# Question
Title: Is there a way to easily record a phone conversation in-progress?
I do not own an Android device. I was thinking about getting one, and an important feature for me is the ability to record a phone conversation which is in progress - meaning, while I am in the middle of a conversation, I could touch a button which will save a two-sided audio recording of that conversation from the moment onward.

I am aware that recording a conversation I am participating in without notifying the other members is illegal in some places - I have already checked this and have verified that it is *completely legal* in my country.

Is there is such a functionality in Android, through core features or available applications?

**EDIT:**

* I prefer a solution which does not notify the other side of the recording, though it's not a must.
* I need a solution which works in any country.

# Answer
There are a couple of apps to try. I use Ultimate Voice Recorder which costs $4.99 but works beautifully. You can start recording in the middle of a call.

A quick search on AppBrain brought up Record My Call which is free. I haven't used Record My Call so I can't comment on whether or not it can start in the middle of a call.

**Update:** Ultimate Voice Recorder does record both sides of the conversation.
> 24 votes

# Answer
Tasker can do this for you no problems. In fact, it's listed on the home page as a particular use case:

> make automatic recordings of what you say during phone calls to SD card
> 8 votes

# Answer
Yes, it is possible to record phone calls using Google Voice (but only calls that you receive).
> 7 votes

# Answer
Ditto Bryan on Google voice.

Another thing to try, download Voice Recorder from market. Turn on speakerphone during call with voice recorder running and recording in the background. That will at least record you, not sure if it will work for the other party, but might while on speakerphone.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This is really an answer to How can I record phone calls on Motorola Atrix 4G? marked as a duplicate even though it's not but it also applies to here.

If you need a call recording feature you better **watch out and try before you buy**. Some device manufacturers will cripple the base software on their phones most likely due to reasons imposed by the BS hypocritical legislation in countries they operate. You can then install any call recording app you like and it may just not work because of that not because it's buggy (people don't know that and leave bad reviews).

The way they do it varies. Nokia used to inject bleeps in my Symbian phone, it was a pain to find software that would circumvent that. Motorola in their Android Atrix phone went step further and apparently modified the core libraries so that recording is not possible at all.

Sometimes there are ways around it if you are stuck with the current phone. For example, there is Now Blast 2.3.5 ROM available for the aforementioned Motorola Atrix on the XDA developers webisite that originates from China. But still replacing the software is not an easy task if you are new to it. It costed me a night to learn the ropes, the lingo and fix this BS, and only this much long thanks to the support from other people who wrote the tools, guides etc. It also carriers the risk of making the phone unusable.

Here are my results:
> 1 votes

# Answer
**UPDATE:** Nevermind. Found it and it has terrible reviews.

Total Recall. It's pricey ($10) and it doesn't appear to be in the app market but I like how it integrates with Evernote and you can always sideload.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I think this app has plenty of configurations to try in case it doesn't work:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boldbeast.recorder&hl=en

It also has options for rooted devices, in case all failed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: calls, call-recording
---


# Question
Title: Can you change the number of icons In the 'quick settings' tray (Android Oreo)
Oreo has reduced the number of icons in the quick settings tray from 9 to 6. Is it possible to adjust the number of icons shown, e.g. to 6 or 12?

Edit: Just to clarify: I mean the layout of the drawer, e.g. 3x2 (Oreo) vs. 3x3 (Nougat) vs. 4x2 (Samsung). I don't mean the total number of icons shown, including the icons accesses by swiping left/right.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use "System UI Tuner" app which found on Google Play Store. It need some permissions from ADB. Dont worry that describes within the App

---
Tags: 8.0-oreo, quick-settings
---


# Question
Title: Is it posible for an android user to set up a work and personal profile and isolate whatsapp to personal profile
With the new GDPR regulations in Europe I see people freaking out and deleting whatsapp from their phone. I don't wish to get into the legal details of if this is legally necessary or not. However this seems only to apply to people using their personal phone for business purposes.

My question is, can you create two profiles for android. One for business and the other personal. Each profile should come with it's own address book / contacts list. Then the next question is, is it possible to sandbox Whatsapp to only use/see the personal address list and not the business one.

Is this

(1) Possible

(2) Easy to do for the non technical user ?

# Answer
Yes this is possible. You can do that with Island (and the released **official version**) is now available on Google playstore.

*"Island" is a sandbox environment to clone selected apps and isolate them from accessing your personal data outside the sandbox (including call logs, contacts, photos and etc) even if related permissions are granted. Device-bound data is still accessible (SMS, IMEI and etc).*

**How does it work**

> Island takes advantage of the "managed profile" feature on Android 5.0+, which is the also the base of "Android for Work", to create an isolated sandbox for apps and their data. App needs to be cloned in Island first. Afterwards, the clone can run parallel aside from the original one. (even with different accounts signed-in) It can be frozen on demand by Island. (NO ROOT REQUIRED)

The goal of Island to improve security by isolating an application thus improving privacy at the same time allowing parallel running with those from "mainland"
> 0 votes

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger, profiles, sandboxing
---


# Question
Title: Unable to copy files from one /data/data/ directory to another (Root)
I'm trying to copy one file from `/data/data/com.application1/myfile` to `/data/data/com.application2/myfile`

The file arrives with owner and group set to the app that it came from. I then changed the owner and group the application running it (A SSH application).

The permissions change, but I still get access denied. I tried using `chattr -i myfile` but the issue is still there. Even `chmod 777` still gives access denied.

```
user@htc_m8:/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/home $ /system/bin/whoami
u0_a149

user@htc_m8:/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/home $ /system/bin/ls -la
-rwx------ u0_a149  u0_a149        10 2018-06-23 16:23 myfile

user@htc_m8:/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/home $ /system/bin/echo test > testfile

user@htc_m8:/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/home $ /system/bin/ls -la
-rwx------ u0_a149  u0_a149        10 2018-06-23 16:23 myfile
-rw------- u0_a149  u0_a149         5 2018-06-23 16:37 testfile

user@htc_m8:/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/home $ /system/bin/cat testfile
test

user@htc_m8:/data/data/org.galexander.sshd/home $ /system/bin/cat myfile
cat: myfile: Permission denied

```

I have busybox installed, but in the example I'm using native commands, however the busybox commands give the same output.

I just can't see what is different about the file I created compared to the one I copied. Same owner/group/permissions.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android runs in "SELinux" mode. More information here SELinux concepts

This means in addition to the standard linux permissions it also has additional attributes attached.

Running `attr -l myfile` showed the following `Attribute "selinux" has a 38 byte value for myfile`

Using `/system/bin/ls -alZ` you can see the selinux attribute value.

```
-rwx------ u0_a141  u0_a141           u:object_r:app_data_file:s0 myfile
-rw------- u0_a141  u0_a141           u:object_r:app_data_file:s0:c512,c768 testfile

```

The file I copied was missing some extra data on the end, `c512,c768`, I presume this is something like an AppID.

Running `su -c restorecon myfile` fixed this and restored the file to the correct attribute value. Ref: Explanation of the chcon command - Post

---
Tags: root-access, shell, file-permissions
---


# Question
Title: How to keep using Google Maps in Chrome browser and avoid launching the app?
If I point my browser (Chrome browser) to http://maps.google.com it automatically opens the Google Maps app.

Is there a way to avoid this and keep using the site through the browser?

If it matters, I'm on Android Lollipop on Samsung tablet.

I couldnt find the settings corollary in Chrome described in this post re same concern in Dolphin how to keep using Google Maps in browser and avoid launching the app?. Is it in flags?

# Answer
The trick mentioned here works for me on Chrome `61.0.3163.98`, the latest on Play Store

> open chrome and go to `chrome://flags/#tab-management-experiment-type`
>
> Click the drop down under Switch preferred flavor of Herb
>
> Change it to `disabled`
>
> Click the blue restart button that appears at the bottom of the screen

Alternatively, you can use Chromer , which is a light weight version of Chrome. It has the advantage of launching browser from apps and quickly reverting to the app without losing place from where you clicked
> 1 votes

# Answer
Press and hold on the link and press "open in new tab" in the drop down menu

Tested on Samsung S8 and galaxy tab on google chrome and Samsung internet.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, google-maps
---


# Question
Title: How to extract alarm ringtone files from my phone?
I have an OPPO R11 and I really like one of the default alarm sounds, so I was wondering how I could extract the sound file from the Android system to save it. I've tried downloading ES File Explorer, and so far the only ringtone and notification sounds that I've found are for Google hangouts only. I've searched it pretty extensively but still haven't found where all the system tones are stored.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As far as i know you won't be able to read system directory on your phone without root permissions which also means that you won't be able get ringtones as it requires atleast read permission on system partition

---
Tags: system, files, alarm
---


# Question
Title: File transfer works only with specified suffixes
No problems to transfer files with some extensions like `.jpg` via bluetooth.

But for files with majority of other suffixes (e. g. `.avi`, `.apk`) I have first rename them, then transfer them and finally on the target device rename it back:

```
name.apk ---> name.jpg ----- bluetooth transfer ----> name.jpg ---> name.apk

```

Is there any more simple way to do it?

(For example from Adroid 5.0 to Android 2.2.)

# Answer
No, there is no simple solution except run some third party application on your device that accepts any types of files.

Usually Bluetooth implementation on handheld devices limits receving file type to only supported. Such as 3gp, jpg and few others.

Also this days security is a problem so Android may also reject any APK or other risk file types.

So by other words: it is limited by device by security reason.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Most Androids don't accept .apk file over bluetooth. This is to prevent people from sending malicious software to phones that are not protected.

If you still want to send APKs over Bluetooth, there are mainly 3 ways of doing so:

1. Change the extension (.APK) from your phone. This way you can trick the phone in still accepting the application.
2. You can zip the .apk file and send it over bluetooth and unzip it again at receivers end.
3. Another way is to use some third party app which allows you to directly transfer .apk file.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bluetooth
---


# Question
Title: Clear a whatsapp conversation but keep the media
I have got a group conversation with a lot of messages. I want to clear the messages but want to keep the pictures and videos.

# Answer
> 0 votes
All Media, Stored in below Directory :

> `SDcard (Internal Storage) -> WhatsApp -> Media`

**For videos :**

`SDcard (Internal Storage) -> WhatsApp -> Media -> WhatsApp Video`

**For Pictures :**

`SDcard (Internal Storage) -> WhatsApp -> Media -> WhatsApp images`

and **copy** or **Move** anything you want it in Backup Directory (like, save `music in -> Extsdcard -> Music`).

that's it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Upload them to drive or google photos. Open the media in whatsapp and Long press on it you'll see the 3dot feature near top right corner of the screen, click on the 3dot which will give options, choose drive to upload your media.

---
Tags: whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Custom Recovery, Custom Rom for Micromax Canvas Juice 3 Plus q394
I have Micromax camvas juice 3 plus q394 i want an custom Recovery as well as custom rom i want to xposed my device but i searched on good for many hours but didn't get instead of a stock rom if anyone has custom Recovery and custom rom please share the link.

# Answer
> 0 votes
**Apparently there was no shared construction, to make short no TWRP/CWM or even custom ROM were made for your device.** Which means you two options, see three:

* Build your own custom recovery and adapt it to your phone using the basic TWRP sources available on Github for example
* Make your own request on the XDA forum which is specialized enough on the subject for me to recommend it to you, but there is no guarantee that someone will want to necessarily look into your case
* The ultimate option is, as they say, a phone call to a friend, in short, assuming you know someone who has the knowledge to do the job.

**Wishing you the best of luck for the future.**

---
Tags: custom-roms, clockworkmod-recovery, xposed-framework
---


# Question
Title: How to do I change all my default save directory to one folder?
Is there an app or settings (asus zenfone zoom) to change all my default save directory to one folder. This folder will be the "inbox" of my phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
**The short answer: No.**

**The long answer: Yes**, but you must root your device, and it depend of wich version of Android is installed on your phone, that cancel your warranty. If your device is rooted or if you accept to root it, you can install Xposed (that make fail your SafetyNet), and install this module: https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/mod-downloads2sd-t2656338.

**This possibility may ultimately prove non-functional if you are using a recent version of Android.**

**Apart from this possibility, there are no other options. If you find another one, don't hesitate to share it here.**

---
Tags: applications, settings, file-management, 7.1-nougat, asus-zenfone-3
---


# Question
Title: shadow notification on right side of the screen
I have a moto g4 plus and when I woke up today i saw that my right side of the phone is entirely covered with shadow of previous notifications I restarted the phone it won't go away input is working fine though Here is a pic look closely to the right side https://s.yimg.com/hd/answers/i/fa3a64276a4b4489b0bc90f445aeddd1\_A.png?a=answers&mr=0&x=1481432255&s=7587f59cf4fbfffe6d680c365028ae61

# Answer
> 0 votes
The Moto G4 has an issue with screen retention. Basically when something is on the screen in the same place for a long time, it will "burn in" and leave an after-image for a few minutes.

It seems that Motorola shipped the G4 with a screen that doesn't deal with screen retention very well, and it especially happens when the screen is warm.

In the end I had to flash a custom kernel (ElementalX) to the phone and use CF.Lumen to reduce the "Daytime color filter" settings to R=0.769,G=0.769,B=0.769 with the KCAL driver. This reduced the chance of screen retention significantly for me in exchange for screen brightness, but it still happens when the screen gets really hot.

---
Tags: notifications, screen, motorola-moto-g, notification-bar, motorola-moto-g-4g
---


# Question
Title: Strange chinese menu on Lenovo IdeaTab S6000
## Context

I just Skyped with my mother (far away) because her Android tablet (Lenovo IdeaTab S6000, running on Android 4.2) showed a strange menu with Chinese characters, almost like a bootloader. My short troubleshoot history looks like this:

* When pressing the volume-keys, the displayed content changed, at one point the text contained "GPS", so I assumed it would be some kind of "hidden troubleshoot menu" for showing system information.
* A restart was possible after pressing and holding the standby-button, after restarting everything seemed untouched.
* Just to make sure, we changed her passwords.
* She did not visit any suspicious websites, nor did she install any apps recently.

With my little knowledge, so far I do not feel able to rule out an attack or a trojan app, from what I can see she could have activated the strange menu by accident. Via internet research I only found one individual with the same problem, but no solution at all.

## Question(s)

What can I do to determine the cause? Should I contact the provider/manufacturer? Is it safe to assume that her data & accounts are not compromised?

I know it is little information, so please bare with me, I just want to prevent damage.

Thanks for any advice.

## TL;DR

Lenovo IdeaTab showed strange chinese/asian-symbols-menu, gone after reboot, do what now?

# Answer
> What can I do to determine the cause?

The user just accidentally accessed the Factory Mode on Lenovo tablet.

It can be accessed by:

1. Turn off the device
2. Hold "Volume Down", then connect the USB

<sup>(Image courtesy of XDA)</sup>

As a proof, there is a text containing "GPS" like you mentioned.

For the translation of each menu, you can refer to the post on XDA forum (also, source of this information).

> Should I contact the provider/manufacturer?

If the user didn't do anything on this menu, then I believe you don't need to contact the provider/manufacturer since nothing happens.

> Is it safe to assume that her data & accounts are not compromised?

I believe no data are compromised. Factory Mode is usually related to device testing/configuration, but not individual user data.
> 5 votes

# Answer
If you Hold power and up it will boot to English
> 0 votes

---
Tags: bootloader, lenovo
---


title: Add swap support to Android

text:
# Question
Title: Add swap support to Android
I own Samsung Galaxy GT-i9082, Trust me, its really very slow due to its low RAM i.e 1GB only. I have Installed Custom ROM of Lineage OS From XDA but it still doesn't supports swapping which is the only way to increase my SMARTphone's RAM. How can I add Swap support to my Kernel? I am really a new born baby in android and don't know much about it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Swap in Android requires special kernel support... to my knowledge there is no stock based custom kernel pre-built with swap support for your device. You can see if your kernel, or any kernel for that matter, has swap support by opening a terminal (via Termux or other terminal application) and entering the following command:

`cat /proc/cpuinfo`

And look at the Features line in the output for `swp` or `swap`, if one of those occurs and you are rooted, then you maybe able to use swap space. - Source

Building a kernel yourself with this support is outside the scope of Android Authority, if you wish to pursue this option I would suggest using a dedicated forum for this type of thing such as XDA's Galaxy Grand Duos Development forum for more information.

That said, there is one custom ROM I am aware of which has swap support built in called Viper OS, more information on this ROM is available in it's official support thread on XDA Developers.

Be aware there are custom kernels that support zRAM, or compressed RAM, which might be sufficient for your needs... They increase usable RAM by using the kernel to compress the data it stores in RAM at the cost of some performance and battery life, the amount of benefit or performance/battery loss is purely based on your individual usage. Grephene and DedS kernel are available for your device which support zRAM. For more information on zRAM and it's potential benefits and issues, please see What is zRAM in kernel and Z-RAM, do you use it? threads on XDA or see Google for more information.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, ram, lineageos, 7.1-nougat, swap
---


# Question
Title: How to bypass lock screen in Cyanogenmod 7.2
I set up my phone to use a gesture based unlock, and told it to hide the unlock button. Now the gesture isn't working and I can't get past the lock screen. For the standard Android lock screen, there is a feature whereby if you enter the wrong pass code 5 times, you can press a button to enter the username and password of your Android account to reset the lock screen. Is there any way to do this, or any other way to bypass the lock screen on Cyanogenmod 7.2? I have adb shell access to the device.

# Answer
> 5 votes
The answer to this question is hideously complex. It requires ADB set up on your mobile and PC. Cyanogenmod enables adb on the device by default. Instructions for setting adb up on the PC can be found here.

With the phone connected to the PC, using a command prompt go to the directory containing adb, and start a shell. On my system the command to do this is as follows, but it may be different on yours.

```
cd "\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools"
adb shell

```

You will then get a prompt consisting of a single # if all is well. Enter the following command:

```
sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db

```

The prompt will then change to

```
sqllite>

```

Enter the command

```
select * from secure;

```

This will produce a list of parameters. The one you are looking for will be something like:

```
440|lockscreen_gestures_disable_unlock|1

```

The number on the left hand side is an *\<id\>* which varies from phone to phone. The next command is then

```
update secure set value=0 where _id=<id>;

```

So in this example the command would be

```
update secure set value=0 where _id=440;

```

Reboot the phone, and the unlock button will have returned and you will have access to the phone again.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Here's how I cleared the screen lock password on my phone running CyanogenMod 11:

* Boot into TeamWin (or other adb-enabled) recovery,
* Connect the USB cable on the computer, then perform:

```
sudo -i
adb -d shell
mount /data
cd /data/system
rm gesture.key
rm password.key

```
* reboot

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


# Question
Title: Can not unlock my Android device as have no internet connection?
I have an Android device which is running Android 4.0.3 (or something like that).

My little brother decided to try and guess my lock screen pattern the other day, and ended up locking me out.

I have since been unable to log back in to the tablet using my Google Account details. I provided the correct login details, however it says they are incorrect. Could this be connected to the fact I have no internet connection?

I have no internet connection as the device is WiFi only, and the WiFi is currently turned off. I cannot turn it on, as I am locked out.

How can I log back into my tablet **without** wiping the user data?

# Answer
> 67 votes
There are several ways even in this stage. I'll try to sum up as many of them as I remember/find. Also, I don't keep it restricted to a single device -- but try to cover as many as possible, so it will be helpful to as many readers as possible. As you kept the device-tag from your question, all of them should find it :)

## All devices: if your credentials are not accepted, though they are correct

Sometimes this part seems to be buggy, so this page lists a few work-arounds. Amongst others, these include:

1. try entering null as password. (together with your google username; according to this page it should be the literal term `null`)
2. try entering your username without @gmail.com
3. Combine 1 and 2
4. Try the normal recover password routine from GMail.com and start over from 1.

## All devices: Bypass screenlock using a special app

**UPDATE:** The app mentioned in this solution is no longer available. Instead, Reset Screen Lock should do the same.

According to TheUnlockr, the problem should be very easy to resolve:

1. Go to the web version of Google Play.
2. Login with the Google account associated with your Android device.
3. Install Screen Lock Bypass (unfortunately a paid app now).
4. Reboot your device.

Another source mentioning this is UltraTechy.Com, which contains a few more explanations. According to that, the app will circumvent the "too many attempts" block, so you can directly access your device again (to e.g. make a complete backup before resetting it). As soon as this app is uninstalled, the "too many attempts" will be in effect again immediately. Hence, they add a few more steps:

5. Go to *Settings → Accounts & Sync*
6. Under Manage Accounts, remove all accounts except your Google account. (this should enable your Google username and password)
7. Go to *Settings → Applications → Manage Applications*. Find *Screen Lock Bypass* and uninstall the app. (this will trigger the “too many pattern attempts” screen immediately)
8. Use your original Google username and password to finally unlock your phone properly
9. Enter your new security pattern twice to finish

## All devices: Unlock via web

If you still know your pattern (and it only was your little brother who played with your device), and have your Google Account login/password ready, UltraTechy.Com offers another approach:

1. Using your computer, log into your Google account
2. Go to this link directly – https://accounts.google.com/IssuedAuthSubTokens OR click your e-mail on the top right corner, select *Account settings*, then hit *“Visit the previous version of the Google accounts screen”* towards the bottom, click *“Authorizing applications & sites”* under your *Personal Settings → Security*.
3. Under *“Connected Sites, Apps & Services”**“Revoke Access”* of your Google Account with Android. You will see the screen showing *“You have successfully revoked access to Full Account Access”*
\[Alternate for step 3 - If you have already signed up for 2-Step Authorization previously and are able to generate a new application-specific password at the bottom, go ahead and generate a new password and use that password to unlock your device\]
4. Enter Gmail login and password on your device. It will now accept your login details and will show a pattern screen. Enter the “correct” pattern and you can see the home screen.

## All devices: Disable Pattern Lock via ADB

According to this source, there's a way to disable the pattern lock via ADB. A few requirements for this, though:

* Your device probably must be rooted
(not mentioned there, but the database we need to update is owned by system/system, and nobody else has read or even write access to it. Also removing files from `/data/system` is unlikely to be permitted without)
* USB Debugging must be enabled on the device (rooted users: alternatively you can boot into recovery, where USB Debugging is not required -- but you might need to manually mount the `/data` partition)
* the Android SDK must be installed on your computer
* device must be plugged-in and connected via USB
* you need a command line on the computer

On the command line, enter the following:

```
> adb -d shell
# sqlite3 data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
sqlite> update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';
sqlite> .exit
# exit

```

(According to a comment from Kay, on Android 2.3.7 the SQL-Statement should read `update secure set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';` -- at least with CM7 on a HTC Desire)

Now disconnect and power off your phone, and turn it back on and the pattern lock should be gone.

According to Geeknizer, there are a few additional useful steps to follow: After the reboot, use your ADB shell again and...

```
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

```

Then reboot again. When device reboots, you will still see a pattern lock screen. But here’s the catch: just try any random pattern and it may unlock then remove the pattern from settings.

**Hint:** if the *Settings* app crashes when you try to set a new pattern, remove *all* `.key` and `locksettings.db*` files from `/data/system` (see "More" below).

---

Some additional notes from this comment by krlmlr:

1. Mounting `/data` will be necessary. This can be done using `mount /data` via `adb -d shell`
2. If the `sqlite` binary is not available on the device, you can use `adb pull` to copy the database file to your computer, edit it there (e.g. using SQLiteMan, and finally use `adb push` to replace it on the device
3. On his Android 2.x device, the SQL command had to be `update secure set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';`

---

## All devices: Similar thing without ADB

For those not having USB Debug activated on their device, there *might* be a work-around using a flashable zip, as described here. This procedure requires the zip file (to be found at the linked page), an editor, busybox and root on the device, plus the device needs to be rooted. Extensive procedure -- too long to be included here. And as it is no help without the zip either, you have to follow the link for this one.

## Phones: Use a hole to disable your lock

If it is a phone -- i.e. if you can give it a voice call -- you might be able to use a "security hole", as described here:

> Call yourself from another phone, answer, hang-up, directly after hanging up start pressing your buttons like a madman for \<30-60 seconds ending with your home button (might take a while to get the timing right). Go into settings and disable pattern-lock.

However, I guess that might leave you without protection afterwards, as you need to verify with the old method before being able to reset it to a new. But still, I didn't try: it might as well be it ignores the "failed attempts" at this place.

## Phones: Use a hole to create a new account

For phones there's a bad work-around according to this post:

1. call the device from another phone (or have a friend calling it)
2. answer the call, do not hang up
3. use the `back` key (*not* the `home` key) over and over. This should eventually bring you to your home screen
4. go to *Settings → Google Accounts* and add a new Google account. Sign in with this new account
5. after it accepts the new account credentials, and logs you in, hang up the phone, and go back to the lock screen.

Now, use the new Google Account's data to bypass the lock screen (via the "forgot" button).

## Samsung users with Windows PC

There's a One-Click-Solution to be found at GSMHosting.com which claims to be able to solve the issue. According to the many thanks the poster received, it seems to work. You can download the Windows executable there, connect your phone to your computer, and click...

## Forensics

Oh yeah. Those guys who work for courts, police, secret services, corporate security... They've got ways as well. Example needed? ViaForensic's viaExtract can even decode pattern locks! So don't think you're unbreakable. Though: this is only mentioned here for completeness -- I don't think you easily get your hands on that :)

## More

There might be more alternatives to that. If I happen to stumble upon them, I hope I remember to update my answer again ;) … And here we go:

# Answer
> 9 votes
So the same thing happened with me today- a friend fiddled with my pattern lock - too many attempts- asked me to enter my google account and password, but it didn't work even though i remembered it correctly. I tried all permutations and combinations and possible passwords. I read multiple blogs to find a solution (and to avoid a factory reset). What finally worked was very bizarre - (keep clicking on the sign in button without entering anything, then enter something random and keep clicking. then enter your username (without @gmail) and your password. If you get lucky, it'll ask for a new pattern and your phone will be normal. However, this happened 4-5 after it got locked and after i tried everything. So presing buttons like a madman is the only shot !! also download "Screen Lock Bypass Pro" for next time

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here's how I cleared the screen lock password on my phone running CyanogenMod 11:

* Boot into TeamWin (or other adb-enabled) recovery,
* Connect the USB cable on the computer, then perform:

```
sudo -i
adb -d shell
mount /data
cd /data/system
rm gesture.key
rm password.key

```
* reboot

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


# Question
Title: Clear or reset my lock screen password/PIN
I have a similar problem as the one described in this question, but that question doesn't solve my problem. Summarized here:

I recently installed CyanogenMod 10 on my Galaxy Nexus. I enabled encryption. The first time I rebooted the phone, I was able to get past the lock screen with no trouble. I tried to change the screen lock PIN, but the settings app wouldn't accept my PIN.

Later, the screen locked due to the timeout being reached, and I wasn't able to unlock it. My password kept being rejected, and the "Forgot password" button that I read should come up never appeared. I rebooted my phone, and though I can easily decrypt it, I can't unlock it.

This answer suggested going through `adb` to fiddle with an SQLite database. However, I can't seem to access `/data` on my phone. I get the following error when I try to do an `ls`:

```
opendir failed, Permission denied

```

I tried to use `su`, but again, I got a `Permission denied` error. The phone is most definitely rooted, as I regularly use several root-only apps.

I really don't want to have to wipe the phone. Is there any other way to unlock this phone?

# Edit

After posting this question, I came across this answer. I was able to get my phone unlocked by exploiting the phone hole mentioned (involving calling the phone and mashing the keys repeatedly--though instead of hitting the non-existent home key I swiped up Google Now). I deleted the password using the SQL mentioned in the answer I cited earlier. However, upon rebooting the phone, I'm back in an non-unlockable state.

In other words, I can exploit a hole to unlock my phone, but I can't reset the PIN, and I have to make sure to turn my screen on before 30 minutes elapses and avoid rebooting, or I'm toast.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I got it fixed. Here are the steps I took:

1. Use the exploit here entitled "Phone: Use a hole to disable your lock". For me, it didn't work exactly as documented, though. I had to mash the password keys for a long time (calling my phone was unnecessary), then swipe up Google Now, mash the password a few more times, and hit `Enter`. With that, Google Now pops up and the phone is unlocked. I didn't test to find out how much of this is necessary and how much isn't.
2. Fire up a terminal app on the phone. I can't get root access from `adb`. Type `su` to become root. It should go without saying that this method will not work unless the phone has been rooted.
3. Enter the following commands to clear the password (source). Each line represents a command to type, one at a time.

```
sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
delete from secure where name='lockscreen.password_type';
delete from secure where name='lockscreen.password_salt';
.exit

```

Tip: These commands will be easier to type if you use Hacker's Keyboard and type with the phone in landscape orientation.
4. Reboot the phone.
5. The screen will still be locked and non-unlockable. So, repeat step 1 to unlock it.
6. Go to the security screen and hit `Screen lock`. You will be asked to confirm your PIN. The new password is null. That means that instead of entering a password, just hit `Next` with a blank password.
7. Now, you're in, so go ahead and change your PIN to whatever you want.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here is how a Samsung GT-S5300 (Android 2.3 Gingerbread) was unlocked, which according to the user would not recognise its screen lock PIN anymore. No data was lost during the process. The device was not rooted, nor did it had anything fancy installed. An internet connection -WiFi or G2/3/4- is required though.

1. Unplug the charger from your device.
2. Install the free version of Screen Lock Bypass Reset. Ignore any warnings about purchasing the Pro version.
3. Once installed, a bypass can be activated by plugging in the charger.
4. The black Screen Lock Bypass Reset screen appears. Hit the return key ⏎ on your device to show the temporarily unlocked device desktop.
5. This offers a window of opportunity to approve the *Lock & Erase* application which can be sent from any other device connected via the internet to the Google Android Device Manager website.
6. After approval, it may take anything up to half an hour for the phone to become visible on the Google Android Device Manager website.
7. Once visible on the website, click on `Lock` to enter a new PIN.
8. The device can now be unlocked with the new PIN.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Gin Gordon's answer is good enough to fix most of the problem related to password unlocking. However, if the issue still exists, I suggested to have a look at Android Lock Screen Removal(paid), a small tool developed by Wondershare. It will use the downloaded recovery image to remove the lock screen password.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Here's how I cleared the screen lock password on my phone running CyanogenMod 11:

* Boot into TeamWin (or other adb-enabled) recovery,
* Connect the USB cable on the computer, then perform:

```
sudo -i
adb -d shell
mount /data
cd /data/system
rm gesture.key
rm password.key

```
* reboot

# Answer
> -1 votes
if you know your samsung account, u can unlock your device without loosing any data or anything! I had the same problem. 1) Sing in with your samsung account : findmymobile.samsung.com/mindex.jsp 2) you will see 'unlock my screen' among the options . Then click it. It really works well Good lucks :)

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, lock-screens, samsung-galaxy-nexus, locked-out
---


# Question
Title: Unlabled app entries appearing in battery history. Suspicious?
This morning I noticed weird untitled entries in my battery history, which I'd never seen before. I'm also not sure why some rows were not showing the percentages. (When tapped on, the entry detail views show the percentages.) The entries have the same code/gear icon as the Android OS entry:

entries / detail / same icon as Android OS (click images for larger variant)

These aren't appearing in the last-hour view now, so it appears to be something that launched earlier, and then stopped. "Force stop" and "report" are grayed out in the detail views.

Is this suspicious? Is there some way of checking these further?

This is on a non-rooted HTC One M9 running Android 6.0

# Answer
Did you install any app from Unknown sources, i.e. downloading the apk and then installing? If yes, Can you see these apps in the Apps section in Settings of your phone? And if yes, is the uninstall button active?

If not, this might be due to the administrator privilages this app has got. First, you need to remove administrator privilages from the app. i would recommend to download ES File Manager from Play Store and finding that app. Then try to uninstall these apps and see if these really have administrator privilages. And, if they have, remove them using ES File Manager only and then, uninstall the applications.

Hope, this works fine for you. Basically, these apps are downloaded with the .apk file you download from the unknown resources, get themself administrator privilages and start showing ads on your device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: processes, battery-history
---


# Question
Title: How to send a text message from Skype on Android?
So, I just spent 30 minutes trying to find out where to send a text message (SMS) to a phone number using the latest version of Skype on Android.

Does anyone know if it's still possible to do this or has this feature been removed? Please make sure it applies to this rather new version of Skype for Android.

# Answer
In the latest version of Skype, you need to follow these steps:

1. Go to the **Calls** tab.
2. Select the dial-pad icon
3. Type the number you want to send an SMS to.
4. Type your SMS and send.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, skype
---


# Question
Title: android how to remove white square shortcut icon from screen
I am using phone with android 4.4.4 version. yesterday suddenly one white square appeared on my screen which looks like shortcuts for keys. It is very much annoying as it appears in all screens, no matter which application I am using. I want to remove/disable it as it permanently.

I searched a lot on internet and I tried to check in settings also but nothing worked out. please help me as this is too irritating. I wonder how google could make such bad feature. Please find the screenshots below.

Problem marked in red circle.

When I click on square button

Please note , There is no **mobility** tab under my **"settings\>System\>accessibility\>"**

# Answer
Since your phone is a Lenovo, as can be seen from your screenshots. The feature is called as **Wide Touch** which adds a floating button on your screen, allowing quick access to system functions.

You can disable Wide Touch in your device's settings. I cannot talk about the exact location of the setting, but for most Lenovo phones, it is in *Settings \> Features \> Wide Touch*.

The feature can be list item within settings or a separate tab. So, please look carefully through the settings.

Here is the link to Lenovo website explaining the feature for S90 smartphone. Your P70 might have it the same way or with minor changes. https://support.lenovo.com/in/en/solutions/ht102904
> 1 votes

# Answer
Go to settings \> System \> accessibility \> turn off assistant menu under mobility

Hope this will help.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Why is my Samsung Galaxy S8 Keyboard Missing Simple Words?
Occasionally I'll find a simple word that's missing from my Samsung Galaxy S8's default keyboard. The most recent example was the word ***hops***. It kept changing it to ***hopes***.

Have I done something silly to make it forget these words in the past?

# Answer
Most likely situation is that the developers of the keyboard somehow missed that word. You can only add words to the Autocorrect database, not remove words. Therefore, it's not your fault.
> 0 votes

# Answer
It also depends on what words you use more often. So, sometimes the keyboard will still apply its brain and guess that you intended to write *hopes* even when you have written *hops*.

You just have to undo that change and it should stop repeating the same mistake again. Also, check your keyboard's prediction settings and the prediction language.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, dictionary, samsung-galaxy-s-8, text-prediction
---


# Question
Title: How to get the one-line clock on the lockscreen back on my Xperia running Lollipop?
I've just updated my Sony Xperia Z3 Compact to 5.0.2.

The clock on the lockscreen used to be like this:

but now it's stacked like this (two lines):

**Is there a way to keep Lollipop but get the old one-line clock on the lockscreen back?**

# Answer
you can try long press clock in lockscreen, and you can choose one line clock and analog clock.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Go to Settings, then lock screen, then Clock Style, then click the one-line option.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Yes, there is. You could use an alternate clock app, like Clock JB, that has the same widget's look and feel. I would recommend any of the Clock apps developed by Moblynx. They have the same look and feel, and can be customized to your liking.

But, if you can't add widgets to the lockscreen, you will have to resort to another lockscreen app. If you want to go for hardcore mods to make it look that way, I would suggest posting a question at the XDA forums. The mods over there might help you out.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Press and hold screen until the option to remove apps appears then press the + icon, swipe left until you see clocks and select the format you prefer.

Hope this helps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
When the time is showing on your lock screen, press and hold on the time, and then you can choose from 3 options (Sony clock, digital clock, or analog clock)
> 0 votes

# Answer
I went to settings/personalisation/clocks then changed it to digital clock rather than sony clock
> -1 votes

# Answer
Go to Settings - Lock screen. Under "Display" uncheck "Enable Widgets".
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, lock-screens, sony-xperia, clock
---


# Question
Title: Can you link an Andoird phone into your home internet without having to pay for a monthly service?
I have never had a phone before. Can phones do this?

I want an Android phone.

I want it to be able to download stuff from the Google Play store.

I would like it to be able to do this using my existing home internet router, without the need for a further monthly subscription to some phone-based data plan. (I only intend to use this phone from home. I am with Sky Broadband for my home router.)

I would like the phone to be as cheap as possible, about £50 or slightly above. (I want to make sure it is right for me before spending loads of cash.)

I would like it to be able to play simple games like checkers, chess etc.

I live in the UK, if that is important.

# Answer
I bet your home router supports WiFi. It's the same wireless networking technology that laptops use to connect to the Internet. Android devices have WiFi too, you can enable it and connect to your router to use its Internet connection.
> 2 votes

# Answer
The simple answer is **yes**. With no service contract, **or cellular service at all.** Not only can you connect it to WiFi, (you usually need a **Gmail** account)

You can get free text messaging via Google voice or freedom pop from the play store.

And if you feel like getting frisky you could dabble with Asterisk and use the jabber/gtalk modules to make voice calls via VOIP through the Google voice service, or any other **VOIP** provider. (Using a SIP soft client such as csipsimple)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: router
---


# Question
Title: How do I delete an email address from Facebook App login page on Android?
A mate recently used my mobile facebook app to log into his account. Now, I always get his email as the default when I go to log in to Facebook on Android App. Although not a big issue it is very frustrating.

I have deleted data and cache from App Settings. No go.

I have removed Accound from Account settings. No go.

I have set up another Gmail account for playstore and downloaded it through there. Still no change.

When I press sown on the email address whilst on log in page there is no option to remove address.

Please help as this is so frustrating.

Thanks

# Answer
First log out from your account and then follow the following steps as given on: \[https://m.facebook.com/help/670304209712363?helpref=uf\_permalink \]\[1\]

To remove an account from your phone or mobile device:

1. Go to the login screen on the Facebook app
2. Tap \[Account to be removed\]
3. Tap Remove account from device

For making for account as default just first logout and then login into your account.
> 1 votes

# Answer
This is trivial. You have to uninstall followed by the fresh installation of the Facebook app. You can **Clear Data** before uninstalling it but that's not necessary always.

> I have set up another Gmail account for playstore and downloaded it through there. Still no change.

Google Account doesn't controls how an app manages its data/settings, or for that matter, for any non-Google user app in your device. It is most likely that when you installed this app from another account, you didn't uninstalled it first, the reason why that troublesome email entry remained.

> I have removed Accoun\[t\] from Account settings. No go.

Since it is not mentioned which account, I assume: 1) its Google account which has already been discussed above; 2) its Facebook account, but because the data was cleared the app would fall back to log-in option. Don't know why the entry wasn't purged by clearing data.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung-galaxy-s-2, facebook
---


title: Android Folder Layout

text:
# Question
Title: Android Folder Layout
I just installed the 8.0 update, and don't like how they changed the layout of my folders. Before installing this update, the size of my folders would be 3x3 rows, and now they changed it to 4x4 rows. Is there a setting or anything I can do to change it back to the layout that I had before?

# Answer
On the S7 you can go to your home screen and go into edit mode by long pressing on an empty area or pinching on your home screen. Then click screen grid and choose the size you want. Unfortunately it seems the 3x3 option you say it had was removed. Source

Another option is you can download a custom launcher from the Play Store and use it instead. Your mileage will vary with those however.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: home-screen-folders
---


# Question
Title: Is there any options in Vivo V5 that in silent mode vibration can also be stop?
I have Vivo V5 Android device with Funtouch OS provided by Vivo company.

In this device, when I switch profile mode from General to Silent. It cannot turn off vibration. I want to turn off vibration also.

Please update with solutions.

Thanks

# Answer
Go to **Settings** -\> **Sounds**

Here, turn off the vibrate toggle switch. Hope this helps.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: applications, 6.0-marshmallow, vivo
---


# Question
Title: Red exclamation mark at top left when booting phone
was experimenting( more specifically, trying to flash ROMs) with my Samsung Galaxy J1 Ace(rooted). It was all going well till I tried flashing the TWRP recovery mode. I followed all the steps mentioned on various xda forums but a red exclamation mark appears at the top left of the screen when I try to turn it on, along with the Samsung logo and it the phone just hangs. When I go to the download mode, it shows MDM Download : 0. I tried flashing, using ODIN, other versions of the TWRP for my phone model but the same error persists.

Is my phone soft-bricked?

How do I fix it?

I am trying to restore the original stock Samsung firmware now.

Many thanks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Alright everyone, I have managed to solve the issue. If you find yourself in this same error, visit this site to know properly how to fix your SAMSUNG device.

In short, you need a PC running a Windows OS, a software called Odin(v3.07)\[used by SAMSUNG internally, so its legit\] and the original stock firmware. Download the proper combo( country-region and phone model).

Hold the Power, Home AND volume down buttons simultaneously for around 5 seconds(until the Download mode comes up).

Then connect it to your PC using a usb cable and run Odin. Now click on the PDA and navigate to the extracted stock Samsung firmware file (MD5 type). Select it and wait for a while, the Odin will take some time (around a minute) to check and process the MD5 file.

Then click 'Start', let the flashing finish(takes around 10-15 minutes) and voila!

---
Tags: root-access, recovery-mode, unbricking, system-error, samsung-galaxy-j1
---


# Question
Title: Why is my Android not restoring the app data from its Google Drive backup?
I'm testing a new version of our app that now supports Android Auto Backup (by targeting API over 23).

I've managed to get the system to back up the app's data by leaving it overnight (two nights), but when I uninstalled the app and installed it again, it didn't restore the data from the backup.

However, I can still see the backup for the app under `Settings > System > Backup > App data > [appname]` and that it was last backed up yesterday.

I first re-installed the app from an apk downloaded to the device. Would this not trigger the restore like installing from Google Play or over adb should?

I've tried uninstalling again and installing over adb, but it still doesn't restore the data.

Is there a way to force it to restore the data from the backup?

# Answer
`adb shell bmgr restore <TOKEN> <PACKAGE>`

Source

Additional inputs from OP incorporated from comments

> It appears that the reason it didn't restore automatically in my case was that there were many different devices backed up to the same Google Account, and it didn't know which "set" to use. I got a list of "sets" with the command `adb shell bmgr list` sets and could then use your command with the desired set like this: `adb shell bmgr restore <SET> <PACKAGE>`.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I'm going to post an alternative answer to my own question, in spite of having accepted the previous answer. The reason is that I have since learned, on my personal device, that the Android Backup and Restore doesn't work as well as I expected, so while that wasn't the case in the case above, this might be the case for other people finding this question.

Apparently, if restoring on a different device or even on the *same* device with a different OS, it won't restore anything but system data. This happened to me when I wiped my Moto X (2nd gen) to install LineageOS on it.

That means that notification settings, WiFi passwords and background images will get saves, while app data (save games, app settings, etc) will *not*.

I'm not sure if newer versions of Android come with better Backup and Restore functionality, but for now I'm going to be using a specialised backup app (Helium at the moment) to keep my data fairly backed up, and also use that when transferring to a new device.

If anyone has any positive experiences with Android own Backup and Restore actually restoring app data on a new device, please share any details of android versions and device :)

**Update on Helium**

Here's a few words on my experience with Helium so far.

At first I was a bit disappointed, due to a few limitations of the app. Using the free version you can't setup a scheduled backup, so I had to start it manually every time. This, however, became extremely tedious, as you can't save a "selection" of apps to back up, and so had to scroll through all your apps each time. So I bought the premium version, so I could set up scheduled backup tasks.

But for some time this also didn't work, because the app kept losing "authorisation" or whatever it is, so I had to connect it through USB with USB debugging enabled and running the Helium desktop app every time I wanted to do a backup. And you can't just trigger a backup, only change the scheduled time until "in a minute" and wait...

Then that seemed to stop being a problem, and authorisation isn't lost any longer, even over restarts. But another problem is that the backup can't run if the screen is locked. I'd like to have the backup run automatically in the night, while my phone is charging and on WiFi, but I only wake up to a message about the backup not having been able to run, because of the screen lock. This is easier to fix, by simply tapping the message to run the backup, but means I then have to leave the phone until done.

Over all it works and I'm glad I've got backups (backing up to Google Drive), but it could work a lot better.

I still haven't tried restoring, so there might be a call for another update when I've seen how well that works :-)

**Update 2 on Helium**

It's started losing the authorisation all the time again, which means that the automatic backups aren't happening, and I have to re-authorise and re-schedule to "now" to trigger them. Would be great to hear from any other Helium users out there, if they have some experiences with this.

**Update 3 on Helium**

It's not losing authorisation as much, which is probably because my phone isn't restarting as much (I've got a new battery). Also, there have been some updates to Helium, so now you can save selections of apps, which is really handy if you want to update which apps you backup in a recurring backup (almost as handy as if you could edit the recurring backup's settings).
> 5 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup, restore, google-drive
---


# Question
Title: com.qualcomm.embms keeps popping up every few minutes
In Lenovo Phab, a message : "Unfortunately, com.qualcomm.embms has stopped." keeps popping up exactly twice every few minutes, to which I've to click 'OK' every time. I've tried force stopping it from the settings manually but it's still going on. I've scanned the device with McAfee but there are no threats. But a Quadrooter scan tells me I've the following vulnerability : (CVE-2016-2504). Is it possibly popping up because of that? Or is it just a bug? What should I do to make it stop popping up? Help would be appreciated.

# Answer
A new widespread vulnerability that affects millions of Android devices around the world could allow hackers to read your SMS text messages, phone records, and perform any capabilities the radio allows.

This hack involves the netd daemon, which is the network interface in Android. The problem arose when Qualcomm released new Application Program Interfaces (APIs) as part of the network\_manager system service, which also involved the netd daemon. These APIs allowed additional tethering capabilities.This vulnerability is labeled as CVE-2016-2060 with a medium risk.

Devices ranging from Gingerbread to Lollipop are likely affected. So, **if you can upgrade your android that would be the best option**.

Also, The FireEye Mobile Security app will detect the Qualcomm vulnerability, but it’s only for enterprise customers. If you have a corporate phone, check with your administrator to find out if your company subscribes to the service.

The good news is that FireEye has been monitoring the use of the API, and hasn’t found any occurrences of it being exploited. However, that could change as hackers learn of the flaw.

Looking at the big picture, it’s still more unlikely than likely that you will fall victim to an attack.

You can read more about this issue in this blog.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 5.1-lollipop, bugs, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: I deleted my Gmail account but I keep recieving the notification "Account Action Required" but I can't access the account since it's already deleted
I deleted my Gmail account but I keep recieving the notification "Account Action Required" but I can't access the account since it's already deleted. By the way I used my phone to delete the account. How can I remove the notification? I tried everything.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Even if you deleted the account on Google, your phone is still trying to log into that account, and giving you the notification to tell you it's not working. You need to remove the account from your phone too. From the **Settings** app, scroll down to the **Personal** section and choose **Accounts**. Then choose **Google** from the list, and from the three-dots overflow menu, choose **Remove account**. Some manufacturers move around the settings on their phones, so while the instructions above are fine for stock Android, they might not be quite right for your phone model.

Note that apps you purchase on Google Play are tied to your Google account, so it's not usually a good idea to delete the Google account that's the main account on your phone. You'd want to follow these instructions if you've added a second account, such as a work email, and it's been deleted or disabled.

---
Tags: notifications, google-account, delete
---


# Question
Title: Problems installing Lineage on Moto G5 w TWRP
TWRP is fine.

I have lineage-15.1-20180415-UNOFFICIAL-cedric.zip in the Downloads folder on the 'phone.

On attempting to flash this, TWRP fails with: "Updater process ended with ERROR: 255".

Advice elsewhere suggested unzipping the package, then removing the first 2 lines of file at META\_INF\>Com\>Google\>Android\>UpdaterScript. These refer to the 'Cedric' device name - but I have no real idea what they mean.....

I did this, but as I'm on a mac, could not follow the instructions relating to re-creating the archive as they were Windows specific ('Add to rar' was suggested). So I tried straight zip archiving.

Attempting to flash the archive thus created, TWRP now fails with : "Invalid zip file format!".

Would be grateful for advice on how to create the appropriate file format using a mac.

I have an app called 'Keka', which offers as options 7z, Zip, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2. Are any of these appropriate?

Thank you!

# Answer
> 1 votes
I installed yesterday with latest TWRP (3.2.1-0) and same lineage image as you (lineage-15.1-20180415-UNOFFICIAL-cedric.zip) and got the same error.

Try again and after failing, in TWRP go to `Advanced` -\> `Copy Log`. Get the log file in your computer (`adb pull /sdcard/recovery.log`, you may need to change location of the log file) and open it with any editor or just `cat recovery.log`.

If you see a line saying:

```
E:Can't execute '/tmp/updater': Exec format error

```

Then it probably is due to having the bad TWRP. You need the 64 bits one instead of the regular one. You can get it from https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=236353. Flash this new TWRP and then Lineageos and optionally gapps.

BTW I didn't need to mess with the zip image, I used the downloaded one without any modifications.

---
Tags: twrp, lineageos, zip, motorola-moto-g5
---


# Question
Title: .nomedia file not hiding newly created images. Solution?
Note 5 running 5.1.1

Here is my issue...

A .nomedia file placed in a folder that automatically downloads album art will only hide the images from Gallery if they were in that folder **before** the .nomedia file was created or modified. Any **newly** downloaded album art is visible in Gallery. Clearing the cache, data, and force stopping both Gallery and Media Storage apps, as well as shutting down and restarting the device does not correct the problem. The images downloaded **after** the creation/modified date of the .nomedia file will be visible no matter what.

Perhaps this is how .nomedia files work and I just never really understood them, but I thought they would hide all media files in the given folder no matter when those files were added to the folder. I didn't think the date of the .nomedia file had any bearing on it.

If anyone else has experienced this and found a solution I'd like to know! And I do not consider installing alternative gallery apps that can hide images a solution to this.

# Answer
I'm having the same problem in android 6.0 but only in the pictures and movies folders and subfolders. My solution is to remove a recreate the .nomedia after each new download! However if the folder is anywhere else it doesn't happen!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: gallery, images, media-files, media-scanner, hidden
---


# Question
Title: How to mark reminders as "Done" without going via Google Calendar?
I set reminders using Google / Google Now / Google Assistant (or whatever it's called these days). These reminders also appear (automatically) on my Google Calendar. All good.

However, when I receive a *notification* of this reminder I only get the options to "edit" or "delete" (even when clicking through to the reminder in the Google *App*). I don't want to "delete" it, as I want to keep a note of reminders I've "done" and besides I have several "recurring" reminders" that cannot simply be *deleted*. And I certainly don't want to edit it. I want to simply "Mark as Done", but how?

The only way to "Mark as Done" that I can see is to view the reminder in Google Calendar, when I get the single option to "Mark as Done". But going via "Google Calendar" requires additional (unnecessary) steps. Consequently, reminders often only get "Marked as Done" some days later then I see the entry is still showing in my Google Calendar.

So, in there a better/quicker way to mark reminders as "done" - preferably from the "notification" - without having to go via Calendar?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have recently discovered you can "Mark as Done" a reminder in the Google app by swiping right on the reminder itself:

Note that this is only in the app, not on the *notification*.

HOWEVER, if you *swipe* a "recurring" reminder to "Mark as Done", it will mark all future reminders as done also! This is certainly a problem for me, as I have several recurring reminders and I only want to mark the "current" one as done.

---
Tags: google-now, google-calendar, google-assistant, reminders
---


title: What happens if I disable Google app?

text:
# Question
Title: What happens if I disable Google app?
If I disable Google app (which came preinstalled on my phone and which I don't use) will that have an effect on other apps by Google like Google Maps or Gmail?

I want to disable it for privacy reasons but I don't want other apps to be affected.

# Answer
No, it won't have any affect on other Google apps. I have it disabled in my phone. Here are the things I can't use anymore:

1. Search widget at homescreen. I have removed it anyways.
2. Google assistant.

I've basically never missed anything with the Google app disabled. Maps, Gmail, contacts sync and everything else works as they should. I don't see them having any connection with Google app.

However there will be issues if you disable Google Play Services app.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: google
---


title: Run Android RPI on Android emulator

text:
# Question
Title: Run Android RPI on Android emulator
I want to run the compiled images of the Android RPI 3 on an Android emulator. I have looked everywhere but I didn't find any way to emulate Raspberry PI and sideload the images.

Is it possible to run Raspberry PI Android image on an emulator or any image of another hardware on an emulator?

# Answer
The Android Emulator uses QEMU as the hypervisor.

While QEMU appears to emulate Raspberry Pi 2 you should read the documentation about ARM support to see if it fits your needs.

**Update**

Physical devices have different driver configuration than the emulator.

And if you want emulator to have any performance you'll have to use a different CPU architecture (x86 vs ARM). Please reach up on Adding a New Device in the AOSP documentation (note the layers).

I don't know if you could run a binary AOSP image on RPi on QEMU but it would be slow (and still need to configure fastboot etc.), this thread: https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/android-raspberry-pi/ leads me to believe that drivers will be the blocking point.

Another thing that is leading me to say what you want is **very difficult** is that it sounds like you want load almost arbitrary images. This article on XDA about EFIDroid shows what I think you want but is limited to a set of supported Qualcomm Snapdragon devices.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, android-emulator, aosp
---


# Question
Title: adobe acrobat pdf reader now wants unnecessary permissions: workarounds? alternatives?
I recently went to reinstall `adobe acrobat pdf reader`, I found it now requires `permissions` for `identity` and ability to `create accounts` \- I'm sure they weren't there last time I installed it.

I just want to read pdfs. They don't need accounts for that.

Is there a way to block it (I'm on lollipop, 5.1); or is there a less intrusive alternative?

I'm not keen on sideloading an older version from a random website.

# Answer
You can try PDF Viewer from pspdfkit. Google Play Link. The company makes the reader which is used in a couple of popular apps like Box, Dropbox, Evernote, Scribd, etc... It works with Android 5.1, and requires minimal permissions.

> This app has access to:

```
Photos/Media/Files

read the contents of your USB storage
modify or delete the contents of your USB storage

Storage

read the contents of your USB storage
modify or delete the contents of your USB storage

Other

receive data from Internet
view network connections
full network access
run at startup
prevent device from sleeping

```

You can block the network permissions if you like. It is only used in their instant feature which allows more than one people to comment at the same time.

It supports Annotations and bookmarks, Has a Manager for the annotations which looks like a Open Book icon on the header.

Page scrolling can be set as per the settings in the Gear Icon. Additionally you can delete pages or export some pages as a separate document.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: permissions, pdf
---


# Question
Title: Connect OnePlus One through adb keep disconnecting
I'm trying to switch my OnePlus One from CyanogenMod to LineageOS, and to do so I need to use `adb` adn `fastboot`. I use Fedora 28 as OS on my PC, with the latest Gnome as DE.

The usual "data" connection works fine, meaning that I can access my phone's internal storage and copy files from/to that memory. Trying to use `adb`, I I changed the USB mode to "charge" and enabled `adb` from the `Developers Options` menu under `Settings`.

As soon as I connect my phone to the PC, it looks like it is stuck in a loop of connecting and disconnecting the device. I don't see any prompt on my phone regarding the `adb` connection, and `dmesg` shows the following output:

```
new high-speed USB device number 31 using xhci_hcd
usb 3-2: New USB device found, idVendor=05c6, idProduct=6765, bcdDevice= 2.32
usb 3-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
usb 3-2: Product: A0001
usb 3-2: Manufacturer: OnePlus
usb 3-2: SerialNumber: 23deaeca
usb 3-2: reset high-speed USB device number 31 using xhci_hcd
usb 3-2: device firmware changed
usb 3-2: USB disconnect, device number 31

```

where the `device number` starts with `1` and goes up, and up, and up, until I physically disconnect the phone.

`adb start-server` (executed as `root`) shows no error whatsoever, but `adb devices` shows nothing (both as `root` and as regular user (not `sudo`)).

What's happening here?

# Answer
> 0 votes
After a few digging, I found out that the problem was due to an old version of `abd` in the Fedora's repository. Downloadting the latest `platform-tools` from the website fixed the problem.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, adb, connection-issues, lineageos, oneplus-one
---


title: Enabling developer mode in Reliance LYF

text:
# Question
Title: Enabling developer mode in Reliance LYF
I have a Reliance LYF mobile phone and want to enable the developer mode.

I looked for all options in the settings but haven't found anything to enable developer mode.

Is the developer mode option available on it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Go to Settings \> About device, then tap on "Build number" for 7 times, then go back. The developer option will be shown.

# Answer
> 0 votes
1. This phone is based on Firefox OS, meaning that tapping build number 7 times won't help.
2. The developer portal for Kaios recently became a thing. However, they don't give instructions on how to enable developer mode (yet).

This indicates 2 things:

1. The documentations are incomplete (which they clearly are, most of it is from the Firefox OS documentation),
2. An update for it auto enables developer mode.

---
Tags: developer-options, reliance-lyf
---


# Question
Title: What is CSC Fastboot Mode, and how to get rid of it?
I am trying to access my Zenfone Go's fastboot in order to unlock its bootloader, but it seems to have been replaced with something called "CSC Fastboot mode".

In this mode, I just see the ASUS logo, a "CSC Fastboot Mode!" text, and I am unable to enter any input. It looks like this:

Since I cannot enter any input, most communication with fastboot.exe is impossible. I somehow managed to have fastboot.exe correctly detect the device, but any command that requires confirmation on the phone is impossible (ex: fastboot flashing unlock), fastboot.exe just waits forever. I tried inputting the commands on the phone anyway, in case there was an invisible menu or something, but didn't work.

What I tried:

* Turning off my phone, then "Power Button + Volume Up Button" until it restarts. It goes directly to CSC Fastboot Mode.
* Turning off my phone, then "Power Button + Volume Down Button" until it restarts. It goes into Recovery Mode. Then I select "reboot to bootloader". It goes to CSC Fastboot Mode.
* Accessing my phone through adb, and using the "reboot-bootloader" command. It goes to CSC Fastboot Mode.

What is CSC Fastboot mode? What is it caused by? And how to reach a usable fastboot menu?

**Model Number:** ASUS\_X013DB

**Android Version:** 5.1.1

**Build Number:** LMY47V.JP\_Phone-13.0209.1705.116-20170621044040677\_2015122901270020000400001

# Answer
> -1 votes
1. Install ADB and Fastboot tools in your PC (two tools as parts of Android Studio)
2. Connect device through USB and open terminal/command prompt.
3. In terminal/command prompt, type:

```
fastboot devices
fastboot continue
fastboot reboot

```

---
Tags: rooting, fastboot, csc
---


# Question
Title: Android phone display stuck and restart not working
My Android phone's display is stuck and none of the three buttons volume up/down and lock are working. I tried calling myself from the Android device manager, which didn't work.

I connected the phone to my laptop, it shows up connected as an MTP device.
But, when it try `adb devices`, it doesn't show up.

What can I do to regain control of my phone?

For now I am just waiting until the battery is empty, so that I can restart it by plugging into a power source. Is there a better way?

# Answer
This was answered in the comments by @Sandeep , but I hate unanswered questions, so:

**Try a Hard Reset:** Hard Reset essentially forces your phone (or any device, for that matter) to reset regardless of what it was doing or where it was stuck. It's the first thing you should try if all else has failed and you need your device to work.

Hard Resets, at least consumer devices with limited buttons, is usually done by holding the power off button for longer with another key. **For Android, it's usually the power button along with the Volume/Up Down Button for about 10 seconds or more.** For iPhones, it's usually the Home Button and the Power button. For PC/MACs, just holding the power button for a long time can cause a force shut down.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, adb
---


# Question
Title: cannot recover data from or unlock my phone Lenovo Z2 plus
I needed some data from my old phone `Lenovo Zuk Z2 plus (Z2132)` but I have forgotten the lock screen PIN.

I tried a lot of recovery software, but all of them had a pre-requisite to either have the phone's USB Debugging mode enabled OR the device being rooted AND it's neither of those things.

I tried to enable USB Debugging mode using adb, however it doesn't detect any device when my device is on the lock screen. It detects it as `(no serial number) unauthorized` only when the device is in recovery mode (that I got to via holding Volume Down & Power button).

I researched and found that if I run the command `adb usb` or some adb command, it would request me to allow USB Debugging via a popup. But the device is only detected when in recovery mode (hence, no popup there).

Is there any way I can access my data OR get my device to be detected when on lockscreen OR enable the usb debugging mode somehow.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There are couple of methods to unlock your device. It depends on you whether you want data from you **internal storage** or you want data from your applications.

1. If you want data from your **internal storage**, you can just download **Aroma File Manager** and flash it from your boot manager in your android device. Aroma **File Manager** let you browse your **Internal Storage** and can let you copy and paste file from your internal storage to external storage like SD card.
2. If you want your android device back to normal state without loosing your device Storage you can simply delete the Gesture.key or pass.key file from your root folder `/data/system/gesture.key` which you can browsed with the help of **Aroma File Manager**.

Conclusion is that you need Aroma File Manager to have access to your android device storage which can help you to get all you data back to you even if you don't know your password.

**MAIN POINT IS THAT THE ABOVE STEP WILL VOID YOUR ANDROID PHONE WARRANTY.**

---
Tags: adb, data-recovery, usb-debugging, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: ping <ip> fails, but ping -I eth5 <ip> works in Android shell
I am trying to enable Ethernet on my Android-7.1.2. Now, it can acquire ip address from DHCP server. `ifconfig` shows that the Ethernet port can receive lots of packets, but just sends a few out, as below:

```
  eth5      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:04:9f:04:4d:51

  inet addr:10.193.20.83  Bcast:10.193.20.255  Mask:255.255.255.0

  inet6 addr: fe80::204:9fff:fe04:4d51/64 Scope: Link

  UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1

  RX packets:10513 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0

  TX packets:22 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0

  collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000

  RX bytes:926773 TX bytes:2204

  Memory:1aea000-1aeafff

```

And `ping -I eth5 10.193.20.64` can work:

```
layerscape:/ # ping -I eth5 10.193.20.64

PING 10.193.20.64 (10.193.20.64) from 10.193.20.83 eth5: 56(84) bytes of data.

64 bytes from 10.193.20.64: icmp_seq=1 ttl=64 time=0.345 ms

64 bytes from 10.193.20.64: icmp_seq=2 ttl=64 time=0.354 ms

```

However, `ping 10.193.20.64` fails with:

```
layerscape:/ # ping 10.193.20.64

connect: Network is unreachable

```

And here is my route:

```
layerscape:/ # route -n

```

Kernel IP routing table

```
Destination     Gateway         Genmask         Flags Metric Ref    Use Iface

10.193.20.0     0.0.0.0         255.255.255.0   U     0      0        0 eth5

```

What am I losing?

# Answer
> -1 votes
Finally found the solution for this issue:

```
layerscape:/ # ip rule add from all lookup main pref 0

```

---
Tags: networking
---


# Question
Title: Unable to flash custom recovery in Samsung j1 ace
I am trying to use the TWRP custom recovery on my device but am unable to do so.

First I made sure I had the latest ADB and Samsung drivers. Downloaded the TWRP .tar file which is compatible( I think so, its not the exact model number, which is SM-J110H) with my device. Then I proceeded to run Odin, connect the phone to the PC using an usb cable, and put the phone in download mode.

Everything was working alright until I 'flashed'(Put the TWRP file in AP, clicked Start, the log showed 'All threads completed. (succeed 1 / failed 0) '). After that, my phone rebooted. Now, whenever I try to go to recovery mode or boot my phone, it just hangs and a red exclamation mark is shown at the top left. I have fixed it by flashing the stock firmware but would like to know why it doesnt work.

Any help would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

# Answer
My first thought is that your recovery image (.tar file) is either uncompatible or corrupted.

To prevent this :

* Double-check that your recovery image is compatible with your exact phone model. If it's not, ask the developer about it.
* Check the control sum (md5sum, sha256sum, etc.) of your file once downloaded. If it's different from the sum on the website, download it again (from another miror if possible).

You may also use Heimdall instead of Odin to flash your recovery image : https://www.glassechidna.com.au/heimdall/
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, recovery-mode, twrp, odin, samsung-galaxy-j1
---


# Question
Title: Get files of phone with broken everything
Dropped my Oneplus One recently, and have bought a replacement already, but would like to get my files off.

The problem:

* screen works, but only top left inch of touchscreen registers
* volume buttons don't work
* USB debugging has disabled itself for some reason (I usually leave it on for this reason)
* when I connect it to the computer using the original USB cable, it just keeps connecting over and over but never shows up (and adb devices doesn't list it)
* I have a USB OTG adapter but it's not registering my mouse or keyboard

Other possibly helpful stuff:

* wifi is connected
* bluetooth is on
* I have an 'ftp server' app on my phone that I could connect to to get the data off if I could open it
* TWRP is installed, phone is unlocked
* lock screen disabled

I've read through the nice broken screen wiki, but nothing on there helps

any creative ideas?

# Answer
If your ROM and the functionning touch surface of your screen allow it, try to go to settings and activate 0°-90°-180°-270° screen rotation. By turning your phone sideways or upside-down, you might then be able to enable USB debugging again, and proceed to get your files with `adb pull`.

However, since yout OTG adapter doesn't seem to work, it's likely that your USB port is broken too.
> 0 votes

# Answer
So you have TWRP installed. Boot into TWRP, and try to get them via ADB. It should work If device/data is not encrypted. Best luck
> -1 votes

---
Tags: broken-screen, oneplus-one
---


# Question
Title: How to enable VoLTE in Samsung Galaxy S7 in india...?
I have a galaxy s7 bought from uae.I need to enable volte services for reliance jio in india. It was having android noughat 7.0 uae version. I tried to install indian version noughat 7.0 which gave me an error of "SW VER CHECKFAIL....... "

after googling a lot i understood that boatloader cant be downgraded to previous version. unfortunately i think the latest indian version is far behind the uae version.

So i just omitted BL file while odin installation and flashed the rom. Then i dont have imei and mobile network became unusable.

Now i flashed latest Malaysia version oreo (android 8). But still volte is not working.. Any idea whats happening...?

# Answer
Samsung Galaxy s7 is an LTE device and not VoLTE. But if you still want to make voice calls over LTE, you can download jio 4G voice app from https://www.jio.com/en-in/apps/jio-4g-voice .

It is very user friendly app,still in its beta phase. But it lets you enjoy all the features of VoLTE while you are in LTE.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s7
---


title: How to root Xperia Z Ultra safely?

text:
# Question
Title: How to root Xperia Z Ultra safely?
I want to root my Xperia Z ultra . but not finding any safe method for it. I have heard of kingroot . is that safe ? please help me to find other safe ways to root my device.

# Answer
> 0 votes
According to XDA, you can root the Xperia Z Ultra by using V root

> **1)** Enable USB debugging \[/Settings/Developer options\]
> \- To enable Developer options you need to go on /Settings/About phone/ and tap your 'Build number' 8 times...
> **2)** Download your device drivers, then install them.... and then
> **3)** Download VRoot (http://www.mgyun.com/vroot)
> **4)** Install VRoot
> **5)** Your phone needs to be turned on and your lock screen unlocked...
> **6)** Click the green button on the far right of the vRoot application.
> **7)** Now, your phone will restart by itself. (repeat the steps again if this does not work)
> **8)** Unplug your phone from the USB, and check to see if the chinese version of superSU is installed. (it will look like a blue shield)
> **9)** Then go to the playstore, and download superSU/ superuser. Open superSU/ superuser.
> **10)** Allow binary update, and then plug your device back into your laptop, and open vRoot.
> **11)** Click the white button (unroot) and wait for your device to reboot
> **12)** Click on superSU/ superuser (which ever you downloaded) and allow binary update (again!), then go into the superSU/ superuser settings \> and select 'install to system'
> **13)** restart your device.... done!

# Answer
> 0 votes
You have to download KingRoot for your device and it is safe I'm using it from last 4 years Download from https://kingroot.net/

**It have following features**

1. Root Defence-consist of url as well as device security
2. Game Booster
3. Purify-Auto clean phone cache to save power
4. Uninstaller tool
5. Accelerate Charging

**NOTE :** You have to connect your phone with internet(It need approx 2MB)

**Installing Process** Open KingRoot

it will check whether phone is rooted or not.

then click try root button to start rooting

Now wait for the 100% process ,after this your phone is rooted

Hope it will solve your problem...

---
Tags: rooting, sony-xperia, sony-xperia-z
---


# Question
Title: taking control over a phone with broken touchscreen
I have an old sony xperia z with a broken touchscreen, the phone holds a lot of important data but with the broken touchscreen I cant get the data.

I've tried a lot of things but I do not have usb debugging enabled and it is not rooted.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If your phone support OTG Then connect your phone with mouse,copy your all data..

Hope it will solve your problem...

---
Tags: broken-screen, sony-xperia-z
---


title: Rooting Android

text:
# Question
Title: Rooting Android
I have problem with rooting Android, I tried various methods (including Kingo, EasyRootTool, and etc.) and none pf them worked.

My device is

> Sony Z **C6602**
> Android **4.4.4**
> Build Number **10.5.1.A.0.283**

Any suggestions how to root it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You have to download KingRoot for your device and it is safe I'm using it from last 4 years Download from https://kingroot.net/

**NOTE :** You have to connect your phone with internet(It need approx 2MB)

**Installing Process**

Open KingRoot

it will check whether phone is rooted or not.

then click try root button to start rooting

Now wait for the 100% process ,after this your phone is rooted

Hope it will solve your problem...

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, sony-xperia, sony-xperia-z
---


title: Telegram: hide online status

text:
# Question
Title: Telegram: hide online status
Is there any way to hide the "Online" status on the Telegram application, and possible as well also the "Last seen" time stamp?

If this is not possible, is there a way to contact the developing team to ask them to include this feature? I haven't found like a forum or a place to put requests.

It seems weird that for an app that is supposed to be so privacy-centered, as opposed to Whatsapp, they have left in this really intrusive feature.

# Answer
Yes, apart from the moment you send a message to someone.
You can set that from `Settings --> Privacy and Security --> Last Seen --> Nobody`

A more detailed explanation, from Telegram F.A.Q:

> ## Can I hide my 'last seen' time?
>
> You can choose who sees this info in Privacy and Security settings.
>
> Remember that you won‘t see Last Seen timestamps for people with whom you don’t share your own. You will, however, see an approximate last seen value. This keeps stalkers away but makes it possible to understand whether a person is reachable over Telegram. There are four possible approximate values:
>
> * **Last seen recently** — covers anything between 1 second and 2-3 days
> * **Last seen within a week** — between 2-3 and seven days
> * **Last seen within a month** — between 6-7 days and a month
> * **Last seen a long time ago** — more than a month (this is also always shown to blocked users)
>
> ## Who can see me 'online'?
>
> The last seen rules apply to your online status as well. People can only see you online if you're sharing your last seen status with them. There is one exception to this: people will be able to see you online for a brief period when you send them a message in a one-on-one chat or in a group where you both are members.

### App screenshot:
> 2 votes

# Answer
Settings - Privacy and security - Last seen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: privacy, telegram
---


# Question
Title: Clockwork Mod tether stopped working recently
I am using moto g4 and windows 10. The symptom is: when starting the windows app and clicking start button, the application starts normally: the log windows fills up and the button changes to "stop". After a few seconds, thou, the wording on the button changes back to "start", the log stops updating, and there is not connection

Anyone else experienced this? any quick fixes?

# Answer
It might have being a problem with my USB cable. I tried again with a new one and now it works just fine. highly recommended app
> 0 votes

---
Tags: clockworkmod-recovery, tethering
---


title: Why has my Android become half-rooted?

text:
# Question
Title: Why has my Android become half-rooted?
I had rooted my Samsung Galaxy S 4G, and for some reason it seems to be only partially rooted now. What I mean by this is that while SuperUser is installed, apps such as BusyBox and Titanium Backup are complaining that they cannot get root access. Using apps from the Google Play store, I can neither remove the root or re-root the device. I cannot get to the Recovery menu because the key combinations done at startup just end up rebooting my device. Why is this happening and what can I do to fix it? Resetting the phone to factory settings does nothing.

Despite all this, AVG Antivirus is complaining that my device is rooted. So, what's up with that?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I remember encountering a similar problem with superuser. I installed SuperSU from Google Play (replacing the superuser app), and it fixed my problems.

**Update #1:** As discussed over chat, jeffreylin\_'s root was lost, as verified with Root Checker. To fix this, the phone must be rooted again. SuperOneClick can be used; no need to flash ROM or anything. Just run the tool. It supports Samsung Galaxy S 4G.

**Edit #2:** In case you want to protect root (after phone's been rooted), install OTA Rootkeeper, so you can just restore root if you mess it up.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You probably have su installed (the program that allows you to become root) but it may lack the right permissions to run. In this scenario, AVG is probably just checking if su is installed but apps that need root fail to run. You might be able to change the file permission using adb and chmod (I don't know the exact command but may be easy to google for it).

# Answer
> 0 votes
you could use chown command to give su its rights.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In my case replacing SuperSU from the Play store did not fix the problem.

What *did* fix the problem was copying *su* from */su/bin* to */system/xbin*.

---
Tags: root-access, superuser
---


# Question
Title: Can I prevent home screen shortcuts from getting deleted or moved around?
I had recently gifted my Mom a Nexus 7, with a hope that she will like to read books. She is old with poor eye sight and can't read English that great. I find her eager to learn and she had made a good progress in reading few books. Since she is not used to these gadgets, I am trying to keep settings in her tablet constant. Recently I observed that the shortcut in home screen for PDF reader disappeared and resulting in discontinued reading till my arrival. The frequency of this sort of interruption has increased now a days. Rather than finding how the shortcut is being deleted, I think preventing changes to home screen is sensible.

Hence, I would like to know about any means to keep the icons or shortcuts in home screen and in launcher constant, immune to long press and drag and drop operations.

Device info: Nexus 7, running stock 4.2.1, unrooted, but willing to root if required.

# Answer
> 15 votes
There's no built-in functionality for this, but there are a handful of third-party launchers that support locking the desktop. Off the top of my head, I know that both Apex Launcher and ADW.Launcher do.

For Apex, simply double tap on an empty space on the home screen and then select "Lock Desktop" to prevent icons from being added or removed.

On ADW.Launcher you should be find a "Lock Desktop" option in the settings, which you can access from the overflow menu in the top right of the app drawer (Apex also has a settings menu there).

Other launchers that have the “Lock Desktop” option:

# Answer
> 7 votes
**To prevent deleting or moving your home screen Icons accidentally**

On your Android version 7 or up.

**Go to Settings** \> Accessibility \> Touch and hold delay.

Now Select Short, Medium, or Long or custom delay It worked for me.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This is not an add-on app to a preexisting launcher but, there's a very thoughtfully designed, lightweight launcher called Smart Launcher that has an important feature called "Prevent Modifications," which solves the problem of accidental moving/deletion of app icons.

My relative who's not good with tech finds it easy to use (this was after she complained about Samsung's Touchwiz interface).

Other unique benefits/features of this launcher:

1. Conserves screen real estate by allowing two actions per icon/app--secondary action done by double-pressing an icon/app; allowed actions include app, folder, widget, shortcut, etc.
2. Arranges home screen apps into a circular (other choices as well) pattern, making it easy for user to remember where things are, so access is faster.
3. Instead of showing apps collection page by page, it groups apps by their categories, modifiable by user. It's like the Linux Mint Operating System's start or app menu.
4. Rarely used apps can be hidden by user.
5. Since it's among the most lightweight of all launchers, it conserves battery and valuable resources which could be used for something else, which is crucial for slower, older phones.
6. Advertised to work with "OK Google" voice command, though I've never tried it because I don't need it. Uses a Contacts-searchable bar on the homescreen.
7. Doesn't require rooting.
8. I've been happily using the Free version which meets my needs, but if you find you like the additional features then they're in the Pro version.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I workaround the issue by using a blank page as "home", so that way, that page is the one showing most of the time; drastically reducing the chance of accidental icon or folder displacement.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try checking your touch & hold delay. I had the same problem and found tjis setting on SHORT. I changed it to LONG and my icons stay put much better.

# Answer
> -1 votes
There is no way on the S5 software to keep this from happening. You have to install an app called a launcher. (ie Nova) that installs other desktop options. Blame Samsung.

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Tags: home-screen, home-screen-shortcuts
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# Question
Title: Backup/dump kernel image without root or twrp/cwm
Is there any way to backup/dump kernel image without root or twrp/cwm ?

# Answer
It is possible to dump device partitions without root or custom recovery - if your device has "fastboot" mode and is boot unlocked. I'm not going to describe unlocking the boot loader, but with a fastboot device it is usually pretty easy - search the internet for instructions for your specific device.

You **will** need a TWRP recovery image for your device, but you don't need to actually install it on the device - we'd just temporarily boot into it to get access to the raw boot partition. Look at https://twrp.me/Devices/ and download the image for your device.

## Preparations:

You need to find out which partition you want to backup from the device's storage. Usually there is a `by-name` directory somewhere under the devices tree that lists all the operating system's partitions with names and physical partition identifiers.

1. Install ADB and Fastbook command line tools.
2. On your device, enable "Developer Mode" and then go into the developer settings and enable "USB debugging".
3. Connect your device to your computer.
4. On your computer run `adb devices` and verify your device is listed. You may need to authorize access on the device itself in a popup that will appear.
5. Run `adb shell` to go into the device's command line shell
6. Run `find /dev -name 'by-name' 2>/dev/null` to find the `by-name` directory. It should list one, though if there are a couple, it shouldn't be a problem and both should work.
7. Take the directory name and run `ls -la <by-name-directory>` (replacing the place holder with the actual directory name)
8. Find the name of the partition you are interested in - if you want just the kernel, the name is `boot`, or if your device has multiple slots, it is probably `boot_a` \- and record the physical partition path listed for it. It should be something like `/dev/block/mmcblk0p22` (this is on my Mi A1 device - if you have a different one, the number after "p" will be different and possibly even the number before "p").

If you do not have a `by-name` directory on your device, you might want to search the internet for the correct device name, though there are ways to detect the correct partition from within the device - comment if you need help.

## Steps to Backup

1. Reboot your device to the fastboot boot loader. There's usually a boot time key combination for this, on my Xiaomi Mi A1 its POWER + VOLUME-DOWN, but you can also use ADB to do that: execute `adb reboot-bootloader` to go directly to fastboot mode.
2. Use fastboot to boot into the TWRP image you downloaded, without installing it on the device: `fastboot boot recovery-3.2.1-1.img` . It will take a couple of minutes for the device to boot into TWRP, so be patient.
3. On your computer, run `adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p22 boot.img`, replacing "`mmcblk0p22`" with the correct boot device path you found in the preparations stage, and "`boot.img`" with where you actually want to save the kernel boot image.

If your device has multiple boot slots, its probably a good idea to backup both (on my device, for some reason, after a clean install and update, they are not identical).

Good luck.
> 10 votes

# Answer
I just used

```
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p15 of=test_boot.img

```

and then used adb to download the file for a backup of the boot ramfs
> 0 votes

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Tags: kernel
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# Question
Title: When turned on wi -fi something unknown uses data suddenly
When i turned on wi-fi something unknown uses data rapidly..I use android version 4.4.2 ..Can't find anything that uses data, I did a virus scan, and removed all unknown apps also,and there are just a few apps,I've installed..Does it use by the OS or other thing,I tried to run only with mobile data but some apps ask for wi-fi..How can stop this unknown data usage, without turning off wi-fi..

# Answer
Yes i found the answer.. settings-\> about phone -\> tap build number for few times(that enables developer tools..)

settings -\> developer tools -\> background processes limit -\> no background process

that's all..Now data usage while phone is idle is 0..
> 3 votes

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Tags: wi-fi, background-data
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