google.com/apps` into the address bar e.g. of Chrome for Android. In my test when manually entered I was not redirected to Play Store App.

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, google-play-services, android-12
---


title: Accessing full Android storage

text:
# Question
Title: Accessing full Android storage
What was the last version of Android which allowed apps and user to have full read and write access along with all copy move or delete operations of everything inside the internal storage?

Currently, I am using a Samsung Galaxy S8.

# Answer
The last Android version that used what is now called the `legacy external storage system` was Android 10. In that system all apps could request full read or full read&write access to the shared internal storage.

Starting with Android 11 apps have to use `scoped storage` by default. Only older apps targeting Android 10 are able to request access to internal storage using the legacy storage system. Storage updates in Android 11. And I think I have read that it also makes a difference if your phone has been upgraded from Android 10 to 11 or if it was originally released with Android 11.

On Android 12 and newer it doesn't matter which Android version the app is targeting, they all have to use the scoped storage system without any exceptions.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: root-access, files, folders
---


# Question
Title: No internet access whith VPN and Android 12
In my Xiaomi redmi note 10 pro I have two VNP clients: Cisco AnyConnect and OpenVPN.

They were both working fine and I had access to internet even with active VPN connection.

After the upgrade from Android 11 to Android 12, I have no internet access when a VPN connection is open.

Has anyone had the same issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There have been some reported cases same as yours.

These methods often got rid of the glitch:

1. Clear VPN App Storage and Cache
2. Disable Smart Switch Between WiFi and Mobile Data
3. Update the VPN App
4. Reset Network Settings
5. Reinstall the VPN App

---

If all of the fore-mentioned methods fail follow this video to grant app ops the ADB permission and then manually grant the VPN permission to the app.

As Drew\_pew\_pew\_pew mentions:

> I have the same phone and same crap. I use app ops and shizuku to manually grant vpn apps permission. https://youtu.be/diFi8BJYr3c . Had problems with the wireless method at first. But once you paired and press start in shizuku, I had to go back in dev settings and disable/enable wireless debugging again.

Thread

---
Tags: vpn, android-12
---


# Question
Title: ADB Sideload stuck on serving update.zip at 0%
I'm using `adb sideload update.zip` command, but it is stuck on `serving at 0% (Verifying update package ... on phone)`.

I tried `adb usb` command, but the error is closed. The device state is `sideload`.

**More details:** I have a Samsung A03s (SM-A037F). Yesterday it suggested an android update. I accepted and after that, the phone was restarting repeatedly stuck in at the **Samsung logo**.

* I downloaded the latest full update package (Build Number: A037FXXU2CVK7)and platform-tools\_r33.0.3 as well.
* I also installed the latest Samsung USB driver.
* Then I pressed **power+volume-up** button to enter recovery mode. I selected `Apply update from ADB`

*EDIT 1*: I can now do a reset factory, but I need my photos and videos.

*EDIT 2*: When I use `adb logcat` , the result is just: `- waiting for device -` for a long time and nothing else

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you tried a factory reset?

For A30 the steps are

> **How to perform a hard reset on Samsung Galaxy A30 via recovery mode?**
>
> Follow these steps to perform a hard reset on your Samsung Galaxy A30 and reset your device to factory default settings.
>
> * **Turn off** your smartphone.
> * Press and hold **Volume up + Home + Power** buttons simultaneously till the device logo appears.
> * After the device logo , release **Power** button but hold the others a few more seconds.
> * Release all the buttons when **Recovery mode** screen appears.
> * Go to **Wipe Data / Factory Reset** option using **Volume Down** and press **Power** button to confirm it.
> * Go to **Yes –Delete All User Data** using **Volume Down** and press **Power** button to continue.
> * Recovery screen will appear after formatting process. Then, press the **Power** button on **Reboot System Now** to restart.

From factoryreset.net

I am not associated with this site in any way.

---
Tags: adb, side-loading
---


# Question
Title: How can I switch out of "Internal Beta" version in Android App Store?
I'd like to install the most recent public version of an app I'm working on. I also happen to be a beta tester.

The page for the app in the Android Play Store has many tells that it is for the internal beta:

> You're an internal tester. This app may be insecure or unstable.

How do I switch out of this without removing myself from the beta tester list?

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you want to go back to the public version, you just have to leave the beta program. Leaving the beta program is done using the page for the application in the Google Play Store. Open the page of the app in the Google Play Store, and scroll down till you something like "You're a beta tester". Just below that title, there should be a button "Leave". Pressing that button will bring you back to the general public version.

Watch out, because some apps don't work that good if you want to go back in version numbers. Could be you have to reinstall the app afterwards.

# Answer
> 1 votes
One other thing that could prevent getting out of Beta is if you enabled Developer Options on your phone. You have to go to Settings -\> System -\> Developer Options -\> Use developer options (turn off). After that if you already left beta testing group, the app should now show up as non-Beta in Play Store.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have access to the developer console, you can download the most recent public version's APK and install it on your device manually. Type in "App Bundle Explorer" in the search bar at the top of the developer console and you will be able to pick the version to download the APK for. Once you install it on your device, you can test it and then also test upgrading to the version available to the internal testers.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Uninstall the app from the Play Store.

Then browse the beta tester invitation web page you have received by email when you apply to be a beta internal-tester. There is a blue button link to leave the beta.

The page url looks like https://play.google.com/apps/internaltest/\[some-numeric-id\]

You can find the page link at Google Play Console \> Your app \> Tests \> Internal tests \> Testers tab \> "Copy link" at the bottom.

Then install the app again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In my case, I just delete myself from the list of users for the internal test from the Play Console. Then I uninstall the app and delete the cache only. Then I get (Internal Beta)" removed.

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


# Question
Title: How to access /storage/emulated/10 (multi-users env) in adb shell on Android 9+ without root access?
I have two Android system users configured.

```
$ pm list users
Users:
    UserInfo{0:Owner:13} running
    UserInfo{10:security space:13} running
    UserInfo{999:XSpace:800010} running

```

When the mobile is running at Android 8.1, I can access the secondary user's space `/storage/emulated/10` easily in `adb shell`.

But after I upgrade to Android 9, I can no longer do it:

```
$ ls /storage/emulated/10
ls: /storage/emulated/10: Permission denied

```

Any ideas how I can access my second user's space in `adb shell`?

Btw, my `/sdcard/` always points to the first user's space `/storage/emulated/0` at `adb shell` regardless what my current user is at mobile UI. The `adb shell` connection remains the same when I switch users at mobile UI too.

When I switch users at mobile UI level, my adb connection remains the same. And I do see the current user changes with the following command:

```
$ dumpsys activity | grep mCurrentUser
    mCurrentUser=0
$ dumpsys activity | grep mCurrentUser
    mCurrentUser=10

```

# Answer
> 12 votes
## WHY IS ADB DENIED ACCESS TO MULTI-USER STORAGE?

Access to `/storage/emulated/10` is denied from `adb shell` due to this change in Android 9:

> *Add "default\_normal" support to `vold`.
This new flag isolates each user on a multi-user device for security reasons.*

What the mount option `default_normal` does in `sdcardfs` is explained here:

> *The `default_normal` option causes mounts with the gid set to `AID_SDCARD_RW` to have user specific gids, as in the normal case.*

The whole story is about Android's filesystem emulation in order to have a permission-less directory (`/sdcard`) which makes file sharing among multiple UNIX users (apps) possible. It's achieved through mount namespaces and different ***VIEWs*** of `/data/media` mounted in `/mnt/runtime/`. Apps belonging to secondary as well as primary user have **isolated mount namespaces**. For details please see **What is the “u#\_everybody” UID?** and **What is /storage/emulated/0/?**.

> Btw, my `/sdcard/` always points to the first user's space `/storage/emulated/0` at `adb shell` regardless what my current user is at mobile UI.

For all native processes running in root mount namespace (including `adbd`), `/sdcard` is a symlink to `/storage/emulated/0` and `/storage/emulated` is bind mounted from `/mnt/runtime/default`. The device owner's (User\_ID: 0) files in `/storage/emulated/0` have ownership `root:sdcard_rw (0:1015)` and permission mode `0771`, while secondary profile/user's (say with User\_ID: 10) files in `/storage/emulated/10` have ownership `0:1001015`.

It means that non-root processes can read the directories only if they are members of supplementary groups: `0001015`, `1001015`, `11001015` and so on, *"others"* can only traverse the directories. Since `adbd` is member of only `1015` GID, it can read only device owner's files, not of secondary users.

However up to Android 8 there was an exception to the above rule: to all the processes running in root mount namespace (non-app processes), `sdcardfs` always returned the directories `/storage/emulated/[N]` owned by GID `1015`. So `adb` was able to read these directories. However the exception has been removed in Android 9 using mount option `default_normal`.

---

## HOW TO ACCESS MULTIPLE-USERS FILES FROM `ADB`?

**WITH ROOT ACCESS:**

You can mount the emulated filesystem without `default_normal` option:

```
~# umount /mnt/runtime/*/emulated
~# /system/bin/sdcard -u 1023 -g 1023 -m -w -G /data/media emulated

```

Or to make changes permanent, replace `sdcard` binary with a shell script:

```
~# cd /system/bin/; mv sdcard sdcard.bin; touch sdcard
~# chown 0.2000 sdcard*; chmod 0755 sdcard*
~# chcon u:object_r:system_file:s0 sdcard
~# chcon u:object_r:sdcardd_exec:s0 sdcard.bin

```

`/system/bin/sdcard` (remove `-i` argument passed by `vold`):

```
#!/system/bin/sh

set -- $(echo "$*" | sed 's/-i //')
/system/bin/sdcard.bin $*

```

After reboot you should be able to read files in `/storage/emulated/10` from `adb shell`.

**WITHOUT ROOT ACCESS:**

On Android 9+ filesystem level access to secondary users/profiles is not possible from `adb` on `user` builds of ROMs (i.e. without root). Only interaction through `adb` commands which support `--user` option (`am`, `pm`, `content` etc.) is possible. Documented in What’s in Android 9 for enterprise apps:

> *"To help keep work data in the work profile, the Android Debug Bridge (adb) tool can’t access directories and files in the work profile."*

If the files owned by secondary users are accessible to primary user (through `adb` or any other means, except through Device/Work Policy Controller app), it breaks the intended isolation between users/profiles which is controlled through Android APIs. See more details in **How to share files between regular account and work account?**

It should be noted that Android Debugging Bridge (`adb`) is meant to be used by developers for debugging, not by end users. That's why a fully-managed device owner can completely disable `adb`.

There's a **suggested workaround** to transfer data with secondary users/profiles as explained in Testing Multiple Users:

> *"`adb` (or more accurately the `adbd` daemon) always runs as the system user (user ID = 0) regardless of which user is current. Therefore device paths that are user dependent (such as `/sdcard/`) always resolve as the system user."
...
"Access to `/sdcard` paths of secondary users is denied starting in Android 9."
...
"Because `adb` runs as the system user and data is sandboxed in Android 9 and higher, you must use **content providers** to push or pull any test data from a nonsystem user."*

For instance to transfer `test.jpg` file to `/storage/emulated/10/Pictures/` run the following commands from `adb shell`:

```
~$ content insert --user 10 --uri content://media/external/images/media/ --bind _display_name:s:test.jpg
~$ ID=$(content query --user 10 --projection _id --uri content://media/external/images/media/ --where _display_name=\'test.jpg\' | grep -o '_id=[0-9]*' | cut -d= -f2)
~$ content write --user 10 --uri content://media/external/images/media/$ID < test.jpg

```

However it's not a practical approach for bulk data transfers on a regular basis.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Shared folder for all users is `/storage/emulated/*/Android/obb`

where `*` = userid

---
Tags: adb, storage, multi-user, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: WhatsApp: how to use downloaded sticker collection from messages in Gboard
This question is about how to use a particular feature in WhatsApp.

Someone sent a message on a group in WhatsApp, and the message was a sticker. Clicking onto it gave me a better view of the picture, and three options. I clicked on the first one to download the sticker. Then the sticker onto the WhatsApp group almost seemed to turn into a big emoticon giving a smile with a heart hovering off and to the side, on top (actually, this was just WhatsApp scrolling, a bit below, would be nice if this spurious scrolling were fixed).

But now, I don't know where to go in Gboard to find the sticker collection I downloaded in WhatsApp in this manner.

I think I am confusing WhatsApp stickers with Gboard stickers.

How do I transfer WhatsApp stickers to Gboard, to view the stickers downloaded from WhatsApp?

Or, alternatively, how do I just open the stickers in WhatsApp?

Thank you for your help.

Stickers viewed in Gboard when I click in WhatsApp:

Stickers viewed in Gboard when I browse Gboard stickers:

# Answer
> 1 votes
To open the stickers in WhatsApp, click on the emoticon to the left of the space where you enter messages to be sent.

To open stickers in Gboard, click on the smiley or sticker icon above the keyboard or on the smiley above the comma selected by long pressing, and click on the sticker icon below.

Thanks.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, gboard
---


# Question
Title: How to disable speaker independent of volume settings
I'm a deaf person with a Nexus 5X. I almost never want my phone emitting any kind of sound.

When I had a Samsung Galaxy S4, there was a configuration option to mute all sounds independently of the various volume settings.

Since then, Android has released their do-not-disturb mode. That doesn't really fit in with my usage because that ties in with the whole notification system. I want my phone to function as if it was not in the DND mode, just without sound.

I looked into key remapping solutions to prevent accidental buttonpresses (phone holder, pants, whatever), but that doesn't prevent applications from changing the volume. e.g. Google Duo assumes that all videophone calls users will want audio regardless of the audio settings prior to opening the app. That absolutely makes complete sense, so that's why I'm asking for a lower-level way to disable the speaker.

I did look at several muting-related questions, but those seem to be more of one-time actions - "I want to turn off sounds right now, but I'll adjust them later"

So, the question is, as the title states, how to selectively stop the speaker from functioning that cannot be overridden by any app. How would I proceed to go about doing that on a Nexus 5X?

# Answer
Simple solution is get someone to physically disable/damage the speaker by taking off the screen and removing it or cutting it off the battery supply. Probably get a tech friend to do it, or one of those phone repair shops. That way it's impossible to make any sound
> 1 votes

# Answer
I recently updated and found a similar "mute all" function missing as well, so I feel your pain :/

My recommendation is to use a very powerful app: Automate

Automate allows you to monitor various activities on your phone and then respond to them. The catch-all method to accomplish what you want would be to create a simple loop of: if volume change -\> set volume zero

While that sounds easy enough, there are some pitfalls: multiple loops based on ringtone, notification, media, etc., and, depending on how your phone implements it, possible high battery drain.

So on to my actual recommendation (still using Automate): monitor for a specific app, e.g. Google Duo in your example, and automatically set volume to zero when it changes it. This is what I do.

In conjunction with that, to alleviate the issue of accidental button/toggle pressing: you can set default ringtones, notifications, etc. to "silent" (go into sound setting and pick a sound. "Silent" should be first on the list). If that's not satisfactory, Automate can also save the day. It can detect if the phone ever leaves vibrate mode and set it back to vibrate (or silent, etc.).

You've got a few options, but I highly recommend the app. It's a very powerful tool that I believe is fit for just this sort of application. Right tool for the job :) Lemme know if you need any clarifications or extra help getting it set up, and best of luck!
> 0 votes

# Answer
just use a dummy audio jack without speakers
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-5x, volume, speaker
---


# Question
Title: Whatsapp Chat not sorted chronologically after a message delete
Previously when I used to delete a message from a chat, Whatsapp automatically use to resort the chat list according to date. Starting for last week, when I delete a message, it does not change the chat list by date. For example, if someone messaged me last month and then again today, if I delete today's message, his chat will not move down to last month. In fact, it will remain on top of the list with last month date on the right. But if I do the same action from the Whatsapp Web, all is working as expected.

Also, in another phone I do not have the "undo delete message for me" option, and the behaviour is as expected.

Does anyone know how to fix this issue?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Whatsapp fixed this issue with the release 2.23.1.76 for Android.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Finding Decryption Key and how to use it to decrypt
Nokia 6.1+ device using pixel experience ROM based on Android 12.

* Adopted SD card as internal storage and removed it without '**Eject**'.
* Afterwards couldn't read the data even on the device itself.
* Copied the encrypted data ( mainly images and videos) to my PC.
* Tried to make the data readable again, copied and pasted the data to another 2nd SD card by adopting it as internal storage, didn't work.
* Adopted it as Portable storage as well. Could not read the data any way.
* I Adopted 2nd sd card as Portable and internal storage multiple times but neither formatted nor "Forget" the 1st SD card

1 - Does the device store separate Keys for different sd cards when they're adopted as internal storage?

2. Can the **Original 1st key** still be inside the device system files as I didn't format or changed any system files?
3. If just one latest key is present inside the device, could this key decrypt my data which was 1st encrypted??
4. Could this last key be used to deduce the 1st key ?

I have Root access on my device and Encrypted data on my PC. Using CX file manager can access data/misc/vold folder which contains the decryption key But those KEYS inside are not being read by my android device.

5. How to access and Read the decryption Key(s)?
6. Then Can I copy and paste the Vold folder and save the keys on PC?
7. How to read and then use the decryption key to decrypt the encrypted data stored on my PC?

Thanks

# Answer
According to your other questions, what you want is decrypting adoptable storage on **FBE** file encryption.

Nobody knows and nobody will answer. All the information is outdated, it's all about FDE block device encryption.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, encryption, internal-sd, adoptable-storage, data-corruption
---


# Question
Title: What is the most modern mobile browser possible to install into an old Android 1.5, 1.6?
I got in my hand an old Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro from 12 years ago and this is a quite nice, beautiful, and outdated Android. I do have however interest in seeing how modern mobile apps behave on this device.

The default Android browser simply doesn't open any page anymore, but I got it rooted and installed the first Opera version (6.x) I found on APK Mirror.

Does anyone know which exact version is the most modern browser that this Android 1.6 device can run?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Cross-checking the Wikipedia entry for Android web browsers with APK mirroring sites, looks like **only Opera 12.1 is supported on Android 1.6**.

For references:

| Browser | Android version |
| --- | --- |
| Brave Private Web Browser | Android 4.1+ |
| CM Browser | Android 4.0+ |
| Cliqz | Android 4.4+ |
| Ghostery Privacy Browser | Android 4.1+ |
| Dolphin Browser | Android 2.0.1+ |
| Dolphine Zero | Android 2.2+ |
| Lunascape | Android 2.2+ |
| Firefox | Android 2.0+ |
| Firefox Lite | Android 5.0 |
| Google Chrome | Android 4.0+ |
| Kiwi Browser | Android 4.1+ |
| Lunascape | Android 2.2+ |
| Mercury | Android 2.3.4+ |
| Microsoft Edge | Android 4.4+ |
| Naver Whale | Android 5.0+ |
| Opera Browser | **Android 1.5+ (10.1.1011151737), Android 1.6+ (12.1)** |
| Opera Mini | Android 2.3+ |
| Samsung Internet Browser | Android 4.4+ |
| Sleipnir | Android 4.0.3+ |
| UC Browser | Android 2.1+ |
| Vivaldi Browser | Android 5.0+ |
| Waterfox | Android 4.1+ |
| Yandex Browser | Android 4.1+ |

---

Note however that despite the possibility to install Opera 12.1, it's still not guaranteed that most modern websites will open due to HTTPS-only and only supporting TLS 1.2 and above, which is only supported since Android 4.4+.

---
Tags: applications, browser, compatibility, 1.6-donut, 1.5-cupcake
---


# Question
Title: full adb backup not creating .ab file for Realme 2 Pro
I am unable to create a full phone backup file of my Realme 2 Pro (model RMX1801) through the ADB. The phone runs stock ColorOS 7 (Android 10). The device is not rooted and I do not want to root it. Doing that would delete my data. Also, my device hasn't had any screen-lock protection days before I ran the very first command (which is several hours amounting to few days before the original-revision of this post) and remaining wholly unchanged to the best of my knowledge till the timestamp of latest-revision.

Here's what I've tried. I launched Command prompt (cmd.exe) and ran:

```
C:\Users\Dell> OneDrive\Desktop\adb.exe
C:\Users\Dell> adb devices
List of devices attached
86b3470 device

```

At this point I started to take backup. I have tried a couple of things and I'm categorizing them now.

##### Attempts when I entered no backup-encryption key whatsoever

```
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup -all -f -nosystem C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup -all -f -nosystem -shared C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab

```

Both of the commands showed on the UI that backup was taking place. But none of them created the backup file in my PC.

##### Attempts when I entered a backup-encryption key

```
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup -all -f -nosystem C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup -all -f -nosystem -shared C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab

```

No change, whatsoever.

I also changed the destination path from OneDrive/Documents to OneDrive/Desktop and repeated all the above commands. That did not work either.

##### Attempts with double-quotes

```
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup "-f -all -nosystem C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Desktop\RMX1801backup.ab"
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup "-f -all -nosystem -shared C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Desktop\RMX1801backup.ab"

```

Did not work.

##### Changed double quotes position

```
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup "-f -all -nosystem" C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup "-f -all -shared -nosystem" C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup -f "-all -nosystem -shared" C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Desktop\RMX1801backup.ab
C:\Users\Dell>adb backup -f "-all -nosystem -shared" C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Desktop\RMX1801backup.ab

```

Here's what happened in the case of double-quoted commands: All of the ones ending the double-quotes before the backup file's path appeared to have started the backup process but it did not create the backup file either. The duration of the backup process in the UI was also incredibly shorter, aka literally instantaneous, in these attempts.

---

As asked in the comments, the versions of adb are produced below:

```
C:\Users\Dell>adb version
Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.41
Version 33.0.3-8952118
Installed as C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Desktop\platform-tools\adb.exe

C:\Users\Dell>adb shell adbd --version
* daemon not running; starting now at tcp:5037
* daemon started successfully
/system/bin/sh: adbd: inaccessible or not found

C:\Users\Dell>adb devices
List of devices attached
86b3470 device

C:\Users\Dell>adb shell
RMX1801:/ $ adbd --version
/system/bin/sh: adbd: inaccessible or not found
127|RMX1801:/ $

```

here are the \[hitherto\] unsolicited screencaps/screengrabs/screenshots:

# Answer
`adb help` specifies usage of `backup`

```
  adb backup [-f <file>] [-apk|-noapk] [-shared|-noshared] [-all] [-system|-nosystem] [<packages...>]
                               - write an archive of the device's data to <file>.
                                 If no -f option is supplied then the data is written
                                 to "backup.ab" in the current directory.
                                 (-apk|-noapk enable/disable backup of the .apks themselves
                                    in the archive; the default is noapk.)
                                 (-shared|-noshared enable/disable backup of the device's
                                    shared storage / SD card contents; the default is noshared.)
                                 (-all means to back up all installed applications)
                                 (-system|-nosystem toggles whether -all automatically includes
                                    system applications; the default is to include system apps)
                                 (<packages...> is the list of applications to be backed up.  If
                                    the -all or -shared flags are passed, then the package
                                    list is optional.  Applications explicitly given on the
                                    command line will be included even if -nosystem would
                                    ordinarily cause them to be omitted.)

```

according to usage the `[-f <file>]` parameter requires second argument `<file>` which is missing on your command:

```
adb backup -all -f -nosystem C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab

```

correct usage with 2nd argument:

```
adb backup -f C:\Users\Dell\OneDrive\Documents\RMX1801backup.ab -all -nosystem

```

Note: full backup is not possible with adb. only apps with `android:allowBackup=true` in AndroidManifest.xml can be backed up with adb.

one can make test if adb backup is working at all with single package that allows backup, such as Chrome Browser which comes preinstalled on most devices.

example:

```
adb backup com.android.chrome

```

this will create `backup.ab` containing Chrome Browser app data. the location of the file is the current directory.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup, android-10, oppo-coloros, realme
---


# Question
Title: Wiped data from MIUI Recovery and now stuck on recovery
I'm really new to custom ROM and I wanted to install ArrowOS, BUT when I installed TWRP, it didn't boot into it. Instead, when I press the volume up button and the power button at the same time, it started this "main menu" and under it said MIUI Recovery 5.0.

Then I saw some tutorials and I thought I had to press Wipe Data, then I wiped all data, and now I have no ROM, only this Main Menu and fastboot.

When I boot into fastboot, adb doesn't detect my device. But when I use the Main menu, then it does detect the device, but it says it's unauthorized.

Please help me, I don't know what to do.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Wipe Data from MI-Recovery Main Menu does not erase ROM, it is only formatting userdata and cache partitions same as factory reset.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, recovery-mode, miui
---


title: Take a photo and add a comment to it

text:
# Question
Title: Take a photo and add a comment to it
I'd like to take a picture of something and add some comments/notes (e.g. while shopping, take a pic of something and make a note of its price). Doesn't have to be anything fancy.

How to achieve that?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Evernote has that capabilty as well. You take a picture and add a title and notes

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have only used the Samsung Note (with stylus). It has tools built in. However, my wife used to use this before getting a Note.

ScreenMaster

Blurb from their site (and I am not associated with it)

> Screen Master is a free, easy-to-use, no rooting required screenshot & photo markup tool. With Screen Master, you can capture screen by touching the floating button or shaking device, lets you take screenshot on your tablet, phone or other Android device the easy way!
>
> Screen Master also provides a variety of annotation features such as crop, add text, pixelated image, draw arrow, rect, circle and more. Lets you easily edit and markup your screenshot and quickly share it with your friends!

---
Tags: photos, notes
---


# Question
Title: Can APK cause any harm on open (without installing)?
We downloaded some APK files and attempted to open them only to encounter the "*There was a problem parsing the package*" error. So it didn't even make through to the Install screen. However, as it turned out, the files contained malware with a very high probability (according to VirusTotal).

The question is, could it still cause havoc inside the phone even though it didn't go through a proper installation?

# Answer
> 6 votes
If the APK file was not installed this reduces the probability a lot.

The only way I see that could harm a device would be if the file itself would contain an exploit against the Android MediaStore Service. This service processes all files on the internal shared storage sections (`/sdcard/` aka `/storage/emulated/0`).

The Android MediaStore Service has several vulnerabilities since Android 5 where it was included the first time. Video files, picture files and other file formats were affected, but I do not remember that the ZIP format could also be used to trigger an exploit.

It also depends on what Android versions your phone is running and of course what security patch level your device has.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Quite often, whenever there are problems during a download cycle -say, your browser developed a conflict during the download of a particular package, and if the error appeared to resolve itself to the browser, no flag (or notification to the user) would be raised. HOWEVER, if the issue ACTUALLY was not fixed completely, and only appeared to be fixed to the browser, then the likelihood of the app installing correctly is remote. The first sign of such a problem would be exactly what you experienced. "Problem parsing..." This message, by itself, will tell you nothing.

But the answer to your question, in THIS case (download issues), would certainly not do your device any harm. Before even posting the question, you should have done SOME secondary tests, to reveal additional information on the situation. The only way that the conditions you described could damage your device, would be if whatever you downloaded was actually OPENED, after download. The first thing I would check, if concerned about possible damage, would be the source of the error. This can be done by examining whatever WAS downloaded. A simple text editor could try and open whatever is there, if it is complete. If it isn't, it SHOULD be deleted right away.

Other items to check are any other things you downloaded from that source. Since it seems you left everything alone, you should be quite fine. Next time run at least 1 test before beginning to panic ;).

---
Tags: security, apk, malware
---


# Question
Title: How to view the Google Docs File menu on my Lenovo tablet?
I've googled and seen how to restore the File menu to Google Docs. They tend to say to hit the "two arrows in the upper right". For example, the number one hit that pops up (https://www.solveyourtech.com/file-menu-go-google-docs/) says this:

> You can make the menu and toolbar visible again in Google Docs by clicking the downward facing arrows at the top-right of the window.

I don't see any of this on my Android tablet (Lenovo) however. It doesn't seem to make a difference whether I am using productivity mode or not.

Does anyone have any alternative steps on how to get the File menu to appear?

Screenshot of open document:

# Answer
> 0 votes
The Google Docs app for Android hasn't the same look and feel than the Google Docs web app, some features aren't available.

If you need a feature that is not avaible in the app for Android, try using Google Docs web app. For this, open a web broswer, set it work as a desktop web browser then go to https://docs.google.com.

Related

---
Tags: tablet, google-docs
---


# Question
Title: How to mount /system rewritable or read-only? (RW/RO)
How can I mount the `/system` directory rewritable or read-only on my Android phone?

# Answer
> 83 votes
There are a few methods how you can mount your `/system` directory RW or RO. However, it will require root.

# Method 1:

1. Connect your phone to the computer. (Make sure USB debugging is enabled on your phone)
2. Open `CMD`/`Terminal` on your PC.

* Windows: `CTRL` \+ `R`, then type `cmd`.
    * Ubuntu: `CTRL` \+ `ALT` \+ `T`.
    * Mac: Navigate to `/Applications/Utilities/` and double-click on **Terminal**.
3. Type this:

1. `adb shell`
    2. `su`
    3. Choose one: (for security mount `/system` back to RO when finished)

    * Mount system RW: `mount -o rw,remount /system`
        * Mount system RO: `mount -o ro,remount /system`

# Method 2:

1. Open `terminal` on your android phone (download here):
2. Type this in the `terminal`:

1. `su`
    2. Choose one: (for security mount `/system` back to RO when finished)

    * Mount system RW: `mount -o rw,remount /system`
        * Mount system RO: `mount -o ro,remount /system`

# Android 2.3

For people running Android 2.3 and the command fails, look at this answer: https://android.stackexchange.com/a/125437/95577

# Answer
> 5 votes
**`-writable-system` for the emulator**

When launching the emulator after a build with, you must use:

```
. build/envsetup.sh
lunch aosp_x86_64-eng
emulator -show-kernel -verbose -writable-system

```

Then, for future runs, you must keep the `-writable-system` option, or else image changes will not be visible:

```
emulator -show-kernel -verbose -writable-system

```

`-verbose` shows us that the emulator switches from the default `-drive`:

```
if=none,index=0,id=system,file=/path/to/aosp/8.1.0_r60/out/target/product/generic_x86_64/system-qemu.img,read-only

```

to:

```
if=none,index=0,id=system,file=/path/to/aosp/8.1.0_r60/out/target/product/generic_x86_64/system-qemu.img.qcow2,overlap-check=none,cache=unsafe,l2-cache-size=1048576

```

Therefore it:

* removes `,read-only`
* uses `system-qemu.img.qcow2` instead of `system-qemu.img`.

This implies that changes will only be visible afterwards if you pass `-writable-sytem` on future boots after the change was made!

We can see that the qcow2 image is just a small overlay on top of the base image since:

```
qemu-img info /path/to/aosp/8.1.0_r60/out/target/product/generic_x86_64/system-qemu.img.qcow2

```

contains:

```
backing file: /path/to/aosp/8.1.0_r60/out/target/product/generic_x86_64/system-qemu.img

```

The emulator `-help` also confirms this:

```
emulator -help

```

contains:

```
-writable-system     make system & vendor image writable after 'adb remount'

```

**`adb remount` \+ `adb root`**

I think this is just a shortcut for `mount` as mentioned at https://android.stackexchange.com/a/110928/126934 , but it is very convenient:

```
adb root
adb remount
adb shell

```

`adb help` contains:

```
 root                     restart adbd with root permissions
 remount
     remount /system, /vendor, and /oem partitions read-write

```

**Restore the original system image**

Same as for userdata: remove the `.qcow2` overlay, and re-generate it manually: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/54446680/how-to-reset-the-userdata-image-when-building-android-aosp-and-running-it-on-the

# Answer
> 0 votes
I really struggled with that until I used MT Manager (I tried a lot of root explorers and only MT Manager works for me). It isn't on Play Store, so you have to search for it online.

If it didn't work, try the Magisk module called OverlayFS. If you can't find it, here it is: OverlayFS (direct download from XDA).

---
Tags: adb, root-access, mount, system
---


title: How to disable toasts (popups)?

text:
# Question
Title: How to disable toasts (popups)?
An example of grey and white note that I mean is, like when you copy something, a small grey background and white lettered bubble appears for a few moments saying '*copied to clipboard*'. My phone has some sort of malfunction where it dispays that prompt for several minutes at a time. Very annoying.

How do I disable that?

I am using a Samsung Galaxy S9.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For disabling those particular toasts (when clipboard is accessed), turn off **Alert when clipboard accessed** from

Settings app \> Privacy \> Alert when clipboard accessed

---
Tags: toast-notifications
---


# Question
Title: How to add Samsung Galaxy backup to a Xiaomi (different Android) phone?
I had a Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) phone but its display was dying, so I managed to get a backup of the phone through the Samsung Switch app to my laptop.

Now I got a new Xiaomi phone and I want to add the backup to it, how can I do that?

# Answer
You can't.

The Samsung Switch software allows taking a backup *from* most non-Samsung phones including iPhone and old Windows phones and, of course, other Android phones, but can only recover backups *to* Samsung Galaxy phones.

> Note: Smart Switch lets you transfer content from old phones to Galaxy devices only. For example, you cannot transfer content to an iOS device.

Source: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062998/
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung, backup, restore, xiaomi, samsung-smart-switch
---


title: whoami: bad uid 0 / Magisk vs. Toybox

text:
# Question
Title: whoami: bad uid 0 / Magisk vs. Toybox
I replaced old `/system/bin/toybox` with a new binary from http://landley.net/toybox/bin then I created symlinks with `for i in $(./toybox); do ln -s toybox $i`. There is `su` in symlinks.

Now I cannot open Magisk anymore, stuck at splash screen mask. Also MiXplorer cannot browse root dirs. With Terminal Emulator I can still browse root dirs.

If I type `which su` I get `/sbin/su` which is a symlink to `/sbin/magisk`. I have not yet tried to reboot because I fear to get stuck, maybe it would repair by itself but who knows? If I type `whoami` I get `bad uid 0`, after `su shell` I get `bad uid 2000` and so on.

How can I restore root? I can access TWRP recovery.

# Answer
Turned out new toybox has not all applets Android requires. Had to reboot into TWRP, restore original toybox and delete my symlinks, otherwise Magisk would complain about another `su`.

Thanks @alecxs for his hints and quick support
> 2 votes

---
Tags: root-access, magisk, toybox, symlink
---


# Question
Title: Can I USB-tether my Android tablet to my Android phone?
Is it possible to USB-tether my WiFi-only Galaxy Tab to my Galaxy S?

I know how to WiFi tether but it is a huge battery hog. Is there a mini-USB version of the Galaxy Tab cable? If so, can it be used to tether?

# Answer
> 2 votes
There is a bit tricky method suggested by one of the XDA members. Rooting is required.

1. Download & install a Terminal Emulator on your Android tablet.
2. Run the Emulator & enter the following commands:
```
dhcpcd usb1
setprop net.dns1 8.8.8.8

```

The Android phone from which the internet connection is to be sourced must be connected via a USB cable, and then enable USB tethering on that phone.

Now you can access the internet on your Android tablet using your Android phone as a USB modem!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes! First, attach an OTG cable to your tablet. Then, attach a MicroUSB and connect both devices. Now download one of the numerous apps which make tethering possible and you're done!

If your devices support Bluetooth tethering, you can use it. It doesn't consume too beach battery also. :)

P.S. isn't creating a WiFi hotspot a better idea?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I did it by connecting an ethernet dongle to each device and an e-cable to the dongles. I imagine it would use less power than wireless, and I can place the hotspot device away for the best reception.

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Tags: usb-tethering
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title: Skip ads from YouTube

text:
# Question
Title: Skip ads from YouTube
Since ads are almost inevitable on the official YouTube app on Android devices, I was wondering if those can be skipped automatically. This post is only about those ads *which can be skipped*, let's ignore ads which can not be skipped.

**For example**: When a YouTube video starts, for some ads, there is an option to "Skip this ad in 5 sec". Once the "Skip ad" label is enabled, we can click on it to move to the video. Of course, this is all manual, and as a user, you need to focus on EXACT timing to HIT the skip button. And it becomes worse if the video is having multiple ads (a few of which will be shown in the future time), where when an ad plays, the user needs to click manually to skip it again.

Can this be *AUTOMATED*, meaning when there is an ad which can be "Skipped", then just let YouTube skip it without the user's intervention? This will be especially useful for those videos which have multiple ads spanned across the video length and few of them can be skipped. Looking for a solution on a **non-rooted** device.

---

**Update:** It seems like Google is introducing new ad format called **Bumpers**. Bumpers, which are unskippable 6-second shorts placed in front of videos.

So, soon we may not see an ad which can be skipped, forget about skipping it via automation!

# Answer
> 6 votes
You're interested in the YouTube AdAway Xposed module. It requires root access and the Xposed Framework.

It completely removes the following:

* YouTube ads
* Channel logos
* Video suggestions
* Information card teasers

To the best of my knowledge, what you've requested (auto-skipping advertisements in the stock YouTube application) cannot be done without root access. Root access is required to 1) draw over other apps and 2) record/replay touches.

# Answer
> 3 votes
As @Six stated very correctly, it is NOT possible to do without root access at all. His answer is pretty good but there is still some things I can add.

A non-rooted phone quite literally means **a phone that can only be used the way manufacturer wants it to be.** Its power is limited to how much the manufacturer wants you to have (and for good reason according to some people, which sometimes includes me too)

On a non-rooted phone, no third party app can emulate screen touches, modify the loaded or running copies of other apps or access to data of other apps. All for security reasons.

So your wish can't be granted without root access.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can subscribe to YouTube Red and as a subscriber, you wouldn’t see ads and the people who make the videos you love will still make a living.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Clue: use old versions of YouTube app. Try to find the balance between maturity and modern.

For example, I use v4.5.17 and it perfectly plays HD but completely lacks ads ;)

# Answer
> 0 votes
One more way to skip ads. Adguard for Android in the latest version released yesterday (17 Dec 20), let's you skip ads.

It doesn't require root.

You need to click the `share` icon under the video and it prompts you a choice which has Adguard included. Select Adguard and your video opens up in a separate window without ads.

I am not associated with the app but love it's performance for Ad-blocking and a host of other features such as this

# Answer
> 0 votes
The best solution i've found for this is using an extensions-enabled browser like Firefox Beta, and then install uBlock.

(I know there are also Chome-based browsers with adblock support, but i haven't tried them.)

Unlike unofficial 3rd party apps this will allow to use your YT account features like posting comments, like, subscribe, etc.

For more ads skipping, the SponsorBlock extension will also help.

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Tags: youtube, ads
---


# Question
Title: How recover photos from a locked Android smartphone?
A friend gives me her phone that she does not use anymore. This is a Oneplus 7 (android). She has set a pattern to lock the screen and does not remember it. So the smartphone is locked.

She's not sure that all her photos are recover so she wants me to save all of them before I reset the smartphone. USB debugging is not activated.

I see several options here:

* Use her Google account to deactivated the lockscreen (No idea if possible and I have not found anything about this)
* Bypass the lockscreen and access the data (sonds illegal to me but maybe there is a way). All the solution I have found erase data.
* Make a copy of all the data of the smartphone (also sonds illegal)
* Use her Google account to force synchronisation between the smartphone and Google Photos from PC (I have no idea if this option exists)
* Any other solution?

# Answer
> 0 votes
None of the option have been tested. She remembered her pattern so I am able to unlock the phone. Firelord's solution is probably the best option in this case. But as he said, exploiting a bug may be outdated very soon.

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Tags: data-recovery, google-photos
---


title: How can I change my device's user name?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I change my device's user name?
Modern Android devices (Android 13) show the username in the About screen:
But with no obvious way of changing it. This name is also shown in the "Accounts and Passwords" screen as a heading for the accounts tied to the user but again, with no obvious way of changing the value.
How is this field changed?

# Answer
Unintuitively, the user must first enable multiple user support on the device before the logged-in account can be configured. From the Settings menu, go to System, then "Multiple Users".

Flick the toggle to ON and then click and hold your own profile to change the name it identifies as. When you're done, disable multiple users again. Changes will be immediate.

To Google engineers reading this: **make this more intuitive!**

This has been tested on Android 13 on Sony's build of Android and Stock Android 13 on an up-to-date Pixel phone. Older versions may behave differently.
> 2 votes

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Tags: accounts, profiles
---


# Question
Title: Gabb Phone Plus third party app installer
I am trying to download apps to my Gabb Plus and it once said (KPE INTERNAL ERROR) which might be different since I took out the SIM card and retried it. Is there a way to hook the phone up to a computer and use a third-party installer? Thanks!

THIS IS NOT A DUPE BECASE THIS IS DIFFRENT\<3

# Answer
> 2 votes
Your questions are answered on Gabb Wireless site for Gabb Phone Plus phone.

Quoting from the FAQ at the bottom of the page:

> **Frequently Asked Questions**
>
> * **Can my child access apps or the internet on Gabb Plus Phone?**
>
> Gabb Phone Plus does not have access to the internet or third party apps. **Only Gabb curated apps** like the calculator, contacts, Gabb Music (subscription required) and more can be used.
> * **Can the Gabb Phone Plus connect to WiFi?**
>
> Yes, Wifi is available to help with phone features, but **only grants access to Gabb approved apps** for purposes such as streaming music through Gabb music (if you have a Gabb Music subscription) and software updates. Gabb Phone Plus does not have access to the internet, social media, or third party app store.
> * **Who manufacturers the Gabb Phone Plus?**
>
> Samsung

Side note for:

`KPE_INTERNAL_ERROR` to me seem like Gabb Phone Plus is using Samsung Knox Platform for Enterprise.

Samsung Knox is a mobile device management service for use on Samsung phones in a business/government environment. Such devices can be locked down to prevent unauthorized use of many things including side-loading apps, camera/microphone usage, etc. Workers using such devices are probably using apps/data which is considered sensitive by their employer.

While nothing is unbreakable, given Samsung's interest in maintaining the aura of security and its client base, I have doubts that anyone on the open internet can/will tell you how to circumvent that security. Such things are much more valuable on the zero-day exploit/security vulnerability market.

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Tags: installation, apk, gabb
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# Question
Title: How do I create a new route table on rooted Android?
On Linux I can type something like `echo 202 my_table >> /etc/iproute2/rt_tables` and voila, I can use my\_table in commands like `ip route add 1.1.1.1 dev eth0 table my_table`.

But my rooted Android phone doesn't have `/etc/iproute2`. And even if I create this directory (`mkdir -p /etc/iproute2/`), then `echo 202 my_table >> /etc/iproute2/rt_tables` and run `ip route add 1.1.1.1 dev eth0 table my_table` I get :

```
Error: argument "my_table" is wrong: "table" value is invalid

```

How to create and delete route tables on Android?

# Answer
As was pointed out in the comments, Android doesn't use `/etc/iproute2/rt_tables`.

You can, instead of a name, use a new table ID number. E.g.,

```
ip route add 1.1.1.1 dev eth0 table 10

```
> 1 votes

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Tags: file-system, router
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