title: Decrypt /data without formatting

text:
# Question
Title: Decrypt /data without formatting
As the title suggests, is it possible on Android N (7.0/7.1)?

I Googled around but all solution suggests that I format `/data`. And if I keep using the stock ROM without flashing Forced Encryption Disabler it'll be encrypted again. So I wonder if it's possible to manually decrypt `/data`.

I'm using OnePlus 5, whose stock system is very similar to AOSP.

Author's note: Plagiarism is allowed as long as you're shameless.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Stock ROM 4 1+ 5 is OxygenOS.

No, u cannot decrypt, but can only remove with format - not wipe.

Currently, working with 1+ 5; though I haven't seen similarity with AOSP, default is FBE.

U can modify fstab.qcom with encryptable flag, hence no forced FDE or FBE.

---
Tags: encryption, disk-encryption
---


title: How much free storage should I keep?

text:
# Question
Title: How much free storage should I keep?
I have a Huwaei mate 10 lite and it has internal 64 GB, I don't use memory card because I use two sims.

How much free storage should I keep? Is 10% enough? Or 20%?

# Answer
Use as much as you need – but keep free as much as possible:
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Prevent bluetooth keyboard from losing connection to android tablet
I have an Android 6 tablet (Sasmung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 if it matters) and use a bluetooth keyboard with it. After a few minutes of being idle, the keyboard loses the connection. To reactivate it, I have to start pressing buttons on the keyboard, and wait a couple of seconds to start reading the keystrokes again. I want to prevent this 'standby' feature. Is there a setting?

EDIT: FYI: the most annoying side effect of this disconnection/reconnection of the keyboard is that video playback behaves strangely. Namely, it suddenly starts, or some other times it stops while I'm watching something or jumps to a different time point or a different video from the playlist. This happens with VLC and another app (Safari Queue) that has an integrated video player. I haven't tried other audio/video players but I'm guessing this a general problem and not something to do with the two apps I mentioned.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The connection loss over bluetooth is a feature of the keyboard itself. Bluetooth 5 is little better than previous versions, but still you can only minimise the connection loss little because of the wireless nature of the connection and there is always a gap there which can lead to a connection loss. BT5 should however be much more stable but end devices are still short in supply.

Differential solution: USB-C keyboard later if supported.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, bluetooth, external-keyboard
---


# Question
Title: How to Auto-upload Screenshots of Android to Google Photos or Other?
I just noticed that my phone is not automatically uploading screenshots into Google Photos.

Phone: Oneplus 2
OS: OxygenOS 3.1 (Android 6.x)

Phone: Oneplus 3T
OS: Oreo 8.0

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use Google Photos and enable *Back & Sync* for the feature.

Differential solution. Use Mega where you can enable Auto-upload of pictures/camera shots to the application.

OS: Oreo 8.0
Phone: Oneplus 3T

# Answer
> 0 votes
Auto-upload of Screenshots is not a standard feature in Android 6.x at the moment. (beeshyams)

---
Tags: oneplus-3, google-photos, oneplus-two, oxygenos
---


# Question
Title: How to Make Android phone Slave Display Raspberry Pi 3b?
I would like to have an extra display always with me. The only thing which I have most often with me is my Phone with CM13. Phone

* *Oneplus 3* and its USB Type C connection may be suitable for the task.
* Software: make CM13 software understand that I want to use it as a slave for other microprocessor.

Client RP3b

* There is HDMI signal from RP3b. I can use usbC-to-HDMI adapter but not sure if it is needed because the data rate is sufficient in USB-C itself.

Phone: Oneplus 3
System: Cyanogenmod 13 Stable
Phones failed: Samsung Galaxy S4 gt-i9506

Phone: Oneplus 3T
OS: Oreo 8.0

# Answer
> 0 votes
This feature needs to be supported by the phone manufacturer. The software is not a challenge after that. I know no phone which has such a feature at the moment.

---
Tags: oneplus-3, secondary-display
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to officially download or purchase android software?
Just like there is a download or purchase option for Windows from their publisher (Microsoft), I could not found any download or purchase option from the official website of android (https://www.android.com/) and their owner Google.

Though there are so many third-party websites letting free download android, I don't think they are trustworthy.

I want to just know, is it possible to download or purchase Android software from any official link of their original publishers? Or the software comes only through in-built with the devices?

# Answer
> 2 votes
First, Android is maintained by the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) – which has its homepage here. What you may know as "Google's Android" is Android plus all those Google Apps (including the Google Frameworks).

Second, you can download the *Source Code*. There is no such thing as an "Installation CD" because, as you correctly assumed, the installation is very much device specific: other than on your PC, it's not done by transferring "selected files", but by flashing an image (think of Partition Cloning), so it must match the hardware 100% – including drivers for specific hardware etc.

As for purchasing: Above link title already says it, Android is "open source" – so nothing to purchase on that end.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Probably android publishers provide only one official download, which is "Android Studio" (https://developer.android.com/studio/index.html).

Otherwise there is no official option to directly download Android (any of its version like Marshmallow/ JellyBean etc).

---
Tags: installation, downloading
---


# Question
Title: increase ram of smartphone using sd card
Is it possible to increase ram using sd card by rohesoft ram expander after rooting? i have read it in an article anyone tell me working method to create virtual ram in android phone.can i expand the size of ram of my smart phone by usingvsd card

# Answer
> 0 votes
U r'nt increasing RAM, but adding SWAP as virtual memory. SWAP is memory management technique where OS is allocating data in block structures with same size - pages - for use in RAM. Inevitably, there is latency - from fastest to slowest - CPU registries, L cache, RAM, pages. Think of SWAP as cache - a kind of a waiting room in ER. It's much faster to enter MD's office from waiting room than to come from home && enter when it's ur turn. Regarding that particular app, I haven't experience - try it - but u can create SWAP from ADB shell if root privilege is accessible && busybox is present. If u want to try creating SWAP from ADB shell, I suggest reading thread on this fourm about this topic, article on MIUI and XDA thread about init.d support. I was consulting that resources when making SWAP for ROM I made.

If u find u need more help, describe what ROM is used (everything else is already supposed), hence I'll make u a script with necessary files.

---
Tags: rooting, ram
---


# Question
Title: Prevent apps from getting list of installed apps on phone
How I can prevent apps from knowing which apps I've installed?

Is there something in premissions in settings or hack or trick with root access apps?

# Answer
## I'm not making my own answer as correct answer (although it is in some ways) to see if we have other options.

---

I found this XPrivacy that based on Xposed and it let take control of most API's to send fake data or deny apps requests.

There are 3 things here that might be valuable:

* `Xposed` need root access. (and rooting device will wipe all data)
* Installation (From rooting device to using `XPrivacy` app) is not easy and user should be advance.
* `Xposed` not available for Android Oreo yet. Xposed Github Issue

Here is installed version on OnePlus 3t on android 7.1.1 (Oxygen OS 4.3) and result is success:
> 1 votes

---
Tags: privacy
---


# Question
Title: Problem with TWRP 2.8.7.1 on Wileyfox Swift
I have a Wileyfox Swift. I installed TWRP 2.8.7.1 on it before. Now I want to install LineageOS on my phone. It shows an error:

```
unable to find partition size for '/recovery'

```

After that it shows a successful message for installing, but it reboots to recovery again.

So I wanted to change TWRP, but I can't install another version, because `adb` doesn't recognize my phone now.

Now, I just have a recovery menu only without any OS!!

How can I change the TWRP, or make the PC recognize the phone, or install another OS on my current TWRP?

Tnx!

# Answer
You will need to update your TWRP: AFAIK LOS13 already requires TWRP 3.0+ – and you are probably speaking of LOS14 even. You're on 2.8.7.1 – the latest available version is 3.1.1 as of this writing. So here's what you will do:

* Download the latest TWRP for Crackling to your PC
* connect the SD card to your PC using a card reader, and copy the `.img` file to the card
* safely unmount the card from your PC, and put it back into the Swift
* boot the swift to recovery, tap "install", browse to where you placed the `.img` file and select it
* perform the install
* just as precaution, reboot to recovery once more (you've got no other choice anyway without a valid OS installed)

Now you can go forward to install LOS again – same way as described above. Cannot hurt to perform a proper wipe before (to be on the safe side: data, cache and system).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, adb, twrp, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: Use sd card as internal storage and stop writing to internal memory for good
Smartphones seem to die after two years of usage, as if they knew that you just have paid the last instalment.
The common reason seems to be the failure of internal memory.
I'm desperately trying to have my phone escaping from this cruel destiny.
The idea I initially had seemed simple, but the web didn't seem to share my optimism.
This is the idea:
\- create ext4 partitions in sd card
\- mount at boot sdcard partitions to `/data` and `/cache` (and maybe `/preload` and `/efs` if they ever get written)

I'd like to know what's wrong with this idea and why it cannot work, but the main question is:
Can I stop writing to internal memory for good?

I've seen all the apps out there (app2sd, link2sd, DirecoryBind, s2e , you name it) and all of them seem to relocate subdirectories, never the main `/data` .
Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thank you!

# Answer
> 3 votes
Eureka!
Here is how I've done it:

# SD card partition and format

Unsure about which partitions I would have been able to relocate, I decided to recreate my sd card with the exact same layout of my Samsung Galaxy S III internal memory.
`USERDATA` is the last partition and there is a good reason for it:
my sd card size is greater then the internal memory and the best option has been to widen `USERDATA` till the possible furthest sector.

The following work has been done in my linux pc:

```
parted /dev/sdb mklabel gpt \
mkpart  BOTA0      ext2     8192s          16383s \
mkpart  BOTA1      ext2    16384s          24575s \
mkpart  EFS        ext2    24576s          65535s \
mkpart  PARAM      ext2    65536s          81919s \
mkpart  BOOT       ext2    81920s          98303s \
mkpart  RECOVERY   ext2    98304s         114687s \
mkpart  RADIO      ext2   114688s         180223s \
mkpart  CACHE      ext2   180224s        2277375s \
mkpart  SYSTEM     ext2  2277376s        5423103s \
mkpart  HIDDEN     ext2  5423104s        6569983s \
mkpart  OTA        ext2  6569984s        6586367s \
mkpart  USERDATA   ext2  6586368s       60749824s

```

Good, partitions created.
Now, still mimicking my Android device, I format partitions accordingly:

```
# /efs
mkfs.ext4  /dev/sdb3   -E root_owner=1001:1000
# /system
mkfs.ext4  /dev/sdb9   -E root_owner=0:0         -L system
# /cache
mkfs.ext4  /dev/sdb8   -E root_owner=1000:2001
# /preload
mkfs.ext4  /dev/sdb10  -E root_owner=0:0
# /data
mkfs.ext4  /dev/sdb12  -E root_owner=1000:1000

```

The sd card is ready, now I can "backup" files from emmc to the appropriate sd card partition, taking care to preserve file attributes.

# Edit `fstab`

In the not too old versions of Android, `fstab` file seems to be always located at `/`.
Files in `/` are stored in the `BOOT` partition (`boot.img`);
it's time to learn to edit the `boot.img`.
Here are two very helpful tutorials that will get you going:
HOWTO: Unpack, Edit, and Repack Boot Images
Android boot.img manipulation
a little hint:
~~Do edit the ramdisk in your Android device.<br>I spent three days in frustration trying to do so in my pc, I guess is a matter of "endianness".~~
When editing the ramdisk, do sort `name-list`(standard input) for `cpio`.
I spent three years in frustrating randomly recurring failures.

---

My `fstab` before:

```
/dev/block/mmcblk0p3        /efs            ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,journal_async_commit,errors=panic      wait
/dev/block/mmcblk0p9        /system         ext4        ro,noatime      wait
/dev/block/mmcblk0p8        /cache          ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,journal_async_commit,errors=panic      wait
/dev/block/mmcblk0p10       /preload        ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,journal_async_commit       wait
/dev/block/mmcblk0p12       /data           ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,noauto_da_alloc,journal_async_commit,errors=panic      wait,check,encryptable=footer

```

My `fstab` after:

```
/dev/block/mmcblk0p3        /efs            ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,journal_async_commit,errors=panic      wait
/dev/block/mmcblk1p9        /system         ext4        ro,noatime      wait
/dev/block/mmcblk1p8        /cache          ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,journal_async_commit,errors=panic      wait
/dev/block/mmcblk1p10       /preload        ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,journal_async_commit       wait
/dev/block/mmcblk1p12       /data           ext4        noatime,nosuid,nodev,noauto_da_alloc,journal_async_commit,errors=panic      wait,check,encryptable=footer

```

All I have changed is the block number (from 0 to 1).
I couldn't dare yet to relocate `EFS`, someone said that somehow you may brick the device playing around with that, still studying the subject; I do know that Android keeps writing `EFS` (I'm monitoring it).

## Conclusions and further queries

This is how I relocated the most of my internal storage data to my external sd card.
Things are slightly sluggish, as expected, but Android seems to be in perfect working order;
I can always invest in a faster sd card in the future.
I did all of this with my Samsung Galaxy S III stock ROM, you will obviously have to adapt to your circumstances.
When I finally installed CyanogenMod 13 (we don't want stock firmware, do we!?) things were a bit different.
With a wiped `/data`, CM is spending some time at boot populating `/data` and at a certain point it just give up, reboot and goes to recovery mode.
After several attempts I gave up and relocated `/system` in internal memory, now everything is fine.
I do know that `/system` is mounted as read only, but I noticed that emmc lifespan is defined as amount of read/write cycles, maybe suggesting that, unlike hard drives, reading is as detrimental as writing.
If that's the case I'd be most grateful if someone could tell me why in CM I cannot successfully relocate `/system`.

# Answer
> 1 votes
@Claudio you have raised a very good concern. Having some embedded knowledge, I can give some idea about this:

When you switch ON a device, it is programmed to boot from specific memory location. This memory location is *hardwired* to internal memory.

Usually in *demo* embedded devices, we have a small switch which we can use to switch between different BOOT devices - it may be internal, external, even serial port.

But in *production* or commercial devices, this switch will be removed.

So, it is next to impossible to boot directly from external memory.

I wish some companies can provide a option(like switch) to boot from external memory even if internal memory goes wrong.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have been successfully able to boot from SD card on QMobile Z8 by:

* Replicating eMMC partition table by partitioning SD card on a Ubuntu machine using `parted` and `fdisk`
* Flashing factory firmware images to these newly created partitions using `dd`
* Modifying **fstab.qcom** & **init.tegra.rc** files in kernel (`boot.img`) and **recovery.fstab** and **uneventd.rc** files in TWRP recovery to initiate mounting and booting from SDCard instead of internal memory

It was successful after some experiments. I think this method should be applicable to any device with similar configuration. However, files to be edited may vary from device to device.

If you want to put only apps' external data to SD card and not the whole partition, you can edit **fstab** in **boot.img** and **storage list** in **framework-res.apk** on Android 5 and older.

For more details: \[HOW TO\] BOOT FROM SD CARD \[SUCCESSFULLY\] on QMobile Z8 with BRICKED/DEAD eMMC

---
Tags: external-sd, app2sd, link2sd, cache
---


# Question
Title: How to get alerts about Speed Monitoring Cameras in GPS Maps Application?
I am using Here Maps (Here WeGO), but I do not get any warnings about speed monitoring cameras. I would also like to pay for such a service. The application well informs already if you drive too fast.

I know there are some GPS devices which can give such alerts. I think TomTom, at least.

## Testing xavier\_fakerat's proposal

I see now interaction with CamerAlert but have not tested when driven. It took some time for the program to relocate to Baltics from London. But

* Start here maps. Start then CamerAlert second time. The app crashes. It alerts all the time about unupdated maps although I just updated them.

I will go with Sygic.

OS: Android Oreo 8.0
Phone: OnePlus 3T
Region: Sweden, Finland, Norway, Baltics
Maps: Here We Go Maps, rarely Google Maps (because no easy offline use)

# Answer
You may need an additional tool for Speed Camera alerts or an alternative navigation tool with built-in speed cam alerts feature.

For the former, there are some options from playstore but ideally you'd still want to keep Here WeGo so you could go for an application with an **overlay support/widget** that ensures you use your primary navigation app whilst still getting speed cam alerts in the background.

A few options present:

CamerAlert (from PocketGPSWorld) for a very up-to-date speed camera database; it is updated at least weekly and includes mobile sites. It can be used as **an overlay with any navigation app.**

> CamerAlert is a self-contained Speed and Red Light Camera warning system using data from the renowned PocketGPSWorld.com Speed Camera Database.
>
> It provides both **audible** and **visual warnings** as you approach a camera. Uniquely, when you are in a section of SPECs (Average Speed) cameras, CamerAlert displays your average speed between each camera in the zone.
>
> CamerAlert also utilises directional information to reduce the number of "False Alerts", you are only warned for cameras that monitor your direction of travel.

**Costs**:

> PocketGPSWorld subscribers can use their annual membership to keep the camera data up to date by linking their member details in the app.
>
> If you are not an existing subscriber you can subscribe in the app to ensure access the our regular updates. A subscription can be used on other GPS devices as well as the Android (maximum of three devices, one of which may be an Android or iPhone SmartPhone).
>
> **An annual subscription costs £19.99**

Learn more at the official website

---

Alternatively running other navigation apps' camera alerts application is worth a try, Sygic Speed Cameras & Traffic or TomTom Speed Cameras also serve similar purposes with the latter with overlay support.

**Sygic**:

> * offline database of more than 50 000 fixed speed cameras, average speed checks and red light cameras in your app.
> * with Speed Camera's Premium, you can see your current speed, speed limits, and warnings also in other apps (Paid feature)

Pricing see here

---

Tom tom speed cam app, see here to learn more.

Also worth noting is that the regions in question are covered by these tools.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: maps, navigation, 8.0-oreo, driving-mode, here-maps
---


# Question
Title: Does anyone know why after I updated my android phone, that it doesn't unlock?
I literally just updated my phone (I have a BLU X2 if that helps) to the new Android thing last night and my phone shuts down whenever I have any new updates. But I can't seem to unlock my phone this time. Like my password isn't working once I turn it back on and I've also tried all my old passwords and none of them work D:

# Answer
BLU pushed a bad update. Just google for BLU OTA lock. Looks like a factory reset is the only solution for now.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, ota-update, password, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: How to create a link on website by long-pressing in Internet browser?
I want to create a desktop icon to a link on a website by long pressing it. However, long-pressing the link does not have the function "Add to Home Screen" (in Chrome) and Page \> Add to Home Screen (in Firefox). It adds the current page to the home screen, not the link pressed long.

I need this function because some website urls does not reflect the current page, but instead the early clickable link to the website does it. So having the possibility to add the url ask an icon to home screen would help me to maintain track of the articles that I want to read again regularly (so bookmarks not sufficient).

Internet browsers: Chrome, Firefox
OS: Oreo 8.0
Phone: Oneplus 3T

# Answer
My understanding is, that when you press a link, it directs you to the desired page, but the URL automatically changes to a more general one, and therefore you cannot create a home screen shortcut.

I found a very simple solution to this problem. Hope it works for you as it worked for me. I did it in chrome. It should also work for Firefox.

Put your phone into airplane mode, then long press on the link, and select 'copy link address' then paste the link in the URL bar, and press enter. As soon as it directs you to the 'connection failed' page, go to the three dots menu and select 'add to home screen, rename the shortcut, and press ok.

The shortcut will now appear on your home screen. And when pressed, will direct you to the desired page.

If it still gives you the wrong page, then try all of the above, using incognito mode.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts, app-icons, usability, browser
---


title: New Icon on my Samsung S5 - what is it?

text:
# Question
Title: New Icon on my Samsung S5 - what is it?
What is this notification bar icon on my Samsung S5? It comes and go. I do not recall seeing this a month ago.

# Answer
"Big brother is watching you!"

Honestly: doing a Google reverse-image search came up with this thread, telling that feature is called

> Smart Stay. It shows up whenever it's checking if you're looking at the phone.
>
> Smart Stay is useful you know, that's what's preventing your screen from turning off at screen on time limit when you're using it.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


title: Booting Android from SD card

text:
# Question
Title: Booting Android from SD card
The device model is Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) It's not booted yet, had developer mode activated.

The flash memory is completely broken (which probably means the bootloader is gone as well?), and since a simple repair at a shop would cost more than 150 USD, I've decided to give it a last try by copying an Android system onto the SD card to make the device at least function again.

I think I will kind of figure out the last step by myself since I'm on Linux all the time, but I'm not quite sure how to change the boot order or whether it is possible at all.

Is it possible to create a "bootable SD card" to boot Android from on this device – and if so, how is this done?

# Answer
> 4 votes
I have been successfully able to boot from SD card on QMobile Z8 by:

* Replicating eMMC partition table by partitioning SD card on a Ubuntu machine using `parted` and `fdisk`
* Flashing factory firmware images to these newly created partitions using `dd`
* Modifying **fstab.qcom** & **init.tegra.rc** files in kernel (`boot.img`) and **recovery.fstab** and **uneventd.rc** files in TWRP recovery to initiate mounting and booting from SDCard instead of internal memory

It was successful after some experiments. I think this method should be applicable to any device with similar configuration. However, files to be edited may vary from device to device.

If you want to put only apps' external data to SD card and not the whole partition, you can edit **fstab** in **boot.img** and **storage list** in **framework-res.apk** on Android 5 and older.

For more details: \[HOW TO\] BOOT FROM SD CARD \[SUCCESSFULLY\] on QMobile Z8 with BRICKED/DEAD eMMC

---
Tags: sd-card, boot
---


# Question
Title: How do I screen pin several apps to Lollipop?
How do you pin an app so that you cannot go to another app or web without a pass code? Can this be done for several apps at a time?

# Answer
> 2 votes
To pin an app to your screen, go to settings-\>security-\>pin windows-\>on.

Then turn on 'Use screen lock type to unpin' there is no option to choose the code for this action. It will simply use your lock screen code for this.

Now open the window that you would like to pin, and press the recent apps tab, and press on the 'pin' icon. To un-pin the app, hold down the recent and back buttons at the same time. This will bring you to your lock screen where you could unlock it using your regular unlocking method. (More detailed directions here)

Unfortunately there is no way to pin multiple apps at once.

---
Tags: applications
---


title: UC Mini's Speed mode not working

text:
# Question
Title: UC Mini's Speed mode not working
Something went wrong suddenly with my UC Mini browser. Its Speed mode has stopped working on my Android phone. With its Speed mode on, UC Mini works well even over a slow 2G network. But now, turning it on has stopped working.

How can I fix it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Maybe your data carrier had problems or there's a bug at UC Mini. See if next updates of UC Mini can workaround your problem.

---
Tags: browser
---


# Question
Title: I inadvertently locked my HTC 1 via "find my phone" (wrong phone). I "found" it but cannot access it.
I use this phone for my TV. Earlier I had mislaid my regular phone and in a bit of a panic, I thought I locked it via "Find my phone", but actually locked the HTC 1. I now have both phones in my hot little hand, but cannot access the HTC 1 due to the lock. I can find no entry point for the password -- or anything else --. Can anyone help? Richard Archer

# Answer
This should be the screen you should see on your phone when you remotely lock it using Google's 'find my device'

Simply drag the lock icon in any direction and that will direct you to a page where you can enter the code that you have set when remotely locking the device. On newer devices, it will ask you to enter the regular code that you use when unlocking your phone.

If the above is not what you see on your screen, then restarting your phone should bring it up.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security
---


title: Data stopped working all of a sudden

text:
# Question
Title: Data stopped working all of a sudden
The H/LTE symbol beside the signal bar disappeared all of a sudden, and I no longer can connect to the internet/etc.

I still have cell signal/service (can send and receive text messages and phone calls, etc).

My new monthly plan started last week, so I haven't "used" all my data.

Not sure what's wrong?

# Answer
Many possible reasons as to why it's not working, but here are some things to try:

1. turn off your phone, take out the Sim card, put it back in, and turn your phone back on
2. Make sure your phone data is on. Go to settings\>data usage\>mobile data, make sure all options are on.
3. Check your APN settings, and make sure they are all correct. To do that, Open your phone settings, and in the search bar enter: 'access point names' check to see if the apn settings are correct. To find what the settings are supposed to be, go to Google.com and search for 'apn settings for \[your carries name\]' you can then add the settings by pressing on the plus symbol and manually adding them in.

Let me know if it works.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: Enabling USB debugging when the device is off
I am trying to unlock my bootloader, but I am unable to enable USB debugging because my device (Sony Xperia T) cannot turn on.

How do I unlock my bootloader so that I can flash it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
For device recovery purposes, use original stock ROM images. Flashing of original ROM does not require an unlocked bootloader.

The bootloader being *locked* means that it would only allow flashing of vendor signed images. And by definition, the original images are vendor signed.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For Mainstream phones like the Pixel, if bootloader unlock was initially allowed from the development settings when it was on, you just simply need to get to fastboot mode if the phone has it, after downloading a custom recovery and using `fastboot boot [filename]` command to boot the recovery and install custom OS before looking for an official ROM.

Ensure not to flash the custom recovery since stock recovery will be needed by the phone after unlocking bootloader from fastboot mode to reset it since unlocking must erase the entire phone. Code to unlock `fastboot oem unlock`

---
Tags: adb, usb-debugging
---


# Question
Title: What is the list of commands to dictate punctuation, capitalization and line breaks?
I'm on a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 with Android 4.3.

I would love to become a power user of the dictation feature to dictate text messages and emails. More often than not, however, I have to hand-edit the dictated text not because of text comprehension issues but because of punctuation, capitalization and spacing problems.

These are the "commands" I've found to work. What is the full list?

```
"period"     --> .   (works fairly reliably)
"comma"      --> ,   (works fairly reliably)
"new line"   --> \n  (works about 50% of the time)

```

I've not gotten `capital` or anything like that to work, or acronyms. If you know how it works, please share.

# Answer
**Commands**

```
"New Line" or "Next Line"               Press the enter key once, capitalize next word
"New Paragraph" or "Next Paragraph"     Press the enter key twice, capitalize next word
"Caps <word>"                           Type with an initial capital
"All Caps <word>"                       Type in all uppercase
"Caps On"                               Start typing words with initial capitals
"Caps Off"                              Stop typing words with initial capitals

```

**Punctuations**

```
&                                       "ampersand" or "and sign"
.                                       "period" or "dot"
:                                       "colon"
?                                       "question mark"
!                                       "exclamation point"
,                                       "comma"
=                                       "equal sign"
@                                       "at sign"
/                                       "forward slash" or "slash"
-                                       "hyphen"
'                                       "begin single quote" or "open single quote"
'                                       "end single quote" or "close single quote"
"                                       "begin quote" or "open quote"
"                                       "close quote" or "end quote"
(                                       "left parenthesis" or "open parenthesis"
)                                       "right parenthesis" or "close parenthesis"
%                                       "percent sign"
$                                        "dollar sign"
#                                       "pound sign"
°                                       "degree sign"
:-)                                     "smiley face"
:-(                                     "sad face"

```
> 20 votes

# Answer
Some more voice commands, from http://thedroidlawyer.com/2015/09/punctuation-commands-for-dictation-in-voice-to-text-for-android/:

```
Dash = dash (-)
Ellipsis or dot dot dot = ellipsis (…)
Asterisk = asterisk (*)
Backslash = backslash (\)
Open bracket = open bracket ([)
Close bracket = closed bracket (])

```

More:

```
!    "exclamation mark"

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: voice-recognition
---


title: whatsapp web login process

text:
# Question
Title: whatsapp web login process
Is it possible to copy all session/login data of WhatsApp web from one browser to another so that I can use WhatsApp web on another browser without the need to scan QR code again? ,

# Answer
Whatsapp has not provided such a feature yet, But you can use whatsapp web on the same browser again again till it's id is kept save in your whatsapp app. You have to scan QR code atleat once to access this feature. Later it may possible to launch OTP or other methods to access whatsapp web.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: How can I limit data usage depending on whether the screen is on, or off/locked?
How can I limit data usage depending on whether the screen is on, or off/locked? For example, when the screen is off, data can only be sent and received at a reduced rate. Or, when the screen is off, data connectivity is reduced to 2G. I want to leave data on, but I don't want to let it chew through all of it.

I am aware of the data saver option, but it doesn't do what I want.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could try CleverConnectivity No Ads.

**How it works**

CleverConnectivity will automatically turn on and off connectivity (data/wifi/sync) while screen is OFF.

> For example if the user chooses below configuration: *Time On: 2min* *Time On Next Check: 1min* *Time Off: 10m* *Usage check Interval: 3s*
>
> * Once the screen is OFF, CleverConnectivity will keep connectivity alive for 2min. Then it will check if data is used during a period of 3s.
> * If data is used, connectivity will be kept for 1 minute (Time On Next Check).
> * If data is NOT used, connectivity will be deactivated for 10min. After this, the connectivity will be re-activated and Time On will kick in.
> * Once screen is ON, connectivity will be automatically re-enabled.

* With a custom ROM there is also an option to keep conneectivity to 2G only whilst screen is off.

*NB (from author): This app is not yet fully compatible with Android Lollipop 5+ as Google has restricted the access to the method to toggle mobile data programatically*

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use Tasker app which can disable the internet connection automatically when the screen is off. Configure the app as below:

Profile: **Screen Off**

Context: (Event) **Screen off**

**Task:**

```
Clear variable %SCREENSTATE
Stop if %POWER ~ ON
Disable "Mobile Data" (With "Keep MMS" if you want)
Disable "Auto-SYNC"

```

Set Profile's Task Priority to 6

---
Tags: applications, data-connection, background-data
---


title: Force tablet UI on a non-tablet device?

text:
# Question
Title: Force tablet UI on a non-tablet device?
I own a large screen phone and am wondering if I could make it recognize itself as a tablet, as in:

* The navbar should stay at the bottom instead of rotating to the sides
* Notification shade doesn't occupy the whole screen width in portrait / doesn't stay in the middle in landscape
* Apps that support tablet layout will use it

AFAIK, a sufficiently small DPI (LCD density) value will trigger the change, but naturally I want the UI elements to stay at a visible, comfortable size. There's supposed to be a trigger (an if-else condition?) that calculates whether tablet UI should be activated based on device metrics and the above DPI value, however I don't know where the actual trigger is or how should I change it to make it always say "tablet". I've seen similar things done to Android versions below 5.0 via Xposed modules, but those are quite outdated by now.

The answer could be using Xposed (not preferred but still alright, since I still need to stay on Nougat for a while), modifying SystemUI, or even modifying the Android source code and building (I have the know-how for that) - one just have to tell me where and how.

Any ideas?

# Answer
> 2 votes
After some digging I am able to sort out a relatively easy solution for the first and most important requirement, that is, keeping the navbar at the bottom. Requires root (of course - to pull and push files) and basic skill of using `apktool`.

For pre-compiled ROMs:

> 1. Install apktool.
> 2. Install your `framework-res.apk` by executing `apktool if /path/to/framework-res.apk`.
> 3. Decompile your `services.jar` by executing `apktool d /path/to/services.jar`.
> 4. Go to the decompiled `services.jar.out` folder and open `smali/com/android/server/policy/PhoneWindowManager.smali`.
> 5. Search for `0x258` and replace the only occurrence of it with `0x0`.
> 6. Rebuild `services.jar` (preserve its signature) by executing `apktool b -c services.jar.out`.
> 7. Decompile your `SystemUI.apk` by executing `apktool d /path/to/SystemUI.apk`.
> 8. Go to the decompiled `SystemUI` folder, then go to `res/layout/`.
> 9. Remove `navigation_layout_rot90.xml`.
> 10. Make a copy of `navigation_layout.xml` and rename it to `navigation_layout_rot90.xml`.
> 11. Rebuild `SystemUI` (preserve its signature) by executing `apktool b -c SystemUI`.
> 12. Push the finished `services.jar` and `SystemUI.apk` back to where they were using a method of your choice, set correct permissions, then reboot.

For ROM makers:

> 1. Open `*build-folder*/frameworks/base/services/core/java/com/android/server/policy/PhoneWindowManager.java`.
> 2. Search for `shortSizeDp < 600` and replace the only occurrence of it with `shortSizeDp < 0`.
> 3. Find the SystemUI layout files in `*build-folder*/frameworks/base/packages/SystemUI/res/layout/` and replace, similar to the method for pre-compiled ROMs.
> 4. Build the ROM.

Note that the default button layout doesn't look good under landscape mode, but one can always use the built-in navbar tuner in Android 7.0+ to tweak it to his desire.

---

As of Android 10, this has been simplified to a single boolean config `config_navBarCanMove`, which can either be set directly in the framework or separately in an overlay (recommended).

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could try changing the DPI via this method: http://phandroid.com/2016/05/24/how-to-change-dpi-settings-on-android-n-nexus-no-root/

> 1. Open the Settings app
> 2. Scroll down to About phone
> 3. Tap Build number 7 times (you’ll see a prompt counting down taps to unlock)
> 4. Press back to go back into main Settings menu
> 5. Select Developer options which now appears at the bottom of Settings
> 6. Scroll down and select Smallest width (under the Drawing category)
> 7. Your current DPI setting will be displayed — write that down somewhere
> 8. Change the value to whatever you like (the bigger the number, the smaller the UI)

and then increasing the font/display size to compensate for the changed UI size. https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/android/77447/android-7-0-nougat-tip-customize-display-font-sizes

Settings \> Display \> Display size

Settings \> Display \> Font size

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can download the Apex Launcher and in the settings set "Use tablet UI mode" to true. It is possible that this only applies to the homescreen and the like, but I don't know any app to test it, but you could give it a go.

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, user-interface
---


# Question
Title: What information can you extract from Wifi networks without connecting?
Android newbie here.

I am not talking about eavesdropping wifi traffic, but accessing publicly broadcast information.

When you open the list of available wifi networks, that means Android is constantly capturing some information from all of them. It could be simply the SSID and signal strength. But what other information is broadcast by access points that could be extracted by a smartphone app without actually connecting to the network? Any sample code as a starting point?

On a related note, is it possible to connect to two or more wifi networks at the same time, maybe in a way similar to load balancing?

# Answer
The following information can be found when the device is near a Wifi Access Point (AP) even though the device isn't connected:

Apart from **ESSID** and **Signal strength**,

* **MAC** (for associated access points)
* **Bit rate**
* **Channel**: the frequency channel
* **Encryption**
* **RTS ("Request to Send") threshold** (generally the lower the threshold, the more stable the Wi-Fi network)
* **Fragmentation threshold**

To manipulate the basic wireless parameters you can use the `iwconfig` command.

> `iwconfig` command is dedicated to the Linux wireless interfaces. It is used to manipulate the basic wireless parameters such as ssid, mode, channel, bit rates, encryption key, power and much more. To display information about `wlan0` wireless interface, enter:

```
iwconfig Interface-Name-Here,

```

`iwconfig wlan0`

To determine an interface, run `netcfg`

Here is the sample code

```
$ iwconfig wlan0

```

and gives the output as:

```
wlan0     Qcom:802.11n  ESSID:off/any
          Mode:Managed  Channel:0  Access Point: Not-Associated
          Bit Rate:0 kb/s   Tx-Power=0 dBm
          RTS thr=2347 B   Fragment thr=8000 B
          Encryption key: Off

```
> 3 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, network-signal
---


# Question
Title: Where does the movie downloaded from "Play Movies & TV" get stored in external SD card?
I recently bought and downloaded a movie from "Play Movies & TV" application. It is not automatically detected by any other video player. So, where does the movie downloaded from "Play Movies & TV" get stored in external SD card?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just bought and downloaded the 90 minute Google "AlphaGo" documentary movie in HD. It was about 2 GB in size.

It was saved on the SD card in this folder (I obscured the exact name with \*):

> Android/data/com.google.android.videos/files/Movies/YXJh\******NvbQ/ylEP\****BE/

In that folder were 156 files with names like this made-up format:

> 0.163253726153.23764387642386.v3.exo

Each \*.v3.exo file was about 2-25 MB in size. There was also a single file called

> cached\_content\_index.exi

So I imagine the download was made into smaller chunks.

The "\*.v3.exo" format is a YouTube format.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, the files downloaded from the Google Play Movies & TV goes over to the internal storage of the device you can find it over `sdcard/Android/data/com.google.android.videos/files/Movies`,

The files will be in the `.wvm` format like `abc.wvm`.

---
Tags: sd-card, google-play-movies
---


# Question
Title: "Could not do normal boot invalid kernel length"
My G935F shows “Could not do normal boot invalid kernel length” when attempting to boot into TWRP or turn on the device normally. The only thing I can access is ODIN. This happened after attempting to update TWRP and LineageOS. From looking online, I believe I can get a kernel and select the AP option in ODIN and flash a kernel as long as it is in `.tar` format. I was previously using PRIME kernel https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-...1-4-0-t3678159 so I looked in the latest download from there but there are no .tar files, only a `bootimg.tar.xz` and a `ramdisks.tar.xz`. I tried extracting `bootimg.tar.xz` to a `bootimg.tar` and flashing that, but ODIN says it failed:

> ```
> <ID:0/003> Added!!
> <ID:0/003> Odin engine v(ID:3.1210)..
> <ID:0/003> File analysis..
> <ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
> <ID:0/003> Initialzation..
> <ID:0/003> Get PIT for mapping..
> <ID:0/003> Firmware update start..
> <ID:0/003> NAND Write Start!!
> <ID:0/003> SingleDownload.
> <ID:0/003> g930eur-aosp-Image-r12p0
> <ID:0/003> Unassigned file
> <ID:0/003> Complete(Write) operation failed.
> <OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
>
> ```

I also tried flashing the zip from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/#odin but ODIN gave me:

> ```
> <ID:0/003> Added!!
> <OSM> Enter CS for MD5..
> <OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..
> <OSM> Please wait..
> <OSM> CF-Auto-Root-hero2lte-hero2ltexx-smg935f.tar.md5 is valid.
> <OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..
> <OSM> Leave CS..
> <ID:0/003> Odin engine v(ID:3.1005)..
> <ID:0/003> File analysis.. <ID:0/003> SetupConnection..
> <ID:0/003> Complete(Write) operation failed.
> <OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
>
> ```

I don't know what I'm doing and I'm afraid to mess up my phone beyond repair with ODIN. Can someone please help me? XDA forums has no answer and I don't know who else to ask.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I ran ODIN as administrator and was able to flash Chainfire. I was then able to boot in normally, and after that flash TWRP again. Still not sure which step caused that issue but it is resoled now.

---
Tags: twrp, kernel, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: Samsung's stock Android app in another phone
Okay so here is how it goes. My brother has a Samsung Galaxy j7 and it has some really catchy versions of the normal Android apps like, clock and calculator are very different and good looking though. Now whenever I try to install them in my phone they just crash ( I sent their apks through share-it ) and they don't work. I just want to ask is there a way I could install them in my phone, maybe edit the check point or copy the code or something else. Am using an Htc, if that helps. I really don't have any programming experience in Android or Java.

# Answer
Download it off of apk mirror, and it should work. Here's the link
> 0 votes

---
Tags: stock-android
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to recover contacts and T Memo from touch broken galaxy core
I have a samsung galaxy core and now the touch is broken. Since I have a new Redmi Y1, the damage of phone is not a big deal but the thing that matters is I am in need of copying all contacts and T Memo from the galaxy core to either laptop or Y1.

### More Info

Only touch and the two touch-keys (back key and menu key) is not working.

Display, Speaker, Other keys etc. are working fine.

The handset is slightly wet on a rain yesterday.

It detects USB connection.

No pattern or pin is set. Only swipe lock is there.

I can access files from laptop because the default usb connection is media.

### My Tries

I tried to use Dr.Fone's feature of recovering data from touch broken device. But My Device is not listed.

I googled for a way of doing this via CMD in fastboot mode but can't find any.

Is there any way I can copy the contacts from mobile to laptop?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use an OTG cable to connect a mouse to the phone that will give you full access to the device.

You will then be able to go into contacts\>settings\>contact settings\>export contacts, and select your desired method. I would suggest you export the contacts to an sd card, put it in into your new phone, and import them.

You should be able to do the same thing for your memos. Export them to an ad card, or save them to a cloud.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, data-recovery, touch, samsung-galaxy-core
---


# Question
Title: Aggregating two 4G/3G data links from 2 different sims?
Having two 4G capable sims -from truely two different operators (no virtual carriers at all)- and a Dual Active sim phone (Zenfone 2 Laser), I want to do true load balancing with a 1 sim + 1 sim 4G/3G data links configuration.

However, all I can find when googling is about Dual-Carrier -or Dual-Band (HSDPA++, LTE)-, which is clearly not what I'm trying to do since it's just combining two same operator frequencies to boost speeds.

The approach is like the "speedify" tool, but instead of mixing 4G and WiFi, I only want to mix the 3G/4G sims.

So, the question is: Do someone know how to achieve that on Android ?

By the way, is this automatically managed in Android, or is it driver/kernel/modem (e.g. Qualcomm X10, X12 hardware/firmware, etc) dependant or do I have to enable something manually ?

Any information about that is ok too :)

If possible, the best scenario would be having twice the Dual-Band enabled. This means a Dual Carrier + Dual Carrier configuration, for a total of 4 bands from two totally different operators.

# Answer
> 1 votes
As far as i know, the modem only exist one 4G. You can use it in both SIM (switch it) but you can't use both at the same time. Even if you're thinking using the first one is 4G and the last one is 3G, it won't work. It's dual-band not dual channel, and beside it will make your phone a lot thirstier than before and i'm pretty sure you don't want that.

---
Tags: mobile-network, 3g, 4g, dual-sim, carriers
---


title: Magisk: can it be used by mere mortals?

text:
# Question
Title: Magisk: can it be used by mere mortals?
I just found out about Magisk and it sounds great, but I don't't know much about it. How would I use it? The phone's a ZTE Z815.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sure it can. It's actually pretty easy as of version 14. You'll need to unlock your bootloader and instal TWRP. That's the hard part. It looks like there are ways to root it, but XDA-Developers doesn't appear to have a forum for it, and that's where to go for trusted advice and mods.

If you can get those two, then you can download the Magisk zip file, boot to TWRP, and install it. Next, update the stub Magisk Manager application, and you're good to go. I strongly encourage you to then instal Xposed (all systemless)

---
Tags: rooting, magisk
---


title: My Android sytem is gone

text:
# Question
Title: My Android sytem is gone
I have big problem here. I wipe system partition on my phone, I know that I shouldn't have. Now my phone without Android OS, I've try to flash it using custom ROM but it doesn't work. Any idea how to flash it back to stock? It always show error when i tried to use custom recovery from PC (using command prompt) What stock ROM I should've flash it? Back to Android Lollipop or lower? Thanks

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well, head on over to XDA-Developers and look for your phone. If they have it there in the developer forums, you will probably be able to solve your problem with some research.

To get useful answers, you need to supply more information about your device. What model is it? Nexus 5,6, Pixel? One of the Samsung or Lenovo phones? HTC? What version/patch level is on your phone? Is the bootloader unlocked? Do you have a custom recovery?

Armed with this information, coupled with an active XDA developer forum, and you should be okay. There will be at least one post of the stock firmware for your device of one or more versions. If you have the exact same on your phone, you can flash the system and you're set, though I'd consider doing it all after you backup your data. {edit: I just saw the "lenovo" tag on the post, so you're likely on a Moto X, G, or Z. You will find a robust developers' forum over on XDA. }

---
Tags: stock-android, lenovo, 7.1-nougat
---


title: What's this icon?

text:
# Question
Title: What's this icon?
What is that balloon icon? I think it must be a downloaded app but I can't figure which.

# Answer
Moments a picture share app from Facebook.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Depending on your Android version you might be able to long press a notification (if there is any) to find out the app it comes from. Or maybe a reverse image search with google will do.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: notification-icons
---


title: How do I force USB debugging?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I force USB debugging?
I am trying to figure out why my apps don't work on tablets manufactured by the company Ainol.

USB debugging is already turned on, and I took a look at all of the settings that I could find on it, but the USB debugging bridge refuses to find it.

I figured out that it might be because the tablet ALWAYS connects the USB file transfer (either as mass storage, or media, or camera, but it ALWAYS connects, and I found no option to not connect).

How can I force ADB to find it somehow?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I gather you are under OSX so no need for driver or `udev` rules but there is some points you need to make sure you follow .

1. Make sure your device is unlocked when connected to PC.
2. Make sure you have accepted the pop-up message on your tablet allowing your PC to debug it.
3. Make sure your usb cable is working perfectly.
4. The usb storage ot mtp mode doesn't matter.
5. If you are still struggling and couldn't make it work via usb try making it work via network.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Normally you should have to install the driver of the tablet to have ADB working with it. On the opposite, mass storage usually work out-of-the-box because any PC recognize this standard.

After some search on Google I found some info that may work with your tablet here: http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/70585-adb-drivers/page\_*p*\_805857

# Answer
> 0 votes
You don't need to force USB debugging to be able to use it. But if that is your biggest concern, there are some two files you may need to take it if you access the superuser privileges. These are "/system/build.prop" and "/default.prop". Here are the lines of code to look for in build.prop and default.prop to modify them to exactly how I have written them here or else create then:

persist.service.adb.enable=1 persist.service.debuggable=1 persist.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb

Or if you have a custom recovery like twrp you can access terminal and run these commands:

```
adb shell su
mount -o remount,rw /system cd /
echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1
echo "persist.service.debuggable=1
echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb

```

Once you reboot into Android you should be able to see ADB persisted always.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Download PDANet from Google Play and for Windows in your PC. After doing a few configurations your PC should be able to detect your device.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Go to settings and visit developer options (if it's not there see the end of my answer). Then enable developer options and enable USB debugging.

Enabling developer: Go to settings=\>about=\>software info=\>and tap build number a bunch of times very quickly.

---
Tags: usb, usb-connection-mode, usb-debugging
---


title: Can't connect Samsung phone to PC

text:
# Question
Title: Can't connect Samsung phone to PC
My SM-J701F (Android 7.0) stopped connecting to any PC after a failed root attempt using KingRoot(PC). I have been using the official Samsung cable, and the phone used to connect just fine before i tried Kingroot. Now the phone just charges itself after being connected via USB. I've tried setting USB config as MTP, installing MTP drivers in PC, uninstalling phone drivers from my PC, changing cables, changing PCs themselves- nothing works. Neither the PC nor the phone detects any connection. The phone can't be rooted now, so I can't find a way to restore it to a previous backup either.

Please help.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just use ODIN, reflash that phone and be ready to go from official firm again. Simple. Or if you want a complicated way of getting that done you can say so that imma show you

# Answer
> 0 votes
Modifying the system is the hard way. Did the phone gain root access finally or it halted upon Kingroot's trial? So that I may know what exactly to say to you? If it didn't, you should try another application to try rooting it, install a custom recovery highly recommending TWRP and then backup another device of the same type and restore it on your phone of incase you don't want to loose your personal data. Ensure you backup only data folder of your phone without the system partition and restore it after doing the backup from other phone. Kingoroot is another tough rooting alternative

---
Tags: samsung, usb, usb-connection-mode
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to have a media folder inside a .nomedia folder?
I have a folder with various folders and subfolders where I don't want my content to be scanned.

Inside that folder I have put a .nomedia file to prevent media scanning.

Now, **I have a single folder (with music) what I do it to get scanned**.

Is it possible to do something like writing a ".media" file or setting an exception on the .nomedia file?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Oh I get him now. If the .nomedia file exists in a folder containing the folders you have it will hide files in all those directories. For example having a .nomedia on /sdcard will definitely hide the whole sd card media. So ensure the folder you want media scanned isn't preceding the folder you don't want media scanned. Like:

```
/sdcard/myfiles/mediapublic/photos
/sdcard/myfiles/mediaprivate/photos

```

These are two folders. To hide media in mediaprivate and photos. Paste the .nomedia file in the mediaprivate directory. If it's photos folder only. Paste it there only. And ensure to remove the file from the folder containing that folder. There is another alternative you can use. Delete all .nomedia files. The folder you want hidden, just start it's name with a dot. Like

```
/sdcard/.myfiles/mediapublic/photos

```

To hide all myfiles

```
/sdcard/myfiles/mediaprivate/.photos

```

To hide only photos

Remember the .nomedia file is an empty file with no code even if you open it with text editor. It is 0bytes size and 0characters. So forget about editing it

---
Tags: file-system, media-files, media-scanner, media-search
---


# Question
Title: I changed the company brand boot logo Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus and now don't start
My cell phone is a Lenovo K5 plus A6020i36 with a RRemix ROM (RR-N-v5.8.4-20170808-A6020) with Root and Custom TWRP . I was trying to install some Boot logo through TWRP and until here everything was fine. But I mistakenly install a Samsung boot logo. Yes I know, how I could have been wrong with this, but I did. So after installing and restarting my phone did not start. No light on the screen, no download mode, no fastboot mode no recovery mode the phone is completely dead, its a Hard brick. I Tried to make recovery with the qfil application but did not work. Any idea to fix it, it seems that there was an internal failure or a protection of the phone itself

# Answer
The phone is probably a Mediatek device, Download SP Flash Tool, Install VCOM drivers and Flash it using a Windows Computer. I once did same thing for Tecno J5 and it ended up so. That's the thing you should do. But read how to flash it. Because flashing the preloader.bin file will brick it forever. So you must be cautious on the files you mark. Or ask me how if you feel fearful about the process. It will end up cool. Of it is still not MTK based, flashing stock ROM will unbrick it
> 0 votes

---
Tags: twrp, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: Hiding Boot Logo on Samsung Galaxy Tab3 Lite SM-T116BU
I'm trying to hide this Samsung boot logo splash from my tablet

The closest that I get was trying the method described on this post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529133 but after writing the PARAM back to the device, nothing happened.

Trying to solve by myself I started looking at the SBOOT partition on my device, dumped it from `/dev/block/platform/sprd-sdhci.3/by-name/SBOOT` and opened it on a hex-editor, looking at the result I found the "logo.jpg" reference on the hex result, and now comes my question.

Do you guys have any recommendation/tips on how to avoid the logo.jpg being showed on the device screen? Maybe patching the SBOOT?

Is it too stupid changing the hex from modifying the "logo.jpg" string to avoid the file being located?

# Answer
> 1 votes
That's the easiest way to end up in hardbrick. Don't try that. Remember samsung has no Fastboot mode. If it ends up in HBrick and close you out of Download Mode, you're ruined totally unless you are a Samsung Hardware and Software Engineer.

---
Tags: samsung, boot, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to set an encryption password different than lock screen PIN?
I set up phone encryption using a numeric password. Android 4.4.4 on OnePlus One (Cyanogenmod 11S). Now on the lock screen, I'm asked for the same numeric password (but instead of a text input field, an on-screen numeric pad is shown).

I would like to understand :

* Is it possible to set a different PIN for the lock screen than the one I set before encrypting the phone? (without changing the current encryption password)
* Is it possible to change the encryption password without wiping phone memory?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Please, keep in mind -- one problem, one question here. Two questions in one post is a bad idea.

Now:

* first question: take a look here or here or in many other places,
* second question: **no**, encryption is irreversible!

Once applied the only way to disable it / change password is to do factory reset (loosing all data / wiping phone memory -- as you write) and perform another phone encryption after that.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For the second question, in contrast to trejder's answer, the encryption password can certainly be changed without initiating data wiping or factory reset.

Short answer on first question is no, because encryption password will always be changed if lock screen password is changed from UI.

---
Tags: lock-screens, encryption, password
---


# Question
Title: What do I do when the keyboard is frozen on my lock screen and I can't get in?
I have an Android Galaxy J7 V and I don't use the key board to put in my password, I just have to swipe a certain way on the dots which I can't see to get into my phone.Since the keyboard is frozen I don't know what to do.

# Answer
> 0 votes
What do you call that protection feature. Password but you use swipe to unlock or a feature similar to LG's 'Knock On'

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you could manage to get another input application you could surely manage to switch to it in order to get that obscuring keyboard in the lockscreen. Alternatively if the phone has a custom recovery installed, you can delete that keyboard from `/system/app/SamsungKeyboard` by using TWRP file manager so as to unlock the phone first before you look for another Keyboard app. Consequently, using a third risky way, you can move the app `/system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk` to sdcard using TWRP and boot the phone. It will show no Lockscreen install alternative keyboard app and return that app back to where it was. This will allow you to have a non freezing app and gain access to the swipe to unlock. If incase you don't have TWRP and root, it sounds to me like you have to reset the phone by powering it on using this key combo. Power, Volume Up + Home Button and reset the phone from there. But never forget that Android 6 Marshmallow and above has Factory Reset Protection. If you don't remember the Primary Google Email logged in to the device, never try resetting from recovery since it will request them upon powering on again.

---
Tags: lock-screens, keyboard
---


# Question
Title: Xperia M4 Aqua reboot-bootloader only shuts it down
I'm trying to reboot my Xperia M4 Aqua into bootloader mode but all it does it turn it off and I get the battery charging image as if the phone is shut down and in charge.

I tried using the commands

```
adb reboot-bootloader

```

and

```
fastboot reboot-bootloader

```

and I also tried doing it manually by pressing volume up button while inserting the usb cable in... same results.

The command

```
adb devices

```

returns the device while

```
fastboot devices

```

doesn't

OS is Windows 10

# Answer
Thanks for enlighting me; I always use without hyphen

```
adb reboot bootloader
```

which is in line with syntax, but for curiosity tried couple of moments ago on Moto G4 with hyphen successfully

```
adb reboot-bootloader
```

But, in what mode you issued command

```
fastboot reboot-bootloader
```

Because you are using Windows platform, acquire appropriate drivers for that device.

In developer options, both Enable OEM unlock && USB debugging must be enabled.

Regarding your problem, I briefly looked for same or similar, excluding Samsung and found

LGV20, Wayteq xTab100qcr and Glass.

I'm quite interested in this issue, though never worked with Sony, so specifics of their devices are unknown to me.

Try with volume- or volume+ button combinations for entering fastboot mode.

If that doesn't help, look at this.

I remembered I actually had contact with Sony device - it had some sort of custom FRP - my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP) - but haven't worked with it. I planned to use Xperia FlashTool.

From Xperia FlashTool you should be able to reboot to bootloader.

Please, do inform what you have done.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: What is Marshmallow encryption protecting?
I installed CM 13.0 onto a Nexus 6, which includes Android 6.0.1, and I have set a PIN. The Settings UI reports that my phone is encrypted.

However, my phone is able to boot all the way to the lock screen without entering my PIN. This seems to imply that only `/data` is encrypted. I was expecting that I would have to enter a PIN at boot time, the way I did with Ice Cream Sandwich and Lollipop. Furthermore, when I go to TWRP, I can see all my files without ever entering a PIN.

My understanding was that Marshmallow required full disk encryption, and that full disk encryption would require a PIN at boot time to decrypt anything useful.

What did I misunderstand here? If someone stole my phone and didn't know my PIN, what would they have access to?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Because I still use Shamu as personal device, I had experience with CM ROMs.

Nexus devices with L or M had forced encryption at first bootstrap - that is, forceencrypt flag is present in fstab.qcom, so your device is automatically encrypted.

In those cases, master key is encrypted with default password, which is

```
default_password
```

Most probably, when you had set lock screen PIN, you haven't selected *Require PIN to start device*, hence, there is no preboot authentication.

In regard to FDE, in AOSP ROMs only /data is encrypted; but there are solutions for LUKS or PBE that are not user friendly. Several years ago, WhisperCore was launched and abandoned.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I do believe the password you had entered was Encrypt Device Data which in turn does what is below, not screen lock

If you have gone into settings and encrypted your device please note that **IF** your device had the function of Mass Storage, that feature will now be disabled as Media Storage will be the only thing you can use(media storage: add videos and or music by computer media software; no adding other folders and or files manually, ect.)

Encrypting a device and or SD card locks specifically 3rd party software and or computer interaction from getting access to the device, device files and or prying eyes let alone access to folders you once could by connecting to your computer.

To undo this that I have found useful and possibly the only way:

Format Encrypted Device

SD Formatting wipes out all user data like a clean slate and or like a new card

Device formatting wipes **ALL** user account information including all files like Music, Photos, Videos, ect.

It is recommend to backup these files before formatting any of the two (2)

To backup

* Settings
* Backup and reset

Make sure **Backup My Data** is checked

Make sure **Backup Account** is correct

Make sure **Automatic Restore** is checked

Automatic Restore: Restores user account(s), system data, downloaded system apps, restores system pictures, system videos, system music, and or anything else that was saved to the **system only**

**IT IS RECOMMENDED TO RESTORE OVER WI-FI, IF YOU USE CARRIER DATA CHARGES MAY APPLY**

# Answer
> 0 votes
Summary of this is: Encryption is Automatic and Ever there for Marshmallow. Especially the CM13 you are operating on.    But protecting your device is your choice. The system wants to give you liberty to do what you like so it won't enforce data security even if encryption is available. When setting lock screen security, there's a question about, liking to protect your device by asking a pattern, password or PIN. This means when device switches off, and this option is on, it runs an encrypting script so as on the next bootup the phone demands the pattern to decrypt. Even TWRP will ask you for a code so as to mount `/data`. Note that if the whole root partition is encrypted, the device won't even use the **boot.img** and recovery since they rest at `/dev/platform/[memory.name]/by-name/boot.img` and `/dev/platform/[memory.name]/by-name/recovery.img` hence encryption only affects the `/data` partition, anyway, encryption is for protecting your data from unauthorized access not the system from accessing it's runtime essentials. Failure to agree to that prompt well count your device as decrypted and it's not encrypted on shutdown again hence it behaves like a decrypted device which is put aware to you when it tells you, "device protection features will not work on this device". That's what Android does, if you want a more practical visible type of encryption try BlackBerry 7 OS encryption and it's precedent devices. It will encrypt media, sdcards, and they won't even work on your computer through drag to copy. Unless you send then by bluetooth or any recognized upload.

---
Tags: encryption, password, 6.0-marshmallow
---


title: Accessing broken Nexus 6

text:
# Question
Title: Accessing broken Nexus 6
Since I cannot comment on existing posts yet to get the answers I need there:

My Nexus 6 screen shattered, and the USB port on the phone might be damaged. I managed to get it to charge eventually, but my PC can't recognize my phone.

"The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."

I have an OTG Cable, so in theory I can click things on the phone, but (even though I don't have to enter a passcode to unlock the phone) I can't access it via PC after it is unlocked.

In a clever attempt, I put a USB 4 port extension on the OTG Cable and connected a USB to HDMI cable (so I would have a display) and a nano receiver for a mouse and keyboard (so I would have control), but I'm not able to see anything on the monitor.

Even if I connect the USB to HDMI cord directly to the OTG Cable, then I'm still not seeing anything on the monitor.

I know the phone works (as my old alarms went off this morning), but I can't speak to if debugging or WIFI is working (as I moved and its different WAPs).

I did happen to get another of the same phone, and (as that screen isn't made anymore,) I could switch the screen from the new phone to the old phone, but then I'd have to switch it back.

I would appreciate it if someone could offer an alternative to get files off of that phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Regarding your additional question about bootloader - you are supposed to boot custom recovery from accessible bootloader on your device, decipher /data && pull out content.

You don't need to put bootloader on your device - it is already present on dedicated partition and has a function of initiating kernel bootstrap of installed operating system.

If you don't know or understand what bootloader is, what are the differences between locked and unlocked states, I suggest introductory reading after Google search.

Basically, the outcome depends on facts is your device is encrypted (it should be, as that is Nexus 6), is bootloader already unlocked and is USB port functioning.

For this you need ADB && Fastboot, hence you should download Android SDK for platform you are using.

Also, if you use Windows platform, you must obtain appropriate drivers.

Issue all commands from platform-tools directory - where ADB && Fastboot commands in Android SDK are actually located.

If bootloader is unlocked, you should first power on your device in bootloader mode. Download appropriate recovery and rename it as twrp.img. Issue command in regard to path where recovery image is located

```
fastboot boot twrp.img
```

If your device doesn't have default encryption, after recovery is booted issue command

```
adb shell twrp decrypt $PASSWORD
```

where $PASSWORD is your PIN, pattern in numerical representation or password used for encryption. If default encryption is used, it should be automatically deciphered.

When decryption is ended, make extraction directory and issue command in regard to path where extraction directory is located

```
mkdir SHAMU_extracted
```

```
adb pull /sdcard /path-to-extraction-directory
```

If decryption is unsuccessful or bootloader is locked, then, put working display temporarily and extract data.

If you can still navigate with broken display on target device you can try to navigate with second working device to Developer options and enable USB debugging, hence pulling data out.

But, do not try to navigate with second working device to Developer options on device with broken display and select Enable OEM unlock or unlock bootloader on device with broken display - your data will be wiped.

---
Tags: broken-screen, nexus-6
---


# Question
Title: How to foward a specific sender's emails to another Gmail account's inbox?
I have several Gmail accounts and I keep missing important emails from an old Gmail account as I only have time to check my new email address more frequently.

How do I go about fowarding emails from my older Gmail account with a specific word in them to my newer Gmail account?

Is that possible? I have the Gmail app + a S6 & S8 phone.

Note: I cannot update my email address on those important emails to my new Gmail account.

# Answer
From Gmail help:

**Automatically forward Gmail messages to another account**

You can choose to forward all of your new messages to another email address, or only forward certain types of messages.

**Set up automatic forwarding**

You can automatically forward your messages to another address. You can choose to forward all new messages, or just certain ones.

Note: You can only set up forwarding on your computer, and not on the Gmail app.

The following are the few first steps, further explained at Gmail help:

1. On your computer, open Gmail using the account you want to forward messages from. You can only forward messages for a single Gmail address, and not an email group or alias.
2. In the top right, click Settings (cog).
3. Click **Settings**.
4. Click the **Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab**.
5. Set a repective **Filter** as needed to limit the scope of forwards.
6. In the "Forwarding" section, click **Add a forwarding address**.
7. Enter the email address you want to forward messages to.
8. Click Next and then **Proceed** and then **OK**.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: gmail
---


title: Galaxy S6 stuck on logo screen

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy S6 stuck on logo screen
I was installing trying to install custom ROM on my Samsung Galaxy S6. I have done it previously without problem. I booted up in recovery mode(TWRP) and performed advanced wipe. I checked Dalvik/ART cache, system, cache and data. After wipe was done i pressed reboot button. After that my phone was stuck on Samsung logo screen(the one that says Samsung Galaxy S6 powered by android).

I tried to boot up in recovery and download mode but it just gets stuck on that logo screen. I just want to boot in recovery mode to install ROM.

# Answer
Ok, I just realized you can go into recovery mode(volume down+home+power button) even when you are on logo screen. Hope it helps
> 0 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, custom-roms, twrp, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: Everytime I try to add a device (Alcatel) to google account or says login to original owners account
Everytime I try to link my alcatel one touch to my google account or says login with original owners account. Ive reset this phone a hundred times and it says the same thing even though there is no account linked. What the hell do I do??

# Answer
See: http://www.kriztekblog.com/2017/06/bypass-frp-alcatel-android-devices.html

I unlocked my Alcatel Pixi Pulsar a460g with an altered version of method 4:

* Hold power and up volume buttons to hard reset, let go of power button and keep holding up volume.
* Select "clear cache"
* Select wipe device"
* Select reboot
* Start android
* When asked to pick network, select Adavnced.
* Select Settings
* Select Backup and reset
* Choose Erase
* Agree all Protection will not work.
* Click "Erase Everything"
> 1 votes

# Answer
This is because the previous owner have put their account, putting yours won"t work simply because the phone is linked to that account.

Now you need that account to be able to use the phone. Or, you can try hundred of tutorials on how to bypass a factory reset protection (FRP an equivalent to iCloud lock mechanism) on android.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, google-account
---


# Question
Title: What can i delete from my phone (android adb)
i am having problems with sone ads on my phone and i don't know what to delete anymore... i've already deleted on my DOGEE x5 phone

com.gangyun.beautysnap

com.lbe.parallel.intl

cn.xender

com.adups.fota.sysoper

com.vanzo.dreams.video

com.opera.branding

com.adups.fota

and now i have this...

https://pastebin.com/nDFu8YJQ

any advices? thanks

EDIT: these are the ads

https://i.stack.imgur.com/9gMgL.jpg

# Answer
Ads usually appear on your phone because you have downloaded a free app which is now sending ads to you.

There are many possibilities as to which app is the culprit in your case, it can be a flashlight app, it could be a fake antivirus app, it could be a game etc...

There is an app that claims to be able to find which apps have the ability to send ads. It's called anti adware. After downloading, go into the app and select 'scan now' and it will let you know which apps you might want to uninstall.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can check in settings which apps have permission to "draw over other apps". You will find the culprit there.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Just install Dr. Web Antivirus, Scan the phone. It might even be some system apps, a few framework files and one or two binaries and libraries. Everything the antivirus tells you just root it and delete it and you'll do away with the Adware. Once helped my Sony Xperia Z
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, malware, delete
---


# Question
Title: Is incoming/outgoing call screen customizable?
I'm looking for a way to change the incoming/outgoing call screen (that of my Sony phone needs replacement at least because when I press a button to turn on the screen and tap the "end call" button or to see the length of the talk, the screen is turned off in a second). I've tried a couple of dialer/contacts apps and those don't actually change that screen. Moreover, the comment here suggests that this screen may be changed only on a rooted device.

Is it so? Is this screen a part of launcher? A separate app? Is rooting required to change this? Where can I grab alternative implementations? A more detailed how to is appreciated since the phone is rooted already anyway.

PS the screen I'm talking about looks similar to this:

# Answer
> 2 votes
To do so. Root the phone. Extract, and recompile these apps:

```
/system/priv-app/TelephonyProvider/TelephonyProvider.apk
/system/priv-app/Telecom/Telecom.apk
/system/app/InCallUiNext/InCallUiNext.apk
/system/app/telresources/telresources.apk
/system/framework/framework-res.apk

```

And this file also:

```
/system/framework/telephony-common.jar

```

After changing their drawable elements, return them where they were and set these permissions.

`chmod 0755` for folders `chmod 0644` for files

This will work very well for you but always keep a backup of them incase something goes wrong. This is for editing the app but if the dialer is freezing after ending a call, then what you need to do is:

```
 1. Open Settings
 2. Click Apps
 3. Press the options icon
 4. Tap Show System
 5. Clear Data and Cache for Dialer and Telephony Provider

```

If still this doesn't work if you have TWRP Recovery installed:

```
 1. Press Wipe
 2. Advanced Wipe
 3. Check Dalvik Cache and Cache partitions
 4. Swipe to clear them
 5. Reboot System

```

**Note: The in-call popup never changes no matter what dialer you opt for. Deleting it for example means the Telephone Service is tampered with. And you won't receive any calls. All other apps can offer adress book, blocking and dialer but on call dialing is then commanded to Telecom app which then manages the calling services and renders UI for call until the end. It offers the native service that is for calling and communicating to the phone gsm radio. All other apps can't do this. Just like in a media player, a media decoding library or a codec, so is the Telecom app essence and purpose. It is the core handler of telephony. Unless you modify it or redevelop it by code. It's one of the essential apps alongside SystemUI and Framework. That's why it won't be a walk in the park replacing it. It is integral to many system apps**

This will solve your issue very well. Please let me know if it helped you

---
Tags: applications, calls
---


# Question
Title: Why cannot I open an .apk file though download "unknown sources" is checked?
On my S8 I wanted to install "Blockada" (an app that needs to be sideloaded) but when I click on the .apk to install it says "can't open file". I have "download from unknown sources" chosen in Settings too!

What is the cause and how do I fix it?

# Answer
Possible cause can be a corrupted download. Try downloading again. Also try to open in a third party file explorer, many (like ES File Explorer) will let you see package name and version of the apk (without installing) which can help to make sure that the downloaded apk is not corrupted.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If the answer from StarLord never worked for you then Package Installer app is missing from device. If you have root, try direct apk install, adb install command, or look for a similar phone and recopy the PackageInstaller.apk to the system again to force reinstalling it
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-8
---


title: Bluetooth headset delay

text:
# Question
Title: Bluetooth headset delay
To start off I am not really sure if this is hardware (headphones or the phone) or android specific issue/feature. Maybe there is an android workaround for the hardware feature hence this kind of fits here the best.

Google is full of similar topics, but all I've seen are related to windows and not really this kind of delay.

Up until recently I've been using wired headphones, but I started using bluetooth ones and I hit this weird delay when using an app like Duolingo. When there is no sound for a few seconds playing there is a slight delay when the sound is actually played. Let's say I do 5 exercises in a row and I do it very quick- no issue. Then I come to a more complex one that I need more time to do, the sound that plays after submitting an answer is slightly delayed.

When listening to music there are no issues, which would point me to believe that the headset is actually going to some sort of sleep mode when there is no audio played from the source device.

Sony Xperia M2 android 5.1.1

Headphones are Marshall Major II wireless

Do you know of a way to fix/counter-act this annoying bug/feature?

# Answer
Did you use custom sound app? like viper or something? I suspect those app are the thing that cause the problem.

Try to use on another device (android devices). If there are no problems there then I could assume the problem between software or hardware on your android device.

Hope that helps.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, headphones
---


# Question
Title: HDR camera and stabilized video on Galaxy S5 neo
I have a rooted Samsung Galaxy S5 neo (SM-G903F). The phone runs original Android 5.1 (only rooted). The camera app does support neither HDR photos nor stabilized video recording.

Is there a way how to do do HDR photos and stabilized video recording? Maybe some 3rd party application that could do it? I would prefer single app for both HDR photography and stabilized video. Post-processing is not an option for me in both cases.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try Open Camera. It's free also on playstore. Open Camera is based on camera2 API and supports 4K recording (if you're hardware support it too).

---
Tags: root-access, camera, samsung-galaxy-s-5, video-recording
---


# Question
Title: Recovering a video that was deleted from a micro SD card after a factory reset
I have an LG G5. I recorded a video interview I had with Bruce Campbell. The video was slightly over 20 minutes long recording at 1080p at 60fps. I noted while it was recording that the video was automatically split into two separate videos. The first video is the lion share of length at about 20 minutes long and around 4gb in size if I recall correctly. The second video is about 17 seconds long. A few days after the interview the audio on my phone stopped working. I was googling around how to fix the issue and I saw that factory resetting the phone was a common fix. I did a factory reset, it said that it would not affect data on the SD card. After the factory reset the 17 second video appears to be intact and working. The longer 20 minute video seems to show a file size of 0kb in the file manager. Whenever I try to play the video I get a message that says Android does not recognize the video file type. I have been doing some googling around and thankfully there does seem to be ways to recover lost data from an Android phone after a factory reset. What I am looking to do is recover the lost video that was in the Android Phone after the factory reset. Thank you for your help, I will gladly provide any further information or screenshots if you need them.

# Answer
NOTE: I am not sure if this will work, this works if file is deleted or when sometimes files just dissapear(It has happened to me).

IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE YOUR SD CARD TO STORE ANYTHING NEW, IT CAN/MIGHT OVERWRITE YOUR DELETED/LOST FILE

Put it on your computer and use a specialised software for file recovery(try Recuva by Piriform, here: https://www.piriform.com/recuva). It will the SD card for any deleted/lost files it can find and you can recover them.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Yes, there are so many recovery tools online can help you solve this problem, and all of them are root required. To prevent your data from being overwritten, just stop using your SD card storage.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, video, internal-sd, lg-g5
---


# Question
Title: How to block notifications in a certain period?
I get notifications all day long, which always interrupt me while I'm working. So, I'd like to know if there is a way to block all these notifications in a certain period.

# Answer
You have "Automatic rules" in Do not Disturb menu , there you can create an event/timerule named "work" give time period and occurrence of the event . Select the profile you want in this i would prefer priority only . If you still want some notifications you can increase priority of those notifications in app setting of that particular app .
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notifications
---


# Question
Title: How to solve "Unfortunately, Launcher has stopped." Galaxy Note 4?
I'm receiving this error after enabling ultra power saving mode:

> "Unfortunately, Launcher has stopped."

Its dialog only has the option "OK". Restarting doesn't work. Clearing cache partition through recovery doesn't work.

I can access settings by pulling down from the top of the screen but the settings menu is not complete; It only has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, Mobile networks, Location, Sound and Display entries.

My device is not rooted. It seems that the device is still on ultra power saving mode, even after clearing cache.

I have the option to factory reset through recovery but I prefer not loosing my data, if it's possible. What can I do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go into safe mode, this will filter out any third party app which could be causing problems.

**Here's how to enter safe mode**

1. Turn the device off.
2. Press and hold the Power and Volume down key.
3. Release the Power key when the Samsung logo appears but continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
4. Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.

When in safe mode, disable ultra power saving mode. You could also clear data for your launcher. To do that, go to settings\>apps, in the menu, select 'show system apps'\>touch wiz\>storage\>clear data.

If there are any third party apps that you suspect of misbehaving, you should uninstall them while in safe mode.

---
Tags: launcher, samsung-galaxy-note-4
---


# Question
Title: How can I access iCloud.com from an android device when I don't have access to any Apple device?
I need to access iCloud mail from my Android phone.

Many apps are around for this, but they all require some app specific password generated by Apple. To generate such passwords, two factor authentication needs to be enabled on the Apple account. To enable that, one needs an actual physical Apple device logged into the iCloud account. I no longer have any Apple devices.

I also find that I can get into icloud.com using various desktop modes of Android browsers. However, when I try to click on an email to read it, iCloud seems to somehow realize that it's not mouse input. It doesn't respond to my touches. I've tried several different browsers.

I don't mind a clumsy experience, I just wanna access the email somehow. I don't use iCloud email any more, but I just need to access it now. And I don't have any real desktop computer, just my phone.

I've even tried this Debian nonroot app to run a full desktop version of Firefox, but somehow it won't boot on my Galaxy S5 running Marshmallow.

# Answer
You can use the email app that comes with your phone to access your iCloud account.

1.Open the Email app and tap the menu button in the top-right corner. (If you’ve never used the Email app before, just open it and go to step #3.)

2. Tap Add Account.
3. Enter your iCloud e-mail address and password, then tap Next.
4. Select IMAP and tap Next.
5. When you see the Incoming Server Settings page, remove the “@icloud.com” from your username.
6. Change the IMAP server to “imap.mail.me.com.”
7. Set the security field to SSL/TLS (Accept all certificates).
8. Make sure the port is set to 993, then tap Next.
9. On the Outgoing Server Settings page, change the SMTP server to “smtp.mail.me.com.” Change the security setting to STARTTLS and make sure the port is set to 587 and “Require sign-in” is checked.
10. Tap Next to complete the process.

Once you’ve gone through this list of steps and saved your changes, you’ll be able to access your iCloud mail via the Email app on your Android phone.

(Source)

Hope this works.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: email, browser
---


# Question
Title: How do i flash my android device ROM to uninstall King root 4.8.0?
My android device is a Huawei Ascend G7-L01 I downloaded King root 4.8.0 like one year ago,when i was fed up of it,it tried to uninstall it,didn't work claiming that it is a system app,then i did a factory reset,did't work again,then i tried to uninstall it inside the app itself and it said 'removing failed feedback',didn't work again, and i disabled it but it does still affect the phone and it is annoying ,then many people were suggesting flash the android device ROM...........

My problem here is i don't know if it will really work and how to use it , can you guys please specify your answer ?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Download ES File explorer, grant it root permissions and:

```
 1. Delete the app from /system/app/Kingroot
 2. Delete the su file from /system/bin
 3. Reboot the phone

```

That is if you can't do just as my friend already told you

# Answer
> 0 votes
That is from the Kingroot app itself you're talking about, but from a third party file manager like ES it can surely remove it off in a second. But incase it doesn't you can try adb if you access a laptop with ADB tool where you will connect your phone to, authorize debugging from your phone and run these commands:

```
adb shell
su
rm /system/app/Kingroot/Kingroot.apk

```

or download an app called terminal emulator to phone then run the commands directly:

```
    su
    rm /system/app/Kingroot/Kingroot.apk

```

This will delete the app away as easy as abc. after allowing the prompt of terminal to use root access

---
Tags: rom-flashing, huawei
---


# Question
Title: How to disable Battery running low message in ES File Explorer
I have installed ES File Explorer and I disabled almost all of its alerts.

When my battery charge is below 15%, an alert appears:

I can't find where to disable it, and when I press *View*, it shows the main launcher of my Android.

Do you have any idea how I could disable it?

# Answer
You can go to ES explorer app info and disable every notification from that app .

P.S : I used be a fan of ES before it became AD hungry , now i use Solid Explorer . I recommend it to you too .
> 0 votes

---
Tags: es-file-explorer
---


title: Can't access Internal SD Card

text:
# Question
Title: Can't access Internal SD Card
I can't access the internal SD Card (8GB) on my Wayteq x-tab 80, with Android 4. The device is not rooted, and worked perfectly fine until yesterday. I could access the SD card from the tablet, and also from my PC when connected with USB. Now it doesn't work either way. I checked in the Settings, and it seems like the SD Card is Unmounted, but even after clicking on Mount it doesn't do anything. I did a factory reboot, it didn't help.

I'm not a tech expert, so I can't figure out what's the problem. Any ideas?

# Answer
You can use these 2 recovery softwares to recover data from a damaged partition table if this is the case:

http://www.recovermyfiles.com/data-recovery-software-download.php

http://www.piriform.com/recuva
> 0 votes

# Answer
Maybe the Media device (MTP) option is disabled. Make sure that this is enabled, you would find this under the menu option "USB computer connection" in Settings \> Device \> Storage. Also make sure that "USB debugging" is disabled in Settings \> System \> Developer options.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can determine whether the storage is working by using usb debugging no matter whether device is rooted or not by entering the list command to see whether the storage is readable.

```
adb shell
ls /sdcard

```

make a folder in it using this command:

```
mkdir /sdcard/Example

```

and list it again:

```
ls /sdcard

```

If the folder Example shows up never worry because this a small issue. After that you can look for twrp and go to wipe, advanced, repair partition after checking the /sdcard
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, internal-sd
---


title: Whats the use case of proximity sensor?

text:
# Question
Title: Whats the use case of proximity sensor?
Can anyone explain to me what is the purpose of the proximity sensor, on my phone. What if my phone's proximity sensor stops working or gets damaged. What problems will I face?

*PS: I am just curious to know.*

# Answer
The proximity sensor on most smart-phones with touchscreen exists to disable accidental touch events. The most common scenario is the ear coming in contact with the screen and generating touch events, while on a call.
> 13 votes

# Answer
mobile phones use IR-based proximity sensors to detect the presence of a human ear. This sensing is done for two purposes: Reduce display power consumption by turning off the LCD backlight and to disable the touch screen to avoid inadvertent touches by the cheek. IR sensors have a number of disadvantages, including high power consumption, high cost, blind zones, and accumulation of dirt, as well as unreliable performance over temperature, hair, and skin color variations.
> 13 votes

# Answer
It prevents that your ear is doing input actions on the touchscreen when you are making a call. :)

Most proximity sensors are simply light sensors that will detect "proximity" when they are covered.
> 12 votes

# Answer
Developers can get access to the sensor and use it for other things. At a users suggestion I use it in my biking app IpBike to wake up the screen. The user just has to wave there hand over the sensor and the screen switches back on. Very handy when cycling with gloves on.
> 9 votes

# Answer
Another usage for the proximity sensor is to detect while it's in pocket and disable accidental touch or power button press.

Keep screen off when proximity sensor is covered (in pocket)

In Moto Gx series (and I believe in Moto Z and Moto X also) if you pick the phone out from pocket or move the phone while it's laying on the table it'll show up the screen for fast unlock and a quick glance at notification. If you cover the proximity sensor while it's in static state for a while and uncover it you'll see the same effect
> 3 votes

# Answer
When you get a call in a touch screen smart phone, when your phone get closer to ear or any body part the phone screen get off. That is done by the proximity sensor. Proximity sensor is responsible to heat and when a body part get close to sensor the screen gets off and it prevents accidental touches in the screen. In some smart phones proximity is used to keep the screen off when the mobile phone is in the pocket(pocket mode). If you loose functioning of proximity sensor, your phone will make accidental touches when your phone is in the pocket or when you gets a call.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Proximity detector is non contact type displacement sensor i.e proximity sensor used to are sense and indicate target presence of object to without physical contact.
> 0 votes

# Answer
In simple proximity sensors are light sensors. It turns the screen off while you are making an call.
> -1 votes

# Answer
The following explanation appears in the instruction manual for most LG phones:

> The proximity sensor automatically turns the backlight off and locks the touch screen by sensing when the phone is near your ear. This extends battery life and prevents you from unintentionally activating the touch screen during calls.
> -1 votes

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Tags: proximity-sensor
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