title: How to change the Google Play email

text:
# Question
Title: How to change the Google Play email
I recently have gone from IPhone to Android. And my Google Play store is under an old email that has deleted its self. I have a purchased app that I need for school on this account, is there a way that I can change the email on my GooglePlay account without having to make a new account?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Settings \> account \> google \> \*menu button \> Add account. Then go back to google accounts and delete the one you don't want. This will change your play store email!.

\*also, it may be slightly different on different roms. I gave you the most common method.

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


# Question
Title: 'No pictures are available on the phone' after selecting contact picture
After upgrading my Nexus 5 to vanilla Lollipop a few days ago, I'm no longer able to assign pictures to my contacts. I can tap "Choose photo" and select a picture, but when I confirm I get the error "No pictures are available on the phone". How can this happen? It doesn't make any sense. I already tried wiping cache from recovery because some people say that it can fix some upgrade problems, but that didn't solve anything for me.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You need to have a gallery app installed like the default "Gallery" or "QuickPic" app.

I had the same issue since "Gallery" doesn't come with Android 5.0 Lollipop, only "Photos" (which I disabled since I don't use Google+)

---
Tags: nexus-5, 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Clock off by 4 min even if "use network value" is on (probably due to an app)
Few days ago i noticed that the clock on my phone was 4 min earlier than "real" time. I thus moved to "parameters \> date & time" to check that automatic was "on" and indeed it was "on". I then unchecked/rechecked the box and every get back to "real" time ... but only for a few seconds ... indeed just a few seconds later the clock suddenly shifted 4 min earlier!

I tried many things before finally discovering that if I turn off "data" connection, the clock remains at correct "real" time. So it is probably an application that for unknown reason is synchronizing to some server and then modifies the clock.

I have a HTC desire - Android 2.2.2 and I have installed no particular application that can make me suspicious to create such time shift (nor i tried to root my phone to any custom ROM).

Any idea for which application could do this or anyone else having same issue ?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Try disabling network time and set the clock manually. Network time relies on your mobile operator setting their clocks correctly, while it is usually a good bet, some misconfiguration on their side could mean that their clock is returning incorrect time. Another possibility is an issue in the database of time offsets in the device (this controls corrections for leap second, etc).

Try checking your time with http://time.is/.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Some say they have an NTP server host-name entry in their GPS config, the file seems generally to be /etc/gps.conf. You may need to be rooted to access this file, while it seems they are few chances that GPS settings offer to set-up that parameter on Froyo. TIP : You could verify that theory if that problem occurs only when both GPS and DATA (or WIFI capable of routing NTP) are activated.

---
Tags: clock
---


# Question
Title: How to shrink a notification in notification bar in Android Lollipop?
I was used to shrinking and enlarging notifications for more buttons in former android version - Kitkat. Now with Lollipop I am unsure how to execute this. I want to shrink notificaitons with buttons if I do not want to use them (i used to be able to do it).

Formerly I did it by holding notification for a sec and then pulling it down to enlarge or up to shrink. It seems like it works down to enlarge but I cannot shrink. Is there a different way to do it? Or does Android decide when to make it large or small (if yes that is a sad thing)

# Answer
> 7 votes
You can shrink a notification by pinching in horizontally on the notification. Likewise, you can expand one by pinching out horizontally. You can see this in my beautifully-drawn diagram:

EDIT: You can also swipe up/down using two fingers instead of one. Thanks to eldarerathis for this addition.

---
Tags: notifications, 5.0-lollipop
---


title: Can't do factory reset on Galaxy Tab 2

text:
# Question
Title: Can't do factory reset on Galaxy Tab 2
I can't reset my Galaxy Tab 2 to factory settings. I know that you can when turning it on but the problem is that I installed a sort of ios onto the device and have forgotten the password and it won't let me turn it off without being logged in, but I can't unlock it. Please help

# Answer
According to Verizon, if you cannot perform a factory reset from the **Settings** app, you can perform one by following these steps:

> 1. Power the device off.
>     1. Press and hold the **Power key**.
>     2. Select **Power off**.
>     3. Select **OK**. *Note: If the screen doesn't respond to input, press and hold the **Power button** for 10-15 seconds.*
> 2. Press and hold the **Volume up key** then press and hold the **Power key**. *Note: USB cable must be disconnected.*
> 3. When the Samsung logo appears, release the **Volume up key** and **Power key**.
> 4. From the Android system recovery screen, press the **Volume keys** to select wipe data / factory reset then press the **Power key**.
> 5. Press the **Volume keys** to select Yes -- delete all user data then press the **Power key**.
> 6. Press the **Volume keys** to select reboot system now then press the **Power key**.
> 7. Perform Initial Activation and Setup.

You can read more at the Verizon website (Tab 2 Troubleshooting: Hard Reset).
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can wipe your phone straight from your computer using Android Device Manager, by going to the Play Store website on your computer, clicking the settings button, and selecting Android Device Manager. Then, select your phone if it isn't automatically selected, and click wipe.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: factory-reset, samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7
---


# Question
Title: i still can't connect gt-s5360 Samsung phone to windows 7 PC
i still can't connect gt-s5360 Samsung phone to windows 7 PC but it charging i can't get "connect to pc" option and i can connect another Samsung phone to PC with same usb cable

# Answer
> 0 votes
Depending on the model of your phone, you may not be able to get the "Connect to PC" dialog. This is normal behavior.

Troubleshoot:

* Since you can connect another phone to your PC, you probably have the correct drivers (since Samsung uses a universal USB driver which you can download **here**), but I would try to install it just in case (it doesn't hurt to try).
* Try disabling **USB Debugging** under **Settings \> Developer Settings**.
* Try enabling **Settings \> Wireless and Network \> USB Settings \> Ask on connection**.

---
Tags: usb
---


title: resetting my Nexus 7

text:
# Question
Title: resetting my Nexus 7
recently, I downloaded Android 5.0 on my nexus 7. I hate it, and want to reset my tablet. If I do, will that take me back to the original factory setting (4.1), and if so, can I upgrade to 4.4 kit kat?

# Answer
> 0 votes
No resetting will not put you back on any previous versions of Android. In order to do that you will need to flash whatever version that you want.

I suggest using Wugfresh Nexus Root Toolkit for downgrading. If you decide that you want to go back to stock, unrooted, and locked bootloader you have that option as well. This toolkit will be able to unbrick your device, if needed. It has all the necessary tools to do all the steps to flash another Android version. Plus it'll do the recovery, kernel, and bootloader as well.

# Answer
> 0 votes
"Resetting" your tablet would only perform a factory reset, which only wipes */data*. In order to downgrade, the */system* directory. In order for you to downgrade Android versions, you will need to install a custom recovery and flash the stock image.

To install a custom recovery on the Nexus 7, please see the Cyanogenmod Wiki page for the Nexus 7 and follow the instructions there.

Once you have a custom recovery, you can download the 4.4.2 OTA for the Nexus 7 from your recovery.

*Note: The links provided are only for the Nexus 7, WiFi edition, codename **grouper**. Attempting to use this method on the Nexus 7 2013, codename **flo**, may result in adverse effects.*

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat
---


# Question
Title: What is the difference between these two persistent notifications?
I use two apps which require a persistent notification: (1) the Pebble Smartwatch app, and (2) Tasker. When I pull down the notification bar (see screenshot), I see both notifications. However, *only* the Tasker one shows an icon when the notification bar is hidden, and likewise only Tasker shows a slot on my lock screen.

What is the difference between how these apps are showing their persistent notification? From my understanding, if an app wants to run continuously, it MUST put a persistent notification on the notification bar. But somehow the Pebble app is not requiring an icon or displaying on my lock screen.

# Answer
These behaviors can be controlled when an app builds a notification.

> From my understanding, if an app wants to run continuously, it MUST put a persistent notification on the notification bar

You're pretty much correct until the *"notification bar"* part. Both of notifications are indeed persistent (i.e. on-going, cannot be removed manually by user). Take note that there isn't a button on notification drawer for clearing all non-persistent notifications.

The difference, however, is the notification's priority. This setting is independent of whether the notification is persistent or not. Usually, persistent notifications are set at least to default priority to *"keep users informed about an ongoing process in the background"*. However, if a notification is set to minimum priority, it won't appear on notification bar.

> Priority: `MIN`
>
> Use for contextual or background information such as weather information or contextual location information. Minimum-priority notifications do not appear in the status bar. The user discovers them on expanding the notification shade.

Another example is Google Now's notification for weather & traffic, but it isn't persistent.
> 7 votes

---
Tags: notifications, notification-bar, notification-icons
---


# Question
Title: Both Sims are not detected after update Lenovo A390 with the latest ROW firmware
I have format my Lenovo A390 and update to latest ROW firmware version A390\_ROW\_S316\_130730. Everything work fine but sim cards not detected. At down of the lock screen shows Invalid IMEI. In the status bar sim also not showing.

* Model number :- Lenovo A390\_Row
* Android version :- 4.0.4
* Baseband version :- A390\_MB\_PCB\_V1.0
* Build number :- A390\_ROW\_S316\_130730

IMEI are Unknown

Wifi also work fine. What should I do now. Please help

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have solved the problem myself. Reason of the problem was Invalid IMEI number. What I did is set the valied IMEI for Sim.

Steps to Change IMEI Number of Your Android

* Write the following in your dialler – `*#7465625# or *#*#3646633#*#*`. (`*#*#3646633#*#*` this work for me)
* Click to Call pad or connectivity options. Find out **CDS information**
* and tap on it. Check out for Radio information. If you have dual SIM, there will be two options for you, select the one which you want to go with.
* Now to change IMEI number follow AT +EGMR=1,7,”IMEI\_1”

Replace IMEI\_1 with your IMIE. For example : **AT+EGMR=1,7,”8600XXXXXXXXXXXX"**

* And click to send.

Changing IMEI number is illegal but it may help you to get your phone back. Make sure to use "YOUR" phone IMIE number (15 digit code ) written in the backside of the phone (mostly Under the battery)

EDIT

For Sim 2 need this insert “AT +EGMR=1,**10**,"IMEI\_2”

---
Tags: rom, sim-unlocking, lenovo
---


# Question
Title: How can I stop being redirected to the App Store/Google Store by dodgy ad-scripts?
There are a load of sites that do this now, and it's really annoying:

* I visit a content site on my Android device.
* 10-15 seconds after loading starts the site hangs for a few seconds.
* Google play store loads with a garbage app (usually some awful FTP or useless battery app) pre-selected.

This appears to be because a dodgy ad-script (i.e. Javascript running in the web page) is somehow able to redirect my device to open a link to an application in the store without me selecting it directly.

I consider it to be a critical security fail that Android lets this happen, but then Iphones do the exact same thing (but hang for much longer opening the app store).

This isn't me accidentally clicking on anything - the site loads, then the play-store redirect fires, every time.

Is there any way to stop this? Any option I can set in the store or browser to stop this incredibly annoying behaviour?

I'm on a Nexus 7, but I've seen this on lots of other Android devices.

# Answer
You can't stop websites redirecting you to other sites: that's just how the web works. What you can do is stop links to apps on Google Play opening in the Play Store app.

**Android 6 (Marshmallow)**:
From the **main device settings**, go to **Apps**, then find **Google Play Store** in the list, click **Open by default**, then **Open supported links**, then **Don't open in this app**.

**Older Android**:
From the **main device settings**, go to **Apps**, then find **Play Store** in the list, and click **Clear defaults**.
Next time a website redirects you to a Google Play link, you'll get a *chooser* asking you whether to open it in the browser (it'll give you a choice of browsers if you have several installed) or with the **Play Store** app. Select the web browser and click **Always**. Now links to Google Play will never open in the Play Store app.

Note that this **isn't** a security problem, whichever behaviour you choose. Web links can only open apps on the device if (1) the app specifically says it can understand/handle that kind of link; and (2) the app specifically says that it's safe to access it in that way from the web. The app does this using an *intent filter* marked with the *browsable* category.
> 14 votes

# Answer
I take it since you never mentioned it that your unrooted and using stock browser (chrome).

The solutions i can think of, disable javascript, install alternative browser for example Firefox which has an adblock addon or root your device and use something like adaway.
> 4 votes

# Answer
You don't need root to stop this dead in its tracks.

adblockplus.org

Is not on the play store. Its 100% free and works flawlessly. Has several options. Ability to block all ads or just ones like these annoying redirects xploits we talk about here.

And it's a browser security issue not an android os issue.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, security, chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: Cant stop packet data in my android phone
I am using xiaomi redmi 1s. In every 15-30 mins, my phone pings something by mobile data. Even the mobile mobile data is off and I am using wifi.This leds to plenty of usage display messages by the operator. Sometimes i need to reinstall the battery to refresh and avoid these messages.(phone gets stuck by the messages).Currently am using mokee MK4.4 armani release, but the same problem comes with stock MI rom also.

# Answer
I was having the same problem, had mobile data off and still it kept on charging 4 paisa now and then. Eventually I seem to have resolved the issue by checking "restrict background data" in advanced settings of mobile data.

**EDIT**

I figured out that in my case the location was enabled which was accessing mobile data. To see what is causing your data to leak, you can install mobiwol from play store and it would display the applications which are accessing mobile data and wifi.
> 0 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: How to remove Polaris Office on HTC phones?
I have Polaris Office installed on my HTC Sense 6, but I cannot delete or find it on my installed apps, Play Store, and even Device Administrators. Though, I can run the app and use it.

How am I going to delete it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
From HTC Rezound (Verizon Wireless)'s FAQ (I know it's a different device, but it's same for most HTC phones),

> # What is Polaris Office?
>
> Polaris Office comes **pre-loaded on the phone** and can be used to open and view office documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) received in email as attachments or stored on the SD Card. \[...\]

<sub>(Emphasis mine)</sub>

In other words, it's a bloatware. You need to have root access to uninstall bloatware.

If not, you can still disable it. Since it's not installed as a normal application, it won't be listed as your installed apps. Instead, you have to select "All" tab to list all apps, including bloatware. Then you can find and disable the app from there.

Alternatively, long-press the app from the app drawer (not home screen). There should be "App Info" on the top of the screen. Drag to there and release, and it should open the app info where you can disable it.

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you can run the app and use it this means there is a widget where you can use to enter.

Long press that widget(app icon) from home screen, since long pressing from app drawer just adds it to home screen, choose app info, this will redirect you to the app in the application manager where you will have options to uninstall or clear data...

---
Tags: uninstallation, htc-sense, polaris-office
---


title: Charging issues for Samsung Galaxy S2

text:
# Question
Title: Charging issues for Samsung Galaxy S2
Just wanted to see if anyone knows what is going on with my Samsung Galaxy S2.

The problem is that when I fully charge the phone normally at night I have sometimes turned the phone off after it is charged but then in the morning it is close to completely drained.

Does anyone know what is going on with it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I am using Samsung galaxy S2 and was facing the same issue. And, If you are using Internet package to your phone and not logged off from any of the social network apps and also gtalk, facebook, gmail, e-mail etc the battery will be low even after you have completely charged your phone. And, of course if your phone is almost 3 year old you will face such problems.

I would suggest you to kindly disable the data network mode when not in use and this will increase the battery life.... :-)

I know this is not the permanent solution, but you can avoid your phone turned off when not in use.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, battery, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Will upgrading a Nexus 4 to Android 5.0 require a "reset"
My Nexus 4 has been bugging me that a new Android is available, since a few weeks. However, I read somewhere that upgrading would make me lose my data and have to re-install everything. Is that really the case ? (I find it strange that it would be so insistent, if it were true that this causes loss of data/setup).

# Answer
> 5 votes
There are two ways you can upgrade your device to a latest version of OS:

1. OTA (Over The Air): This type of upgrade will automatically take care of all the steps required to update your system. The once which you are bugged with is OTA update. One needn't erase data while upgrading using an OTA.
2. Flashing your device: Usually Google releases device specific factory images on its developer website along with the OTAs. But for this, you will need to erase all the data on your phone and install the factory image.

In your case, you have received the OTA and it's ready to install, and hence shouldn't be worried of losing your data, neither you will be asked to re-install. However, it's always better to have your data, app data, etc. backed up for the worst case scenario.

---
Tags: nexus-4, 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: Messaging app (stock) not using full phone number to send text/sms
I am using Android 4.2 Jelly Bean stock Messaging App and the get "message not sent" error whenever I use my contact to send the message. I noticed that the Messaging App might not be using the full 10 digit number to send the text/sms. If I manually enter the full number, e.g., 155551234567 then the message is sent successfully. But if I use the contact then it only shows in the top display that 123-4567 number and then it will fail to send any text/sms.

I am wondering if that is problem and if so how can I set the Messaging App to use the full phone number? I did not find any setting for this anywhere so far.

Thank you for any help.

# Answer
I presume you're talking about US numbers? If you haven't tried including a `+` at the start of numbers saved in your contacts that could be worth doing. `+1 555 123 4567` is the international format and may help other apps know where to send your message/call.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sms, 4.2-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy S3 Wifi no internet on Comcast/xfinity router
Brand new stock Samsung Galaxy S3 will connect to Comcast-provided wireless router (Arris brand), but cannot get out of local network - I can ping other devices on the network, and I can even browse the admin page of the router, but cannot get on the internet. Other devices work fine. I've tried turning off security. I don't seem to have the disconnect problems others have reported - the connection is consistent. Oddly, I don't see the S3 listed in the "connected devices".

If I run ifconfig wlan0, it shows the IP address, netmask but no gateway. I can set a static IP, but I still am unable to get internet.

I can connect to other wireless networks without problems.

Any ideas?

Yes, other devices can connect - couple of laptops, kindle, wife's phone, my old phone (both androids) and ipad..

# Answer
Here's what I wound up doing - I reset the router to defaults, and I was able to get conected - I gradually restored everything back to the way I had it (ssid, security etc), and never lost connectivity, so I'm not sure what, if anything is different.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I had the same problem with various newer Samsung mobile devices. I restarted my device, went to settings after booting back up, turned off my wireless on the device, then turned it back on. Was able to connect after keying in the security password.

Don't know if this helps. I monkeyed around with this for about an hour. before I got it to work.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, samsung-galaxy-s-3, internet, gateway
---


title: Low call volume on Nexus 5 Lollipop

text:
# Question
Title: Low call volume on Nexus 5 Lollipop
After upgrading my Nexus 5 to Android Lollipop, the volume in call is extremely low. I've compared it to my girlfriend's exact same Nexus and she hasn't got any problems. Is there a solution to this? I searched everywhere and couldn't find a solution.

The volume was perfectly fine before the update.

# Answer
Backup your data and reset the phone.

I had the exact same problem, the way I fixed it is by doing a factory reset. To nail down the problem, I booted up the phone into safe mode (Long press the 'Power Off' on your power menu). There, it was better, so I decided to wipe my phone and recover my data afterwards using TWRP. Also, you should note that 5.0.1 sort of improved the speakers - both of them, the earpiece and the actual speaker.
> -1 votes

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Tags: nexus-5, 5.0-lollipop, volume
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S2 recites any actions that I do. How to turn it off?
My phone won't stop talking. It won't let me scroll or see other settings, I've tried to go back the way I did and turn it off, but I can't scroll down or up. I have to double click on applications to open them everything I touch. It speaks to me what I touched. How can I reset that?

# Answer
> 1 votes
There is a big chance you turned on TalkBack accessibility option by accident. You may want to turn off to fix this "issue".

> *Enable or disable accessibility services.*
>
> 1. From the Home screen, touch **Applications** \> **Settings** \> **Accessibility** .
> 2. Touch **Accessibility** to toggle a checkmark.
> 3. Touch **TalkBack** to toggle a checkmark. When enabled, recites menu options, application titles, contacts, and other items when scrolling and making selections.
>
> If an Attention prompt appears, touch **OK** to continue or **Cancel** to exit.

<sub>(copied with slight modification)</sub>

To scroll when TalkBack is active, use 2 fingers when scrolling. From Google Support

> Tip: To scroll across screens, use two fingers along the screen.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, accessibility, talk-back
---


title: How to root a LG-E405?

text:
# Question
Title: How to root a LG-E405?
I wanted to do this because it's a small phone so moving to the sdcard is a good option to me so... anyone can help me?

I am a linux (OpenSuse) user so if there a solution using the terminal or something it's great!

```
about the phone:
phone - LG-E404.
Android - 2.3.6
Kernel - 2.6.38.6-perf+
compilation - GRK39F
Software Version - V10f-SEP-14-1012

```

# Answer
Ok saddly I have to use a Windows machione to acomplish that. But that was pretty easy after all.

1. Search for the drivers of your smartphone.I find mine in here: http://www.mylgphones.com/lg-android-usb-device-drivers
2. Install a rooter software, searching I found this http://www.kingoapp.com/android-root.htm
3. Set you phone in debug mode.
4. Finally install the drivers, the use the software and there you go My phone is rooted...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, lg
---


# Question
Title: Where are the drivers for Windows computers located on an Android phone?
Im talking about the drivers that install when you plug your phone into a Windows computer.

# Answer
They're not stored anywhere on your phone. Windows finds and downloads them from Windows Update when you plug your device in. If an appropriate driver has already been downloaded and installed previously (or shipped with the Windows installation), it will use that and skip the download step.

Without Internet, and in the absence of an appropriate driver already being present on disk somewhere, the driver installation will end up failing.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: usb-drivers
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to put a password to avoid someone from hard resetting my phone?
I have a Moto G, and I am very careful in protecting my data. I currently use CM Security App from the Google Play Store and it's very helpful in taking a photo to a person who tried unlocking my phone twice without success. Also I have locked my settings to avoid people from turning off my internet and GPS; in that way I will still able to track my phone via GPS. My phone is also locked to avoid people from uninstalling apps without my password. Additional, I had also disable USB debugging to stop someone from wiping my phone directly from a computer, but all this efforts will come down if the hard reset is enabled.

Is there any way to put a password to my boot settings to stop someone from making a hard reset to my phone? I already investigated, and encrypting my phone will not work for this.

# Answer
No. Even if you could add such a restriction within Android, it would still be possible for an attacker to boot into recovery or into fastboot mode and reset the phone from there.

---

If you're trying to protect the *confidentiality* of your data (i.e. stop an attacker accessing it), then encrypting the phone is what's required for that. If you're trying to protect the *integrity* of your data (i.e. stop an attacker deleting it), then you can do that by backing it up to a secure location that there's no risk of losing.

If you're trying to stop someone deleting a tracking program or the like, then you're not protecting your data at all, you're trying to protect the phone itself. You can only do this with physical precautions, not software precautions, or by insuring against the loss.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Direct from TWRP website, copied word for word. I am posting this for reference and nothing else.

---

# ***Password protecting TWRP (lockscreen)***

've had people ask enough for a protected TWRP that I'm creating this page as a response so I don't have to retype. If you're seeing this page, you're probably asking, "Why doesn't TWRP offer password protection?" You want to lock down your device so that a would-be theif won't be able to wipe your device to get past your lockscreen and/or so they can't wipe away that cool app you bought from the Play Store that will let you track your stolen device via GPS. Well, here's the short answer:

**Nothing trumps physical access to your device. If you've lost it, there's no way that TWRP can secure it.**

For a longer answer, it's very easy for anyone with just a little bit of knowledge to get around any kind of security that TWRP might have. All they have to do is flash one of the other recoveries that's available that doesn't have password protection to get around it. Most, if not all devices have ways to flash recovery without needing to boot to either Android or recovery (usually via fastboot or download mode / Odin). Quite literally the only way to truly secure your device would be to render the USB port completely unusable which isn't an option for most newer devices that don't have removable batteries. Even then most devices could still be worked with via jtag though it's unlikely that a thief will go to the trouble of paying for a jtag service on a device that has a broken USB port. (Note: I am not recommending that you purposely damage your USB port as it will also likely make it very difficult to recover your device if anything ever goes wrong!)

I also don't want to offer a lockscreen / password protection because it offers such a superficial level of protection. Users rarely read and would skip over any disclaimers that we have that indicate that any protection that we displayed indicating that their device really isn't secure. If your device has fallen into someone else's hands, your best case scenario should be that you hope that they don't get your personal data. If you don't want someone getting your personal data, use Android's device encryption and a good lockscreen.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bootloader, hard-reset, password-protection
---


# Question
Title: App updates automatically even after uninstall?
I recently uninstalled an app called `All in one toolbox` from Nexus 7 tablet, but this morning after I finished updating the Chrome browser, in the notifications panel I can see that somehow `All in one toolbox` got updates, but I can't find it anywhere on the installed apps list
How did this happen?
Or is this app still present on the tablet somewhere, and if it is, how and where do I find it?

--- EDIT ---
This app was uninstalled by long pressing on it's icon in the main menu, and then dragging it to uninstall, if that makes any difference.

# Answer
This seems to be a bug. Try this:

1. Open **Play Store**.
2. Navigate to *My Apps*, then go to the *All* section.
3. Delete the app from your account (usually by a small X in the top right corner of the list entry).

See diagram below:

If it does not give you the X to delete the app from your account, click on the app in that list and uninstall it from the app's Play Store screen.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-7, uninstallation, application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: Android 5 update randomly aborted on my Nexus 4
I have a Nexus 4 phone. It's not rooted nor customized with any mod.

Today I (finally) received the update to Android 5.0.1, which I downloaded. After the download, I clicked on the **Restart and install** button (my phone's in French so translation might not be exact). The countdown before restarting the phone then began but after a few seconds I have been redirected to a screen telling me my system was up to date.

I tried to search for updates but nothing showed up and now I have no idea where the heck the update went. My phone still displays Android version 4.4.4 and is visibly still running Android 4.4.4.

What am I supposed to do now?

Thanks for your help.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could use the Nexus Root Toolkit to sideload the OTA updates. Links:

Hit Launch in the Advanced Utilities pane, then hit the Sideload Update button, and point to the OTA zip from above. Follow the instructions. No typing involved.

I don't know of a single LRX22C from KTU84P OTA.

---
Tags: updates, nexus-4, 5.0-lollipop, ota-update
---


title: Boot on charge for Huawei g70

text:
# Question
Title: Boot on charge for Huawei g70
Can somebody help me on how to make Huawei G730 to boot when connected to the charger? I've founs a tool to do this on Samsung that doesn't work on this phone.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try this:

1. Install ADB and fastboot. If you already have the Android SDK, you can find these tools in dir\_to\_sdk/sdk/platform-tools/. If you don't have the SDK, here is a direct link to Minimal ADB and Fastboot (for Windows).
2. Install your device drivers if applicable.
3. Run the following code from your ADB/fastboot directory:

```
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0
fastboot oem lock
fastboot reboot

```

*Note: On certain devices, performing `fastboot oem unlock` may perform a factory reset.*

---
Tags: boot, huawei
---


title: Where is the message center on Moto G?

text:
# Question
Title: Where is the message center on Moto G?
I have a Moto G and I am not able to send messages, not able to find message centre. Where is the message centre?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Summarized from Motorola forum, Moto G and Moto X are designed in such a way that it will take the message center number automatically from the Saved configuration of the SIM. Try changing the SIM from Slot 1 to Slot 2. Save and set as default for newly received configuration settings.

You can try the following method by SmaRkieS on Android Geeks:

> Dial \*#\*#4636#\*#\*.
>
> You will get a menu. From that, select Phone Information. You will find a setting "SMSC". Refresh it. It is most likely to retrieve the message center number from your operator (or call your operator, and get the message center number, and then update in this field), then the problem should be resolved!

---
Tags: sms, motorola-moto-g
---


title: help on rooting Note 3

text:
# Question
Title: help on rooting Note 3
I'm trying to find a way to root my phone so I can delete these factory installed apps, make my phone faster etc.

Can someone tell step by step on how to achieve this? Do I need to download something? Etc

# Answer
**By rooting your device you will lose your warranty and during this process you may brick the device. You are doing it at your risk.**

According to XDA Developers you can use the CF-Auto-Root tool to root Galaxy Note 3. The following instructions come from Chainfire's post.

> Do I need to download something?

Yes:

* Kies \- this will install USB drivers
* CF-Auto-Root \- **make sure you download the right file for your device model and Android version!**
* Odin

Rooting:

* Your phone must not be connected to computer now.
* Download CF-Auto-Root from the above forum link.
* Extract the archive. You must end up with a file ending in `.tar.md5`.
* Start *Odin* (look in the forum thread for download) and click the PDA button. Browse and select the previously extracted file.
* Turn on phone in *Download* mode:
    + turn off
    + press and hold **Volume Down**, **Home** and **Power**
    + if you are asked to press a button do it
* Connect the USB cable to phone and computer.
* Do **NOT** check *Repartition* and make sure it is not checked!
* Click *Start* in Odin.
* Wait for it to reboot.

Another tutorial can be found here and includes pictures of the process too.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-note-3
---


title: How to format TEAC TC-7120 Tablet

text:
# Question
Title: How to format TEAC TC-7120 Tablet
I have - **TEAC TC-7120** tablet and I want to entirely format it using just with the "volume +/-" and "power" on buttons .

I haven't any approach to its OS since it locked and I don't have any idea about its password or Google account for recovery .

Is there any solution for that ? I looking for solution like this approach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtKDpawgeLs (just button using) .

# Answer
Askmefast.com provides a hardware reset solution for that tablet:

* Power off
* Press and hold **Power** and **Volume Up** together
* When it turns on (nothing may appear on screen or only the logo) release **Volume Up** (keep holding **Power**)
* Keep holding **Power** and press and hold **Volume Down**

This should launch the reset mode and after a restart it should erase all apps and settings.

**Read more:** How can i do hard reset for teac tablet tc-7120? - Tablet teac classic 103 factory reset :: Ask Me Fast at http://www.askmefast.com/How\_can\_i\_do\_hard\_reset\_for\_teac\_tablet\_tc7120-qna4269703.html#q4563363
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, tablet
---


title: Chinese tablet does not boot

text:
# Question
Title: Chinese tablet does not boot
I have a Chinese Tablet that was working till last night. I did a factory reset and now it is stuck in small Android logo. I have tried all key combinations to enter into recovery with no success. Please help. Do let me know what information can I provide about the tablet.

```
System (Android 4.0.4)
Model- L26
Manufacturer - unknown
Device - crane-a088
Product - crane_a088
Brand softwinners
Android Version - 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
API Level - 15
Build ID - IMM76D
Fingerprint - softwinners/crane_a088/crane-a088:4.0.4/IMM76D/20120924:eng/test-keys
Display (800x432)

Processor (ARMv7)
Processor - ARMv7 Processor rev 2 (v7l)
Cores - 1
Max Frequency - 1200 Mhz
Instruction Sets - armeabi v7a, armeabi
SIMD Instructions - NEON

Memory (306 MB)
System RAM - 306 MB
JVM Max Memory - 48 MB

Internal Storage - 639 MB
External Storage - 935 MB

Back Camera - (1.9 megapixel)
Front Camera - (0.3 megapixel)

Sensors (2)
MMA 3-axis Accelerometer
Vendor - Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
Broncho 2-axis Orientation
Vendor - Topwise 3G Inc.

OpenGL 1.X (Mali-400 MP)
General
Renderer - Mali-400 MP
Version - OpenGL ES-CM 1.1
Vendor - ARM

OpenGL 2.0 (Mali-400 MP)
General
Renderer - Mali-400 MP
Version OpenGL ES 2.0
Vendor - ARM
GLSL Version - OpenGL ES GLSL ES 1.00

Features (20)
Graphics
OpenGL 2.0
Android Hardware
android.hardware.bluetooth
android.hardware.camera
android.hardware.camera.autofocus
android.hardware.faketouch
android.hardware.location
android.hardware.location.gps
android.hardware.location.network
android.hardware.microphone
android.hardware.nfc
android.hardware.screen.landscape
android.hardware.screen.portrait
android.hardware.sensor.accelerometer
android.hardware.touchscreen
android.hardware.touchscreen.multitouch
android.hardware.touchscreen.multitouch.distinct
android.hardware.usb.accessory
android.hardware.wifi

Android Software
android.software.live_wallpaper

Model number
L26
Android version
4.0.4
Baseband version
M1190_V1.0.3
Kernel version
3.0.8
lihongling@lihongling-desktop #30
Mon Sep 24 19.53.13 CST 2012
Build number
Ubuntu-L26-B-20121016

```

# Answer
If it is stuck in *bootloop*, I suspect corruption in /system. You should either **reinstall the stock ROM or install a custom one**. The first thing you will need is a **custom recovery**. According to this post by flowish at XDA-Developers, you can do this by follwing these steps:

> * Download the recovery (recommended latest build)
> * extract and put to your /sdcard
> * open terminal applications (like better terminal emulator) ,or you can use from adb shell and type :
>
> ```
> $ su
> # cd /mnt/sdcard
> # sh install-recovery.sh
> # sh reboot-recovery.sh
>
> ```

Here is the button configuration of the recovery:

> Power button : Select
>
> Volume (+) : Up
>
> Volume (-) : Down

After doing that, install a new ROM from the recovery. Here is a custom ROM (from a post by nizar07 at androidtablets.net) that you can install from recovery.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I dont know what happened but surprisingly the tablet booted on its own. I did not do anything new. It is showing in Device manager as Alcatel ADB Android Device and I was able to see the memory card contents in My Computer too. Battery level was 74%, battery charging blue LED came back on, phew!
The only negative thing I saw was that it gave a message on Root Checked app that device is performing very slow. RootChecker said that the device does not have root permission.

Now first thing what I wanted to do was... rooting the device. Here are the steps what I followed:
1. I saw your answer but I dont know terminal applications or adb shell so I configured Play Store and downloaded ClockworkMod ROM Manager - When I tried to install the recovery, it said, recovery for L26 device is not available
2. I then downloaded an utility from srsroot.com because my tablet was listed in the supported page ( *http://www.srsroot.com/supported* as unknown - L26 - Ubuntu-L26-B-20121016 - 4.0.4 ). There were few buttons **Root Device (all methods)**, **Root Device (Smartroot)**, **Reset User Lock**, **Reset Gesture Lock**, **Read Gesture Lock**, **Reset Gmail**, **Wipe All Data**, **Reboot Device**, **Reboot Recovery** \- To be on the safer side, before rooting, I thought let me check if srsroot utility restarts the device, so I clicked **Reboot Device** and it restarted.

Refreshing moment came to an end. Now I am back to the same issue.... SRSroot utility rebooted my tablet but again it is getting stuck at the small android icon :(
Now do I need to wait for the magical moment to happen again or is there anything I can do?

Thank you for looking into my issue...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, factory-reset, boot, tablet, system-freeze
---


# Question
Title: Android application firewall - interactive prompt confirmation for connections
I'm thinking of developing application, or probably extending AFWall+ app

What I'm missing on Android is possibility to confirm each connection from each application, simply blocking the application on some networks is already solved, but I want to have very specific control over what URLs/IPs the application is talking to.

I've made proposal https://github.com/ukanth/afwall/issues/269
Which is generally the same functionality as provided on OS X from Little Snitch application firewall. Possibility to create time-domain-port rules per application (unix uid/guid)

I'm thinking about using some kind of mashup of IPTables and possibly intercepting `sock_create` syscall. It will be open-source and free, if anybody wants to jump on the bandwagon, you're welcome.

So the question is, is there anything like this already done? Even paid applications.
I haven't really found anything like that, so I'd just like to be sure, before jumping into development of such large thing :-)

# Answer
I'd certainly like to see something like this, the best I could find so far was XPrivacy (root required) which you can setup to restrict Internet connections. However unless you apply a global template (license purchase required for batch apply) this is per app. Though maybe you can manipulate the system Internet process, I haven't investigated upon that so far (it's an expert setting with a very RED background, I don't want to mess up my system too much...). Though I'd certainly love to restrict tethering such that a connected Windows Laptop won't waste my data quota for updates...
> 1 votes

---
Tags: security, root-access, networking, firewall
---


title: LG Optimus 4X HD - unlock bootloader?

text:
# Question
Title: LG Optimus 4X HD - unlock bootloader?
I have just rooted the LG Optimus 4X HD using instructions I found at How to root the LG Optimus 4X (LG-P880)?

I now need to unlock the bootloader, but for some reason the command `adb reboot oem-unlock` does't seem to do what it should. All it does is reboot the device, and it boots normally again. Apparently it should boot to a screen asking if I want to unlock the bootloader.

Any ideas why this is not working for me?

# Answer
> 1 votes
That was my post (actually, with the JB update, rooting got even easier) – so maybe I can help you a second time:

## Initial note:

**IMPORTANT:** Unlocking the bootloader on the O4X only works with Firmware V20 (approved for V20A and V20B; as OP hjust upgraded using the official tools, most likely V20C works as well). To check what firmware you're on, go to *Settings › About Phone › Software Information* – last entry there should read "Software version", starting with "P880XXY". If XX is a 20, you're fine; if it's a 10, you'll need to upgrade your device first.

## Official approach

XDA Developers has a post describing the procedure. Requirements are similar to the ones in my "rooting answer", so you should already meet them. According to that "official LG procedure", the steps are as follows:

1. fully charge your device to 100%
2. connect your phone in LG software mode (or simply enable )
3. run: `adb reboot oem-unlock`

## Alternative approach #1

As that failed for you (and not only you, others report that as well), let's look for an alternative approach. In another thread, XDA features an unlock tool for our O4X. I just found this now when looking for a different post – and wondered about the "relock" part: AFAIK, the O4X uses FUSEs for the lock status. Once blown, there's no way back. Obviously, that XDA member found a way around that (using a boot-loader hack): "by using this program you have 16 chances to unlock relock bootloader before all fuses blown".

## Alternative approach #2

That's rather a "last resort" if everything else fails: Blow all the related FUSEs directly. Again described in an XDA thread (note the original/initial post has some errors, so here's a corrected version):

1. open a terminal (or use `adb shell`)
2. make yourself root (run `su`)
3. get the actual FUSE state by executing `cat /sys/firmware/fuse/odm_reserved > /data/local/tmp/odm_reserved`
4. in the created file, change the line `0x000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000040000000c8`
5. write it back: `cat /data/local/tmp/odm_reserved > /sys/firmware/fuse/odm_reserved`

While this directly blows the FUSEs, it has one advantage over the "official method": No data lost, as no is performed – a fact it most likely shares with "alternative approach #1" ;)

## Check results

Whatever approach you took: You can check the results in "Hidden Menu" (dial `3845#*880#`).

---
Tags: bootloader, lg-optimus-4x
---


# Question
Title: Can I change (or add more apps to) the unlock screen in Ice Cream Sandwich?
On the previous version I could swipe left or right to start with my camera, or just unlock the phone. I just got the Ice Cream Sandwich update and now I can swipe up or down to access the dialer or my text messages. Can I customize this at all? I'd love to have more apps accessible from the lock screen, and I'd also like to change from the default text message program.

# Answer
Install WidgetLocker Locksscreen. Using it, you can put high no. of apps on lockscreen.
> 3 votes

# Answer
For the One Plus One Phone running Android Version 4.4.4 with CyanogenMod version 11.0-XNPH44S, go to Settings -\> Lock Screen -\> Slider Shortcuts.

You will just see the icon of the lock and after you touch it, you will see your current options. To change or remove one of these, move the lock to the target icon and you will then see options to modify it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Settings-\> Security-\> Lock Screen Options-\> Shortcuts.
> 0 votes

# Answer
On the stock Verizon HTC Thunderbolt that just got the ICS update, you can access this capability by:

* choosing the Personalize "paint palette" icon on the bottom of the home screen
* choosing `display` from the bottom toolbar
* selecting `Lock Screen shortcuts`.
> 0 votes

# Answer
It can be done in ICS.

1. Go to Security under settings.
2. Go into Screen Security Go into
3. Shortcut Settings ... voila!
> -2 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, lock-screens, motorola-droid-razr
---


# Question
Title: Android phone water damage or changed setting?
**TL;DR:** Recently I dropped my phone into water and ever since then I've been having 2 problems. The display has some darker spots, but they are clearing out so I don't even pay attention to them and the microphone volume is extremely low. You can barely hear what I scream to the phone. I've been looking for ways to increase or boost my microphone volume but I haven't found anything. I've tried the "secret" dial pad codes, of which none worked - the code is deleted from the dial pad and nothing shows up and some applications that let you increase your voice volume - the volume was set to 5 by default and did not change at all. The phone model is Huawei Ascend Y511.

**My question is:** is there a way to increase the volume back at it's normal or should I orient at buying a new one?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I would try using a bluetooth headset. The reason is this: if your microphone is damaged, the bluetooth headset should work just fine. If there is an input volume setting gone wrong, using a bluetooth headset will not fix the problem. This tells you if you want to look at replacing your phone or do you want to look for a setting to boost the microphone gain.

---
Tags: volume-control, microphone, water-damage
---


# Question
Title: What does this icon mean, in the stock messenger app?
Pretty straightforward; when viewing the list of recent contacts/conversations, the stock messenger app on my Samsung Galaxy S3 shows this icon, but for only the one conversation.

I don't know if it's a button, or notification, but I'm afraid to touch it.

Can anyone explain what it is/does?

# Answer
Well, I believe I've found it.

As per this thread (*for example*) on the interwebs, it has to do with the Tango app, which I've recently installed.

Essentially, since Tango integrates with your phone like a parasite, when a contact is not available to use Tango the `(x)` icon indicates this in the stock SMS app.

Having cross-referenced this against similar threads, it seems to be the answer.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, instant-messaging
---


# Question
Title: Notifications have black and white colors - why are they both colors?
Currently as of Android 5.0.1 update my Nexus 7 2013 shows black and white notifications. I see no logic in the colors and it does not really look very good as well. Why is that? Is this a bug? Intention? If intention, what is it showing?

And while we are at it, what is the line that separates the notifications? The weather one is persistent and so is twilight, so it does not separate persistent notifications.

# Answer
**The colour**

I believe the background colour of each notification depends on the app that added it, I think the default is white for 'stock' Android.

**The line**

This is to separate the different levels of priority for notifications. I expect the Twilight one is set to lowest priority (`MIN`) whereas the weather one will likely have a higher priority (`MAX`). Whilst some apps do allow you to specify the priority, most will just set what the believe to be most appropriate. Google does provide guidelines on how to choose the appropriate priority to help developers in this regard.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: nexus-7, notification-bar, color
---


# Question
Title: How to check if my phone components are what they should be (is Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9 equal to ARMv7 Processor rev 3)?
I've bought LG Optimus L9 P760 - it came to me from China, without the foil and with unpacked charger. There was also no guarantee included (and I was assured there will be 24-moths written one). That's why I decided to check carefully everything else too.

It should have those parameters, according to specification:

```
Chipset              TI OMAP 4430
CPU                  Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9
GPU                  PowerVR SGX540

```

But when I've installed the *Android System Info* application and exterminated the *CPU*:

```
Proccessor:          ARMv7 Processor rev 3 (v7l)
processor            0
BogoMIPS             1592.38
processor            1
BogoMIPS             1592.38
CPU implementer      0x41
CPU architecture     7
CPU variant          0x1
CPU part             0xc09
CPU revision         3
Hardware             LGE P760 board
Revision             0007
Serial               000000000000000
Frequency range:     300.0 -> 1008.0MHz
Current Frequency:   800HMz

```

**Is that the right CPU?** Because I see **ARMv7 Processor rev 3** instead of **TI OMAP 4430** \- but maybe those are 2 different things or some alias? **Or maybe I've been ripped off by the seller?** Is that possible?

System Info Droid also listed *ARMv7 Processor rev 3 (v7l)* and I cannot find Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9\* anywhere (however, I see that it's dual processor).

Also, under *Memory*:

```
Download Cache Max:     194MB
data Max:               2.33GB
External storage Max:   2.33GB
Total RAM:              767MB
Threshold RAM:          64.00MB

```

I see **767MB RAM**, where there should be **1GB RAM**. Is there something wrong, or some amount of RAM is not listed somehow?

# Answer
> 1 votes
According to Wikipedia,

> The ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore is a 32-bit multicore processor providing up to 4 cache-coherent Cortex-A9 cores, **each implementing the ARM v7 instruction set architecture**.

<sub>(Emphasis mine)</sub>

Also, from the same article,

> # Chips
>
> Several system on a chip (SoC) devices implement the Cortex-A9 core, including:

And with help from eldarerathis's comment

> The RAM difference is because apps will only report RAM that is available to userspace processes.

(the detail can be read on that post)

---
Tags: hardware, manufacturers
---


title: Using Android without Google account

text:
# Question
Title: Using Android without Google account
I don't like the idea that my personal information are gathered and by some company that make profit out of processing and selling it (or even when it has a possibility to do so). And yes, that's the reason I don't use Facebook and gmail (after reading their TOC).

I wonder if it's possible to use the **Android smartphone without Google account at all in a long time**?

So far I know that:

* I don't use gmail/google+/chrome, so I don't bother about it.
* I cannot download application from Google Play without Google account, **but I can download most of them as .apk and install manually**.

Did I miss something? Or it's possible to live with Android without Google account?

p.s. Does Google still collect any data about me, even when I just use Android, without Google account and without gmail/google+/youtube?

# Answer
Of course you can, in fact, the only reason a lot of people connect their Google account is to use play store and get apps easily.

I suggest you to install F-Droid: it is the best source for open source Android apps, where you can find a "copy" of all g-apps.

For the last part, technically, if you answered No to all google's attempt to get you accept their therms and conditions, they can't. But keep in mind that a lot of applications are based on Google API, so, they would use things like Google Play Services to get some jobs done. (I'm not sure, but I believe they pass all information directly to the app without saving anything on their databases about you if you did not accept TOC)

If you really want to avoid Google, I suggest the use of a custom ROM
> 2 votes

---
Tags: google-account, privacy
---


# Question
Title: Can one add email contacts to the Kitkat Email app? (as in iOS7)
As a newbie to Android with a shiny new phone (Prestigio 5508 Duo) I have begun setting it up ready for use. I have added my BT Mail account details and the system hooked up and displayed mails straight away. Excellent! However, there seems to be no option within the email account to include the details of where the Contacts file associated with my email are kept by BT. Is there some way to do this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Android tends to work better with Google's mail (Gmail). I don't have any knowledge specifically of BT as I am a Yank, so I can't address that. I just read up on the BT/Yahoo split and looked around for a couple of minutes for a solution for you, but it didn't look good.

I would recommend Gmail and then grit your teeth and make the switch.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Having now used my phone for a bit longer it appears that the on board email client that I have looking to BT, will use the Android address book. The same seems to be true for a Yahoo webmail account I have set up.

Thus the answer to my original question is to export the address book as a file, upload it to the phone and import it into Google Mail contacts.

---
Tags: contacts, email
---


title: Flashing Cyanogenmod hltevzw to Note 3

text:
# Question
Title: Flashing Cyanogenmod hltevzw to Note 3
I'm a bit confused with Cyanogenmod's announcement stating that they are breaking up the Note 3 builds into their own version. Source

Is the hltevzw a build specifically for the Note 3 or all Verizon phones? I just want to be sure before flashing the wrong rom.

Has anyone else flashed the hltevzw to their Note 3?

# Answer
> 0 votes
> Is the hltevzw a build specifically for the Note 3 or all Verizon phones? I just want to be sure before flashing the wrong rom.

It's for the Verizon Note 3 only.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, rooting, rom-flashing, samsung-galaxy-note-3
---


# Question
Title: How can I set different notifications sounds for different WhatsApp groups?
How can I set different notification sounds for different WhatsApp groups? I can set different notification sounds for different contacts individually, but I want to know whether I can set different notification sounds for different groups.

# Answer
> 1 votes
WhatsApp doesn't support different group notificaion sounds for groups as of now. There's no way to do it.

---
Tags: notifications, whatsapp-messenger
---


# Question
Title: Google Play Store doesn't auto update apps on my Motorola Moto G
I have a German retail Motorola Moto G (2013) running Android 4.4.4 stock, no root. I have the Google Play Store not auto updating my apps despite it being set to do so (over Wifi only). I tried everything I could think of: I re-flashed the stock image, I deleted the Play Store cache and data, I removed my Google account from the phone, I deleted the Google Play Services data and cache and updated it. Nothing. If I boot my phone with the Wifi on sometimes it auto updates apps. If I boot it with the Wifi turned off and I turn it on after say 3 minutes it doesn't ever auto update. It's like some process which exists at the beginning then crashes. Please help.

# Answer
Sometimes when Google Play Store auto update doesn't work, just running the Play Store once, that should get all pending updates by itself.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, motorola-moto-g, application-autoupdate
---


# Question
Title: How to get old whatsapp account back without using the current cellphone number?
My Samsung Galaxy S4 recently broke. I've had a different whatsapp number and a different cellphone number. How do I get all my contacts back without using the current cellphone number but the whatsapp account number?

# Answer
You will have to use the SIM for verification. Just pop the SIM into any phone and enter the old WhatsApp number during setup.

After a 5 min wait of trying to verify from the other phone(which won't work as the number is different) you will receive an SMS on the other WhatsApp SIM. Just enter the code received on this phone on the phone with the current SIM and you should be able to use the old WhatsApp account.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4
---


# Question
Title: connect my google accont in a new device
I use my google account with a PC and with an ASUS tablet. Now I'm trying to connect a new smartphone (new for me... it was the old phone of my daughter...) First of all, I resetted the device to the farm setting, and now when I try to define my account I always receive a message like this "account or password not valid... " Of course the account and the password are correct... I need some other settings on the phone? any idea Thanks in advance, for your help The smartphone is a Samsung GT-S5670 Android version 2.3.6 Kernel version 2.6.35.7-1210226 Build version GINGERBREAD.XWKTO

RedKite

# Answer
> 0 votes
> I need some other settings on the phone?

Nope. No other setting is required. You should be able to login fine with the credentials. I'd recommend double checking the password you typed for any mistake or just reset password incase you may have forgotten.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread
---


title: Battery Draining Faster than expected

text:
# Question
Title: Battery Draining Faster than expected
Can someone help me take a look at my stats? I was wondering why my phone is draining faster than I thought it would.

As you can see, it's down 98% and Screen is on for just 7M in 23minutes time.

Time in the screenshot is 7:04 and currently it's 7:26AM - I now have 93% of battery.

I noticed these two running as similar as to my battery runtime: 1. No Data Connection 2. No or Unknown Signal

Please help me figure out what's the issue and how to resolve it. Thanks!

BetterBatteryStats LOGCAT BBS

# Answer
I won't say this is un-natural. Would suggest you to take a longer time period as test period and see the drain.

Setting the brightness to automatic should help reduce the overall usage somewhat.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery, battery-life
---


# Question
Title: Cannot connect to internet within WhatsApp in Android emulator
I want to use WhatsApp in PC within Android emulator. I am using the official emulator.exe within an Android Virtual Device of Android 2.3.

My PC is behind a proxy so I set the proxy in the setting of the Android emulator. I can access Google with the default browser.

I tried to use WhatsApp but after I had submit my mobile phone number, it said cannot connect.

Please dont't recommend other 3rd party Android emulator to me because I planned to use other app with this emulator.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It is problem about proxy... because proxy set in "mobile networks" does not work so you will need "Drony app" and configure it to work with proxy. Download Drony!

---
Tags: android-emulator, whatsapp-messenger
---


title: Camera battery consumption report

text:
# Question
Title: Camera battery consumption report
I am using a Xperia Z3 with android 4.4.4. I can't find how much battery is consumed by the camera app.

I tried with the included Power Management-\> battery usage option but can't find it there.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Android does not show *every app's* usage data; it only shows significant battery usage in apps, especially those of apps that run in the background -- **Camera** does not run in the background.

Try leaving your **Camera** open for a long time, then look in **Battery Usage**. *Note: Depending on your device, many apps my be bundled into the **Android/System** battery usage entry.*

---
Tags: battery-life, camera
---


# Question
Title: What does a single tap on the lock screen do?
The Swipe lock screen on my S4 running Jellybean and Kitkat has a number of actions.

1. Swipe left for camera
2. Swipe right for other widgets
3. Swipe down on the widget allows you to them click on the widget
4. Swipe anywhere in the middle unlocks
5. A single tap on a widget does... I have no idea.

What does this mode do? It shrinks the widget and Iightens the bottom half of the screen with no apparent purpose.

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's telling you that you will have to unlock the device before you can access a widget tap's action.

Eg: If I tap on the clock widget on my lock screen, I will have to unlock the phone before it opens the clock screen. If I tap on a Google Now widget on my lock screen, I will have to unlock the phone before it opens Google Search/Now.

The dimming is trying to have you focus on the lock mechanism (where you swipe).

---
Tags: 4.4-kitkat, 4.2-jelly-bean, lock-screens, lock-screen-widgets
---


# Question
Title: Previously Rooted Nexus 5 is not recognized via USB after stock 5.0 OTA update
I have a previously rooted Nexus 5 on 4.4 and updated it recently with the Lollipop OTA. I am trying to re-root it again but it is not recognized using my Windows 7, Windows 8 or Ubuntu 14.04 machines. I have tried the WUG toolkit on windows by installing and reinstalling the drivers and adb on linux, turning on/off the Developer-usb-debugging mode, turning on-off the MTP mode. I was previously using TWRP. Now when I go to recovery mode, the phone shows "No command" with the green droid.

# Answer
Perhaps it is issue of USB connector. Most of the times due to dust it does not get proper contacts on USB pins and its not recognized over USB. Try to check that.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, root-access, nexus-5, 5.0-lollipop
---


title: I tried to swap my sd with extsd

text:
# Question
Title: I tried to swap my sd with extsd
I used es file manager and went to file vold.fstab and changed something wrong now I can't access my external sdcard or my file manager or my settings device storage. My phone is screwed up I cant figure out how to change it back to normal. I have the Samsung galaxy exhibit. Sght599. PLEASE HELP ME!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Restoring phone to factory settings is the easiest way. Tough way is to search on net for a valid vold.fstab file, which can be generally found in custom built ROMs.

---
Tags: 4.2-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: No OK button in recovery mode on MyPhone Agua Rio Fun
I bought a new smartphone, MyPhone Agua Rio Fun (a local brand in Philippines). It's actually a pretty good phone in my book, but the storage in this thing is terrible! I found a way to solve it, but it says I have to root my phone.

I used to have Samsung Galaxy Pocket and I had no trouble rooting it. However, on Rio Fun, the only solid keys are volume up/down and the power buttons. When I try to go to recovery mode, it doesn't let me select anything! It doesn't have a solid home button, only the soft Home, Menu and Back keys (which can't be used when in recovery mode!). The power button just shows the triangle Android (!) sign then the recovery menu again! (any other root methods don't work on it!)

How can I navigate in recovery mode with this phone, and how can I root this phone?

# Answer
I also have the same kind of phone (MP Rio Fun) and I am trying to partition my SD. In the Recovery mode, you have to use the volume keys/button to highlight the option that you want then you have to press the Option key (the key on the left side of the Home key) to enter the highlighted option. Hope this help.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Recovery menus usually don't have *any* touch elements, you only control them using hardware keys (otherwise you'd be lost with a broken digitizer when trying to backup your data). Use the `volume` keys (up/down) to navigate, and the `power` button to select an item.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, recovery-mode, buttons
---


# Question
Title: Purpose of bookmark, imgcache and rev_geocoding files in cache?
I have an Alcatel and on my Android internal storage in my cache has all of these files with question marks and I can't view them and these files are:

```
bookmark.0
bookmark.1
Bookmark.idx
img.cache.1
imgcache.idx
rev_geocoding.0
rev_geocoding(0).1
rev_geocoding(1).1
rev_geocoding(2).1
rev_geocoding(3).1
rev_geocoding(4).1
rev_geocoding(5).1
rev_geocoding(6).1

```

and they're all saying "file format not supported". What does this mean what do these files mean and how can I view these files?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Those are cache files for specific apps and *can usually only be read by the specific apps which they belong to*.

If you *really* want to try to look at them (although they will probably not be readable by a human), you can install an app like ES File Explorer and open the file as a text file.

---
Tags: files, cache
---


# Question
Title: How to turn off multiple desktops on Android 4 (LG Optimus L9 P760)?
I would like to turn off multiple desktops that are on my Android 4 phone (LG Optimus L9 P760, if that matters). I can switch between them with touch, but I don't need that feature. And most of the time, I use it by mistake (when I want to click an icon close to screen's edge). So it's more like disadvantage for me to have multiple desktops.

Unfortunately, I cannot find any such position in top menu, settings menu etc.

# Answer
Eventually I've used **Apex Launcher** that can be easily downloaded directly from several sites or with K-droid, so it's a good option for people that don't use Google Play / Google Account. Among its features there are options to change the screens count (I've set it to 1) and increase the grid size.

Vembu pointed out the **Nova Laucher**, which I was unable to test (it seems that working version can be downloaded only from Google Play). Still, it may be an solution for some of you (up-voted).
> 0 votes

# Answer
Try "Nova Launcher" app from the Google play store. The "Nova Launcher" has ability to customize home screens and etc. Try this and check your results.

Nova Launcher
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, lg
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to change the settings in android so that data is saved to the external SD card instead of the the phone's internal memory?
This problem has been annoying me for a while. When I download and install an app to my phone it defaults to the phone's internal memory. Not too big of a deal since I can move it afterwards. The problem comes after when the app has additional data it needs to install on to the device. That additional data always installs to the phone memory and I can't move it to the SD card.

For example: I install an app that is in total 1mb in size that I can move to the SD card. But the app downloads 300mb of data that stays on the internal memory that the app uses.

Is there a way to change it so that the data is downloaded to the SD? I know that it's possible to re-partition the SD card and internal memory to make the internal memory bigger but I want to do that as a last resort.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The answer is NO.
You'll need to re-partition your SD to make your internal memory bigger.

# Answer
> 0 votes
No. The way android is set up, you have to install directly to internal. It's a part of the very core of the OS.

---
Tags: ram, sd-card
---


# Question
Title: Avoid opening Play Store after NFC scan for unlocking with Smart Lock
I want to use the Smart Lock feature of Android 5.0 Lollipop together with NFC. I've configured it and it works well, but my problem is, that after scanning the NFC Tag (and also after unlocking the phone) the Play Store opens and wants me to download an NFC app.

I only want to use NFC for the Smart Lock feature, so basically I want the phone to do just nothing after an NFC scan. Is this possible?

# Answer
According to the answer by Michael Roland on same problem on SO,

> Play Store opening up after scanning a tag is a clear indication that the tags contain an *Android Application Record (AAR)*. A tag containing an AAR will only start the app referenced in the AAR or will open that app's Play Store page.
>
> In order to re-use the tags, you should first format them or simply overwrite them with some other NDEF message that does not contain an AAR.
>
> You could, for instance, use an app like NXP TagWriter to do that. \[the rest is redacted due to related to app development\]
> 10 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, 5.0-lollipop, nfc, smart-lock
---


# Question
Title: Why Google still use my localisation when I have disabled all location services?
When I use google.com (usually I work with duckduckgo instead, because of privacy policy) on my Phone **(in web browser)**, it shows me my city and country on the bottom of the page.

I have **disabled** everything in *Settings -\> Location services*. What else do I have to do in order to disable any possibilities of sending my location to Google Search and other websites?

I Use Android 4.

# Answer
The *system setting* and the *browser setting* for location use different systems. When you disabled those settings in system settings, you disabled Google Apps (and other apps) from using your location, using your hardware.

However the browser differs in that while you use a webpage, the web server can use your IP address to locate you (using IP-address-based geolocation). This does not have anything to do with system settings. The browser does not prompt you about this. Indeed, once you connect to their servers, there is no way to prevent their servers doing IP-based geolocation, as their server can see your IP address and draw inferences about your location on its own.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Google has alerady taken your location, but if you go to another one, it won't change. Diagram here:

```
Location service | .|ON
Your current location --> Google
Location service |. |OFF
Your location at Google: [current location]
You move to another location
Your location at Google: [old location]

```

That happens because Google can't detect your location anymore.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: privacy, geolocation
---


# Question
Title: Android social apps: ability to post on behalf of the user?
Ever since I purchased my Samsung Galaxy SIII, it has been displaying a notification which when clicked causes an app to be displayed asking me to log in to Facebook and then displaying the following screen, which asks me whether I want to allow my Samsung Galaxy SIII to post to Facebook for me (the app is different from the Facebook app which can be downloaded from facebook, as there is a separate button to install the Facebook app, and the app asking me this question appears in the Android Task Manager under the name SNS (Social Networking Service) with a Facebook icon next to it):

If I say yes in the last screenshot above, will my device be posting posts to Facebook without my approval with content I have not even seen?

Thank you for clarifying my suspicion.

# Answer
Yes you will have giving consent to post "things" to Facebook without seeing or approving them.

I suggest getting a 3rd party app to help. SystemPanel App, a full feature task manager, or App Detective, find every detail about an app. The first is a paid app, but there is a free version available.

Between these 2 apps you will be able find the culprit, get all the details about it, what app installed it, who made it, plus all sorts of other info, shut down the app, and to know the package name to uninstall.

Be careful when installing anything from other apps or questionable social websites. Read the fine print and examine permissions. And always make backups.

---

# SNS Definition

A social network service or social networking service, most often called SNS, is a medium for establishing social networks of people who share interests and/or activities.

Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests within their individual networks. Most social network services are web based and provide means for users to interact in various ways, such as e-mail and instant messaging.

Modern internet-connected always-online phones stake a lot on SNS connectivity and integration with the various services getting more popular than ever.

---

SNS is used for your social site widgets. It allows to post to multiple social sharing apps at once. Anything that you post on one site will be posted to your other sharing site. It can be safely disabled or uninstalled (root) without hindering Facebook or other apps.

The Play Store has several apps that can manage the SNS. I'll leave the choice for you.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung-galaxy-s-3, sync, facebook, social-networking-service
---


title: forgot my pattern for lock screen

text:
# Question
Title: forgot my pattern for lock screen
I'm locked out of my tablet because I can't remember what my screen lock pattern is. How do I reset factory settings if I can't get into the tablet? please help this is all new to me

# Answer
Boot into your Recovery in this way:

1. Shut down your device
2. Google for "(your device name) recovery"
3. In your recovery you can perform a factory reset.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: screen, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: How to have the OS launch applications at startup time?
I am running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on a Samsung Galaxy SIII.

I am trying to figure out how to configure applications such a Skype to start up automatically once the system has gone through the bootstrapping process, finished booting, and started up. I would like to be able to do this via an application that does not require my device to be rooted, if possible. When I look at the information related to Skype in the default Application Manager, I can see that the Skype application makes use of the "run at startup" permission, which means that it should be possible to configure this app to run at startup but I could not find a checkbox to do so on this screen, nor from the Skype application settings. A similar situation may take place with other apps as well.

This post deals with preventing apps from starting up, and mentions useful third-party appilcations such as Autorun Manager which seems to be maily concerned with blocking applications from starting and from restarting once killed, or at least this is what I gather from the app's description on the play store, and Autostarts which triggers which manages which apps are triggered by events.

So, here are my questions:

* Why isn't there a preinstalled native Startup Manager app on android to control which apps are to start by default and which aren't?
* If skype requires the "run at startup" permission, and there is no place in the OS or in the app to configure such app to start up automatically, then what does this permission achieve?

Thanks.

# Answer
It really would be nice to have some startup manager shipping with the system, which lets the user decide what to start and what not. But that's not the case, it works a bit different:

Apps with the "run at startup" permission can register a "listener" for the `BOOT_COMPLETED` broadcast – which the system always issues on that event. This way they get notified of that event, and can decide to perform some action. That could be starting some background service which keeps running – but they could also do something little and then exit again.

IMHO Skype has an option to automatically log you in after boot, so you're available for incoming calls. AFAIR that's even the default behavior of the app. If there's no background service running for that, it might register for some cloud messaging then – which again would "wake it up" to deal with incoming calls. That way the app had no need to permanently run in background. Indeed the app also declares the `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE` permission (C2DM stands for "Cloud 2 Device Messaging", which now is GCM = Google Cloud Messaging), so this could be the explanation.

---

**UPDATE:**

Andrew T. confirmed this in the comments:

> I finally checked the Android manifest of Skype by opening its APK file (`base.apk`), and indeed there is `com.skype.android.push.DeviceBootReceiver` with intent filter `android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED`. I didn't investigate what it's doing though. Also, I forgot that broadcast receiver is not listed under running process as John mentioned (I can confirm this being a developer). So, you're correct on your guess :)
> 3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, 4.3-jelly-bean, permissions, automation, task-management
---


# Question
Title: How to read data pertaining to running applications?
On the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean interface of my Samsung Galaxy SIII, I have noticed there seem to be various places where an application's running state is documented. I would like to know what the difference is between an entry for an application appearing in the following four places:

1. Application appears in the Task Manager under the Active Applications tab widget.
2. Application appears in the Task Manager under the Clear Defaults tab widget under "Launch by default".
3. Application appears in the Application Manager under RUNNING.
4. Application appears in the Application Manager under DOWNLOADED or ALL, and when clicked the "Force Stop" button is enabled.

It seems applications can appear in any of these four places in a bunch of different ways, and would like to know what it means if an application appears in one of these four places as opposed to another one of these four places.

Thank you for clarifying this puzzling issue.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Cases 1+3 show the app is currently running; basically, both are "task manager" views.

Number 2 is rather related to "preferred apps" for a given action: if you e.g. have two web browsers installed, this decides which one is launched if you tap an URL.

Number 4 is the "application manager". Usually, an "active force-stop button" should indicate a running app which you can "kill" by clicking this; but I'm not 100% sure whether the button is *always* disabled when the app in question does not run.

---
Tags: applications, task-management, services, application-manager
---


title: (Re)boot an Android phone from USB

text:
# Question
Title: (Re)boot an Android phone from USB
I own a Samsung Galaxy Note 1 (*not* rooted) and its lock button doesn't wrok anymore. That means I couldn't boot my phone if it happened to be turned off.

But I need to restart it now because it's buggy.

Do you know a tool on PC that would allow me to call for a reboot via USB ? (The *USB debugging* option is activated).

If not, do you know a way to boot an Android phone without this Lock button ?

Thanks in advance.

# Answer
> 6 votes
Real Reboot

* Works on Android 2.1 - 4.2.1 **No Root**
* 4.2.2 and up **needs root**.

---

For a PC method you will be using Android Debug Bridge, commonly called ADB. Here is a link for a download. It's from the XDA Forums. Read the page while your there and get some good insight on ADB.

After installed to the computer, open a command prompt (L shift + R mouse click) in the folder that has the ADB file. Make sure you have your device drivers installed and the phone plugged into the USB on the PC.

* Type : ***adb devices*** (make sure device is seen)
* Then: ***adb reboot*** (reboots device)

Here is a link to the Android Developers website that will give you full detail about the inner workings of ADB

# Answer
> 0 votes
**If you're rooted :**

Just search for any app that restarts the phone. Just search on play store - "Restart". That'll do the work...

**If you're not rooted** As HasH\_BrowN told, adb is the solution.

The first step is to have USB debugging turned on, which you have. Now, follow these steps :

1. Install adb and your phone's drivers on your PC/Mac/Linux machine. This is a good guide, if you haven't installed it already : http://lifehacker.com/the-easiest-way-to-install-androids-adb-and-fastboot-to-1586992378
2. Once done, go to the directory where adb is installed (I'm assuming you're on windows. If you're on mac or linux, just skip this step.)
3. Open command prompt/terminal in this directory.
4. Connect your phone via usb to your computer
5. In the terminal, execute this command : `adb devices` If it says no devices found, then you've not installed your device drivers. Search how to install Note 1 drivers on PC/Mac/Linux. Otherwise, it'll show you the device ID and the name.
6. Execute `adb -s <device ID> reboot` \- insert the device ID you got on the previous command in this command.

This'll reboot your cellphone or for that matter any android device. You can also write a shell script which does this, so you don't have to write all the commands again and again, and just a double click would do.

Hope this helps.

---
Tags: adb, usb, boot, reboot
---


# Question
Title: How to upgrade my HTC desire 816 with lollipop
How can I upgrade my HTC desire 816 to lollipop

# Answer
HTC is planning to release an OTA for the Desire 816 sometime in the future, but if you can't wait, there is a port of CM12 for your device.

# ***Prerequisites***

* WinDroid Universal Android Toolkit
* Your phone (duh)
* Windows XP or higher
* USB Cable

# ***Unlock Bootloader***

1. Open the WinDroid Universal Android Toolkit.
2. Download and install the ADB drivers if it prompts you to.
3. Choose your device from the list. Wait a few moments while it downloads the correct recoveries.
4. Turn on your device, go to Settings \> Developer Options and **Enable USB Debugging** and plug it in. If the toolkit does not recognize your device immediately, click on the Refresh button in the bottom right corner. *Note: If you are on Android 4.2.2 or above, and you do not see a button for Developer Options, you will need to go to Settings \> About \> Software Information \> More and quickly tap on **Build number** multiple times until it tells you that Developer Options has been unlocked.*
5. Click the button labeled **Get Token ID** in the **Unlock Bootloader** box. This will reboot your device into bootloader, retrieve your Token ID, and open a text file that contains your Token ID and further instructions.
6. Now that you have your Token ID, you can now submit it to HTCDev, which should have opened in the background when the text file opened previously. If it did not open, you can open the link here. Please login to your account or create and activate one with a valid email address. Once you have done that, go back to the HTCDev link, scroll to the bottom of the page, and paste the **Token ID** you were given in the previous step. Click Submit, and wait for the email from HTC on the email you created the HTCDev account with.
7. Once you have received the email from HTCDev, download the attached file in the email named **unlock\_code.bin**. This is the unlock token that can unlock your specific device's bootloader. Once it has successfully downloaded, click on the button named **Unlock Bootloader** in the bottom left corner. If your device is not already in bootloader, this will reboot your device into bootloader, and flash the unlock\_code.bin file. A prompt will appear on your device confirming if you would like to unlock your bootloader. ***READ THE WARNING COMPLETELY! THIS WILL WIPE ALL OF THE DATA ON YOUR DEVICE!***
8. Press the Volume Up button once, and press the Power button once to confirm the unlock. Your device will now restart.

**Your device is now unlocked! You can now proceed to flash a custom recovery and gain permanent root in the next steps.**

# ***Flash Custom Recovery***

1. Move to the next box on the right named **Recovery and Root**.
2. Download **this custom recovery** and put it into the folder named Recoveries within the Data folder created by the toolkit. (The file should be named recovery.img.) Now click on the TWRP button. Your device will then reboot into bootloader and flash your chosen recovery.

**You are now rocking a custom recovery!**

# ***Gain Permanent Root***

1. To gain root access, click the **Gain Root** button from the tool.

# ***Flash Custom ROM***

1. Download the latest version of CM12
2. Once you have fully downloaded the ROM you want to flash, find the **boot.img** file. It should be in the main directory. Copy it and save it somewhere else for later use. Do not extract or unpack the ROM folder, and ensure that you didn't delete the **boot.img** in the ROM folder itself.
3. Navigate to the box in top right named **Flash**. Click on **Flash ROM**, choose Yes if you are ready, and choose the ROM .zip file you previously downloaded. The ROM you chose will be pushed to your phone. It may take a few minutes depending on the size of the ROM, so please wait until the loading icon has stopped spinning. Once it has finished pushing the ROM, your phone will boot into Recovery. Once you have booted into Recovery, choose **Install**. Scroll down until you see the ROM .zip file you chose previously. Choose it, and flash it. Once it has finished flashing, go to the Reboot options within the Recovery, and reboot to Bootloader.

# ***You now have CM12, Android 5.0 on your HTC Desire 816!***

---

Adapted from this post
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 5.0-lollipop
---


# Question
Title: How to remove all Google-specific apps from a rooted Android?
Some time ago I read somewhere that Chinese carriers are removing Google-specific software (Google Search, Google Play, etc) from Android devices they carry.

What I wanted to know is if this is difficult to do on already rooted Android tablets?

I know that I can log into a rooted Android tablet through a USB cable and delete packages, I am just not sure which ones can be deleted without causing dependency issues.

Is it sufficient to delete Velvet.apk, or do other ones need to be deleted to remove all out-of-the box Google apps?

# Answer
> 3 votes
You can install an app like **Root Uninstaller** or **Link2SD** and remove any unwanted system apps from there. It is typically safe to remove:

* Cloud Print
* Drive
* Google Photos
* Google Play Books
* Google Play Games
* Google Play Magazines
* Google Play Movies & TV
* Google Play Music
* Google Play Store
* Google Photos
* Google Search
* Google Text-to-speech Engine
* Google+
* Google Text-to-speech Engine
* Hangouts/Talk
* Translate
* YouTube

Be careful, removing these may break some functionality:

* Gmail (reinstalling as user app may break functionality)
* Google Backup Transport
* Google Calendar Sync
* Google Contacts Sync
* Google Maps
* Google Now Launcher (do only if there's an alternate launcher installed as system app)
* Google One Time Init
* Street View

Do not remove these:

* Google Account Manager (causes FC's if you don't remove other gapps)
* Google Partner Setup (**may** cause unexplained crashes)
* Google Play Services (causes FC's if you don't remove other related gapps)
* Google Services Framework (may cause crashes if you don't remove other gapps)
* Setup Wizard

# You may want to disable these apps first (**Settings \> Apps \> All \> \[Selected system app\] \> Disable**) *or* Freeze using Link2SD to test functionality with those apps removed.

---

Thanks to user1261104's comment for contribution to this answer.

---
Tags: applications, root-access, apk, google
---


# Question
Title: Why confectionary names are used in naming the android versions?
Except alpha and beta, all the versions of android have been named based on confectionary items. What is the reason behind it?

# Answer
The following is an excerpt from a CNN article:

> "It's kind of like an internal team thing, and we prefer to be a little bit -- how should I say -- a bit inscrutable in the matter, I'll say," said Randall Sarafa, a Google spokesman. "The obvious thing is that, yeah, the Android platform releases, they go by dessert names and by alphabetical order for the most part." "For the most part" because two versions of Android, 2.0 and 2.1, were both called Eclair. And because Google won't say what it called the first two versions of Android, which you can assume started with "A" and "B."
>
> "As far as the public knows, it started with Cupcake," Sarafa said. "I have some ideas, but I don't actually know for sure," he said of the first two Android names. "That was, jeez, like four years ago."
> 1 votes

---
Tags: android-versions
---


title: Nexus 5 Change Resolution/DPI

text:
# Question
Title: Nexus 5 Change Resolution/DPI
Is it possible to change the resolution or DPI of the Nexus 5? I've read somewhere that you can do this with a Nexus tablet. I will be needing an Android device for development and I am considering the Nexus 5.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Well, you can't change the *actual* screen size or DPI, because those are physical characteristics of the screen hardware. You can't stretch the phone to be the size of a tablet, or change how the LCD is wired.

On a rooted device, you can edit a configuration file to change how big Android *thinks* the screen is, which will affect the calculated DPI and the resulting layouts. That isn't convenient for testing, though, because rendering a "larger" screen's UI on a smaller screen will result in tiny text that's hard to read and tiny touch elements that are hard to interact with.

For testing a variety of screen sizes, you're better off creating a variety of AVDs in the emulator. That's much simpler and less dangerous than rooting and editing low-level system configuration files just to test a layout.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can safely change the screen density (DPI) in your build.prop file using a tool like Build Prop Editor. Note that you will need a **rooted** device in order to tweak your build.prop. You will want to change the '*ro.sf.lcd\_density*' key to a smaller value to make everything smaller (higher density); likewise, you will want to change it to a larger value to make everything bigger (lower density). *I recommend you stay within the range of **100 - 600** dpi, as that covers almost all devices out there.*

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Tags: nexus-5, screen-resolution
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# Question
Title: Automatically delete local photos that have been backed up by Google+
I use Google+ to automatically back up any photos taken with my phone. Unfortunately my phone has only 8GB storage. Is there a way to automatically delete the local copies of photos that have already been backed up by Google+ in order to save storage space?

# Answer
There is an app called "flickr uploader", since flickr offer 1TB free it's pretty convenient. This app allows you to auto backup all your pictures to flickr and it has an option to delay the backup so you can delete blurry photos, for example, and of course, the option to delete the photo from the phone 24 hours after successfully uploaded. I have been using it for a long while, totally worth it.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have recently started trying to teach myself how to (properly) use Tasker so thought this could be a nice little project to try.

Harder than I thought. I couldn't manage to do exactly what you want and it is a pretty crude method but I will continue anyway. I thought if I put it out there, someone with more experience with Tasker may be able to improve it.

So I started by creating the task "Delete last photo". Fortunately, doing this with Tasker is very easy as it has a build in variable `Last photo`.

Now the hard bit I found was choosing a trigger. Ideally it would be when you get confirmation of upload (Tasker does support HTTP responses but that stuff is way over my head, if it is even relevant) or when a photo is taken (which I couldn't find as an event within Tasker). So the way I settled on, and here comes the messy bit, was to have it run everytime the screen is turned on. I know this is a very poor trigger (e.g. If you have no network connection it will delete the photo without uploading it) but I could see no better options within Tasker.

I know this is far from the answer you will have been wanting but as there have been no other (proper) answers I thought I would get this in there, may give you or someone else a better idea.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I am using an app called FolderSync (paid version) to pack up my photos to cloud. You can set automatic delete of the local files, after transferring them. But with this you can't use Google+ 's automatic upload.
> 0 votes

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Tags: backup, photos, google-plus
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title: Hide SMS message in notification bar

text:
# Question
Title: Hide SMS message in notification bar
I am using Moto E powered by Android Kitkat.

When I receive an SMS, I get a notification displaying the sender name with the message. I don't want the message text to be displayed in the notification, just the sender name is enough.

How can I prevent the message text from being displayed?

NOTE: I don't want to stop the notification. I just want to hide the text message in the notification

# Answer
GoSMS Pro has a "Notification bar privacy mode" option, which 'shows "New Message" instead of the message's content'.

I personally use Sliding SMS (which is a standalone app created for and taken from CyanogenMod 10). It has an option to enable "Privacy Mode", which hides the sender and message from the status bar notification. 8sms (which is also from CM10 M2) also has this option.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Third party sms app like Handcent SMS ,8sms and Go sms etc have option to hide the notification message from the status bar.

Just go to these sms app. In settings you will find option to hide the message content in notification bar.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Chomp SMS also works fine. We can choose what to display in the notification bar. In privacy mode, we can hide name, text and both.
> 0 votes

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Tags: sms, notifications, notification-bar
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# Question
Title: Meaning of notification LED colour for Samsung Galaxy S III?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S III running Android 4.0.1 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Is there any meaning to the colour of the LED indicator?

It sometimes lights as red, green or blue. What do each of these colours indicate?

# Answer
Red when plugged in - Charging

Green when plugged in - Charging complete.

Red when not plugged in - Low battery warning

Blue - Audio is recording or you have a notification waiting.
> 6 votes

# Answer
Here is what I have observed on my Samsung Galaxy SIII running Android Jelly Bean 4.3:

* Solid Red LED Light - The device is powered off or screen has gone blank and device is charging.
* Solid Green LED Light - The device is powered off or screen has gone blank and device charging is complete.
* Solid Blue LED Light - The device has been powered on, has displayed the model name (on my phone "GT-i9300") as part of the first phase of the bootup process, and is now in the second phase of the bootup process which begins with the screen displaying the "Samsung" animated logo and finishes with the Lock screen showing up (or the Home screen if the Lock screen has been disabled). The blue LED light also shows up when the device is powering down.
* Blinking Red LED Light - This can happen when the device is off or turned on but the screen has gone blank, and the battery was very low (this displays regardless of whether the phone is being charged or not). (NOTE: I have recently seen the LED blink with a red light when the battery became overheated and the phone had to be powered off because of this).
* Blinking Blue LED Light - The device is on, the screen has gone blank, and you have received one or more notifications.
* Blinking Green LED Light - This is possible in theory, but I've never seen it. Applications could cause this behavior to happen. Probably requires the phone to be rooted though, I'm not really sure.

As I was able to verify when entering the search term `LED` in the Google Play Store, some devices with more capable LEDs are also able to display wider ranges of LED colors.

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EDIT:

Here is a screenshot of the `Settings -> My device -> LED indicator` screen, which displays most of this information while also allowing the user to customize it:

Regards.
> 2 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, notification-led
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# Question
Title: Retrieving videos/photos from Vault app on Galaxy S3
Is it possible to retrieve photos/videos after uninstalling and reinstalling Vault app? Please give me instructions how to retrieve.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Nope. You will have to reinstall the app to use the files again. They're "encrypted" in a way such that only the Vault app can access them.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3
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