# Question
Title: What is actually happening when you hard brick a phone?
I've never hard bricked a phone. I've never seen one either. But hard bricking is everyone's worst nightmare.

I wan't to know what exactly happens when you hard brick your phone. **What happens** that makes it irrecoverable without professional help?

To find this out, I needed to know how flashing of ROMs work. For this, I downloaded the data sheet for my phone's chipset (an MTK6589, whose datasheet can be found here) and then found out that:

* The USB data lines D+ and D- and VCC goes directly to the application processer.
* There is an external PMIC for application processor that handles the power ON and OFF of the handset. On this IC there are two pins(KP\_KOL0 and KP\_ROM0) which when are 0, triggers USB download without battery.
* The memory (eMMC or NAND Flash) to which the files are downloaded is also connected to the Processor via a External Memory Interface (EMI).

So this is what (I think) happens when you flash a wrong ROM:

Though I don't know what results in 0V on pins KP\_KOL0 and KP\_ROM0, but this happens when you want to download a new ROM, and the application processor switches/starts in Download mode.

I've googled what happens when you hard brick a phone. All I get are noob posts telling how or how not to hard brick your phone. Most of the posts say that when you flash the wrong ROM, the phone may get hard bricked. My question is,

What happens when you flash a wrong ROM that makes the phone hard bricked?

Or why does the processor become not responding at all when you hard brick it?

# Answer
It has nothing to do with the processor, unless you've fried it.

Usually, the only software-based hard brick that is possible is when you overwrite the bootloader. Without a (working) bootloader, the phone (a) cannot get to the point where it would load the operating system and/or (b) cannot have working software loaded onto it.

If you get into this state you need to access the hardware more directly to write a new bootloader, often using JTAG.
> 21 votes

# Answer
For it to be possible to hard brick a phone, some of the software that the phone has to run to boot and flash itself -- something from the point where it's a just-powered-on processor running address 0 to the point where the phone is writing a new image to flash -- needs to be itself in flash that the phone can write. Usually this is something like a secondary boot loader. If you erase that, then you can't reflash anymore. Hard bricked.

On a phone where you can write something new with only the aid of whatever software is in ROM that the phone can't write, whether or not it's by shorting a couple of pins and there's USB straight into the processor, you can't truly "hard brick" the phone. Unbricking would always be possible at least in theory, provided you can feed it the firmware in whatever format it needs.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


# Question
Title: Device lose root access after installing SU .zip update from stock recovery
I rooted my device, Samsung Galaxy S3, by connecting my device to pc via usb, and one-click-root with *KingROOT* application(on my pc). It automatically install a superuser on my device, but it's not the *SuperSU* that developed by Chainfire, instead, it's called *Kingo Superuser*. It works fine, but unfortunately an app did not get authorize by Kingo Superuser, it keep asking for authorization from SuperSU.
I don't know why SuperSU is asking for update even though I just install it from Play Store. Since I don't have a custom ROM, I choose *Normal* when asking for update method. Before I do that, I already install the *.zip* update file from recovery. (I saw 3 red lines, *...can't get signature..., something like that when I install it.*) After it completed, device starts to reboot. The worst thing is after rebooting, my device lose root access :(
I searched for solution online about updating SuperSU and related stuff but I can't find a clear solution. So I came here, how do I update SU binary in a proper way, without a custom ROM.
Thanks.

# Answer
SuperSU zip is an unsigned zip and can only be flagged through a custom recovery like cwm our twrp. You can search on xda for a custom recovery for your device. Use Kingroot to root your device again, use fastboot or ODIN from PC (refer to XDA for proper device-specific instructions) or Flashify to flash a custom recovery image, then full unroot from Kinguser, and then flash the SuperSu zip from custom recovery.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, root-access, recovery-mode, superuser
---


# Question
Title: How to stream audio from PC to android device through USB?
How to stream audio from PC to Android Device over Bluetooth

Is there a way to stream all audio from PC to Android via USB?

Can I stream video from PC to an android device over USB?

I have found these questions, but since they're asked a few years ago, is it possible for now?

I've seen some new feature in android 5.0 and above, like this. https://source.android.com/devices/audio/usb.html#androidSupport

But I don't know how to use those features to stream audio from pc to android device via USB, please help me!

# Answer
What you just read from the Android developer's guide is actually a specification for an Android device to send, not receive, audio using USB to an external device, such as a charging dock-cum-music player. This is a host mode USB connection. This does not allow your pc to send ( stream) audio to your device via USB. However, if your PC has Bluetooth, maybe you can register your phone as a Bluetooth audio player and stream audio to it that way.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, 5.0-lollipop, usb, audio, streaming
---


# Question
Title: Restore power button to default behaviour
I have LG G2 (D801) on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, rooted. The power button stopped working. I am pretty sure an app messed up its behavior - I don't know which one of the many I recently un/installed trying to fix another issue. I am pretty sure it's not a hardware issue.

How could I restore its default behavior: press to optionally lock the screen and long press to bring up the power menu?

# Answer
Just go full stock with a factory flash. See if the problem is present then. If it is, it is a hardware issue, and you can claim warranty. If it works, be a lot more careful with your apps next time.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: buttons
---


# Question
Title: Unchecking the "show notifications" for the Phone app
My carrier keeps sending the voicemail notification to my device. I can force-stop the phone app (makes the notifications go away), but EVERY SINGLE TIME the device reboots or do something phone-related, **boom**, its back.

In the app info, the checkbox for notifications is shaded.

Is there any way to make the checkbox unmarked?

I have root, terminal emulator and ADB to play with.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Since you've root access, you can easily allow or ignore the notifications of any app.

1. Install a file manager having root explorer feature such as ES File Explorer or MiXplorer.
2. Go to `/data/system` and open `notification-policy.xml`.
3. Add `<package name"PKG_NAME" />` between `<blocked-packages>` and `</blocked-packages>`, such as:

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

Replace `PKG_NAME` with the package name of the app whose notifications you don't want to see. See View app's full package name?
4. Save the file and reboot the device. The "Show notifications" checkbox would now be seen unticked.

There's also an alternative approach which didn't work for me. You may give it a try though. Find it here.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, 4.2-jelly-bean, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Image App which does not hide the directory structure
I sync images to the external SD cards of my android5 tablet.

I use this schema:

```
YYYY/MM/DD-event1
YYYY/MM/DD-event2

```

Example:

```
2015/09/01-morning-sunrise
2015/09/01-afternoon-shopping
...

```

All images viewers seem I tried seem to hide the underlying directory structure.

For me it feels like global evil forces trying to keep me stupid.

I can navigate trough the directory structure with the "My Files" app.

Opening a single image works with the gallery or photo app. But swiping to get to the next picture of the directory does not work :-(

How can I navigate the directory and view the images on my external SD card?

# Answer
I suggest you use the X-Plore file manager. It has the exact features of what you have expressed. The other file operations on it are also a lot easier and faster once you get the hang of it. You can read a review before installing from http://reviewlagoon.com/x-plore-file-manager-android/
> 2 votes

# Answer
I use Foto Finder now:

https://github.com/k3b/AndroFotoFinder

Up to now you can't install it via google play, only fdroid :-(

* Can handle big image collections (15000+ images in 1000+ folders).
* Uses Android's image content-provider. No initial image scan neccessary.
* Find images via folder (with hirachical picker), wildcards that match folder/filename,
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, photos, images
---


title: Airplane Mode Timer that LOCKS

text:
# Question
Title: Airplane Mode Timer that LOCKS
I have found airplane mode apps where I can set a timer for when it comes on. However, I can't find anything that requires a password to turn it off. I need to set it up on my friend's phone for his son so that it forces the phone into airplane mode every night so his son goes to bed. I've tried various Parental control apps, and they suck. Also, it would be useful to have the option to manually turn the service off by sending an SMS from another phone.

Please, don't tell me that my friend needs to take away his son's phone at night. I agree. But it's not my kid so I can't do it myself.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You don't need a password for anything here, neither you've to worry *much* that the Airplane mode would get disabled by the kid. Of course, if the kid is smart then s/he would find a way to by-pass the restrictions imposed using the following solution.

For the solution, you need to use an automation app app like Tasker (paid but trial is available) or MacroDroid (free/Pro). I've demonstrated the solution using the latter because its free version does the job.

**Note**: Device needs to be rooted.

1. We would create a macro which would make sure that if the kid disables Airplane mode by any means the Airplane mode would get turned on automatically as long as the time period remains true.

1. Install and launch **MacroDroid**.
    2. Tap **Add Macro****Airplane Mode Changed****Airplane Mode Disabled****OK**.
    3. Under **Add Actions**, tap **Airplane Mode On/Off****Airplane Mode On****OK** → (leave options unchecked) **OK** → proceed.
    4. Under **Add Constraints**, tap **Time of Day** → choose **Start Time** and **Stop Time** i.e. for the time period where you want Airplane mode to get enabled and remain active until another time is reached, such as 22:00 to 05:00 → **OK** → proceed.
    5. Name the macro as `Persist Airplane Mode`**OK**.

Your macros would show up under **Macros** at the default page of app.
2. Create a new macro to start the Airplane Mode for the time where you want the kid to sleep or go to bed:

1. Tap **Add Macro****Day/Time Trigger** → choose **Days of the week** and **Time of Day**, such as Saturday, 22:00 → **OK**.
    2. Under **Add Actions**, tap **Airplane Mode On/Off****Airplane Mode On****OK** → (leave options unchecked) **OK** → proceed.
    3. Ignore **Add Constraints** and name the macro as `Start Airplane Mode`.
3. The Airplane mode can be turned off easily after the device is rebooted and before MacroDroid is started from startup. MacroDroid wouldn't activate the Airplane mode automatically after reboot unless told to do so.

To make sure that Airplane mode gets enabled automatically after reboot, make the following macro:

1. Tap **Add Macro****Device Boot**.
    2. Under **Add Actions**, tap **Airplane Mode On/Off****Airplane Mode On****OK** → (leave options unchecked) **OK** → proceed.
    3. Under **Add Constraints**, tap **Time of Day** → choose **Start Time** and **Stop Time** i.e. for the time period where you want Airplane mode to get enabled and remain active until another time is reached, such as 22:00 to 05:00 → **OK** → proceed.
    4. Name the macro as `Activate On Boot`**OK**.
4. Now, create a final macro which would disable the Airplane mode at a particular time:

1. Tap **Add Macro****Day/Time Trigger** → choose **Days of the week** and **Time of Day**, such as Saturday, 05:00 → **OK**.
    2. Under **Add Actions**, tap **Airplane Mode On/Off****Airplane Mode Off****OK** → (leave options unchecked) **OK** → proceed.
    3. Ignore **Add Constraints** and name the macro as `Stop Airplane Mode`.
5. You also need to activate MacroDroid as Device Administrator so that it can't be force-stopped or uninstalled easily.

* Go to **Settings → Security → Device Administrators** and choose **MacroDroid** in it.
    * Also, go to **Settings → Apps → MacroDroid** → uncheck **Show notifications** so that its icon and notification doesn't remain visible or persistent.

I've not tested the SMS feature in MacroDroid but I've no reason to believe that it wouldn't work. Give it a try.

---
Tags: wi-fi, airplane-mode
---


# Question
Title: Any way to have Location services turn itself off after a time limit?
Can I have Location services turn itself off automatically after a certain time is reached (let's say 10 minutes)? I normally leave it off save for some applications (Maps, etc) but sometimes I forget to turn it off, and it's a big battery drain.

# Answer
> 17 votes
That might be solved using one of the many apps. I myself prefer here, but YMMV (and *Tasker* doesn't come for free) – might be capable of the same.

What I do here is creating a profile like this:

* **Condition:** App (select the apps you want to use GPS with)
* **Task:** GPS On
* optional exit task: GPS Off

That way GPS by default is off, but automatically gets turned on whenever you launch one of the selected apps *and have them running in foreground*. It would automatically be turned off once you exit that app, or have any other app running in foreground. The "exit task" is optional as *Tasker* restores the conditions from *before* the profile became active.

For other alternative automation apps, you're also welcome to take a look at my list here.

# Answer
> 7 votes
As Izzy said in the answer, Tasker is a great choice but it's not free for anyone. I tried AutomateIt(Free) and it gets the job done.

**Edit:** This answer is successfully tested on Android 4.2.1, without giving root access to AutomateIt. However, on Android 4.4.2, COS12 (Android 5.0.2) and CM12.1 (Android 5.1.1, build: YOG7DAO1K6), the relevant options were not visible **until I restarted the app with root access.** This fact came to my notice through this comment by jonatr.

1. Install and launch AutomateIt.
2. Go to **My Rules****All**, and see if you need any predefined rules. If you don't then either disable or delete by tapping each entry once and selecting the desired option.
3. Tap `+` corresponding to **My Rules** tab → **Application Status Trigger** → tap lens icon and choose your app (**Maps** here) → check **Application Activated****Next****Enable/Disable GPS Action****Enable GPS****Next** → choose **Default** or **No** (to show or not, a toast whenever automation will be triggered) → tap floppy icon at the top to save everything.
4. Repeat steps 2-4 except that uncheck **Application activated** in step 3 this time.

Now you can open the Maps and Location will be enabled. You close the Maps and Location will be disabled. You can do more with it if you certainly want to disable Location (say 10 minutes) after minimizing the Maps.

Honestly, I'll prefer Tasker because I need fewer steps and I know it doesn't hog my battery. Check it out if AutomateIt eats the battery quite a lot.

# Answer
> 2 votes
As said, most automation apps can perform this task, Automate is another free alternative. Here's some user-made automations for toggling the GPS when viewing Google Maps:

http://llamalab.com/automate/community/?q=gps+maps

A rooted device is required, but it may be possible to workaround using UI automation.

# Answer
> 1 votes
MacroDroid's free version can do it.

**Edit:** This answer is successfully tested on Android 4.2.1, without giving root access to MacroDroid. However, on Android 4.4.2, COS12 (Android 5.0.2) and CM12.1 (Android 5.1.1, build: YOG7DAO1K6), MacroDroid failed to complete the job without root access. This fact came to my notice through this comment by jonatr.

1. When creating a macro choose the trigger **Application Launched/Closed → Application Launch** → select your app.
2. Under **Add Actions**, tap **GPS Enable/Disable → GPS On**. It may say so but it doesn't need root access. See edit above.
3. Create another macro but make it for **Application Closed** and set **GPS Off** as the action.

That's it. Launch that selected app and GPS would activate automatically, close the app and GPS would deactivate.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, samsung, location-services
---


title: Transfereing Apps on Samsung

text:
# Question
Title: Transfereing Apps on Samsung
I had some apps which were very useful on my old Samsung S3 and wanted to transfer them to my new s3. I went to applications manager and clicked on move to sd card. Not all the apps.can do this? Also now the sd card is in my new s3 I don't know how to access or install the apps that are supposed to be on my sd card. Any help or ideas with this?

Thank you

# Answer
You can't transfer apps like that. only moves parts of the apps to free some "internal storage" – and no, not all apps support this (if they offer widgets or run services, they cannot be moved this way).

So as you never get the full `.apk` file moved-over this way, it obviously doesn't work for your purpose. What are your alternatives?

* You can install them from Playstore (or some other market place)
* You can restore them from a taken
* You can use some "APK Catcher" (see my list of apps to Backup your apps for possible candidates)

Note however that if you want to transfer the apps' data along, you either need root – or have to use `adb backup` (see our tag-wiki for a starter).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to create a URL link to a website on the home screen?
Is it possible to create an icon on my desktop home screen (Android 2.1 Samsung Galaxy) that I can tap to fire up the browser to a specific web site?

# Answer
> 15 votes
Create it as a bookmark in the Android browser. Then, long-press your home screen and choose the "Bookmark" option. Select the bookmark you made and *Voilà*!

---

For newer versions of Android, assuming you're using the Chrome browser:

1. Go to the URL you want in the browser
2. Open the menu (three vertical dots) and choose "Add to Home screen"
3. Confirm the title you want to give the icon and click "Add"

*Et Voilà*! You now have an icon on your home screen that will open your browser to that URL.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I was having a problem with adding bookmarks to the home screen with my new Samsung Galaxy Fame, using Android 4.1.2. The 'Add to home screen' option seemed to have disappeared.

The solution seems to be to use the stock browser (not Chrome). Create the bookmark. Long press the new bookmark and select the 'Create Shortcut' option. This places the bookmark on the home screen.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I just want to add that the currently updated browsers such as Chrome for Android and Firefox offers exporting any site opened in a tab as a shortcut to home screen. There is now no need to create a bookmark to make a home screen shortcut.

* For Chrome, simply open the website, tap Menu button and choose "Add to Home screen".
* For Firefox, open the website, tap Menu button, go to **Page** and choose "Add to Home Screen".

---
Tags: browser, home-screen-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: I lost my backup sim card so i can't able to open my gmail.?
I Can't sign in my gmail account. Because am enabled 2-steps verification but i lost my sim card . how can I open my gmail account without my backup phone .? please help me..

# Answer
> 0 votes
When you enabled two step authentication, you should have received a set of backup codes that you can use to log in when you lose access to your account.

If you do not have those codes, or if you didn't receive them, you should ask your cellular provider for another SIM card, although your provider may ask money to send you another SIM card.

---
Tags: gmail
---


# Question
Title: "unfortunately the process com.google.process.gapps has stopped" even after hard reset
I have a Blu Life 8 (Kitkat) phone and was getting some annoyng messages: "com.google.process.gapps has stopped", i tried to hard reset it to see if the problem was gone, but even after reset i could not get the message to disappear, and now i can't even go after the initial setup process cause it crashes every 0.1 seconds showing this error. Is there way to fully restore the default settings or something like that? How can i solve this issue?

# Answer
> 0 votes
The best solution for your case is to fully flash your phone. I've been searching around for Android 4.4 firmware for your phone, but I couldn't find any, just for Android 4.2.2. But there is no problem flashing with it. Follow these steps and get your phone working again.

**Flashing FW:**

1. Unpack SP-FlashTool, and run `Flash_tool.exe`
2. Select `MT6592_Android_scatter.txt` from `Firmware` folder
3. Wait for file to be added into Flash Tool
4. Choose Option -\> USB Model, click USB Model
5. Choose Option -\> DA DownLoad All-\>Speed -\> High Speed, click High Speed
6. Turn off your phone, remove the battery then put it back after few seconds (and don't turn on the phone).
7. "Press F9 (hit Download button)" OR "if upgrade ROM Firmware-\>Upgrade "
8. Connect your phone into the computer via USB data cable.
9. The process will start and a red progress bar will appear after color purple, yellow.
10. And green circles display

Finish!

Note: Flashing tutorial credits goes to Needrom.com.

**Download:**

* SP FlashTool: HERE
* BLU\_ROM\_L280a: HERE
* BLU\_ROM\_L280i: HERE

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: I accidentally deleted everything from Sony Xperia P
I has Sony Xperia P(Rooted and Bootloader Unlocked) and I followed this tutorial to install Android 5.0.2 lollipop on it: Installation Tutorial, everything was running well, but after one weak, I accidentally deleted System Files, Dalvik Cache and other system files from it, I can't restore it, when I turn it on, I see only Xperia logo on the screen.

Please help, how to add files on it and install new OS?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Simply, follow the steps from the link you posted, if you already tried that but still same, you can always flash the stock ftf file for your phone using flashtool, and then you can install cm12 again if you want with the same steps,

> Sony Xperia P LT22i FTF: Download #4.1.2
>
> Flashtool: Download #latest version
>
> Guide for using FT: HERE

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, system, operating-system, dalvik
---


# Question
Title: How do I easily create an image/button on my Android home screen which links to a website?
I know the below example is of a custom home screen app, much like Yahoo Aviate, but I'd just like to place custom designed buttons (like the "Attractions" button in the image below) or images on my home screen which links to websites that I specify links to. Is there an easy way to do that?

# Answer
> 2 votes
When I wanted to do this, I found the available apps sorely lacking, so I wrote a home screen widget which can do this. The image can be a static one, or you can refresh it from the Internet periodically (e.g. from an RSS feed). You can set it to open a website when clicked, or launch an app of your choice (amongst other things).

The app is called Showr, and it's a **free** download from Google Play. (There's a "pro" version with more options.)

# Answer
> 0 votes
Bookmark the page in the browser, then exit the browser. There's an app called 'icon changer free' that can be used to change icons for apps and shortcuts. Use it to create a new Bookmark shortcut within that app, and change the icon to the one you want to use. It also offers a small selection of basic image editing tools, but it'd be better if you had the icon prepared beforehand.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Is this what you're looking for?

(Click image to enlarge)

(Those image blocks are hiding **URL/app shortcuts/widgets** inside them.)

It seems that Dan's Showr app does the job well as per the comments on the question. But for some reason it gave me a red cross for any category of widgets I tried to place on Home screen. Perhaps, an update can fix it.

Anyhow, let's focus on creating some image blocks on Home screen. Also, this solution may seem a bit overwhelming at first but it's very easy to reproduce or create once you understand the flow.

Those nice screenshots that you saw at the beginning of this answer were created using Zooper Widget Pro. Its free version wasn't enough for my needs, so paid one is all you'd have to settle with for now.

The app is filled with multitude of options which gives you huge flexibility in making your widget, such as the custom margins that you can see in second screenshot. I'll give the basic idea to use it.

1. The first image block is a 4x1 widget. The third and fourth are 2x1 widgets. In order to create the first block, go to Home launcher → **Widgets** → drag **Zooper Widget 4x1** to Home screen.
2. You may now resize it or tap on it to start customizing it.
3. Choose **Empty** → scroll down to **Widget Name (used on main launcher)** and name it `AE` or anything that you can recognize later.
4. On the same page go to **Layout → + → Bitmap** → scroll and tap **Bitmap** → choose your image.
5. Scroll and tap **Module OnTap**. From this window you can attach apps or their custom shortcuts. Unfortunately, unlike **Showr** app, we don't have an option to provide a custom URL directly. You may either choose a **Bookmark** under **Shortcuts** or a *Task/MacroDroid shortcut* which can open our custom URL easily (we would come to its usage too).
6. Once you're done selecting a module, you would see options like **X Offset** and **Y Offset**. Use them if you want to create margin around your image-cum-widget. (The spacing between the image blocks in the second screenshot were created using these options).
7. Use Back key multiple times to come back to Home screen. Meanwhile, you may be presented an option to save some elements into SD card. It's optional but you can consider it.

Your first image block is created now!

But how do you open a URL on tap? You can consider apps like Tasker (Paid) or MacroDroid (free/paid) to do that job.

### MacroDroid

1. When choosing the **Module OnTap** in aforesaid *step 5* choose **MacroDroid Shortcut** under **Shortcuts**`<Add New Macro>` → scroll down and tap **Send Intent**.
2. * **Target → Activity**
    * **Package** → preferred browser's package name such as for **Chrome for Android** it would be `com.android.chrome`. See View app's full package name? for more info
    * **Date** → URL, such as `http://android.stackexchange.com`

Proceed further.
3. Ignore **Add Constraints** and in the next step, name the shortcut.

URL is set now. You can test it by tapping your widget placed on home screen.

### Tasker

1. In *step 5* (during widget creation) choose **Task Shortcut** under **Shortcuts → New Task** → name it.
2. Tap `+`**System → Send Intent**:

* **Cat → None**
    * **Date** → set the URL
    * **Package** → mention package name of preferred browser
    * **Target → Activity**
3. Set an icon for it, come back to widget window and then to Home screen.

Your widget is ready to roll!

### Popup Widget 2

You can also open any other widget (like this) by tapping those image-cum-widgets, if you use an app like Popup Widget 2.

1. Launch **Popup Widget 2** → create an entry for the widget and save it.
2. In aforesaid *step 5* of widget creation, choose **Popup Widget** under **Shortcuts** followed by the custom entry you made in it.

That's all for now. Enjoy the endless customization!

---
Tags: home-screen-shortcuts, home-screen
---


title: Where are displayed shortcuts stored?

text:
# Question
Title: Where are displayed shortcuts stored?
Often after a reboot, crash or USB usage, icons of apps go missing. Both in the "Home" screens and "Applications".

Currently I have four screens of apps, three in Home. Some of the icons understandably vanish when the SD is taken by eg. USB Storage to PC mode (because they are in part stored there), but often refuse to reappear even after restarting the phone.

Is there config file stored somewhere in my rooted Android 2.2 responsible for the current desktop layout of shortcuts? Or way to back it up & restore (even the stale shortcuts), or force refresh based on existing apps in internal or external memory?

# Answer
> 3 votes
App specific settings are usually stored in the internal storage folder accessible only to that app. While apps do have the ability to write to external storage and lose access to that data when you mount it, I doubt that is the case here.

When you install and move an app to the SD Card, you are not moving the entire app. Some core content of the app still stays on the internal storage. However, moving an app to the external storage has some interesting side effects. The app is completely disabled when you connect your device to the computer, on pre honeycomb devices. Android 3.0 onwards, the USB storage was switched to MTP, which allows the device and the computer to access the storage simultaneously.

In your case, when you connect to the computer, the apps on the SD Card are disabled, causing them to disappear temporarily. As for them not reappearing when you disconnect *and* restart your phone suggests that there is a bug in the launcher you're using. Try using a different third party launcher instead.

# Answer
> 3 votes
There is no common desktop in Android. The desktop or the better term, the Home screen and its content changes based on the Launcher currently set as default. Desktop is also no directory in Android unlike traditional Linux distributions where you can simply browse them using command-line or a file manager.

Anyhow, most of the Launchers including the stock Android, Nova Launcher, Apex, Smart Launcher Pro, Slim Launcher prefer stores the Home screen shortcuts and widgets into a database located inside their data directory.

E.g. `/data/data/com.android.launcher3/databases/launcher.db` may have a table named `favorites` where you may find all those entries. Delete those entries, restart and changes would be reflected on Home screen.

If you want to backup those Home screen shortcuts then backup the whole Launcher app or at least its databases.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe they are stored with the launcher data, since these icons/shortcuts and their order is launcher-specific.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, app2sd, restore, home-screen-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: What happens if I remove my dropbox account from my phone so I can add another account?
I want to add another account but I have to remove the other one first. Will that delete all my photos? Or can I still access my photos if I log in on my dropbox account online?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Logging out will not delete your photos or other content. You will still be able to access all content in the old account via re-logging in on that device, another device, or in browser.

However if you have multiple accounts, you may want to be sure that you are using each account in accordance with the *terms and conditions of service* of Dropbox.

---
Tags: dropbox
---


# Question
Title: How do I force the 'showing' of an onscreen keyboard (soft-keyboard) when already 'paired' with a bluetooth keyboard?
My question is the exact inverse of this question.

Motivating use-case. I've paired and am using my Bluetooth apple keyboard. Just happy. I'm running ICS, on an HTC- Evo 4G LTE. Then, 7-8 mins later (timeout not yet engaged by default of course), I'm downstairs, and a call comes in. I need to type 2-3 letters to look up something (an email address, etc). and huh?!

How the heck do I in the moment on-the-call type?

At that moment don't remember where I exactly left that apple keyboard (which I could go back to power off, and only then get a keyboard to show) Or if I turn off Bluetooth entirely: 'Fail' as that often means I can't then continue to use the darn headset I've got on, or if driving, I'd be illegal (in CA need to have a headset).

If I unpair, seems to get that keyboard (the external Bluetooth apple one) working, I have to re-pair (which, in reality, is really futzy annoying, compared to, e.g. if ignored and the time-out engages, when I then, say a day, or two later, type on that apple keyboard it works instantly instead? not paired).

Regarding the app: "null keyboard" I tried it, and close, but no cigar, meaning: when I'm in a 'text field', in the notifications list, there will appear an 'input method notification' clicking on that and you get a list, and while ***that list*** should include something that offers a 'show on-screen keyboard' override, it does not.

The closest thing I've been able to find is developer-centric code examples showing an (apparent) workaround to force this.. but seems to be no app ( yet?!?) that exposes that functionality into the 'inputs methods' drop-down menu. Example.

**Update:** it looks like Tomas's answer is 'the answer', though I'm currently unable to test to be sure. This does strongly suggest that there is no answer available without a rooted phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can use Secure Settings Hardware Keyboard Action to toggle the hardware keyboard. Interestingly, you can still use the hardware keyboard, but the on-screen keyboard still appears.

This is especially useful when you connect a mouse (and no keyboard) and it causes the keyboard to go into hardware keyboard mode.

The simplest way to do this is to create a shortcut on your homescreen. Select the Secure Settings shortcut/widget. Then it will prompt you to select the action. Select Actions \> Hardware Keyboard. Then it brings you to a screen with three options: On, Off, Toggle.

On means you go into hardware keyboard mode and no on-screen keyboard will appear. Note, this only works if you actually have physical keyboard connected. It will simply give you an error toast if you don't.

Off means turn off hardware keyboard mode, and an on-screen keyboard will appear when you select text boxes.

Toggle means it will switch from whichever hardware keyboard mode it's currently on.

There are other ways to hook up to Secure Settings Hardware Keyboard Action, which you can learn about in the documentation, and using your imagination and research.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are using a custom ROM, such as Cyanogenmod, you can 'wire' hardware keys to certain function.

One thing you can do, is set it up so that a long press on the menu button will show the soft keyboard.

If not, then there is no way to do this, although in theory an app could be produced that would place a notification in the taskbar when enabled and bring up the soft keyboard when clicked! I am now off to make this app.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Buzz launcher, as well as other launchers, I imagine, allows you to program gestures to preform certain actions. The issue though is that that gesture will only perform that action from the home screen if you use Buzz launcher gestures... The good thing though is you don't have to root to do it. In addition, of course, if you root the phone you can assign gestures more freely and make them universal so that the gesture performs the action from any app, not just the home screen.

---
Tags: keyboard, input-methods, external-keyboard
---


# Question
Title: I can't configure my tablet's USB-to-ethernet IP setting manually
I have Lenovo A7-30 A3300 (A3300-GV) tablet on Android 4.4.2 which has USB ethernet support. My device is rooted but no application before root or after rooted work. I use a micro USB-to-ethernet adapter and it works fine with my router.

Where my internet is provided by local cable operator ISP Siti broadband or Alliance, IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS must be set to PC ethernet IPv4 property or in a router. But when I directly connect it to my tab via USB ethernet, I can't configure it manually and the internet not working.

# Answer
To display Ethernet settings in Android parameters you can edit `build.prop` file and search for "`ethernet`" word. On my Haier E701 Tablet, I've found the line:

```
ro.rk.ethernet_enable=false

```

I've replaced the "`false`" value by "`true`" and Ethernet settings are displayed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, internet, lenovo, ethernet
---


# Question
Title: System app Uninstallation without rooting
How to Uninstall system apps without rooting? I have tried many applications but all of them require root permissions. Please help.

# Answer
You can't uninstall them without root. You can disable them, though.
If space is your concern, get an SD Card. If memory is your concern, Disable them.

or You could Root your device.
> -2 votes

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


# Question
Title: How do I launch a widget from a shortcut on Home screen?
I use MultiROM manager to switch from one ROM to another. It has a widget which lists all of your installed ROMs and you can choose anyone to boot into.

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>

All good here, but I don't like keeping widgets on my home screen. I can only tolerate a shortcut (icon) on my Home screen.

I'm looking for a way to launch that widget (or any widget) from a shortcut icon on home screen. I think Tasker may be able to do it using Scenes.

# Answer
While looking for a way to achieve the objective using Tasker I stumbled across the app named Popup Widget 2 (*paid*) on a subreddit. It does the job smoothly and I've given a use-case of it.

## Usage

1. Install that app and launch it.
2. Tap `+` → choose a widget available there which you want to launch from a shortcut → **Create**.
3. You may leave all the settings untouched since they are not integral to widget's launch or functioning of it.
4. Scroll down until you see your widget with sky blue outline depicting resizing functionality,
5. Resize it up to the ideal *width* x *height* you want for your widget and tap the floppy icon at the top once you're done with the settings.
6. Go to Home screen → **Widgets****Popup Widget 2** → choose your newly created widget entry. You would find a shortcut now placed on your Home screen.

Tap that shortcut and it would display the widget.

Because the widget is available as a shortcut you can use it anywhere you want such as with:

1. GMD Gesture Control to launch from anywhere on Android using a custom gesture,
2. Gravitybox to make a quick setting icon,
3. LMT Launcher,
> 2 votes

# Answer
It isn't as smooth as Popup Widget 2 but it gets the job done, considering that its primary purpose is something else. Overlays - Float Everywhere (Pro, because free version impose restrictions on critical options) can launch a widget from a shortcut on home screen.

1. Launch it → create and name a **Always/Manual (Global)** profile → on the same page go to **Advanced Settings** of the profile and check **Close profile on first overlay tap** → save the profile.
2. Tap **Add an overlay → Widget** → choose the widget, configure it and then save it.
3. Go to Home screen → **Widgets → Overlays** → select the profile → **Toggle**.

Your new icon would now be able to launch a widget when tapped. You can also call that widget from anywhere on the system using either its sidebar feature or by binding it to a gesture or a custom shortcut such as mentioned in the bottom three points on my answer here.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: app-widgets, home-screen-shortcuts
---


title: Recent activities log

text:
# Question
Title: Recent activities log
Is there an easy way to view a list of recent activities? The one I'm looking for doesn't seem to be showing up in the main recent apps view, and `adb logcat` is so noisy I'm having a hard time finding anything.

# Answer
> 2 votes
For Lollipop do `adb shell dumpsys activity recents`. For some earlier Android version, run `adb shell dumpsys activity activities`.

Alternatively, you may run `adb shell dumpsys activity | grep -i run` as noted by loeschg here.

You would get a list of recent apps' package name, component (activity) name, flags among other things.

In Lollipop, if you've root access, you can browse to `/data/system/recent_tasks/`. You'll find some XML files with numeral names, such as `317.xml`. Each of them consists of the same aforesaid details, but each XML file is created for an individual app.

You can also get some info from `adb shell dumpsys usagestats`.

---
Tags: logging, recents-screen
---


title: how to replace favourites.xml

text:
# Question
Title: how to replace favourites.xml
I have a new xml file and I want to replace my favourites.xml file on my android TV box. I cant find how to do it can you point me in the right direction please

# Answer
OK I have sorted it, for anyone looking for an answer the path is Android/org.xbmc.kodi/file/userdata BUT the reason I had problems was that the files are hidden. Unhide them an away you go
> 0 votes

---
Tags: android-tv
---


title: lenovo A6000 not booting

text:
# Question
Title: lenovo A6000 not booting
I have a Lenovo a6000 which I recently flashed and when it rebooted I cant even see the logo and if I press the power button it just vibrates again and again in a few intervals,I tried to boot into recovery by pressing volume up and power button but that was also no use what can I do to get into recovery

# Answer
To get into Recovery you need to keep both VOLUME `+` and `-` keys pressed down and hold .. Also press the POWER button till you see the Lenovo logo. Then let go of the POWER button but keep the VOLUME Buttons (both `+` and `-`) pressed down until you get to RECOVERY mode.

Hope you have backed up the Stock ROM before you did the Port ROM install.

Another way to get to Recovery is to flash a new Copy of RECOVERY (CWM).

http://techolaty.net/how-to-install-cwm-root-lenovo-a6000-smartphone/

If your phone is not booting then, keep the Volume Down button pressed down with the POWER Button, then release the Power button on seeing the Lenovo Logo, also release the Volume button.

This screen looks almost the same as the Lenovo Boot Screen however if you look closer, to the bottom you will see

> Powered BY
> android
>
> Powerkey long press can reboot phone

BINGO!! You are in Fast boot mode

Now follow the link above and start off with

STEP 3:

Open the `C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot` directory and press and hold the `shift` key and right click anywhere inside the folder at the empty space and choose "open command window here".

Now type:

```
adb devices

```

This will not show any authorised devices. Basically it will not show anything.

Now type:

```
fastboot boot recovery.img

```
> 1 votes

# Answer
The best solution for your problem is to flash the stock firmware for your phone using the official tool from Lenovo, after getting your phone working again, you can then flash any custom rom if you want (i don't!), to flash your phone with the stock firmware follow the guide from here (it's in russian but with pics - also google is your friend), and for the firmware itself you can download it from here.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


title: Rooting nexus 7 from AOSP

text:
# Question
Title: Rooting nexus 7 from AOSP
I have a nexus 7 flo tablet (with android 5.0.1) and I tried rooting it using twrp. It gave errors such as "can't mount /data" etc . I had to reflash from the source flo image to restore the device. So, I want to root the device by building the AOSP source. If i just build from source and flash the device will it give root access ? How do i proceed ?. Alternatively, if i just modify the kernel a bit and then load it, will it give me root access ?

Thanks

# Answer
Download Wugfresh Nexus Root Toolkit http://www.wugfresh.com/nexus-root-toolkit-2-0-5-is-out-now-with-proxy-support/

It's one of the very best methods. Additionally, the toolkit allows you to modify and flash data with a great degree of flexibility. You are going to love it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, vanilla-android
---


# Question
Title: Can I delete Gmail account on Android safely without affecting my Gmail on computer?
Can I delete my Gmail account from my phone without the Gmail and Google account (with contacts, photos, etc) being deleted from my computer?

# Answer
1. Go to Settings
2. Go to accounts and sync.
3. Click Remove account.

This will disassociate your phone with your google account. The Google account will still exist, just not on your phone.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Yes. Deleting the account from the phone only disables your phone from accessing the account. Your computer and its files will be untouched.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The easiest way to delete an account on a Samsung Galaxy S6 is

1. Go into the account on gmail
2. Hit the arrow to the right of the account name to bring up a settings menu. This arrow is right above the inbox.
3. Choose **Manage Accounts**
4. Tap the google icon
5. Choose the account you want to delete. This will bring you to sync settings.
6. At the top right hit **More Option** and choose **Remove Account**. This will not affect the account other than taking it off from your phone.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gmail, google-account
---


# Question
Title: How to set signal strength threshold for switching WiFi on and off?
* When the WiFi signal strength is low, the phone switches to a 4G network.
* When the WiFi signal strength is high, the phone switches to that WiFi network.

This is normal behavior for any Android device and all too familiar to Android users, or to users of any WiFi enabled device in fact. But the problem I often run into is that the WiFi signal is too low to be usable, and too high to switch to 4G automatically.

* WiFi signal strength 0 \< x \< 0.5 marks (bars), the phone switches to a 4G network.
* WiFi signal strength x \> 0.5 marks, the phone switches to that WiFi network.

*These values are not real measurements. They are merely my own perceived points at which the phone switches between the two.*

**TL;DR:**
Is there a way for me to optimize the auto-switching between WiFi and 4G to my own liking? Is it possible to set that threshold point manually? What I would like is to switch over to 4G as soon as the WiFi signal is below the 2 mark point.

---

What I am often forced to do, in order to get (usable) Internet access, is to enter the Settings menu on the phone and disable WiFi altogether in order to force my "smart" phone to switch over to 4G!

Would it not be better if the user could control the threshold at which the phone switches between WiFi and 4G? I think the default threshold is too conservative. It's set up to conserve 4G bandwidth by free-riding on available WiFi networks for as long as possible and whenever possible (available).

Devices are optimize to make use of WiFi as much as possible, due to associated data costs on 4G networks. But this is a nuisance! My Internet access is almost completely crippled for many of the WiFi networks I have access to, whenever the signal strength is below the 2 mark point. On the other hand, I have over 4 GB unused bandwidth on my carrier network, for which I have a much stronger signal, but I have to disable WiFi first in order to connect to 4G. That's not convenient when you're on the move a lot.

I have recently started using the 4G network almost exclusively. I have stopped using WiFi because I have had enough with enabling and disabling it back and forth, and having to remember to do it when I'm on the move. So I am looking for a more permanent solution to this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This would be messy for a comment, so consider it a partial answer.

The following task can stop or disconnect a WiFi if the signal level is below your preferred level.

1. Create a task named "Wifi" and create following actions in it:

1. Code → Run Shell:

    * Command → `echo "%WIFII" | awk '/Sig: [0-9]/ {print $2}'`
        * Store Output In → `%Signal`

    Alternatively, since `awk` requires installation of Busybox, for non-rooted devices use the action Variable → Variable Search to search the integer next to `Sig:` in the variable `%WIFII` and save it in `%Signal`.
    2. Task → If:

    * `%Signal` Maths: Less Than `INT`

Replace `INT` with the signal value (0-9) at which Wi-Fi should disconnect
2. Net → WiFi → Off | Net → WiFi Net → Disconnect

It is up to you how you want to use this Task.

Note: Tasker has a profile option "WiFi near" under "State" where you can select SSID and/or Signal level of WiFi in proximity.

**Hint:** You may try running that task with a bit more modification under an infinite loop.

# Answer
> -1 votes
No, there simply isn't something like this. Maybe someone has made an app for this, but this function isn't to be found in An

---
Tags: wi-fi, settings, samsung-galaxy-s-4, 4g, network-signal
---


title: Bind action to hardware key combination

text:
# Question
Title: Bind action to hardware key combination
I know that long-pressing power + volume down hardware buttons for a second or so on any screen takes a screenshot - I was hoping to bind an action to the power + volume up combination (specifically I was hoping to make it take a photo without having to open the camera app).

I've looked at a few apps that I thought might do it but they all seem to only allow for remapping of individual hardware buttons/long-presses of individual buttons, not assigning an action to a hardware key combination like this.

I'm currently using cyanogenmod 11 with xposed installed, so an answer requiring either or both would work (although I didn't see any options in cyanogen or modules in xposed that would do this).

# Answer
I've come close but I still can't launch an action at the same time when two keys are pressed in combination like the way we do for taking a screenshot. Anyhow, you would need:

* AutoInput (for Android 4.3 and above) with Tasker, both are/have paid/7-day full trial, or
* Xposed Additions (needs root access) with Tasker to make key combination(s).

The inconvenience in this solution is that unlike pressing both keys at the same time you would have to do it in sequence. That is, press/hold Vol Up followed by Power button. The timing between these key-presses is flexible.

## Single key-press

Use AutoInput with Tasker if you want to launch your action with single key presses combination i.e. only press a key one time but don't want to long-press the keys.

1. In Tasker create an **Event** based profile from **Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration**:

* **Keys**: **Volume Up**
    * **Key Action**: **Key Down**
2. Create a task in it named "`AutoInput Volume Up`" and create following actions in it:

1. **Variable → Variable Set**:

    * **Name**: `%Kset`
        * **To**: `1`
    2. **Task → Wait → Seconds**: `1`
    3. Variable → Variable Set:

    * **Name**: `%Kset`
        * **To**: `0`

**Explanation**: When the single Vol Up press is detected the custom variable `%Kset` would be initialized to a custom value `1` and then we would wait for one second (under this one second you would've to press the Power key). We're then initializing the variable to `0` because our solution demands it, otherwise, our main task of capturing a photo would be executed just by a single press of Power key.
3. Repeat *step 1* but select **Power** key instead of **Volume Up** key.
4. Create a task in it named "`AutoInput Power`" and create following actions in it:

1. **Task → If → Condition**: `%Kset` eq `1`
    2. **Plugin → AutoInput → Modes**:

    * **Configuration**:

        + **Key Suppress**: **Enable**
            + **Keys: Power**
        * **Timeout: None**
    3. Optional action -- **Alert → Flash → Text**: `Commencing launch`
    4. **Media → Take Photo** → customize it as per your needs.
    5. Repeat *sub-step 2* of *step 4* but do **Key Suppress: Disable**.
    6. Optional action -- **Task → Else**.
    7. Optional action -- **Alert → Flash → Text**: `Psst: You're too late Jim!`

**Explanation**:

* In our first action we are checking whether the variable `%Kset` is set to 1 and if yes then the second action would block Power button press from getting passed to system since normally Power key-press would put the device to sleep and lock the screen.
    * Optionally flash a custom toast signalling that combination was successful.
    * Let the Tasker capture the image using the settings provided in that action.
    * Disable Power key suppress since otherwise, you would never be able to use that button normally, as long as key suppress is not explicitly disabled or AutoInput's accessibility is running.
    * Else statement is optional but could come handy since in the beginning your consecutive key-presses may not be in coordination so the custom toast in next action would hint you that the combination wasn't successful.

That's it. Go to Home screen or to any non-Tasker app, press the Vol Up key and then the Power key under a time period of one second (don't worry, you would get a hang of it, or else, change the wait period) and you would see Tasker opening its custom interface, a picture would be captured automatically and you would be taken back to what you're originally doing.

Hurray!

---

## Long key-press

Some people may not like single pressing both the keys since they are not habitual or may feel odd to use them in that coordination. In that case, provided that you've root access and Xposed Framework installed, you can use **Xposed Additions** to set long key-press actions for your keys.

For custom action to be set to those keys we would need **Tasker**. Create the two tasks named "`AutoInput Volume Up`" and "`AutoInput Power`" explicitly in Tasker, only if you didn't follow **Single key-press** section.

1. In that app go to **Button** → set **Long press delay** time → **Add new key** → tap **Vol Up key** → select the new key entry.
2. Tap **Add new Condition****Screen On** → → select the new entry → check **Long Press** and tap on that entry → scroll down to **Shortcut****Task Shortcut****AutoInput Volume Up**.
3. Repeat *step 1* but do it for **Power** key.
4. Repeat *step 2* but select **AutoInput Power** under **Task Shortcut**.

Whenever Xposed Additions is enabled and activated in Xposed Framework, on any long-press of a button/key set under that app, you would feel a slight vibration. That vibration would help immensely to know when to release the first key and long-press the other key.

Try it because it's fun.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: camera, buttons
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to disable/enable the back button?
The back button annoys me in some apps so I want to disable it in certain time and will enable it later. Is there any way to do it ?

p/s : I use Galaxy Note 2 N7100 with Android 4.1.2, rooted.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It depends upon when would you like to disable the back button and how would you want to do that.

You can use AutoInput with Tasker to suppress particular keys globally. You would have to create a task with the action Plugin → AutoInput → Modes → Configuration → do the needful.

You can use Xposed Additions Pro too.

As for an idea of how to disable that button using Task shortcut try GMD Gesture Control or LMT.

Also see my answer for Is there a way I can prevent the back button from going to the home screen?

---

<sub> 1: Relevant usage: Xposed Additions Pro
2: Relevant usage: GMD Gesture Control
3. Relevant usage: LMT</sub>

---
Tags: buttons
---


# Question
Title: Turn off text message (SMS) sync to Exchange email account
I recently started using a Samsung Galaxy S4 and one of the features in a synchronization between text messages and email accounts.

When a text message comes in it throws a copy into my Exchange email accounts that are one the phone. I want to turn this feature off but cannot find a setting for it anywhere.

Any ideas?

# Answer
It's in the settings for your Exchange account, hidden rather well.

Go to:

1. Settings
2. Accounts
3. Exchange
4. Settings
5. Select your Exchange account
6. More Settings
7. Uncheck "Sync SMS"
> 2 votes

# Answer
To stop this you simply need to disable the **Sync SMS** feature on your Android phone which is enabled by default.

To disable the Sync SMS feature:

1. Open the Email `Account Options` settings.
2. Disable(uncheck) the `Sync SMS` feature.

Now you won't be receiving the text messages in your email inbox.
> 0 votes

# Answer
In Settings-Accounts on my S4 both under KitKat and under Lollipop there was/is NO Sync SMS settings.

The only way I got that checkbox to show was to delete and recreate the Outlook account. Then, on sync settings list during the setup wizard, Sync SMS was an option along with Contacts, Calendar, etc...
> 0 votes

# Answer
In the native 'Email' application, disable Sync Message.

Detailed instructions:

* Open the Native Email application
* Select 'More'
* Select Settings
* Select your work account
* Scroll down to 'Exchange ActiveSync Settings'
* Turn 'Sync Messages' to OFF

Found on "Android Central Forums"
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem. Some of the above responses apply to other phones. Finally found it on my S6. Go to: Settings, Device, Applications, Email, then find the email account and click on it. Scroll down to find the Sync Messages option. Turn it off.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, exchange, stock-email-app
---


# Question
Title: Skype Android: how to remove skype online status from notification?
Skype keeps on showing my online status in the notifications. It's a irritating thing for me. Please help me to get rid of it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sorry, because i cannot upload screenshot at comment so i upload the screenshot at answer box. Go to Skype setting, select Notification and turn off Skype status notification.

---
Tags: skype
---


# Question
Title: How to enable task locking in Android 5.0 production devices
This StackOverflow question explores how to enable a device owner app, and thus kiosk mode, in the Android L developer preview. As the method requires a userdebug build of Android, rooting the device, and copying an XML file into the root filesystem, it doesn't seem suitable for mass deployment of a single function Android device inside a company.

How are device owner apps going to be installed on production Android L devices?

# Answer
> 15 votes
(**Edit:** Updated after some more testing)

Check the latest documentation.

This feature seems to be called Screen pinning now, and the App does not have to be the device owner. If the device owner is not set the user will be prompted to accept. But there are issues with this for kiosk use, mentioned below.

> There are two ways to activate screen pinning:
>
> Manually: Users can enable screen pinning in Settings \> Security \> Screen Pinning, and select the tasks they want to pin by touching the green pin icon in the recents screen. Programmatically: To activate screen pinning programmatically, call startLockTask() from your app. If the requesting app is not a device owner, the user is prompted for confirmation. A device owner app can call the setLockTaskPackages() method to enable apps to be pinnable without the user confirmation step.

If you activate screen pinning programatically (non device owner App) or on the device using the pin in the recents you get the following behaviour:

A dialog appears asking the user if they want to enable screen pinning and if they want to require a password to exit. If they press yes the status bar and notifications disappear, back, home and recents buttons do NOT disappear. Tapping on home or recents makes a toast appear inform the user how to exit screen pinning.

The user can then hold down back and recents to exit screen pinning. If the user selected to require a password, they will get kicked straight to the lock screen. This behaviour means it is not suitable for a kiosk imo. As it is too easy for kiosk users to end up looking at the lock screen.

To get a proper kiosk mode we need to set the device owner. Google's documentation says you need to do this with NFC:

> To deploy and activate a device owner, you must perform an NFC data transfer from a programming app to the device while the device is in its unprovisioned state.

Using NFC to do this seems a bit complex (what if a device does not have NFC?). I have not investigated this yet so if anyone can provide info how you go about setting the device owner by NFC? Which now becomes the main point of your question. (i.e. setting the device owner on a non rooted device)

But to confirm the behaviour is as expected if you root a device you can set the device owner as per Google's previous instructions (adding a device\_owner.xml) as I mentioned here

Now you can properly lock the App, no dialog appears for the user to accept, when enabled the recents and home button disappear and the user cannot leave the App unless your App unlocks itself. A proper kiosk mode. I have tested this on a Nexus 7 2013 with the latest Lollipop build.

The following snippet turns on the lock:

```
mDPM = (DevicePolicyManager) getSystemService(Context.DEVICE_POLICY_SERVICE);
mDeviceAdminSample = new ComponentName(this, DeviceAdminSample.class);

if (mDPM.isDeviceOwnerApp(this.getPackageName())) {
    Log.d(TAG, "isDeviceOwnerApp: YES");
    String[] packages = {this.getPackageName()};
    mDPM.setLockTaskPackages(mDeviceAdminSample, packages);
} else {
    Log.d(TAG, "isDeviceOwnerApp: NO");
}

if (mDPM.isLockTaskPermitted(this.getPackageName())) {
    Log.d(TAG, "isLockTaskPermitted: ALLOWED");
    startLockTask();
} else {
    Log.d(TAG, "isLockTaskPermitted: NOT ALLOWED");
}

```

# Answer
> 2 votes
I can't comment on an answer which is a bit of a nuisance but supplementary to tagy22's answer you can use `dpm` to set the device owner. More details here.

---
Tags: kiosk-mode, 5.0-lollipop
---


title: Not enough fingerpints on the Galaxy S6

text:
# Question
Title: Not enough fingerpints on the Galaxy S6
I have the Samsung Galaxy S6. I use the fingerprint method to lock my phone. For some reason Samsung has decided that no-one will ever want to use more than 4 fingerprints. The obviously never asked my opinion on the matter.

Fingerprints used:

1. Left Thumb (when I take it out of my left pocket)
2. Right Thumb (when I take it out of my right pocket)
3. Left Index (when it's charging on my wireless charger at work)
4. Right Index (when it's on my night-stand next to my bed)
5. Wife's Left Index (or any one of her fingers) in case she needs to use my phone

I can understand that Samsung would need to limit the number of fingerprints that are stored in not, but why 4? why not 5? 10? etc

So the QUESTION is: (without rooting) How can I get 5 (or more) fingerprints stored?

1. I'm not going to start using another method to lock the phone
2. I also want my wife to be able to use the fingerprint method
3. I want to be able to use both my thumbs and both my index fingers.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you haven't already figured it out, here is how.

Tap Add Fingerprint. Do your thumb until it reads about 50%, then just switch to your forefinger for the next 50. Heck, you can even alternate, it doesn't know the difference (but of course, it does). That's all. Maybe do your less used finger after the 80% point.

You can do multiple fingers under one name, but what I don't know for sure is one thing... if the finger scanner is dynamic. Meaning, the more you use it every day the better it gets (Fails less often). If not then I would limit it to 3 fingers per "print". If it is then you can do as many as you need.

---
Tags: lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-s-6
---


# Question
Title: How can I make anonymous calls for everyone but contact list?
I want to show my caller id to everyone in my contact list but be anonymous for new numbers... do you know a method/app?

# Answer
One possibility would be to prefix all numbers in your contact list by `*31#` (which turns the callerID on for that call only), while having callerID disabled in your settings. Depending on whether the phone app is intelligent enough to detect this as to not belonging to the number, incoming calls should still be matched fine (you could of course first try it out with one number to check).

Second possibility is the other way around: Having callerID globally enabled, and prefix manually entered numbers by `#31#`.

Being unsure which method to use, take a third option and a look at Prefixer, which should be able to do the one or the other for you -- depending on how you configure that app.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Go to Settings → Call Settings → Additional settings → Caller ID.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: contacts, caller-id
---


# Question
Title: Smart Launcher - How do i change icon of an application on home screen
Smart launcher used to let me change icon of application shortcuts that are on home screen individually, by long pressing a shortcut.

Now it doesnt work anymore. How can i do that?

# Answer
Sorry for the delay. You can still change the icon of a shortcut but the procedure changed with SL3. Long press on a bubble, then select "Edit Icon".
> 0 votes

---
Tags: launcher
---


# Question
Title: Kindle screen suddenly became very dim on LG tablet running 4.2.2 Can't increase brightness
How can I increase brightness of Kindle screen on my LG tablet running 4.2.2? Screen suddenly became very dim. Thanks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Here's a much easier solution, especially if the screen is so dim that you can't read any of the display options. Simply place TWO fingers on the screen and slide them up for brighter, down for dimmer. Simple!

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are in the Kindle App, the App 'overwrites' the system brightness. You have to change the brightness within the Kindle app by tapping on the "Aa"-button in the action bar (the menu where you can set font size etc.). There is a slider where you can set the brightness while reading.

---
Tags: applications, screen, screen-brightness, amazon-kindle
---


# Question
Title: security implications of participating in app beta testing?
I am an IT professional (but not in app development). Two days ago someone contacted me about a blog post I made and invited me to participate in beta testing for a messaging app which was related to my blog post. I have never before considered participating in beta testing for a mobile app before. For the android app, they are using Closed beta with Google+ community or Google Group.

At first, I was enthusiastic, but then I thought --- whoa! I don't know this person (or this company) from Adam. Although the developer's website looks legitimate, this person contacted ME, so this could all be a setup.

The instructions to download the beta app seem straightforward and seem similar to how legitimate apps do beta testing. And frankly, I doubt that this app has any malicious purpose. On the other hand, I have no reason to trust this app.

In fact, when I begin the steps for downloading the app and seei what privileges I am granting, I literally have no idea what the implications are.

So let me ask:

1. Are beta apps basically operating in a safe sandbox? Are there significant differences in security risks between android and ios? Generally is it easy to uninstall them?
2. When evaluating whether to install a beta app, is there an access level which I should be careful not to grant?
3. Is there any sort of community rating system that might reassure me that an app is more likely to be safe? I see all kinds of websites which list apps for beta testers. Is there any reason to believe that apps listed on these kinds of sites are vetted or determined to be safe (or do not pose security risks)?
4. Are certain kinds of apps riskier to install as beta apps than others?
5. I assume that I should monitor performance (such as memory and storage use) when the app is running. Is there any metric I should be monitoring to ensure that the beta app is not dragging down overall performance?

Thanks for your help. Hopefully your answers can help other clueless potential beta testers like myself. I would love to participate in more beta-testing if I could be convinced that it would not pose a significant risk for me.

I have worked in software development before and even done a bit of testing on desktop apps but I had VMs and understand the security model for Windows and Linux fairly well. But I only have one phone and 2 tablets (ios and android), and don't want to mess things up (though I regularly test ebook design on multiple platforms and displays).

# Answer
> 4 votes
There is no real difference between a beta test application and a regular application for security purposes. You can remove any beta test application the same way you would a regular application. Android is setup so that applications do not normally have access to the data for other applications.

If a beta test is closed, then the Google+ or Google group is the access control for the beta test. This has no effect on the application on the phone.

If an application is in the Play Store, you have general assurances that it has been virus scanned. The Play Store is much safer than installing applications from generic websites. The Play Store will not, however, tell you anything about how the application works.

The permissions requested by the application determine how risky it is to use it. Permissions include things like:

* camera
* contacts
* location coarse/fine
* network access
* read call log
* read contacts
* microphone

The general trouble is that applications ask for many permissions, and it is not possible to tell what an application is doing with those permissions. But if an application that turns your flash on and off is requesting access to your microphone or contacts, then you should get suspicious. If an application has access to your contacts and the network, then it is capable of sending all your contacts' information to a server on the Internet.

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. It isn't run in a safe sandbox mode, it runs the same way as other apps. You can uninstall the app or leave the beta test group if you want. iPhones are a bit more secure as they have to support less phones, but with Android and the right knowledge, you can make your phone very secure.
2. If it requires root permissions (only available if phone is rooted), then you should evaluate if it is safe to use or not as granting root permission is basically admin access. If it requires access to files or photos etc you should also check if you should install.
3. I do not know, but a general Google search can help here.
4. This is the same as Question #2. As some apps require access to more private stuff (like files), you'll need to evaluate it and see if the risks are worth taking.
5. Betas are used more to find out potential bugs, and to test new parts of the app, but you can monitor performance if you so desire.

**General Way to join Beta Test**

You'll join the Google+ Group, then access the beta join link, so that you can participate in the beta.

Once that has happens, you'll be able to download the update from the Google Play Store (may take a little while to show up).

And as such like any other app you have used before it will ask for permissions to install.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I don't know how it is in iOS, but there is no "install as beta app" in Android. All apps in Android are installed the same way - you install it or you don't. Once installed, a "beta" app would have the same rights and possibilities like any other "release" app. "Beta" has only lexical function here, not technical.

---
Tags: applications, security
---


# Question
Title: How to create a hardware shortcuts in Android 4.3?
I have Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-i9500 running the latest firmware with Android 4.3.

I want to create "hardware shortcuts".

For example, if I hold `volume up` and `home` at the same time, then it'll open an application that I set, for example "Firefox".

As a Linux user, I know it's possible in Fedora and Ubuntu.

Is it possible with Android? My device has not been rooted.

# Answer
From the description, it seems like Button Savior Non Root can do this (and Button Savior (Root) even more). I didn't try it, and the description is slightly unclear whether it only *emulates* hardware keys using a floating menu, or you can re-map hardware keys; so your feedback is welcome if you try it.

Alternatively, the XDA developers offer an app called ButtonRemapper. While this explicitly states *Tool to remap the hardware buttons*, it requires root.

Last partly alternative I can name is . Here I know for sure you can remap at least the camera button. Not sure about others.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You could try HomeSmack or Home2 Shortcut. These apps can remap the functionality of the home button to any app. With the second you can also set up combinations like `Home key` followed by `Search key`, `Back key`, etc. to launch an app.
> 0 votes

# Answer
My almost exact answer was originally posted for the question Bind action to hardware key combination.

---

I've come close but I still can't launch an action at the same time when two keys are pressed in combination like the way we do for taking a screenshot. Anyhow, you would need:

* AutoInput (for Android 4.3 and above) with Tasker, both are/have paid/7-day full trial, or
* Xposed Additions (needs root access) with Tasker to make key combination(s).

The inconvenience in this solution is that unlike pressing both keys at the same time you would have to do it in sequence. That is, press/hold Vol Up followed by Power button. The timing between these key-presses is flexible.

## Single key-press

Use AutoInput with Tasker if you want to launch your action with single key presses combination i.e. only press a key one time but don't want to long-press the keys.

1. In Tasker create an **Event** based profile from **Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration**:

* **Keys**: **Volume Up**
    * **Key Action**: **Key Down**
2. Create a task in it named "`AutoInput Volume Up`" and create following actions in it:

1. **Variable → Variable Set**:

    * **Name**: `%Kset`
        * **To**: `1`
    2. **Task → Wait → Seconds**: `1`
    3. Variable → Variable Set:

    * **Name**: `%Kset`
        * **To**: `0`

**Explanation**: When the single Vol Up press is detected the custom variable `%Kset` would be initialized to a custom value `1` and then we would wait for one second (under this one second you would've to press the Power key). We're then initializing the variable to `0` because our solution demands it, otherwise, our main task of capturing a photo would be executed just by a single press of Power key.
3. Repeat *step 1* but select **Power** key instead of **Volume Up** key.
4. Create a task in it named "`AutoInput Power`" and create following actions in it:

1. **Task → If → Condition**: `%Kset` eq `1`
    2. **Plugin → AutoInput → Modes**:

    * **Configuration**:

        + **Key Suppress**: **Enable**
            + **Keys: Power**
        * **Timeout: None**
    3. Optional action -- **Alert → Flash → Text**: `Commencing launch`
    4. **App → Launch App** → Firefox\**.
    5. Repeat *sub-step 2* of *step 4* but do **Key Suppress: Disable**.
    6. Optional action -- **Task → Else**.
    7. Optional action -- **Alert → Flash → Text**: `Psst: You're too late Jim!`

**Explanation**:

* In our first action we are checking whether the variable `%Kset` is set to 1 and if yes then the second action would block Power button press from getting passed to system since normally Power key-press would put the device to sleep and lock the screen.
    * Optionally flash a custom toast signalling that combination was successful.
    * Tasker would launch the Firefox or the chosen app successfully.
    * Disable Power key suppress since otherwise, you would never be able to use that button normally, as long as key suppress is not explicitly disabled or AutoInput's accessibility is running.
    * Else statement is optional but could come handy since in the beginning your consecutive key-presses may not be in coordination so the custom toast in next action would hint you that the combination wasn't successful.

That's it. Go to Home screen or to any non-Tasker app, press the Vol Up key and then the Power key under a time period of one second (don't worry, you would get a hang of it, or else, change the wait period) and you would see Tasker opening its custom interface, a picture would be captured automatically and you would be taken back to what you're originally doing.

Hurray!

---

## Long key-press

Some people may not like single pressing both the keys since they are not habitual or may feel odd to use them in that coordination. In that case, provided that you've root access and Xposed Framework installed, you can use **Xposed Additions** to set long key-press actions for your keys.

For custom action to be set to those keys we would need **Tasker**. Create the two tasks named "`AutoInput Volume Up`" and "`AutoInput Power`" explicitly in Tasker, only if you didn't follow **Single key-press** section.

1. In that app go to **Button** → set **Long press delay** time → **Add new key** → tap **Vol Up key** → select the new key entry.
2. Tap **Add new Condition****Screen On** → → select the new entry → check **Long Press** and tap on that entry → scroll down to **Shortcut****Task Shortcut****AutoInput Volume Up**.
3. Repeat *step 1* but do it for **Power** key.
4. Repeat *step 2* but select **AutoInput Power** under **Task Shortcut**.

Whenever Xposed Additions is enabled and activated in Xposed Framework, on any long-press of a button/key set under that app, you would feel a slight vibration. That vibration would help immensely to know when to release the first key and long-press the other key.

Try it because it's fun.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: hardware, samsung-galaxy-s-4, keyboard-shortcuts
---


# Question
Title: Unlocking Android phone immediately after reboot
I have an Android phone (version 5.1.1) with cyanogenmod (version 12.1). And after rebooting I cannot immediately unlock my phone. If I try to unlock my screen (lock style = pattern) immediately after rebooting I always get the message: "try again in x seconds" where x is counting down from 30 to 0. I find this very annoying, is there any way to disable this?

Edit: I just found out that I can actually unlock my screen before it asks me to enter my pin for unlocking my sim card. But when I do this it locks again as soon as it a asks me to enter my pin for unlocking my sim, and again have to wait 30 sec.

# Answer
> 3 votes
*Note:* This is a workaround.

Some users have posted about the bug (saying this bug is present from long time)
in reddit and oneplus forums. Since it is a bug, there is no definitive solution to this.

One possible work around is to simply turn off the screen by pressing `lock button`
and turn back on by pressing `lock button` again, and enter your pattern.

# Answer
> -2 votes
Try doing a factory reset. If it doesn't fix that way it must be addressed to oneplus and patched by them or installing a custom CyanogenMod where the bug is fixed.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, lock-screens, 5.1-lollipop, sim-unlocking, oneplus-one
---


# Question
Title: Change mapping of Hardware buttons in an un-rooted device?
How can I change the mapping of my un-rooted device's buttons like swapping the volume buttons? My device is a Sony Xperia E C1505

# Answer
Not sure why would you want to swap those buttons but you can certainly do it using AutoInput (for Android 4.3 and above), Tasker, both are/have paid/7-day full trial, MacroDroid (free/paid) and Shortcut Launcher/ AutoShortcut (free/paid).

1. After installing **Shortcut Launcher** you would see four icons namely **Shortcut 1**, **Shortcut 2**, and so on in your app drawer.

Tap **Shortcut 1 → MacroDroid Shortcut → `<Add New Macro>` → Volume Up/Down → Volume Down** → proceed → ignore **Add Constraints** → name it "`Volume Down`".
2. Similarly, assign a MacrDroid shortcut to **Shortcut 2** but choose **Volume Up** and name it "`Volume Up`".

Alternatively, AutoShortcut can be used in place of Shortcut Launcher. Use it in a Tasker's task to directly access a MacroDroid shortcut. It is available under **Plugin**.
3. In Tasker create an **Event** based profile from **Plugin → AutoInput → Key → Configuration**:

* **Keys**: **Volume Up**
    * **Key Action**: **Key Down**
4. Create a task and add following actions:

1. **Plugin → AutoInput → Modes**:

    * **Configuration**:

        + **Key Suppress**: **Enable**
            + **Keys: Volume Up**
        * **Timeout: None**
    2. **App → Launch App → Shortcut 1**
5. Create another **Event** based profile but for **Volume Down** (follow *step 3*)
6. Repeat *step 4* but under *sub-step 1* do **Keys: Volume Down** and assign the app **Shortcut 2** in *sub-step 2* there.

That's it. It's not completely flawless but the flaws can be ignored.

For any reasoning about related to AutoInput see my answer at Bind action to hardware key combination.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: hardware, buttons
---


# Question
Title: Where does Android keep app permissions?
I have a rooted Android, and I want to disable (not read/write/execute) permissions to an app (for example, I don't want it accessing the camera or the phone).

Where does Android keep those permissions? Is it in a database somewhere?

# Answer
App permissions are defined in the code of the application (the manifest to be exact) and cannot be changed without actually "un-building", changing and then rebuilding the apk again. the solution you're looking for is using permissions controlling/restricting applications.

Here are some examples for these kind of apps:

LBE Privacy Guard

PDroid

App Ops - Permission Manager
> 0 votes

# Answer
`/data/system/packages.xml` is the file you want. For each package it follows a template. For an app it would look like this:

```
<package name="com.spazedog.xposed.additionsgb" codePath="/data/app/com.spazedog.xposed.additionsgb-2.apk" nativeLibraryPath="/data/app-lib/com.spazedog.xposed.additionsgb-2" flags="572996" ft="14f1b3d2848" it="14f1b348243" ut="14f1b3d30a2" version="71" userId="10120">
<sigs count="1">
<cert index="20" />
</sigs>
<perms>
<item name="android.permission.CAMERA" />
<item name="android.permission.WAKE_LOCK" />
<item name="net.dinglisch.android.tasker.PERMISSION_RUN_TASKS" />
</perms>

```

You're after the entries between `<perms>` and `</perms>`.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: permissions
---


# Question
Title: Getting around the lock screen and cannot reboot to do Hard reset
I purchased a ZTE Z970 MetroPCS phone from ebay sold as "For parts - Broken". The battery was drained completely when I received the phone. When I charged it for a bit and tried the Power + Volume Up key, it kept rebooting upon reaching the first Android logo. There's nothing I could do. I tried all key combinations and it just keeps rebooting.

Magically, after charging again for the second time, the phone boots up. But the seller put in one of those pattern based lock screens. I emailed the seller via ebay but the seller doesn't know the unlock pattern himself.

I connected it to the computer to see if I can access ADB but no dice. Now the phone is up at the lock screen and I do not want to restart it and attempt to go to recovery as I'm afraid that it won't boot up again. What can I do to either get around the lock screen or somehow reset the phone some other way?

# Answer
You're going to have to restart it and go to recovery. The whole point of a lock screen is to keep people out who don't have the piece of information needed to get past it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, factory-reset, hard-reset
---


# Question
Title: Can you flash any android device with "fastbood flash" command (of the adb)?
If an android device is rooted, and you have an image for it. Can you flash it with the "fastboot flash" command of the adb? If not, why? If yes, then what are all the "odin" tools for?

Thank you.

# Answer
No. Certain manufacturers decide for whatever reason that they don't want to ship their products with support for 'fastboot'. It's really down to what the device manufacturer decides to do. To find out why, you'd have to find an engineer from the company in question and ask them why they decided to write their own protocol instead of using fastboot.

Most devices *are* fastboot compatible, while other manufacturers implement their own, proprietary interfaces. The primary example of this in today's world is Samsung, which uses their own, custom protocol to communicate with their devices - which requires a tool like Odin or Heimdall to work.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


# Question
Title: Storage and Deleting Apps. How. What is Syncing and is it necessary?
I have a Sony Xperia and i can't delete apps or move then to my sd card cz I keep getting warnings about my internal storage. Some apps on my phone are not even using memory but they are still listed in apps. Driving me crazy. How do i delete empty and unwanted apps and how do i store apps and other daya to my sd card. Iv lost all my photos and videos from factory resetting and not backing up my data. Also id it necessary to sync everything. What does syncing do. PLEASE HELP. Gill in Dublin Ireland

# Answer
> I have a Sony Xperia and i can't delete apps or move then to my sd card cz I keep getting warnings about my internal storage.

Can you show me the message? About moving app to SD card, if the device is running 4.4 then there are chances the OS won't allow you to install apps on external SD card. I'm not using any Xperia model so I'm skeptical. A device model could help.

> How do i delete empty and unwanted apps and how do i store apps and other daya to my sd card.

Did you mean apps or folders? I suggest uninstall apps from Settings -\> Apps and select from the **Downloaded** list there. If you meant the folders then you can delete them using the **Files** application.

> Iv lost all my photos and videos from factory resetting and not backing up my data.

Always pull out things first before factory resetting. And be warned that synchronizing may not back up all your data. Video, images and apps maybe left out unless you use some other specific apps for that.

> Also id it necessary to sync everything. What does syncing do.

Normally the sync will be managed through accounts. You can go to Settings -\> Accounts section and select one of the accounts here. Tap on it and see the checked options. Checked means synced, unchecked means not synced. Simple as that.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-plus
---


# Question
Title: Why some apps can't access internet using wi-fi?
I've been trying to update several antiviruses, they can't find server. Duck Duck Go app can't access internet too. Google Play and Chrome works fine. I'm using wi-fi shared by my laptop, in properties: WAP & WPA2 Personal, mode -infrasturcture.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Are there any proxy settings to access your WiFi? (proxy settings might be provided by your network provider). Most of the apps can't access the proxy settings provided by the android. For resolving that you can use ProxyDroid app (but it needs root-access).

---
Tags: applications, wi-fi, internet
---


# Question
Title: How do I access google play music from the Philippines?
I am not able to access the google play music because my country isn't supported. I used VPN with a US account and it asked me to login. When I used my email, I receive the error again that my country is unsupported. Is there any other option? You help is highly appreciated.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You have to create a gmail account using an US-based IP address. For that install any VPN app, run it, selecting the country as US, or any other country that supports Google Play Music. Then create a gmail account from the phone itself. Log into it, and you're done.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's because your e-mail was created using a Philippine IP address.

If you have a Android phone, root it. Note that this voids warranty, and may have a chance of bricking your phone.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use a VPN such as Hideninja free/paid on Google Play. It will bypass geo restrictions.

---
Tags: google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Turn off radio layer hardware calls to save battery when your broadband hardware is gone
With reference to my question here: IM-A870L Radio Interface Layer broke down

**Summary:** My android phone broadband chip is dead. For some reason, its not working anymore. Now I can use the phone for other purposes but the problem is that the phone goes to look for broadband every now and then. Which not only drains battery but also hangs the phone. For e.g. if I press the power button to turn off the screen, I cannot put the screen back on immediately, it takes a couple of minutes before the phone gets back to normal.

My research resulted in this theory that every phone has two operating systems, one is your main operating system (i.e. Android, iOS, etc) and another parallel os is running with the broadband/gsm chip. Now the cells main OS tries to communicate with the gsm os to keep track of calls/sms. This communication is done through RIL (Radio Interface Layer), but if your gsm chip is dead, RILD is dead and thus the main os will not be able to connect to the RILD (RIL Daemon) through the socket associated for it.

Now the solution for this situation would be to tell your main os that it does not have to connect or keep on trying to connect to the RILD because it is not there anymore.

I am sure this can be done, because tablets that do not have any gsm also work with the same OS, which means in case of tablets, the OS is aware that there is no GSM to look for and thus there is no RILD connection attempts.

My question is that how can we tell our device that it does not have to attempt RILD calls? Is there a global setting or flag that tells the device that there is no GSM in this device??

My device is rooted and I can run any shell command or script.

Any help will be highly appreciated...

# Answer
Finally I got this solved!

The issue was with Android KitKat, it was having some sort of bad piece of code that was hanging my phone and draining all the battery.

I installed the Lollipop version offered by Resurrection Remix on this forum: http://forum.cyanogenmod.org/topic/103422-android-51-for-vega-iron-im-870slk-stable/

My phone is working fine now, no hanging, no battery drainage.

Although I still have the Baseband unknown and my GSM does not work, which implies that it could be hardware issue all along (there is still a chance that I can update my IMEI and it could work, but I can live with out it ;). But the phone works fine and does not hang eventhough radio layer is broken, which means this issue is handled smartly in the 5.1 while the 4.x is not liked for many more reasons by Android users.
> 0 votes

# Answer
When you turn on your device, start `adb shell` and enter `stop service rild`. This would stop the RILD service and you can then use your phone for other purposes. However, on restart, the service would start again. For that, you need to edit your `init.rc` file. Just delete the lines that are starting the RILD service and then the RIL would not be a part of the OS anymore. Consequently, there will be no more attempts to the GSM modem.

Hope things are clear now.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: shell, cellular-radio, gsm
---