# Question
Title: What will happen if I "Clear data" for the "Settings" app? (com.android.settings)
I'm on a stable (Installer) build of Cyanogenmod 11 on a Galaxy Nexus, and for a while I've not been able to access 'Settings' at all - tapping on it to try to open it, gives me a "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped." crash.

I'm not a fan of unnecessarily wiping and re-flashing ROMs unless I absolutely have to - and I've got an idea, which is to 'Clear data' for the 'Settings' app (com.android.settings) and maybe that will make the crash go away and me be able to finally access Settings once again.

But what will I lose by doing this?

Will I lose important settings such as my (finely tuned) customised home screen icon layout, or my saved Wifi network passwords? Will it even delete my saved Google account(s) in the OS and possibly cause havoc as a result?

And furthermore, Could backing up the 'Settings' app in Titanium Backup Pro (then restoring), be a solution to fully restore the app's settings if it does?

# Answer
I did it a few days ago for the same problem (CyanogenMod M8 for i9100):

* I didn't lose anything;
* It fixes the problem =)
> 2 votes

# Answer
You won't lose anything unless you clear data of "settings storage" app. It's pretty safe to clear data of settings app.but it'll hide the developer options just like on a new phone.
> 0 votes

# Answer
As @sameer has mentioned you will lose the wifi password and bluetooth name etc when you do clear data for settings.But using titanium backup pro you can restore them as it is.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: settings, delete, cyanogenmod, app-data
---


# Question
Title: Prevent disable power saving while charging [root]
When I plug my phone to solar cell cpu optimisation turns off and the speed of discharge increases severalfold.

How to prevent cpu always on when phone charging?

Phone: Rooted Samsung Galaxy S III GT-I9300 Android: 4.3

same question: How do I keep CPU off when charging?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found out that some cpu optimisation disables when phone connected to devices that suport data transfer (netebook for example (even sleeping), or my solar cell), so i use usb cable that not support data transwer.

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


title: How do I keep CPU off when charging?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I keep CPU off when charging?
When I connect the USB power source, it makes CPU to stay on (even though "Development-\>Stay awake" is off).

When charging from a weak power source if makes battery to drain even faster than is case of USB power is not connected at all (because of CPU stays on instead of sleeping).

How do I stop external power connectedness affecting CPU sleeping policy?

I'm not talking about screen being on, it's about CPU being awake (unfortunately it is not easy to see if CPU is on or off).

# Answer
Long press on the power off switch while plugged in, next tap on the power off prompt. When it powers off make sure the charging light remains on. If light is not on press power on quickly just so that the battery percentage shows in the center, it should blank screen again and the charging light come on and remain on. You can retest battery charge percent again anytime. When ready to use long press on power on/off to on and watch or wait for rebooting to take place.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I found out that some CPU optimisation disables when phone connected to devices that support data transfer (notebook for example (even sleeping), or some solar cells), so i use USB cable that not support data transfer.
> 0 votes

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


title: Data Drops when tethering

text:
# Question
Title: Data Drops when tethering
I'm trying to tether my computer to my phone through USB. I have full bars, but the LTE symbol next to it will disappear for about ten seconds, and then reappear for a few seconds only to disappear again. I don't have this problem when I'm not tethering.

This is very frustrating because I have to watch my phone to find out when I have a connection, and then I only have the connection for a few seconds.

Is this behaviour supposed to happen, and is there any way to fix it?

# Answer
It could be that your ISP has different APN configs for normal data usage, and the other specifically for tethering plan. As such I'd recommend fistly to check the APNs and see if there have the DHCP setting enabled, sometimes the device is not getting the IP address assigned automatically hence drops in connection whilst trying to connect.

If its the case of the APN for tethering then also check the related setting and also be sure you have an active tethering plan.You could also use `adb` to prevent the device from revealing the tethering status i.e modifying `settings get global tether_dun_required` code. See more here in a related post.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: mobile-data, usb-tethering
---


title: WhatsApp messages not delivering

text:
# Question
Title: WhatsApp messages not delivering
I am using Micromax Bolt A064. When I send some message in WhatsApp either in a group or for a single contact, it is just showing a clock symbol and not delivering.

I am using **WiFi** and I am able to receive hundreds of messages successfully. I can change the display picture & status without any issue.

This issue started once **I sent some 10 messages to 10 groups at a time**, is that the reason?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just want to say that I have the exact same problem and found a much simpler but slow solution.

Like OP, I also sent a bunch of messages to a bunch of groups. Every other answer gives the same solution: Reinstall WhatsApp.

I then figure something out. We both have sent multiple messages to multiple groups. So maybe WhatsApp is still trying to send those messages and I cannot send any other messages until what I send is there.

Solution? I just sleep. The next day the problem is solved. No need to reinstall WhatsApp. Just sleep. Put my HP on a WiFi connection. Just wait. WhatsApp is sending all those messages to thousands of people. Once done. It's done.

Update: The solution is not good enough. Yes, eventually it works. But now WhatsApp delays my messages again. I do not mass send messages anymore. It seems that this is either a bug or a feature.

---

Symptoms:

WhatsApp Web says:

> Phone not connected. Make sure your phone has an active internet connection.

Any message sent is delayed. There is a clock If I try to send messages via phone, the message is not sent. It's as if my phone is not connected to the internet. It is.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I've had the same problem. Reinstalling WhatsApp solved it for me.

# Answer
> 0 votes
By uninstalling and reinstalling the app, the issue was fixed. This issue may be because of poor internet, I tried to send 15-20 messages to 9-10 groups.....

# Answer
> 0 votes
Just clear the data of WhatsApp and re-verify it.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Disable 'OK Google' recognition without completely disabling Google app
I find the 'OK Google' always-on voice recognition to be creepy and intrusive.

At the same time, I find the voice entry for GBoard keyboard to be very useful.

If you completely disable the Google app, 'OK Google' recognition is disabled, but so is the voice entry for the GBoard keyboard.

Is there a way to prevent Google from always listening, without completely disabling the Google app?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I believe this website has a guide to the solution that you're looking for.

Edit: I was asked to summarize the site (Yes, I did just copy and paste the instructions for the most part):

Google Now has a neat ability to listen for the “OK, Google” command to automatically launch the app and get you into Search as fast as possible. But, you may not want Google Now to listen to that prompt or hotword for some reason or another. Good news–it’s super easy to turn off!

**Turning off the “OK, Google” hotword**: To turn off the hotword detection, open the Search app. You can find this in your App Drawer, and you can usually access it by holding down the home button as well.

Next, at the top left there’s a hamburger menu. Tap it and head into Settings \> Voice.

Next, head into OK, Google Detection. From here, you can toggle it on or off.

Keep in mind that, even if you have it off, you can still head into Google Now and tap the microphone on the right side of the Search bar to use your voice. It’s certainly not as convenient as using the hotword, which gets you into Search right away, but still enables you to use your voice to search.

---
Tags: google, google-apps, voice-recognition, gboard, ok-google
---


# Question
Title: Photos missing in both gallery and google photos
This morning i stupidly formatted my SD card (J2 prime lack of storage issue), and after noticed that photos were missing from both my gallery AND google photos, that were taken over the last few weeks.

After i noticed that my camera was set to store photos on the SD card rather than device. I definitely don't remember putting my camera to store photos on the SD card so not sure what happened there?

Also whenever i delete a photo in gallery it also removes it from google photos.

Will formatting the SD card remove photos from google photos?

I've since taken a photo to make sure it was uploading images so i hope that doesn't mean the images are not recoverable from the device?

I'm only using the phone on 4g.

Any ideas on getting the photos back?

Thanks for any help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Formatting your SD card shall not delete the synced items from your Google photos account.

Google photos app also shows your offline photos. So, unless they were uploaded to the cloud drive, they are now gone and cannot be recovered.

Please check once by logging into your account at photos.google.com. If your photos appear there, then they are in the cloud and you can safely get them back on your device.

---
Tags: photos
---


# Question
Title: How do I fix blank photos in an Android device
https://gyazo.com/f1a05cc619d35b588884d29b5b462f5a https://gyazo.com/71968d66e18ff2639893079e05db5081 How do I fix Images that have become blank since the new sd card messed up the photos which contain photos of my mother's memorable past

Here are the links I might need some help they contain photos of a memorable past thanks

# Answer
These could be photos from your new SD card in a format or compression that your phone does not recognize to display.

I have a similar case of photos I have modified on a PC and become blank thumbnails after transferring to my phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-sd
---


# Question
Title: How to change default video player app inside Hangouts
A video appeared inside a Hangouts chat stream and when I clicked it, it asked me which installed app I intend to use for playing that video.

I accidentally picked some casting app, but apparently (and surprisingly) the *Use as default app* was also checked, so whenever I click a video inside a Hangouts chat stream it tries to cast to a non-existing device and fails.

The system-wide video app is set to a normal video player app, but I can't find out how to set the default app for playing videos *inside* Hangouts.

Any idea how to reset it without uninstalling either app?

# Answer
So far it is not Hangouts that need to be cleared in this case but the app which got registered as a default player.

Goto Settings -\> Apps -\> \[Select the App that open when you play video inside Hangouts\] -\> Click Set as Default -\> CLEAR DEFAULTS
> 1 votes

---
Tags: default-applications, google-hangouts
---


# Question
Title: Low media sound volume on huawei nova 3e
The volume is to the max but is a bit quiet. Is there a way to increase it without installing apps? Android 8.0.0

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try testing your phone speakers first and play some high dB audio... You can also try testing by using speaker phone during a call.

There are several cases that it is a damaged speaker or loosed contact on speaker.

---
Tags: huawei, volume-control, volume
---


# Question
Title: How to take clickable 360 degree tour to explore the area
I know how to take 360 view photos on android like this one.

But I am not getting how can take 360 pictures which will allow me to click on various location in that picture and after clicking on any location, it opens up another 360 picture, something like this.

Note that first one is simple 360 picture which you can rotate spherically, but you cannot click anywhere in that picture to open new 360 picture taken at that location. While you can do this in second picture.

I am able capture 360 degree photo like the first one. But, how do I capture pictures like second one on Android? Is there any official googleapp?

# Answer
This appears to be a feature of Google Maps/Street View which has some guidelines for that effect:

From Publish and connect 360 photos with the Street View app:

**Step 2: Connect your photos**

Your photos may be automatically connected within 24 hours if:

* You’ve made and published a set of 360 photos according to these spacing recommendations.
* "Geotag 360 photos" is turned on.
* You've earned and activated the trusted badge in the Street View app.
* You’ve used auto-capture to make indoor 360 photos within two small steps of each other (1 m / 3 ft).
* You’ve used auto-capture to make outdoor 360 photos within five steps of each other (3 m / 10 ft).

*You can also have the Street View app suggest the five closest 360 photos that you can connect.*

* Open a published photo. In the top right, tap More \[the three dots\] and then Connect nearby photos.

**OR**

**Connect Photos Yourself**

1. Open the Street View app.
2. On the "Profile" tab, find a photo and tap Select.
3. Pick the photos you want:
    * Choose two photos: Tap the ones that you want to connect.
    * Choose all photos: In the top right, tap More \[three dots\] and then Select all.
4. In the top right, tap More \[three dots\] and then Connect 360 photos.
5. Your photos will show up on the map as numbered markers.
6. Tap and drag each photo to the correct location. Swipe left and right on the photo to see all directions.
7. To try your new connection, open your photo in the "Profile" tab and tap the white arrow.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: photos
---


# Question
Title: adb shell error: device not found (Ubuntu)
I am complete novice on adb. When it comes to Android I could be classified as "dumb user" - trying however to get one level up, hence playing with adb:

```
$ ./adb shell
error: device not found
$ ./adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached

```

Looks like adb cannot see the connected device.

How to rectify the problem?

For your info:

* the device is visible and I can copy files to/from it
* I went through the steps suggested below and still no luck
* I tried connecting the phone to different USB ports - my comp has 2 USB controllers - one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0

Steps to enable USB debugging on my device with 7.0 Nougat Android:

1. Go to "**Configuration**"
2. Go to "**About Telephone / Android 7.0**"
3. Click several times "**Build Number**" until message "**You're now developer**" appears
4. Go back to "Configuration" - "**{} Developer options**" are now visible - go inside
5. A number of fabulous options appear - switch-on "**USB Debugging**"

I am using Linux and I would prefer to stay away from Windows.

Still no luck - device not found

# Answer
OK, I did it. Apparently I was using some old adb binary that came with app I wanted to use. After I installed the one available in repo, as suggested by this website, It now sees the device:

```
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools
[sudo] password for admin:

 More info: https://launchpad.net/~phablet-team/+archive/ubuntu/tools
Press [ENTER] to continue or ctrl-c to cancel adding it

-- ciach
$ sudo apt-get update
Hit:1 http://pl.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu xenial InRelease

-- ciach
$ sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done

-- ciach
$ adb devices
adb server is out of date.  killing...
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached

$ adb devices
List of devices attached
0123456789ABCDEF    unauthorized

-- click "Authorize" on the device
$ adb devices
List of devices attached
0123456789ABCDEF    device

```
> 0 votes

# Answer
Check `adb devices`. If no device shows up follow the steps below.

First, check to make sure USB Debugging is enabled. On most devices:

1. Go into 'About Phone', 'About Device', or 'About Tablet'
2. Find 'Build Number'. It's location varies from devices to device, but look for menus such as 'Software Information'
3. Tap 'Build Number' until you see a message saying 'You are now a developer'. If you see a message saying something along the lines of 'This option has been disabled by your administrator', I'm sorry to say you will need to reset your device to use ADB. You could also talk to your administrator.
4. Go back to the main settings page. At the bottom, you should now see 'Developer Options'. Tap it.
5. A warning may display. Read it carefully, and decide at your own risk.
6. Scroll until you find 'USB Debugging'. Tap it. You will see another warning. Read. Decide.
7. Connect your device to your computer. Run adb shell. A dialog box will pop up asking if you trust your computer. Tap yes.

Congrats! It should now work.

If that doesn't work, try different cables, phones, computers, and try to find what is the problem. Google is, as always, your friend.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: adb, 7.0-nougat, linux, usb-debugging, shell
---


# Question
Title: On Honor 6x camera is slow to start. Any solutions?
It takes as long as 10-15 seconds at times. What gives?

# Answer
> 2 votes
**UPDATE:** New culprit identified. The official Google Search app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox) - the one that activates Google Assistant on the device, appears to do something that brings 6x to its knees. Once completely disabled, it manifested in a huge boost in the responsiveness of the device - camera included.

And since, admittedly, Google Search app is often useful, there is a Lite version that does not cause any issues - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.searchlite

**Original:**

Located a solution on XDA that solves this issue on a wide range of Honor devices (https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/how-to/slow-camera-t3476554/page6)

"went to Settings, Apps, Advanced, Ignore Battery Optimisations and then Allowed the Camera App.

This has made a world of difference on mine, opens up in about 1 second now where before it was the 2 -5 seconds like people were reporting. "

And also:

"Thanks to safc1978 this really annoying problem is mostly fixed. I do still get some lag though, and wondered if it was partly caused by the Gallery app being slow to pull the little thumbnail image of the last photo taken (bottom left of screen).

I used safc1978's theory, and allowed "Gallery" to ignore optimisations too, and it seems to have made another small improvement."

---
Tags: huawei
---


# Question
Title: How to modify display on/off behaviour in non-standard ways (e.g. keep it from ever turning off)
Firstly: my phone is rooted, I am not afraid to use the terminal, modify source code and compile everything myself, I can provide logs, command outputs etc etc, I just need someone who knows where to look and what to modify. I will happily add any necessary info you need to help me.

I have recently replaced a broken display on my OnePlus One running LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8). Allegedly it's an original replacement part, but it is buggy. It often (read: most of the time) won't turn on when I press the power button, double-tap the touchscreen or any notification or call comes in. The system does unlock and the touchscreen does work, as I can hear the unlocking sound and interact with buttons whose locations on screen I remember. But the display doesn't light up - only sometimes, randomly. I can't figure out when it does or doesn't. As long as the display doesn't turn off, it will keep working indefinitely. And whenever I shut down and cold reboot the phone, it also immediately works. Since I'm unwilling to do the whole replacement procedure again including spending another 50 bucks on a part that might not even work (the seller conveniently refuses to accept returns after you use parts in DIY repairs), here's my actual question which is actually multiple questions, in order of my preference if I could choose a solution:

Does anyone know if there's different ways the phone tells the display to turn on? How do they differ between bootup and screen unlocking, since the former way reliably works? Can I somehow force my system to ALWAYS use that method, so that I can once again rely on a working display whenever I need it?

Failing that, does anyone know how to stop the display from turning off altogether, except on system shutdown? I'm currently using an app called "Screen On" that keeps the screen running, dimmed down. But the magnetic flip cover still turns it off, also it means I can't ever lock my screen with the power button because that would also turn it off. I would like my screen to go to Daydream when it normally would turn off.

I would like to be able to use Daydream on battery at all, but the settings menu only offers "when docked" and "when power cable is connected". Using dumpsys I found that there's a variable called "mDreamsEnabledOnBatteryConfig" and I would like to set it to "true" or "1", but 'dumpsys power set mDreams....' simply does nothing (yes, I am root). I also can't find the config file that I would need to edit.

Please refrain from suggesting I buy a new phone or send it in for professional repair.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Using a app called privset you can change the dream settings to work on battery also, search for dream. Additionally, check out tasker, you can hijack the power button to daydream

---
Tags: root-access, settings, screen, broken-screen, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: How do I change the factory settings that an Android device reverts to?
'm looking to change some of the default settings that a device reverts to such as language, timezone, resolution.

Is there a way to do this through the terminal assuming my device is rooted?

# Answer
> 2 votes
A factory reset simply wipes the userdata partition (and sometimes some extra cache partitions as well, but that doesn't matter). This resets all settings to the defaults set in the system image.

Exactly where in the system image is different for different settings. For example, some things come from the build.prop, which is relatively easy to change with root: you just mount the system partition read-write and edit the file. Most settings that you'd change through the Settings app are stored in that app itself, so to change those defaults you'd need to edit the APK of that app or install a custom ROM.

---
Tags: settings, factory-reset, terminal
---


# Question
Title: Android device doesn't support Google Play Services
I'm using Samsung Galaxy Trend 3 SM-G3502U on Android 4.2.2.

Since this is a Chinese device, so it was normal to be shipped without GApps. So, I tried to install the latest version among the versions which are compatible with Android 4.2.2 of the following apps from APKMirror:

* Google Play Services
* Google Play Services Framework
* Google Calendar Sync
* Google Contacts Sync
* Google Account Manager

Still, no luck, since when I tried logging into Snapchat, a pop-up "popped" out, saying that Google Play Services is not supported by my device.

Also, when I installed and opened the latest version of Play Store among the compatible versions for Android 4.4.2 from APKMirror, it showed "Error retrieving information from server RH-01" which meant that I didn't have the compatible GApps installed.

Having all the apps listed above installed, I installed the "Device ID" app by Evozi. It couldn't show me the GSF. The space for that was left out empty instead.

Now, are there any more ways to try out for me so that my phone supports Google Services Framework, or I am left out with installing a custom ROM?

# Answer
The `apk`s will not work without system libraries, and other frameworks that cannot be installed without root (or flushing from a recovery).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, samsung, 4.2-jelly-bean, google-play-services
---


title: Android died after update

text:
# Question
Title: Android died after update
LG Stylo V2 is dead after updating. Screen reads "Your device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and may not work properly."

# Answer
I went to the Verizon store and they said they never saw anything like this. They ordered me a new phone being delivered today "Next Day" Fedex. No charge for the new phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates
---


title: Problems After Android update

text:
# Question
Title: Problems After Android update
I have a Samsung S6, I've recently (2 days ago) received a notification for a new update rolled out by Samsung which installed instantly. However, from that time i am in trouble with charging my phone. I am unable to charge it even if I've tried many Samsung original chargers. I get a gray battery icon, and i can barely switch on the phone (with 0% charge)

Do you have any solution for me other than reset my phone?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could try checking your charger, if you buy a charger doctor (cost about £1). You can see if you have 5V and any current flow.

You could also check your battery voltage for around \>3.6V - very carefully using a DMM. Those are suggestions I can think of from a hardware perspective.

I try to avoid updates, but it seems hard to believe it would cause that much trouble!?

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: How to properly set the Scrolling Wallpaper?
I've set a scrolling wallpaper, but it only accepted 2/3 of the complete image. I've seen some google apps whose wallpapers are 16:9 aspect ratio and still don't overlap and move from extreme left to extreme right. So how can I do the same with my own wallpaper?

And not only the app, If I apply a theme, the wallpaper in that theme also doesn't overlap and moves from extreme left to right.

Refer these images to see what the app is capable of doing, and what happens when I try to do the same with my edited wallpaper. The app in talk is Wallpapers of The Witcher

Using Redmi Note 5 Pro. Other specific details of the phone in screenshot included in the above imgur link.

First time posting here. I've asked this question at 3 different sites with 0 response. I hope I'll get some answer here. I know what I want is possible as the apps are capable of doing so. Also, I found one question asked before with the same thing asking, but it isn't answered. Coincidentally, the previous asker wanted to apply the same wallpaper that I'm interested in.

Thank you.

PS: The art is not mine. It is from Deviantart artist astoralexander.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The image does not seem to be matching the width of your screen. You need an image that is 3 times (exactly 3,240 pixels wide, according to this https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi\_redmi\_note\_5\_pro-8893.php).

What is the width of your image? Of each part?

---
Tags: wallpaper, redmi
---


# Question
Title: How do I transfer my data? I am giving my phone in exchange
I have bought a Redmi Note 5 on Flipkart and I have a Micromax Canvas Nitro 2 with Android 4.0.4 which I am giving in exchange. How do I transfer my data without taking too long?

# Answer
First of all this link should help you: **https://support.google.com/android/answer/2819582?hl=en**

> There are many applications out there in Play Store. So, you can download and save your Apps' data. And if you want to backup your storage files then, simply copy the important files or all files from the internal & external storage directory to your PC.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: data-transfer, device-migration
---


# Question
Title: Fequency at which location history gets my location?
I've noticed that Google Location History tracks my position much more frequently and accurately when having Google Maps actively running, compared to when it is not. Is this the case for any app – whenever the GPS is on – or just when Google apps tracks my position?

# Answer
The "start driving" feature in Google Maps saves your position every 15 seconds. (That's what I do) Using any other app to require exact gps position in background is less accurate (same accuracy but less frequent data points).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google, google-maps, geolocation, google-location-history
---


# Question
Title: How to fix "Encryption unsuccessful" and bootloop issue on Andriod 8.1?
My Nexus 6p boot looped and is showing "Encryption unsuccessful" error with a RESET PHONE button. Resetting the phone is not helping and it shows the same "Encryption unsuccessful" error again.

Device is unlocked and I am able to access bootloader and recovery. Sometimes it just bootloops however sometimes "Encryption unsuccessful" shows up after boot.

I am able to flash twrp etc. I tried flashing stock Android but its still the same.

This should be a simple thing to solve right. Any suggestions?

Thanks

# Answer
This happened due to the infamous BLOD due to premature hardware failure of Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chip set. All Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset will have the same fate after around 1.5 years of usage. Can't believe Qualcomm messed up this bad.

The instructions in the below linked worked perfectly. https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/bootloop-death-blod-workaround-zip-t3819515

The phone is surprisingly pretty usable for daily tasks even after disabling the A57 cores.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, boot-loop, stock-android, encryption, nexus-6p
---


# Question
Title: is it possible to get location via a cellular network if the device doesnt have a data plan?
is it possible to get location via a cellular network if the device doesnt have a data plan?

or does it need a data plan to be able to get location via a cellular network?

is a data plan needed to get location via a cellular network?

# Answer
Yes, that is possible without a data connection by e.g. using **UnifiedNLP** and a corresponding location provider. I e.g. use the LocalGsmNlpBackend, which downloads a selection of the OpenCellId database (for the area I need) to the device for local usage. That database contains the positions of cell towers. As you are booked into at least one of those, your coarse location can be estimated. Add another location provider which is e.g. WiFi based for more accuracy if you wish. Apart from downloading the data (preferably while connected to your home WiFi), this works completely without a data connection.

Make sure you pick the correct UnifiedNLP package, depending on whether your device has the Google framework installed (stock ROM usually has this, or if you use a custom ROM but have GApps installed) or use a custom ROM without GApps.

For a more detailed description, please see my article Android without Google: microG, which discusses the variant on a device without Google framework.
> 1 votes

# Answer
On Android, apps can be granted location via two types of permissions: `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION` and/or `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`

from https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android-sdk/location#location\_permissions

> android.permission.ACCESS\_COARSE\_LOCATION – Allows the API to use WiFi or mobile cell data (or both) to determine the device's location. The API returns the location with an accuracy approximately equivalent to a city block.
>
> android.permission.ACCESS\_FINE\_LOCATION – Allows the API to determine as precise a location as possible from the available location providers, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) as well as WiFi and mobile cell data.

So if the app is giving you the weather, all the app needs `ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION` which will give the user location good for a 10s of meters radius which is good enough to know where that person is for weather conditions. This level of accuracy can be done with WiFi or data via cellular towers.

If the app is a ride share app, then `ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION` is needed as will give the user location to a few meters. This will use GPS to get the location of the user.

So now we get to your question:

> is it possible to get location via a cellular network if the device doesnt have a data plan?

If the mobile device has no data plan via cellular network AND no data via WiFI then apps don't get `COARSE_LOCATION` without a distinct `Location Provider` (see @Izzy answer).

Note that at least in the United States carriers are required to support E911 which in an emergency is supposed to be able to provide location of the phone to emergency authorities.

If you are disconnected from any network Cellular, disconnected from WiFi and not using a specialized `Location Provider` then GPS will be able to get your location coordinates. Calculating those coordinates requires data which is provided in the signal from the satellites, but due to the low bandwidth will take many minutes. Coordinates alone doesn't make an app as any mapping app would need to pre-cache your map data (streets, landmarks, rivers, etc.) from when you did have data to when you don't have a data connection. Having a data connection will speed up the calculation for `FINE_LOCATION`.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There are two basic ways of geolocating a device:

1. Use a global navigation satellite system such as GPS, Glonass, Beidou, or Galileo. No data connection is required, but having one speeds up time to first fix.
2. Look for local radio transmitter IDs, and look these up in a database. The radio technology can be cellular, WiFi, or Bluetooth; the principle is the same.

If you do not carry the database on the device (the normal case), then you need a data connection of some sort. The data connection does not need to use the same set of transmitters used for the location lookup; you can look WiFi IDs using a cellular data connection, or you can lookup cellular IDs on a WiFi data connection.

If you carry the database on the device, you do not need a data connection. Lookup the ID on your local database, as in Izzy's answer.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gps, mobile-network, geolocation, 4g
---


# Question
Title: Weird folder keeps appearing in the internal memory
I have a *Redmi Note 3* Pro handset (2 years old) in which I am using AOSP Custom ROM (Android 8.1). For last 1 year, a weird empty folder is getting created randomly on my internal memory. I generally delete it if I notice it, but it again appears after few days. It does not do any visible harm in my device, but I want to know who is creating this folder and find out if their is any harmful process running all the time.

Throughout the last year, I have wiped my system, data, cache, delvik-cache partition several times for flashing different Custom Rom. But this folder never left me. Is their any way to monitor the internal memory to find out who (which app) is creating this folder when it will do the same next time? Or is there any system-log where I can find it out ? I have *Root-access* on my mobile and I can confirm that I have never given a suspicious app root-access. Most importantly, this folder is popping up from the time when I used to have my Stock MIUI Rom and no root access.

Here is a Screenshot with the concerned folder marked.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It looks like the folder which many developers use to store the image cache while parsing a json.

As can be seen from the folder name, the folder was introduced in some sort of tutorial or demo given to the developers who are trying to parse json in their apps. However, the takers of the tutorial continued to use the same code in their apps.

There's nothing to worry about this folder. It is just for caching the images and I believe it makes room in a number of Android apps.

---
Tags: file-system
---


# Question
Title: Is there any contact information on the SD card?
I found an sd card that was definitely in someone's android phone. Is there any file within the card that would have it's owner's info, so that I might contact them somehow and return what they've lost? Just going out of my way to be a good samaritan here....

# Answer
> 4 votes
Not by default, no. You can export contacts to the sdcard, but that would only contain "the owner" if they have themselves in their contacts. But you would also probably have no clue which one is them.

While it is a grand gesture on your part, I think you are the new owner of a used sdcard.

# Answer
> 1 votes
As Ryan said, you can export the contacts to the card, if you were to put the card in your phone you could potentially look at the contacts and maybe they have someone in their phone listed as "mom" or "girlfriend" or something that would help you identify them.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android by default doesn't save any personally identifiable info to the SD card, the system backs up/syncs important data to the web, not the SD card but there may be a chance that an app has saved something useful to there . Most apps store their main settings (which is where things like login names/email addresses would be) in the phone's internal memory, only using the SD card for storing larger files and cached data.

The most obvious would be to look for pictures, but depending how they use their camera, etc that may not be any help. They may have files with identifiable info in the `Download` folder, from saved email attachments, web pages, etc.

For some common apps that may be likely:

If they've used an app like LifeSaver to back up their call log or message log to their SD card, then you could open that and look for frequently contacted numbers. This would be a text file in a folder called `LifeSever` or `LifeSaver-F` that can be opened in Notepad.

If they use Dropbox, they may have saved files with useful info into the `Dropbox` folder.

Possibly the photos could be helpful

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just found someone using Spotify data on the SD card at path:

/Android/data/com.spotify.music/files/spotifycache/Users/\<10-digit-user-id\>-user

Then check the URL: https://open.spotify.com/user/\<10-digit-user-id\>

That was their Spotify account.

---
Tags: contacts, external-sd
---


# Question
Title: Unable to open HAXM device: ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
I am getting intel haxm error while running emulator. It was working 1 month back but stopped a while back. I tried a temporary solution to disable driver reinforcement which starts the emulator but it doesn't work in big app projects and whole app/emulator starts crashing. I have to disable driver reinforcement with each reboot to make it work. Not GOOD idea :/

Secondly, few guys said to enable vt in bios and I did that too but again same issue. Any suggestions?

**Error and PC Info is listed below**

# Answer
Had the same problem in windows 10, which was solved by disabling Hyper-v and reinstalling HAXM via SDK Manager\>SDK Tools\>Intel x86 Emulator Accelerator
> 2 votes

---
Tags: android-emulator, intel-haxm
---


# Question
Title: How to bypass system /signature level for a modified system apk?
I made a modification on a system app but it should be signed with the same certificate as the Firmware to work properly, is there any workaround to bypass this ?

# Answer
As far I know you need a custom firmware to do it (I guess you don't have access to the firmware keys to resign your apk) so:

* a) You can modify, compile and install your custom Android that skips the signing verification in apps that request to use the android.uid.system user or
* b) You can install a custom ROM signed with AOSP keys (most of the custom ROMs are signed using the testkeys from AOSP) and sign you app using the same key in order to get the system level (you can use keytool-importkeypair tool to create a keystore and used it on Android Studio or gradle
> 0 votes

# Answer
Hm.. I have CyanogenMod 12.1 and I just extract META-INF from original apk and add it in my custom system apk. All works properly
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, root-access, system-apps
---


title: Charger with long usb cable

text:
# Question
Title: Charger with long usb cable
I have ASUS ZENFONE 2 with model no ASUS\_Z00LD and type ZE550KL. I need a adapter and charging cable of at least 2 metre length. Google is not showing relevant results. How do I get one?

# Answer
If you cannot find a reference to one on the Asus website, then Asus does not make one. Also, longer cables cause loss of current and hence your phone will charge slower.

Most companies these days don't even sell their chargers and cables in open market. They are only bundled with the products and available via authorized service points. So, if you have an Asus point nearby, go check in there.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: charging
---


# Question
Title: Google Apps not responding even after factory reset
I have a very annoying problem with my phone's Google Apps, which I cannot resolve or even diagnose. It affects Google Play, Google Maps, Chrome, YouYube, Google Settings, Account managing, and probably other apps. All of these freeze when I try to access them and after a while the message "(App) isn't responding" appears. Interestingly, the Google app (the search engine), the Gmail app, and Google Translate function properly.

At first, I though I got a virus or some new update caused the problem, so I cleared the data of Google Play and restarted the phone. Unfortunately, for no avail. Next, I thought it's an Internet connection problem, however, other apps which need web access work fine (e.g. Evernote, Duolingo, a racing game /Top Drives/ that I play from time to time, and even my secondary browser /UC Browser/). For this reason, I took drastic measures and reset my phone to its factory settings (without restoring any previous data). Again - nothing. On top of everything, my battery suddenly started draining away faster than usual and I suspect Google Play services to be the cause of that. When I checked my Battery history, I saw that even under idle mode, Google Play is using CPU for something.

I should point that after I reset the phone, I entered *play.google.com* from my other browser and noticed that the site still thought that my old apps (the ones which I used to have before formatting my phone) were still installed on my device. Clearly, this means that Google Play and my phone don't synchronize properly.

At this stage, I'm left in the dark. I have no idea if the problem is software, hardware, or authorization related. I should point out that I borrowed an old smartphone from a friend of mine and was able to load a functional android configuration on it with my Gmail.

Does anyone know what may be the cause of this issue or who has experiences something similar? I already read all standard solutions listed on the Google Support forum and none of them worked.

PS My phone is Lenovo P1 Vibe, less then 2 years old. My Android version is 5.1. Last time I could use the phone normally was 2 days ago, when I watched a show on the Internet before going to bed. I noticed the problem after I charged it the next morning.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In case others have the same problem, I was able to solve mine by reinstalling the Android OS and giving Google access to all permission options which it asks for (e.g. using your location, collecting customary information about you, etc). In principle, the installation process gives you the right to forbid the mentioned options, however, when I did that the first time, the problem remained.

Frankly speaking, I would have liked if Google did not follow every movement of mine (like Big Brother in 1984), but at least now I can use my phone normally. It seems we should reconcile with the fact the our tech tools have permanently occupied our private lives.

---
Tags: google-play-services, system-freeze, diagnostics
---


# Question
Title: What Google services do the Google Pixel phones require using?
What Google services do the Google Pixel phones require using? Or can they be used without using Google products?

For example, do they require using a Google account? If so, do they require using the Google Play Store? What about Google Drive? Do they force syncing contacts and calendars to Google servers?

Can all the Google apps be disabled on them?

When answering please specify if your answer applies to the original Pixel or the Pixel 2, or (if you know) both.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This applies to both Pixel devices. The first time you start the phone, you'll be asked to sync it with a Google account.

Google Play Store is optional. You can download third-party apps on the devices.

You will not be asked to sync contacts or calendar to Google servers.

But it only makes sense to buy the Google Pixel if you're fine with using a Google account.

---
Tags: google-play-store, gmail, google, google-pixel, google-pixel-2
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to activate MTP connection on a phone with broken screen?
My phone's screen is broken and when I connect it to my laptop via USB it is in "Charge only" mode. I need to get my data out of the phone so I was wondering if there was any way to activate "MTP" or even USB debugging. Can starting the phone in the recovery mode help?

# Answer
If the broken screen still shows the display, I recommend connecting it to a a USB optical mouse with an OTG connector.

Try using `adb` if that is not case, but it works only when USB debugging is turned on.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: data-recovery, broken-screen
---


# Question
Title: Showing make not found on adb shell, How to install make on Android
While installing a wifi usb driver on android, I run a shell command (sh install.sh) on adb shell but getting the following error

**sush: make: not found Authentication requested \[root\] for make driver: sush: make: not found Compile make driver error: 127 Please check error Mesg**

I was trying to run it on the Terminal IDE but got the same problem. **can anyone please tell me how to solve this problem (installing make on android)?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
The install script you are trying to run is intended for use on a Linux desktop system -- it requires a compiler toolchain to be available.

It cannot be used on an Android device. Hardware drivers cannot generally be installed onto Android devices.

---
Tags: adb
---


# Question
Title: What are physical partitions on Android device?
I'm new to Android system. I'm trying to understand how it is installed to internal memory to eventually have it fully backed up and capable to be restored. To accomplish it I need to know what to back up. Is /data & /system partitions all I have to care of? One of my root apps list these partitions on my device:

```
/mnt/media_rw/xxxx-xxxx (mounted external SD card, Idk how to treat it)
/data 5.51GB
/system 1.08GB
/cache 534.12MB
/fsg 1.5MB
/firmware 64MB
/persist 8MB
/pds 3MB

```
1. What is the full list of physical partitions on Android device?
2. Can the list differ between devices?
3. TWRP, Titanium, oandbackup and (adb backub/restore) do not create full backups of Android device (system with data). What is a complete solution on Android devices similar to Acronis True Image on PC systems?

# Answer
The list certainly differs between devices, and thus no exhaustive list can be provided.

For most if not all devices, there is no need to backup partitions other than `system` (system), `data` (user data), `boot` (kernel) and `vendor` (for Treble devices, a separate `vendor` stores hardware drivers, etc.).

Many of those extra partitions are not user-accessible and/or store data for non-OS components (e.g. `modem` for baseband, `logo` for 1st splash logo on boot), and no procedure would touch them in daily use other than system updates. On top of that, without root access you will not be able to perform full backup/restore even on `data`.

Currently the common way of doing a full-enough backup is just backing up the ones listed in the backup menu from TWRP, which already covers more than just "system with data" as you required. Depending on the maintainer/builder of the TWRP in use, other partitions might also be available for backup/restore, though for the reason above there's no point in doing so (and is why most TWRP builds choose to hide them).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup, restore, partitions
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on Android?
I have obtained a copy of the current version of the database of the WhatsApp instance running on my phone. I can see that deleted messages do not show up, and that there are missing IDs corresponding to those messages.

I have not checked, but I assume that the crypt12 backup files on sdcard0 do not contain these messages either. These backups are generated daily.

I have seen plenty of apps that claim to undelete WhatsApp messages. I can understand how a message that is not part of the current database version can be recovered if it is present on one of the backups.

However, is it reasonable to expect these apps to recover messages that have been removed so quickly that they have not been backed up?

Does Android allow some sort of low level hardware access to try and find data that has been marked as deleted, just like data recovery tools such as testdisk?

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you've saved the conversations then I think that they can be found saved within the WhatsApp directory in phone storage, this can be accessed using the file explorer.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: After moving gatekeeper.pattern.key to unlock, Settings>Security keeps crashing
**Context**: I forgot my unlock pattern, so I used TWRP and ADB to move `gatekeeper.password.key` and `gatekeeper.pattern.key` to `/sdcard`, so now I am able to use my phone again :-)

**Problem**: I want to set a new pattern, but whenever I go to `Settings`\>`Security` and press `Screen lock`, it crashes:

How to solve the problem?

I restarted, cleared all apps cache, wiped the cache partition from TWRP, booted in safe mode, always crash. I am afraid that if I move the files back the situation will get even worse, or at best it will ask me for the pattern that I still can't remember.

Android 7.1.2 LineageOS

# Answer
1. In a web browser (on any device), log into Gmail with the account you used when setting up your phone.
2. Go to https://myaccount.google.com/intro/find-your-phone
3. Press "Lock your phone"
4. Enter "abcd"
5. Your phone's screen is now locked. Unlock it with "abcd"
6. You can now change your screen lock.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: settings, lock-screens, crashes, locked-out, lineageos
---


title: Limit Access to Safe Mode, Android 8.0+

text:
# Question
Title: Limit Access to Safe Mode, Android 8.0+
I'm a parent, using an accountability app (MMGuardian) to limit access to certain games and apps on a Nexus 5X. The child phone is running Android 8.1.0. MMGuardian can't stop a child from rebooting into safe mode for 7.0+, and the child using this phone has figured that out.

I'm looking for a solution that either holds the child accountable, or prevents access to safe mode altogether. Here are ideas I've thought of:

* Custom lock screen that sends the parent pin to the OS when the child pin is entered. When rebooted in safe mode, lock screen wouldn't start and the child wouldn't know the parent pin.
* Some kind of app that sends an sms to the parent phone when the child phone reboots. If possible, include whether or not the child phone was previously in safe mode. (Nine Mail app turns off all sync functionality if the phone was rebooted in safe mode. How does it know!?)

Unfortunately, since I'm not an android developer I don't know if apps like that exist or are possible to write.

Does anyone have suggestions for apps I can install or settings I can change that would either

A) Prevent starting in safe mode.

OR

B) Notify me, when the child phone has started in safe mode?

# Answer
you can use any number of kiosk apps to do this. I'm really not sure what they require or how they work, but they're designed for companies to lock down features for employees etc. as such they're somewhat spendy for Android apps, but I did see at least one for $30/year including tech support.

sorry I can't give you more info, but look in the Play Store for "kiosk" and take a look. I'm currently researching the same thing.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: security, 8.0-oreo, safe-mode
---


# Question
Title: How to wipe data on a bootloader-locked, broken screen, Nexus 6P
I want to sell my Nexus 6P for parts, but I want to wipe it first. The screen of my Nexus 6P broke (internally, the touchscreen MIGHT be fine, idk). The phone is full-disk encrypted with a PIN and the bootloader is locked (no root). I can't fully boot the phone since it will be stuck on the FDE pin entry.

As we know the Nexus 6P does not have external monitor support \- so this is not an option. I do have ADB and Fastboot access, but commands like

```
fastboot erase userdata

```

are blocked, since the bootloader is locked. Also various `adb shell` commands did not work.

## What I tried:

### ADB Shell: Recovery --wipe\_data

```
adb shell
recovery --wipe_data
/system/bin/sh: recovery: not found

```

source

### ADB Shell: Wipe Data

```
adb shell
wipe data
/system/bin/sh: wipe: not found

```

source

### Fastboot: Wipe

```
adb devices       # Check the phone is running
adb reboot bootloader
# Wait a few seconds
fastboot devices  # Check the phone is in bootloader
fastboot -w       # Wipe user data
Erasing 'userdata'   FAILED (remote: device is locked. Cannot erase)

```

source

### Fastboot: Erase

```
adb devices       # Check the phone is running
adb reboot bootloader
# Wait a few seconds
fastboot devices  # Check the phone is in bootloader
fastboot erase userdata
Erasing 'userdata'   FAILED (remote: device is locked. Cannot erase)

```

source

So the question is, what are my options to wipe my phone?

# Answer
I finally got it to work. The base of the solution was to use adb screen casting. I was lucky, the apk was installed and I could remote control the device and made a OS factory reset.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: adb, factory-reset, fastboot, broken-screen, nexus-6p
---


title: USB OTG Extension Cable and DAC

text:
# Question
Title: USB OTG Extension Cable and DAC
I am trying to get audio through my USB DAC on various tablets with OTG functionality and I don't know why it's not working!

First off. It works just find when I use the OTG adapter straight to the tablet, however, I want to power the devices separately to reduce the power draw on the tablet so I have instead created a Y cable which externally powers my DAC. The DAC has power, however, the tablet will not send power through the DAC in this configuration.

The cable itself is working great. I have tested it using my phone and the DAQ works perfectly on it, however, on 6 different tablets now I have had NO LUCK!

Any ideas as to why the tablets are not sending the audio over USB DAC when the USB DAC is externally powered?

The Cable has the red AND black wires snipped so there is no power coming from the tablet. I am wondering if the tablets need the black wire to be connected for some reason? My phone is USB-C while the tablets are all Micro USB.

Any help or thoughts are appreciated!

# Answer
Solved!

I went home and soldered a piece of wire between the two cut negative wires and now the extension cable works! I assume it has something to do with grounding out the ID wire in the micro usb. In anycase, SOLVED! Yay!

So as summary, I have an extension cable which allows my devices to get external power while still receiving signal from the tablet. The reason for this is to minimize power draw on the tablet and to extend battery life.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: usb, charging, usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: How to add custom language layout inside Gboard (Google Keyboard), created by me
The problem is that I want to use modified layout for Google Keyboard and use it inside Gboard app (because of its features).

I don't want to:

Does anyone know how to edit Gboard `.xml` files maybe? Or do it officially through plugin or some code? PS. I can code.

# Answer
It's very easy - just follow the instructions below:

Open Settings/Language and Input/Gboard/Languages/(Your Language);

Then scroll the keyboard to the right and select whichever input layout suits you best.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, gboard
---


# Question
Title: Restrict permissons when app is in background
Is there any app, tool, ROM, etc. for Android that lets you restrict selected individual permissions of an app, ONLY when it is in the background?

This should function similarly to the "Restrict background data" feature that help reduce mobile data usage by preventing background apps from using network resources.

For example, you may want an app to have access to your location when you're actively using it, but you don't want it to keep the GPS on in the background, either because it drains the battery and/or is tracking your movements.

Same thing with other permissions like accessing the microphone and camera; because it is very rare for most people to intentionally record audio/video/photos from a background app. Other examples are: send SMS, reading/modifying contacts, write to internal/external storage.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you haven't rooted yet, go to your sercurity and see the permissions If you have rooted, just use Rom toolbox

# Answer
> 0 votes
My way of getting around the problem is as easy as it gets, because there is no requirement of any kind of rooting or installing a custom ROM. All you have to do is:

1. Open Settings/About Phone;
2. Then click on build version until you become a developer.
3. Now, Open Settings/Developer Options;
4. Scroll down until you find background processes limit - set it to disable background processes.

This should do the trick!

---
Tags: permissions, privacy, background-process
---


# Question
Title: I have restricted background data but i am still getting whatsapp and facebook messages,,, am using an android 8.1 oreo
I have restricted background data but i am still getting Whatsapp and Facebook messages notifications.

I'm using an android 8.1 Oreo.

# Answer
Push messages are usually not received by the app itself, but by the Google Push Notification Service (part of the "Google \[Play\] Services"). This prevents that every app have to built their own notification system which would cost a lot of battery and traffic.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: notifications, settings
---


# Question
Title: Canceling the sending of a queued email in Gmail for Android
How do I cancel the sending of a queued email in Gmail (Android)? The conversation is in the outbox and I don't see an option for deleting the message alone. I'd like not to have to delete the whole conversation.

I am temporarily in China where Google is blocked and I want to rewrite an email I had written and tried to send.

# Answer
> 12 votes
I didn't try Matthew's solution but it seems the safer solution to try first.

If that doesn't work though, I deleted the entire conversation *from the outbox*, having given up on trying to keep the conversation. I was surprised to find that this only deleted the queued message. The rest of the conversation stayed intact in my inbox.

# Answer
> 4 votes
One way would be to clear the data for Gmail via the Settings app.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'm at Boston/Logan airport and have the same issue. Went to Gmail settings, turn off Auto Snyc,roll the days counter to 1 or 2,and do a manual sync. Worked for me, this issue only since marshmallow update 2 weeks ago.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I figured out how to delete a stuck queued email. Open tbe main menu list from the button at the top left and go to Outbox. The stuck queued email will be there and easy to delete.

# Answer
> 0 votes
For me none of the posted solutions worked. But what did work after trying everything else, was phone settings, disable battery saving mode. There must be some configuration there that causes messages to queue.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try to press and hold and the option will appear. I did mine through this.

---
Tags: email, gmail, offline
---


# Question
Title: Touch screen on tablet suddenly not working
This seemingly related question isn't relevant, as it concerns a replaced screen, and this question involves an intermittent problem.

My tablet suddenly stopped responding to touch. I haven't dropped it or otherwise damaged it. It does respond to a USB keyboard, although it is extremely inconvenient to do so. I factory rest it, but he problem persists.

It's a no-name, and not worth having it repaired. Can anyone think of any software options which might get it working again?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try force restarting it at least for 2-3 time... if it still doesn't respond, then use a clear bag by filling it with raw rice and leave your tab in it for a few days.

---
Tags: tablet, touchscreen
---


title: Screen Overlay Terror

text:
# Question
Title: Screen Overlay Terror
My phone has recently started a glitch with the screen overly prompt coming up whenever I try to access some of my apps. I can't do anything anymore - there's this floating app I have. I thought it was share it until I deleted it, but the problem persists. It takes me back right where I started over and over and over again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same issue and I already know the solution, so if you start an app and it shows the the **screen overlay** text then you will have to open settings and try switching off all the apps which consists **screen overlay**. And if you won't get me, then you can just dm me the ss of your display screen and I can help you further.

---
Tags: screen, permissions, overlay
---


# Question
Title: Cannot restore an adb backup due to a tarball with a broken header
I have two devices that have Android 5.0.2 and 6.0.1 respectively. I would like to migrate some non-cloud apps from the device with the older Android version to the new one using `adb`. The backing up command is simple:

```
adb backup -apk -f foo.bar.baz.ab foo.bar.baz

```

Now, after connecting the device with the newer Android version, the following command is expected to work:

```
adb restore foo.bar.baz.ab

```

Unfortunately it isn't. As usual, the restoring process fails silently just reporting that the restoring process is ended. Actually nothing really happens. Here are the logs:

```
adb logcat -s BackupManagerService

```

> 08-27 01:02:44.100 1300 2300 I BackupManagerService: Beginning full restore...
> 08-27 01:02:44.100 1300 2300 D BackupManagerService: Starting restore confirmation UI, token=1956031088
> 08-27 01:02:44.120 1300 2300 D BackupManagerService: Waiting for full restore completion...
> 08-27 01:02:45.650 1300 2450 D BackupManagerService: acknowledgeFullBackupOrRestore : token=1956031088 allow=true
> 08-27 01:02:45.660 1300 18181 I BackupManagerService: --- Performing full-dataset restore ---
> 08-27 01:02:45.680 1300 18181 I BackupManagerService: Package foo.bar.baz not installed; requiring apk in dataset
> 08-27 01:02:45.680 1300 18181 D BackupManagerService: APK file; installing
> 08-27 01:02:45.680 1300 18181 D BackupManagerService: Installing from backup: foo.bar.baz
> 08-27 01:02:45.690 1300 18181 E BackupManagerService: Unable to transcribe restored apk for install
> 08-27 01:02:45.690 1300 18181 E BackupManagerService: Parse error in header: Invalid number in header: 'я╛В' for radix 8
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: io exception on restore socket read
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: java.io.IOException: Invalid number in header: 'я╛В' for radix 8
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService$PerformAdbRestoreTask.extractRadix(BackupManagerService.java:7380)
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService$PerformAdbRestoreTask.readTarHeaders(BackupManagerService.java:7179)
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService$PerformAdbRestoreTask.restoreOneFile(BackupManagerService.java:6396)
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: at com.android.server.backup.BackupManagerService$PerformAdbRestoreTask.run(BackupManagerService.java:6254)
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 18181 W BackupManagerService: at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:818)
> 08-27 01:02:45.710 1300 2300 I BackupManagerService: Full restore processing complete.
> 08-27 01:02:45.720 1300 18181 D BackupManagerService: Full restore pass complete.

It looks somewhat strange that the same backup format cannot be restored on a newer device. I've also tried to repack the underlying tarball using `nelenkov/android-backup-extractor` preserving the same file order (`tar cvf ... -T files.lst`) hoping that the broken header gets repaired. No luck.

What does cause such a backup/restore behavior and how do I resolve the issue to migrate the application from the older device to the newer one? Any help is **highly** appreciated and thanks in advance.

* Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.31
* LG Optimus E975, Android 5.0.2, CyanogenMod 12-2015...
* Samsung Galaxy S5, Android 6.0.2, flashed to a newer Sprint stock firmware (initially Android 5.0.x earlier)

# Answer
> 2 votes
After a whole day of various experiments with another tools like TitaniumBackup (neither worked nice, TB was only able to restore APKs, not data) I've figured out that specifying the `-apk` key was the problem. Simply omitting the flag during a backup operation makes it fully restorable.

So my new backup/restore plan became as follows:

* device 1: backup data only
* device 2: backup APK+data retaining the APK only later (requires `nelenkov/android-backup-exractor` by Nikolay Elenkov; can be easily built using JDK 1.8.x and Gradle 2.7 (couldn't build it using Gradle 2.7+ and Gradle 3.0+) with simple `gradle` command)
* device 2: restore the APK using `adb install`
* device 2: restore the data using `adb restore`

Here are the scripts:

### backup.sh

```
#!/bin/bash

set -e

PACKAGE=$1

if [ -z "$PACKAGE" ]; then
    echo no package specified
    exit
fi

echo ">>> Backing up $PACKAGE data..."
adb backup -f "$PACKAGE".DATA.ab $PACKAGE

echo ">>> Backing up $PACKAGE APK..."
adb backup -apk -f "$PACKAGE".APK.ab $PACKAGE

echo ">>> Extracting APK..."
java -jar abe-all.jar unpack "$PACKAGE".APK.ab "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar
rm "$PACKAGE".APK.ab
APK_FILENAME=$(basename $(tar tf "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar | grep '^apps/'"$PACKAGE"'/a/'))
tar xvf "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar -C ./ "apps/$PACKAGE/a/$APK_FILENAME" --strip-components=3
mv "$APK_FILENAME" "$PACKAGE".apk
rm "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar

echo
echo "*************"
echo "*** Done ***"
echo "*************"

```

This script requires a package name as the input parameter and stores an APK and its data as `foo.bar.apk` and `foo.bar.DATA.ab` respectively. I also implemented it as a twice-backup script (a device asks for making a backup two times) because I didn't want to re-pack underlying tarballs preserving the original file order just making sure that the `DATA.ab` file is in its original state.

### restore.sh

```
#!/bin/bash

set -e

PACKAGE=$1

if [ -z "$PACKAGE" ]; then
    echo no package specified
    exit
fi

echo ">>> Installing $PACKAGE APK..."
adb install -r $PACKAGE.apk

echo ">>> Restoring $PACKAGE data..."
adb restore $PACKAGE.DATA.ab

echo
echo "*************"
echo "*** Done ***"
echo "*************"

```

This script simply installs an APK on a target device and restores its data. The only input parameter is the application package name.

So the overall backup/restore process is:

* Connect device #1
* Execute `backup.sh` passing an application package name
* Click "Backup..." on the device #1 (one will be asked two times for the data and APK+data backups respectively)
* Repeat the previous two steps for other packages if necessary
* Disconnect the device #1 and connect the device #2
* Execute `restore.sh` passing an application package name
* Click "Restore..." on the device #2 once asked
* Repeat the previous two steps for other packages if necessary

# Answer
> 2 votes
I just want to add to your answer, for people going from KitKat (4.4) to Nougat (7.1). (BTW, I finally came across your question/answer after 2 days of fighting with this, thanks a ton)

There are various bugs in adb from version 1.0.32+ when trying to backup, but version 1.0.31 works great. However, you seem to need 1.0.36 to restore to Nougat.

To Backup: platform-tools\_r20 (You MUST set a password)

To Restore: platform-tools\_r25.0.3 (No password needed)

As such, I added to your script a bit... (you'll need to add symlinks for adb-1.0.31 and adb-1.0.36)

### backup.sh

```
#!/bin/bash

set -e

DEVICE=$1
PACKAGE=$2
PASSWD=$3

if [ -z "$PACKAGE" ]; then
    echo no package specified
    exit
fi

echo ">>> Backing up $PACKAGE data..."
adb-1.0.31 -s $DEVICE backup -f "$PACKAGE".DATA.ab $PACKAGE

sleep 5

echo ">>> Backing up $PACKAGE APK..."
adb-1.0.31 -s $DEVICE backup -apk -f "$PACKAGE".APK.ab $PACKAGE

echo ">>> Extracting APK..."
java -jar abe.jar unpack "$PACKAGE".APK.ab "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar $PASSWD
rm "$PACKAGE".APK.ab
APK_FILENAME=$(basename $(tar tf "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar | grep '^apps/'"$PACKAGE"'/a/'))
tar xvf "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar -C ./ "apps/$PACKAGE/a/$APK_FILENAME" --strip-components=3
mv "$APK_FILENAME" "$PACKAGE".apk
rm "$PACKAGE".APK.ab.tar

echo
echo "*************"
echo "*** Done ***"
echo "*************"

```

### restore.sh

```
#!/bin/bash

set -e

DEVICE=$1
PACKAGE=$2

if [ -z "$PACKAGE" ]; then
    echo no package specified
    exit
fi

echo ">>> Installing $PACKAGE APK..."
adb-1.0.36 -s $DEVICE install -r $PACKAGE.apk

echo ">>> Restoring $PACKAGE data..."
adb-1.0.36 -s $DEVICE restore $PACKAGE.DATA.ab

echo
echo "*************"
echo "*** Done ***"
echo "*************"

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
I got the same error when to `.ab` file I packed `.7z` archive instead of `.tar`. I used 7z.exe, so changing command from:

```
7z.exe a -t7z app.package.name.7z app.package.name

```

to:

```
7z.exe a -ttar app.package.name.tar app.package.name

```

helped. Regards.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I know it's not a direct answer to your question, but other people may be in the same situation and looking for a similar solution:

This bit me today as well during a Lineage 14.1-\>15.1 upgrade. ADB 1.0.39 does not really seem to improve the situation.

I did not want to use old adb versions, but wanted it to be simple and open source.

I found oandbackup (https://f-droid.org/en/packages/dk.jens.backup/) to do exactly what I want. Just select all user apps, backup apk+data, copy the whole folder to the other phone, restore all apps+apks, and voila, (nearly) everything back as it should be. Account entries (imapnotes, davdroid) have not worked, and backing up the "account" app added an invisible imapnotes account which did not work and could not be re-added. Had to delete app data and re-add the account manually. So I would not recommend backing up account info.

Other than that, I am happy.

I used to use adebar (https://github.com/IzzySoft/Adebar) which was perfect, but now that adb backup/restore do not work reliable, it also does not work.

Every adb version creates different error messages:

`DefContainer: Failed to parse package` or

`Unable to transcribe restored apk for install`

Hopefully some search engine will pick these strings up.

---
Tags: adb, backup, restore
---


# Question
Title: I can't use the sd card to download apps
I just got a new phone but when I try to download something it says insufficient space but my sd card has plenty. How do I fix this?

# Answer
Your SD card can be as big as possible, but Android won't use it. It's not safe for Android to assume your external SD card is always accessible.
Depending on your Android version, your internal storage is shared with your device storage i.e: Applications will not use less storage even if you move them to your SD card.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can try the following;

1. Clear cache or app data.
2. Uninstall unused app.
3. Root your device and use link2sd
4. If your device used MTK processor, try to repartition your internal storage.
> 0 votes

# Answer
When you find some app on google-play-store and install it, the apk is downloaded to /data/local, i.e. to your internal-storage. You can't change that. Its after this your settings come into picture, your if have set to install it on sdcard it installs to sdcard.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I did this steps in my Zenfone 5, so I'm pretty sure it'll work. (WARNING : You will void your warranty!)

1. Root your device. Then I suggest to take a full backup with Titanium Backup.
2. Repartition your SD card, add 1 ext3 or ext4 partition. You can use TWRP or CWM. (WARNING : It will destroy your SDcard contents! Make a backup first!)
3. Install Link2SD from Play Store. Select your second partition type, based on what you choose at step 2.
4. Open settings, look for auto link, enable. (Can't remember the exact name ...)
5. If you want, you can link already installed apps to your sdcard.

After this, when you installed new application, it will be symlinked to your sdcard's second partition. Enjoy extra space.

Or better, remove all bloatware with titanium backup. Or use unbloated custom rom.

Your choice. Your warranty has been voided anyway.
> 0 votes

# Answer
If you have a newer version of android, you can format the SD card to act as internal storage. This essentially acts as additional internal storage and can be extended to whatever your phone is capable of supporting. This should solve your storage issue.

If you have a phone with an android version not compatible with this, you may be able to move some apps that are taking a lot of space, however they will open a lot slower once they're on your external memory.
> 0 votes

# Answer
This occurs due to lack of space in your device. If you transfer data in your phone (Apps, Images, Music files, etc.) into the SD card space will be free on your device and then you can install more apps. In the following way you can transfer applications into your SD card.

> Settings → Apps → On SD Card → Select the app → Move to SD Card

In this way you can transfer the installed apps in your phone to the SD card. Then you'll be able to install apps. Do the same thing for newly installed apps too to make sure you have enough space in your phone at anytime.

Note that "If you remove the SD card then the apps transferred into the SD card will not work"
> 0 votes

# Answer
From the settings you will have to go to storage settings and then you will have to enable the sd card storage which would probably allow you to install all the apps and other downloads easily on sd card nd I would also prefer to buy an card with larger space in it.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You may put your SD card to another phone. If it doesn't work either,then it means that your SD card may be crashed. In this way, you have to format the SD card and replug it to check it out. Make sure you have tick " Save new apps to SD card"option on your phone. Hope this can help you.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, sd-card, insufficient-memory
---


title: Internal storage to SD card issues

text:
# Question
Title: Internal storage to SD card issues
I have an Alcatel-4060A mobile and the internal storage is forever full. I only have two games and maybe 4 pics downloaded. Since I buy an 8 GB sd card. It only lets me download 4 apps on sd . Also says I'VE still got 7.28GB free on sd card. Won't let me download anymore apps. Please Help!

# Answer
> 0 votes
From the settings you will have to go to storage settings and then you will have to enable the **sd card storage** which would probably allow you to install all the apps and other downloads easily on sd card nd I would also prefer to buy an card with larger space in it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You should check if there is an option "format sd-card as internal" or similar. If you enable it the storage of your device and the sd-card will be joined.

WARNING: One you format your sd-card as internal memory you will no longer be able to remove or replace the sd-card. Removing the sd-card will cause a (complete) data loss!

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Possible to create offline (local/non-synced) contacts in Android Oreo 8.1?
In Android Oreo 8.1 (on a Motorola device), is it possible to create offline (aka "local" or "non-synced") contacts?

This was fairly easy on previous Android versions, but I'm not seeing a way to do it on Android Oreo 8.1.

On Oreo 8.1, everything seems to get synced to an account.

# Answer
> 2 votes
On Android devices without an option to save contacts locally (either to the phone or the SIM), you can use FJ Software's MyLocalAccount (which you can choose to sync to your Google account or not as you wish).

# Answer
> 1 votes
**Edit:** It seems that Motorola's Contact app has no support to add offline contacts. I tried installing the APK of Contacts from Motorola and it doesn't show SIM or Phone as an option to save contacts.

However, it does show (in search and normal listing) the contacts which are already stored on the phone or SIM.

So, what you can do is to use a 3rd party contacts app to add contacts on your phone. Then you can continue to use the stock contacts app to access them and dial.

Google contacts is a nice app which closely resembles Moto contacts, but does come with the ability to store contacts on the device.

**Original answer and mostly irrelevant:** Leaving just because there are comments related to it.

When creating a new contact, you will have the options to choose where to save the contact.

Simply choose *Phone* or *SIM* from the *Saving to* drop-down and you should be good to go. Here's how it looks on my Nokia 7. It is on Android 8.1 as well. I know the Motorola implementation will slightly vary, but it will be overall the same.

---
Tags: contacts, sync, google-contacts, offline
---


# Question
Title: Can I use ext4 on my SD card in a non-rooted phone?
I know that on a rooted phone, it's reasonably normal to create a small ext4 partition for App2SD to use, but I'm not asking about that case: I have a non-rooted HTC Desire running Froyo, and I'd like to format the whole of my SD card as ext4 instead of FAT. I'm aware that this will mean that Windows PCs won't be able to use the card, but all my PCs run Linux so they should be fine. Will the phone be able to access and use the card in this case?

# Answer
ext4 should be supported if you have an upgrade to 2.3 or 3.0 Android (I see that your post is from just before the 2.3 & 3.0 releases...).

...and when btrFS is added to Android, it has a nice mount-option ",ssd" with wear-levelling etc that ext4 doesn't have... and more speed than ext4 now, esp if you use ",compress=lzo" OR ",space\_cache" in fstab (but don't use compression WITH the space\_cache option, only use 1 or the other or else it slows to a crawl in some benchmarks) -- and that speed comes despite btrFS checksumming of all data (not only of the journals, as ext4 does). :-)
> 4 votes

# Answer
I actually had my sdcard on ext4 and got it mounted permanent at boot time (I have root on my phone).

The biggest problem was that the apps don’t expect permission checking on /sdcard, but extX enforces this (no mount option around this). So if one app stores e.g. some audio there and calls another subcomponent to play it, it fails.

The same is true for photos (camera shots them, some previewer might want to access them).

You can manually fix this, but you have to run after every new file created... There would be an nice real solution to this, but it requires system modification: let the apps run with umask(002) instead of 022. Android is UPG (User Private Groups), so there is no big harm in doing so. – Now the apps could choose if they want to expose files to others by setting the group to “sdcard“, or not. This would also add to an enforced separation where the apps want it.
> 5 votes

# Answer
It appears that the answer is "no" :(. I was asking because I have a new card to go in the phone, so I thought I'd just try it -- it didn't work. When I ask the phone to mount its card, it goes straight to saying "SD card safe to remove."

Oh well.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Short answer: **no**.

Although on Android 5 `cat /proc/filesystems` shows that `ext4` is supported it seems that only `FAT32` and `exFAT (FAT64)` are supported on non-rooted devices. I've tried mounting 64GB micro SD card as exFAT without any success.

Using `fdisk` you can format your card to FAT32 (files over 4GB are not supported):

`$ fdisk -H 224 -S 56 /dev/mmcblk0`

* `d` delete previous partition
* `n` new partition, then select primary one `p` and default sector start e.g to `2048`
* `t` set `c` for FAT32
* (here you can save few sectors by going to expert mode `x` and moving begin of partition `b`)
* `w` write changes

Then format to FAT32, using your number of reserved sectors (`2048`)

`$ mkfs.vfat -F 32 -s 32 -R 2048 -v /dev/mmcblk0p1`

* `-F 32` for FAT32
* `-s 32` cluster size expressed as sectors, so 32 x 512 bytes = 16KB clusters
* `-R 2048` number of reserved sectors

This way 64GB card can be mounted using FAT32, I didn't mange to find any working formatting for exFAT or ext4.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I tried LineageOS 14.1(android 7.1.2), it support sdcard(tf-card) formatted in ext4. Though it format sdcard to vfat defaultly, if you don't make any patch. The easiest way is to format the sdcard with ext4 using a external usb-sdcard-adapter, then insert the sdcard into phone with LineageOS installed.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, ext4
---


# Question
Title: FLAC files getting corrupted on microSD card
Whenever I put a FLAC album on my phone, after a few days some of the tracks get corrupted. They show errors when I bring them onto my PC and use the command line function `flac -t *.flac`. While most tracks result in an `ok`, some result in errors such as `FLAC__STREAM_DECODER_ERROR_STATUS_LOST_SYNC` or `FLAC__STREAM_DECODER_ERROR_STATUS_FRAME_CRC_MISMATCH`. I am using LineageOS 15.1 (July 23 build) on my SM-G900P with a genuine SanDisk 128GB Extreme PLUS microSD card formatted as adopted/internal storage. I read somewhere about a LOST.DIR folder being used as a recycling bin for corrupted files or something like that, but I don't seem to have that folder.

Is this an issue with Samsung, Android, LineageOS, Poweramp (my music player), or my SD card? I really hope it's not an SD card issue because I don't feel like spending so much time formatting/moving a ton of data around.

Thanks.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This is almost certainly an SD card issue, especially since initially the files are fine and not corrupt, and get that way over time. Your device and it's applications will only read the data from the SD card, not change it or write to it anyway. There is a very slim chance that the card reader in your phone is defective, but I think a safe bet would be the card itself is failing.

This is the most definitive answer I can offer with the information given.

I am not normally one to recommend a specific brand here, but my personal experience with SanDisk has been very disappointing in terms of reliability in multiple product lines they carry. I would recommend moving away from SanDisk and trying perhaps a Samsung EVO+ series card.

---
Tags: sd-card, samsung-galaxy-s-5, lineageos, adoptable-storage, poweramp
---


# Question
Title: "You must be a primary user to find this device" on Android Device Manager
Whenever I try to locate my new phone in the Android Device Manager, the following text is showed up:

Thing is, I *am* logged in as the primary Google account that my device uses. I also have the remote options in `Google Settings > Security` set to On, and the "Android Device Manager" checked in `Settings > Security > Select Admins`.

I don't really know what's going on, I've tried everything. Can someone help me? My phone is a Moto G2 XT1069, retail version.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android Device Manager won't locate the device if it's currently not logged-in as the primary user. This applies to devices which support multi-user, including the default guest account on Android Lollipop.

Change the current user to your Google account *on your device* and try again.

In case it's still occurring on Android Lollipop, then try removing the guest account (refer to this question) and try again. It might be a bug related to guest mode.

---

Reference: Artem S. Lebedev's troubleshooting on Android Device Manager shows "No Active Devices" - Nexus 5 - Lollipop 5.1

> Action: Switch to Guest Account in Lollipop interface.
> State: ADM says that you must be a primary user.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had this message while trying to locate my phone from the web interface. I do the message "You must be a primary user to find this device." with a link to Googles Timeline Maps feature.

Once I found my phone, and using the link provided by Anderson Linhares I was able to fix it by clearing data for the Google Play Store and Google Play Services.

I rebooted and opened the Play Store to sync back up. I got full functionality from the web interface afterwards. In my case, the rest of the instructions don't seem necessary.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In case you have more than one google account on the same phone you should remove it. for me and my Galaxy S8, the problem was having the **Secure Folder** enabled and inside it defined my **Google Account** too. I had to go to *Secure Folder\>Settings\>Accounts* and remove the Google Account.

# Answer
> -2 votes
Even though it wasn't the same problem, I solved this by following these steps:

Phone not appearing in Android Device Manager

---
Tags: android-device-manager
---


# Question
Title: How do I exclude a subfolder in DCIM from Google Photos backup?
I set Google Photos to automatically back up pictures and videos I take and nothing else. I use an Xperia phone and it comes with a feature to take "Time Shift" photo which is essentially just a series of rapidly taken pictures. It's stored under the "XPERIA" folder inside "DCIM". The problem is it doesn't show up in the setting to exclude folders. And it also gets uploaded to Google Photos, so I'm often flooded with pictures (remember, it's multiple rapidly taken photos) that I don't really need backed up. I can't move the folder either as it is hard coded into the Xperia's system.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I managed this by creating a `.nomedia` file in the subfolder. In your case I think this should be

```
  - DCIM
    - XPERIA
      - .nomedia

```

I used ES File Explorer File Manager to create the file but I think you can use the native file explorer if you copy an existing text file and rename it.

The `.nomedia` tells the android media scanner to ignore the folder which stops Google Photo from showing or uploading any files.

A side-effect of this is that **most apps will no longer be able to view files in the subfolder**.

If you still wanted easy access to the time shift photos you could either install a gallery app that ignores the `.nomedia` file or set up a Tasker profile to watch the subfolder and move new files outside of the `DCIM` folder (e.g. Pictures folder?).

---
Tags: backup, 5.1-lollipop, sony-xperia, google-photos
---


# Question
Title: stuck at "updating partition details" while installing magisk
so I have a moto 4 plus running android 7 that I am having trouble with running twrp. I am following a guide to root it by unlocking the bootloader, flashing twrp (temporarily) and then flash Magisk-v16.0.zip. this is where I found this guide:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-e4-plus/how-to/root-twrp-motorola-moto-e4-plus-xt1775-t3791064

I have one identical phone (I think they have identical build number) that I can do this without any problems. The other phone that I have problem with, twrp keeps getting stuck at "updating partition details." This happens when I try to do a back up so I have to skip it and try installing magisk.zip again and it got stuck again at "updating partition details." I am afraid if I try to turn it off now I may brick the phone.

I tried asking this at the forum where I got the instruction from but had no luck getting any answer. I am hoping to receive any guidance on this matter. Many thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
As u mention: if the "Updating partition details..." take more than 4 hours: You have a problem.

As it's noted on the XDA OP, have u flash the "no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip" file ? Apparently it's necessary to completly disabling the forced encryption on your phone.

Try to flash directly the Magisk uninstaller zip, reboot in TWRP, and try again to flash Magisk v16.

---
Tags: root-access, partitions, magisk
---


# Question
Title: Ads security issue affecting all Android system
for a couples of day I have noticed that there is a strange behavior on my Android phone device. and I think it is a global problem.

I have noticed that some Ads appears in the screen in whatever app is opened or on the home screen, with and X to close it. It could appear overlapping any application, and in the middle of the screen but not full screen.

I closed it, and I didn't know what application causing that behavior, but after a while I have noticed that some application are installing them self without any permission from my side. those application are four and appears on the notification bar with is downloading themself. and the phone is going so slow.

I check the apps manager and I found four strange services I didn't notice them before.

* adService
* Clain Left
* com.android.tools
* com.bd.sdk.project

I uninstall them and they return again and again every one or two hours. and in different Wifi network.

I decided to rest my phone to its factory setting. but I still got the same problem.!!!

Dose somebody faced that kind of problem recently? and what solve this problem. Thanks

# Answer
> 0 votes
it keeps reappearing because you are not removing the problem causing potentially unwanted program. You probably have something from that category and these intruders are not that easy to remove. You uninstall only the feature that annoys you but not the problem itself. Especially since you can see there is not one program appearing. You should rely on anti-malware tools and remove possible threats, intruders, cyber infections. There is a few available online for free. You can find them on the App Store. Those programs can detect, remove and even block threats later on. These additional programs come from insecure ads, websites, installations. So you can't see when they were downloaded exactly and the ones on your browser are not the main program that causes problems.

---
Tags: security, factory-reset, downloading, ads
---


# Question
Title: How to get the captive portal's URL which I am currently connected to?
I just connected to a WiFi network which uses captive portal login page. I would like to view the captive portal's URL or IP address.

How do I do that?

I have tried clicking forget network on the WiFi in order to get the login page again, but it just connects without triggering the login screen, I think it saves the login info upon correct login.

The second thing I have tried is to wipe the cache and data of the CaptivePortal app from system settings, with no luck.

# Answer
From this answer on Stack Overflow, Captive Portal is triggered only when you're trying to make a request.

So the answer is: Open an arbitrary web page in your favorite browser, and you'll get redirected to the Captive Portal login page.

From my own experiences, I recommend that you visit a website that does NOT use HTTPS, as encrypted connection may interfere with the redirection (Captive Portal redirection is in fact a man-in-the-middle).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, captive-portal
---


# Question
Title: Is there a common Android option that keeps call logs as long as there is space on the phone?
I think the question says it all. I was wondering if I can make my android phone never delete call logs. That's it.

# Answer
Honestly it really depends greatly on the phone OS (i.e. skin) on whether you will have certain options. As far as I know, there is none, although I rarely have problems with call logs being gone. I suggest one of the multitude of call log apps that will back up said calls regularly.
> 3 votes

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Tags: call-history
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# Question
Title: Does Android hide some amount of RAM from the User?
I bought a new tablet, but Android (2.3.1) shows that it has only 150MB free of 256MB, and it should have 512MB.

I checked the file /proc/meminfo, MemTotal information. It only shows 256MB. Is there a possibility that the Android "hid" 256MB of RAM from the user?

# Answer
This is not uncommon in the embedded world. A prominent example is the Samsung Galaxy S, which is advertised with 512MB RAM. But only 300 something are actually available for the OS. I believe the other part is used for the (powerful) GPU.

This leads to effects where a similar device is faster. For example the HTC Desire/Nexus One both have 512MB (576MB for the Desire) and overall play in the same league as the Galaxy S, but IMHO they are in many situations faster then the Galaxy S. But I am not sure if it's because of the "crappy" stock ROM of the SGS or because of the RAM difference.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Android ***is not*** hiding some amount of RAM from the user.

> shows that it has only 150MB free of 256MB, and it should have 512MB.

That is quite a common thing among cheap Chinese devices, two scenarios spring to mind:

1. The kernel is built with a memory model that is split up into two, half of it is occupied by the kernel, the other half is occupied by Android, otherwise known as a 2G VMSPLIT, 2Gb addressing space for kernel, 2Gb addressing space for Android and user apps.
2. The chip-set controller for accessing the RAM is "locked down". There are ways of "unlocking" the chip-set controller but sadly, that information is very difficult to obtain. There is a tool available which, I must add, very difficult to use and is not exactly friendly either, PSAS IIRC or one of the variants of it.

I can cite one handset that has this problem - Zte Blade, there's two variants of it, Chinese variant (which has 512Mb with only 256Mb available, the rest locked out), and the European variant which indeed has 512Mb - albeit limited and depending on the region within Europe.

Unfortunately, for some obscure reason, those chip-sets used on the circuit board could be either refurbished with the remainder of the RAM "locked down" or is a cheap clone of the real thing.

There was various reports on Modaco about this in trying "to unlock" the remainder of the RAM in the Chinese (and some European) variants of the Zte Blade, but IIRC, it was not successful.

The only thing that can be done to compensate, is either, roll your own kernel using VMSPLIT 3G, and flash it or, do some searching on the internet to find out if anyone has it unlocked and what steps are necessary, IIRC the tool used was PSAS which actually can talk to the chip-set - have heard some hard-core hackers using it to modify and alter the handset in that fashion.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can use GameGuardian for this. Need root.

Memory editor tab - menu - memory dump - select range and folder - press ok - wait for toast "Dump end".

Here some video examples how to do this:
> 0 votes

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Tags: ram
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# Question
Title: `Wipe Cache` option missing in Google Pixel 2! (A/B device)
I am not finding the option **`Wipe Cache`** in the recovery mode of **Google Pixel 2**.

can anyone tell how could i enable it if it is disabled by default and is it there in this device or not?

# Answer
Your device doesn't have `/cache` partition

**Reasons**

* `/Cache` partition is not required to be as big on devices which have A/B partition catering to seamless updates since it doesn't need to store OTA updates which are done seamlessly

> The cache partition is no longer used to store OTA update packages, so there is no need to ensure that the cache partition is large enough for future updates

> A/B devices do not need a recovery partition or cache partition because Android no longer uses these partitions.
>
> For non-A/B updates, the cache partition was used to store downloaded OTA packages and to stash blocks temporarily while applying updates. There was never a good way to size the cache partition: how large it needed to be depended on what updates you wanted to apply. The worst case would be a cache partition as large as the system image.

Pixel 2 like my device MiA1 follow this system and they probably decided to do away with the entire partition instead of keeping it small

**Edit:** Thanks to BoLawson, who pointed out that app cache is on B partition. See APK Caching|AOSP. Note that this is only applicable for popular apps / apps on the device out of the box.
> 3 votes

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Tags: recovery-mode, cache, google-pixel-2, ab-partition
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