# Question
Title: Screen offset when running some Android apps on PC (not Chromebook)
I installed Android onto my laptop so that I could play a game called Psych with my brother.
When I launch it, the screen is shifted to the right and the mouse is limited to the area of portrait orientation (see image).

My theory is that the app is a portrait app, but when it is displayed on a horizontal screen (like a Chromebook), it will stretch out these edges so that it doesn't look bad and the user can just click the important things in the center (that is why the mouse is limited to the portrait area). But for some reason, when it launches on the computer, it will be forced to start displaying from where the portrait apps start from, causing it to shift over.
Please inform me, if my theory is correct or if it doesn't work for another reason, what the reason is, and most importantly, tell me how to fix it. Please ask me if there is any other information I should provide.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Before we address your theory and subsequent request for a fix, we need to establish some basic info about Android.

Firstly, Android is a Mobile Operating System. Your laptop is most likely more closely related to the common desktop/personal computer type of operating system.

> "While computers such as typical laptops are 'mobile', the operating systems usually used on them are not considered mobile ones, as they were originally designed for desktop computers that historically did not have or need specific mobile features." -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile\_operating\_system

As such, your laptop's hardware is not the best host for the Android OS. Since Android is built on top of the Linux Kernel, it usually is built to contain *just enough* hardware configuration and driver support to function on its intended build target or host device - usually a mobile phone or tablet.

> "While the Linux kernel contains code for all the different chip architectures and hardware drivers it supports, an individual system runs only a fraction of the codebase. An average laptop uses around 2 million lines of kernel code from 5 thousand files to function properly, while the Pixel phone uses 3.2 million lines of kernel code from 6 thousand files (due to the increased complexity of an SoC)." -- https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/kernel

This means that the Android OS you installed on laptop hardware is doing its damnedest to actually function. The stripped down Linux Kernel now driving your laptop's hardware more than likely is falling back to generic drivers with limited feature capabilities.

Secondly, your laptop probably has hardware features not usually found in native Android - and conversely, the Android OS looks for mobile-centric hardware features in order to, for example, render the UI.

Which brings me to your first inquiry;

> My theory is that the app is a portrait app, but when it is displayed on a horizontal screen (like a Chromebook), it will stretch out these edges...

This has a grain of truth in that Android doesn't know how to properly drive your laptop's display. Android has tons of sensors, including a bevy of Motion Sensors that help Android decide on configurations screen orientation.

Since among other things your laptop lacks these sensors, Android cannot determine in which orientation to display the user interface. The Android OS you installed is probably having difficulty ascertaining other display hardware attributes such as pixel density, resolution, color encoding, screen size, etc... hence the "stretched out edges" you note.

Finally;

> tell me how to fix it

You're more than welcome to contribute to the Android Open Source Project while simultaneously building your own custom Linux kernel with help from around the Internet. Though this is an utterly daunting task for even seasoned developers.

A better option, in my opinion, is to reinstall a more appropriate Operating System for your laptop (e.g., Windows, Ubuntu, etc...) and simply run an Android emulation software suite such as BlueStacks 4 or Nox Android Emulator.

---
Tags: screen, bugs, orientation, android-pc
---


title: Huawei M2-802L Cannot making call!

text:
# Question
Title: Huawei M2-802L Cannot making call!
i have a Huawei Harman/kardon M2-802L tablet. i want to make calls using sim card. there was no default calling app. i downloaded one, but the device showing :"your device is unable to make calls" when i try to open it.

anyone please advice. thanks in advance

# Answer
> 0 votes
doing a simple search on the web you find that your tablet only works with voip. Sim card is only for data. You can not call or receive a call.

# Answer
> 0 votes
By looking around, it is possible.. However you need to make system modifications and literally build your system with a Modem & Call App... The best way I've seen is to actually try porting a firmware from a different tablet with the same chip set, that does have Call abilities..

---
Tags: calls
---


# Question
Title: How to check what is wrong with my mobile connection?
I have a Samsung J3 and recently I notice some irregular 'blackouts' in the mobile connection. Suddenly, the connection is completely interrupted, then the connection is really slow (like 1.9 Mbps in the center of Geneva!), and then it works just fine (with download speeds well above 10 Mbps).

I restarted the phone, select 'Select automatically' in the available network settings, and talked to the provider. They admitted there was a network problem, but I am using it at two very different places.

So how to find out if it is my phone or the network?

# Answer
I don't have that model device accessible to verify the accuracy/currency, but here is a site that specifies test codes for Samsung J3. In particular, I believe #5 & #6 would offer diagnostic data in regards to cellular network (YMMV based on carrier / geography).

That said, what you are able to interpret from said data would be another story all together. As @Robert suggests, it may be simpler to first eliminate possible scenarios using other devices you may have available. There may also be applications that can give more verbose information than the test menu cited.

Here's another resource for you to review in regards to your network settings configuration as specific to your mobile carrier.

I hope that helps, and good luck!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Tracing networking problems in mobile networks is pretty complicated.

Therefore from your perspective there is only one way to find out if it is your phone or not: Use a different phone (different model preferred) using your SIM card at the same places.

If you encounter the same performance drops you know that it is not your phone. If not it may be your phone but that is not for sure.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: mobile-network
---


# Question
Title: Fine-tune/calibrate system-wide tap vs swipe detection
I've had to replace the screen and touch assembly on a device I have but now the new hardware is too noisy: most of my taps end up being recognized as swipes or flings, making for a very frustrating experience.

What can be done to fix this? An ideal solution would be to fine-tune the gesture detection logic to be less restrictive on what is considered a tap, interpreting fast short-distance flings as taps instead.

Any solution that involves root, xposed or recompiling the OS with suggested tweaks is welcome. The device in question runs LineageOS 15.1, based on Oreo.

# Answer
There are many apps that target this specific issue available through the Play store, and many of them do not even require root access. The search term I would recommend that you use would be "screen calibration" or similar; due to the sheer volume of them, I won't suggest any in particular but I have tried multiple myself throughout the years (while exercising common sense, e.g., checking reviews prior to downloading) and they seem to do the trick perfectly. Some are targeted toward mobile repair technicians and come with multiple utilities and test functions (such as for other sensors and screen functions), I tend to find these more "trustworthy" in that the targeted consumers are able to leave more competent and detailed reviews.

Edit: @And0réCarini I know some of them do work, typically the type that has you tap a target within four quadrants of the screen, and it typically does not require root. However, please note that 1) dependent on the cause, sensitivity might not be the issue or what needs to be adjusted, and 2) depending on your device model, there could be other variables at play (e.g., Samsung Note devices have two *separate* digitizers, one for the stylus and one for finger touches).

It may benefit you to first activate developer mode and enable the **show screen touches** option to see if there are any visual clues as to what's going on. You can also access your device's diagnostics mode (aka, \[advanced\] test menu, example) to see if the touch test can help identify any further details. And, if on the off-chance it is due to a faulty / damaged digitizer, as a temporary measure there are apps available that allow you to custom set boundary areas on your screen that will block touch inputs, which can mitigate unintended input behavior (assuming it's stemming from a contained localized area).

Finally, I was able to find this post (root required) in regards to a potential method to adjust your touch sensitivity, but please note this is specific to the Pixel 2 XL so YMMV.

On a separate note, it seems that the minimum distance for swipes to activate are determined by the application's code (see here and here); as the distance is predetermined, I would infer another possibility aside from a sensitivity issue may be a multi-touch issue causing a false swipe input to be registered; my above suggestions may help confirm or eliminate that possibility.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: gestures
---


# Question
Title: Reasoning behind built in songs made by the android device manufacturer
I noticed my Huawei device comes with a built in song called "Dream It Possible".

Quick search revealed the song was made by the company itself. Didn't look into it, but pretty sure other companies did and do the same.

What is the reasoning behind this? The song isn't an advertisement to the company. What benefit does it give them?

# Answer
"Dream It Possible" is the official Huawei Consumer Brand Song.

Therefore it can be considered as Huawei advertisement even if the song itself is not directly related to Huawei.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: media-files
---


title: Locking the Android UI

text:
# Question
Title: Locking the Android UI
I'm running Android Nougat. I would like to know whether there is a way to lock the device while watching a YouTube video or doing some other critical operation so that you don't accidentally kick yourself or of the application or page your viewing in the process.

Ideally a slider button with a lock would be ideal here.

What about newer versions of Android?

Thanks

# Answer
You can use Screen pinning. That way only YouTube (or any app) pinned on the screen will be visible, and you won't by mistake start another app.

Settings -\> Security -\> Screen pinning. Set it to On.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, 7.0-nougat, locked-out, bugs, smart-lock
---


# Question
Title: How to Turn on mobile data on all apps when each is set to off
I somehow individually turned off mobile data on 250 apps. How do I turn all of them on. I don't remember how I did it. I am on a poco F1 android 9 miui 10.

# Answer
I can't find it through the settings but finally I found a popup view window titled restrict data that appeared when an app requested mobiledata permission, selected to restrict all and then clicked a second time to unrestrict all. It's an option at the top of the list of apps. It is different from the restrict data in the settings
> 0 votes

---
Tags: mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: What could cause a page opened on Firefox to have an enormous data usage?
I have opened the rather innocuous page on reputable website Quanta Magazine using Firefox Android 65.0.1 (with NoScript installed) and left it open.

The data usage rapidly burned through 1 GB of data transfer via the mobile network, which is more than I use in a month in general.

I closed the page, stopping data usage. Reopened it, and on it went. It has blown my data usage for the month out of the water.

The graph from "Settings \> Connections \> Data Usage \> Mobile Data Usage" is eloquent:

I have pumped the URL through Sucuri just to make sure whether there is a known evil in that page but it comes up blank.

What could be going on, and do I find out?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Do you know what embedded miners are?

https://platform.jsecoin.com/?register=1&utm\_source=referral&utm\_campaign=aff139531&utm\_content

http://join-shortest.com/ref/bdb9481b4c?user-type=new

They are a way for a webmaster to make money off of their webpage without a bunch if banners. The visitors of the website are having some if their computer power used to mine cryptocurrency. That uses data, right?

---
Tags: firefox-for-android, data-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: Why does Google Play Store show installed apps in the "Previously installed apps" section?
When I go to the *Previously installed apps* section of Google Play Store, some apps that are currently installed on my phone are also shown. I thought that may be all of the currently installed apps shown were not updated, but that not the case for some of them.

Should it not be only apps that were removed or not installed that should appear?

I have checked the issue with phones using Android 6.0.1 & 8.1. As you can see on the image below, VLC is installed, yet it is listed on previously installed apps.

# Answer
I surmise that because you can have multiple devices with the same account. It puts apps that were installed on a device in that section, regardless of them being installed on the current device or not. Though I do not see why they could not filter out apps that are installed on the device.

I would suggest that if you think it is an issue, you can report it using the feedback. Aside from that action, I do not think there is anything that could be done on the user side to fix this.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: Stock Phone app doesn't work in split-window mode on Android Nougat
I have Wiko U Pulse Lite running on Android 7.0 Nougat. I would like to use Google Keep or Google Drive in split-window mode with the Phone application. This is because every time I perform a banking operation, I need to copy numbers and passwords from one window to the other, otherwise I need to recur to open and paper to use as my buffer for storing these data.

Is there a reason why the Phone application with its dialer keypad won't work in split-window mode? Is this fixed in later version of Google's Android OS?

# Answer
> 1 votes
For an app to be allowed to work in split-window mode, there is a certain parameter `android:resizeableActivity=["true" | "false"]` that has to be set to `true`.

Since Android 7.0, this is `true` by default, but it's still possible to be set to `false` if the developer thinks the app will not behave correctly in split-window.

As @Andrew T. suggested in a comment, all you can do as a user is to find another phone app that allows split-window.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If Developer options is enable, you can set "Force activities to be resizable" to On.

Settings -\> Developers options -\> Force activities to be resizable

Then, restarts the phone. It has worked for me when there were apps not developed to use split screen by default.

---
Tags: applications, 7.0-nougat, phone-app
---


title: Comparing signatures of apks

text:
# Question
Title: Comparing signatures of apks
I have two .apk files that are supposed to be different versions of the same app. What is the best way to check if they where both signed with the same key?

I want to make sure no mistakes were done and the newer version would be treated as an update of the same app.

# Answer
> 2 votes
For updating an APK file two properties must match:

1. The app package name (can be seen in `AndroidManifest.xml` after decompiling it)
2. The app signature must match (the used signature certificate must be the same).

The best way to verify a signature of an APK file and viewing the used signature certificate and public key to use `apksigner.jar` for the Android SDK (build-tools):

The following example executes verifies two versions of the Samsung E-Mail app using `apksigner`:

```
java -jar <path to apksigner>\apksigner.jar verify -verbose --print-certs "Samsung Email_v4.2.74.1_apkpure.com.apk"
java -jar <path to apksigner>\apksigner.jar verify -verbose --print-certs "Samsung Email_v4.1.43-5_apkpure.com.apk"

```

Each time you are getting an output like this:

```
Verifies
Verified using v1 scheme (JAR signing): false
Verified using v2 scheme (APK Signature Scheme v2): true
Number of signers: 1
Signer #1 certificate DN: EMAILADDRESS=android.os@samsung.com, CN=Samsung Cert, OU=DMC, O=Samsung Corporation, L=Suwon City, ST=South Korea, C=KR
Signer #1 certificate SHA-256 digest: 34df0e7a9f1cf1892e45c056b4973cd81ccf148a4050d11aea4ac5a65f900a42
Signer #1 certificate SHA-1 digest: 9ca5170f381919dfe0446fcdab18b19a143b3163
Signer #1 certificate MD5 digest: d087e72912fba064cafa78dc34aea839
Signer #1 key algorithm: RSA
Signer #1 key size (bits): 2048
Signer #1 public key SHA-256 digest: 0470be656b9375d253fbb94c3a87dc7040e2f2760c19c4292eb62cc68e02de4a
Signer #1 public key SHA-1 digest: df1e4fd4fc2ebfc187f79309dfc6a4c662bda4d0
Signer #1 public key MD5 digest: 7c6371f33db3b4361504cb13beb6e818

```

You only need to **compare the sha256 digest of the certificate** and/or of the **public key**. If for both APKs they are the same you can be sure that they have been released by the same person or company (as long as the app owner did not sell the app to someone else or the private key was stolen).

# Answer
> 1 votes
You'd need to check two things:

1. whether the package names are identical
see: Read the package name of an Android APK on our sister-site. In short: Run `aapt dump badging file.apk` and watch out for `package:`. If the package names are identical, it should be the same app – but it's still unclear if they are from the same dev and thus whether the "new one" would be considered a "valid update" – or the "signature check" would fail in that process.
2. whether the signatures match
This means, whether they are signed with the same key – which should guarantee they have been (created and signed) by the same dev, who should have kept his/her signing key secret. Again, see on our sister site: How to view the identity of person who signed the apk on Android device? // Getting certificate details from an apk.

Note that the tasks described need at least a basic install of Android developer tools. `aapt` is even part of a minimal ADB installation – `jarsigner` and `keytool` would need a more complete package (though if you're on Linux, `openssl` provides a different approach – details can be found in the linked posts from *Stack Overflow.*

---
Tags: apk
---


# Question
Title: Termux:Widget and Emacs: can't start subprocesses
I have some tasks that I like to do using Emacs on several different operating systems. I have been using Termux so that I can access these tasks on my Android phone. To reduce setting-up typing in the file-editing part of this workflow, I've installed Termux:Widget and written a two-line widget script that does

```
filename=$(a little shell logic)
emacs $filename

```

So now my phone has a button on the home screen that I can push and it opens up the file that I want in the editor. That part all works fine.

Frequently, once I've started editing, it's convenient to run a shell script. It's nice to be able to run the shell script in an Emacs buffer so that I can use the regular buffer-switching commands to interact with it. If I open a fresh Termux session and type `emacs` at the prompt, then I can do `M-x async-shell-command`, use relative filenames and tab completion to find the name of the script that I want (e.g. `../my-script.sh`), and execute it from within Emacs. That part works fine.

However, if I've started Emacs from Termux:Widget, Emacs is unable to spawn subprocesses. I get errors like

```
/data/data/com.termux/files/usr/bin/sh:  1: ../my-script.sh: not found
/data/data/com.termux/files/usr/bin/sh:  1: /data/data/com.termux/files/home/whatever/my-script.sh: not found

```

I believe the relative and absolute path names are correct because I am using tab-completion to check them before asking to execute.

This seems like the kind of problem that termux-exec was invented to fix. However, it isn't working by magic, and I'm finding myself confused by the documentation.

# Answer
I solved this while I was trying to be thorough while writing the question: it was in the documentation, I just couldn't figure it out. I needed to set LD\_PRELOAD, as documented by termux-exec, so that Emacs runs with the modified version of the `exec()` system call. My two-line script is now

```
PREFIX=/data/data/com.termux/files/usr
TERMUX_EXEC=${PREFIX}/lib/libtermux-exec.so
[ -e $TERMUX_EXEC ] && export LD_PRELOAD=$TERMUX_EXEC
filename=$(a little shell logic)
emacs $filename

```

The extra existence-checking cruft is so that LD\_PRELOAD remains unset (or unmodified) where I run this same convenient script on my non-Termux systems.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: shell, command-line, termux
---


# Question
Title: I can't turn off "Easy Mode" on Galaxy On5 and there are missing options in the "Settings" Menu
I really need help here. I accidentally turned on my sister's "Ultra Power Save Mode" and, when I had realized I had done this, I turned it off. When the phone rebooted on again, it asked me what kind of set up I wanted, and me not knowing what it was talking about, selected one of the options and now it's stuck on "Easy Mode", but the apps are limited and there are missing options from the "SETTINGS" menu. I'm at my wits end and I'm afraid I might have to buy her a new phone. If anyone could answer me, that'd be amazingly helpful...

# Answer
> 1 votes
From Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Disable Easy Mode in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat:

> Method #1: From the notifications panel
>
> 1. Swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notifications panel.
> 2. Tap **the gear**(1) to go to the easy settings menu.
> 3. In Easy settings, tap Easy mode .
> 4. Tap Standard mode to select it.
> 5. Tap Done button.
>
> The easy mode will be disabled and the standard mode will be applied in your phone.

(1) Added emphasises due to original article has a picture instead of text.

> Method #2:
>
> From the Easy settings shortcut in Home screen By default, you can find the easy settings in the Home screen in easy mode as an app and you can use it to access the easy settings menu to disable easy mode. See the following steps to disable easy mode: From the main Home screen, swipe the screen from right to the left until you see the Easy settings shortcut/icon and then tap it to go to the easy settings menu.
>
> 1. Tap Easy mode .
> 2. Tap Standard mode to select it.
> 3. Tap Done button. The easy mode will be disabled and the standard mode will be applied in your phone.
>
> If in the easy mode you'll be provided with a simpler layout and the easy settings menu, then in the standard mode you'll be provided with a conventional layout and more complex settings menu. Also, in the standard mode, you can find and use all features owned by this phone unless you disable them.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-on5
---


# Question
Title: ADB Shell command not applied - "am set-standby-bucket" - Android 9
Currently trying to observe the behaviour of my app in different adaptive battery buckets on Android **Pie**. I was testing it with the command :

```
adb shell am set-standby-bucket <packagename> <active|working_set|frequent|rare>

```

(documented here : https://developer.android.com/about/versions/pie/power)

The problem is that the command appear to be ignored by the device as you will see in the actual behavior snippet.

Notice that only **one** device is plugged during the process.

**Actual behaviour :**

```
$ > adb shell dumpsys battery unplug
$ > adb shell am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 10
$ > adb shell am set-standby-bucket <package-name> rare
$ > adb shell am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 10

```

or

```
$ > sudo adb shell
$ > su
# > dumpsys battery unplug
# > am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 10
# > am set-standby-bucket <package-name> rare
# > am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 10

```

**Expected behaviour :**

```
$ > adb shell dumpsys battery unplug
$ > adb shell am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 10
$ > adb shell am set-standby-bucket <package-name> rare
$ > adb shell am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 40

```

or

```
$ > sudo adb shell
$ > su
# > dumpsys battery unplug
# > am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 10
# > am set-standby-bucket <package-name> rare
# > am get-standby-bucket <package-name>
> 40

```

Here is my configuration : *Android Studio 3.3.1 Build #AI-182.5107.16.33.5264788, built on January 29, 2019 JRE: 1.8.0\_152-release-1248-b01 x86\_64 JVM: OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM by JetBrains s.r.o MacBook Pro - MacOS Mojave 10.14.3*

Here is the device configuration I am using :

* Type : Emulator
* Name: Pixel\_API\_28
* CPU/ABI: Google APIs Intel Atom (x86\_64)
* Path: ..../.android/avd/Pixel\_API\_28\_1.avd
* Target: google\_apis \[Google APIs\] (API level 28)
* image.androidVersion.api: 28
* tag.id: google\_apis

Thank you in advance !

# Answer
> 3 votes
I see the same thing with the Android P emulator. However, this works for me on a Pixel 2 device with P.

Btw I think you need to use the integer representation when setting:

```
adb shell am set-standby-bucket <package-name> 40

```

Not

```
adb shell am set-standby-bucket <package-name> rare

```

---
Tags: adb, shell, standby
---


# Question
Title: How can i see and/or delete the clipboard contents
The only options I get are cut, copy, paste, and select all. I can easily find the clipboard on my Samsung phone using almost all of the suggestions here, but not on my nook tablet A. Can anyone help me discover where this data is to retrieve?

# Answer
You can install Clipboard Actions. It allows to view, delete or even edit the content(s) of the clipboard. Whenever you copy a text, it will be inserted in the Notification bar where you can navigate and choose, view or delete a copied text.

Taping on the Notification bar opens the app, allowing to view all the items copied. You can even edit them.

The app can also copy images and videos, search on Google for the text copied, etc.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung, samsung-galaxy-tab-a, nook
---


# Question
Title: Apps whitelisted in AFWall+ without my knowledge
I've installed a firewall (AFWall+) on my phone, and I've manually whitelisted every app I wanted to allow accessing the Internet, including system apps. So everything is blocked by default, and I add apps to the whitelist as necessary until what I need works and nothing beyond that.

I've just discovered some apps in the whitelist that I never whitelisted myself and don't even remember ever seeing before to be honest. These are:

* "Intent Filter Verification Service"
* "Market Feedback Agent"
* "Print Service Recommendation Service"
* "Google Partner Set Up"

From what I can see, these are from Google, although I'm not clear on what they do (except the Feedback Agent).

How could this happen?

---

**System details**: * Device: Samsung Galaxy S5 Duos (SM-G900FD)
* OS: LineageOS 14.1
* Android version: 7.1.2
* The phone is rooted with SuperSU.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Guess you didn't read this explanation by developer regarding system apps. You need to consciously blacklist them if you want, by default they are white listed.

* Google Partner Setup

> No one seems to know what this does and what data it transmits/receives Rec: Block

* Market Feedback agent

> If blocked, cannot use Google to submit feedback to app developers when apps crashes. Rec: Block if not using the Google Play store, otherwise allow for all connection types except LAN

Other two are not covered in this list so you could ask developer on his XDA thread. If you aren't using Print services, it should be safe to disable IMO

---
Tags: security, malware, firewall
---


# Question
Title: Encryption Unsuccessful even after system backup restore
The steps I performed:

1. Flashed TWRP with Odin
2. Made backup
3. Flashed LineageOS 14.1 with TWRP
4. Flashed SuperSU with TWRP
5. Flashed Open GApps with TWRP
6. There was a problem, Google Play Services kept crashing, I decided to restore stock ROM
7. Restored the backup I made in *2* with TWRP
8. Opened my restored system and decided to encrypt the device
9. Either the encryption failed itself or I somehow disturbed it
10. After restart Encryption Unsuccessful keeps appearing
11. I restored backup from *2* again I still get Encryption Unsuccessful
12. I flashed LineageOS again - started nicely
13. Once again I restored backup from *2* again I still get Encryption Unsuccessful

In the meantime I wiped `Cache`, `Dalvik Cache`, `Data` and `System` numerous times.

So it looks like the stock ROM keeps seeing the information about the failed encryption process even though I wiped the 4 partitions mentioned above. Interesting part is that LineageOS doesn't care.

Any ideas on how to get the stock ROM back on its feet?

**EDIT**

Flashing the stock rom with Odin didn't help either

# Answer
> 2 votes
Found out the way to fix it:

1. Download stock firmware (`*.tar.md5`)
2. Flash it **with Odin** (it removes TWRP and replaces it with a standard recovery)
3. Start Android - still "Unsuccessful encryption" error
4. Boot into recovery mode (now it's standard recovery instead of TWRP)
5. Run factory reset
6. Start Android - now it finally starts - problem solved
7. Flash again TWRP with Odin
8. Restore the old good backup with TWRP
9. Done

So basically the factory reset form the **original** recovery mode fixes it.

Also I found out why the tablet bricked. When it performs encryption process it looks like it's off (no lights, sounds or anything). Do **not** disturb it, after 20-30 minutes it finishes the encryption and turns itself on. Just leave it be until the screen turns on.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, twrp, encryption, supersu
---


# Question
Title: How to use Google Assistant in car while paired to Bluetooth, but without changing audio input to Bluetooth?
My car has Bluetooth, and I use this mostly for phone calls, though occasionally for music. So my phone is paired, and automatically connects to my car when it starts.

Occasionally, while driving, I'd like to use Google Assistant. eg: "OK Google, Note to self..."

Currently this is pretty annoying because I usually don't have the "input" for the sound system set to Bluetooth, yet my phone is trying to route all media audio, including Google Assistant, through Bluetooth. So I before I can use Google Assistant I first have to change the input. Then the car automatically tells the phone to start playing music. I have to then stop the music I didn't want to be playing in the first place. Finally I can use the assistant. Doing all of this while also trying to pay attention to the road and remembering what I actually want to ask the assistant is not fun.

(To make matters worse, it seems my wife's car actually re-sends the "start music" command if there's no audio for a couple of minutes.)

I do not want to completely disable media audio over Bluetooth, as I do use it occasionally.

So what is the solution? Can I have Google Assistant always use the phone's speakers? Can I have the phone ignore "start music" commands via Bluetooth? Something else?

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you have the newer android 7.0 OS version, yes there is a way:

Go to - Settings -\> Sound and Vibration -\> Separate App Sound Once there, tap "app" and select "add application", then look for the google assistant app (labeled "Google" with the "G" trademark icon that has a small inner grey circle around it within the app icon bubble).

Set this app up with the audio device "phone", and it should work solely through the phone speaker/mic from then on, even when your car Bluetooth is connected.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Search the Play Store for the app "Out Loud". Works perfectly.

You can selectively choose which apps you want to always route audio through the phone speaker even when connected to bluetooth. It's great for your problem (interacting with the Assistant) as well as when using Maps' navigation, and even reads incoming texts out loud (just be careful if you have someone else in the car with you!)

---
Tags: bluetooth, bluetooth-audio, google-assistant
---


# Question
Title: Why doesn't BOINC use the CPU power fully on my Huawei P9 lite?
I installed BOINC on my Huawei P9 lite.

* model VNS-L31
* build VNS-L31C432B414
* Android 7.0 (stock)
* CPU Kirin 650
* RAM 3 GiB

I want the phone to run BOINC applications, when fully charged and connected to a wall outlet or PC. However it seems, that BOINC has no means to acquire all computing resources on that device. Antutu Benchmark shows no more than 68% CPU load and when inspecting the actual CPU load only four of the 8 cores are showing full CPU load the others exhibit half load and lower CPU clocking. Battery temperature doesn't exceed 29°C, which is fairly low. (I'm not living in Siberia)

Computing performance seems to be low, too, when compared to an old Samsung Galaxy S5 with lineageOS installed. I tried to find all settings concerning power usage and so on, but there are virtually none execept power saving mode and ultra power saving mode.

When I start the stress test of AnTuTu Benchmark, the battery temperature rises to 37°C, soon. All cores show nearly full load then.

Now what bugs me is:

* Is the CPU usage for background processes limited by some means?
* Is it possible that BOINC applications are so inefficiently programmed, that they can't acquire enough computing resources to create full CPU load?
* Can this be circumvented by rooting the phone and/or installing third party apps / non-stock ROM?

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to wear down my phone intentionally (in fact, on my old phones I don't give a s\*** on that). But I want to have control over what I do on my devices.

**Update**

Did a test run with CPU-Z. It clearly shows, that the overall CPU-load is just 30% while Boinc running in the background. So the device must be throttled somehow.

\** Update \** I added the thermal measurements from CPU-Z. \[

It is rather obvious, that the temperatures can't be the cause for the throttled CPU. Anyone more clues why and how BOINC is kept from using the resources and how I can influence that behaviour?

# Answer
Yes it is true, the Huawei P9 lite has a Octa core CPU, however not all 8 cores are the same. Instead it follows the ARM BIG-little concept:

The 4 "BIG" cores (2.0GHz) are dedicated for maximum CPU speed. They are optimized for maximum performance (at cost of power consumption).

The 4 "little" cores (1.7GHz) are optimized for minimum power consumption. They are pretty slow compared to the BIG cpu cores (more than the 15% the cpu speed comparison indicates) as they are mostly used when the phone is in stand-by mode and does not have to compute much.

Therefore it is not unusual that only 4 of 8 cores are used. You should use a system info app that displays the current (not the maximum) CPU clock speed of all 8 cores. You should see that 4 cores work at 2.0 GHz - so the BIG cores are used. For my device the app CPU-Z works and displays the clock speed (the refresh speed is not very high so you have to wait some seconds).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: stock-android, huawei, cpu
---


# Question
Title: Change layout of Gboard (space between letters)
I have installed Gboard on my Android 7 device. My keyboard looks now like following:

Is it possible to change the layout in something like the following? I mean the gaps between the characters, i.e. each letter should be in its own box.

# Answer
You can change to another theme/layout in the settings.

Here's a how-to guide.

If you want to build a completely custom keyboard that's more work but also possible.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, gboard
---


# Question
Title: How to control Android based tablet from Windows or iMac desktop?
I have a setup in office where on a desk is fixed samsung galaxy tablet on a stand. On the same desk I have Windows PC or iMac. Customer is looking at the tablet. I am the desktop user and I want to control tablet from my desktop to demo a website. Customer looking at tablet should not see any part of my desktop other than the website. Since the stand secures the ipad and hides home button on ipad, I want to be able to access the home button from my desktop to wake up ipad from sleeping.

What is the solution for above?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Team viewer has a remote access program that can be hosted on Android.

This guide has a free solution but I haven't tried it and I don't know if it'll unlock the device (it does specifically say it can do the home button).

---
Tags: tablet, remote-access
---


# Question
Title: Does the Pixel 3 need an active or passive USB C to 3.5mm Adapter?
Does the Google Pixel 3 Phone require an active or passive USB C to 3.5mm jack adapter?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Google store doesn't sell this adapter in India but links to retailers whose product description shows it has a DAC chip and therefore is *active* similar to this. Note that this works on Pixel 2 and Google Support for Pixel 2 clearly mentions it has a DAC and is *active*.

---
Tags: google-pixel, headphone-jack, usb-c
---


# Question
Title: Need to recover data from SD card as used Android Internal storage from PC
I had an SD card as internal storage in my Android, reset my phone to factory. SD card would no work in that device. I am no longer able to use that device because the screen is smashed anyhow. How can I recover the data from the SD card? I tried to reformat on my laptop but the disk is write protected.

# Answer
This is very device dependent.
The first option you should try when recovering your data from the external SD Card is to REMOVE the card, Place it into an adapter & put it into a computer.

Try to access the data that way,
From my personal experience a research on Android, I can not find any reference to the SD Card being encrypted as the comments suggest in your question.

Samsung device's do have SD Card encryption by default, However this is not say an " Android " thing to be expected, usually you need to manually encrypt your SD Card.

The SD Card is however Formatted in Fat32 or just Fat, and it usually has a Linux partition for speeding up transfers.

You need to place the card into a computer and use a data recovery software... Because I'm on Windows 10, I suggest Recuva by Piriform because it has a decent home version.

Another option to try if you do have encrypted data is to do a recovery anyway.. Often not all data is encrypted, only necessary data to read the drive is encrypted.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, internal-sd
---


# Question
Title: Getting around a tethering block with European prepay SIM
When I travel to Europe, I buy a SIM, stick it in a Moto-E that has a European radio, then tether my regular cell phone. This has been an effective solution since I'm using my regular phone, and I have all my apps.

But, last time I traveled, I got a LycaMobile (Denmark) SIM, but they blocked tethering. The data connection worked fine from apps on the European phone. The wifi hotspot could be set-up on the European phone. My US cell phone successfully connected to the European phone's wifi hotspot. But as we all know, unless there is Internet connectivity, having a successful wifi connection is useless. I went to two LycaMobile outlets and they confirmed that tethering is blocked for the plan I bought.

My question: would a user-space application (like PdaNet+) allow me to connect my US cell phone via wifi and allow me to access the Internet even though the normal Android tethering was blocked by the carrier?

(Moto-E, Android 4.4.2 (API 19))

# Answer
> 2 votes
First I would recommend using a VPN service to prevent your ISP from inferring your avoidance of the ban by sniffing your internet traffic. It would be best to pay for one, as free VPN services collect and sell your personality data. More about how your ISP can tell if you are tethering.

You will have two classes of options: rooted or non-root.

## Non-root

* Like @Dale suggested above, **PDA.net** (Also known as the companion app foxfi which still works on legacy devices) is a good choice. But that requires an app to be installed on your other device before you can use it.
* If you don't want to use PDA.net, you can try changing your phone to not report to your ISP that you are using teather. You only have to perform the following steps once. This is known as the **"Dun = 0"** option. First Sideload *ADB* and *Fastboot* via xdaDevelopers. Next enable USB Debugging on your phone/tablet. After connecting your phone to your computer via USB cable, run `adb shell` in a command prompt. Type `settings put global tether_dun_required 0` and press enter. Now whenever you enable tethering on your phone it won't report to your ISP that you are using it. However they still will be able to infer you are tethering via inspecting your network traffic.

## Rooted

## FYI

* Since you are messing around with teathering options, you might be intersted in knowing about `reverse teathering`. There is a free open source project called (**gnirehtet**) will allow you to do all kinds of sharing of your internet traffic to your android phone using a **Mac**, **Linux** or **Windows** computer. The minimum version of android is 5.0 (Lollipop)

# Answer
> 1 votes
June Fabrics PDA Software Support responded:

```
You can try this and see if it works:
1. Install PdaNet 5.1 on both your Moto E and Moto X
2. On the Moto E open PdaNet and activate "WiFi Direct Hotspot"
3. On the Moto X open PdaNet and tap "Connect to a PdaNet Hotspot",

See if the two can establish connection.

```

This suggests that this software, if added to both phones, would allow the tethering that I would like.

Further investigation suggests that there is a cat and mouse game going on between carriers that attempt to block tethering and apps that are designed to get around these blocks. Originally there was an app called "FoxFi" that used wifi mode. Later Android versions (after 4.0 and on) have been selectively removing the ability of wifi mode. But there are two other modes: bluetooth mode and usb mode that are available in the more recent app called "PDANet".

---
Tags: tethering, wifi-tethering, gsm
---


# Question
Title: can't find mapping of "android.permission.INTERNET" permission to famous methods which should use it
I was trying to evaluate effective permissions usage of an apk using axplorer mapping files. During evaluation I obtained an effective use of the *android.permission.INTERNET* permission equal to 0.

This sounds pretty weird considering that this is maybe the most **USED** permission of all (android doc just tells an apk must declare this permission "In order to perform network operation"...)

This weird result depends on the fact that in axplorer mapping files there aren't mappings of famous "internet using" methods (*java.net.HttpURLConnection*, *java.net.HttpsUrlConnection*, *java.net.Socket* etc...) with *android.permission.INTERNET* permission.

I also knew that axplorer project replaced pscout project, so I took a look at pscout's mapping files either and found that in pscout's mapping files of android versions from *Jelly Bean* to *Froyo* there actually **ARE** mappings of *java.net.HttpURLConnection*, *java.net.Socket* etc.. methods with the permission, but for *4.11-5.11* android version, there is no mapping with these methods, and the mapping files become very similar to axplorer mapping files of android more recent versions.

Someone can help me find out why I'm seeing this strange case in permissions mappings?

I need to evaluate permissions effectively usage, but a "zero usage" of *android.permission.INTERNET* has really to be false... Someone can help me with that? Maybe there's something wrong in my idea?

# Answer
The readme states:

> Maps are currently missing APIs with permissions checked in native code (Camera, etc.). We hope to provide these soon.

The permission `android.permission.INTERNET` is a permission that is mostly checked on native code level. Therefore you won't find much references to it in the API mapping files.

Update: The old mapping files that did include APIs for the Internet permission were as far as I know generated by manually reviewing the AOSP source code for permission checks. Over the time AOSP got larger and larger and the release frequency increased therefore this toot too much effort for providing those info for each and every Android release. Therefore the people who created the mapping files concentrated on the Java part which is much smaller and easier to check.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: permissions
---


# Question
Title: Mirror Android Tablet to VGA monitor via Cable- NO DiSPLAY
Specs: Samsung Monitor S222B300B, Samsung GalaxyTab 2 (micro usb slot), Monitor cable, Male micro usb to Female HDMI w/usb power slot, Male HDMI to Female VGA port

notes: all connections has been connected, power was switched on the monitor, power on the male micro usb to female hdmi cable was plugged, monitor tested with laptop to display screen and working fine

problem: monitor does not mirror tablet's screen which should easily be detected but it does not.

question: i bought the 2 sets of conectoon cables thinking there might be a defect 2nd one - same thing. does my monitor have a problem or does all monitors works for this kind of set up? is there anyhting that i should have done to make it work?

hoping for someone's help. getting me crazy. iwanted to watch on a bigger screen dont like wireless options for the meantime.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you have a computer hooked up to that monitor, and can hook up your phone via USB to the computer, I recommend Vysor. It's available as a chrome or windows app. Works great for screen mirroring, and the free version only uses USB

Note that there is a pro version of it, but basic functionality is free. You may also need USB debugging and ADB working

---
Tags: hdmi, screen-mirroring
---


title: how to block an OS app popup?

text:
# Question
Title: how to block an OS app popup?
Something on my smartphone sends a message once a day, sometimes I see a tiny fast dark background popup on the bottom saying it is doing so.

Such application seems related to the SIM card, as the popup I receive is from my cell phone provider/carrier/operator.

One second later I receive this:

The app name is "Serviços TIM".
That app package name is "com.android.stk" (I found that using Brevent).
It is an OS App.
It has the exactly same version of "SIM ToolKit" (I guess .stk means that), but at apps list it is in an independent entry with it's own options.

The real huge problem is that, **when that popup shows and the screen is locked and remains like that for 8h+, the screen WILL NOT TURN OFF and will spend my battery from 100% to 40% or less** and I may depend on having the battery at that time! :(. I usually let it out of the charger, and without that popup it would only spend about 5-10% of the battery.

My smartphone J7 is not rooted, I wonder if that would be the only option?

---

**update**:

This other app I think is the culprit from sending the message. It already had SMS disabled but not the phone permission! (I have other app to let me read/send SMS btw)

also the SIM toolkit, I force stop it (and disabled all notifications now 2019):

---

**Final result is:** none of these actions above worked, the popup still happens :(

# Answer
> 3 votes
First get the stk and stk2 package name and path, then back them up with pull :

```
adb shell pm list packages | grep stk

adb shell pm path com.android.stk
adb pull /system/app/Stk/Stk.apk

adb shell pm path com.android.stk2
adb pull /system/app/Stk2/Stk2.apk

```

Next we uninstall both :

```
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.stk
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.stk2

```

---

Old answer (in case you fear trying the uninstall steps above):

I managed to minimize the problem by using the "do not disturb" feature.
By "minimize" I mean that if I am using the phone the popup will still show up, otherwise it wont mess it's battery (neither show up).
I can allow all exceptions least "reminders" apparently.
Obs.: "do not disturb" is not 100%, I think about 10% of the times it will still allow that abusive popup to keep the screen ON for many hours!

The simToolkit app package "com.android.stk" (which I found out using Brevent), is called "Serviços TIM" and seems to be a mirroed/dup (???) package from the default simToolkit.

My next step (as soon that popup annoys me enough) is to try to uninstall that package by using this tip by @Izzy, thx!
How to remove the SIM Toolkit from my phone? (Without root or flashing any ROM)
adb uninstall failed
Uninstall via adb without root
How to disable Google Apps in Mi Phones

# Answer
> -2 votes
It seem to me like a flash message. These messages contain only two options- **Cancel** and **OK**. If you press **OK**, the plan mentioned in the message will get activated and it will cost you some money. This can be very irritating.

You can deactivate Flash messages but the process is different for different service providers

you can find the ways to stop flash messages in other operators here and have an idea about your own service provider.

---
Tags: battery, ads, popup
---


# Question
Title: How can I run continuous Logcat in the background?
I want to run a continuous logcat in the background to capture everything happening on my phone.

This needs to be written to disk line by line without delay. I want to capture the cause of random reboots.

# Answer
You need root for this (where I was making mistakes).

So, in a terminal:

`su`

`logcat V > /sdcard/logcat.txt`

then, without killing the command, just press home to keep the terminal running in the background.

* V means verbose (the highest level of detail)
* D means debug

and there are other less detailed levels.

Exercise caution when sharing D and V level logs; they contain highly sensitive information.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Run this command:

```
adb -e logcat > log_file_name.txt

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: logging
---


# Question
Title: Cannot play .mp4 videos with the default video player
I downloaded some .mp4 videos on my PC and I want play them on my Samsung Galaxy Ace 2.

Despite the .mp4 videos can be played in my PC1 *(with no problem)*, in my device *(using the predefined video media player)* the video cannot be played.

This screenshot shows the videos that my device cannot play them:

Only the video *(pointed with the green arrow)* \- which is the default video that my device has can be played.

When I select any of the other videos, the device says: "Content not supported":

Each time I send the video *(via cable from the PC to the device)*, it will show two options:

Do you wish convert `(insert_video_name_here.mp4)` before copy it to the device?

* Yes, convert and copy *(recommended)*.
* No, just copy *(File will copy, but it might be possible it cannot play in the device)*.

No matter which option I select, the video is not playable.

This is the information about the predefined app:

I was reading this answer and this one too about similar problems, but what I understand is due the resolution of the video, but I have no idea what can I do for play these videos in my device *(despite those videos are .mp4 or .wmv files "the same as the predefined video - pointed with the green arrow in a previous screenshot")*.

I really don't want download another app and play the videos with them, hence I ask:

How can be played those videos wth the predefined app?

---

1 Windows 7 Professional 32 bits. Using Google Chrome "as video player" and the Windows Media Player.

PS: I also read about software which can convert videos for device-compatibility, but I'm not sure if those are free-malware applications.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You habe 2 choices:

1. Download another media player such as VLC, MX Player, etc, then test the videos with them to know for certain if the problem is isolated to only the native video player or not. These apps are better than the phone native video player, come loaded with more codecs and can play more formats. However, you said you didn't want this solution.
2. Convert the videos to the appropriate codecs, resolutions, bit rate and other parameters recognized by the phone's video player. You will have to 'duplicate' the playing video parameters to the non-playing videos by checking the differences between them. Then, you can convert them on your PC before transferring them to the phone.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace-2
---


title: Can firewall block connection over VPN?

text:
# Question
Title: Can firewall block connection over VPN?
I would like to block specific apps from making connection to internet. I sometimes am connected by VPN but not always. How can I make firewall work for both VPN and not VPN, wifi and mobile data? My phone has root.

# Answer
Android permits only one VPN to be working on the phone and that is the problem since firewalls also usually create a VPN and you are forced to switch off the VPN to make the firewall work.

However, there is a workaround, at least in some cases. I use Adguard which is an Adblocker with an integrated firewall. It creates it's own VPN on the device locally to filter ads. I also use Keep Solid VPN which is set to *always use* in my settings (Pie) . Adguard has a *proxy mode* which permits both VPNs to be used and since your device is rooted, it is easier.

However, note :

* All VPNs may not work in this fashion. Check the Adguard forums.
* In proxy mode, the efficacy of Adguard firewall is reduced but in my case I have no problems in blocking internet access to apps.
* If I want only the Firewall functions but not Keep Solid VPN, I simply disconnect it from the notification panel.

To sum up, it's possible but you need to invest time in checking and ensuring both work.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, vpn, 9.0-pie, firewall
---


# Question
Title: Prevent Skype from vibrating/beeping the phone when I'm chatting on the computer
I have Skype on my Android phone, and I'm logged into the same account from both the phone and my PC, but it's annoying that when I'm chatting from my PC, the phone constantly vibrates and beeps with every message. I'm on my computer, not on my phone.

Is there a way to make Skype realize that if I'm typing from my computer, it means I'm sitting in front of it (or how else I'm typing there), so it doesn't make noises from the phone?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Unfortunately Skype for Android is still very flawed and has a lot of issues apart from the one you pointed out. Right now the only thing you can do is to go on settings and deactivate the notifications when you're using your PC, and reactivate them when you are away from it.

I always keep the vibration deactivated because either if I am using the PC or I am using the phone, that vibration is definitely too loud.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Okay! On your App, check the Notification Settings, check that "Multiple devices" is switched off".

---
Tags: skype
---


# Question
Title: Where do the exact locations of the phone buttons combinations stored?
Where do the exact location of the phone button combinations like power reset while holding `Volume down` \+ `Power`, booting to recovery by holding `Volume up` \+ `Power` \+ `Home` (if there is a Home button) is it on the system, system partition, boot partition, any other partition, etc.

# Answer
It's not stored in the Android system, but somewhere in the phone's firmware that's not modifiable.

Such functionalities like hard poweroff or hard reset is controlled by the underlying hardware directly, not by Android system. Therefore the button combos are stored in the hardware controller and are usually not modifiable by software.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: boot, system, files
---


title: Does Android supports .wav audio?

text:
# Question
Title: Does Android supports .wav audio?
In many internet blogs I read that wav audio files are not supported by Android OS. I have also tried to play .wav audio files with the default music player software in Android, but it couldn't be played.

But, recently when I peeped into the media folder in Android's system partition, (/system/media/alarms), I found many .wav files there.

Now I am confused. Does Android supports wav files ?

# Answer
Yes, Android supports .wav audio files.

The Supported media formats lists the audio & video formats supported by Android, and .wav audio is among the many listed.

**Supported file type(s) / Container format** (only audio file types are listed below)

```
 • 3GPP (.3gp)
 • MPEG-4 (.mp4, .m4a)
 • ADTS raw AAC (.aac, decode in Android 3.1+, encode in Android 4.0+, ADIF not supported)
 • MPEG-TS (.ts, not seekable, Android 3.0+)
 • FLAC (.flac) only
 • GSM(.gsm)
 • Type 0 and 1 (.mid, .xmf, .mxmf)
 • RTTTL/RTX (.rtttl, .rtx)
 • OTA (.ota)
 • iMelody (.imy)
 • MP3 (.mp3)
 • Matroska (.mkv)
 • WAVE (.wav)
 • Ogg (.ogg)
 • Matroska (.mkv, Android 4.0+)

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, audio, stock-android
---


title: Forgot Password

text:
# Question
Title: Forgot Password
I can´t remember my Samsung Galaxy J7´s phone password and I have to reset it. But I don't want to lose all of my pictures and etc. How can I still have all of that stuff without downloading it or getting on my phone?

# Answer
•Note this is an advance task •This is created by me and I've tested this many times

1. First of all if you have enabled oem unlocking you must have heard custom recovery and twrp is one of them. Install a twrp using Odin you can go here Samsung j7 pro or Samsung j700t here. If you're phone model is not in the list then tell me your phone model or just search on your own. After installing twrp power off your phone then press **volume up** \+ **power \** + \**Home** button together then you will be booted to twrp to delete your passcode goto advance \> file manager then navigate to /data/system/ and delete all .key files and also locksettings.db after doing those just reboot to system then the passcode/pattern/pin is gone

2. You need to have your stock boot where its stored on your stock firmware download your stock firmware from here or here. After that extract the firmware, you should get something like AP, PDA, CSC open the AP using winrar or other archive tools if there's no AP then open PDA find boot.img then extract it. After getting your stock boot you need to download assayyed kitchen here. After download extract it to some folder then open assayyed kitchen.exe after that it should create work folders, put your stock boot on the work folder then goto assayyed kitchen then type 12 then 1 to unpackimg after that you need to type the number of the -enable USB debugging by default (I forgot the number) then after that recompile the boot press 2 and enter . Copy your moddedboot then create an archive to it using any archive tools archive it as an .tar file after that copy he boot.img.tar to the desktop then power off your phone after powering off hold **volume down** \+ **Power button** \+ **Home button** together then your phone will be booted to download mode after that open Odin choose PDA/ap choose the stockmoddedboot.img.tar then click flash after that connect your phone to the computer then the flashing process will continue. After installing the stockmoddedboot power on your phone then connect the phone to PC then type `adb devices`, there would be a information that will pop up to your phone just click grant/accept then type `adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key` then `adb reboot` Your phone would be booted without a passcode/pattern/pin

P.S. if anyone try removing there frp you can use the method 2 but you need to download some software to remove frp using adb and fastboot
> 1 votes

# Answer
There are a couple of ways to do so...

1. First, if your phone has a Google account logged in go to Android Device Manager's Website and Login with your Google Account...You'll find an option to change the device's lock code along with several other options....IF this fails...as sometimes Google denies you the privilege to change the passcode in case your Google account shower suspicious activity by saying that the phone is already protected ....go to method 2
2. IF YOU HAD A SAMSUNG account logged in on the phone go to Find my Device and Log into the account which was on the phone...this will Surely work and get you an Option to Change your phone's Password/Pattern
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, password
---


# Question
Title: How to prevent unwanted DBG_FMMDM spam from filling up your logcat buffers
I asked this question on Stack Overflow but was advised to ask it here.

I am attempting to debug an error using logcat in Android Studio on my testing device, a Galaxy s9 plus running Pie. Suddenly I have a really weird and annoying logcat output making it hard to view events:

```
2019-03-01 10:49:15.024 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:55][a] xdmGetAccountRegistration : true
2019-03-01 10:49:15.024 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:47][onDestroy] XDM ALERT REAMINED, SO RESTART DM SERVICE
2019-03-01 10:49:15.024 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:2][a] FMM Application Start !
2019-03-01 10:49:15.028 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:5][onCreate] XDM Service onCreate
2019-03-01 10:49:15.029 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:20][onCreate] Device ID is null!!, service not start !
2019-03-01 10:49:15.030 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:3][onStartCommand]
2019-03-01 10:49:15.030 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:2][onDestroy] onDestroy
2019-03-01 10:49:15.037 17645-17645/? I/DBG_FMMDM: [6.9.22][Line:30][a] Samsung Account Exist !!!
2019-03-01 10:49:15.038 17645-17645/? E/DBG_FMMDM: Warning!!! [6.9.22][Line:15][a] java.lang.NullPointerException: Attempt to read from field 'com.fmm.dm.b.a.x com.fmm.dm.b.a.ac.g' on a null object reference

```

This output runs over and over, to the point that my logcat is completely populated and there is no way to scroll up to see past outputs.

I'm sure it is some OS daemon, but I have never seen one that runs so frequently.

I have no idea what `I/DBG_FMMDM` is and why it is attempting to read from `com.fmm.dm.b.a.x` (whatever that is).

Has anyone seen this type of output before?

My testing device is a Galaxy s9 plus running Pie

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes, I have seen this before. It is a security feature and it is coming from Samsungs Find My Mobile {FMM}(com.samsung.android.fmm). Samsungs version of Google's Find My Device.

It is located at:

Settings --\> Lock screen (maybe Biometrics) and security --\> Find My Mobile.

If the service is not wanted it can be deactivated.

`I/DBG_FMMDM` is short for Debug _ Find My Mobile Device Manager.

A breakdown of what log you posted states:

The FMM app is started but when it tries to get your Device ID it cannot find the IMEI for GSM and the MEID or ESN for CDMA phones so its returning null. However, when it checks to see if a Samsung account is connected to the device it returns positive.

---
Tags: usb-debugging, 9.0-pie, logging, spam
---


title: Retrieving app messages

text:
# Question
Title: Retrieving app messages
Is there a way to (offline) retrieve app messages (messages that appear with on the top right on the home screen with a small icon of the app)

Without opening the app itself? (or when the app doesn't store these messages)

Or is there an app that I can install that can remember these messages?

I am using a Dtek 50 android 6.0

# Answer
Notification History records notifications, toasts, Dialog message and many more.

You can configure it store these either for 30 days or 300 Notifications and view off line

From app description:

<sup>(click image for larger variant)</sup>
> 2 votes

# Answer
Use Nova Launcher, then once installed, add a "widget" to your Nova Launcher home screen for the "Notification Log". Proof this is possible on Android 8 Oreo:

1. Install Nova Launcher and run it
2. Long press on your Nova Launcher home screen
3. Press and hold to add an **ACTIVITIES** widget (should be near the top)
4. From there choose a Settings widget
5. Choose Notification Log
6. Select your new Notification Log to access the Android Notification Log.

I don't know why Google hid the notification log widget and judging from the huge number of apps in the Play store that offer to record notifications for you, it really is a sought after feature. Thanks to Nova Launcher for making such a great app!

Originally seen in a comment from Javier P on this page. May the gods bless his life.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, home-screen
---


# Question
Title: Orange state: can't boot into fastboot after bootloader unlock (REALME 1)
Can anyone help me with this? I unlocked my bootloader successfully. But after that, when I am trying to get into fastboot mode, I am not able to do so. Whenever I run `adb reboot fastboot`, phone restarts and on the restart logo screen, I get a message saying:

```
Orange state- this device can't be trusted as it is unlocked. Reboot in 5 sec

```

And then, the device gets booted to normal mode. I even tried to rerun the in-depth app to get into fastboot mode, but that also not redirecting to fastboot mode. App says: `You can only apply to exit in depth test after carrying out bootloader lock operation in fastboot mode`

Now, the problem is if I can't go to fastboot, I can't flash anything and I can't relock my bootloader. Any help would be appreciated.

P.S I already enagle usb debugging after unlocking the bootloader and I could see the device in adb devices command.

Following this to unlock bootloader

# Answer
> 1 votes
`adb reboot fastboot` is not a command. You just rebooted into the system not the bootloader.

The adb command to get into the bootloader is:

`adb reboot bootloader`

or

`adb reboot-bootloader`

# Answer
> 0 votes
Have you tried enabling OEM unlocking on developer options? If you disabled it after unlocking bootloader then flashing is not possible on other phones it locks the phone at splash logo and required to flash the whole phone using a flash tool or maybe you disabled OEM unlocking after unlocking bootloader, Is your device factory reset after unlocking bootloader, or you miss a step in unlocking your bootloader I recommend unlocking bootloader using fastboot

---
Tags: fastboot, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: SwiftKey: Keyboard completely gone after update!
**To all SwiftKey users who stumble accross this post: Do not update your SwirftKey app at the moment!**

Hello everyone

Today I updated several apps on my Android 9 Huawei Mate 20 Pro (non-rooted), among them also the **SwiftKey application. After this update my keyboard was gone, completely.** Unfortunately I had the great idea that this could be solved by restarting my phone. But after the restart, when asked for the password (the entering of the pin worked fine; there was a numpad) there was and is no keyboard to enter anyting. i.e. the password.

*This issue renders my whole device useless*. In addition I have no clue on how to solve this and even if I did, I wouldn't be able to access my phone in any way (I think? Because even a connection to a computer would be denied without allowing USB debugging... Am I right?) - e.g. update SwiftKey again. SwiftKey is the stock keyboard of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro...

I wrote something very similar on the SwiftKey "Support" Page (here) - which is a community-help-itself-site, i think. (It's incredible that there is absolutly no possibility to contact SwiftKey directly, or am I mistaken?) But I thought the kind people here might be (way) more competent, especially if will I have to access my phone through a USB connection without the possibility to enter my password...

Any help is greatly appreciated. :) Many thanks.

---

**Solution:**

Use OTG adapter with an external keyboard. For details see accepted answer and this Reddit thread.

# Answer
> 0 votes
There must be some other issue that caused your SwiftKey app keyboard to be disabled or uninstalled. I just updated mine (deliberately) to version 7.2.4.22 to test this and the app is working fine. I also restarted the phone and it still works.

Here are some solutions I can think of:

* If you had an another keyboard installed, such as Google Keyboard (usually comes with most Android devices that ship Google apps), and provided you didn't disable the keyboard under Available Keyboard settings, you should be able to boot into safe mode and use the device. The stock keyboard app would kick-in automatically. Search internet for safe booting in your device.
* Alternatively, since your device supports OTG host you should be able to use an OTG cable with any standard wired keyboard to enter your password/PIN. For a pattern, use a wired mouse.

---
Tags: keyboard, huawei, password, 9.0-pie, swiftkey
---


# Question
Title: Will skipping Play Store updates cause problems?
I have found that auto-updating apps from the Play Store sometimes causes me an inconenience: A newer versions of an app sometimes doesn't have the features I liked in the older version. Thus, I selectively update my apps

I'm wondering what happens in this scenario: Let's say I download an app today, call it version 1.0, that I do not auto-update. An update to 1.1 is released some time later, then a release to 1.2, then 1.3 etc. So let's say I decide to update when 1.3 comes out. Does updating then cumulatively capture changes from 1.2 and 1.1 as as well? Or have I missed functionality in 1.1 or 1.2?

Put another way, I would assume an update at that time would make that app identical to what is available on the Play Store that day. Is that correct?

# Answer
> 0 votes
This is not about Android apps per se, but about softwares in general. Whether you make incremental update (say 1.3 to 1.4) or full update by skipping some versions (say 1.1 to 1.4), you finally end up with same version which would offer same functionality. The difference is that the changelog which shows the changes that took place in the most recent version is written in comparison to last revision. Thus, when skipping updates you would want to read all the changelogs available in between to get a full idea of what new features or lack of feature are available to you after the update.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Android applications are used to perform a task or a group of tasks. App updates are additional features that are added to the current version of that app. An application has several states while running on mobile such as start, stop, resume, terminate etc.

Play Store is one of the secured source for downloading and installing android applications. A developer in play store will release two types of app(not for every apps).

1. Stable : This version runs stable on most devices and may not have any app close or similar issues.
2. Beta : Releases updates under development stages and not upto stable. User need to join beta program from play store.

So, if you have installed an app from play store, then you can run that app without updating for long time, because that is stable. The only thing you've missing will be updated features. For example, Google phone app(say version 23). It had added new design few months ago, but if you're running version 22, you can use as long as you can. And you'll only miss new design, dark theme like that. And, if you're installing version 29, after skipping 23,24,.. , you'll get features of that versions, after updating to version 29. It's because android apps are developed incremental basis( as Firelord mentioned below).

Also, there are some apps which requires strict updates. Example, WhatsApp. WhatsApp will check the current version of app and prohibits app usage until app update. This occurs because WhatsApp may stop support specific version after few months(may be yearly, you're redirected to play store while opening WhatsApp).

System apps may get auto updated during OTA/ security updates released by manufacturer.

If you're installing an app from play store today, you're installing today's latest stable version.

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates, application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: How to share clipboard between Android devices, preferably without need for internet connection
Is there a way to share the contents of the clipboard between Android device similar to how it is done with Windows?

Basically I am looking for a similar method as asked here: How do I copy text from my PC to my phone?, but I want to to this with my smartphone (running Android 7.0) and tablet (running Android 4.3).

From the post above (and many others already posted on Android Stackexchange) there are many tools to do that with Android/Windows devices and I use Clipsync for that, nevertheless I was unsuccessful when I tried to setup with Android/Android devices.

**Things I have tried**

* I recently tried to do that with Join but its is not working and I can't login to access the features (also it needs internet).
* Also I tried to use Roamit which looking promising but it is not supportes on Android 4.3 devices.
* I tried to setup Autoremote with Tasker as described here but I am stuck in setting up the task.
* I was hoping to also use to QR code method but couldn't find a working one

I am looking for a method that uses **bluetooth/local access** to share clipboard contents **between android devices**with no creation of additional files such as `.html` files.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Thanks to Izzy's trove of curated apps Paste Easy (that can be downloaded from Aptoide) was suggested. Reason being that this app caters to early versions of KitKat which is OP's requirement. I didn't try the app but OP has confirmed that it meets the bill.

For alternatives, see Multi Device Clipboard on Izzy's list.

---
Tags: sync, copy-paste
---


title: How to turn off auto rotation in aide

text:
# Question
Title: How to turn off auto rotation in aide
I am not able to turn off auto-rotation in aide app, i tried many times but i could not found any solution. i also tried to find the option for rotation in aide setting but there was no option given as the same. please help. thank you.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Some apps enforce auto rotation. There is nothing you can do about that.

Make sure your device has it shut off. Should be a quick tile (slide down twice from top of screen) that had a phone symbol. Make sure there are no circular lines around it, and it is not brightened/bolded

---
Tags: applications, 8.1-oreo
---


# Question
Title: Google Play Music keeps putting non-music audio files into my music library
So now all of my audiobooks and ring tones are in there with my songs and there's no way to seperate them even though I keep my music, audiobook and ringtones in separately files on my SD card.

# Answer
Move all of these non song files to a specific folder on your SD card, and create an empty file in that folder called ".nomedia". This tells Android not to scan for media there
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung, music, google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: How to permanently erase the deleted files from Nexus 6p?
I had deleted several files like from my Nexus 6P, I want to permanently erase all deleted files, how to do it? where are the deleted files stored?

# Answer
> 2 votes
They are not 'stored' anywhere. The system marks them to be overwritten, so whenever that disk space is needed, it will write to it. There is no specific location,nor a way to trigger the overwrite. It'll happen as your device is used

Short of professional recovery tools, there is no way to get these files back especially as Android by default encrypted your phone

If you are really concerned, there are PC apps that can military grade format your phone

---
Tags: security, nexus
---


# Question
Title: FRP and OEM locks bricked my Samsung phone after root
I recently flashed my SM-J701F (Samsung Galaxy J7 Nxt, Android 8.1) with TWRP and Magisk.

Both OEM and RFP locks somehow turned themselves on when I tried to reboot, effectively bricking it by leaving me unable to either boot into any mode or flashing anything using Odin. (Odin always returns FAIL)

It's now asking me to use Smart Switch's emergency recovery feature, but that software refuses to recognize my device too.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Base on my research you can fix the OEM lock by flashing Samsung stock signed firmware using Odin or Samsung tool pro. To remove the frp you need to create a modded boot where the USB debugging is on. You can make one in assayyed kitchen you just need your stock boot, you can get stock boot at the firmware files, let's assume you flash the modded boot. You will boot to your phone but the frp locks is still there what you need to do is connect your phone to your PC then open Samsung tool pro find your phone model there then remove frp using adb.

P.S. Factory data reset your phone after flashing modded boot (optional)

# Answer
> 0 votes
At this point, you will either have to talk to a professional or buy a new device.

This is called "bricking" a device: it's now useless, except as a pretty weight. Your phone is soft bricked: possible to recover, but not guaranteed.

There are no conventional methods left to you. Factory reset through recovery isn't an option, fastboot isn't an option, and neither are most standard tools. And you said Odin is not working

Both of my options will cost money, but a professional phone repair person will have access to better tools than you. On that note, it could be costly and even they may not be able to help you. Availability of these services depends on where you are, and your budget

---
Tags: samsung, unbricking, locked-out, bootloader-lock, frp
---


# Question
Title: What is wrong with my Galaxy Tab A model SM-T380A
Galaxy Tab A Model SM-T380 will not shut off and has info on screen such as Odin Mode ( HighSpeed) Current binary, system status, FAP LOCK, OEM LOCK, WARRANTY VOID: 0x0, QUALCOMM SECUREBOOT, AP SWREV:S1,T1,R1,A2,P1, SECURE DOWNLOAD

# Answer
If you dont know that, Its the download mode of Samsung phones. To get out of there just hold `power button` \+ `home button` \+ `volume down` if it doesn't work try holding all the buttons or `volume up` \+ `power button` \+ `home button` together.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: How can I disable album art on my lock screen?
I'm not a big fan of my lock screen getting hijacked by whatever music app is currently playing. Is there a setting, app, or work around that can disable album art from being displayed on my lock screen? Preferably without rooting.

I'm using a Moto X Pure Edition running Nougat. I would prefer solutions that work for Google Play Music.

Related

# Answer
> 0 votes
Google Play Music, since version 8.7, has a setting to enable/disable album arts on the lock screen.

1. Open Google Play Music, then open Settings.
2. In the Play back section, disable "Show album art on lock screen".

The album art will now be shown next to the music buttons instead of taking over the whole screen when it is locked.

Note: Tested on versions 8.8 and 8.18.

Source: Google Play Music v8.7 adds option to disable album art on the lock screen

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, music-player, google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: Upgrade Android to a new major version in Virtual Box
Is it possible to upgrade an Android OS in Virtual Box to the next major version?

I've installed Android v7.1, but want to upgrade to v9.

I've been unable to find an ISO for v9, so I wonder if there is an internal upgrade process I can use.

# Answer
You don't find an Android x86 9.0 image because now (2019-03-03) they are still working to get the Android 8.1 release finished.

As far as I know the Android x86 project does not provide the possibility to upgrade an existing installation. The recommended way to get a new version whilst keeping the existing app data is to use two partitions, one system partition and one data partition.

Therefore an "upgrade" can be done by creating a new virtual machine, with an empty system partition and the existing data partition for the old installation:

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/android-x86/5XrE2lo7uac
> 2 votes

---
Tags: android-x86, virtualbox, virtualization
---


# Question
Title: Can I safely charge a SGS9 device with a 5.2V MacBook Pro 2018 USB-C charger?
Can I use 87W USB-C Power Adapter for MacBook Pro to safely charge a Samsung Galaxy S9 device? I'm curious as on the charger it says the output is **5.2V**, while the phone seems to require 5V.

The specs of the Mac's charger can be seen on this image:

# Answer
According to Wikipedia the USB specification is:

> USB supplies power at 5 V ± 5% to power USB downstream devices. (source)

5% of 5V are 0.25V

Therefore any USB device have to be able to work correctly as long as the "received" power via USB is within the range of **4.75V to 5.25V**.

The Apple USB power supply with 5.2 Volt is within this range.
> 0 votes

# Answer
**Yes, you safely can charge**

* The Mac Charger follows USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as you can see in the picture you pasted.
* USB PD is a different standard from USB Type C, in that it supports *broader charging specs* which was initially based on *profiles* and later evolved to *Power Rules*. These are well explained in What are USB PD Power Rules?. Quoting relevant extract :

> The new rules also introduce a “**superset**” guarantee. Larger wattage power sources must support all voltage levels below their maximum up to 3A. As the spec says, “Bigger is always better in user’s eyes – don’t want a degradation in performance. Higher power Sources do everything smaller ones do”
>
> As a result, the consumer only needs to know that their device ships with a x watt power supply, and know that any power supply that is **rated at \> x watts will be at least as good as the one that shipped with the device**.

(Emphasis supplied)

* Also see the questions at the bottom of the 87W charger you linked. It talks of an iPhone charging (*Can the 87W USB-C power adapter be used with the NEW iPhone Xs Max? and will it damage the Xs Max?*) which supports this (while mechanics of iPhone charging are different, the standard is the same)

Related from SE.Ask Different which confirms what I said Is the Macbook 12 inch's USB-C charger interchangeable with other USB-C chargers or devices? \- this is in the context of USB Type C charging and the same logic holds and more strongly for USB PD.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: charging, samsung-galaxy-s-9, usb-c
---


# Question
Title: If an app requires no permission, can I be completely sure that it is safe to install?
I have an app that requires no permissions whatsoever. Please note that this app does not come from an official source.

Given that the app requires no permissions:

1. Can I be completely sure that it is safe to install?
2. Are there still ways in which this app might be harmful or malicious to my device, even though it does not have any permissions?

# Answer
> 10 votes
In an ideal world, an Android app that has no permissions would mean that the app can not seriously harm your device.

Unluckily we are not living in an ideal world, especially on Android where the device manufacturer often does not provide the newest security updates to each and every device.

Therefore running a malicious app without any permission on an Android device can end up in a permanent device infection if the device is vulnerable to an exploit that allows the app to get root permissions. Those exploits can work independently if your device is rooted or not, then work even on stock rom devices.

Therefore the risk executing an app without any permission depends on large parts if your device has the very latest security update (see patch level date in Settings -\> System -\> About -\> Security patch level).

**If your device has the most recent patch level and the app is not brand new the risk is low that the app is able to harm your device. However if your device has a security patch level months or even years ago even an app without permissions may cause serious harm to your device.**

# What is possible on different Android versions

There is an old article (2012) on AndroidPolicy: Security scare of the week: What can an app with no permissions do? which lists a few facts about what apps can do without any permissions. Lets try to check some of the facts and check them regarding modern Android devices:

## Read data on your SD card

By default on devices prior to Android 4.4 apps had by default read access to the sd-card section:

> This permission is enforced starting in API level 19 (Android 4.4). Before API level 19, this permission is not enforced and all apps still have access to read from external storage. You can test your app with the permission enforced by enabling Protect USB storage under Developer options in the Settings app on a device running Android 4.1 or higher. \[source\]

But even on newer versions there is still the possibility to get sd-card access "for free" in case the app defines that it was developed for some very old Android version. In such a case Android implicitly grants the sd-card read permission (untested: is this still true for e.g. an Android 10 device?)

> Note: If both your minSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion values are set to 3 (Android 1.5) or lower, the system implicitly grants your app this permission.

To avoid misuse of those "implicit permissions" Google enforces a certain `targetSdkVersion` when uploading an app to Google PlayStore \[source\]. Hence if you have an app from Google PlayStore that has been published in 2018 or later (latest update) those implicit permissions on the sd-card are impossible.

## Read installed apps via `/data/system/packages.list`

-\> TBD

## Miscellaneous data from `/proc`

Android ID, kernel version, and ROM version

-\> TBD

---
Tags: security, permissions
---


# Question
Title: Creating copy of phone (apps, settings etc.)
I have two rooted Huawei P9 Plus phones running Android 7. Now I would like to copy the apps, the settings of the apps, the system settings etc. from one phone to the other phone so that both phones are exactly the same.

How can this be easily done? I have root, so I could also use an app requiring root.

# Answer
It can be done using many ways,

* if you use the same Google account on both devices then just a simple cloud restore from the initial setup screen would setup everything just the same. (when I was switching roms frequently which are all based upon lineage, or same feature sets, I noticed even personal settings appeared to be restored along with all apps, messages and other data) So I think It'd be the easiest.
* Mentioning root You could also use apps like titanium backup etc (btw I faced lot of after restore stuff like setting up permissions for each app and its just for the apps) also do note that new apps for doing the same are also available.
* Assuming you are rooted on both of your devices with a working twrp recovery(as with most cases) and every config of both phones being the same then you can do a nandroid backup (backup from twrp menu) to your sd card transfer the backup folder to your other phone and then restore it there. ps. (tl;dr I don't recommend this to you by any means but It can work taking your case.) I haven't tried it on two phones and would have a high chance of breaking your phone if things doesn't match well (nandroid backups can break even on cases where the new roms doesn't match older ones)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: root-access, backup, 7.0-nougat
---


# Question
Title: Is possible to read the memory from my phone (S6) in recovery mode?
I have a problem with my Samsung S6, it restart continuously in a loop, I can see the home screen and interact with it but only for 5 or 10 seconds before it boot again.

I think the only solution is to reset the phone, but I want to backup my data first.
I can enter to recovery mode, and also download mode, is possible to make some backup from there?

I have tried connecting my phone in recovery mode and "adb devices" returns empty, I can see the device connected only in sideload mode (Apply Update from ADB)

My phone is not root

# Answer
You cannot get access to your data through stock recovery. Stock recoveries are designed to format the data and cache, and flash OTA updates. Offering shell access through recovery is a risk to user's privacy so it is naturally avoided.

That said, I had noticed in the past some low-end MTK chipset devices' stock recovery offering (could be in encryption unsupported devices only) an option to backup user data. But even that backup is stored inside phone's storage which presumes that the user can boot into Android normally and get hold of it.

In short, you need to look elsewhere to get hold of your data. Stock recovery is no good here.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: adb, backup, recovery-mode, data-recovery
---


title: Skype message to open local video file

text:
# Question
Title: Skype message to open local video file
I'm using Skype on Android 7. I have stored a video locally on the phone on the location /storage/emulated/0/myvideo.mp4.

How can I send a skype message (from another device) so that on the above mentioned device the video is opened? That means I would like to send a message containing a hyperlink to /storage/emulated/0/myvideo.mp4 and when clicked on it the video should open.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Links to local files on your phone only work on your device, not on other devices. If you want to share your video you have to send it via Skype (if it is less than one minute) or upload it somewhere and then send the online link via Skype chat.

Only if the both phones are next to each other an app that uses local sharing can be used, but that does not work with Skype.

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, skype
---


# Question
Title: Where does Android get these email addresses from?
In an app called Wirex an email autofill appeared. This is very confusing to me. The list contains very old emails, emails I had already forgotten 2 years ago.

I bought this phone in 2018. Where does Android grab these email suggestion from? These are all emails I created so no random email from contact lists.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found where they came from. I traced those emails to my google account. Basically they were stored as login information (chrome autofill)

---
Tags: email, auto-fill
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to install an app and exclude some of its requested permissions?
Occasionally I want to install an application which requires certain permissions that I feel it really shouldn't need. Can I install the app without giving it these permissions? For example, GPS location, phone state, internet connection, etc.

Is it possible to change the permissions of an application once it is installed?

# Answer
## Prior to Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)

No. Without a custom ROM it's an all-or-nothing affair. Which is part of the reason Google encourages developers to ensure that they're asking for the absolute minimum permissions required for the app to work.

Short of getting the app code and modifying it, you either need to accept the access request or not use the app. Some alternatives exist if your device is rooted.

## Android 4.3/4.4 (partly also 5.x)

There's a semi-hidden permissions manager (App Ops) that can be reached through a third-party app, but doesn't require root or a custom ROM. Android Police has covered it here.

Note, however, that Google has said that this was released in error, and newer versions of Android have once again disabled this.

## Android 4.4+

Additionally to above mentioned *App Ops*, here you can also use the Xposed Framework (for Android 5+ see here) with modules like Xprivacy or Protect My Privacy. While this will require your device to be rooted, it offers additional functionality.

## Android 6+

*marcioggs* outlined functionalities provided in Android M in a separate answer.
> 30 votes

# Answer
CyanogenMod 7 supports this. It activated by going to `Settings->CyanogenMod Settings->Applications` and checking "Permission management" as of the most recent build. You can then allow and disallow permissions by choosing an app from the app management list (`Settings->Applications->Manage applications`). There is an article on endgaget with a Youtube demonstration.

**Disclaimer:** This may be obvious to some, but denying permissions to an app could have fairly crash-tastic consequences. Nonetheless, if you have a device that is supported by CM and you are willing to root and install it, you can enjoy permission-by-permission control (and any hazards that come with it).

In fact, due to the crashes that the permission management implementation tended to cause, it was removed from the CyanogenMod codebase in version 9. However, the most recent nightly builds of CyanogenMod 10.1 now include a feature that has been dubbed "Privacy Guard". Instead of *blocking* apps from accessing data that they request, Privacy Guard will provide them with *blank* data.

As an example, if an app running under Privacy Guard requests your contacts list, CM will simply return an empty list, causing the app to functionally believe that you don't have any contacts stored on your phone.
> 17 votes

# Answer
There is an App Shield application. It essentially repackages .apk with permissions removed from manifest. Brilliant idea for stock, non rooted phones. Subject to crashes (force closes), though, as with CyanogenMod (as of version 7).

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**Update:** *App Shield* seems no longer to be maintained. It currently can be found in some "personal Aptoide repositories", e.g. at Mixal and Karbyfio. It is recommended to rather use something more up-to-date now.
> 8 votes

# Answer
**NOTE:** *LBE Privacy Guard* is no longer maintained and only available for Android versions below 4.2.

**Warning:** if you are on Jelly Bean (Android 4.1+), be sure to check whether LBE has been updated for Jelley Bean yet. At the moment (July 27 2012) it is still incompatible, and it will cause your device to **boot loop on Jelly Bean.** That means you may have to factory-reset your device. **Xprivacy** is now recommended instead (root required).

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LBE Privacy Guard can block specific permissions per application, both during installation and afterwards. This is the English version of an apparently Chinese application that has existed for a while (I am not in any way affiliated to them); it already has over 100,000 downloads. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to do so tomorrow.

You can also set it to, say, have Facebook display a prompt (yes/no) when it wants to access your location, etc. A screenshot from the Play Store:
> 7 votes

# Answer
The following functionalities will be provided in Android M:

* Give specific permissions as needed during rutime;
* Show an app's permission;
* Show all apps that uses a specific permission.

**Documentation for M preview:**

https://developer.android.com/preview/features/runtime-permissions.html

**Permissions screen:**

<sub>(Click image to enlarge)</sub>
> 6 votes

# Answer
You can use the Xposed Framework along with the App Settings Module to deny application permissions. You can also use it to change DPI settings allowing apps to run in tablet mode on phones and vice versa (along with changing the size of things in general). It works beautifully for me. You will need root to install it, though.

Thanks to Izzy for pointing out the need for a module. As per their comment you can also use Xprivacy or Protect My Privacy to achieve this control.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I stumbled upon this app called Permission Remover that allows you to remove permissions from the APK package before installing it. Worked for both installed and downloaded APKs. This method is convenient as it does not require you to root your device.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Fine-grained app permissions are not present in stock builds of Android up to version 5.1.1. Google has introduced a new permissions model starting with 6.0 that includes some control based on permission groups. However, if you've gained root access on a device running version 5.1.1 or below, there are options for adding this feature to your device.

1. Xposed Framework

Head over to xda-developers.com and search for "xposed framework" to get info on how to install the framework. After installing the framework, install either the XPrivacy or the App Settings modules to get more control over each app and their granted permissions.

2. Install a Cyanogenmod-based ROM

Go to Cyanogenmod Downloads and see if your device is listed. If it isn't, head back to xda-developers.com and go to your devices forum page to find a list of ROMs for your device. Look for anything referring to "cyanogenmod" or "cm" in the original post of a ROM thread to find the right base to give permission control access.

Hope this helps.
> 0 votes

# Answer
A good app (which is not in in playstore anymore since 2016) by root uninstaller: To withdraw an app just the right to enter internet in CyanogenMod you can use Root Firewall (needs root).

It can block internet access for any apps.

The free version can already block either all apps or just block up to 7 distinct apps.
> 0 votes

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Tags: applications, permissions, installation
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# Question
Title: Deleting unwanted contacts from my cloud
I lost my S3 Mini and all my phone numbers were backed up on Google cloud. When I activated my Moto G and downloaded all my numbers, some of the ones that showed up on my phone were numbers that were unlisted or private and names popped up in my contact list.

I deleted them from my contact list on my phone, but when it backs up and re-syncs, the numbers that I had deleted from my phone show up again. I need to delete them from my cloud, but I can't find them in my Google account, and my Gmail only shows email contacts, not from my phone.

How to delete unwanted contacts from my Google cloud?

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you want to edit your contacts via web interface, you can do this at https://contacts.google.com.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The person who picked up your phone is probably still using it. Delete all unnecessary contacts and afterward, immediately change your Google password and log out from all devices for once.

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Tags: contacts, sync, google-account
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