# Question
Title: Bootloop in Xperia L when the bootloader is unlocked using sony's flashtool
I was trying to install AOSP rom for Xperia L provided by Sony. So i tried to unlock my device using Flash tool. I tried unlocking the device, it replied "failed" first and second time I tried, it ran some commands, said ok and requested for a Restart. And when i restart it displays SONY, XPERIA and gets caught in a loop displaying a image.

Is there something I missed before I unlock my device or there is a problem with the device?

thanks.

# Answer
I finally installed cyanogenmod 11 in my xperia L. Cyanogenmod added a developer release only now to their collection and it works smooth. Just followed the instruction presented in their website i was able to install CM11. I suppose the are problems with AOSP version of sony for xperia L.
> 0 votes

# Answer
It always happens, you will have to reflash your stock firmware using pc companion.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: boot-loop, flashtool, sony-xperia-l
---


title: Whats App+ in Moto G

text:
# Question
Title: Whats App+ in Moto G
Recently i bought a Moto G phone. When i tried to install Whats app+ in it, it won't allow SMS verification as well as voice verification.My Android version is 4.4. I also enabled install from third party apps. I don't know what is the problem with it. Please suggest me some solution .

# Answer
> 1 votes
1. Uninstall Whatsapp plus and delete Whatsapp folder using file manager.
2. Install official Whatsapp from Play Store and Verify your number.
3. After complition of verification, just chat with few and then Uninstall Whatsapp.
4. Now finally install Whatsapp Plus and this time it will verify your number.

Done.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sorry Whats app+ is down. They infringes the rights of use of whatsapp.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, whatsapp-messenger, motorola-moto-g
---


# Question
Title: Unpack initramfs.cpio.gz (boot.img) from MTK6589 phone?
I can't find a proper tool to unpack boot.img from GravityMod2.

both `unmkbootimg` and `split_bootimg.pl` are able to extract same fileset (kernel, 4280320 bytes and ramdisk, 633284 bytes). I think the files are damaged (taken from wrong offsets?) - can't even find gzip/cpio signatures in ramdisk image!

Is there another specific tool to unpack Android 4.2.x boot.img, or MTK-specific tool maybe?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can find proper tools to unpack boot, recovery, system and data images here: mtk-tools

Thread of the author on xda developers, thank him :)

Usage:

```
./unpack-MT65xx.pl boot.img
./repack-MT65xx.pl -boot <kernel> <ramdisk-directory> boot.img

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
I also had problem extracting initramfs.cpio.gz , until I opened this file in editor and seen first 3 ascii letters (the header) in my case it was "LZO" , so I found proper soft to decompress "lzop -x " you can find it probably in every linux, for example knoppix has it

maybe you will notice other header in your file , so you will need to google it or have a good guess

good luck

---
Tags: custom-roms, boot, device-firmware
---


title: Chrome save as PDF doesn't work

text:
# Question
Title: Chrome save as PDF doesn't work
For some reason whenever I try to save a webpage as a PDF Chrome generates a 0-byte size document. And when I try to open the PDF in my Downloads folder QuickPDF tells me "Error while opening file. It appears to be damamged." My phone is a Moto G if it helps.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Alternatively visit http://www.web2pdfconvert.com/ and paste the url which you want as a PDF.

Or

If you want to download pdf via app, try free app named "UrlToPdf" from play store.

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, pdf
---


# Question
Title: How can I determine which block device corresponds to internal memory?
**Premable**: My MP707 phone gave me an "overheated battery" panic message earlier in the summer, adn told me to take out the battery immediately. (It had been sitting in the sun, and was probably just confused about the source of the heat, but I didn't think of this at the time, alas.) So I opened it up and took out the battery...without a shutdown first.

The next time I started it up, I got a warning about internal storage being damaged, and did I want to reformat it. Note: *internal* storage, not the SD card! I found that images and recordings I'd made were no longer accessible, and the voice recorder didn't want to function because it couldn't find a place to store the recordings.

Not long after, the phone started shutting down at random, and then wouldn't start up at all. I ordered a new battery, and went back to using my old phone.

A few days ago, I picked up the MP707 and it turned on just fine! (Still gave me the damaged memory warning) And as far as I can tell -- I'm a newbie in this phone stuff -- the internal storage seems to have gone missing.

**The meat of the question**: Following the advice here How can I recover a deleted file on android I managed to root the phone, install a terminal program, and start poking around. I'd like to do a raw copy of that internal memory, in hopes of recovering one or two things. But the first instruction is "Find out on which block device the file was on. Via mount". Well, `mount` tells me this:

(I can't figure out how to copy/paste from VNCLite...sorry).

Can anyone, looking at this, guess which mount point corresponds to internal memory, or tell me how I might determine this?

# Answer
> 4 votes
As Izzy said INTERNAL STORAGE usually refers to /data, it's the partition where apps are installed and where they keep their private data.

Also /storage/sdcard0 could be part of internal phone memory, called PHONE STORAGE it's an emulated sdcard (I can't tell if in your case that's emulated sdcard or real)

To make a raw backup of your data you need to know which block contains that partition, you can check it with this command:

```
cat /proc/emmc

```

Result should contain lines like this:

```
emmc_p7: 001a4c00 00300000 "usrdata"
emmc_p8: 004a4c00 0358dd00 "fat"

```

This gives you partition number **p7** , now you can use this command to list blocks:

```
 cat /proc/partitions

```

Result should contain:

```
  179        7    1572864 mmcblk0p7
  179        8   28077696 mmcblk0p8

```

In this case to backup /data aka emmc@usrdata contained in **mmcblk0p7** block you can use this command:

```
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p7 of=/storage/sdcard0/usrdata.img

```

Supposing sdcard0 is working properly and there is enough space. After that usrdata.img can be mounted in a linux box with:

```
sudo mount -t ext4 -o loop usrdata.img ./folder

```

P.S. You might check how to use adb so you can open a console on your computer and issue commands to your phone connected with usb.

# Answer
> 1 votes
"Internal storage" usually refers to the `/data` partition. Unfortunately, your output is a little "cropped" and thus not easy to read (might be helpful to copy/paste it as text). It should correspond to the line reading

```
emmc@usrdata /data ext4 rw,relatime,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0

```

which unfortunately doesn't show the block device (unless `emmc@usrdata` can be addressed as such; guess the missing character in front is a `/`?). Interesting fact to see is your `/system` partition is mounted read-write as well – usually it's mounted read-only, so it shouldn't be affected by such trouble. `/cache` can be ignored (or simply wiped/formatted without losing any data, as it only holds "temporary stuff").

The `*/vold/*` devices usually refer to your external SDCard, just for completeness, and entries using a file system like `tmpfs` or `devpts` are also safe to ignore (they are created on-the-fly on boot), similarly for `rootfs`, `proc`, `sysfs`, and AFAIK also `cgroup`. Using this rule, there's not much left to "backup and copy" ;)

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable the front status LED when charging my device?
Charging my smartphone the front LED is always shining annoyingly green. This bothers me especially while reading an ebook which is why I am looking for a way to disable this feature.

So how do I disable the front status LED?

My smartphone is a Huawei Honor U8860, but I'm hoping to find a device-agnostic solution, be it in form of a hidden setting or app that adds the option to disable the front status LED.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I haven't seem any such options or settings for any device so far. You can try these apps

1. LightFlow Lite
2. Adjbrightness

but I doubt these would work properly. (I can't check as my device doesn't have LED notification light.)

I believe this kind of things are only doable via Custom ROMs. You would have to check your device development forums. Start here - Huwaei U8860 - xda-developers.

I don't think you can get an universal solution. If there has been a way to do it via Android APIs it would already be in Settings I believe.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I am not sure that an App could get the low-level access needed to turn of the LED while charging. Your best bet is a custom ROM that has this low-level access and provides an API for an App or user setting. I would look at cyanogen mod.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I just found an app which works nicely without root for the Sony Z1 Compact: Disable Charging LED

Maybe this is worth a try for you, too.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, settings, charging, notification-led
---


# Question
Title: One-tap audio note file that sends to email
It often happens that I want to take a quick note to self when I have my phone, so I won't forget something, but I want to do it as quickly as possible because I'm in the middle of something else. Later, when I'm doing tasks, I'll have time to dedicate to do it, or make a proper task for it in my task management software.

# The shitty way

What I currently do is open up Gmail and write an email to myself. That's takes about 3 times longer than necessary, because I need to:

* Unlock the phone
* Open the GMail app
* Wait for it to load
* Press compose
* Tap the first two letters of my email address
* Wait for the autocomplete box to appear, which can take a long time if there's internet connectivity problems
* Click my email address
* Tap in the Subject field
* Type the memo (in very concise words of course)
* Sometimes the typing goes wrong (I swipe) and I have to correct it
* Close the GMail app and lock the phone

There are 11 items in this list. I'm looking for something much shorter. Here's how I'm imagining it:

# The good way

* Unlock the phone
* Tap the record button that's on a widget on my desktop
* Say the message
* Let go of the button
* Lock the phone

The crucial part is that the message will be sent as an audio file to my email, so I'll notice it. (I don't want to have to check the app for it, I want it in my email.)

Is there an app that does that?

# Answer
Try Blitz Note. I have developed it exactly for such cases. It allows you to sketch an idea and instantly send it to your email.

If you cannot find it on Google Play, here is the shortcut: http://volidar.com/blitznote
> 0 votes

---
Tags: email, audio-recording, productivity
---


title: A stock rom for Samsung Captivate?

text:
# Question
Title: A stock rom for Samsung Captivate?
I need to flash a stock ROM to my Samsung Captivate i897 as a part of unbricking process, but I can't find one. Odin one click roms don't work for me as Odin one click doesn't see my phone (regular ODIN does see the phone so I assume the drivers are ok). I need a rom that I can either install in recovery or using regular ODIN

# Answer
For samsung stock ROM download log on to http://samsung-updates.com/latest-firmware/

1. Choose your Device
2. Choose ROM
3. Download and then Flash it

Done
> 0 votes

---
Tags: odin, stock-rom, samsung-captivate
---


# Question
Title: Android Screen In virtualbox Rotate 90 CCW?
I install Android 4.4 x86 on virtualbox in windows 8.1 That was Ok But when I install my first app pheed on it .
now when I run pheed app my screen rotate 90 ccw like as image .
I try some stakoverflow post about android screen landscape and portrait but none of them help me .
I tried some shortcut key like as :

> ctrl+f9
> ctrl+f10
> ctrl+f11
> ctrl+f12
> Or press them twice in lessthen a second but none of theme fix it ?!!
> have any idea to fix it ?

# Answer
> 12 votes
There are some hotkeys listed for ICS, which hopefully still work with Kitkat:

> **Rotating the screen: (to get that operate we must to have activated “Auto-rotate screen”)**
>
> * **Press F12** two times in less than 2 seconds = Rotate **90º to the LEFT.**
> * **Press F11** two times in less than 2 seconds = Rotate **90º to the RiGHT.**
> * **Press F10** two times in less than 2 seconds = **Rotate 180º.**
> * **Press F9** two times in less than 2 seconds = Normal view **0/360º.**

So I'd say try hitting `F11` twice should solve your issue – after activating screen-rotation.

---
Tags: screen, android-emulator, virtualbox
---


# Question
Title: I accidentally uninstalled one of my Factory App. What would I do to restore it?
My phone was in my pocket for the whole afternoon until one of my friends borrowed it then gave it back again then asked why did I uninstalled my Camera though I always use it. I tried to open my Camera but it always says "App not installed" I tried to find it in Google play to see if Lenovo Cameras were there but they weren't. I also opened my gallery and the same thing happened, to see... My Phone Camera and Gallery are connected. What should I do? Searched online but nothing really helps...

# Answer
> 2 votes
I'd say your friend is making fun with you. If it's a system app (and there's usually a camera pre-installed that way), it cannot be uninstalled without root access (so you cannot have "accidentally uninstalled" those apps). He most likely disabled camera and gallery.

1. Go to *Settings → Apps*
2. Select the "All" tab (to list pre-installed apps as well)
3. Scroll the list to find your camera app. Check whether it is marked "disabled".
    * if so: tap that entry, hit the "Enable" button, done.
4. Repeat previous step for your gallery app

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can try 3rd party app from store like "Google Camera".. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.GoogleCamera&hl=en

Or if you are ROOTED.. then download .apk file of the Camera app and paste it into System folder and change its permission to Read Only. Then finally, Reboot.

Done.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you do a factory reset, the stock camera app should return. The reset option is located under *Settings \> Backup and reset* menu. You can also try third party camera apps as suggested by itsmeVPawan.

---
Tags: lenovo
---


# Question
Title: I have 29GB free on the sd card and only 101mb on storage,before I had 800mb and installed batman arkam,the download stopped at 91%
Because I hadn't sufficient memory,but the files remains on mine phone but i can't find them and delete theM. On google play it says that the game isn't installed and in the phone either.How to free my phone? And other question how to use the space on sd card..? I have samsung galaxy s4 with 4.4.2 android NO ROOT

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use an utility such as Disk Usage & Storage or ES File Explorer which will show you graphical information of your storage usage. Once analyzed, you can sort folders by size and try to locate the particular folder. Using a file manager, I would definitely check `/Android/data` and `/Android/obb` folders. The orphaned files and folders are highly likely to be located in one of those. The external SD card storage can be used in any way you please. You can use it as the default storage for photos/videos, you can copy files on it etc.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 neither goes into Download Mode nor RAM Dump Mode
My Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 has just “hung” during the start-up screen with the white text “Samsung www.samsung.com" on a black background.

I have tried to restart it and to take the battery out / put it in again but the result is the same. It neither goes into Download Mode (`vol down`+`menu`+`power button`) nor RAM Dump Mode (`vol up`+`power button`).

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on how to fix this?

# Answer
Plug it into your computer and see if by some offshoot chance you have adb available. If so, run a `adb -d reboot-bootloader` to reboot into download mode.

If that's unavailable, you are SOL and will have to have Samsung repair it. Honestly, if it's hard bricked, you're better off buying a new phone...
> 2 votes

# Answer
Sorry to say this, but if it will not go into Download Mode then your only hope would be to take into a service centre to get it repaired.

They would most likely charge you if you're rooted or have a custom ROM installed. Apologies for the bad news!
> 0 votes

# Answer
I found a post on XDA that suggests you have to hold Home + Power till the device starts and shows the Samsung symbol, then let go. Holding it till "Samsung" appears is very important! This worked for my Galaxy Ace GT5830.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace, reboot, boot, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: What is the easiest-to-explain way to read a QR Code?
What is the easiest way to teach/enable someone else to read a QR Code?

Please notice, I'm not asking how to read a QR Code. I know there's a lot of apps to do it. I'm asking what is the easiest way to enable someone else, perhaps someone without much technical knowledge, to scan a QR Code?

For example, this would be great if it actually worked: http://www.labnol.org/software/scan-qr-code-with-google/27955/

It does not require downloading an app, therefore it's easier to show someone how to do it. Unfortunately, for the 2 android phones I tried that on, it did not work. (there was no image search option as described in the post)

Is the easiest way really to have someone download an app and run it?

# Answer
First off you need to use a QR Code Reader. There is no way around that. You can't teach some to read QR's, but you can show them the proper way of using such an app. Most of the readers have built in dummy instructions - such as center the code in the picture, how far away to get a good reading and other useful tidbits. Besides if they can take a picture with the device, they can read a QR Code.

So to finish off, yes the easiest way is to have an app installed, unless your (their) device has one natively installed
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes, just download an app and run it. You can't visually look at a QR code and decode it with your brain.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: qr-code
---


# Question
Title: How can I add more system apps to a custom ROM?
I have an android ROM that I can flash onto the phone using a tool like smart phone flash tools, but what I want to be able to do is to modify the system image to add APKs in the system/app directory and then repack and flash the ROM. I want these newly added APKs to behave as part of the system.

I have looked at a couple of tutorials for unpacking and repacking it, but once I repack it, it becomes unusable. Is this the correct approach or am I missing something? I'm not sure what I could be doing wrong.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Most of the time when a unpacked and modified ROM gets repacked, it will become unusable/unstable because it failed to get resigned with the proper key.

You need to have the zip package resigned from the original firmware key. That is why you are experiencing those hiccups. Also if any of the apps depend on libs and/or resouces, you would need to make sure they are in place as well - prior to repacking and resigning

For a decent write up take a look at this: *http://androiddomain.weebly.com/build-your-own-rom.html*. This will show one of the proper ways of repackaging a ROM.

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


# Question
Title: Could I use my phone to scan or image myself?
Could I use my phone or tablet to create an image rendering of my body that I could use to quantify body metrics like waist size, inseam, etc?

# Answer
> 1 votes
No. Even humans, who are much better at vision and understanding pictures than computers are, can't determine accurate dimensions just by looking at a photo.

The closest you can get is apps like in Is there any app that measures the distance using the camera?, but they can only answer simple questions using trigonometry: if you know how far an object is from the camera, it can measure how big it is, or if you know how big it is, it can work out how far away from the camera. Even then, they can only give very approximate answers. An app like that wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a 30" or 34" waist, for instance.

The only way to use your phone to "create an image rendering" with this data would be to use a drawing or 3d modelling app to make the picture and then add labels for measurements you took with a tape measure.

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Using an Android phone as a cordless headset
I know there are some cordless phones which allow adding Android phones as additional headsets (e.g. http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/KX-PRW130W or http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/KX-PRX120W). These devices include both a headset and a base receiver. I already have an Android phones, so I only need to a device to transmit calls to my cell phone via WiFi (the base). Is there such device available?

# Answer
> 0 votes
In the links you provided in your question, are the devices that are required. They have that feature built into the hardware.

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: How to reinstall the uninstalled system apps (that arent availble on Google Play)
What if you accidentally deleted some important apps and couldn't install them back because Google Play doesn't have them? For example android system, com.android dun server and com.android.lgsetup wizard (i.e. any prebuilt system apps). And every few seconds this message would appear:

```
Sorry! The process com.android.phone has stopped unexpectedly. Please try again.

```

And I cannot even go to the browser or Task Killer because every time I do, it would force quit. How can I reinstall those apps? I think I cleared all data for those but I did not clear the browser and so why can't I open the browser? Do I really need to send it for repair or can I fix it?

Device: Nokia-X

# Answer
You need to reflash the OS. First, find the stock ROM for your device: this question explains how to get started. Then you'll need to consult the manufacturer's instructions for flashing a new ROM, and flash the ROM for your device.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Since you deleted pre-installed apps, you have to be rooted. There a couple of options, basically involving the same steps. Most likely for these options to work you'll have to have a custom recovery installed.

Goto one of the forums that caters to your device.

* Download and flash a custom ROM.
* Download and flash a stock ROM or the same ROM.
* Download and extract the files you deleted from the same ROM that is already installed. Then place them in their respective locations.

For flashing a ROM, there should be directions/instructions specifically for your device on the website you downloading from.

Good luck!!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Dan Hulme answer is correct and probably the best way to have everything restored. Another way that could be easier depending on your knowledge is to find stock ROM, extract apps you deleted from your phone and push them back in your phone using adb. Since you deleted system apps I am assuming that you have root access.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, system-apps, nokia-x
---


title: Disable Location History in Android

text:
# Question
Title: Disable Location History in Android
1. If I disable Location History and keep Location Reporting enabled, will Google still save the Locations I've been to? I am purchasing an Android phone for the first time and I am quite paranoid about security.
2. If I use plain GPS and not Google Location Services, will I be missing anything?
3. Is using Google Maps on Android secure, or should I use any alternate apps. I am looking for an offline GPS that I can use for apps like Runtastic etc.

# Answer
Summing up all the comments:

## Will Google save the locations?

Definitely. As soon as you want to use the more battery-friendly “network based location” you have to agree that Google collects your location data “to improve its services”:

click image for larger variant

So “location history” and ”location report” are meaningless in this context. As it was adressed: Whilest *theoretically* you should be able to delete all collected data associated with your account, first Google claims here it's “anonymous” (so not connected to your account) – and second, noone except Google can tell if “deleting” really means the data was “destroyed”. Different reports rather suggest otherwise, as e.g. a German tech magazin found out: They decided to delete all backups from Google servers. Weeks later, they wanted to test a new device, and configured it with the very same account. Miraculously, that device immediately connected to their WiFi. How can that be, with the backups deleted? (Find the full article here, in German).

## Will you miss anything when switching to GPS only?

Depends on your “usage profile”. When no satellites are in sight, you would be unable to find your location. That could be e.g. with heavy clouds, or inside buildings – where otherwise a “coarse location” based on WiFi APs and mobile cell IDs would be possible. But there are ways to get that functionality back without Google: The OpenCellID project is aimed to provide the data, and there are several connected apps – including alternative open source network location providers. But to use those, your device must be rooted, as these services must be installed as system apps. You can find out more in my Android without Google series.

## Should you use alternative maps?

That's pretty much opinion-based. I do so, but not solely for the reasons you mentioned. There are alternatives (part 2 of the just mentioned series names some). Furthermore, let me quote Dan here:

> The answer to "Is X secure?" is always "secure against what?" What are you worried about? It's secure in the sense that it won't let people run malware on your phone, but that's probably not what you're thinking of.

IMHO you cannot avoid completely that some services collect data on you. You can minimize it, you can make it harder for them – and you definitely shouldn't offer your data on a silver tablet. It's always balancing privacy and convenience. So how much privacy you can gain, depends on how much convenience you're willing to give up.

## More hints

Not only if you're absolutely paranoid (correct: today that's called “informed”), a can offer you advantages. As those usually ship without all the pre-installed bloat, your battery will last much longer (on my “Android device without Google”, 3 times longer: 4,5 days, and still 20% left). In this context, I have to mention Replicant – which is aimed at absolute open-source. Unfortunately, only few devices are supported.
> 4 votes

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


# Question
Title: How to choose the correct email address in gmail app?
If I have two different email address from the same contact like:

* firstname.lastname@private.com
* firstname.lastname@job.com

When I need to send a new e-mail I am not able to choose the right one because it displays only the first part of the email address.

So I can only view "firstname" and the first part of the lastname... It happened very often with my contacts with the original Gmail app.

How can I solve it?

# Answer
It looks like you can type a few letters of domain name that you want after a space to get other addresses filtered out. In general, you can type several parts of a email address separating them by spaces to find only contacts that contain all specified parts.

For example, if you have the following email addresses in your contacts:

```
john.doe@home.com
john.doe@work.com
john.smith@home.com
john.smith@work.com

```

Than you can type something like `john.d w` or `j doe w` or even `j d w` to get only the first one in the auto completion popup.
> 3 votes

# Answer
At the top of your email you will have star, reply, forward and the 3 dots. Underneath that you will have from who, then the time, and to:. On the same line where is shows (to:) there is arrow pointing down, click on that and it will expand and show from and reply-to full address. Should have no problem seeing ending of addresses now.

Good luck!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, 4.4-kitkat, nexus-4, gmail
---


# Question
Title: Does Samsung KIES backup hidden photos in galery?
I made a hard reset on a friend's SAMSUNG I9082 GRAN DUOS and he forgot to tell me about his hidden items.

On the KIES I selected all the possible options to keep, like a full backup (including configs, all pics and stuff).

I wanna know if KIES keeps these hidden items on backup. Because right after I've had restored the backup there were no more hidden items.

Is that possible that the item have missed his "hidden" property and it's still there or It really wasn't included on KIES backup?

Thanks in advance.

# Answer
> 1 votes
*DON'T use the phone until you try this*

You can retrieve the files you deleted. Those files are still in the memory of your phone just not visible, the data is waiting to be written over by new data. *So from now on don't use the phone to take any more pics, to save anymore data, music, or installing any apps until recover has been done.* The extensions of the hidden files will be different than normal. When recovering look for the ext that the files were hidden under.

Then the best way to retrieve your deleted files, is to use a recovery program.

1. Download and install the recovery program on your computer.
2. With the phone plugged into USB, goto "My Computer", note the drive letter assigned to your phone.
3. Start the program and select the drive letter that was assigned to the phone, click *"START"*.
4. Now the scanning process will automatically start to look for the deleted files.
5. The returning results are all recoverable items.
6. Select a location to save your files at.
7. Select the files you want recovered, click *"RECOVER"*

# Answer
> 0 votes
No, Kies doesn't backup hidden items over the gallery, the hidden pictures are now lost.

---
Tags: backup, samsung-kies, hidden
---


title: Receive calls on Wi-Fi via Google Voice

text:
# Question
Title: Receive calls on Wi-Fi via Google Voice
I don't have good cell reception in my house and I'd to have my Google Voice number forward to my phone on Wi-Fi when I'm home. Can I just use Google Voice or do I need a third-party app to do the connection?

# Answer
> 3 votes
You need a third-party app to recieve Wi-Fi calls.

Two popular apps are GrooVeIP (paid & free) and Talkatone (paid). You could also set up Sipdroid (free), which will set up the SIP forwarding using pbxes.com. Or you could use a number of other SIP apps and set up forwarding yourself, but that gets a bit convoluted.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, you can.

But the only GV function on Wi-Fi alone without some SIP server help will be texting and getting voicemail just like you can also get email over Wi-Fi.

I tried what you're doing last year just to get it to work. Using a free pbx service over the internet and GV, I was able to make calls over Wi-Fi. You need a SIP server or some VOIP server to 'find' your number over IP communication.

You could use Skype to do that also.

# Answer
> -1 votes
third party call apps for receiving calls via google voice have now been disabled. maybe GV will make an update to this. but with buzz about them phasing voice out.. who knows.

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Tags: wi-fi, google-voice
---


# Question
Title: I installed an incompatible kernel with CyanogenMod - what do I do?
I installed Faux kernel on my Nexus 5 with CyanogenMod 11. I forgot about CM's special kernel setup when installing Faux - how do I uninstall, or wipe my phone to reinstall CyanogenMod?

I use ClockworkMod Recovery and know ADB

# Answer
Resolved: Using this (http://android-revolution-hd.blogspot.ca/2013/12/how-to-copy-rom-zip.html) Then flashing the zip uploaded to the device. Note: If your cellular stops working or glitches out re-flash the stock radio (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701) Or completely re-flash stock then you are free to continue ROMing!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Nexus 5 is pretty easy to correct that issue

Just find a working CM Kernel... This ones kinda nice: http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/development/kernel-bum-5-t2774572

1. Boot to Recovery.
2. "adb push \[your new kernel file here.zip\] /sdcard/
then wait...
3. Flash the new kernel.
4. Zap the dalvik cache.
5. As they say "profit"...
> 0 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, kernel
---


# Question
Title: Which Samsung smartphone models support LTE and are not susceptible to "sudden death syndrome"?
Does anyone know which Samsung smartphone models support LTE and are not susceptible to "sudden death syndrome"? Thank you.

# Answer
Pretty much any Samsung is going to be susceptible to "SDS" (Sudden death syndrome)

# Because Samsung is just "high quality stuffs".

* For a point of reference, I am a smartphone data recovery/Mod/Repair technician, and I see SDS and Memory errors almost exclusively in samsung devices.

The only exceptions were Damaged by Water.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, 4.4-kitkat, samsung, samsung-galaxy-note-2, samsung-galaxy-note-3
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360 file transfer, USB not recognised. No USB options in Settings menu
I have a Samsung Galaxy Y GT-S5360 and I wish to transfer some audio files from it to my PC, running Windows 8.

When I connect the phone to the computer with the USB cable, the phone beeps and begins charging but displays no USB connection notification. Likewise, the computer doesn't register the connection at all. I have googled the problem but only seem to find partial solutions, which don't fit my situation.

I've tried updating PC drivers and phone software, turning off and on again, trying with and without Kies software and on several different machines.

The phone is running Android 2.3.6

Anyone got any ideas?

# Answer
Some USB cables don't include the data wires as they are only meant for charging. Check if other devices work with this cable, and try another cable. Also, if the cable is sure to work, take a look at My computer -\> right click -\> Manage -\> Device manager and see if you can find your phone there and try upgrading the driver from there.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Just got to Settings -\> Applications -\> Development -\> USB debugging and confirm that usb debugging is disabled. That is it. Now your phone will connect to PC perfect.
> -1 votes

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Tags: usb, file-transfer, windows, samsung-galaxy-y, mtp
---


# Question
Title: How do I stop all running apps in the Samsung Galaxy S3?
Device: Samsung Galaxy S3
Android: 4.1.1

I need to stop all running apps for an app, but how do I do that with one click? Is it safe? Does the S3 have a tool?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Long-press the home button.
You should see something similar below.
*NOTE: It is from a Samsung Galaxy S4, but S3 should have it also.*
Then, click the 3rd icon (lower right).

YES, it is safe. It will close all open apps.

Screenshot (click image for lager variant)

**UPDATE #1:** Just to clarify Izzy's comment, he's *partially* right. Clicking the button will not close all running apps, but it will close all apps have you have manually opened. e.g. If you opened 3 different browsers, and clicked the button above, those 3 browsers would close. However, it will not close background processes / services that are running (e.g. AdBlock, aCalendar+, etc)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try using a task manager or a task killer app like Advanced Task Killer.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are rooted your Android then 'Greenify' is your answer !

It will help to hibernate all running services/apps/processes and free up resources.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


# Question
Title: How to stop an app from draining the battery without uninstalling that app?
I know how to identify which apps are using the battery, but I'm not sure what to do about it. There are some apps that I occasionally use but I don't want them draining the battery while I'm out and about. Is there any easy way to disable those apps without uninstalling them?

# Answer
You can try Greenify it freezes the app when you are not explicitly using it. There is an experimental feature to make it work without root but I didn't try it since my phone is rooted.

There is also Disable Service that can disable single services. It requires root access.
> 2 votes

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Tags: battery
---


title: SD card suddenly damaged

text:
# Question
Title: SD card suddenly damaged
I'm using Xperia C. My SD card works perfectly fine but after I power down my phone and turn it back on, suddenly it says that my SD is damaged and I have to format it. I can't even mount it on my phone cuz when I do, it just unmount it again. This is not the first time it happen. Last time, it was with my first SD card and now, my second. What should I do?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I just had this problem less than an hour ago on my Acer Iconia a500. I've had it happen with multiple SD cards on different devices. This is how I overcome this problem everytime. The only way that this wont work is if the card is fried

To the problem of your "damaged SD card", what's most likely going is corruption of the file system. Something on the phone made an invalid entry.

1. Plug your SD card in the reader
2. Run Mini Tool Partition Wizard (MTPW)
3. Select Partition Wizard, other is Data Recovery
4. Pick the SD card in the list
5. Right click for drop down menu
6. Scroll down and click on *Check File System*
7. Let it finish, then exit MTPW
8. Unplug and re-plug SD card into reader
9. When "Do you want to scan and fix" pops up, check both
10. When finished, unplug from reader
11. Mount in your phone and enjoy.

I know it's a late answer, but knowledge is power.

---
Tags: external-sd
---


title: Downgrade keyboard back to Jellybean?

text:
# Question
Title: Downgrade keyboard back to Jellybean?
I'm wondering if there is a way to downgrade back to the old 4.3 keyboard. I use the apostrophe almost every sentence, and now it is gone. Not the worst thing in the world, but it's ruining my flow.

So is there a way to go back to the 4.3 keyboard (I've not yet gotten 4.4 installed), or is there an app that works the same?

# Answer
> 1 votes
CyanogenMod and other custom ROMs still offer it as part of their ROM packages, and some people have posted the keyboard apk online. This version will not update like Google's keyboard and can be installed on pretty much any ROM. You'll need to enable it **Settings \> Language & input**.

Either of these will work and give you back the old layout.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You could try Hacker's Keyboard.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I think I just figured it out, after having this complaint myself: Go to Language and Input in settings and turn off Spell Checker. The keyboard still suggests proper spellings for me, and it inserts apostrophes automatically again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There is an app called Jelly Bean Keyboard by VLLWP but there is a pro version to if you want.

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Tags: keyboard, 4.3-jelly-bean, gboard
---


# Question
Title: What kind of data is stored in website settings?
While looking at my Android browser settings, I notice there is this advanced setting for individual websites.

So far I have only Twitter using this special setting on my browser. But I do not know what is inside. I can clear history, clear cache, clear forms, clear passwords for all websites at the click of a button. But I need to clear this website data individually.

Does anyone has any idea what is stored inside this website settings? And how do I read the data in it?

# Answer
> 3 votes
It varies from website to website. HTML 5 has a feature called *local storage*, which lets websites store a modest amount of data in the browser for future visits. They're a bit like cookies, but can be used to store more data. Like cookies, different sites use it for different things.

Some sites (most commonly web games) use local storage to save the Javascript and other files the site uses, so that you can keep using/playing it even when you don't have an internet connection. Or they might use it as a *cache* for icons on the site, so it loads faster next time you visit.

Some sites use it to save your preferences on the site (e.g. search options, or what posts you've read) to give you the same view or content on multiple visits without you having to login and save preferences on the server. They might even use it for your content: for example, a forum site might save draft posts/comments in local storage before you post them, so your work isn't lost even if you lose connection to the site while writing.

Because the data aren't meaningful outside of the site, and only the Javascript on the site knows how to interpret them, Chrome doesn't offer a way to view or edit the data for each site.

CSS Tricks has a brief description of local storage, along with some examples of what sites do or might use it for.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Open the website from a windows pc with firefox and this addon to view exactly what is saved into localstorage...

---
Tags: settings, stock-browser
---


# Question
Title: Can I easily redownload all my apps if I get a new phone?
I am considering buying a new phone. Is there a way to easily redownload all of my apps onto the new phone without having to search for each one individually?

# Answer
Yes you can. There are a number of utilities around to do backup and restore, as well as other options.

I recently moved from the HTC Magic to the Desire HD. The way I did it was to use a free AppBrain account. This has a few advantages, in my opinion:

* You can search for, read about and tag for installation, applications, on your computer, with a larger screen/keyboard etc.
* You can organise apps into groups if you have multiple android devices.
* You can share your apps with other people.

You can check out appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/ If you just want straight backup and restore, Titanium backup, as mentioned by others, is a good choice. ( http://www.matrixrewriter.com/android/ )

You can also find both of them in the Android Market.
> 7 votes

# Answer
If you're getting another of the same phone running the same firmware then you should be able to use Titanium Backup, pull the backup to your computer, get the new phone, install Ti Backup, replace the backup files from your computer, and then run batch restore of your apps. I have not done this before, hopefully others will have more input.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Someone should back me up on how this works, but...

**Apps you have installed are synched with your Google/Gmail account, and will download upon initial sign-in to your new phone.**

My Droid just recently broke, and I was close to the upgrade time, so I got a Droid 2 Global. I know, of course, my contacts and calendar are synched with my Google account, however so were my apps. The Verizon rep didn't touch my old phone, yet all my apps began downloading as soon as I signed in for the first time. Also, to my surprise, my Cyanogen background also showed up (I was running CyanogenMod 6 when my original Droid died). So, in theory, this should also work for you. Verizon uses a proprietary tool called BackupAssistant that normally takes care of synching most things on your phone, but I specifically deleted it as I don't want my info backed up to Verizon. I believe the app sync is built into your Google account.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Matt has a first-hand experience with accidentally having Google backup all his applications: Cancel All Market Updates/Downloads at Once
> 2 votes

# Answer
The only issue with Titanium Backup is that your phone needs to be rooted. If it is not rooted and you are not prepared to root the device, then a suitable alternative would be to use My Backup Pro:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackupPro&hl=en

http://www.rerware.com/
> 0 votes

# Answer
Yep. Firstly, unless you have downloaded pirate apps (by which I mean you have downloaded each and every app through the Play Store), the downloaded apps will be in your 'purchase history' for the Google account (doesn't matter whether you have actually spent money on the app or got it for free). When you undergo initial setup on a new Android device and after entering your email address, you are normally given a choice to download all your previous 'purchased apps'. However, just to be on the safe side, you should make a backup of all your existing apps through a backup utility (dozens of them on the Play Store). This has the additional advantage that (depending on the utility) you may also get all your old app data too. If you use the first method (the one with the initial setup and email address), there is a probability (depending on your sync settings and the apps' readiness to backup to Google) that your old app data will not be available to you.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, settings, data-transfer
---


# Question
Title: Use stock recovery to install superuser?
I am trying to use the stock recovery to install superuser.zip but it give me an error: `E: signature verification failed`

So I cannot root it by the superuser.zip

I Googled and someone said solution is to install CWM. However, when I try to install CWM, it require superuser privilege?!

Now I get into the loop CWM need superuser -\> install superuser need CWM -\> ...

# Answer
> 3 votes
Android has a chain of signature verification that (by default) protects your device from being hacked or having an unofficial image installed. Recovery images, updates, and OS images all have to be signed. The bootloader verifies that the recovery is signed by the manufacturer's key, and the recovery in turn verifies that the OS image (and any updates you try to install) are signed by the same key.

That's why you need CWM or TWRP to flash an update that roots the device. You don't need to root to install CWM or TWRP, but you do need to unlock the bootloader. This wipes all user data on the device. It's a security mechanism, to protect your data: if someone steals the device while it's locked, and wants to flash a different OS to bypass the lock and steal your data, they first have to unlock the bootloader.

So, there's no loop at all. Unlock your bootloader and flash a recovery using `fastboot`, then use that recovery to install the "update". The exact details of how vary from device to device, so find yours on our rooting index.

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Tags: root-access, superuser
---


# Question
Title: Google play store does not show all persmissions at app install
So recently, I was searching for a news app that needs few permissions as possible.

I found an app called Flipboard. Google play said I need to allow the following:

* Identity
* Photos/Media/Files

Screenshots (click images for larger variants)

I was satisfied with those permissions (left screenshot) and installed the app. Then I went to Privacy Guard (right screenshot; I have CM installed) to check if the permissions match.

The permissions not only not match but there are additional that I would never allow, like reading my **SMS** or **Read Calendar information**.

Another strange thing is, that on the google play web page there is another set of permissions:

***This app has access to***: Identity

* find accounts on the device

Photos/Media/Files

* test access to protected storage
* modify or delete the contents of your USB storage

Other

* receive data from Internet
* full network access
* prevent device from sleeping
* view network connections

I know there can be additional permissions added with updates, but I never updated the app.

To me it seems google/apps are misleading users and it seems very illegal to me.

Am I missing something here or is my complain justified?

# Answer
Yes, you are justified and they are being sneaky. Once a set of permissions is allowed, it can install new permission into that same set without getting approved on update. But you can retake control.

If your rooted, you can download the Xposed Framework installer from the XDA forums.

# Xposed Installer

*http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/xposed-installer-versions-changelog-t2714053*

"Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. All changes are done in the memory."

*Must be rooted*

---

# PlayPermissions Xposed module

*http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/playpermissionsexposed-fix-play-store-t2783076*

"This module aims to fix this problem for users who care about permissions.

It'll do the following:

1.Make the Play Store show you all of the app's permissions.

2.Require you to manually update apps with new permissions (regardless of the category)."

---

# XPrivacy module

*http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/xprivacy-ultimate-android-privacy-app-t2320783*

"XPrivacy can prevent applications from leaking privacy sensitive data. XPrivacy can restrict the categories of data an application can access. This is done by feeding an application with no or fake data. There are several data categories which can be restricted, for example contacts or location. For example, if you restrict access to contacts for an application, this will result in sending an empty contact list to the application. Similarly, restricting an application's access to your location will result in a set location being sent to the application."

---

*modules require Xposed framework to be installed to function properly.*

---

**UPDATE**

As of now, the only way to view all permissions before downloading from the Play Store is with the **PlayPermissions module**. Photo was included to show module in use.

Please don't confuse **permissions** with ***services, activities, or broadcast receivers***.

**As far as legality issues, this is NOT the right forum.** Get in touch with Google if you feel you have been wronged or your rights have been infringed upon
> 5 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, permissions, privacy, cyanogenmod
---


# Question
Title: Facebook app uses a lot of data storage while not logged in
I occasionally check my mom's Android phone to see if everything's still running smoothly, just regular maintenance. Today I noticed that the Facebook app on her phone uses 33.46MB of data storage besides the application's size of 27.62MB. Plot twist: she doesn't have a Facebook account and the app on her phone has never been used. Needless to say, the amount of data the app supposedly stores here even though it's not logged in is quite alarming. Does anyone here have any idea what Facebook might be storing and/or tracking here?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've heard from various sources that Facebook (and other companies, frankly) do track geo-locations for various purposes, the first and foremost being that they want to serve you ads that you usually see around the web. I've also seen that they really do snoop around a lot (on all of your devices, and yes, even without an account), so geo-locations are probably just the tip of the iceberg.

You might want to check your privacy settings for Facebook just to see what data is being collected. If you're tired of Facebook eating up the storage on your mom's phone, uninstalling should take care of that. Of course, if you want your mom to be out of Facebook's peering eyes, good luck, because you really can never escape Facebook trackers unless you suspend yourself from technology.

Hope this helped.

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Tags: facebook
---


# Question
Title: How do I purge the gallery on my Samsung Note 3
All of the pictures I ever took with my old phone were automatically backed up to my google account, thousands of pictures of stupid things, receipts, flight schedules and private pictures.

With my new phone, a Samsung Note 3, all of these images are now in my gallery. I can find the offending images on picasaweb, no way I could find them on google+

So, what I would like to do, is purge wherever the files from my online pictures are downloaded to, remove the backup pictures from picasaweb and let the phone sync again.

TLDR

Where are the picasaweb/google+ images downloaded to on this phone?

# Answer
With the Note 3 do the following:

Open -settings

-General

-accounts

-Google

uncheck'Sync Picasa Web Albums'

The "gallery" button is found in **General\> applications manager**

Select **All**

Scroll down and select Gallery

Tap **Clear Data**
> 1 votes

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Tags: samsung, gallery
---


# Question
Title: How to force browsers not to reload recently seen page after resume?
When I visit a website then switch to another app, then switch back to the browser the page is reloaded which I have just seen. It happens not just with builtin browser - I also tried Opera Mini and Maxthon.

How can I keep the recently seen page after resuming the browser?

# Answer
You can't prevent that. If the system (or App) reload the content, this is because it has decided to reload it. There is no option to prevent that.

But you can create your own browser that will handle the resume as you want ;)
> 7 votes

# Answer
You may try to use swap memory. It works for certain amount of time and relies on the quantity of apps you've got open at the same time and how heavy they are. Research about it, but you need unlocked bootloader and being root. Other option could be a device with more RAM (\>= 1GB RAM).

Cheers.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Just uncheck "Don't keep activities" from the "Developer options" under general Android settings.
> -2 votes

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Tags: browser
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title: Battery Status problem

text:
# Question
Title: Battery Status problem
I recently updated my Note 8.0 Wifi from 4.1.2 to android 4.4.2, and shortly after that rooted it (But kept the stock 4.4.2, NO custom ROMs or anything...). Of course, as I knew, the battery consumption was probably going to be a bit higher that 4.1.2... and it was.

But one day i left my tablet to charge for a while (around an hour and a half) and hoped that it will charge from 25% to 100% for that time. But when woke the screen what I saw was not normal... the battery had charged only to 60%. I was worried, as I thought that it might be a battery problem, but then I turned off the device (my mom recommended me to do so) and it showed that big green battery indicator at 100%.

I was relieved, as I thought that it might be just a one time problem, and as I rebooted the device it showed 100% again. But my worries didn't end there, as this problem has now occurred at least 5-6 times.

Is it a battery problem, or a battery indication problem, and how should I fix it?

# Answer
You have to calibrate your battery.

Go to **Play Store** and install **Battery Calibration** from **NèMa**.

Then follow in app instructions to calibrate your battery.... :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
Take a look at the link I provided, this should rectify your problem. It will explain in great detail how to to wipe the battery stats in recovery, there are 6 methods shown. Since your are rooted this will do the operation properly.

*http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1821870*

Wipe The Battery deletes the file "batterystats.bin" which is established among / data / system / .... This file contains all the information "vital" and essential for your battery such as charging the maximum and minimum voltage, the charging time and other info ... this file after it was deleted by this procedure, will be recreated by the system properly.
> 0 votes

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Tags: battery, charging, battery-life, samsung-galaxy-note-8
---


# Question
Title: how can we clear whatsapp conversations in our contacts
I have a doubt on whatsapp msgs.my frd msg me on whatsapp I seen the whole coversation.on the next day I didn't find any conversation in my phone.I face this situation from couple of my frds.Is it possible to delete the conversations from other cells reply me quickly.

# Answer
> 3 votes
The WhatsApp FAQ has instructions that should help you:

> **To delete a single message from a conversation:**
>
> Open WhatsApp and go to the chat window with the message you want to delete. Highlight the message. Press the 'del' key on your keyboard.
>
> **To delete an individual or group chat:**
>
> In the Chats screen, highlight the chat you wish to delete. Press the button and select Delete chat or Delete and Exit Group.
>
> **To delete your entire chat history and remove yourself from all groups:**
>
> Go to WhatsApp \> Settings. Scroll to the bottom and select Advanced Settings. Press the button and select Delete Chat History.
>
> **NOTE:** Using Delete Chat History will delete all chats from the Chats screen, as well as remove yourself from all groups.
>
> **To delete all messages in a conversation without closing the chat window or leaving the group**
>
> Open the chat. Press the button and select Clear conversation.
>
> **To clear all chat history, but continue to participate in groups:**
>
> Go to WhatsApp \> Settings. Scroll to the bottom and select Advanced Settings. Press the button and select Clear All Chats.
>
> **NOTE:** Using Clear All Chats will not remove you from any groups.

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Tags: applications, updates, backup
---


# Question
Title: Installed Gapps, but Google Play services is not there
So I finally found a way to install CWM in my Lava Iris 430 which runs on ICS 4.0.4 and installed Gapps (gapps-ics-20120429-signed version). It was successfully installed, but it missed Google Play Services. What should I do?

# Answer
> -1 votes
Open the Play Store and Google Play Services will download automatically.

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Tags: google-play-services
---


# Question
Title: Using smart phone, how to make phone call using google voice number?
I have an Android phone (Motorola E) with the official Google Voice app installed.

I always give people my Google voice number. For this reason, when I call people I need my google voice number to appear instead of my real mobile number so that they recognize me.

However, when I turn on "Always use Google voice to make call" in the GVoice app, the number that makes the call is some other number (my guess is a number created by Google) and NOT my GVoice number.

I've tried to do this for a long time but in vain. Could anyone help?

# Answer
Although the number that is making the call (initiated) is a random number, be assured the number that shows on their caller id is your google voice number, unless you have a different setting in your voice.google.com set up or on your phone.

I noticed mine did this too when i called out from my phone the other day, but my client saw my gv number

Chad
> 1 votes

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Tags: google-voice, motorola
---


title: How to switch users without sleep?

text:
# Question
Title: How to switch users without sleep?
I have a new 2013 Nexus tablet running Android 4.4.2. I like that it supports multiple user profiles, but the only way I have found to switch profiles is to put the tablet to sleep by pushing the power button or closing the case.

Surely there is a more direct way to reach the login screen?

# Answer
> 4 votes
I have a Nexus 7 V2 and when you bring down the notification area there is a buton with you username on it and the picture you chose. When you click that button, it will bring you to the log in screen where you can switch users. Doing it this way does not end your session.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, nexus-7, multi-user
---


# Question
Title: Making Android not respond to connecting headphones
My android (Galaxy sII, CM9) has this thing where if I connect/disconnect headphones (either audio jack or bluetooth) it responds to it. (Like turns the song on or off.) I use Poweramp for music.

The idea is great but the execution is horrible. It tends to just turn on random audio files in my phone that I don't want to hear, or just switch songs arbitrarily, lose the point in a podcast that I'm at so I have to reopen the file and find the point again, etc.

How do I cancel any and all Android responses to connecting or disconnecting headphones? I don't want my phone to do anything when I connect or disconnect headphones.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can make this happen by going in poweramp settings-\>Headset/Bluetooth an uncheck Pause On Headset Disconnect and Resume on wired Headset and that should be it

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Tags: bluetooth, audio, headphones
---


title: Why are apps taking up more space?

text:
# Question
Title: Why are apps taking up more space?
I have a micromax A300 and it comes with an internal memory of around 25 GB. The problem is that my memory dedicated to installing apk file which is around 1.2 gb seems to be showing 200MB more data than the amount being used by the apps.

According to the phone I have around 464 mb of apps...

Click image for larger version

but when I click on the "apps" icon it shows:

Click image for larger version

I don't understand why it shows an excess of 200MB being occupied. It has android 4.4.2 and my phone is not rooted. Any help on how I could delete these files would be great.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The extra space is taken up by system apps so you will always see this difference. Once you root your phone and install app like Titanium backup then you can delete some of the pre packaged apps which can't be deleted otherwise.

**Caution: Don't go on deleting system apps as you may face random crashes while using your phone.**

---
Tags: applications, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: How can I identify if my device is using ART runtime or a Dalvik?
I have an app called Timberman.

Under the description it gives an important note:

> Game is not compatible with ART devices at the moment. Please switch to Dalvik.

I don't understand what/ how can one confirm whether his device is an ARM device or a Dalvik supported. Also please give a clear difference between Dalvik and an ART.

**Note**: I would like to clarify that I am not seeking any recommendation regarding any particular application. I just want to know: how does the ART effect the game/device? Does it have anything to do with the safety of the phone or just the working of the device differs?

I have installed/used many applications so far, but I never came across this kind of a note.

# Answer
> 10 votes
Short answer: unless you've changed it yourself, it's Dalvik.

Dalvik is currently the supported VM for Android. ART is a new VM, which is expected to become the supported one for the future L release. If you are using the L developer preview, you're using ART.

In KitKat, there is a preview (an early beta version) of ART, which you can turn on from the developer options. It's not recommended to do this, because the preview has bugs and is not yet compatible with all apps. The option's there primarily for app developers to test their apps with ART and report bugs.

So unless you're using the L developer preview, or have turned on ART in the developer settings, you're using Dalvik, which is the only recommended option for end users.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Basically there are two run-time environments on Android.

1) Dalvik VM : Dalvik is the managed runtime used by applications and some system services on Android. Dalvik was originally created specifically for the Android project.

2) ART- ART is a new Android runtime being introduced experimentally in the 4.4 release that will eventually replace Dalvik. This is a preview of work in progress in KitKat that can be turned on in Settings \> developer options.

Important: Dalvik must remain the default runtime or you risk breaking your Android implementations and third-party applications.

Above content is from Android developer site.

---
Tags: dalvik, art, google-play-games
---


title: Editing contacts on Galaxy S5

text:
# Question
Title: Editing contacts on Galaxy S5
How do I edit a contact on my Galaxy S5? When I click on the pencil icon for an individual contact it has everything grayed out, so I can't enter anything.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This can happen when the contact isn't one you originally typed into your phone, but it instead was synced using an app, such as from an Exchange address list. In this case, you need to either create a copy of the contact on your phone, and edit the copy, or go to the source that the contact was synced from and edit it there.

---
Tags: contacts, samsung-galaxy-s-5
---


# Question
Title: I'm trying to factory reset my phone but...?
...when it reaches the point where it asks to confirm my PIN, an error message saying "Unfortunately, Android keyboard (AOSP) has stopped". So i'm unable to type my pin in. Any suggestions?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try changing keyboard, go to the Play Store, download a keyboard, then go to settings and activate it and then you should be able to enter the pin

# Answer
> 0 votes
Goto Play store and download Swift keyboard. Now you should be able to reset it for sure.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try following the below steps on your device. These steps may vary slightly based on the Android version you use but it may be similar in the settings(i.e. menu option may change ).

1.Open up the menu.

2.navigate to Settings.

3.open Apps\>All.

4.Scroll to the app Android keyboard (AOSP).

5.Then choose Clear data option.

6.Scroll to the User dictionary and do a simple force stop

This is just a small bug in the Android Keyboard. Note:-By doing these steps you will lose all the typed/saved words in the dictionary which you have entered apart from the standard words which remain the same.

---
Tags: factory-reset
---


title: Call recording app

text:
# Question
Title: Call recording app
I would like to get an app, that can record also incoming and outgoing calls and it should record mine and also my partner's voice.

# Answer
Top-rated automatic call recorders in Play Store are -

They serve your purposes and are supported on Kitkat versions also.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I find many simply with search in google play: call recorder should be exactly what you ask
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, voice-recording
---


title: Samsung GT-S5360 screen unlock

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung GT-S5360 screen unlock
My mother has forgotten her screen lock password. is a four digit number. how can I reset phone so she can use it again?

Please assist!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Follow this process only if mobile data is disabled and phone PIN locked. What I'm giving is Factory Reset method.
*(Warning: Factory reset erases all the data from the phone permanently. Phones resets to its initial state.)*

* Charge the phone fully.
* Switch-off the phone.
* Try these combinations -

> volume key up+middle home key+power key

-or-

> volume key down+middle home key+power key

* A windows pop-ups for confirming Factory Reset/Wipe Data. Confirm it.
* The reset process completes in a minute or two.

# Answer
> -1 votes
You can take the help of Google account to reset the password, first of all make sure the wifi/mobile data is turned on, if not then switch the data connection on by pressing and holding the power button until a pop up appears asking you wether to turn the device off, Data network mode use it to turn the mobile data switched on. Once mobile data gets switched on tap over the forgot password put your gmail account user ID and password you will be given the privilege to create new password. Follow the instruction and you are all done.

---
Tags: lock-screens, locked-out
---


# Question
Title: Is a custom rom which is designed for rk2918 tablet will run on any tablet with rk2918 cpu
I have 3q rc0710b tablet .. the cpu is Rockchip RK2918. I am looking for a custom rom for this slow tablet ,to get better performance.. can I try any rk2918 custom rom ? Where can I get best rom ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
A ROM that is designed to run on an RK2918 *will not* run on any RK2918 chipset. The ROM still needs to be built for your device specifically.

Check XDA-Developers for a ROM for your tablet.

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


# Question
Title: remove or undo rating google playstore review
due to privacy reasons - How do I remove a rating I put from the Android app in the Google play store? I just realized people can see more of info and do not want that. I can't find where to undo my rating. I just clicked on the stars, did not write a review.

# Answer
You can delete your review/rating from both the Play store app page and also via the Play store on your device.

**Web Play Store**

Simply visit the page for the app for which you want to remove your review. Scroll down and you should see your review and also two buttons, 'delete' and 'edit'. Clicking the delete will remove your review.

**Play Store app** Visit the app for which you want to remove your review. Just beneath the app screenshots you should see your star 'review'. On the right there is an 'edit' button. Click this and you will then see a 'delete' button. Click this to delete your review.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: app-ratings
---


title: Howto get device's features with adb

text:
# Question
Title: Howto get device's features with adb
Howto get device's features with `adb` i.e. whether it has e.g. accelerometer, screen is capable landscape mode, etc.

These values are set in XML during build:

```
<feature name="android.hardware.sensor.accelerometer" />
<feature name="android.hardware.screen.landscape" />

```

# Answer
> 16 votes
Sdk:

```
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.sdk

```

Complete list:

```
adb shell getprop

```

Through the package manager:

```
adb shell pm list features

```

---
Tags: adb, hardware
---


# Question
Title: Can android applications communicate with USB device directly?
I've been thinking that, since many android phones support USB OTG maybe there could be a way to engineer a device that performs special task and uses phone as it's control panel.

But before making this serious idea, I need to know if it can work.

1. How does android handle unknown USB devices?
2. Can application use USB directly without ROOT privegies?
3. As an alternative, does android support virtual COM port?
4. As the last hope, can applications directly read/set value on headset output? (To use it as digital IO pin)

# Answer
I never tried it but applications can access USB through the following API since android 3.1.
To confirm this there are devices with infrared that you plug to USB in your phone to use it as universal remote control.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: Is there an app that will vocalize (text to speech) a message (SMS)?
When I'm driving with a headset active (Bluetooth or wired), I want my Android to read me any incoming text messages.

Any references?

# Answer
> 8 votes
There are a number of apps that will do this. DriveSafe.ly is what I use right now, but haven't really had the opportunity to thoroughly test their TTS engine. It can also be set up to start whenever bluetooth is paired, or if you put it in a car dock.

I did try another one out a few months ago, but can't remember the name right now. A search through the app market (or your favourite online app site) may reveal some more.

# Answer
> 5 votes
SayMyName Dessert will read SMS text. When bluetooth is attached, it still uses the speaker or wired output, though.

# Answer
> 5 votes
SMS Speak does text to speech for your SMS messages. It has support for routing audio thru a connected bluetooth too. You can install different speech synthesis engines from the software libraries on the marketplace as well.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Handcent SMS has a "speak text" feature.

# Answer
> 2 votes
StartTalking seems like an app to check out. It will let you listen to incoming text messages and even replay to them. It doesn't require any Bluetooth devices (but I think it will work with one), and it's true hands free - meaning you don't have to press any button to use it, both for listening to it and replaying, it's fully voice activated. Oh and the TTS sounds surprisingly good.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The following is another resource for such apps:

http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android\_access/apps.html#ps

At least one of the 5 listed (Handcent SMS) is SMS-specific.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Announcify \- currently in beta.

It's the successor of, the already mentioned above, SayMyName Dessert.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is an app called Smart Receiver, it speaks SMS and incoming call details very well. I use it, it is very nice.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Enhanced SMS & Caller ID will vocalize text messages and allow you to reply using your voice.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Check out Blue Control on the Marketplace. Routes sms messages to your BT headset.

# Answer
> 0 votes
"Assistant" for Android is free and it reads incoming text messages aloud, and it will let you dictate a response. It does many of the other things that "Google Now" does, only not as well.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I know this is an old thread but here is some links to a good 100% hands free SMS for Android.

Speak and Hear SMS

in Google Play:

Speak and Hear SMS

# Answer
> 0 votes
By far the best hands free app out there (and believe me, I've tried all of them) is Speak Drive Text by SpeakEazy. So many options, just a great app.

---
Tags: sms, bluetooth, headphones, text-to-speech, hands-free
---


title: ART internal storage problm

text:
# Question
Title: ART internal storage problm
Using my moto e in Art mode and my internal memory is totally consumed will I get my internal memory if I switch again to dalvik?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes you will get your memory back.

During the reboot process, Android will have to optimize all apps, so this will take some time. About 15 min. to 60 min. for this to complete, that all depends on how many apps you have. Make sure you device is fully charged.

---

You also can manually edit the file with runtime values, which is located: */data/property/persist.sys.dalvik.vm.lib*

libart.so and libdvm.so are the values.

Command:

> *adb shell 'echo libdvm.so \>/data/property/persist.sys.dalvik.vm.lib'*

Or

> *adb shell setprop persist.sys.dalvik.vm.lib libdvm.so*

---
Tags: android-versions
---


# Question
Title: What are `storage/emulated`, `mnt/sdcard`, `storage/sdcard`?
There have been questions about the old `sdcard` turning into `sdcard0`, which I understand to be part of the multiuser feature.

What I don't understand is the 3 paths in the questions. Some of them look like symlinks to me, since files copied to one place show up in another.

Could anyone systematically explain the relationship between those 3 (and any other storage path)? Given that relationship, where should I store my files (e.g. Firefox's Download location, Aldiko's ebook storage directory, etc.)?

# Answer
> *"In the case of devices without true external storage, it's still necessary for Android to provide an emulated external storage in order to remain compatible with older apps. In other words the RAM is physically internal (non-removable) but a section of it is partitioned and the Android file-system APIs treat that partition as being "external" and world-readable."*

Taken from answer by @Squonk *https://stackoverflow.com/questions/23625104/storage-emulated-legacy-vs-storage-emulated-0-vs-data-data-myapp*

---

As to where to store your downloads at *storage/sdcard*. The others are symlinks to that location.

---

A symlink is a shortcut, a low-level pointer. A symlink will look like the linked file is actually there, rather than it just being a shortcut. Once you tap on it, it’ll be directed toward the actual file location and run/use data from there.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, file-system
---


# Question
Title: How do I enable sticky keys for a Bluetooth Slide-out Keyboard on Android 4.4.2?
I've got a slide out bluetooth external keyboard for my Samsung Galaxy S5. It's currently rooted and is running OmegaDroid as my ROM. I'd like to make it so that my modifier keys are "sticky", in that when I click the "shift" key, the next letter I type with be shifted. Right now, I have to hold the shift key down in order for the letter to be capitalized, and it is driving me up the wall. I much prefer the Droid 4 way of handling the shift key, as you don't have to do weird finger combinations or reach with your other thumb to get a letter to capitalize.

I'm totally rooted, and I'm happy with backing up my phone to try crazy things, as long as I can get this thorn out of my side :D.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 2 votes
I figured it out and verified that it works.

Basically, you need to use a Character Map that has a type of ALPHA. This should make it so that the modifier keys, SHIFT in particular, behave the right way for thumb typing.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, external-keyboard
---


title: Too many password attempts

text:
# Question
Title: Too many password attempts
While I was out, someone attempted to guess my phone password. They couldn't guess it and now it displays the 'too many password attempts' screen, which needs to be unlocked with a google account. However, my google account is not working. I enter the username and password correctly, and have attempted to do so about 10 times. So why is it not unlocking? Do I need an internet connection to unlock it?

# Answer
You won't need an internet connection.

Also, when typing the username/email, make sure you have either @gmail.com or @googlemail.com at the end, depending on what it was when you added the account.

If you didn't add anything, the default for android \<= 2.3 is @googlemail.com
> 5 votes

# Answer
Go Here and sign in with your google account: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager

Lock it from the WEB and then use that password to open you device - I just did it on my son's and we saved everything! I thought I was going to have to wipe it, but didn't. Good luck
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, password, locked-out
---


title: Drivers for Nexus 4 for Windows XP

text:
# Question
Title: Drivers for Nexus 4 for Windows XP
I don't have any software on my laptop for my Nexus 4 drivers. Where can I get the driver software to download it for my Nexus 4 for Windows XP?

# Answer
If you're looking for drivers that will allow you to connect your phone to the PC, you can install the Universal Naked Drivers found on XDA. This is compatible with Windows XP.

NOTE: This driver is by 1wayjonny, and works with Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus Q, and Nexus S.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Well, I got it working eventually when I realized that I have to unlock my phone before I connect it and all of a sudden it started working just fine... :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-4, usb-drivers
---


title: How to set alarm?

text:
# Question
Title: How to set alarm?
How can I set alarm in my android phone? My phone is SYMPHONY Xplorer W35. Android Version: Jelly Bean 4.1.1

I can set alarm through many apps. For example in my phone there is a app called "Clock". Is there any built in process by which I can set up alarm??

# Answer
Clock is the standard application for alarms. In Android, pretty much every feature is an Application, and one application can be replaced by the other.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: alarm
---


# Question
Title: How to make a key act as acute and apostrophe? dead keys problem
Hi dear android/linux enthusiast, first question on stackoverflow, until now I've got a lot of help just reading stackexchange.\* in passive mode, thanks for all that!

I want to make a keycharmap/keylayout for my bluetooth keyboard in my android phone. I want it to behave like a dvorack-us-international keyboard. So I made all the web-research needed but I'm still missing one thing. In my PC the apostrophe key behaves as an acute key, if I press it once and then press a vowel, it writes the vowel with the acute (my native language is Spanish so I've become dependent on this "feature"), so I want this behavior in android.

In my PC:

```
APOSTROPHE A = á
APOSTROPHE O = ó
APOSTROPHE Shift+A = Á
APOSTROPHE APOSTROPHE = ´ (lonely acute)
APOSTROPHE SPACE = '
Shift+APOSTROPHE A = ä
Shift+APOSTROPHE Shift+A = Ä
Shift+APOSTROPHE Shift+APOSTROPHE = ¨ (umlaut)
Shift+APOSTROPHE SPACE = "

```

So I made a keycharmap that has this:

```
key APOSTROPHE {
    label:                              '\''
    base:                               '\u0301'
    shift:                              '\u0308'
}

```

(As sepecified in https://source.android.com/devices/tech/input/key-character-map-files.html#behaviors)

But what I've got was this behavior:

```
APOSTROPHE APOSTROPHE = ´ (lonely acute)
APOSTROPHE SPACE = ´ (lonely acute)
Shift+APOSTROPHE Shift+APOSTROPHE = ¨ (umlaut)
Shift+APOSTROPHE SPACE = ¨ (umlaut)

```

As you can see **I'm missing the quote and double quote** and I'd really like to have them.

So, I tried something different:

```
key APOSTROPHE {
    label:                              '\''
    base:                               '\u030D'
    shift:                              '\u030E'
}

```

(Looking at android sources http://omapzoom.org/?p=platform/frameworks/base.git;a=blob;f=core/java/android/view/KeyCharacterMap.java;h=55dd6bb64fe65ba29c5f71ed9257ed9dbe7a3790;hb=HEAD and at unicode "combining character" in wikipedia)

But didn't got what I wanted either. I saw that the character '\u030E' was comment-out on the source code ok, but I had to try. So the question is:

How do I get the behavior I want in android? Can't be done without modifying android sources? do I have to use key modifiers (ALT or CTRL) and stick with that?

(I'm using cyanogenmod 11-20140708 based on kitkat 4.4.4 on a LG nexus 4 (mako))

thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Ok, this is not the answer, this is some kind of "workaround" that I don't like. It works but makes me memorize another super key combo.

```
# In the keycharmap I puted this:

# this is the default for this key
key GRAVE {
    label:                              '`'
    base:                               '`'
    shift:                              '~'
    alt:                                '\u0300'
    alt+shift:                          '\u0303'
}

key APOSTROPHE {
    label:                              '\''
    base:                               '\''
    shift:                              '"'
    alt:                                '\u0301'
    alt+shift:                          '\u0308'
}

```

And with that settings I get this results:

```
Alt+APOSTROPHE A = á
Alt+APOSTROPHE O = ó
Alt+APOSTROPHE Shift+A = Á
Alt+APOSTROPHE Alt+APOSTROPHE = ´ (lonely acute)
APOSTROPHE = '
Alt+Shift+APOSTROPHE A = ä
Alt+Shift+APOSTROPHE Shift+A = Ä
Alt+Shift+APOSTROPHE Alt+Shift+APOSTROPHE = ¨ (umlaut)
Shift+APOSTROPHE = "

```

Using Alt+Shift feels unnatural and I'd like to get the same behavior that I've got on my PC, but for now this works.

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, languages, external-keyboard, cyanogenmod
---


title: PDF (not text) to Speech

text:
# Question
Title: PDF (not text) to Speech
I need a TTS program to read my PDF files. I tried several programs, but all convert PDF to raw text, then read it. My PDF files have lots of pictures and designs, and I need to look at the PDF file when the TTS program is reading the text.

Is there any TTS program to read a PDF file when viewing the original PDF?

# Answer
> 2 votes
PDF to Speech Pro *https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.practicalapps&hl=en* $2.99.

One of the better ones, actually does what it is suppose to. I haven't came across any free ones.

---
Tags: pdf, text-to-speech, ebook-reader
---


title: night mode with reverse video?

text:
# Question
Title: night mode with reverse video?
I have seen apps that lower the brightness, but is there a way to get rid of all light colored backgrounds such as (selectively?) inverting the image colors? For instance, I have an app that only provides black ink on a white background; this emits a lot more light at any brightness level than if I could reverse it to show white ink on a black background while in night mode. Ideally even all light colors would turn to solid black and all dark ones to a gray light enough to see. Some apps provide the ability to control these colors, but others do not.

Is there some in-built way to accomplish this starting with any specific Android version, or some other way to accomplish this? Simply reducing "brightness" is insufficient when the goal is to be able to use the tablet for short periods during the night without disturbing one's partner or even affecting one's own sleep cycle.

Update: Also, it seems the backlight by itself emits a lot of light even on a black screen, and the filter approach does not seem to affect this at all.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have found under setting (in Android 4.3 anyway) that I can go to Device: Accessibility:Negative Colors. This will produce the "inverse video" effect so normally white backgrounds are black. In conjunction with normal (or app enhanced) screen dimming this reduces liht significantly over the normal black on white output.

I will update this answer if I find a way to control backlight brightness.

Update: This mechanism does not work when the onscreen keyboard is involved, as those are typically dark and negative video makes them too bright.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The one I use is Screen Filter *https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.haxor&hl=en* free.

It doesn't invert any colors, but has the lowest brightness setting of any filter app. Use in conjunction with system brightness to achieve any level of brightness needed.

---

In this Android tutorial, William J. Francis demonstrates how to read and write to the LCD backlight brightness control.

*http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/software-engineer/control-androids-lcd-backlight-programmatically/*

Its some good reading, very nice write up. This is how I'm going to fix my backlight brightness.

---

But here's another filter app that's free *https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digipom.nightfilter&hl=en* No programming required.

> "Night Filter is an easy to use screen filter application for your Android phone or tablet. Night Filter makes it easy for you to dim your screen, adjust your color tint, and more! Use it to read at night with less eye strain and correct for an excessive screen tint."

---
Tags: screen-brightness, color
---


# Question
Title: What are alternative IDEs to ADT eclipse ? the emulator in adt eclipse is VERY SLOW
I tried to develop apps in standard ADT - but it is very slow to respond to my clicks on the virtual smartphone..

Are there other FASTER alternative IDEs to ADT and better simulator coming with it?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Use BlueStack App Player Its extremely fast and easy to use with eclipse. In order to use it with eclipse, just open the command prompt and type

```
adb connect 127.0.0.1

```

then you can launch your apks on it and it will run without any hassle.

Find the detailed tutorial here

---
Tags: android-emulator
---


title: Unlocking Nexus 4 with cracked screen

text:
# Question
Title: Unlocking Nexus 4 with cracked screen
Recently a short fall broke not only my Nexus 4's cheap phone case, but the digitizer as well. The LCD and everything else is perfect, however the touch screen only works on the top quarter of the screen. I have no bluetooth mouse/keyboard and USB On-The-Go doesn't work for Nexus 4.

Unfortunately USB Debugging is disabled (I really regret turning it off). How can I unlock it or back up the data on my phone?

# Answer
> 1 votes
This is word for word from *http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/help/broken-digitizer-to-enable-usb-t2206706/page2* response from Dabyd64. I copied this in its entirety for reference and to have this on the Stack Exchange.

---

"I finally get it working by installing CWM recovery, which has ADB, and enable the adb debugging.

```
adb shell
mount -a

```

(if the following two commands show error "file doesn't exist", don't worry, it's ok!)

```
rm /data/property/persist.service.adb.enable
rm /data/property/persist.sys.usb.config

echo "persist.service.adb.enable=1" >>/system/build.prop
echo "persist.service.debuggable=1" >>/system/build.prop
echo "persist.sys.usb.config=mass_storage,adb" >>/system/build.prop"
/system/xbin/sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db "update global set value='1' where name='adb_enabled'";
/system/xbin/sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db "update global set value='1' where name='development_settings_enabled'";
sync
reboot

```

If the sqlite3 command shows error (command not found) then your phone doesn't have sqlite3 installed. Still, you can do it! First extract settings.db:

```
adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db

```

Copy that file to a usb drive or whatever. Now you need linux. It's ok to use a live Ubuntu DVD, but you need to be connected to internet. *http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop* I recommend to use the 32bit version for compatibility. Usually sqlite3 is not installed by default.

In ubuntu:

```
sudo apt-get install sqlite3

```

You will be asked for the root password!

Now we can edit the settings.db:

```
sudo sqlite3 /path_to_your_folder/settings.db
update global set value='1' where name='adb_enabled';
update global set value='1' where name='development_settings_enabled';
.exit

```

Now we have the settings.db changed and ready! Copy that settings.db again to a pen drive or whatever, go back to windows or keep in linux if you already have a working ADB.

```
adb push settings.db /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/
adb shell "chown system.system /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db"
adb shell "chmod 644 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db"
sync
reboot

```

Done! ADB should work when in starts. I had to use "mass\_storage,adb" because "mtp,adb" or just "adb" didn't work. Thought, the phone was not working in mass storage, but who cares! ADB was!"

---

I have used those on my Nexus 7 when I broke my digitizer and adb was turned off. It worked perfectly, should work just as well with TWRP.

---
Tags: adb, backup
---


title: Display other calendars in calendar app

text:
# Question
Title: Display other calendars in calendar app
In my google calendar I created some new calendars. How do I get them to show in my "Calendar" app on Android? I'm using the stock one.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This answer applies to 4.4 (Kit Kat) and "Calendar" version 201404xxx. Although I am guessing it will apply to most other versions.

When I click on the menu in the Calendar app I have two options that may be relevant

1: "Calendars to display". I can choose from all the calendars connected to my various accounts including shared calendars and birthdays etc...

2: "Settings". I have the ability to add new accounts

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


# Question
Title: phone whilstles or bell rings: sounds on Samsung Galaxy S3
I have two very basic questions about my Samsung Galaxy S3 phone. In its default configuration:

1. Every now and then the phone whistles. (a) What does this mean? (b) How do I change this or turn it off permanently?
2. A few months ago the operating system did an OTA (over-the-air) update. Now every now and then, besides this whistling, I also hear a bicycle bell ringing. (a) What does this mean and how does this differ from the whistling, that is, how is the information conveyed by the whistling different by the information conveyed by the bicycle bell ringing? (b) How do I change this sound or turn it off altogether permanently?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 1 votes
These are both notifications. To change them or even just find out what they are notifying you about go to Settings \> My Device \> Sound You can change the "Default Notification Sound" (even choosing silent, but then you won't get any notification sounds) and a little bit lower on the menu you can set distinct defaults for specific samsung apps. There are many apps that allow you to choose different notifications sounds (other than the default that you chose above), but those have to be changed in the apps themselves.

Do you notice any new information in the notification area (by swiping down from the top of the screen) when you hear these alerts?

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Tags: notifications, custom-sounds
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title: google play store crashes

text:
# Question
Title: google play store crashes
Seems like impossible to fix:

I have a *ZTE Max* which I've rooted. I downloaded a ROM but didn't quite install it: just ran to recovery and hit factory reset, thinking it will just ask me for update to load. Anyways, I've rebooted the phone and when I click *Play store* it crashes immediately.

I tried enabling but nothing is disabled. Cleared data and cache for anything with "download" or "play store". Got agravated, removed the root and factory reset about 10 times after repeating the steps over and over again.

Also when I click to add a google account it doesn't respond. Any idea how to solve this issue?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Factory-resetting only wipes the user data. If you want to go back to the original ROM and unroot to fix your phone, you need to find the original ROM that your phone came with, and follow the procedure to flash it to your phone.

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Tags: root-access, stock-android
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# Question
Title: What do I need to improve performance of the Android emulator?
I currently use Ubuntu 10.10, and I find the emulator extremely slow. However, I have an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU (T5200 processor) with 4G of RAM. What do I need to improve performance? Better hardware? A minimal Linux distribution?

# Answer
> 7 votes
Past versions of the emulator were extremely slow on all platforms. However, there are now native x86 versions of the emulator; performance should be considerably improved. You should be able to get them through the Android SDK (or through Intel's website, see this Stack Overflow post).

However, I would recommend (for end users) Memu instead; it's very fast and reliable. Genymotion is the best alternative if you aren't on Windows.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As an update to Matthews answer: I'm running Android-x86 in a VirtualBox VM, performance and load are pretty much acceptable. Android-x86 images are available for download on the project site, and install in VM works like with any Linux distro (basically).

for detailed instructions, there are several tutorials around; simply google for android-x86 virtualbox, good matches appear already on the first page, e.g.

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Tags: hardware, android-emulator
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# Question
Title: Phone will no longer connect via USB after bad ROM
I have a phone that was flashed with a bad ROM. It no longer has a system, so actually getting into the phone is a no-go. It can, however, boot into recovery and download mode. I planned on flashing to a stock ROM, but I can no longer connect via USB: Windows simply cannot recognize the device.

I've gone through various driver installations, but to no avail. I figured I'd give up on the USB and just put a stock ROM on an SDcard and install it through recovery. Would this work, or do I need to do it through USB?

# Answer
> 1 votes
With these things there are always exceptions and a few clever work-arounds, the below is general advice.

**Only flash a ROM for your exact device model**

You can't flash something not 'stock' through the stock recovery, attempting to do so will cause signature errors. The opposite; flashing stock ROM through a custom will also error. So you will not be able to restore to stock first (more than likely anyway.)

However, since you don't immediately **need** the phone on stock, then you can copy any ROM compatible with your device onto the SD card and flash that through recovery. At least then you will be have a booting device, and can deal with the USB drivers issue.

Installing in recovery would usually involve the 2 main steps below:

`Wipe the device`
`Install from zip`

And then install any other zips you may need (e.g. ).

You could attempt to mount the SD card in your recovery but I'd guess you've tried all those options.

Also as Izzy has pointed out you may need a new flashed on the device to allow "low level interface" connection, so the kernel has nothing to connect to.

**Once again ONLY flash something for your EXACT device or you will have a shiny paper weight!**

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Tags: recovery-mode, rom
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title: Use Easily.Do offline?

text:
# Question
Title: Use Easily.Do offline?
I installed Easily.Do on my android device, which is offline. But says I have to sign in. Is there a way to use EasilyDO without internet on my phone?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You have to at least sign in once in the app, it cannot be used without connecting an account to it.

Now how much the app rely on online data to work, it's hard to tell without actually using it. So far, I've tried it and some informations like appointment and the weather are accessible (cached), but the app warns you that no data connection is available. Obviously, you won't receive any update while offline.

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Tags: offline
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