# Question
Title: Just got a HTC one m8, have some questions about the keyboard
Just got a htc one m8 and the lack of keyboard options is really annoying me... First im not sure how to turn off the replacing "mistakes" thing. Im fine with having predictive typing on because its quite handy, but i prefer to just tap the predicted word at the top bar instead of it automatically doing it for me... Also the emojis just look horrible on the keyboard (its android 6.0) they just look all blobby and i just want simple ones like the ones on the samsung galaxy... Ive downloaded a few extra keyboards but the ones that even work show the emojis on the keyboard but if im on snapchat and i put a caption on a picture the emojis will still come out as the blobby htc ones... It would be okay but a lot of them i cant even tell what emotion they are actully supposed to represent... Please help

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is no way to disable autocorrect on the default HTC keyboard. I had this problem too and tried a few keyboards just to be disappointed with most of them like you. I settled on the the Google Keyboard as it has all the functionality of the HTC one, including typing suggestions and emojis (and I like its design).

The emoji issue may be fixable with this app **but you need root for it**. I have not tried it myself but some of the emoji packs seem to be in-app purchases.

---
Tags: keyboard
---


# Question
Title: After factory reset Market keeps crashing on Galaxy S2 on ICS
My phone was stuck in a bootloop, so I had to factory reset it. Now a new problem has arisen, which is that the Play Store is gone, and I am back at Market but it won't open and keeps crashing. Please tell me how to get the update from Android Market to the Google Play Store or at least get Android Market working.

* Phone Model: Samsung Galaxy S2 (I9100)
* Android version: 4.0.3 (ICS)

# Answer
Guess what I was running out of time and did factory reset again and din't do any of things told like clearing cache, data for market this time and within 15 minutes market got updated to Play store. Only change is I connected it over data than over wifi to internet.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, samsung-galaxy-s-2, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: Some location based mobile sites not working in chrome
I'm getting a message from some websites (m.yelp.com and nextbus.com) they do not have "permission to access your location". I have my location permission turned on for chrome in the app manager and set to "ask first" in the site settings tab of the chrome settings. These sites are not blocked in site settings.

The location works fine on some sites, ie maps.google.com. I get a message asking if I want to give my location information and once I approve it works.

Am i missing something, is there somewhere else I need to grant permission? Is anyone else seeing this?

I'm running marshmallow on an htc m8.

# Answer
It seems that starting with the April release of chrome for android, only sites using https can request location information.

https://developers.google.com/web/updates/2016/04/geolocation-on-secure-contexts-only?hl=en
> 4 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, permissions, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: Unbrick SpreadTrum based Android phone (Micromax Bolt A27)
I have a low end device i.e Micromax a27(SpreadTrum SC6820) which I m trying to restore after I had rooted it and tried to free up some space by removing the apps which broke the phone's OS.

Mistakenly I also executed a command in fastboot mode that flashed the system with a recovery.img(fastboot flash system recovery.img) after which the phone keeps on buzzing infinitely and nothing shows up on the screen.

I then tried to follow this method http://androidxda.com/flash-pac-stock-rom-android-smartphone but the phone starts buzzing endlessly when plugged in with a USB cable and nothing is shown in the status panel of tool mentioned in it (UpgradeDownload.exe)

This tool seems to extract the .img files from the .pac package(present under the firmware folder of the downloaded stock ROM) and place it in the phone,Can I somehow extract them from .pac and place them manually in the phone via fastboot?

# Answer
Download research download tools, load the pac file and go in settings there you must see alls files into the pac, now it's very important: double click on system location and copy, go in your file manager, enable hidden files and paste what you have copy in file location bar in your file manager you will see all needed files
> -1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, unbricking, stock-rom
---


# Question
Title: Does it hurt battery life to not fully charge and disconnect?
If I charge my device and let it charge not fully but say, 60% and disconnect, does that hurt battery life?

If so, what are the 'safe' ranges?

# Answer
As per Battery University. Battery level between 40 to 90 is recommended. Don't charge fully till 100%. Charge it till 90% and remove the plug. Then you will have long battery life.
> 0 votes

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


title: Chrome's Development Tools on Android

text:
# Question
Title: Chrome's Development Tools on Android
Is it possible to open Chrome's Development Tools in Android? Is it possible to do so with Java?

I tried going into the settings and such, but is it possible to access the console and create cookie for the browser?

# Answer
Directly on the device? I don't think so. If you have a computer running chrome, and a usb cord for your phone, then you can use Chrome's remote debugger to access a web console on your computer that can inspect pages open in chrome, and any in-app webviews that have debugging enabled.

Basically, you just enable the developer options and remote debugging on your phone, and go to `chrome://inspect` in your computer's browser.

To debug an app's webview you'll need to modify the app to enable debugging.

See Google's documentation for more information and detailed instructions.
> 9 votes

# Answer
You can override the console.log function to save the contents of the console to a local variable. Then output the contents in a div at the bottom of the page.

Alternatively, you could use a bookmarklet to toggle a div that shows the contents.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: How to stream audio from Android to PulseAudio server?
I have a home linux server running the PulseAudio - with shared audio devices, that are connected to cool sound system.

And I have an Android 4.4-based phone. I want to stream audio from my phone to the PulseAudio server.

How to do that?

# Answer
> 5 votes
For my linux distribution (Fedora 20) it's quite simple:

1. **\[PC\]** Run PulseAudio. *(Runs automatically on Fedora)*
2. **\[PC\]** Load module `bluetooth-discovery`. *(It's auto-loaded on Fedora)*
3. **\[PC, Android\]** Pair with Android-phone via Bluetooth.
4. **\[Android\]** In device's options set the profile "Use for media audio".
5. **\[PC\]** Connect to the phone.
6. **\[Android\]** Play music. *(I use Google Play Music - it works)*
7. **\[PC\]** The phone's stream is detected as an Input Source - in case, you want to mute or amplify it.

---

## Caveats

The only problem is the step 5. I can't connect to PC from my phone - I think, it's a linux problem - and it's another question for another forum.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Currently there is no built-in protocol for "stock" Androids to connect to remote Pulseaudio servers. However, a custom ROM HAS been made to include Pulseaudio as the Android sound engine. Maybe soon your answer will be built into Androids.

SO. What CAN you do to get Android sound to a remote rendering engine? One answer says send it over Bluetooth which only works well for short distances and for Media PCs with Bluetooth. This is the first thing to try, and it may even be worth the small expense of buying a USB Bluetooth adapter for your media PC. It has the distinct advantage of working with all players.

If you don't have Bluetooth or you want more range, you can also install a UPnP server on your Linux machine. Rygel is one. Some player applications can send audio to remote UPnP devices, others can't. Look in the settings of your player for words like "throw" and "renderer" these settings allow you to choose a remote player. UPnP devices are recognized automatically and can be selected for playback once found.

One free UPnP audio player is UPnPlay. Install this from Play Store and select the rendering engine of your Linux PC running rygel. This method will use the WiFi of your Android device to send audio to the media PC. The range will be much greater than Bluetooth.

If you run Kodi on your Media PC, turn on UPnP in settings and kodi will do the work of rygel. The paid version of Yatse, a Kodi remote, can also throw to remote servers.

---
Tags: audio, 4.4-kitkat, streaming
---


# Question
Title: Blocked History not working after Marshmallow upgrade in Lenovo K3 note
I recently upgraded my Android system in 'Lenovo K3 Note' to Marshmallow. Now, I can't see Blocked History in the Contacts. I could see the notification that some calls are blocked, but I can't see the Block History page. Whenever I try to access this page, it redirects to the previous page. Could you please help me fix this issue?

Any leads would be helpful.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I was able to resolve this issue.

I followed these two links and now I can see the blocked history without having to lose the Call logs, blocked list etc :

Summarizing the steps below from the above links:

1. Take back up of contacts and call logs:

* Used app SMS Backup & Restore to create a backup of my call logs and message logs. (Got to know about the steps from my second link)
    * Created Contacts backup (Using *Export* option in Contacts app)
    * Created Blocked Contacts backup (using *Export black-n-white list* option in Contacts (Call / Messages Blocking section)
2. Go to *Settings → Apps → All apps →Contact Manager → Storage → Clear Data and Clear Cache*.

After this, I was able to see the Blocked History. Though, I didn't need to import back my Call logs/ Contacts, but yes, I had to import Blocked Contacts. But, that's it and now I'm good.. :)

Hope this helps others who face this issue.. :)

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, lenovo, call-history
---


# Question
Title: How to upgrade to 4.4 from 4.3 (Samsung Galaxy S4, already rooted)
So for a while I've been getting the update message, and not bothered and now it's getting annoying.

It is rooted to 4.3 currently, but when I click install it just takes me to TWRP (I think that's what is called) and I am not sure where to go from here, if I am even on the right track.

Thanks.

# Answer
You didn't mention if you're on Stock ROM or Custom ROM. But you mention TWRP, so you're probably using a custom recovery (though not necessarily on a custom ROM). What I would try to do is to push Stock Recovery back into your phone, and try the OTA update again.

If that doesn't work, you can download the Stock 4.4 ROM from sammobile, and flash it using Odin. Take note that this will wipe your data.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Since you talk about updates that take you to TWRP, I assume you're talking about Stock ROM with a custom recovery. If you have a stock ROM, any updates are made through recovery. However, the update is programmed to be installed through the **STOCK RECOVERY**

Therefore, you won't be able to install the update. If you already have a rooted device with custom recovery, why don't you just install a custom ROM from XDA? Not only will you get updated, you can say goodbye to TouchWiz (yay!)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


title: Google contacts

text:
# Question
Title: Google contacts
I'm using an android phone (Samsung core prime) and all of my contacts numbers saved in 'google contacts'. There are no contacts in my 'phone storage' or 'sim card'. Now, my question is, if I reset my phone, what will happen with my contacts? Will it delete from google contacts or no? Please answer me

# Answer
## TL;DR

If you sign in to the device after the reset with the Google account which had been used for the backup (the primary Google account usually), the contacts which had been backed up will get restored.

### Longer version with source:

I'll keep this short and to the point, as most of it has already been discussed here in @RyanConrad's answer, a relevant part of which I shall reproduce here:

<sub>(emphasis mine)</sub>

> Doing a factory reset WILL NOT modify the sdcard in any way. Only the data on the phone will be deleted. **Contacts that are set up to sync with your Google account will restore**, but everything else will be gone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, factory-reset, hardware, google, delete
---


title: Download Mode in Galaxy Grand Prime

text:
# Question
Title: Download Mode in Galaxy Grand Prime
Ok so I rooted my phone useing King root downloaded twrp, busy box pro. Anyway I went to reboot in bootloader and i got a downloading screen. How long should this take. Anyway I'm a noob to rooted phones so not positive what I did. I can send a pic of the screen if needed.

# Answer
That `Downloading` screen you got is representative of having entered Samsung's special `Download Mode` for flashing device firmware from a PC over ODIN. Over there, *Downloading* means downloading from the PC, not from the internet. In case you want to get back to *normal* Android, keep holding down the `Power` button until the device reboots. For flashing TWRP, you can try using this app called Flashify. For using it, refer to my other answer here.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: root-access, samsung-galaxy-grand
---


# Question
Title: No exchange option in gmail "add account" drop down
I cannot see exchange account option on gmail add account. Gmail version 5.0.1. How to rectify this?

# Answer
Gmail 5.0 added support for Exchange accounts, but it requires an additional APK (Exchange Services) which you can't get from the Play store unless you already have it. As one of the other answers indicates it seems to just be with Nexus devices at the moment (maybe some newer Lollipop ROMs do for other devices, not sure).

However, you can sideload it! I just did from APK Mirror (using this version) and after fully closing and restarting Gmail I had the option to add an Exchange account.
> 21 votes

# Answer
Please check to make sure you don't have any disabled apps.

Go to Settings \> Apps \> go all the way to the right-most tab. If you have any disabled apps, there will be a tab called "disabled." If there are no disabled apps, there will be no tab. If you see anything related to exchange, please re-enable it.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I was having this same issue and found by doing the following was able to resolve. Goto Settings--\>Applications--\>Application Manager--\>Scroll all the way to right side should be column ALL--\>Select Gmail application, clear cache--\> Go back to ALL column and search for Exchange Services--\>Select Force Stop. Re-open Gmail App and should be good to go!
> 0 votes

# Answer
Re-enabling the Exchange Services is tricky as system services are not visible by default.

* Settings → Applications
* **"..."** (action overflow button in top-right) and enable *System* apps
* Go back to the list of apps, find *Exchange Services*, and activate it.

To make sure everything was fine, I also uninstalled and re-installed the GMail app (although this was probably unnecessary).
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem on my Nexus 10 with Android 5.1.1. I Couldn't create a new Exchange account; the option wasn't even listed. It used to work in the past.

I followed Mike's advise and first disabled my Exchange service after clearing it's cache. It then asked me if I wanted to reinstall the stock exchange service, which I did. After that I enabled the service again. Started Gmail, and it worked; It finally listed the option and I could make a new Exchange account.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The Gmail app does not support Microsoft Exchange.

To add an Exchange account go to Settings\> Add Account \> Corporate
> -1 votes

---
Tags: gmail, exchange, oneplus-one
---


# Question
Title: Gallery opens itself on ZenPad10 while the screen is off
I've got myself an Asus ZenPad 10 (model P023) last year, and I'm more than happy with it but there is one small issue I have with it: sometimes, while the screen is off, the Gallery app launches itself and wakes the screen up.

While not particularly a hinder, I haven't been able to reliably reproduce it; it usually happens when I put the tablet down, but not always. I know that I can double-tap on the screen to wake it up (which is a great feature), but that's about it. I have tried to swipe the screen in various directions, and tapping more than twice, each with more than one finger too, to no avail.

Note that although I'd like to know how to stop it from happening, I'm mostly curious about how it happens.

The Android version running on this is 5.0.2, Gallery version is 1.5.0.150826\_3\_PROJ.

# Answer
> 0 votes
After fiddling with some options earlier, I actually came accross the answer on accident. This is from a feature called ZenMotion, something ASUS started implementing in their Zen phones and tablets, I believe.

Note that not only this answered my question, it also showed me that there were 5 other shortcuts available, with each letter being able to be linked to a different app if I chose so.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, tablet, gallery
---


# Question
Title: OPO stuck in "Erasing..." while unlocking bootloader
I've been following this guide about rooting my OnePlus One. All seemed fine - adb was good, fastboot as well - and I reached point 6.1. Typed in `fastboot oem unlock` and got this output:

```
...
OKAY [  0.023s]
finished. total time: 0.025s

```

Then my phone went into the "Erasing..." screen (where the android dangles his antennas) and has been stuck there for the past 50 minutes. I'm honestly unsure about what to do? Has anyone experienced something similar?

# Answer
Just reboot the device; at this point there's no harm that can be done since the data was being wiped anyways.
> 7 votes

---
Tags: fastboot, bootloader
---


title: Custom notifications for contacts

text:
# Question
Title: Custom notifications for contacts
I'm looking to create a group of users on my phone that would have custom notification relative to my volume setting on my phone. This group of user's text message should cause my phone to vibrate when my phone is muted, vibrate when my phone is on vibrate, and ring when my phone volume is on.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Automation is the preferred option. Many apps are available. I prefer using MacroDroid , since it is free (upto 5 macros) and easy to learn. To understand how MacroDroid works and required **settings**, my answer here

Your macros would look like this

* **Important SMS** (name of macro )

**Trigger**: *SMS Received**SMS from (select contacts)**SMS content (any)*

**Actions**:

1. *Vibrate**Select vibration option*

* Long press on above action and select *Add Constraints → Ringer Volume → Vibrate or Silent*
2. . *Ringtone Configure**Select Ringtone option*

* Long press on above action and select *Add Constraints → Ringer Volume → Volume on*

**Constraints:** None

**Note:** Action 2 not tested, since I need incoming text for that and don't have a device for that

---
Tags: notifications, automation
---


# Question
Title: Setting the Alarm Clock's Bluetooth volume
I have LG G3 with CyanogenMod 13 (Android 6.0) and a Bluetooth speaker.

In the phone settings I have chosen maximum alarm volume. When the alarm rings through the phone's internal loudspeaker the volume is maximum (which I can get from the phone's loudspeaker).

When the alarm clock rings and my phone is connected to the Bluetooth speakers the volume of the Bluetooth speakers is not at its maximum (in fact the volume of the Bluetooth speakers is at the level it was left when listening to music).

Is this a common issue on Android 6.0 (are other users having this issue as well or am I the "only one")?

# Answer
You need to adjust the volume of the alarm once you connect your BT speakers. In Android, the volume of audio is determined by two mostly orthogonal things: the first is the type of the audio (it's called `stream type`), so you have separate volume settings for media, ringtones, alarms, etc; the second is the kind of the output device: built-in speaker, headphones, BT headset, USB, etc.

You might have noticed that media volume for the phone speaker and headphones is controlled separately. The same thing is for BT sound output.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth, alarm, volume-control, bluetooth-audio, volume
---


# Question
Title: Selectively restrict sync for some applications to wifi only
I know it's been asked here how to prevent applications from using data connections. But that is not my intent. I have a Galaxy Nexus running Jelly Bean 4.1.1 and I would like to restrict most of applications to use my data connection. But would allow some to use it.

For instance I would like to restrict Currents, Google+, Facebook, Maps and Google Now from using my data connection. But I would like GMail and Talk to use it.

How can I do this? And is it also possible to set sync frequency when wither on Wifi or Data connection?

# Answer
> 8 votes
Go into `Settings | Data usage`. Then in the `Mobile` tab, you'll find a list of the applications that have recently used data.

Click on any of these applications and there will be a checkbox to **restrict background data** while the phone is using a mobile connection (as opposed to wifi).

I'm not aware of a way to control the sync frequency.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Im also looking for a similar app. I will try Root Firewall.

# Answer
> 0 votes
To sync frequency go to Settings - under Applications - email - manage accounts - tap on the account you want to sync - sync settings - sync schedule - set sync schedule. This works on my Galaxy S5

# Answer
> 0 votes
NetGuard is an app that does what you're looking for. It allows you to selectively block everything/anything from data/wifi. It's also 100% free and open-source, so you don't have to worry about ads/malware.
The F-Droid version has significantly more features than the less-powerful Google Play variant.

---
Tags: sync, samsung-galaxy-nexus, 4.1-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: How to check an application's checksum or hash on Google Play?
Some free applications on Google Play are limited to the United States so the rest of the world has to use dodgy sites to get them. However the security of such sites are questionable as the apps might be modified and contain some kind of malware.
Is there a way to get the SHA or MD5 hash of the apk file from the play store so it can be compared with the downloaded one to make sure that it's safe?

# Answer
The Guardian Project's free and open-source app Checkey does much of what you're looking to do.
via F-Droid:
**"Checkey is a utility for getting information about the APKs that are installed on your device. Starting with a list of all of the apps that you have installed on your device, it will show you the APK signature with a single touch, and provides links to virustotal.com and androidobservatory.org to easily access the profiles of that APK. It will also let you export the signing certificate and generate ApkSignaturePin pin files for use with the TrustedIntents library."**
> 2 votes

# Answer
No it isn't. It would be also possible to make the modified package have the same md5 as the original, so this wouldn't be too secure.
One solution is to remove your SIM card and use a VPN app like TunnelBear VPN to circumvent regional restrictions or an alternative market like Amazon App Store or GetJar.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The only way is if you first download it then find its MD5 or SHA1 hash.

Or, use the site http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/ but you have to use the full qualified name of the app.
> 0 votes

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


title: MX OTT TV Box PIN Problem

text:
# Question
Title: MX OTT TV Box PIN Problem
My box boots directly into the pin entry screen, Clock on left and keypad on the right.

I enter the pin correctly and the home screen comes up for one second and then goes back to the pin entry screen. I can't get it to do anything else.

The PIN is correct, If I leave it for a few seconds it just goes into the default screensaver.

Any suggestions please?

# Answer
I also had this problem today. I typed in `1234` for the PIN and it worked, but I don't know why or how.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: mx-player
---


# Question
Title: Where does the top-level structure come from?
Most Android devices that I am aware of programmed to mount the system partition at `/system`. All partitions get mounted at folders underneath `/`. Looking at my device's `/proc/mounts` shows that `rootfs`, some kind of special filesystem is mounted at `/`, unlike on desktop versions of Linux that mount something like `/dev/sda1` at `/`. Besides folders, there are also important files like `init` directly under `/`. Where do these files and folders come from?

# Answer
Doing this answer on behalf of Death Mask Salesman who currently lacks the time:

To get a general idea of how the boot process on Android works, please take a look at Can somebody explain the boot process of an Android device? Don't get confused of the term "Dalvik" there: for Android 5+ simply replace it by "ART", the process is the same.

Step 3 is explained there as *\[The\] Linux kernel \[takes control\], which will, together with the init process, initialize the base system, e.g. caches, file systems, etc.* This is where file systems are set up. Details on those can be found e.g. in Android Folder Hierarchy: Basically, there are multiple partitions on the device where e.g. the OS components are stored (`/system`), the user data go to (`/data`) then the SD cards, etc; then there are "virtual file systems" like `/proc` and `/dev`.

The root file system (`/`) is something special, and comes from a so called "initial RAM disk" (Initrd), which is loaded from a file (a so called Boot image). Hence on each boot, the root file system is "generated" freshly from that file – replacing all changes you've made to it prior that boot. There are several boot scripts executed to perform this job (usually it's the `init.rc` you see in the root folder – but depending on the device, it could be other/additional scripts), e.g. creating additional "directories and mounts".

Additional details can be found behind the following links:
> 1 votes

---
Tags: file-system
---


# Question
Title: Turning off screen activating the bluetooth
Turning off / Locking the screen is activating the Bluetooth on my device.
I don't know why my device is doing this as I am unable to find any settings in Developer settings (enabling the Developer mode is the last thing I did).

Device: Honor 3C (rooted)
OS: 5.1.1
ROM: CyanogenMod 12.1

# Answer
> 0 votes
FireChat seems to be the culprit.
Changing it's permission via Settings \> Privacy (removing 'Bluetooth Change allowed' solved the issue.

Thank you @Firelord for pointing out at the right thread.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 5.1-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: NullPointerException when opening Language & Input settings
I have a rooted Lenovo P770, where I uninstalled several "system" apps, including the stock keyboard, TouchPal. After a factory reset I installed AnySoftKeyboard with `adb` (`adb shell ime`...), and now it works. However, I can no longer access Language & Input settings as I'm getting an "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped" message the moment I tap on the menu item. Here is the stacktrace from `adb logcat`:

```
W/dalvikvm( 8972): threadid=1: thread exiting with uncaught exception (group=0x40db2908)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972): FATAL EXCEPTION: main
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972): java.lang.RuntimeException: Unable to start activity ComponentInfo{com.android.settings/com.android.settings.SubSettings}: java.lang.NullPointerException
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.ActivityThread.performLaunchActivity(ActivityThread.java:2184)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.ActivityThread.handleLaunchActivity(ActivityThread.java:2211)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.ActivityThread.access$600(ActivityThread.java:149)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.ActivityThread$H.handleMessage(ActivityThread.java:1300)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:99)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:153)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:5108)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at java.lang.reflect.Method.invokeNative(Native Method)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:511)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:993)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:751)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at dalvik.system.NativeStart.main(Native Method)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972): Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.preference.PreferenceGroup.removePreferenceInt(PreferenceGroup.java:181)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.preference.PreferenceGroup.removePreference(PreferenceGroup.java:174)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at com.android.settings.VoiceInputOutputSettings.populateOrRemoveTtsPrefs(VoiceInputOutputSettings.java:144)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at com.android.settings.VoiceInputOutputSettings.populateOrRemovePreferences(VoiceInputOutputSettings.java:94)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at com.android.settings.VoiceInputOutputSettings.onCreate(VoiceInputOutputSettings.java:89)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at com.android.settings.inputmethod.InputMethodAndLanguageSettings.onCreate(InputMethodAndLanguageSettings.java:121)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.FragmentManagerImpl.moveToState(FragmentManager.java:796)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.FragmentManagerImpl.moveToState(FragmentManager.java:1035)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.BackStackRecord.run(BackStackRecord.java:635)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.FragmentManagerImpl.execPendingActions(FragmentManager.java:1397)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.Activity.performStart(Activity.java:5030)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        at android.app.ActivityThread.performLaunchActivity(ActivityThread.java:2157)
E/AndroidRuntime( 8972):        ... 11 more
W/ActivityManager(  351):   Force finishing activity com.android.settings/.SubSettings
W/ActivityManager(  351):   Force finishing activity com.android.settings/.Settings

```

Since the stacktrace mentions `VoiceInputOutputSettings`, I tried installing the Google app (as far as I understand, it provides voice recognition capabilities), but that changed nothing. I have also tried installing TouchPal from the market, to no effect either.

Here are the entries from `settings.db` that seem relevant:

```
_id,name,value
72,selected_spell_checker,com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/com.android.inputmethod.latin.spellcheck.AndroidSpellCheckerService
73,selected_spell_checker_subtype,0
94,input_methods_subtype_history,com.google.android.inputmethod.latin/com.android.inputmethod.latin.LatinIME;834845621:com.menny.android.anysoftkeyboard/.SoftKeyboard;-1
95,selected_input_method_subtype,-1
96,default_input_method,com.menny.android.anysoftkeyboard/.SoftKeyboard
97,enabled_input_methods,com.menny.android.anysoftkeyboard/.SoftKeyboard

```

How can I fix this crash?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Fixed by installing Google TTS.

---

This could be determined from the stacktrace and the settings app source code:

```
public void onCreate() {
    mParent = mFragment.getPreferenceScreen();
    mVoiceCategory = (PreferenceCategory) mParent.findPreference(KEY_VOICE_CATEGORY);
    mTtsSettingsPref = mVoiceCategory.findPreference(KEY_TTS_SETTINGS);

    populateOrRemovePreferences();
}

private void populateOrRemovePreferences() {
    boolean hasTtsPrefs = populateOrRemoveTtsPrefs();
    if (!hasTtsPrefs) {
        // There were no TTS settings and no recognizer settings,
        // so it should be safe to hide the preference category
        // entirely.
        mFragment.getPreferenceScreen().removePreference(mVoiceCategory);
    }
}

private boolean populateOrRemoveTtsPrefs() {
    if (mTtsEngines.getEngines().isEmpty()) {
        mVoiceCategory.removePreference(mTtsSettingsPref);
        return false;
    }

    return true;
}

```

The `removePreference` call was crashing. Apparently, I had also uninstalled Google TTS, which was bundled with this version of Android.

---
Tags: settings, crashes, input-methods
---


# Question
Title: Gestures setting on LG G3 running Android Marshmallow
I have LG G3, now running on Android Marshmallow. Prior to Marshmallow, I had this setting under **Settings - Gestures**. Now, I can't find it on Marshmallow.

Did LG remove it? If not, where is it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The features are still there, LG only moved the settings to other place.

From a post by jtrvk on XDA Forum,

> The gesture settings regarding calls have been moved to main phone
> **Settings - Call** \- scroll down to Gesture
>
> For smart screen gesture, that setting is now listed under **Display**

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just found the answer to the "...by putting the phone to your ear" setting on my LG G3. It wasn't in the general settings. I opened the phone icon on the home screen and then opened the menu in the right hand corner → Call Settings. The options for answering the phone with the gestures were there.

---
Tags: settings, 6.0-marshmallow, lg-g3
---


title: Tracking Android phone usage

text:
# Question
Title: Tracking Android phone usage
My wife thinks I spend too much time on my smartphone, but I believe she spends more time than me on hers.

Is there a way to monitor and provide statistics on our phone usage, so we can objectively compare our smartphone addiction?

I don't want something too intrusive (I don't want anyone, including me, to be able to spy on my wife) or something which would require root access.

# Answer
I think that QualityTime meets your needs:

<sup>*QualityTime* (source: Google Play; click images for larger variants)</sup>

> QualityTime is a fun, visually engaging and easy-to-use Android app that allows you to monitor and get real time reports on how much time you spend on your smartphone and on your favorite apps.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, data-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: How can I change my name on Google Play Games?
I opened up Google Play Games and clicked my way through it and it has changed my name to 'HighLemon4719'. Previously it was 'crazymaster' with my icon for Google+.

Every time I start a game on my phone it comes up as the name 'HighLemon4719'. How can I change it as I not like this name?

# Answer
1. Open up Play Games and click on your avatar in the header.
2. Click the Pencil icon in the top right hand corner of the app.
3. You should then be able to enter a new 'Gamer ID' to replace 'HighLemon4719'. You can also change the avatar image that is displayed too.
4. Click `Save`
> 6 votes

---
Tags: google-plus, google-play-games
---


title: Apps trying to install in background

text:
# Question
Title: Apps trying to install in background
I recently wanted to install a metronome app, so I downloaded one from the Play Store, but in the "install" step nothing happened. The app just wasn't there. I installed another one and forgot about that strange issue.

Yesterday though, something started to happen. Every now and then (and it's getting more and more frequently), I get a notification that some app tried to install itself (!) but was blocked because it's from "unknown sources", and it's prompting me to disable the "block install from unknown sources" check from Settings.

It looks like there are more than one apps trying to install themselves: "Superb Cleaner". "com.android.helper.patch\[...\]" and some more.

At first I though these might be system updates and was tempted to disable the "unknown source" block, but now I am worried I might have some malware on my phone.

I do have some sensitive information (browser logins, credit card data), and I also don't want to factory reset my phone.

Where should I search for the APK that is trying to install itself (or the APKs)?

EDIT: It's this application: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andymstone.metronome. I'm not entire sure the app is the cause, but it's strange that I don't have it installed, but in my google play account it appears as "Installed"...

My phone is an Allview X2 Soul Style with Android 5.1.

After I have unchecked the "block apps from unknown sources", now I keep getting prompted the install screen for these apps. I keep pressing "Cancel" but they come again every half an hour or so. :(

EDIT2: Here are the adb logs requested: Windows and Activities

EDIT3: Dumpsys log for the suspicious package: Dumpsys

# Answer
> 7 votes
> Every now and then (and it's getting more and more frequently), I get a notification that some app tried to install itself (!) but was blocked because it's from "unknown sources", and it's prompting me to disable the "block install from unknown sources" check from Settings.

It's not a notification but a *dialog* and it looks like this:

<sub>(Click image to enlarge; image courtesy of Piyush)</sub>

> At first I though these might be system updates and was tempted to disable the "unknown source" block, but now I am worried I might have some malware on my phone.

Yes, never enable that *Unknown sources* setting if you're in uncharted waters.

> Where should I search for the APK that is trying to install itself (or the APKs)?

It's a bit difficult to find the app. I recommend finding the cause for the effect. In our case, the effect was the dialog hinting that the Unknown sources setting was blocked. That dialog is shown by Package Installer (a system-cum-core app). Package Installer is used by user or system apps which do not have the permission *android.permission.INSTALL\_PACKAGES* to install an app. Since you did not attempt to side load an app, it stands to reason that an app called Package Installer without your consent. Our imminent goal is to find out that particular app.

The system service *activity* logs many important details. Among other things it shows the called package which in this case is Package Installer app with package name *com.google.android.packageinstaller* *or* *com.android.packageinstaller*. It also shows the calling package or the package which launched an another package.

# Find the package name

Now, using in PC execute the command:

```
adb shell dumpsys activity activities      # this command should be executed only when that dialog is in foreground

```

Demo output: notice the highlighted line:

In the highlighted line, the string after `launchedFromPackage=` and before `userId` is the package responsible for launching Package Installer app. In your case it would be a different package name. Note down that package name (henceforth denoted as `<pkg>`).

# Locate the apk

Now that we know the immediate cause we can hunt down the home or in other words, the apk. Execute the command:

**Note:** Finding the location of apk is required only for forensics. If you're not interested in that, I recommend you don't bother with this step and immediately jump to the heading *Uninstall/Disable/Hide the app*.

```
adb shell pm path <pkg>

```

Demo output:

```
bash-4.2# adb shell pm path com.estrongs.android.pop
package:**/data/app/com.estrongs.android.pop-1/base.apk**

```

The string next to `package:` is the location of apk. You can also find the same information *inter alia* through the command:

```
adb shell dumpsys package <pkg>

```

# Uninstall/Disable/Hide the app

If you know the label of the package or can get to know it through any means (such as with AppXplore) then go into the application manager under Settings app which typically comes down *Settings → Apps → All apps* in stock Android, find the malware app and uninstall it.

### Things to note

* If *Uninstall* button is grayed out and so as the *Force stop* button then your app must be a device administrator. In that case, go into the Security settings, choose *Device administrators* option and revoke the administrator privilege from the app. Come back and attempt to uninstall the app.
* If you don't find the *Uninstall* option then your malware app is a system app. Whether your vendor shipped it or the app exploited your system or tricked you to install itself is another matter to deal with. For a system app, the button *Uninstall* is replaced by *Disable*.

+ If both *Force stop* and *Disable* buttons are grayed out then the app may be a device administrator as well. In that case, revoke that privilege and then attempt to disable the app.
    + If the *Disable* button alone is grayed out, then:

    - **For a rooted Android:** use to disable the app through the commands:

        ```
        adb shell
        su
        pm disable <pkg>

        ```

        To enable the app, replace *disable* with *enable* in aforesaid command.

        You can alternatively use an app, such as Titanium Backup, to disable/freeze the malware app. You can also consider removing the apk using a file manager app.
        - **For a non-rooted Android:** provided that you're using Android 4.4.x or above, use the commands:

        ```
        adb shell
        pm block <pkg>      # for Android 4.4.x
        pm hide  <pkg>      # for Android 5.x and 6.x

        ```

        To unblock/unhide the package replace *block* by *unblock* and *hide* by *unhide* in appropriate aforesaid command. In this particular case, hiding the package would achieve the same result as disabling would.

The package would remain disabled or hidden until you revert the changes.

---

### Note for readers

It has been confirmed by question's author that the malware app in their phone has the package name *com.android.tools.callassistant*. I found its label as Caller ID and it has been reported as a malware by AVG.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Some mobile phone manufacturers include an OEM app that automatically download and install other apps. (They reduce the cost of the phone or increase their profits with these marketing deals.) So, you will need to find and disable that app which is doing the sly installs. In my case, it was an app called Cube26.

Use apps like Startup Manager or Task Killer to see if find out which app is doing the downloads. An Android developer can also find out the app by looking at LogCat view of the IDE when the phone is debugged via USB. Ensure that your wireless router is not compromised.

Another thing you can do is to remove your Google account from the phone and add a new one with another gmail address. This will ensure that the apps that you have already downloaded don't get automatically installed again. This time, install only those apps that are well known and have good reviews. Before this, of course, remove/disable unwanted apps.

---
Tags: security, malware
---


# Question
Title: How can I prevent the earphones from muting the speaker?
The FM radio in my phone uses the earphone cable as the antenna. It plays the music just fine if I plug the jack in about 2/3 the way (and only hisses without it). But if I push the jack all the way in, the phone starts outputting all the audio to the earphones and mutes the speaker. The range between "antenna OK" and "Earphones active" is about 2-3mm, and the jack is sitting completely loose, so I can't even move the phone or either the jack goes loose or the phones activate and mute the speaker.

There are posts how to do it programatically:   \- but I'm not too fond of writing my own app to do this. Is there an app to do this maybe?

The phone is Xiaomi Redmi Note 2, running Android 5.0.2 if that helps.

\[actually, I don't really care if the earphones are still active; I just need the speaker to work\]

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found the HF Button Widget to be the most comfortable way to toggle the speaker while the earphones are plugged in.

---
Tags: audio, speaker, earphone
---


title: Android permissions confusion

text:
# Question
Title: Android permissions confusion
I'm choosing a new phone, been using my Lumia for ages, so I'm a bit off about the whole thing. What I've discovered so far is that android devices are mostly much superior to their iOS counterparts in terms of hardware and extensibility, however the system of permissions seems to be insane.

Permissions are grouped by the android itself in a way that mixes read access with write access and combines different scopes. At the same it it does not provide a way to select/deselect individual permissions in a group - you either go "all-in" or "leave".

E.g. Skype asks for so many permissions, it effectively would be able to read my contact list, content of sd card, call history, get list of other running applications and more. While Microsoft claims that they do not gather this kind of info, I don't have any means to check it.

This seems insane to me, because linux itself provides a granular level configuration of permissions.

As I've read, in the latest Android aka Marshmallow permissions are being asked for during run-time, only when first needed, also they can be revoked by the user at any moment.

But are these permissions still the same badly configured broad groups? If I tap "Allow" will the permission be saved, can allow "only for this time" - until the app is closed? Can I constrain the list of permissions available when the app runs in background?

Probably there are other possibilities/apps to control privacy settings in android?

# Answer
> If I tap "Allow" will the permission be saved, can allow "only for this time" - until the app is closed? Can I constrain the list of permissions available when the app runs in background?

If you choose to grant the permission during runtime the app would be able to access the underlying resource as many times as it wants until you do clear data or reinstall the app. There is no constraint available in stock Android's Settings app which can restrict the permissions when an app is running in background.

> \[Are there\] other possibilities/apps to control privacy settings in \[Android\]?

Yes, and as Matthew Read noted XPrivacy is a flexible and powerful app to manage information sharing with installed apps. It is excellent but not perfect so you should not be surprised with crashes of the restricted apps.

> Permissions are grouped by the android itself in a way that mixes read access with write access and combines different scopes.

I would like to address that with this quote:

> If an app requests a dangerous permission listed in its manifest, and the app already has another dangerous permission in the same permission group, the system immediately grants the permission without any interaction with the user. For example, if an app had previously requested and been granted the READ\_CONTACTS permission, and it then requests WRITE\_CONTACTS, the system immediately grants that permission.

In plain words it appears to me that Android assumes that if the user is comfortable with granting an app a dangerous permission belonging to a certain group then they would not be having any problem if the system automatically grants rest of the permissions (dangerous or not) of the same group to that app, when requested.

Since normal permissions are always granted and considered safe I recommend you consider directing your attention to permissions groups holding dangerous permissions. Those permissions groups are self-describing and are not as much complicated as they seem to be at first sight.

Related:
> 4 votes

# Answer
I believe that's just how the Play Store is grouping them for display. Many read and write permissions are separate — see the list here. I am not familiar with the new feature to manage them, though.

However, yes there are indeed other ways to control app permissions. I used Xposed (requires root) in conjunction with XPrivacy which gives control over individual permissions and even specific API calls. In that app you can easily filter by app or by permission and just check/uncheck what you want.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, permissions
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable the startup/boot sound on a rooted Samsung Galaxy S5?
I do not want any sound to play while the phone boots. A sound is being played while "Samsung" is displayed with an animation.

There is an app called "Silent Boot" in the Play store that mutes the phone during shutdown, which will supposedly mute the boot sound.
However, I'm looking for a solution that does not require an extra app, and that would work even with a lockup/battery-pull. The phone is rooted.

# Answer
With root access, simply rename, move, or delete the file: `/system/media/audio/ui/PowerOn.ogg`

This solution may work for other Samsung Galaxy models, and perhaps other makes as well, provided the sound file can be located.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: audio, boot, samsung-galaxy-s-5
---


# Question
Title: Ways to check if your phone has been compromised?
With more and more people using custom ROMs and APKs from unknown sources (some with root access) it's inevitable that Android phones are getting compromised.

What are some methods that can be used to see if your phone is compromised.

Examples I've thought of so far include:

1. monitor outgoing traffic (is there an app for this?)
2. List on going processes (how can I see processes that aren't in the app tray?)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Power off your phone. Power on your phone. Note the Google logo. Is an unlocked padlock symbol underneath your Google logo? That symbol means you have an unlocked bootloader, which opens your phone up to bigger compromises.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Partial answer

Network Monitoring: How to Get Started and Why You Should Consider it, a post which appeared on XDA portal explains this using Fiddler- The free web debugging proxy for any browser, system or platform

The XDA post explains, set up of Fiddler, creating a proxy, connecting your phone and laptop on the same WiFi network and analysing traffic.

---
Tags: root-access, custom-roms, malware
---


title: Change Screen Dim TimeOut

text:
# Question
Title: Change Screen Dim TimeOut
When the phone is idle, the screen turns off after the configured time. For ex: if time is set to 30 sec, first the screen will dim after approximately 25 seconds and then after 5 seconds it will turn off the screen completely.

How can I increase that "5" seconds time to 30 seconds or any other value?

# Answer
If you are using a custom ROM (like CyanogenMod) or stock Android go to `Settings>Display>Automatic backlight`. Click on enable and select the window length option to change the time according to your needs.
> 4 votes

# Answer
If you have source code of frameworks, you could modify dim duration in PowerManagerService:

```
private static final int SCREEN_DIM_DURATION = 7 * 1000;
private static final float MAXIMUM_SCREEN_DIM_RATIO = 0.2f;

private int getScreenDimDurationLocked(int screenOffTimeout) {
    return Math.min(SCREEN_DIM_DURATION,
            (int)(screenOffTimeout * MAXIMUM_SCREEN_DIM_RATIO));
}

```

The return value of getScreenDimDurationLocked() is what you want, you could modify it.

Below link is a post to solve this problem, I wrote in Chinese:

CSDN Blog: Modify Android dim duration in frameworks

I hope that would be useful for you.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, screen
---


# Question
Title: Is there an internal algorithm for calculating UUIDs of a flash filesystem?
I've been doing some experimenting with a MicroSD card formatted as ExFAT and have come across something that perplexes me.

It seems that my new Android phone mounts the MicroSD card as `/storage/[UUID]`, so for example rather than `/mnt/sdcard-ext` as I'm used to, it's currently `/storage/0CCE-1C48`.

Because that's fairly arbitrary, I thought I'd change it to something easier to remember, like `1234-DFDF` (my initials in the second half). I used tune2fs to specify a new UUID, and was able to confirm the change by opening the raw disk in a hex editor.

I actually discovered the UUID is stored at hex offset `0x100064`, at least for my particular disk. And because of the Endian-ness, it's stored backwards (so `481CCE0C` is parsed by the device as `0CCE-1C48`).

Anyway, I was able to verify that it changed to `0xDFDF3412`, as it should. I put it in my phone, turned the phone on... voila! It was now `/storage/1234-DFDF`.

BUT... as soon as I unmounted and remounted the card (or rebooted the phone, etc.) it changed right back to `0CCE-1C48`! How can this be? I changed the UUID, replacing the original one with a new one!

This makes me wonder if there's some algorithm built into ExFAT that generates a UUID based on... anything... the partition size, the label, whatever. The phone is obviously trying to "validate" the serial number and keeps overwriting my custom one with the arbitrary one I was given when I first formatted the disk.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I have no idea how you managed to use `tune2fs` to change the UUID since it should only be able to manipulate ext2/3/4.

In any case, apparently exFAT have backup boot sector just like FAT(32). So my guess is you only managed to change the UUID in the primary boot sector but not the backup one. So when you unmount it the filesystem driver reverts the change according to the backup boot sector automatically.

---
Tags: partitions, mount, exfat
---


title: Replace CM13 recovery with CWM6

text:
# Question
Title: Replace CM13 recovery with CWM6
I am using Sony Xperia SP codename Huashan with Android 6.0.1 running cyanogenmod 13. When I flashed the custom ROM for CM13 it replaced the CWM recovery with its own CM13 recovery. How do I regain CWM recovery on my device. Will installing the CWM Recovery in fastboot mode break my CM13.

I followed the below link

http://techbeasts.com/install-cwm-6-recovery-on-xperia-sp-running-12-1-a-0-266-firmware-how-to-guide/

for installing CWM but the author says that it is only for stock ROM and now I am on custom ROM CM13. Will this procedure still work?

# Answer
> Will installing the CWM Recovery in fastboot mode break my CM13?

No, why would it? But before flashing your custom recovery make sure to disable the setting *Update Cyanogen recovery* or *Update CM recovery* or a similar setting under . Afterwards, flash your custom recovery the way you want. If that doesn't work, flash a custom kernel followed by your custom recovery.

A custom recovery is not limited to a particular ROM so it doesn't matter whether you're using stock ROM or not.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, 6.0-marshmallow, clockworkmod-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to "share" google photo shared albums without making it public for everyone?
Shared Albums in Google Photos seem like a good idea. For example, if me and my friends all go to the same party, I can create a shared album with them and suddenly, they can see my photos of the event too.

However, it seems the only security for who can view a shared album is in knowing the URL. Is it possible to specify exactly who can view my shared albums? Something similar to google docs, where you can grant access to certain users only.

# Answer
Unfortunately, this does not seem possible with the current version of Google Photos.

I recommend you suggest a feature by:

1. Opening the google Photos app or going to photos.google.com
2. At the top left, touch or click the menu icon \> **Help & Feedback** (or **Send Feedback**)
3. Touch or click **Feedback**.

Source: How to get feature requests/feedback to the Google Photos team
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-photos
---


# Question
Title: Show WhatsApp popup when clicking the message in notification panel
We can enable popup notifications in WhatsApp settings for "Only when screen is on" and "Always show popup".

What I want is, it shouldn't show any popup when message arrives like popups are disabled, but when I click on the message in notification panel, it should show the popup and I can quickly reply.

Similar to what iOS "Quick Reply for WhatsApp" tweak does. Is it possible?

# Answer
> 1 votes
WhatsApp has implemented this feature on Mar 29, 2016 (v2.12.560). As a fallback for quick reply feature on Android N, WhatsApp added a (kind of) quick reply from notification for all Android version.

When a notification comes, you can expand it (i.e. by sliding down) to show the **Reply** button. Tapping the *Reply* button will bring the message as a popup, which you can also reply directly from there.

Image courtesy of AndroidPolice

---
Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger, popup
---


# Question
Title: iOS' Quick Reply feature on WhatsApp for Android
Recently I got my first Android phone, LG G3 and updated to the Android Lollipop, the latest OS ver. The transition from iOS isn't smooth as I thought and this because I'm trying to find how to enable simplest features that came with iOS as default.

One of them is the option of receiving message in WhatsApp. In iOS, if the screen is locked and I get a message, I can see a preview of the message and by swiping, I can get to write back to the sender (whereas user or group). In Android, I just see i.e "50 messages from 3 conversations".

"Slide to reply" on lock screen

I saw that I have the option in WhatsApp to "Always show pop up". Well, this brings any message from group (which I disabled) or users (which is enabled) with popup window and waiting that I'll type my response, I just want to see the little preview and if I want to respond I'll click on the specific message.

Is there any way (alternatively, 3rd-party apps) to have that feature? I have tried an app called NiLS & Notification Toggle, but it doesn't feel like this is it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android N will have native quick reply feature (called *Direct Reply*), and while WhatsApp will probably use it, it won't work for pre-N (although it has implemented its own quick reply from notification for all Android version).

However, there are some apps that can emulate the direct reply feature on Android N:

* quickReply (free, 5.0+)

> quickReply will show you separate notifications for every contact including reply action buttons, so you can easily write quick replies without opening the messaging app.
>
> **QUICKREPLY SUPPORTED APPS**:
> WhatsApp, Telegram, Threema, Skype, Line, WeChat, Kik, EvolveSms, YAATA, Textra, ChompSms, Hangouts, Handcent SMS...
* Floatify - Quick Replies (free, 4.3+)

> Advanced heads-Up notifications for your phone! QuickReply lets you send messages directly from the notification! ...
>
> **MAIN FEATURES**:
> Heads-up Quick Replies (5.0+, limited on 4.3+, see below for supported apps)
>
> **QUICKREPLY REPORTED WORKING**:
> WhatsApp, Telegram, Threema, Skype, Line, WeChat, Kik, EvolveSms, YAATA, Textra, ChompSms, Hangouts, Handcent SMS...

Both apps are developed by Jawomo, so it's not really surprising they have similar feature and supported apps...

---
Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger, popup
---


# Question
Title: Process com.android.systemui has stopped
So my phone (Samsung Galaxy Avant) was working just fine until last night where I keep getting this error. I can use my phone just fine for maybe,2 minutes,but after that,it crashes. I already tried looking around for a solution,and have tried clearing the cache partition,but no luck there. A factory reset of everything is my last resort option,so want to try as much as I can first.

I can use my phone in Ultra Power Saving Mode with no issues, so it has to be a third party app during that's causing the issue. Only thing I installed yesterday was just a battery monitoring app (Go Power or something to those likes). I already tried uninstalling that and my 3rd party launcher (Nova). Still no luck.

My phone was rooted (Or at least should of been or be) using the Kingo Root program. I did also uninstall that as well, so am not 100% certain if that is also the cause. Cant seem to reinstall it as the installation hangs and then the UI crashes. Also,did uninstall some stock apps I had no need for,but that was a long tome ago.I feel that it should continue to install,even without the UI,and have given it a few minutes,but when I restarted my phone to check,nothing. Maybe I didnt give it enough time or it just didnt install. Cant get into safe mode either (The method using Power Button and Volume Up),as all I get is a prompt for a custom OS installation with Odin,nor does it show up when I long press the power button.

EDIT: Also have tried resetting all App Preferences and also Uninstalling Malewarebytes which I just remembered I reinstalled yesterday too. I did last month also get the charger port replaced,or rather,the entire motherboard,but doubt that is the issue.

EDIT2: Found out I was getting to safe mode wrong. Still crashed.

# Answer
I think I figured it out. It was that Kingo Superuser app that was causing it. Was trying to think what else could it be and noticed it was still around. Disabled it and now everything is normal so far.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, crashes, samsung-galaxy-avant
---


# Question
Title: Find out how many messages sent per chat
I have seen that iPhone users of WhatsApp are able to see how many messages have been sent / received in one specific chat. This feature seems to be lacking on Android though. Am I missing it or is it simply not there?

Are there any alternatives to find out how many messages you and someone else have sent eachother?

# Answer
> 4 votes
*There's an App for that*

WhatStat provides you with enormous amount of statistics with respect to each user.

* Overview screen that depicts messages in numbers
* Most active day of the week
* Most active time of the day
* Conversation starter percentage
* Message distribution
* History (Group by day/week/month/custom)

Need Root access after latest WhatsApp update

# Answer
> 1 votes
I know this might be a stupid way, but it has worked for me at times.

First, email yourself your chat history. There you will get an email attachment (text file). Using any text editor (I used notepad++), find for the recipients name and see how many of their name pops up. The number would indicate how many times that recipient has send a message.

I'm sure this is actually easy to implement automatically (like an app, or a webservice), but I think it'll be more convenient just to wait Whatsapp does it for us.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I would like to recommend a feature in what’s app which can project the message counter for individual and group chats. I have tried this manually & below is the procedure for the same. 1. Export the chat log from a group or an individual contact. 2. Save the document in MS Word format and perform a search using “Find” function. 3. The keyword for the search should be the specific contact name. This gives the count of number messages sent by a contact in a group or individual chat

However, in the above scenario count will be projected based on “keyword (contact name)”. The overall count is based on number of times the “keyword” is found in the entire chat log. Although there is scope of generating the count based on respective contacts which might need further insight for retrieving the contact based relevant results. I presume that below method can be applied to achieve the automation for same. 1. Formulate a search function with a “keyword”, “start date” & “end date”. 2. Keyword – What’s app contact name or number 3. Start date & End Date- To set up the range of the output.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Storing things on the SD card

text:
# Question
Title: Storing things on the SD card
I have successfully moved the Facebook app like 10 times from device storage to SD card (and the same is true for some other apps), but a few days later I try to install something and I get "insufficient storage". When I look, Facebook is back in the device storage not the SD card (same with some other apps). Any idea what is happening? Most apps I moved stayed there, but some mysteriously move back.

# Answer
This is common when you have automatic updated turned on, or the app set to auto update... When the update installs it places it in the default installation location, typically internal storage, and deletes it from the SD card.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, sd-card
---


# Question
Title: Online Nandroid Backup and later restore of an encrypted Android L 5.1 device
I am using an Android One phone with rooted Android 5.1 and the Online Nandroid Backup application to do live (`o`)`nandroid` backups. I am also using the built-in encryption, which encrypts the /data partition, but as the backup is performed on a live running system, the resulting data.img is **unencrypted** as I've verified with Nandroid Manager being able to extract data without asking for a password. Apparently it is not doing a block-level copy of the /data.

As the backed-up system in the system.img expects encrypted /data and the restored /data is now unencrypted, my question is **if the resulting backup can be restored and booted** without any problems, using `fastboot` for example? Will Android hang while booting if the /data partition is decrypted and the system is not factory reset? What is the correct way to perform a **live** backup of an encrypted Android 5.1 system?

# Answer
I looked at the `onandroid` script and it seems that it does a block-level copy of the data with `dd` only for partitions that are not mounted during the normal system operation (such as recovery partition) and copies the files on the filesystem level from the mounted ones - meaning it copies the decrypted content of the data partition and others and creates a backup images out of it. Further testing would be needed to determine what happens after a recovery is made from a system image (expecting encrypted data) and non-encrypted data image.

It seems that `onandroid` is "best effort" software (I didn't see any `mount -o remount,ro /` before copying the contents of the partition - it would probably also affect the running system possibly crashing it) and is therefore best not to use it with encrypted devices. The proper way to handle them still remains encryption-supporting recovery such as TWRP (or dumping the partitions via `adb pull` while in ADB-supporting recovery). I would be happy to be proven wrong by someone who knows the `onandroid` script in greater depth.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup, 5.1-lollipop, encryption, nandroid, disk-encryption
---


# Question
Title: Use mobile internet though connected to WLAN
On an Linux based system I created a WLAN Hotspot. I want to provide a single webpage via a webserver on this system. When I connect my Android devices to it they expect to get internet over this connection. But since the Linux host is offline the Android devices are able to see only the webpage and can't reach the internet any longer. I don't want the connected Smartphones to lose their normal connectivity.

Is it technically possible (for example by using any special WLAN settings or Hotspot configuration) to tell Android devices anyhow to use the WLAN connection only for accessing the single hosted webpage and to use their own mobile Internet (cell net) for any other internet access?

This question implies the question if it is possible to use mobile internet via cell network while beeing connected to a WLAN network on Android devices.

The Linux system currently is a Ubuntu Desktop machine and will be a Raspbian (Debian) on a Pi later on.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The solution was to let the Android device create a tethering Hotspot and make the PC/Pi connect to it instead. Then the Android device is able to connected to the Webserver on the PC/Pi while still beeing able to talk to the internet. Additionally the PC/Pi is able, too.

---
Tags: linux, wifi-hotspot, mobile-network, gateway, wlan
---


# Question
Title: How to download a file directly from a cloud service to an attached USB drive?
I need to download a video file (700MB) from the cloud service Bitcasa to a USB flash drive but right now when I click "Download" in Bitcasa my only options are to download to the my S6 phone & then copy it to my USB key. Is there a shorter way? I can't seem to find a way to download directly on to the flash drive...is there a way?

# Answer
> 0 votes
An OTG cable would be a way to do it.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-6, cloud
---


title: Storage problem?

text:
# Question
Title: Storage problem?
I'm having a weird issue. I'm using a Sony Xperia Z1s running lollipop. I noticed a few days ago that Spotify was giving me a notification that says "No Storage Area Found. Check the device storage settings." This error of sorts prevents Spotify from being used at all. I cleared the cache, data, and even Uninstalled spotify. I thought nothing of it, until I also noticed I can't take pictures. Technically, I can take photos, but they don't save. And, yes, I still have plenty of space on my SD card and internal space.

The screen shots are of the spotify notification and the storage space on my phone (click images for larger variants)

I ran `mount` in Terminal Emulator for Android and got this:

```
u0_a307@C6916:/ $ mount
rootfs / rootfs ro,relatime 0 0
tmpfs /dev tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,mode=755 0 0
devpts /dev/pts devpts rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=600 0 0
none /dev/cpuctl cgroup rw,relatime,cpu 0 0
proc /proc proc rw,relatime 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
selinuxfs /sys/fs/selinux selinuxfs rw,relatime 0 0
debugfs /sys/kernel/debug debugfs rw,relatime 0 0
none /sys/fs/cgroup tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=750,gid=1000 0 0
securityfs /sys/kernel/security securityfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime 0 0
none /acct cgroup rw,relatime,cpuacct 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/asec tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
tmpfs /mnt/obb tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
tmpfs /tmp tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,mode=755 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/system /system ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,discard,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/userdata /data ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,discard,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/cache /cache ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,discard,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/apps_log /mnt/idd ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,discard,nobarrier,data=ordered 0 0
tmpfs /storage/remote tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=1024k,nr_inodes=256,mode=750,gid=1028 0 0
/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/LTALabel /lta-label ext4 ro,context=u:object_r:lta_label:s0,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/fuse /mnt/shell/emulated fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other,allow_utime_grp 0 0
tmpfs /storage/emulated tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,relatime,mode=751,gid=1028 0 0
/dev/block/vold/179:65 /mnt/media_rw/sdcard1 vfat ro,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023,fmask=0007,dmask=0007,allow_utime=0020,codepage=cp437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro 0 0
/dev/block/vold/179:65 /mnt/secure/asec vfat ro,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023,fmask=0007,dmask=0007,allow_utime=0020,codepage=cp437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro 0 0
/dev/fuse /storage/sdcard1 fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other,allow_utime_grp 0 0
/dev/fuse /storage/emulated/0 fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other,allow_utime_grp 0 0
/dev/fuse /storage/emulated/legacy fuse rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other,allow_utime_grp 0 0
u0_a307@C6916:/ $

```

# Answer
As I guessed (and was proven by the output of the `mount` command), parts of the file system were mounted read-only – specifically the internal and external SD cards. Take a look at the lines with `vold/179:65` entries ("vold" is used for the SD cards only), I'm picking one for example:

```
/dev/block/vold/179:65 /mnt/media_rw/sdcard1 vfat ro,[…],errors=remount-ro[…]

```

The syntax here (simplified) is: `<device> <mount-point> <file-system> <options>`. So we see we have a "vold block device" (an SD card that is) mounted as `sdcard1` (the external one; the internal usually is `sdcard0`) using VFAT as file system. Now come the options, and the first we see is **`ro`** which stands for "read-only". Same applies to the internal card. Being read-only, nothing can be written here – hence your problems.

**How can that happen?** you might ask – so let me point to the option at the end: `errors=remount-ro`. Initially, both cards were mounted in read-write mode. Something caused trouble, and the system had "too many errors" when reading/writing to the cards – so this condition was triggered: to protect the cards against damage, Android remounted them read-only. Which also explains why a reboot solved the issue: at boot time, after a check of the file systems, they again are mounted read-write – until some issues/errors trigger the read-only remount again.

**So what should you do?** For now, the reboot seems to have solved the issue. If it doesn't reappear, I'd say there's nothing else here you should be worried about. Same if it pops up once or twice a year: shut down the device, leave it down for a few minutes to be on the safe side ("cool down" of the system :), boot up again, relax. But if it happens frequently, there might be some issues *with the controller***1** – something you cannot fix yourself. I'd contact service then with a detailed description (e.g. include a link to your question here).

---

**1:** Why do I suspect a problem with the controller – and not with the card? Because IMHO it's pretty much unlikely that two independent storages have the same issue at the same time. As pointed out, *both* SD cards were suddenly remounted read-only: one is the physical external card in the slot, the other located on the built-in storage. OTOH, it could also be some bug in vold, as only the SD cards are affected – and the very same controller dealing with the internal SD card must deal with the other parts of your internal storage as well, which was not affected. But then again, that's hardly anything you can solve; the manufacturer must provide a bugfix (system update) then.

And PS: don't let the line `/dev/fuse /storage/sdcard1 fuse rw,[…]` confuse you – which suggests the "partition located at `/storage/sdcard1`" is mounted read-write. That's only the "FUSE overlay" *on top* of it. So this *file system* is declared read-write – but the underlying one still is read-only. Which would mean the "on-top FUSE file system" would accept write commands – but couldn't commit them to the card then as the underlying system is read-only.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, 5.0-lollipop, camera, storage, spotify
---


title: How can I batch update specific apps?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I batch update specific apps?
I'm using a rooted Galaxy S5 with Lollipop. I want to update several apps over the Play store at once, but not all of them. Even if I have to use another app to do so, that's okay.

# Answer
That can be done using AppBrain App Market, an alternative frontend to the *Google Play Store*. This app a.o. lets you …

* exclude apps from updates permanently
* skip specific updates (and only be notified when the *next* update comes)

This way you can exclude stuff from the "batch update" and just have it performed for everything else. You still can update single apps manually. Hint: When using this app, you should disable update notifications from the *Google Play Store* app, or you'll get notified twice :)

If you like this approach and continue using *Appbrain*, a suggested additional install would be AppBrain Ad Detector, which integrates here – so you know what to expect before you install an app :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates
---


# Question
Title: Warning!! A custom OS can cause critical problems
I was trying to reboot my Samsung galaxy tab 2 gt p 3100, screen showing massage Warning!! A custom OS can cause critical problems. asking whether you want to download OS or not. so i try to download pushing sound up button then after tab screen showing logo of android downloading. do not turn off target!! for about 15 minutes more. what should i do. Please help.

# Answer
Just reboot it, this time without holding a volume button. Download Mode does nothing unless the device is hooked up to a PC running Odin.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab-2-10.1
---


title: Root Samsung Galaxy S Duos

text:
# Question
Title: Root Samsung Galaxy S Duos
I have Samsung Galaxy S Duos (GT-S7562) because I want to use ROEHSOFT RAM Expander (SWAP) application to expand my RAM by using SD Card.

Before using this application, I need to be sure if my device support swap or not, and I need to root my phone to check this.

How to root Samsung Galaxy S Duos?

# Answer
Follow the steps below: **I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DAMAGE YOUR PHONE AND THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY**

This will root your phone and install a custom recovery.

**Windows is required**

1. Install the Samsung drivers. (links at bottom of the post)
2. Download the s7562 Rooting Kit.
3. Extract The kit, and open Odin.
4. In Odin click on PDA and choose the Recovery.tar
5. Now, on your device: a. Switch on USB debugging b.Put Cwm\_SuperSU or Cwm\_SuperUser, just choose one, I prefer Cwm\_SuperSU c.Turn your device off and boot it in download mode ( Hold Vol\_Down & Home & Power until you see light coming out from the device, then if you see warning click Vol\_Up.
6. Connect your phone to the windows pc and you should see this in Odin: `Com:****`
7. Make sure to Have : Auto Reboot & F. Reset time & Pda Checkedd after you done Step 5 & 6.
8. Remove the back Cover of your phone ( you must do that )
9. Now Click on START in odin
10. You should see a Blue bar in the download mode on your device
11. Wait till it's finished.
12. When it finishes. When you see the samsung logo, remove your battery
13. Remove the Usb cable from your device, and reinsert the battery
14. Now you changed your `Stock Recovery`, With CWM\_Recovery. Now you want to go to your new recovery, by pressing Vol\_Down & Vol\_Up & Home & Power release the buttons when you see the samsung logo.

Note : Your touchscreen is disabled here , move with your Vol\_Up / Vol\_down and choose with Home button and go back with back button.
15. **Optional** Make a backup in CWM recovery to external Sd-Card.
16. now choose `Install Zip from sdCard` and go to `Choose zip from Sdcard` Or From internal sd Card ( Depends on where you put your Cwm\_SUperuser)
17. Now go to where you have put your CWM\_Superuser / Cwm\_SuperSU and click on the home button, and click yes and now wait till it has finished.
18. Now go back and choose `Reboot System now`.

Now you should have root:-)

Files: Samsung kies : http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/ Droidzer Rooting kit : http://d-h.st/BtL

Hope my answer helped.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In order to root your Android device, you can download and install **Root Masters** on it, then run the app. At the "ROOT" tab you will see the face of the *Android Jelly Bean* mascot, and at the right side of it there will be a rectangular `root` button. Tap/Touch it. The mascot's face will turn into a "ninja" Jelly Bean face while the app attempts to root your device. If the rooting process is successful, the mascot will smile.

If the rooting process fails, you can download, install and run **iRoot**, which is another neat one-click rooting app for Android. It looks very similar to Root Masters, thus if you managed to use Root Masters then running iRoot will be pretty much straightforward/self-explanatory.

By using any of the above methods, I was able to root the following Android devices:

* Samsung Galaxy S Duos 2 (**GT-S7582L**)
* Samsung Galaxy S Duos (**GT-S7562**)
* Samsung Galaxy Y (**GT-S5360B**), AKA "Galaxy Young"
* Samsung Galaxy W (**GT-I8150**), AKA "Galaxy Wonder"

PS: if by accessing any of the indicated links/URLs your browser gives you an alert of "dangerous" or "malware" website, just **ignore** it and access the website anyway: these are **safe** websites hosting **safe** apps. These alerts happen because these websites host **rooting apps**, and rooting apps are **rootkits** (they execute one or more **exploits**, which are pieces of software that explore the operating system's vulnerabilities in order to get privilege escalation: in this context, root/superuser privilege). There are **no viruses** in these apps: only rootkits. Anyway, if you feel insecure about it, just install an antivirus and let it running on your device while you install and run the rooting app.

PPS: for those with a **Motorola** device, you may want to try **Kingo Root**. With the Kingo Root app, I managed to root:

* Motorola Razr HD (**XT925**)
* Motorola Razr I (**XT890**)
* Motorola Moto X (**XT1096**)
> 1 votes

# Answer
KingRoot is a possible option - it is a one-click root app which is reasonably easy to use and works for Android versions up to 5.1 on most devices - it has been known to work with the OP's device too.

Do note that KingRoot installs some bloat apps on the device - but those can easily be removed (uninstalled) as they are not system apps.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-s-duos
---


title: Is auto sync really killing my battery?

text:
# Question
Title: Is auto sync really killing my battery?
I have been digging the archives for eternity to find that `Location Services` and `Auto-sync` (assuming we ignored other factors such as Bluetooth etc -- because my focus is mainly about auto sync) are extremely battery hungry.

Although, i manually toggle the switches (GPS, BT etc) based on requirement. I have paid enough heed to notice the battery gain and drain caused by auto sync `enabled` and `disabled`.

I have read somewhere people claiming innocence of autosync. Basically, Their idea is that it doesn't constantly push all the data from server to my phone and vice-versa. instead, `there is a thread` meant to ask the server if there's something new (and events are created based on the responses).

So, shed some light on:

1) is `auto sync` really causing the depression to my battery?

2) what does auto sync `really` do (perhaps a geeky explanation please) ?

3) how many minutes/hours am i actually gaining or losing while leaving it `ON` or `OFF` ?

4) what other factors claim culpability as to battery drain?

# Answer
Auto sync is a process where all the data inside your phone and servers, being copy to and from each others. This will make sure that every data you have, such as phone address, photos from your camera, and could be your game progress being saved in google data centre (if your device is Android).

In case you have your device stolen, or hard brick, or whatnot, you still have all the data I mentioned safely inside the data centre, and can be restored back to your new device once you have login your Gmail. As Android 4.3-4.4, auto sync is really a battery killer, but I myself didn't experienced that anymore in Lollipop.

I turned On my auto syncs so that I can be notified any mails, or G+ notifications without need to open the app. Auto sync looks a battery killer because it's ON everytime, but the data synchronization occurs if there's changes to one of them, either on your device, or the data centre.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had a battery drain issue on my Nexus 5. Overnight it went from 100% to 89% with all apps closed. Problem was Google Play Services. Deleted my GMail accounts and battery drain issue disappeared. Used Skype and battery drain issue returned. Deleted Skype account - battery drain issue resolved.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, battery, battery-life, stock-android
---


# Question
Title: Cannot receive group messages from iPhone users
I switched from an iPhone, of which I was a fanatic, to the Samsung Galaxy S3. I can receive individual messages from iPhone users, but I cannot receive any group messages. I have downloaded many apps to try and fix the issue such as Handcent and GoSMS. I have re-enabled and disabled iMessage. Unregistered the iPhone(s) from my Apple ID and it doesn't seem to work.

AT&T has tried to help but because they don't get this too often they couldn't help me. I have called Apple but they want me to pay $29 for any type of support. How can I receive group messages on my Galaxy S3? I'd hate to have to go back over this issue.

# Answer
This is the most fascinating issue that I've seen in a long while. And it's clear that Samsung is turning a blind eye (I've read that there are some whose phones work fine with the stock ICS messaging app). This problem is posted all over every forum that I've searched. And the only answer is GoSMS, or Handcent, or blah, blah, blah. I count myself among the many that would like the group messaging to work in both directions. One would think that one of the most basic functions of a smart phone would not have such an elementary problem. After searching high and low, I'm of the belief that the stock messaging app can't do bidirectional group texts and that a third party app is the only possible solution.

Like many other iPhone converts, it's a shame that I have to admit that my awesome S3 has such a fundamental shortcoming.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Group texts may not be as simple as you think... What may Android users don't realize is, many of the "interface" features are not part of the stock OS but is part of the Skin that the handset manufacturer or the wireless provider put on it. I have been told that the newer versions of Android (Jellybean for instance) has more functionality so these "skins" aren't as heavy duty. Also many manufacturers take insult to the term "skin" because of the amount of development and changes they make to the functionality of the Android OS. This is not a good or bad thing, this is just the nature of Android.

That being said, let's talk about iMessage vs SMS. iMessage is a service that Apple created to allow iPhones, other apple devices and Macs to talk to each other. When an iPhone user is sending an iMessage, their "send" button is in blue. If an iPhone user is sending to a non-apple supported device, it automatically uses SMS and the "send" button turns green. When sending a group message, if any one recipient in the list is a non-apple device, the whole message is sent using SMS (green button).

I have found that some Android phones receive these messages find and some don't (again because of the effort made by the manufacturer). But before you blame Apple or AT&T, I have seen them have the same issue regardless of carrier or device. I have friends with iPhones on multiple carriers and I have friends with Android phones and Blackberries and other types of devices. It's only certain manufacturers of some Android phones that seem to not support this group messaging.

The reason why I am on this site, is because I was hoping to find a solution for one of my friends who can't participate in the group texting... it sounds like there may be a few 3rd party apps that she can try out. Since my other Android friends don't have this issue, we know it's just a limitation of her handset.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I was having the same problem. I downloaded the stock Verizon messaging app and then Handcent worked fine both ways, I hope this helps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I just switched from a sprint gs3 to a Verizon RAZR HD and I can group message with iPhones fine now.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can send in Handcent but can't receive. Because of this, I'm switching back. No 3rd-party works to receive group iMessages.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You have to have your iphone friends delete your information from text history. they need to start a text, type your name into the recipient field and click on the "i". This will allow them to delete you from the text history...Then they start a new thread and this will allow you to receive group text.
> 0 votes

# Answer
The problem, as you have mentioned, is because you had iMessage active on your iPhone. This means that your phone number is still registered with Apple to use the iMessage service. When other people with iPhone sends a message, their phone will try to send it through the iMessage service instead of through the SMS/MMS protocol.

The sollution is to de-register your number from the iMessage service. This can be done here:

https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage

I see you said that you have tried to disable iMessage on the iPhone. Did you do this with your sim card in the phone? This is important so that the iMessage is disabled for the right phone number.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you switched from iPhone either go to App-Store or take SIM-Card out and put into any iPhone and turn your iMessage off by going to Message Settings then turn off iMessages and finally put the SIM Card back in your phone.

Hope this helps.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Below is a summary of what I done:

1. Check Signal - Done
2. Reset Network Settings - Done
3. Check Carrier - Done (Am Able to send Text via old Iphone 4)
4. Verify that every phone number in your contacts list includes an area code. (Done)
5. When sending to existing contacts, ensure that your contacts include the full phone number, and not just the information needed to dial locally.(Done)
6. If you have recently ported your number from another carrier, please contact your current carrier to verify that the porting process has completed successfully. (Done: This is an old carrier, it's not an issue as I am able to use the same sim card to send text via my old iphone 4)
7. Perform a full restore back to factory original setting (Done)
> -2 votes

---
Tags: sms, samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


title: Nexus 4 stuck in boot loop

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 4 stuck in boot loop
Yesterday some guy has changed my `3.5 mm jack` in nexus 4. Old one was broken. After that I could not turned on my phone. I saw infinite boot. I had android 5 in that time.

Today I install `android 4.2.2 (JDQ39)` with help `fastboot`. Nexus 4 has booted now. But there is one problem. If I am updating nexus to `android 4.4` or android 5, I see infinite boot again.

Also I tried to install `CyanogenMod 13`. The problem is same.

How to update my phone to android 5 or cm 13?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It seems, that the problem is bad position of **rubber gasket** in **proximity sensor**.

https://youtu.be/AZDAIgwbXk4?t=8m22s

---
Tags: updates, nexus-4, boot-loop
---


# Question
Title: Does using Android Instant Apps count as installation on Play store?
As I saw yesterday, Google I/O 2016 Keynotes with an awesome release of many new features.

One of the best feature which I like most as an Android Developer that is **Android Instant Apps**.

> The new **Android Instant apps** lets you access apps from anywhere without installing. It will let you run Android apps as seamlessly as loading a web page. And, it is compatible all the way back to Jelly Bean.

I have a question in my mind that, if it will be accessed without installing then **will it be counted as installation on Play Store?** And **if it won't, then what is the meaning to use it from the developer side. What will be the benefit to the developer?**

P.S. I don't oppose this feature, just want to know how it will work.

# Answer
> 19 votes
Quoting from XDA (emphasis supplied)

* > Android Instant Apps is an evolution to the way Android has done applications traditionally. Rather than downloading a full-blown application, Instant Apps allows users to “stream” apps **to try it out** (in reality, it’s a **partial code download**), without going through the hassle of downloading and installing it

So, if it is a *partial download* for *users to try it out*, it logically **won't count as installation**

> If Play store will not count then what is the meaning to use it from developer side. What will be benefit to the developer?

* This allows app developers to reach out to an even wider audience, as they can now project a native Android app experience to the end user with something as simple as a URL: click and you’re in the app
* What makes Instant Apps good for the developer outside of the increase in app range is that they don’t need to build a whole different app. Devs do need to update their existing Android apps in order to get the advantage of the Instant Apps functionality....
* Android Instant Apps extends all the way back to Android Jellybean, so you aren’t restricted to only a handful of users on the latest Android version.

From a developer perspective, I suppose that Firebase Analytics also announced yesterday, will be integrated with this. Other features of Firebase Analytics:

* Instead of focusing on page views, impressions or sessions, developers can see what users are doing inside the app, how paid advertising campaigns are performing with cross-network attribution and where users are coming from
* Defining audiences
* Better crash reporting
* Notifications and Dynamic Links to to help developers grow and re-engage app user bases
* Storage- Google’s cloud-to-device push messaging service Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) is being integrated into Firebase’ s backend and has been renamed as Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
* Monetization- AdMob has been integrated into Firebase

# Answer
> 5 votes
> Play store will count Installation or not

Definitely won't be count an installation.

> If Play store will not count then what is the meaning to use it from developer side. What will be benefit to the developer?

The key behind Android Instant Apps is that devs won’t have to go back and create a separate version of their app to make this work. All that’s required is a simple update to their current application — about a day’s worth of work in all, says Ficus Kirkpatrick, Engineering Director for Instant Apps

Google to make sure majority of Android users get access to the Instant Apps feature has made it compatible with Android Jelly Bean OS and later versions. This way the Android Instant Apps will reach over a billion users.

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


# Question
Title: How to color status bar and navigation bar
I really like that my status bar and navigation bar have the same colour with a running software without rooting, because I don't like black navigation bar, is there any way? If it's impossible without rooting, how about through accessibility service? My smartphone: Huawei Ascend G7- L11 Please reply Yours truly

# Answer
You can use this app **to set the color of status bar** through *Accessibility Service* :

# **Color Status Bar**

(*Note:* This app runs in background to enable the color.
And, this app will work only on devices running Android 5 or above..)

But to change the color of navigation bar, you need root access.

If your device is rooted, do the following **to change navbar color**:

1. Install Xposed Framework and Xposed Installer app.
2. Install "GravityBox" module (varies for different Android versions) and reboot.
3. Open GravityBox app, goto *Navigation Bar Tweaks*
4. Under *Colors* section, Enable *Navbar Colors* and set your desired color.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, notification-bar, android-versions, accessibility
---


title: Location consent annoyance

text:
# Question
Title: Location consent annoyance
I use the Power Control widget shipped with Android to quickly turn GPS on and off. Since update 4.4.1 or 4.4.2, which features WiFi-based location detection, it's been pestering me for this location consent thing:

Screenshot (click image for larger variant)

I hit "Disagree" every single time, but it just pops right back up the next time I activate the GPS. This is extremely annoying and I'm worried I'll accidentally hit "Agree" one of these times.

How can I permanently disagree with this?

# Answer
> 3 votes
If your device is rooted and you're using the XPosed framework, the Deny Location Consent might be what you're looking for:

> Disable the annoying "Improve location accuracy?" dialog and always disagree.

# Answer
> 1 votes
**Try this it might worked as it worked in my lollipop Goto \**settings\>wifi\>advanced Wi-Fi** and disable the Scanning always Available which won't use your wifi for using google location service\**

Screenshot (click for larger variant)

# Answer
> 0 votes
This process needs refining as it may call for disabling more items than needed:

1. Force Stop, disable, and clear cache on the following:

* Chrome
    * Google Account Manager,
    * Google Play Services,
    * Google Play Store,
    * Google Services Framework
2. Change Location Mode: `System Settings >Location > Mode > Set to High Accuracy`
3. Re-enable the items disabled in step 1
4. Avoid consenting to Google's location service requests :)

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, gps, app-widgets, geolocation
---


title: Nexus 5 unable to reflash

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 5 unable to reflash
I have a nexus 5 which has ubuntu touch on it. The OS is broken and won't boot. I am trying to flash CyanogenMod to it, i've hooked it up to my ubuntu server, and am following this: https://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install\_CM\_for\_hammerhead

However when i get to the point of adb push to get the firmware onto the phones local storage i get:

error: device unauthorized. This adb server's $ADB\_VENDOR\_KEYS is not set

And on adb devices it says unauthorised. Since i have no booting OS on this phone, how can i get around this shit so i might complete my flashing process?

I've installed the Cyanogenmod recovery environment successfully and am able to boot into this.

# Answer
Issues like this this are often corrected by returning to a "known good configuration" before processing additional changes.

I would suggest returning to the current official Google firmware via fastboot, then verify the device is booting and operating properly, then you can flash custom recovery and install a third party ROM such as CyanogenMod.

Instructions and factory images with flashing scripts are available directly from Google at their Factory Images for Nexus Devices page.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, adb, rom-flashing, linux, unbricking
---