# Question
Title: Where do you disable Google Timeline on the Android phone?
On OnePlus phone to my surprise, all my location was automatically sent to Google Timeline which I don't remember I actually agreed on such thing.

At what point it was enabled and how do I disable such option completely on the phone?

I'm aware that I can Pause Location History online at Google Timeline, but I'm looking for option on the phone, not to pause online, but to disable it completely for privacy reasons.

# Answer
> 2 votes
* Go to Settings, then Location.
* Find Google Location Settings and individually switch off both Location Reporting and Location History.
* Underneath Location History, select “*Delete Location History*” to wipe clean the cache of locations.
* Repeat the steps for every Google account you have registered.

*Note that disabling all location-finding features will throw a monkey wrench into the functioning of some apps, so it’s wise to carefully consider which you want to strip of location services*

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Tags: google-maps, gps-tracking, oneplus-x
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title: Samsung s7 battery drain

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung s7 battery drain
So my Samsung has been extremely overheating and not holding a charge. It went from 80 to 30 in under a hour. I checked the battery usage section in my settings and it say "10378" is using 81% of my battery. What the heck is "10378" and how do i stop it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It is an app you've uninstalled recently, if you restart the device that entry will clear.

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Tags: samsung, battery, battery-life
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# Question
Title: I have a phone that is completely locked and usb debugging is off. How can i make the phone usable again?
this phone is a lg stlyo 2 model : LGL82VL

The phone was pattern locked, and a gmail was set up. The phone was factory data reset. yet its asking for the gmail and password to finish the process. I do not have the gmail. Usb debugging is off. If i attempt to use adb is just replies with error: device '(null)' not found

How can i erase the phones rom and write a new one to make this phone usable again?

And I have already tried most if not all of the tricks on youtube of tricking the phone to let me into google and copy and paste a new gmail. That did not work. Also i cannot use the keys to bring me into any other menu to get into the file system.

At this point I would be completely okay with erasing the phones rom entirely and starting from scratch. I just need to know if its do-able and how to do it.

Thank you in advance.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Does it have twrp? If it does perhaps there is another way around that helps to reset forgotten pattern lock / security PIN / password from your Android device without having to lose your precious data. folder, thus resetting Android’s security. Ketan from XDA Developers forum has developed an intelligent hack file, that needs to be flashed on your Android device through custom recovery and bingoo!! your phone’s security code / pattern lock and password will be removed. This hack basically instructs your phone to remove the files which tell android that the phone is locked to show the lock ui. If the device is protected with a pin or password it will skip it. If it's protected with pattern then it will not skip it but don't worry you can input any pattern to unlock it. Downloads: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2245081&d=1378720290 I hope it helps if it doesn't tell me there's another way to do it!!

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Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms
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title: GPS when roaming with no data

text:
# Question
Title: GPS when roaming with no data
What kind of GPS functionality should I expect on a roaming Android device that has mobile data disabled when I am abroad?

I have just found myself a bit stuck with Google Offline Maps because my rooted Galaxy Note 3 running Resurrection Remix would only get a correct GPS fix once mobile data roaming was turned on - before turning on mobile data, the phone thought it was at its previous good location. Once mobile data was turned on, the phone got a new GPS fix very quickly despite being in a heavily built-up area. Turning off mobile data would cause the GPS fix to be stuck at this new location.

As an example:

1. come out of a Metro Station A, fix from previous good location
2. turn on data, fix very quickly
3. turn off data, fix sticks at location of Metro Station A
4. go into Metro Station A, and travel to Metro Station B
5. come out of Metro Station B, fix still shows location of Metro Station A

I have tried changing the settings on the GPS to tell it to only use the GPS satellites (and not wifi/cellular) but this didn't help.

Is this expected behaviour, a quirk of the Note 3 or Resurrection Remix, or something else?

# Answer
> 2 votes
All current GPS chips can work in one of two modes: GPS Standalone or AGPS (either MS-Based or MS-Assisted), where AGPS is the abbreviation of Assisted-GPS. The latter requires internet connection to contact an AGPS server which helps the chip to get its first fix.

When on gps standalone mode (in your case when you deactivate mobile data), the chip is not assisted in any way, and it may take about 12.5 minutes to resolve its location.

Read more on wikipedia.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes, this behavior is expected.

As EHH has pointed out, the time to get a location fix using unassisted GPS can be long. This is because the receiver does not know where it is and needs to do a search for which satellites are in view.

When you have mobile data turned on, there are actually multiple sources of location information that your phone can use.

1. GPS (assisted or unassisted)
2. WiFi - Location fixes from WiFI are much faster than GPS. The accuracy is coarser, however, at ~50m.
3. Cellular - Not as frequently used because it requires action by the network, and is less accurate than either GPS or WiFi.

Applications frequently use multiple sources. They will take the first location fix, usually from WiFi, then they will refine the location estimate if other sources become available. Once GPS has a fix, location can be updated very frequently and accurately.

I speculate that in your situation you are not waiting long enough to get a GPS fix, or that your GPS may be unable to fix and you are simply using WiFi location. Android will store the last available location, so this will be used until your device can get a new location fix.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Using Samsung Galaxy Note 3 ( unrooted, original ROM, SM-N900)

I have downloaded offline maps using google maps & It takes around 15-30 seconds to fix without any internet connection. In my experience yet with all others phones, most of phones require internet connection for first fix as pointed above. But high end samsung phones do not require internet... I have tried in my local as well as on my 7-8 days long tours outside, Offline maps worked very good for me...

I am not sure why are you facing this issue... Please check if any library problems with custom ROM you are using... Notify the ROM developer on XDA.. He might fix that problem for you...

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Tags: gps, geolocation, location-services, roaming
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# Question
Title: Playstore installs apks automatically, how?
We all know that playstore doesn't have root then how can the apk install automatically and it even uninstalls are possible is that 'cause of google play services? If not then please mention how else. I've heard that playstore directly downloads apk to /data and deletes after installation. Where exactly does it store the apks?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Play store is almost always installed as a system app, and thus has access to the permission `android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES` \- the introduction specifically states "not for use by third-party applications". Therefore it's capable of accessing Package Manager (`pm`) silently.

If you attempt to access `pm` in an app without root, you will be greeted with the message "Neither user xxxx nor current process has android.permission.INSTALL\_PACKAGES".

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Tags: google-play-store
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# Question
Title: can't install or update apps while in mobile data plan but working in Wifi
I have Nexus 6p phone. After the update to Android 7 my phone cannot install or update Apps from Google Play Store but it is working fine on WiFi. After Android 7.1.1 update the phone battery is draining very fast 100% = 2.5hr & heating Problem. I removed the updates for play store, changed permission too, but still nothing worked out for me.

# Answer
If you also disabled limits in downloader, maybe firmware is bugged? Try to carefully reflash your device.
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, nexus-6p
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title: A way to copy data from android?

text:
# Question
Title: A way to copy data from android?
I have a samsung s4 on android 6.0.1 and the phone has a cracked and unresponsive screen. I tried to plug the phone to my computer so see if I could copy pictures from my internal drive but it wouldn't work. I tried `adb pull` since I have root access and developer option was always enabled but I get `error: insufficient permissions for device: verify udev rules.` `adb devices` shows `9a22b563 no permissions (verify udev rules); see [http://developer.android.com/tools/device.html]` I think this is happening because of my locked screen. It is stopping adb from working properly. Is there a way to get my data back by disabling the lock screen? I have root and custom recovery access but unable to reboot to recovery due to adb not giving access.

# Answer
You can manually boot to recovery without adb. Therefore turn your phone off and then press the power button, home button and volume up (at least as far as I remember) simultaneously for several seconds. This should boot the phone to recovery and you can try to use adb although I don't know if you now have the needed permissions.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung-galaxy-s-4, locked-out
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# Question
Title: A way to sort new android app updates (not updated by user yet)
is there any way to know which apps have new updates (not updated by user yet) by notification date at least.

Because google play notification only mentions you got 2 new update without telling me what apps have new updates.

I have many apps that have new updates that I do not update because I don't want too. So, I want to sort these new updates by notification date or by app release or launch date.

# Answer
Change log does that. Besides, it also gives out the update info that can help you decide if you want update or not - for instance, I am not interested updating an app which has no value to me, like languages which I never use!

Apps with updates pending are shown *chronologically* with green exclamation mark and on tapping it you get a detailed view of versions and changelog, as shown. Clicking *Update Available* takes to play store

> KNOWN BUGS AND LIMITATIONS:( from app description)
>
> * Some applications are missing data. This is controlled by Google's closed-source API and is totally outside of my control.
> * Uninstalled apps aren't removed from the list until the app is restarted.
> 0 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, updates, notifications
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# Question
Title: Does Google Maps require a compass to show the direction you are facing?
On my old phone I used Google Maps a lot. One thing I found useful is the dot that indicated where you were had a little flashlight affect to show you the direction you were facing. Does this only work with phones with compasses? I ask because I'm considering getting the motrola g4 plus which doesn't have a compass.

Example: notice how triangular area points down and to right.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, it requires compass or magnetometer sensor to show the direction

Specific to Moto G4 plus, maps will work but you will not be able to see direction as you guessed. See Alpha Dog Senior Moderator remarks on the device forum

> Google maps uses gps, so it will work fine. The actual direction your phone is facing is the only thing unknown. So if you are standing still it can't tell what direction you are facing.
>
> Google maps has been on phones since before a compass was a sensor.

Also see Pokemon Go without compass?

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Tags: motorola-moto-g, google-maps, compass
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# Question
Title: Is there a standard way to identify if a mobile application is native or hybrid by looking at the apk file?
I'm a beginner learning mobile appsec. I just wanted to know if there is a standard way to identify if a mobile application is native or hybrid by looking at the apk file?

# Answer
If it uses native code, then it should have references to `System.load()` or `System.loadLibrary()`. But ...

It could also just execute something native with `Runtime` or `ProcessBuilder`, or use `DexClassLoader` to load a dex/jar which then performs this. But ...

Unfortunately, this could also be worked around, since Java could use reflection to hide any of the mentioned class/method names from static analysis.
> 1 votes

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Tags: apk
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# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S6: Back button presses by itself
On my Samsung Galaxy S6 (Android 6.0.1), sometimes the back button starts firing by itself, hence closing the current app or going back on a page. Other times it's like a ghost press on other parts of the screen, so that e.g. the menu opens by itself. Often this happens in bursts, making the device unusable.

It's a common problem, as seen here:

Users report as possible causes:

1. Device overheating
2. Use of data connection (perhaps causing #1)
3. Hardware problem (interference from speakers on the capacitive touchscreen)
4. Moisture (triggering false contacts on the capacitive touchscreen)

In my case, I've noticed it happening especially when I use the Twitter app, which makes large use of the phone capabilities. Running Smart Manager and closing all running apps sometimes solves the issue, so it might really be #1.

Users suggest possible solution (none of which are working):

1. Factory reset and/or cache reset
2. Let device cool down
3. Disable data and/or WiFi connection
4. Lower volume speakers to less than 75% (?)
5. Dial \*#2663# and do a TSP FW Update (General)

Anyone found a definitive fix for it?

I've had this happen to me on 2016 (hence the post), then the problem disappeared by itself, now in 2019 it's back, more annoying than ever.

Note: Related to an older Galaxy model: Galaxy S4 back button pressing itself

# Answer
> 2 votes
I faced the same problem. Tried everything but nothing completely solved the problem. Finally visited the service centre and had it fixed. They said some fault in the diigitizer under the back button which started going on like the back button was pressed when the device hits a certain temperature.

One thing you can try : (If you are rooted) Enable the on-screen navigation buttons and disable the normal sensor buttons and see if the problem persists. Mine was just a month old so i went to the service centre.

Good Luck hope this helps.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Had same problem. I did a factory reset which solved nothing, i tried the code which resets touch screen sensortivity. No joy. It's hardware. If your phone is under warranty take it back. My cell was not so took it too local repair shop. They replaced a strip that runs around perimeter of my cell. This strip contains the sensors on the bottom of the cell and the side as well as the charger port.

Problem solved. Hope this helps

# Answer
> 0 votes
I wouldn't think of it as a software problem really because if you did a factory reset that should iron most kinks in the OS. And this isn't restricted to the S6 only as it had been reported as early as the S4. It had been attributed likely to a hardware problem caused either during packaging/ transportation/ mechanical damage e.g during a fall read here

If your device is fairly new take it back for repair or to an authorized Samsung repair center. In opening the phone they are likely to ease pressure on the plate that makes the the contact between the back button and the mechanical hardware component.

# Answer
> -2 votes
This worked for me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsuiIF8CbvA

ie \*#2663# and press the button 'TSP FW Update (General)'

**UPDATE** Problem returned after 30 minutes.

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Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, samsung-galaxy-s-6
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# Question
Title: separation contacts according to social networks
is there any way to separate social network contacts and save it to a file ? like save "IMO" contacts in a file and save telegram contacts in another file ?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use custom filter of contacts sorted by socialnetaccount, then export it to SD

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Tags: contacts, telegram
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# Question
Title: Is Cerberus capable of surviving phone flashing?
If I install Cerberus on a rooted phone, will it survive flashing the phone?!!

# Answer
> 1 votes
Depends on what you flash. Living on the `/system` partition, it will survive a . But flashing a new ROM would overwrite that partition and thus remove Cerberus.

If, on the other hand, you e.g. just flash GApps, Cerberus would survive – as that doesn't wipe/overwrite the `/system` partition.

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Tags: rom-flashing, anti-theft
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# Question
Title: How do I prevent people from shutting down my samsung phone?
When I have the passcode enabled, you can still shut down my phone when you press the power button. Is there any way to prevent people from shutting down my phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can't do it 100%, because it is, like mentioned by bmdixon and in here How to prevent someone from powering off an android device?, a hard-wired feature. But you can get rid of the on-screen-option with this App: Smart Lockscreen protector (Play Store)

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Tags: samsung, power-on, power-options
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title: Alarms are not working

text:
# Question
Title: Alarms are not working
I've been facing the issue of missing alarms for a week. I can set alarms successfully, it displays in notification but not running.

Though if I try to check it will have work or not by setting alarms after 1-2 minutes, then it works ok. But if I set alarm before sleeping then it doesn't ring on morning.

One another thing may be related: I'm getting "Unfortunately clock has stopped" alert randomly about 2-3 times in a day (though it is not happening exactly while setting alarms).

So, I'm not getting what's going wrong with alarms. How can I recognize the issue and fix it?

Note: Running (non-rooted as running under time period of warranty) Android 6.0 on Lenovo .

# Answer
Try clearing the data for your Clock app.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, alarm, clock, lenovo
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title: How to root ZTE Z223?

text:
# Question
Title: How to root ZTE Z223?
The title says it all. Here's a link to the about page on the AT&T website. https://www.att.com/cellphones/att/z223-prepaid.html#sku=sku7920249

The phone doesn't have an android-esque interface, however, I was able to identify this after looking through the device driver files.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can't root that. It's a flip phone that DOES NOT RUN ANDROID! I know this is an extremely short answer, but there's no other way to explain it.

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Tags: rooting
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title: Battery went from 85% to 32%

text:
# Question
Title: Battery went from 85% to 32%
I have two cell phones, one is for work the other is personal. I had them stacked on top of one another on my desk. All of a sudden my work phone went completely dead from about 75% full, and my Android went from 85% to 32%. What gives?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It's winter, your phone was probably very cold. I've had problems like that too. My phone went from 6% to dead. Then I heated it back up to room temperature, turned it back on and it was at 26%. If it was a normal condition, and it happens again, consider replacing your battery.

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Tags: battery
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# Question
Title: Successfully download app 100% but wont install after that
I have a rooted mobile device (running Android 4.4). Whenever I download or update any app from *Google Play Store* it will show the download bar and reach till 100% – but won't install after that.

I have downloaded using WiFi and with enough space. Moreover, I have updated *Google Play Services* but not *Google Play Store.* I have tried all the solution like clear cache, force stop blah blah but yet there is a issue.

I've also read Apps won't install (silently fail after 100% downloaded) and checked its offered solutions. However my problem is a bit different that the one described there: After installing neither it throws an error stating "download failed" or "installing failed" nor it installs. Just stuck there for an hour unless and until WiFi gets disconnected. Sometime when it reach 100% it again starts itself to begin from 1% to download and so on.

Are there any other solutions I could try?

# Answer
I have the same problem. It get stuck at 100% and doesn't give any notifications. Nexus 6p running Android 7.0 (not rooted).

After the app reaches 100% I close the play store (swipe it away from recent apps) and start it again, it'll install and download the next app and get stuck at 100% of the next app.

I am repeating the process to download the updates but it is by no means a fix to the problem. But atleast your apps will be updated.
> 11 votes

# Answer
return your playstore to it's stock version, then update it to the current version. This will temporarily fix this installing issue, which I've been having as well. Other than that, I'm waiting in the same boat as you.
> 1 votes

# Answer
after fully download wait 2 second, then restart the phone , you can see downloaded app is installing, temporary solved my problem,

my phn galaxy core duos androids v 4.2
> -1 votes

# Answer
Clear Play Store from recent apps when it reach to 100% and then open Play Store once again it will install the app.
> -3 votes

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Tags: google-play-store, 4.1-jelly-bean
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# Question
Title: Oneplus2, screen capture option disappeared after OS upgrade
I have a Oneplus2 device, recently (last week) I have upgrades the OS to OxygenOS 3.5.6. Among a lot of UI changes I have noticed that when I long press the power button I only get the "Power off" and "Reboot" options.

Before the OS upgrade It also contained a capture screen (for screenshots) button. Is there a way to bring it back ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
This feature is dropped from the OS update and you would need root pets to attempt restore or apply a hack. Since your device is not rooted, you can use Three Finger Swipe . Steps below :

Settings → Gestures → Enable Three Finger screenshot

By swiping the fingers from top down, you can take a screenshot. There's also an option of taking a *long screenshot* by pressing the icon which looks like portrait device icon

I neither have the device nor OS, but saw it on a friend's device. Please feel free to add or edit

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Tags: oneplus-two, oxygenos
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# Question
Title: How to mount an external USB drive on a Sony Z3?
I have a **Sony Z3** which is supposed to support OTG and therefore it should be possible to use an external flash drive. However I can't find the "Detect USB drive" quick setting which is supposed to enable the flash drive once it's connected in the USB port.

Is there any setting I need to toggle in order to mount the USB drive?

I'm using stock Android 5.1.1.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Turns out some versions of the Sony Z3 don't support OTG drives. Therefore no software/hardware change can allow you to use external USB devices.

Upgrading to Android 6.0 didn't help either, so I've abandoned the idea.

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Tags: usb-on-the-go, sony-xperia-z3
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# Question
Title: Synchronizing cookies between Windows Chrome and Android Chrome?
Is there an app/hack which automatically synchronizes cookies between Windows Chrome and Android Chrome? That way there would be no need to login to websites twice.

History/saved passwords are already shared so perhaps someone went one step further.

# Answer
As of 2017 Chrome doesn't support automatic synchronization of cookies between mobile and desktop versions, except for Google's own apps. I'm not sure why it's not mentioned anywhere, but it simply doesn't work.

Perhaps future versions of Android/Chrome will solve the issue.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sync, chrome-for-android, windows
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title: Motorola Droid Turbo

text:
# Question
Title: Motorola Droid Turbo
This is a replacement phone. Now on this one, I can't hear anyone unless I put them on speaker. Even though I've had the phone for three days, I had to do a factory reset on it already and that didn't cure it. Suggestions?

# Answer
Probably because the speaker is not working on the low volume it works on when it's on call. It is a kernel or hardware problem. Resetting will not help. You have to flash a kernel yourself, or ask for replacement if even that does not help
> 1 votes

# Answer
Your speaker is most likely broken. Try to take it to a repair shop to get it fixed up, if you haven't already.
> 0 votes

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Tags: speaker
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# Question
Title: How to install windows software on Android platform
How. Can I install windows software on Android platform ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's just not possible. Android devices (generally) use the ARM processor, which is oriented towards mobile devices.

PCs in the past and today use x86 or x64 (amd64) processors, which are completely different and **NOT COMPATIBLE**.

The best solution I would have for you would be to use a software like Limbo PC Emulator.

The original Limbo (which I knew and used) was on Google Code, and will therefore go down with it in it's destruction.

However, it appears someone has made a fork of Limbo, at http://limboemulator.weebly.com/.

The original Google Code (for anyone who wants it), is available at https://code.google.com/archive/p/limbo-android/.

> Note: it appears, on these websites, that Windows 8.1 is running on an Android device. However, these are test devices and might be faster. Also, they used a modified version of Limbo/QEMU with more hardware support.

# Answer
> 0 votes
As of 2017, Android doesn't support running Windows applications. However it's theoretically possible to install Windows on some devices and afterwards you can indeed run Windows apps there:

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Tags: windows, android-emulator
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# Question
Title: How do I remotely track a missing persons Android with GPS
I have a family member missing over a week now. How do I remotely track the missing person on their Android and get a GPS location?

I need to use my desktop computer to do the tracking.

# Answer
If you have access to the Google account on the phone, you can use Google's Android Device Manager to locate the device. This requires the phone to be powered on with location services enabled. This will notify the phone as well.

If you do not have access to the Google account, you need a preinstalled tracking application, like Google+. Some more examples of preinstalled options: https://www.cnet.com/news/location-tracking-apps/ http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-share-your-location-and-GPS-coordinates-using-your-smartphone\_id50312

If you don't have either of these, then you can't use GPS to locate the phone; you need to have the phone service provider locate the phone (provided it's on). This is not a service normally provided to the general public. Get help from law enforcement, a private investigator, or a skip tracer.
> 4 votes

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Tags: remote-control, geolocation, gps-tracking
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title: Chrome does not load videos

text:
# Question
Title: Chrome does not load videos
This problem is very weird for it has never happened until now. Whenever I want to play a video in chrome it starts to load the video after which it stops and shows the play button again but it does not function when tapped and this happens for every video. What is causing this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Clearing the browser's cache in the browser's settings will do the trick. I hope it helps

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yea I had the same problem, assumed it's some chrome bug and downloaded chrome canary. Try that, it would be mentioned that it's an unstable version but it works better.

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Tags: google, video
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title: OnePlus One Bootloop with Nougat

text:
# Question
Title: OnePlus One Bootloop with Nougat
I have tried to flash Nougat OS (many ROMS). I have wiped the data, cache, dalvik cache and system partition and format them to ext4 (recovery TWRP 3.0.3-5 by TugaPower). After that I have flashed the ROMS and the mini GApps. Then when I tries to boot, and it takes more then 20 minutes to boot (and the OS still doesn't booted).

I tried the unofficial LineageOS, RR 5.8, AICP but I stuck in bootloop in every Nougat ROM. The Marshmallow version of each is working, just the Nougat have bootloop issues.

Only the AOSP Nougat for OnePlus One succeeded to boot...

What should I do for solving this?

# Answer
After flashing the CM14 rom, and boot, all the others roms are working now.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 7.0-nougat, oneplus-one
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# Question
Title: Risk of Installing a Custom ROM, with no more future updates
What is the risk of installing a custom ROM whose build has been terminated by the developer(which may be a stable). I think no more future build updates will be available. I know there will be having higher chances of security risk. What are the other risks should I bother?

1. As there is no security updates further, how to can I use it securely?
2. ROM is the one which I have previously used, possibly having least bugs. Is it safe for continuing or switch to other ROM?

Device : rooted Redmi 1S, nougat 7.1.1

# Answer
Well using a custom ROM which won't get updates means you will have to live with it's bugs (if there is any) or fix it yourself if you know how. In my opinion biggest 'risk' when you use custom ROM is voiding warranty because you need to unlock bootloader. I don't worry about security updates because I'm carefull what .apk I install and on what link I click, also I don't think I'm interesting to attackers, and I'm sure you aren't too. If you have super sensitive information than you should use phone which get updates regularly, and do not root it or use unlock bootloader. But however even than if you not look on what you click you can let someone in. So don't worry about securty updates if you use your brain.
> 0 votes

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Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms, rom
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# Question
Title: Why app data isn't on sd card even if android says its on sd card?
"Data on SD Card 2GB" / SD Card is almost empty

Can I do something with this without rooting phone? It's same for other apps with app data.

# Answer
Apps might be movable w/o root to SD card without root but data can't, you can do that by using apps like link2sd (need root) or using android 6+ feature adoptable storage You are probably wonder why is there section 'Data on SD card'. That's because data is on SD card but internal one, so it's on /sdcard partition instead of /data, but that doesn't give you any more space in internal storage.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 5.0-lollipop, sd-card, sony-xperia
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# Question
Title: My PC no longer recognizes my android phone
My PC no longer recognizes my android phone..Whenever I connect my phone via usb cable to the pc , I get the "One of the USB devices attached to your computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it" error..I tried with a different usb cable, unplugged the power supple, restarted pc but nothing helps.My phone still charges though.What I also did was I connected my other android phone using the same cable but it was recognized !.So what could be the problem?

PC: Windows 7 32 bit Android: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo SM-N7505 5.1.1 with root

Thanks!

# Answer
Try enabling usb tethering mode in Settings\>Connections\>More Networks\> Tethering & Hotspot\>USB Tethering. If your pc detects a RIDNS device, it means that you are able to send/recieve data through USB connection else You can try plugging in another pc or laptop Also find your device drivers online and reinstall them
> 0 votes

---
Tags: windows, usb-debugging
---


# Question
Title: Can't unlock bootloader for Lenovo a1000
I have Lenovo a1000 which I need to flash.BIOS isn't opening such that I could try wipe and reset,not even factory reset in settings is working....so I was left with none other option than flashing....but when I connect it to PC,instead of getting into flash mode,its charging...I guess my bootloader is probably locked....please suggest what's the problem and also ways tp tackle it.When I connect errors like code10,code 51,code 49.....etc. was shown individually....I thought the problem was in my PC but same problem occured in others too.

# Answer
> 0 votes
According to your phone specs:

* Chipset **Spreadtrum SC7731**
* CPU Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7

SPD devices don't have a flash mode that can be entered manually, but it is detected when you connect the powered off device to the computer (3 secs before it starts charging). They don't have recovery as well making hard reset impossible with button combo.

Open device manager (on Windows), Connect the device to the computer, you should notice something similar to SCI2COM... this is the flashing port, it last few seconds before the device starts charging.

You need a flash tool to flash ROM (.pac file or . bin). RechearchDownload is the official flash tool for Spreadtrum devices.

* Download ROM and flashtool for Lenovo A1000 SC7731 + extra drivers here
* Download SPD SCI drivers here
* To learn how to flash an SPD device, go here

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


title: Application Security

text:
# Question
Title: Application Security
If an android device is stolen by someone who is one of expert android users, in such case, we're not sure that how he can manipulate the stolen android device.

In such case, sometimes its suspicious for me. Email apps and banking apps are one of confidential apps. If any apps are locked by application locker or application inbuilt lock, can it be considered that an offender can get access any locked apps at certain scenario? Under certain scenario, an offender can be a hacker, Android Developer or any expert android used?

Please look and clarify it.

Regards GNS

# Answer
> 1 votes
Basically, physical access means full access. There is nothing to protect against physical attacks.

Regarding your questions:

1. Yes, an offender can get access to any app installed on the device, simply uninstalling the application locker or disabling it using tools as simple as the Android Debugging Bridge can yield full user data access.

1.1. Application built-in locks may prevent an offender using an app, but the data is still in his hands.

2. An offender is an *offender*. There is no need to figure out if he is a hacker, developer or expert user, the borders are unclear and debatable.

**Advice:**

Utilize Full Disk Encryption (preferably with a custom, long and secure password) to protect against offenders copying data and analyzing it offline. Offline data analysis renders remote wiping useless.

The worst thing that could happen: The offender clones sensitive apps/apps containing sensitive data or apps that hold monetary value to another (maybe even virtual) device. You can't do anything but reset all passwords and hope the offender didn't buy anything expensive on your account.

---
Tags: security, permissions, lost-phone, application-manager
---


# Question
Title: Micromax nitro a311 fastboot connection error
I'm trying to flash custom ROM for Micromax a311 when I enter **fastboot devices** it is stuck at **\< waiting for device \>**. I think this is driver problem, I tried with some drivers that I found on web, but nothing help me,

that phone is not having any OS right now, and it is showing **command not found** error in Chinese. I can't install OS from sdcard either!

please help me

# Answer
\< Waiting for device \> is caused by the Android Debug Bridge interface driver missing. Go into Device Manager and you should see the failed driver. Right click on the driver and update it. Microsoft Update now carries the ADB driver.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, fastboot
---


title: Cant see friends status or last onlne

text:
# Question
Title: Cant see friends status or last onlne
Hi i exchanged phone numbers with a friend but i cant cant see if shes online or when was last seen on viber and whatsapp.What might be the posibble reasons for that?Maybe she forgot to add my number to her phone contacts?

# Answer
They (your friend) may have set the Last Seen online feature to **No one** or to **My contacts only** (*WhatsApp : Settings \> Account \> Privacy*). If it's set to **My contacts only** you're probably not on their (her) contact list. And the same thing for Viber as well.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, whatsapp-messenger, viber-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Unlocking my sony xperia M5 DUAL's bootloader
Can anybody explain me how I could unlock the bootloader of my Sony's Xperia M5? Because in your developer website, there's not my phone in your unlockable bootloader list. And when I type this code into my dialpad (##7378423##), I see that it's unlockable.

I have already tried to search the way to but I can't until now.

Please help me if someone knows how to unlock it

# Answer
I found some info here. I've copied it below

> 1.In http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/ choose Sony Xperia M2.
> 2.Submit Email
> 3.Submit IMEI
> 4.And unlock bootloader with intruction.
> You get the code? Then we continue.
> Download the latest version here or Flashtool http://www.flashtool.net/downloads.php
>
> After installation, go the path C: \ Users \ username \ .flashTool \ registeredDevices here and create a folder with the code-name of your machine (you can find out if flashtool click on BLU and see where in the log are in line «Current device» for example, in line 09/045/2015 23:45:08 - INFO - Current device: C2104 - AB100C2DE3 - 1272-4136\_R5B - 1269-5420\_15.3.A.1.17 - WORLD-a\_15.3.A.1.17 code machine will AB100C2DE3. Code which will write your name and location). Later in this folder, create a text file and name it «ulcode» (without the quotes). Open, and in it write your unlock code, that you have on the site Sony.
> Save. Write code very carefully.
>
> Now open flashtool and press the BLU. If everything is correct, in line you should write your code, pressing unlock. All should be ready to unlock.

Yes, it is for the M5, not just the M3, at least it says in that post In the title, i sadly can't test it for you as I don't own one
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bootloader, sony-xperia
---


# Question
Title: command line text editor for android lollipop terminal emulator
Is there any text editor for lollipop which i can use from terminal emulator??The editor must be like gedit or notepad like (means i can create any kind of file like .txt .c .cpp .html etc)I have used mobipad which resembles notepad but I want something for command shell.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Depending on the Android variant (stock ROMs, custom ROMs, etc. could differ), GNU Nano might already be built in. Here's what it looks like running in Terminal Emulator, identical to its desktop Linux counterpart.

Even the CTRL key shortcuts are preserved, so your terminal emulator should support emulating CTRL key combos if you want to use it, else you'd need an external keyboard.

Run it anywhere simply by executing `nano /path/to/file/filename`.

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, terminal
---


# Question
Title: podcast app that can play downloaded podcasts trasferred from PC
I am new to Android, coming from iPhones.

I am after an app or a way that can allow me to play podcasts that I have already downloaded on my PC.

In itunes, I just drag and drop the podcast episodes into the iPhone and the Podcast app automatically sorts and displays them ready for playing.

All the ones I've tried for Android (i've tried about a dozen of the free ones), but none seem to offer this functionality.

They all offer to subscribe and download directly on my phone.

To sum up: I just need to play the files transferred from a PC, not download them, as I manage all my music and podcast from a central PC.

I have tried just dragging the files inside separate folders into the phone, but they come up all jumbled in the music player app, though at least organised inside the folders.

Any suggestions on APPs (ideally free ones as all I really need is an organiser style APP, nothing fancy) or even tweaking existing Android apps.

Thanks in advance

# Answer
As far as I know, there is no specific solution like that for podcasts.

If you have them as media files, you can of course upload them to a device and play using any multimedia program like VLC. The downside is that you will have to organize them yourself.

However, I really encourage you to try a podcast app like Podcast Addict. Most of these allow you to choose to stream or download the podcast, keep track of new episodes (you will get a notification on your device), search for new podcasts and much more :-)

In general, the biggest point-of-view change when coming from iOS will be the fact that your Android phone is much more autonomous than an iPhone :-) You are expected to do most stuff locally on the phone and it is most efficient that way :-)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, itunes
---


# Question
Title: Can't boot Android 6.0.1 Dirty Unicorn Custom ROM
Trying for hours to install the new Dirty Unicorns Custom Rom with Android 6. Used to have the Lollipop version for more than a year and loved it.

However, I get into a bootloop and don't know what else I can try. First, I wiped all data from my phne, including /system and /boot. After flashing the extracted `boot.img` I flashed `DU_m8_6.0.1_20160910-0239.v10.6-OFFICIAL`, the newest release for my model HTC one m8 and also wiped the `dalvik cache`.

Now my phone won't boot, it always starts up the bootloader. The following line wasn't here when using my former DU Rom: `*** Software status: Modified ***`

HBOOT-3.19.9
S-ON
tried Recovery TWRP-3.0.2 aswell as ClockworkMod Recovery 6

I also tried older releases of DU with Marshmallow. When using other custom roms such as CyanogenMod everything works fine..

Anyone has an idea what else I could try ? Thanks a lot!

# Answer
> 0 votes
NO.. first flash ROM file

> (in your case it is *DU\_m8\_6.0.1\_20160910-0239.v10.6-OFFICIAL*)

then after that flash *boot.img* any time you flash rom on any phone..!!

Hope this will help..! ;)

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, custom-roms
---


title: Did I just brick a non-rooted device?

text:
# Question
Title: Did I just brick a non-rooted device?
I have a non-rooted Onyx Boox C67ML Carta running stock Android 4.2.2.

I just installed Orientation Locker. I transferred it from my phone using Shareit, but on my phone it had come from the Play Store.

Once installed, when I tried to run it, the whole device totally froze. See below for a picture of what it looks like.

When this device had frozen on me before, I had always been able to force a reboot by holding down the power button. That does not work in the current situation.

I carefully used a knife to take off the back cover to try and find the battery. The battery does not seem to be removable without physically breaking the device.

I suppose I could wait for the battery to run out. It was quite low when the incident occurred. It may actually be out already, and the device off, since e-ink screens may continue to display the last picture they showed when something goes wrong, even without power.

What should I do?

# Answer
The device was not bricked. After a few hours I held down the power button again, and the frozen screen was replaced by the "no battery" screen. After charging, the device is back to normal. I caution users of this *particular device* **not** to use apps that try to force the systemwide screen orientation.

It was lucky that the battery was nearly empty when this happened. I suspect that if the battery had been more charged, the wait could have been significantly longer.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Yes, that happened because you took the app from someone else from Shareit. You have to install any app from **Play Store** (Highly recommended).

Because when you take and install the app from someone else, **if the DPI does not match**, surely your **device will stuck** as soon as you open the app.

Ex. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, and I am taking an app from the Samsung Galaxy S2, and installing it on my device will get the device stuck. Not for every app, some will work perfectly.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Passcode reset without factory resetting phone
My girls put a passcode on my phone. If I try and guess 1 more time it will factory reset. Any ideas?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Your best shot is to use the `Android Device Manager` to force a temporary password. Go ahead and Google it. It should be the first result. This is the Google equivalent of find my iPhone.

Once this is open, sign in using the Google account that's associated with the phone. You should be able to locate the phone, but what you want is the lock function. Set a different password you know with a message. When the phone displays that message, it's safe to unlock the phone using the temporary password you just set. From here you can go into the phone's settings and disable the password.

---
Tags: locked-out
---


# Question
Title: How to switch to data transfer from charge only mode (USB) ON MY PC NOT PHONE
I dropped my LG G3 and lost most of the responsiveness in the screen. I'm trying to access my files on my PC but I can't change my connection to being able to transfer and view the files on my phone from my PC. The setting can be changed on my phone but I can't do that anymore... Anyone have a solution?

# Answer
if you have a usb keyboard or mouse, you can use an OTG adapter and you can gain some control. From there you might be able to set a bluetooth mouse on the device, then connect the device to the PC and use the mouse to set the option.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: usb, lg-g3
---


# Question
Title: how to flash ROM in xolo opus3 with sd card?
My android phone has been affected by malware.From the suggestions of my last question I'm trying to flash ROM to my phone by following this link. In recovery mode the options I get are

```
reboot
apply update from adb
apply update from sd card
apply update from cache
wipe data/factory reset

```

and few other options After selecting apply update from sd card , it doesn't recognises the zip stored in sd card. Another method I read is using Sp flash tool,but it is not availble for linux 32 bit. How should I proceed?

# Answer
The zip file is not recognised probably because it's not a recovery flashable zip file. You need **SP Flashtool** to flash the device.

* Download this firmware and save it to the desktop then extract it.
* Download MTK CDC and preloader drivers from here
* Open SP Flash tool (download from above link) and click on **Scatter-Loading**
* Browse to where the firmware is extracted and select the scatter file (a .txt file)
* SP Flashtool should load all the file. Preferably untick all the check mark except for the **android slot** as you need only the system partition to be flashed.
* **UNTICK the preloader** slot (IMPORTANT), this will prevent the device from completely dead if something goes wrong.
* Click on Download (Green arrow), power off the device, connect it to the computer and wait to till the end. You'll have a Green checkmark if the process succeed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


# Question
Title: What is the red joystick icon that is on some of the screenshot of Android phones?
In some Android screenshots, I see this red joystick icon imposed on other app's screen:

What is this joystick app?

# Answer
It's Game Genie included in ZenUI for the Asus ZenFone.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Notification Bar and Home button not working
I have moto G3 in it the home button, notification bar and recent button is not working. Tried to do factory reset but that option is also not working. tried to switch off the phone remove sim card and SD card, but still no luck. Please advice !

# Answer
> 0 votes
Please follow the troubleshooting steps

1. Ensure the device is powered off, and unplugged
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button and Power button (located on the right edge of the device) for approximately 3 seconds then release.
3. From the "Boot Mode Selection Menu" screen, select Recovery.

Note: Use the Volume Down button to scroll through the menu options and the Volume Up button to select.

4. From the "No Command" screen (Android figure lying on his back), press and hold the Power button then press and release the Volume Up button to display the menu options.
5. Select "wipe data/factory reset".

Note: Use the Volume buttons to highlight and the Power button to select.

6. Select Yes -- delete all user data.

Note: Allow several seconds for the factory data reset process to complete.

7. Select reboot system now.

Note: Allow several minutes for the reboot process to complete.

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


title: RCA TABLET RESET

text:
# Question
Title: RCA TABLET RESET
I am trying to reset my rca tablet. I just want to clean everything off. I tried holding the volume and power button. I told until dogs come up, then screen goes black for a second then dogs just come up again then goes black again then dogs. Then the regular log in screen comes up.

# Answer
Follow the instructions below to reset your RCA Tablet (Should work for every RCA models)

* With your tablet turned off, press and hold the volume up (+) button. While holding the volume up (+) button, press the tablet’s power button until you see the RCA logo with Nipper and Chipper on the screen. After a few seconds, the screen will change and you will see the Android bot on his back with a caution symbol above it.
* Now press and hold the power button, and without releasing the power button press down on the volume up (+) button.
* Use the volume up (+) and down (+) keys to navigate to and select the **"wipe data/factory reset"** option. To select this option, press the power button.
* The device should ask you to confirm your selection. Use the volume up (+) and down (-) keys to navigate to and select "**Yes – delete all user data**." Once again, use the power button to select this option.
* At the bottom of the next screen, you will see "***Data wipe complete***." Press the power button to restart the device.
* The device should begin to reboot and once again display the RCA logo with Nipper and Chipper. The next "Welcome" screen will prompt you to select your language of choice. Scroll through the options using your finger and press start when finished..
> 1 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, tablet
---


# Question
Title: Trying to factory reset galaxy, wierd thing happens
I got a used T-Mobile Galaxy S Blaze(SGH-T769) from Goodwill. Since it still has information on it, I am attempting to factory reset it. However, whenever I try to boot it into recovery mode, it boots into a strange screen where random bars of color show up. When I boot normally, everything works fine but it has a lockscreen so I can't do anything normally. Besides that, its rather difficult to do anything since the phone is missing its power button.

What could be the reasons for the strange behavior in recovery mode? Are there any ways to factory reset it besides that? Should I just give up on the phone?

**UPDATE:** I bricked it... Phone won't turn on at all after following guide at https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591598, I forgot to uncheck re-partition... even more hopeless?

# Answer
> 0 votes
What button combination are u using and there should be a factory reset in the setting

Go to settings Scroll to backup and restore click it scroll down and there should be a factory reset button I'll probably have to have 30% or more battery to do so

I have not had that model of phone but I've had a few Samsung's if above is not possible u can use Odin mode and flash new firmware to the device it's very easy to do if u have a PC to do it with Look for ur model phone and Odin guide Here is one I looked up for u Delete the space before and after the word firmware

http:// firmwarefile .com/samsung-sgh-t959

---
Tags: samsung, recovery-mode, factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: How to check the VPN setting created by an app on an Android device?
Many VPN apps would create VPN profiles on the Android device. Unlike VPN profiles create by the user, they cannot be edited, and therefore the user cannot see the setting of said profile. With a rooted device, is there a way to hunt down such profile and read the setting in file?

On iOS devices, the VPN settings are saved in /var/preferneces/com.apple.networkextension.plist file. What is the path to an Android VPN settings?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I know this was asked a while ago... but I am working on this right now so I thought I'd share what I learned so far.

In iOS, a VPN profile defines settings that the OS uses to then initiate a VPN connection. Everything is managed by the OS, so it would make sense that all of the VPN profiles would be in one location.

In Android, developers can create their own vpn clients instead of using the OS's. They call into Android API's to raise a virtual adapter that redirects all traffic to their VPN service which they develop and configure to do whatever they like. VPN connection settings depend on the app and any locally stored data would be part of that app's private data storage.

An example of this can be seen with the OpenVPN client for android. All of the settings for your VPN connection will be in an openVPN config file that you can load from within the app and you use the app to initiate the connection and change settings.

---
Tags: file-system, networking, vpn
---


# Question
Title: insufficient storage even with marshmallow sd card formatted for internal space and plenty of space
When I try to install an app from the Play Store I am getting the "insufficient storage" message but I have 20 GB free on my SD card that is formatted for internal storage. I am using a Moto G 2nd generation. Why can't I install new apps?

# Answer
I have the same phone & same SD card setup. David Coleman has good advice, but here are some additional points.

1. Many apps will not even show the word "Change." That means they cannot be moved to the SD card. Keep looking for ones that *do* have that word showing.
2. At least on my phone, every time I tapped on "Change" it came back with an error message. Ignore that & try it a 2nd time, right away. Nearly every app I tried to move to the SD card "failed" the 1st time, but succeeded the 2nd time.
3. Clearing cache can also give back some space. 3rd party apps like App Cache Cleaner don't work with Marshmallow, but clear caches one by one, or clear them all by getting to "Internal storage" again & then choosing "Cached data."
4. Apps like AppMgr III do not fully automate the move/change to SD card process, but they do semi-automate it. This is important because I've discovered that every time an app updates, if the older version of the app was on the SD card, the updated version still goes to internal storage!! Very frustrating. I believe I noticed this happening with Lollipop, too. It means we can't assume "once moved, always moved." AppMgr III or such can reduce the frustration.
> 5 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem because, although adopted storage is supposed to merge the internal storage with the SD card there is still a distinction between the two and Google Play still seems to want to install apps into the internal storage. When this becomes full we get an "insufficient storage" message. However, it is still possible to move *some* apps from internal to SD storage. If you go to "Settings" and then to "Storage and USB" then you get information concerning internal storage and SD usage. If you tap on "Internal storage" and then on "Apps" you get a list of all the apps in internal storage. If you tap on an app you can then tap on "Change" to move the app from internal storage to SD card. This does not work for all apps but it worked on enough for me to be able to clear up enough space to be able to install new apps.
> 3 votes

# Answer
This is an old question, but here is another solution that worked on a Moto G3:

I had swapped SD cards and the old SD card was still showing in the list under settings \> storage & USB

I clicked that card and then *forget* (I had to do it twice) and after that the insufficient storage error vanished.

So it appears the phone was still trying to use an SD card that wasn't even inserted,
> 1 votes

# Answer
I did adoptable storage on Samsung J5 8GB after rooting..i faced such issues, but as my phone was rooted...i simply install Root essentials and delete all Microsoft bugus apps which are preinstalled with the device and free up 500 MB. After migration, i have 1 GB of free space. Also, I installed App to SD and transfer some of the apps to SD card. Though its an adoptable storage its not a clear merger. Its a partition with internal storage means data files are managed by the system. The user does not have any control in it.

Other apps which ll be installed in internal storage only are facebook,whats app, Messanger, all banking apps etc.. You can also free up space by going to Whats app--\>Media---\> Cut some of your old photos to computer or in SD card explorer.

Even after I force to install apps on SD card via root essentials, not all apps installed in Internal memory. But the advantage is when the apps installing in SD card, all of its datas are only on SD card. Nothing on Internal memory.

If you donot have warranty existing, i will suggest to root the device. It ll give you better flexibility to use the apps as per your wish
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, installation, insufficient-memory, 6.0-marshmallow, adoptable-storage
---


title: Change language to English on Honor 5C

text:
# Question
Title: Change language to English on Honor 5C
Please guide me. I cannot read Chinese. How do I go about changing the language to English. Thanks

# Answer
> 1 votes
设置 (Settings) - 语言与输入法 (Language & input) - 语言 (Language) - English (United States) (or any language you're looking for).

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow
---


# Question
Title: Can Material design be backported to older Android versions?
With the introduction of Material Design in Android Lollipop, a consistency in app design was received quite well by the user community. However, most of these apps are showing their Material designs only when the Android version is 5.x. Is there any way to make these display the same way in Android 2.x to 4.x?

I mean, can't the design libraries be backported to older Android devices by embedding them in-app, so that the consistency is maintained across all Android versions?

I have heard about apps or more specifically, Xposed modules like Monster UI which theme your device to look like so, but System Apps aren't affected. Can't such libraries be included in pre-packaged System Apps?

For example, a normal app uses the Holo theme in Android versions 4.x, and the Material theme in 5.x. Can't it be made to use the Material theme in older devices?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes is it possible. You can design your application with interactive material design using v7, v13 and v21 appcompat support libraries. These support libraries provide you backward compatibility of your material designs. For Backward compatibility read here https://developer.android.com/training/material/compatibility.html

# Answer
> -2 votes
You can do that at your on risk! You must modify the the build.prop file (if you have rooted phone) on these values:

1. ro.build.version.sdk=**21**
2. ro.build.version.codename=REL
3. ro.build.version.release=**5.0.1**

**You must have Android 4.4 to do all these!** Note: ***Tinted Status Bar is not supported!*** And then, by downloading the Google Now app from playstore (And google of course) and after rebooting your phone you can get the material design.

*This is what I did thought..* Hope it helps!!

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop, android-versions, material-design
---


title: Another control tab in AVD

text:
# Question
Title: Another control tab in AVD
I have Android Emulator from Android Studio and from some days I have another basic controls tab (on dark gray background). I don't want it, because it's second tab to controls emulator. Anyone kwow where I can turn it off?

https://i.stack.imgur.com/UxS1D.jpg

# Answer
While creating Virtual device when you select "new Hardware profile" then windows open there is option Input. In front of input there is select box "Has Hardware Button" Unchecked that select box.

If you Already created virtual Device then edit your Virtual device configuration. There is above mention option when you click Advance settings. There is an option "hardware back/home keys". Specify the option and set it to "no" when creating the virtual device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: android-emulator, android-sdk, avd-manager
---


# Question
Title: What's the difference between flashing Gapps on system partition vs installing from play store?
So I'm finally diving into the custom ROM world after experiencing some issues on CM12.1 on my OnePlus One. I have a question though that googling couldn't answer. If I flash only the essential Google stuff : play store, play services, etc, and then install the rest of Google apps from the play store, how would that be different from flashing the full Google apps package? Apart from, of course, using space that would have otherwise been used on the system partition.

I'm especially interested in this as there are a lot of Google apps I never use. I'm aware of the existence of smaller sized Gapps packages but none have the combination of apps I want.

# Answer
You can go ahead and flash Gapps Pico (Google system Base, Google play services, Google play store) which contains apps that are essential for Google Play-store support. You can later install other Google apps which fit your need.
You can refer to the image below to find if there is any package that fits your need.

### Click to enlarge. source:androidrootz

Alternatively, if you are not satisfied, you can install the Complete Gapps package and simply uninstall whichever apps you don't need by Root Uninstaller
> 3 votes

# Answer
Flashing Gapps is just a process, with the same outcome. You would flash Gapps regardless of which downloaded Gapps package you want. Typical you flash your 1. ROM 2.Gapps at the same time so when have at least Play Services and Store. Most ROM's only have their apps for the OS, not Google. So from a lot of trial and error with of flashing ROM's without Gapps or the "wrong" Gapps it is a pain to recover if you are doing this as a standalone process (without a computer). The way your Gapps are configured far as the system or not is not an issue, you are rooted so you can change that how every you want.

Answer your question, Yes you can just uninstall whichever you wont or add later. You can flash over the top of your first flash and it will add the missing Gapps. So download a couple to have on hand.

There is only one reason to flash your Gapps over installing one by one from Play Store or third-party that I can think of. I just did an Android 7.01 update on custom Rom and I had to flash the Gapps with a patch for the 7.01 to work due to the early release.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, custom-roms, google-apps
---


title: Saving in SD card

text:
# Question
Title: Saving in SD card
I have selected SD card as preselected storage space, but only the photographs I take are being stored in SD. Any other files, like Viber or Snapchat photographs, are being stored in phone's memory. How to solve tha?

Phone: ZTE Blade S6 Flex

# Answer
> 0 votes
That's how it works. Storage of things depends on app and it's developer. Almost all the social and messenger apps save their work in internal memory including photos and related media. You can not change this due to several restrictions put by original creators of Android (I'm talking about Google). Original OEM manufacturers are trying to embed as much internal memory as they can due to these restrictions. In my anticipation there will be no expandable storage options in future.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are on Android 6.0 and up you have two ways to setup your SD (expandable storage). One as a standalone secondary storage. default on your device. This allows you to use it just for storing data, you can not typically operate from it. Far as what is defaulting to save on your SD can all change in stock Android and even more when rooted. You can load as many apk's as you want to it, but they will not operate. This is good for backups and uninstalling apks you might want later. You can route a lot of your partitions files to it in a mirror format, ie downloads, recovery. But your device sees your SD as removable so nothing that would break your OS will not store there.

The second way which is cool. You can Merge your SD with the OS. Before the merge, you have two partitions. One basically for OS, secoundROM and Recovery a second for the file system. Once you merge your SD with your system, it becomes part of your system. (downside it can not be removed) So if you have a 16gb ROM and 16gb SD, now you have 32gb storage. The first two partitions on ROM and the SD has six (the six is confusing, sry), but you now have 8 and everything is spread out, for the most part. That part should not matter because it is no longer removable.

How 2 Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h94v8G9nxA

---
Tags: sd-card
---


title: Does nexus 5 support chromecast 2?

text:
# Question
Title: Does nexus 5 support chromecast 2?
I bought Nexus 5 from India 3 years back. Now I have chromecast 2 from France. But when i tries to connect, my nexus says no compatible devices found nearby.

I tries connecting with Google Home application. Though that also i am not able to connect. It says check you T for a code but there is not code displayed on my TV (I checked my TV and I was on the right HDMI port)

Can anyone help guide me. What to do?

# Answer
> 0 votes
It seems like your chromecast is not setup properly.

Make sure you connect the chromecast through HDMI and also power it using the usb port at the same time. If you see the chromecast installation screen on your TV, then you can use Google Home to install it.

Also, the USB port on your tv is likely not to supply any power.

---
Tags: chromecast, nexus-5
---


# Question
Title: i need to remotely accsess sumsung s5 through windows
I'm sure you all are tired of reading this kind of question, but I'm seriously desperate. I using a Samsung Galaxy S5 sport, rooted. I've tried androidlost, lookout, where's my phone, and they don't work because they weren't installed before I lost access. I have called Samsung, google, sprint, and each numerous times. My phone is still on, I can call it and it rings. ADM says it's ringing when Im trying to locate it, but ya my phone is lost/stolen and I need help.

# Answer
Login to your Google account on a PC. Pull up your account security setting. Look for finding my device. Probably won't work if you already tried talking to Google. Then go to your photos (In your browser) look at all your photos. If there was any photo, video, screenshot taken you can look at it and depend on your settings, you should be able to get a geocode with a timestamp for the exact location of anything taken. You can then postcode into GMaps and switch to satellite view and see where your phone is located at the time and place of the pic. Then go to the PlayStore on a PC, log in. Now from the PlayStore you can now load any App you want onto your device from there. You are going to need to try and fool whoever has your device, so load a bunch of picture apps to try and get them to take picks. The apps will load on your device, but they have to be opened on there end since you did not set them up before hand ie. teamview would be awesome if setup before hand. Last, setup any type of Android with the same account. If you can, buy a through away phone. Now you can mirror all the activity of your Google apps (if they did not log you out)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gps, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: Looking for some way to share images and other media to Facebook (without having the Facebook app installed)
I've removed the Facebook app from my phone due to it's high drain on the battery (Facebook and Messenger were consuming over 18% of the battery just based on background activity)

Is there some way or method that can provide "share to" functionality to Facebook without having Facebook installed. I'd be fine with it only supporting images, but other media would be great. I know I can use Facebook in Chrome and that might be the answer, but I was hoping for a better solution.

Thanks in advance for your help!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Login to facebook from your moblie browser. Click on the **Photo** at top left of facebook home page. Click **Add photo** or **Add Video** as per your requirement. Then select the content you want to upload.

---
Tags: applications, facebook, share-menu
---


title: Rebooting device automatically

text:
# Question
Title: Rebooting device automatically
MY android samsung j5(j500h) is automatically rebooting. kindly let me know any suitable answer that will keep safe my Data

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you are stock, rooted. Then most likely it is your battery. Take your battery out, plug into charging port with battery. Boot phone and see if it processes. The battery has to be removed even if plugged in to test.

The rule of thumb on Lithium ion batteries is 500 charges then done.

When the battery loses its ability to hold the charge, in a lack of better words, it tells the charging to start and stop. Since the device does not maintain any secondary charge backup it tricks the device telling it that the battery has been pulled. Kinda like a short in a wire. The battery "should" never fully discharge on its own. Lithium batteries do not store memory, the memory of being full or whatever level it has is programmed into your device. This can be recalibrated, but in my experience, it has never made that big of a difference. But there are apps for that for free to try. The reading of your battery % is not fact/true it's an estimated. so if the battery is bad the devices does not know that.

---
Tags: backup
---


# Question
Title: Clone Android device including the content of SD card
I have to clone about 65 Android devices (Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N). I would do it with a backup in CyanogenMod, but the problem with the Cyanogen Backup is, it does not back up the SD card.

Any other methods to completely clone an Android device? (Homescreen settings, installed apps, data on SD card, etc.)

# Answer
1. Make a nandroid backup from recovery.
2. Make sure that the backup is located on the sdcard.
3. Mount the sdcard on a computer and copy it's contents to a folder on a pc.
4. Copy the entire contents of the folder you made above to the target device.
5. Root the device than install a custom recovery if you didn't do this already.
6. In recovery restore the nandroid backup.
7. Reboot the device. Now everything should be exactly the same as on the original.

Repeat steps 4-7 for every device.

---

If there're lots of small files that need to be transferred, another possibility is zip them up copy to the phone and than unzip it using
```
adb shell unzip path/to/file.zip

```

Once the command is launched you can disconnect the device the process will continue as long as there're no conflicting files or folders.
> 5 votes

# Answer
# **rsync**

I literally just finished cloning my device. This is how i did it:

```
**root@android:~#** rsync --progress -aEzv / tjt263@10.1.1.2:~/Desktop/Android-Backup/
```

**FYI:** `10.1.1.2` is just the IP address assigned to my laptop.

No USB-cable is required. However, you will more than likely need to have `rsync` and also an `ssh` server installed (and running) on both devices.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I would use your recovery ie. TWRP. If you flashed CM then you must have some sort of custom recovery. Do a full backup of your OS, copy it from the file system and then flash it on every same device you have. You know have a mirror of everything. quick and easy.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: backup, sd-card
---


# Question
Title: Wallpaper automatically blurring after a while
Since a few days the wallpaper of my Samsung Galaxy S7 is getting blurred after i use it for a while (10 minutes to an hour).

i just select a picture, tried 5 different ones, (even the stock wallpaper) and after selecting the wallpaper it looks perfect and as it is supposed to be.

then after not using the phone for a few minutes and i unlock it again or after a reboot the wallpaper looks totally blurry.

i haven't installed any apps the past days before this started happening. anyone got an idea what is wrong?

extra info:

* using the default Samsung Launcher. tried Nova launcher same problem.
* used multiple apps to set the wallpaper (using settings of the launcher and using Google wallpapers app both same effect)

# Answer
I personally don't have this issue, but this is how I solved a friend's phone with this problem:

1. On your phone, go to Google Play and install the app Muzei
2. Once installed, tap the open button in the Google Play app. You will be greeted with a splash page with a button that says "activate". Tap the button, and then click set wallpaper at the bottom of the screen.
3. Now you will see a new screen telling you to double-tap your wallpaper to see it in detail. There will also be an icon near the middle of the screen. Tap the icon.
4. At the bottom-right corner of the screen, tap the three dots, and then in the new menu tap customize.
5. Drag left to reveal an option reading "my photos". Tap it.
6. After tapping it, a small settings icon appears under it. Tap it.
7. At the bottom of the screen, tap the "+" button under the text reading "Choose specific photos instead".
8. It will then open the documents app. to get to your photos you can tap the button at the top-left corner of the screen, revealing a new menu. In this menu, tap gallery. Now you can choose one of your photos (or multiple photos).
9. After choosing a photo, tap the back button at the top-left corner of the screen. You should see the screen you saw in step 5.
10. Now tap the text at the top of the screen reading "Sources", and in the new menu that appears tap "advanced".
11. You will now see sliders labeled, "blur", "dim", and "grey". For a completely clear image, drag all of them completely to the left, but you can set these however you want. You should uncheck "apply blur on lockscreen" and you may also want to uncheck "New Wallpaper Notifications".
12. Tap the check mark at the top-left corner of the screen. Now you can close the app and go home to see your clear image.

With this method, you are also able to adjust the brightness of the image by opening the app and following steps 4 and 10-12 in that order. To change the image later open the app and follow steps 4-9 and 12 in that order.

If there are any more issues, I am very happy to help.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung, wallpaper, samsung-galaxy-s7
---


title: Unable to overwrite CWM with TWRP

text:
# Question
Title: Unable to overwrite CWM with TWRP
I'm trying to get TWRP running instead of CWM on my HTX One X. When flashing the recovery through fastboot, and rebooting the phone - the bootloader choice for "recovery" goes straight to CWM.

I tried flashing TWRP through GooManager, and the same thing happens. It kinda seems like the files doesn't get overwritten...

This all started because I wanted to swap the custom rom running (at the moment it's Cyanogen 10.2.0). But even overwriting the boot.img file seems impossible, since all other ROMs just throws the phone in to a bootloop.

The same happens when trying to update to Cyanogen 10.2.1.. (As I've seen many have to manually flash a new boot.img through fastboot)

Any thoughts on how to solve such a case?

Edit 1 -\> Commands ran in fastboot:

```
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot

```

Started phone in bootloader and selected "Recovery" from the menu. CWM shows up and no sign of TWRP.

When trying to flash the new Roms (not cyanogen), I flashed the accompanying boot.img through fastboot.

```
fastboot flash boot boot.img

```

No luck, and it get stuck on the HTC-Screen..

# Answer
I found, that in my case flashing with heimdall did the deal. In my case, the CM recovery was in the KERNEL partition, so reflashing that partition with an apropriate zImage did the trick for me. The command I used:

```
sudo heimdall flash --KERNEL zImage

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: twrp
---


# Question
Title: how to adb wait-for-device until the home screen shows up?
I need to unlock my screen using adb, and wait-for-device exits way too early(when the device is booting up), and screen unlock fails. Is there a way to detect that the home screen, so I can fire screen unlock then?

This is the command I am using to unlock screen -

```
adb wait-for-device shell input keyevent 82

```

# Answer
> 30 votes
well wait-for-device, as you already realized only waits until the adb daemon properly started. This is already at init time. In order to check for a complete boot you cann ad to your script something like:

in pseudo:

1. wait-for-device
2. long as getprop sys.boot\_completed != 1 sleep some seconds check getprop sys.boot\_completed again
3. shell input keyevent 82

This should work.

Something like this:

```
#!/bin/bash

adb wait-for-device

A=$(adb shell getprop sys.boot_completed | tr -d '\r')

while [ "$A" != "1" ]; do
        sleep 2
        A=$(adb shell getprop sys.boot_completed | tr -d '\r')
done

adb shell input keyevent 82

```

This is not tested so be aware of potential mistakes

# Answer
> 18 votes
This is an old question and borderline off-topic but here is how to do it in a single line:

```
adb wait-for-device shell 'while [[ -z $(getprop sys.boot_completed) ]]; do sleep 1; done; input keyevent 82'

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here's what I came up with:

```
adb wait-for-device shell <<ENDSCRIPT
echo -n "Waiting for device to boot "
echo "" > /data/local/tmp/zero
getprop dev.bootcomplete > /data/local/tmp/bootcomplete
while cmp /data/local/tmp/zero /data/local/tmp/bootcomplete; do
{
    echo -n "."
    sleep 1
    getprop dev.bootcomplete > /data/local/tmp/bootcomplete
}; done
echo "Booted."
exit
ENDSCRIPT

echo "Waiting 30 secs for us to be really booted"
sleep 30

echo "Unlocking screen"
adb shell "input keyevent 82"

```

---
Tags: adb, stock-android, android-emulator
---


# Question
Title: Android Tethering Turns off straight away
From time to time, the tethering on my Nexus 6P, running Android 7.1.1, turns itself off for no reason. It can then take 5 or 6 attempts for it to turn back on.

Trying to turn it on, results in the tethering turning on and then straight back off again.

I managed to capture an adb logcat while this was happening, which can be found here

http://pastebin.com/eykDitb3

Keep Wifi on during sleep is set to Always

My provider is Three in the UK

I'm wondering if this is an issue with android, or my provider.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If your Nexus 6P is rooted:

1. Install Build Prop Editor app from the Play Store and launch it.
2. Change `net.tethering.noprovisioning=true`
3. Install Terminal Emulator app from the Play Store and launch it.
4. In Terminal Emulator, enter the following code sequentially:

```
su
settings put global tether_dun_required 0
exit
reboot

```

---
Tags: tethering
---


title: Galaxy Note 5 not connecting to PC

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy Note 5 not connecting to PC
My Galaxy note 5 is not connecting to my PC, it is charging, but never shows up on the PC. can this be fixed?

# Answer
Beeshyams is correct. However, what is missing is how to change it to MTP mode. So far the only way I have found is to activate developer options and scroll to USB Configuration and select MTP. It's not sticky and you will need to set it each time you want to connect to a PC.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Be sure to use the supplied USB cord (Samsung) which came with the phone...
> 1 votes

# Answer
Go to settings-\>storage-\>USB connection mode Connect to pc and change it
> 0 votes

# Answer
Settings --\> MORE --\> Edit Quick Settings --\> Scroll way down to Storage, and select it. Then, when you plug in the USB cable, a dialog pops up *on the phone* asking if you want to allow access (um, choose "allow") I just copied a pic from my Note5 this way.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Settings--\>Developer Options --\> USB config --\> select * MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode
---


# Question
Title: Android Box M8 - Issues with QWERTY Wireless i8 keyboard
I just bought an M8 android TV Box here and as you can see, it has a remote QWERTY keyboard that i can't get to function properly...

I can use the touchpad (mouse) on it, but the keys in the keyboard just do nothing...

I've been messing with the input and language settings but nothing seems to work...

I dont think it might be a driver issue because the mouse pointer works...

What else can i do to diagnose the problem?

The box runs android 4.4.2

If any extra info is needed, just ask

Thanks

# Answer
What input method is chosen? If you have chosen Google voice typing then the keyboard won't work.

Try choosing Google keyboard. If that is not working, try downloading a third party keyboard app from play store and choosing it.

For a bluetooth keyboard to work, you have to pair the device with your tv box first
> 1 votes

# Answer
hi just had same problem first keypad coming up in japanese went into settings language & input there was a check box next to japanese which was ticked then of course i looked around checked some boxes and hey presto when i went back into apps the keypad not functioning

So back to settings under keyboard & input methods there is a line Default click on this and make sure Harware is OFF because I like an idiot had turned it on and it is only for Physical keyboard silly me hopefully your keyboard will be back
> 0 votes

# Answer
plug the USB for the remote directly into the M8 android TV Box.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: keyboard, external-keyboard
---


# Question
Title: lenovo a6000 internal storage 0 mb. unable to mount data. system cache
My phone is Lenovo A6000 Plus. It got encrypted by mistake and now after a lots of efforts its got bricked. No OS. TWRP is running only after getting command though `fastboot boot recovery.img`. Everything is wiped default TWRP splash screens.

When I try to wipe it or try to flash any zip or img it shows errors like "unable to mount /data / system /cache". I think its internal storage got encrypted.

I tried everything. Changed a lot of TWRP but not working. Not able to flash any custom ROM. Not able to wipe anything due to this error. Internal storage shows 0 mb. Not showing in MTP device.

Is there any way to completely wipe internal storage or make it visible in PC so I could format it? I tried every flashing tool for lenovo like QFIL lenovo downloader but not working at all.

Please help.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Your phone isn't bricked as you say, since the bootloader enables you to boot into its recovery mode. That picture shows that the md5 file wasn't found and there was a failure in verifying zip signature. Have you tried other images?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Install TWRP, then boot to you recovery and select"Wipe" then select "advance wipe" in the advance wipe interface mark all the partitions you are unable to mount in your case /System, /Data and /Cache then click on "Repair or change file system" the click "Change File System" Select EXT4 in the next window then "Swipe to change", I'm sure thats all you'll need, try installing your rom again and if you encounter any problems you can reach me again.

---
Tags: internal-storage, unbricking
---


# Question
Title: Multitasking : How do I maintain the opera browser tabs keep active when switching applications
Case:

When I was opening multiple pages/tabs on opera browser, then I press the home button to switch apps to see SMS, then i return to the opera app by holding the home button, suddenly my tabs open is missing, such as the open new. Anyone know how to maintain the opera browser tabs keep active as they move another application?

My Phone Info

Model number: Device-01, Android Version: 2.3.6, baseband version: VENUS\_BP\_00.03.63.b501, Kernel Version: 2.6.38.6-perf zly @ HL120 # 1.

Thank you.

# Answer
just do the following:

1. go to settings.
2. then go inside developer options
3. then go to the app section. There you find option saying "don't keep activities". Put it OFF...thats it.
4. now browse opera mini on phone...it will sort out your problem.

Now you can tab between multiple tasks – and no need to worry about anything. It works for me too. I have a KitKat version.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Multitasking is truly supported by devices with higher end chip configuration( i.e.good clocking speed 1Ghz and or sufficient RAM\>=500Mb ).

In simple terms is that insufficient ram will not be able to hold more then one application at the same time and less processor speed will take some time to load in app data for both the applications(although i think RAM is the main area to be concentrated for your multitasking purpose)

Due to limited resource the kernel has to decide which task to be given more priority either task 1 or task2.Based on it's decisions only the browser is temporarily shut and the message is loaded.Later when you load the browser back the kernel gives this as higher priority and it loads the browser back.(If you have multiple number of tabs with heavy activity going simultaneously then you have to decide which is of least importance and close the tab.)

**Ex**-:Say you have opened up to 4 tabs named Tab1-Tab4.

Tab1-Email

Tab2-Browse Video

Tab3-Download content

Tab4-Social networking

As you can see all are processor demanding tabs and will not work all at the same time. So if you opened Tab2(browse video) and later switched to Tab4(Social networking). The browser will reload Tab4 due to higher inactivity on this tab and not close it.

Same goes with the switching between two different applications.The browser will load the page but not close the tab. What i can suggest you is that either you use less no of tabs in the browser and then shift to any other application.(Clearing the cache memory may also resolve the issue)

**Note**:-If at all you still feel that there are only 2 tabs and still the browser has crashed/closed the tabs while in-app/switching through 2 different apps then you need to contact the support team of the respective browser.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can try to stop android from destroying activities on its own.

Go to setting, Developer Options and then to the bottom. You will find two options over there (among the many) that are useful.

First is the 'Destroy activities as soon as the user leaves them' checkbox. Uncheck it.

Then go to the 'BackGround Process Limit' and set it to standard. This much should be enough....
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, multitasking, opera-mini
---


title: Getting offline GPS fix?

text:
# Question
Title: Getting offline GPS fix?
I have a simple problem with my phone's GPS: I have Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo with Android 4.4.2 (unrooted)

Here's the problem: GPS literally takes forever to load, I connect to internet and wait some time and it picks up eventually. But if I restarted my phone and NOT connect to internet and enable gps, it will literally go out of its way to NOT pick up a single signal. It will see more than 20 satellites, but not one of them will be used for fix. This happens anywhere from perfectly open air to indoors (in my case being indoors is absolutely not a reason for not getting a fix because when I do get a fix indoors it sees all the satellites it used to when I was outside)

My question is: How can I make my phone to pick up signals from those satellites without connecting to internet and end this nightmare?

Thanks a lot

P.S. I have used most of those garbage apps promising "faster fix" "gps fix" and all that crap and none of them helped. In case as I am writing this I have the app GPS Status and toolbox on ""Looking" for GPS location" forever and not picking anything up.

What's the solution?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> My question is: How can I make my phone to pick up signals from those satellites without connecting to internet and end this nightmare?

GPS works by getting a fix on your location with the satellites whereas the Internet connection is used to download the map data associated with the particular area you're in.

Give this answer on Stack Overflow a read. It'll solve some of your doubts on how much signal strength is required.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Use this app "GNSS viewer" Switch of all the data communication services and open the app and you will get the accurate positioning data. if not restart the phone and try it again.

---
Tags: gps, offline
---


title: Building a simple, background app

text:
# Question
Title: Building a simple, background app
What I have to do is very simple, I want to use Tasker to ping my Raspberry PI unit when I get close to home.

What I have:

* An Android 6.1 Phone
* An ssh server I can reach from everywhere
* A Raspberry PI unit behind a router at home

I have downloaded tasker, so I can trigger applications on my phone and I have an app to connect to my remote ssh server. My idea is something like:

1. Have the Raspi periodically check a file on the server.
2. File is updated with a flag on whether I am close to home or not by Tasker + SSH application on my phone
3. ????
4. Profit!

I need some help on how one can achieve 2. or similar. Essentially, I would like to set up tasker so that on triggers it will make my phone execute a script on the server, any hint?

# Answer
So, I've managed. It's a bit clunky, but it does what it should.

Here's whatis needed:

1. Tasker app (2.99$ on the Play Store)
2. Connectbot
3. An ssh server you can control

Tasker checks my position every two minutes, connects with connectbot which triggers a shell script on the ssh server.

Generate a public ssh key without password from Connectbot. Go in the key section, long tap and copy the key. You can then send the key to your ssh server so that connectbot can authenticate passwordlessly.

Create a profile in connectbot with a meaningful nickname (in my case "homeflag"). Select post-login automation and insert which command you'd like to run. In my case I have a very simple script called I\_am\_home:

```
echo 1 > /home/user/home_flag

```

so in connectbot post-login automation I would put

```
/path/to/I_am_home; exit ⏎

```

this ensures the command is triggered automatically at login and then the connection is closed.

In tasker create a task to send intent (use the search bar to find it), with the following fields:

```
Action: android.intent.action.VIEW
Data: ssh://user@host:port#homeflage
Target: Activity

```

Information on how to do this have been found on this dedicated reddit containing a lot of other info and different way to achieve this.

It is then easy enough to have tasker check your location periodically by making an appropriate profile.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, tasker, background-process
---


# Question
Title: Can IMEI number of a device really be changed
I bought a slightly used android phone(Asus Zenfone 2) recently.Now what i noticed was that the imei number that my phone was showing to me when i dialed \*#06# was not the same as that on the box in fact the phone's original imei was swapped with that of some huawei device(Y6 PRO), that i came to know when i checked the imei number on some online imei device identification service (www.imei.info).Now i rooted my device and changed the imei number to the one on the box(used an app that required root privileges) and i did verify that the imei number is changed back to the original imei(Again by dialing \*#06#).I made sure that the imei identifies my device make/model as (ASUS Z00AD) using (www.imei.info).Now what seemed intriguing to me was that when i called my carrier for some help regarding some issue that i faced, even though i had changed the imei number back to original one that identifies my device as ASUS ZOOAD they still recognize my device as HUAWEI Y6 PRO.Which arouses my suspicions that the imei didn't actually change and it not possible/extremely difficult to change your device imei number. Although the tools out there claim to change your imei number but what i think all they do is just change them on your phone's display not internally.Or maybe the carrier has some other unique ID through which he could identify my phone make/model.

What do you people think what did actually happen here ?

Please. Enlighten me!

Note that i am a Computer Science student , so i am just curious to know these things.I have no criminal intentions. Just curious!

UPDATE: I have also noticed that when you restore your phone to factory settings or flash a custom or a stock rom you restore the original imei.Does that mean that imei changing is not possible/very difficult? or it is stored on some kind of EEPROM from where the wireless carriers directly get the legitimate imei value Or is it some kind of trade secret to mobile manufacturers ?

# Answer
> 5 votes
IMEI is an baseband identifier so it's stored on **non-writable memory**. There are two IMEIs actually - display and hardware. It's possible to change the display IMEI on rooted devices, but no way to write it down to hardware. Call your carrier for resetting your SIM card and also try to flash stock firmware using factory tools (Qualcomm QFIL in your case)

---
Tags: root-access, 6.0-marshmallow, kernel, system, imei
---


# Question
Title: What's the purpose of the data.info file in TWRP backup?
I've backed up the **/data/** partition of my smartphone using TWRP recovery. It created 4 files on a SD card: **data.ext4.win** , **data.ext4.win.md5** , **recovery.log** and **data.info** . I know what's inside of the first three files, but I don't really know what's inside of the **data.info** file. It looks like the file is a binary one, at least I can't simply view it in any file editor. Does anyone know what's the purpose of that file?

# Answer
As you thought, **data.info** (and any file created by TWRP and with said extension) is a binary file. Given it, I've inspected it with the Linux tool **hd**, which lets me see an hexadecimal dump along with the decoded output.

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## Dump of the file

```
00000000  0c 00 62 61 63 6b 75 70  5f 73 69 7a 65 00 0b 00  |..backup_size...|
00000010  31 33 31 34 36 37 34 36  38 38 00 0c 00 62 61 63  |1314674688...bac|
00000020  6b 75 70 5f 74 79 70 65  00 02 00 30 00 0b 00 66  |kup_type...0...f|
00000030  69 6c 65 5f 63 6f 75 6e  74 00 05 00 37 31 30 37  |ile_count...7107|
00000040  00                                                |.|
00000041

```

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As you may have guessed by looking at the rightmost column, those kind of files contain information such as backup size and type, as well as the file count.

*Before you ask, do not delete those files. Should you do so, TWRP won't probably be able to restore your backup. Delete them only if you're brave and have a backup.*
> 3 votes

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Tags: backup, twrp
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