# Question
Title: How can I enable USB tethering through ADB?
I was going through this link. but I can't find a way to enable USB tethering through adb. Is there any other way I can do it?

# Answer
```
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TetherSettings && adb shell input keyevent 20 && adb shell input keyevent 20 && adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_ENTER && sleep 2 && adb shell input keyevent 4

```
> 3 votes

# Answer
Root is needed in order to execute these commands:

> The following commands call `ConnectivityManager.setUsbTethering(boolean enable)` in Android 4.3:
>
> `adb shell su -c service call connectivity 34 i32 1` turns on USB tethering.
>
> `adb shell su -c service call connectivity 34 i32 0` turns off USB tethering.
>
> For other Android versions replace `34` with the following `setUsbTethering` calling codes per Android version:
>
> ```
> 4.4.4: 34
> 5.1.0: 30
> 6.0.1: 30
> 7.0.0: 33
>
> ```

Credits

Is it possible to USB tether an android device using adb through the terminal?
> 1 votes

# Answer
The `service` method did not work for me on my Samsung device. I figured out how to do it by configuring the network interface directly, though. Here is a script that sets up a Linux machine and a USB-connected rooted Android device for USB tethering. This does not set up DNS or NAT masquerading, but is sufficient to make the device accessible at 192.168.42.129:

```
#!/bin/bash
set -euo pipefail

# Set up USB tethering for an Android device.
# Usage: adb-usb-tether [USB-VENDOR USB-PRODUCT]
# If USB vendor/product is unspecified, use first USB network interface.
# On the Android side, tethering is enabled via adb shell.

if [[ $# -eq 2 ]]
then
    any=false
    vendor=$1
    product=$2
else
    any=true
fi

function find_if() {
    local path if
    for path in /sys/class/net/*
    do
        if=$(basename "$path")
        if [[ "$(readlink "$path")" == */usb* ]]
        then
            local ifproduct ifvendor
            ifproduct=$(cat "$(realpath "$path")/../../../idProduct")
            ifvendor=$(cat "$(realpath "$path")/../../../idVendor")
            if $any || [[ "$ifproduct" == "$product" && "$ifvendor" == "$vendor" ]]
            then
                echo "Found interface: $if" 1>&2
                echo "$if"
                return
            fi
        fi
    done
}

function adb_shell() {
    adb shell "$(printf " %q" "$@")"
}

function adb_su() {
    local quoted
    quoted="$(printf " %q" "$@")"
    adb shell su -c "$(printf %q "$quoted")"
}

if=$(find_if)
if [[ -z "$if" ]]
then
    echo "Requesting interface:" 1>&2
    adb_su setprop sys.usb.config rndis,adb
    echo " >> OK" 1>&2
fi

while [[ -z "$if" ]]
do
    echo "Waiting for network device..." 1>&2
    sleep 1
    if=$(find_if)
done

while ! ( ip link | grep -qF "$if" )
do
    echo "Waiting for interface..." 1>&2
    sleep 1
done

function configure_net() {
    local name="$1"
    local if="$2"
    local ip="$3"
    local table="$4"
    local cmdq="$5" # Query command
    local cmdx="$6" # Configuration command

    if ! ( "$cmdq" ip addr show dev "$if" | grep -qF 192.168.42."$ip" )
    then
        echo "Configuring $name interface address:" 1>&2
        "$cmdx" ip addr add 192.168.42."$ip"/24 dev "$if"
        echo " >> OK" 1>&2
    fi

    if ( "$cmdq" ip addr show dev "$if" | grep -qF 'state DOWN' )
    then
        echo "Bringing $name interface up:" 1>&2
        "$cmdx" ip link set dev "$if" up
        sleep 1
        echo " >> OK" 1>&2
    fi

    if ! ( "$cmdq" ip route show table "$table" | grep -qF "192.168.42.0/24 dev $if" )
    then
        echo "Configuring $name route:" 1>&2
        "$cmdx" ip route add table "$table" 192.168.42.0/24 dev "$if"
        echo " >> OK" 1>&2
    fi
}

configure_net local  "$if"   128 main  command   sudo
configure_net device rndis0  129 local adb_shell adb_su

```
> 0 votes

---
Tags: adb, shell, tethering, usb-tethering
---


title: Input Keyevent in fastboot mode?

text:
# Question
Title: Input Keyevent in fastboot mode?
I'm trying to unlock the bootloader of my old Alcatel OneTouch Idol X+. I got to the point where my phone would ask me to press volume-up to confirm that. Due to a bug of which i read several times now, the volume-up key won't work now.

I tried using that adb input keyevent command, which wouldn't work in fastboot mode. Are there other options, or some way to use adb commands in fastboot mode?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Unfortunately, no `adb` command works in Fastboot mode (or bootloader). The only way to communicate with a device in Fastboot mode is `fastboot`.

In your case, you should try finding a replacement key for the non-working one, or you're out of luck.

---
Tags: adb, fastboot, bootloader
---


# Question
Title: How can I fix small images on the Facebook website?
Facebook images appear small, and don't take up whole width of the screen:

Screenshots (click images for larger variants)

This problem was reproduced on both Xperia T and Xperia SP (both running CM12, both have HD screen), and also both on Chrome and default CM web browser.

This problem didn't occur on Xperia Mini (HVGA screen), and I don't have any issues with the desktop version either.

Is there any way to solve this?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try going to Settings \> Apps \> All \> Chrome \> Clear Data.

Or try Firefox if it works, or try installing the Facebook app. Or uninstalling Chrome and test the factory version if it works, or updating it to the latest stable version.

Oh! I see.. You are using Cyanogen? Try using other browsers, including Opera Mobile, Mozilla Firefox, and Dolphin Browser.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Which Chrome browser version you're using exactly?

So I just went around reading about the issue (of which I also experienced too), and realized it appears to be fixed already, at least for me.

To confirm again, I also quickly pulled my phone and tried viewing images on Facebook via Chrome, and they appeared nicely, not in small size.

Assuming the issue (which is likely a CSS issue) was reported some months ago, I am sure they'll be at it and tried to fix it.

My images appear alright though. Perhaps update to the latest Chrome on phone and it might solve it for you. I didn't even noticed it's been fixed until reading this question and going to explicitly try it out.

As a proof, see image attached. This is how images show on my Chrome when I visit Facebook for mobile, the `m.facebook.com`

FWIW, my Chrome version is 42.0.23311.bla-bla-bla. I'm on Android 5.1.1, custom build, using CyanogenMod for Xperia Z2

# Answer
> 0 votes
I've got two accounts the problem is only with one of them. The issue is with facebook trying out new stuff on select accounts. Nothing we can do from our phones

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, chrome-for-android, facebook, sony-xperia
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to get a part of the screen by adb or anything else?
I know how to use adb screencap to capture and fetch the file with adb pull, but if I'm only interested in a 16x16 part of the screen, it would be very inefficient to capture and transfer the whole screen.

I'm not an android developer and I'm doing this in python, is it possible to get a part of the screen with adb or any other methods?

# Answer
I don't think you can do this directly with adb, so the only thing you can do is capture the whole screen and crop it manually. If the device is fast, you can use adb shell commands to do the cropping on the device, so less data needs to be transferred via USB.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: adb, screen, shell
---


# Question
Title: Improving horrible screen-on battery life
My HTC 10 is doing horribly when it comes to screen-on battery life after its update to Android 8.0. Average screen-on battery time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

I've tried most I could: turning off animations (which were bugging anyway) and doing some screen brightness tricks. However this is not good, my phone used to be better before the 8.0 update.

Any tips?

# Answer
Decrease your screen brightness, makes a huge difference. Unless you are outside in the sun, you won't need full brightness to see properly.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: battery, battery-life, htc, 8.0-oreo
---


# Question
Title: My Pixel 2 doesn't give me a notification when I attach it to a PC
I've had a new Pixel 2 XL for a few days now. Today when I plug it in to a PC the PC detects that it is present but doesn't show the list of files present on the device.

When I did this a few days ago, I had a similar experience, but a notification popped up on the phone asking me what mode I wanted to use. It was set to "recharge" by default, but when I changed it to "file sharing" (exact wording might not be right) the files appeared in the browser on my PC.

Today there is no notification. I have tried unplugging the device and plugging it back in several times. Did I do something to disable the notification? **How can I re-enable the notification or better yet set it so that it *always* turns on file share mode when I plug it in?**

# Answer
Do you have a lock-screen enabled on it? Most Android phones will require you to unlock it before it will connect to the file system. If you don't have a lock-screen, you may want to check out this article and make sure it's set to file mode, and mot just MTP or charging.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: file-transfer, usb-connection-mode, google-pixel-2
---


title: How does the S flip case work?

text:
# Question
Title: How does the S flip case work?
I know that the magnets turn the phone on and off, but what about the time/date display on the case? Does the case somehow use the phone's battery to display those? If so, does it not drain the battery faster?

# Answer
> 2 votes
This data is attributed to an online manual for the device at this location:

http://gadgetguideonline.com/s8/galaxy-s8-led-wallet-cover-guide/

NFC powers the device, and is estimated to have minimal draw to the phone battery.

See the quote from the forum thread below the manual:

---

> No, you cannot turn off the display. The LED cover is powered through NFC. Once you snap the cover on, it will drain power. But power required is very marginal. It should not affect the battery life of the phone.

---

# Answer
> 0 votes
It shouldn't drain the battery anymore than having no case. As far as I know, it just uses the AMOLED display to show the time and date, or whatever you have it set to display, and the case is designed to be able to see through it enough to see the info.

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


# Question
Title: How to flash a factory image onto a Nexus 5x with locked bootloader?
This happened today:

1. I was using my Nexus 5X when it suddenly started rebooting.
2. It got stuck in a bootloop. It would never boot past the Google logo and I couldn't turn it off.
3. I was able to enter fastboot mode and even recovery mode from there.
4. I wiped the phone from recovery mode which didn't help.
5. I left the phone lying with the fastboot menu open because I thought maybe it is overheated and will cool down (it was slightly warm).
6. When I returned, the phone was off. I started it and this time it went past the Google logo up to the Android logo (with the animation). However, after displaying "Android" it would just power off.
7. I tried to boot it a few times but it would never go past the Android logo. Eventually the bootloop started happening again.
8. I am now back to step 2 **except I can't enter recovery mode any more**. If I choose recovery mode from the fastboot menu, I never see the lying Android figure with the exclamation mark.

I found many tutorials about fixing bootloops on the Nexus but they all seem to require an unlocked bootloader.

**The bootloader on the device is locked**. I can see the device in `fastboot devices` but I can't unlock it.

Any idea how to repair this? Can I somehow flash a factory image onto the device even though OEM unlock is disabled? There is no data on the device that would need to be preserved. I'm ideally looking for a Linux-based solution.

# Answer
> 1 votes
The only possible way for you to get "OEM unlocked" is to freeze your phone and then turn it on, hoping that it will boot normally again. (Put phone in an airtight plastic bag and place it in freezer for about 1h.)

However, the Nexus 5x bootloop problem is a hardware problem which cannot be fixed using software. (One processor core is broken and as it is turned on during boot, the device crashes.) The XDA work-around simply disables the broken core, I think, but this leaves you with a slower phone.

Since you don't need to save any data on your Nexus, I'd spend my time finding a (cheap? second-hand? lineage-os/treble-ready?) replacement device.

---
Tags: rom-flashing, nexus-5, boot-loop, linux, bootloader-lock
---


# Question
Title: Is there a searchable app catalog that rank applications by power and network bandwith usage?
I'm pretty sure I have used such a site previously, but could not find it in my bookmarks anymore.

My use case: I have some apps that I seldom use, and want to be able to quickly see how much battery and bandwith I can save by just keeping them disabled until I need to use them.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 1 votes
I finally managed to find it again - I was looking for AppQuest. Leaving question open in case other people know of similar sites.

---
Tags: applications, benchmarks
---


# Question
Title: Is there any option for continuous authentication on Android ?
Suppose you unlock your smartphone and put it aside and someone takes it before it gets locked, is there any mechanism currently to authenticate the new user and lock him out of the phone ?

I see that there are many articles speaking about continuous authentication like this one and this but is there actually an implementation on current versions of Android ?

I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 with Android 7.0

# Answer
> 3 votes
I've looked at those papers and the problem always is getting enough data from the attacker's actions to know the user is no longer the owner.

Which means that some other signal has to be provided to indicate that the owner is absent. The Bluetooth signal from a separate device provides such a signal.

Its called Smart Lock.

How to Use Smart Lock on Galaxy S7

> 1. Launch the settings app from your Home screen or the app drawer.
> 2. Tap on the Lock screen and security button.
> 3. Tap on Secure lock settings.
> 4. Tap on Smart Lock.
> 5. Enter your password, pin, or pattern.
> 6. Tap on Trusted devices.
> 7. Tap on Add trusted device.
> 8. Tap on Bluetooth.
> 9. Tap on the device you want to be trusted.
> 10. Tap on Yes, Add.

The article also mentions 'On-Body' detection but notes only so-so accuracy.

---
Tags: security, 7.0-nougat, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: App can't be moved to SD Card , Option not available
I've installed a app called PyDroid 3 from Play Store, but I don't have much space available on my internal memory so i wanted to move the app to SD Card. But Move To SD Card option is available on this app.

Using Android 5.1 on Samsung J2

# Answer
Check the app manifest using an app like Manifest Viewer and search for android:installLocation

| android:installLocation attribute | Can app be moved to External SD ? |
| --- | --- |
| Internal Only | NO |
| Not declared | NO |
| `auto` or `prefer external` | Yes |

Note: This is for unrooted devices

Related Google Play store asks to uninstall apps on sd card to free up space for new installations
> 7 votes

---
Tags: applications, internal-storage, app2sd
---


title: Restore Samsung Galaxy S II via PC

text:
# Question
Title: Restore Samsung Galaxy S II via PC
Sadly during a bad **TWRP update** my **Samsung Galaxy S II** was bricked.

The TWRP comes from a SlimSaber rom with a custom kernel.

What i can actually do is put it in download mode, so via a PC it should be reflashed.

> **What are the steps to reflash the original or a compatible ROM?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
In short try booting into recovery, by pressing and holding home, power and volume down. Wipe user data. Then use Odin to reflash. The OEM firmware can be downloaded from Samsung.

Follow the guide on this link. https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-recover-a-bricked-samsung-galaxy-s2/

---
Tags: samsung, samsung-galaxy-s-2, twrp, unbricking
---


title: samsung odin twrp recovery

text:
# Question
Title: samsung odin twrp recovery
I have exactly the same problem of this question: After flashing TWRP with Odin, nothing happens and the OEM recovery is still there

The problem is the answer is not valid for me, my volume buttons don't work. Is there another way to do it without using vol+?

# Answer
This is assuming you can still boot the phone like normal since your question did not specify if it could or could not boot.

* boot the phone normally
* enable USB debugging
* connect to computer by cable
* from the computer, run adb reboot recovery
* phone reboots directly to recovery

Done!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, recovery-mode, twrp, odin
---


# Question
Title: Can I use a different power adapter with my TV with different Ampere output
I am not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but here it goes.
I have a sony W80C android TV which is not powering on.
I tried following steps to find out the problem:
1. Tried another remote (mobile phone IR blaster)
2. Currently trying a different power adapter.
Here's the problem,
The original power adapter outputs 19.5V 5.2A and the new one I ordered is 19.5V 4.35A. So the TV is not powering on.
I thought it's because of the difference between ampere that's why it's not working.
But the person who sold me this is saying that this power adapter works with all Sony TV and he even tested it on 43" Android TV and it works and said there was an issue with my TV.

I just want to know if it's possible to power up the TV with lower Ampere output or not. If that's the case then I will send my TV to repair.

# Answer
I assume that both of the chargers are DC, I hope the new charger isn't AC.

The original charger was 19.5V 5.2A = 101.4 Watts The new charger is 19.5V 4.35A = 84.825 Watts

My guess is that the power isn't enough to power up your TV, and if by chance your TV works with 84.825 Watts then the new charger will be very hot and will burn soon because the TV needs more power and the source isn't able to provide it.

# In general consider this when buying any replacement charger:

* Don't buy unknown/cheap chargers
* Type of current flow should be the same as the original charger: **DC = DC** or **AC = AC**
* Voltage should be exactly the same : **19.5 = 19.5**
* Amperage provided by the source (New Charger) **should be More or Equal** to the Amperage needed by the destination (Ex: TV)

So; in your case; the new charger should be :

**19.5V DC Exactly** and **4.35A or more**
> 2 votes

---
Tags: android-tv, smart-tv
---


# Question
Title: Installing apk files on Kyocera Dura XE (flipphone running android)
The Kyocera Dura XE is a flip phone running Android Lollipop 5.2. I've enabled developer mode, usb debugging and all the "verify stuff" options are unchecked and "Unknown Sources" is on in Security Settings.

Basically, I've done all the stuff there is to do on the phone. When I try to install an apk from file, on the phone I get "Install Blocked" and when I try to install an apk from adb, I get

> Failure \[INSTALL\_PARSE\_FAILED\_INCONSISTENT\_CERTIFICATES\]

and logcat shows the following

```
D/AndroidRuntime(13719): >>>>>> START com.android.internal.os.RuntimeInit uid 2000 <<<<<<
D/AndroidRuntime(13719): CheckJNI is OFF
D/AndroidRuntime(13719): Calling main entry com.android.commands.pm.Pm
I/ProcessStatsService( 2524): Prepared write state in 5ms
D/DefContainer(13606): Copying /data/local/tmp/playstore.apk to base.apk
I/ProcessStatsService( 2524): Pruning old procstats: /data/system/procstats/state-2018-02-16-22-14-21.bin
W/PackageManager( 2524): COMPARE_PACKAGE SIGNATURE UNKNOWN : android.deviceadmin.cts
W/PackageManager( 2524): COMPARE_PACKAGE SIGNATURE UNKNOWN : com.android.cts.verifier
W/PackageManager( 2524): COMPARE_PACKAGE SIGNATURE UNKNOWN : com.android.cts.robot
E/PackageManager( 2524): checkKCSignature error
I/art     ( 2524): Explicit concurrent mark sweep GC freed 195715(8MB) AllocSpace objects, 6(1631KB) LOS objects, 33% free, 9MB/13MB, paused 1.506ms total 120.970ms
I/art     (13719): System.exit called, status: 1
I/AndroidRuntime(13719): VM exiting with result code 1.

```

I've resigned the packages and still doesn't work, I can't even install a hello world app I build myself in Android Studio. Kingroot doesn't work (yet, although I've read forums where it has worked). It seems like ATT has got this thing very locked down.

All I really want to do is put a couple scripts on the thing to download podcasts for me (which is all I really miss from giving up my "smart" phone), so maybe I'll ask another question if this one is unanswerable. But, what's up with this phone.

I've read almost every deadend forum post, tutorial and guide you're gonna get by binging it or googling it or searx'ing it or duckduckgoing it.

I'm not sure how to get it into fastboot mode either, it's not vol-down + power (I did wind up in 'safe mode' once, but I don't know what that is)

What I really want is to know where I can get more debug information so I can figure out why it doesn't want to install any APK files.

# Answer
You'll get more information about your problem by using:

> adb logcat -v * \> mylog.txt

you'll find the file **mylog.txt** in the directory where you've executed the adb command. (you can share it to help you figure out what's the problem)

# The problem is:

The same package name (APK) exists on Android device with different signature. When you try to install the same package (APK) again signed with a different signature:

> **Example:** The first APK was signed with **Debug keys**, then the APK you're trying to install is signed with **Release keys**

# The solution is:

> Uninstall the old package (APK) manually from **Settings\> Apps**

or from the CMD shell, run:

> adb uninstall your.package.name
> 2 votes

---
Tags: apk, side-loading
---


# Question
Title: In Google Photos, when I try to delete a photo or video on SD card it tells me to go to gallery
I have 2 Mi note 4g's and both of them have the same problem. I have also given access to all permissions in settings(though there is no permission for SD card). All the photos outside the SD card can be deleted all right.

# Answer
> 1 votes
> Your issue is you haven't allow SD card access from the app itself:

1. Hamburger menu (Three dots) in the upper right.
2. Settings
3. SD Card Access

Regards.

---
Tags: google-photos
---


title: Import data from ColorNote app?

text:
# Question
Title: Import data from ColorNote app?
I have lost my Android phone but I have backup of my SD-card on which I have backup of my ColorNote app. How can I get all my notes from that backup?

NOTE: I am using iPhone now so don't have a Android device for now.

# Answer
**Yes** you can, but it will be a bit convoluted: ColorNote's notes can only be exported from the SQLite colornote.db file, but it's not available from the sd card backups. So we will have to do it in two steps: first reimport the sd card backup into the ColorNote app, then extract the generated colornote.db SQLite file (note that you must have rooted your phone to access the SQLite file, but you can do it on the BlueStacks emulator). Here's the walkthrough, inspired greatly by this post by Danyil Bohdan and this one:

1. Install ColorNote on an Android device. Since you don't have an Android phone, you can use BlueStacks to emulate an Android phone on your computer.
2. Open ColorNote and import your sd card backup file. Remember that you have to disable cloud syncing in order to show the Restore option as per the ColorNote's FAQ.
3. Check that your notes are correctly restored inside ColorNote by opening them. If they seem ok, continue to next step.
4. Install Total Commander for Android on your phone or BlueStacks emulator.
5. Open Total Commander and browse the root/filesystem partition and then browse to `/data/data/com.socialnmobile.dictapps.notepad.color.note/databases/`. You need root rights to access /data/data, but in the BlueStacks emulator it should be easy to do. Inside this folder, copy the file `colornote.db` to your SD card slot (I don't know how it works inside BlueStacks but you should have the possibility to setup a virtual SD card or send directly to your computer).
6. Transfer the `colornote.db` file to your computer (either via USB if you're using an Android phone, or by copying the file from the BlueStacks emulator).
7. Open `colornote.db` with a SQLite browser of your choice. A good open source and portable app for that is sqlitebrowser. You should now see something similar to this screen:

8. Click on the `Execute SQL` tab (highlighted in red above) and execute the following sql statement:

`SELECT date(created_date / 1000,'unixepoch'),date(modified_date / 1000,'unixepoch'),note FROM notes ORDER BY _id`
9. You should now see a list of records below the sql statement, and you can click on the little floppy disk icon on the right to export into CSV, as shown here:

10. Open the .csv file into a UNIX friendly editor such as Notepad++ (else there won't be any line returns) and check if the content of your notes was correctly exported. They should be stored in chronologically ascending order (from oldest to newest at the bottom).
11. You can then import your .csv file in most programs or keep it as a readable backup of your notes.

Note that this technic works for most applications, since most Android apps use SQLite to store their databases (exception being some apps like WhatsApp which uses SQLite but encrypted to, of course, avoid leaking your private data to anyone).
> 6 votes

# Answer
You need another Android phone.

You can either:

* Restore your ColorNote's TiBackup on another phone
* Install ColorNote on another Android phone and view one of your backups (Go to settings-\>sdcard backup, then choose one and 'view' it)
ColorNote's backup is in /sdcard/data/colornote/ (if you need to copy it to your new phone)
> 3 votes

# Answer
To restore your notes from SD card which were backed up using ColorNote's Backup to SD card functionality you can try this.

Install ColorNote app and then go to `Backup` select `SD Card Backup`. See if your earlier backups from SD card are listed there. If they are, select the one and your notes will be restored.

I have tried this using the same SD card, in your case you have a backup of it so I am not sure but I guess it should work. Let me know how it helps.
> 3 votes

# Answer
It is easy to restore ColorNote backup files from PC:

1. Connect you Android phone (or tablet) in MTP mode
2. Open connected Android phone folder on your PC
3. Locate "data/colornote/backup" folder on the Android device and copy your backup files to that folder
4. Open Colornote on your Android device and go to Backup, select SD Card Backup, touch the saved backup data and restore it.

If your Android has a SD card, you could just plug the card into PC and copy the files. On my Colornote versions, the backup restore deletes previous files.
> 1 votes

# Answer
In my case the program had problem finding my backup after upgrading from Android 2.3 to 4.2.

The backups were in `sdcard1/data/colornote/backup` and I needed to copy them to `external_sd/data/colornote/backup` for the program to find them.
> 1 votes

# Answer
There is also another solution. If you download the app "Evernote" on your phone. You will then have two note apps; color note and evernote.

Then click on a note you want to keep. On my phone, HTC wildfire, you can press a "menu" button once you've accessed the particular note; And then you can choose "Share" or in my language "Send". You will then be able to send the particular note from "colornote" to "Evernote". "Evernote" is accessible for an iphone and an android phone, and the app enables you to transfer notes from different devices.

Good Luck!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Hi I found the answer to lot's of peoples problems on restoring colornote files. Transfering from one mobile to another, I Tried everything but like most people I could see them on the phone's sd card but I could not read the files, this is how I managed. If you have files backed up to an external HDD copy the colornote data folder to the phone's sd card, open colornote go to settings & sign out of online sync (this is the secret), while in settings go to sd card back up and select the first one of your file's when you select the file it gives the option to restore. Hit restore and all your files will then show in colornote. If any files are locked it will require that you enter the password I just used the same as used on my old phone and I could then open and read the files.
> 0 votes

# Answer
You can install Android emulator (such as www.bluestacks.com/) Install there ColorNote and send notes to email or save them to a file.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I created a tool for decrypting backups when I wanted to export my old notes: https://github.com/olejorgenb/ColorNote-backup-decryptor

Not sure if it works on files created by newer versions of ColorNote. The files I successfully decrypted was 3-4 years old.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, backup, restore, ios
---


title: Problem of the Google play store

text:
# Question
Title: Problem of the Google play store
As soon as I get into Google Play store and search for an app, it automatically comes to the home screen of the Android device and a notification appears asking whether you want to close the app or open it once again.Will this problem will be solved?

# Answer
This could just be that you are running out of RAM. There is more information on this here, if you need it.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Whatsapp suddenly crashed and device got unresponsive
My Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 is of full of storage and I am talking to my friend through whatsapp, and it got crashed and stop working. I can't receive calls or get out of whatsapp or even turn the phone off. What should I do now?

# Answer
Press and hold the power button until something happens. When my S4 becomes unresponsive, a long-press of about 10 seconds eventually gets the phone off.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-a5
---


# Question
Title: ODEX file: Does every app has one and if yes where are they stored?
I know that `.odex` files are optimized .dex files.

I have seen a lot of `.odex` files below the path `/system` on my phone. I am just curious if there are also `.odex` files for my installed apps.

I searched the file system but I wasn't able to find `.odex` files for my installed apps. But I assume that they exist - the question is just where they are stored.

BTW: My phone is a rooted Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.1.2

# Answer
> 4 votes
When your ROM is booted up for the first time, Android's Dalvik goes through every apk and extracts the dex file from it. It places the dex files in the cache folder - located at /data/dalvik-cache. This is the directory that gets cleared when you clear the dalvik cache in your recovery tool

# Answer
> 0 votes
Yes every user app has an odex file. Check `/data/app` and you will see every user app with a folder called `oat` in that folder, in which you will see an odex file

# Answer
> -1 votes
I believe every app has an ODEX db because this keeps the app files for running the app,the widget or apk cant work without it. Its normally located in the Secure file system under apps,each app with have its icon and the odex file with the same name .ODEX next to it.

# Answer
> -1 votes
To know where `.odex` files are stored you can use a terminal emulator and run the following command:

```
su && find / -name=*.odex*

```

---
Tags: file-system, odex
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to manage filters from Gmail app?
Is it possible to manage filters directly from the Gmail Android app?

# Answer
> 2 votes
No. This feature isn't implemented in the mobile app.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This is an old question, but... There is a workaround for managing Gmail filters on your Android device (or any mobile device). You can't do it directly within the app, though. You have to use your mobile browser and go to Gmail's "HTML" website (link below). HTML Gmail is basically a simplified version of the full/desktop website, but it still has nearly all of the functions of the current full site.

Once you navigate to HTML Gmail, you'll see the same options as you would see using a laptop/desktop browser. The graphic interface isn't quite as fancy, but all of the functions are there - including the ability to manage Filters via the Settings tab (near the top right of the page). Then you can proceed with managing your filters as usual.

Here's a direct link to HTML Gmail:
https://mail.google.com/mail/h/

If you have any problems, here's a help article on how to access the HTML Gmail site:
https://support.google.com/mail/answer/15049?hl=en

---
Tags: gmail
---


# Question
Title: Android 6 on screen keyboard not enabled
When using the Android 6 (Moto G2) only the voice option was given for user input. A device reboot failed to fix the issue.

# Answer
> 0 votes
In Device, Apps

In an effort to save space the user had disabled Google gboard in error as well Google Hindi Input, Google Korean Input etc

---
Tags: keyboard
---


title: Some Apps not woking in cellular Data

text:
# Question
Title: Some Apps not woking in cellular Data
I have an Blackview BV 8000.

Some Apps like Chrome, Stack exchange, Facebook, WhatsApp... Work without a problem.

However apps like Gmail, YouTube and Google play store don't work on cellular data. I always get an error message, that tells me to check my internet connection (cellular or wlan/wifi, that I know is good).

In settings there is a network access control panel, where I unlocked those apps, however they still don't work under cellular data.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I realize this is a pretty basic answer, and you might have already tried this, but have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling those apps? Even if it's saying "check your internet connection", sometimes error messages don't reflect the real problem. Those apps you mentioned (Gmail, YouTube, and Google Play Store) all come from the same developer. If this problem just started recently, it could be a glitch in a recent update.

Alternatively, are you sure that you're logged in to those apps? The apps you mentioned are all dependent on your being properly signed in to your main Google account, via your device's accounts settings. If you've inadvertently logged out or deleted your Google account login, you'll lose access to those accounts.

Of course, if you haven't done this already, try restarting your device (turn it on and off). No joke, that actually fixes a lot of problems. :-)

---
Tags: google-play-store, gmail, internet, youtube, mobile-network
---


title: Samsung GT-I9100 no storage space

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung GT-I9100 no storage space
I have a Samsung GT-I9100 and its permanently telling me I don't have enough storage space., yet there are 11GB on the USB storage available. How do I use the USB storage?

# Answer
Questions: 1. Do you mean SD storage (SD card) and not USB storage? 2. What action(s) are you trying to perform when it gives you this error message? 3. How much free space do you have on your internal storage?

If you're getting that message when you're trying to install an app, keep in mind that you can't download apps directly to your SD/external storage. You have to first download/install them on your internal storage. Then you can move them to your SD card if that option is available for the app. The same applies to downloading most types of files (documents, music, videos, etc). If your internal storage is full, you have to either delete some files or move them to the SD card to free up space on internal storage. Hope that helps!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung, storage
---


# Question
Title: Unable to change mobile data cycle date on huawei p9 lite with android 7.0
My old phone had an option to change the mobile data cycle date. As you can see in the image below the option is gone. Does anyone know where I can find it in this "new and improved" version of android??

and yes I have seen this question but it has changed since this update and it no longer works

Screenshots (click images for larger variants)

# Answer
> 1 votes
It seems that Huawei phones don’t seem to have that feature, which may be due to certain manufacturer's reasons. Its skinned UI (EMUI) provides the feature in a slightly different place.

> If you go to your data management screen, you will find that it does not offer that feature at all. Instead, it shows you your daily usage, and that is about it.

This similar feature is found in **data traffic management**.

Depending on your EMUI version, follow this proceedure:

Go to Settings (All) → Data traffic management → Package settings (or gear icon in later EMUI versions). You should get a screen looking like this:

> *Here you actually get the Android Data Traffic manager, but a super version of it. You can set daily limits, start the day of the month for your package, disable data if you go over limit to save you money, and set various limits and reminders*

---

Since the feature is somewhat hidden, another probable workaround is installing a 3rd party open source tool Activity Launcher(No root required).

> * Under activities select all activities.
> * Select Settings
> * Search for data usage

Here you will find the options you need to change the mobile data cycle date similar to what you do in stock versions.

---

Another workaround is installing an altogether data manager application, that takes over the default monitoring of data, cycles etc.

From experience of many users you can search the appropriate one from Playstore e.g ( My Data manager, 3G watchdog etc) which are also very flexible when it comes to changing data cycles, limits, reminders and so forth.

**Acknowledgements**

1. How to: Enabling data limits on your Huawei or Honor smarphone (EMUI 3.1)
2. Change mobile data cycle date

---
Tags: 7.0-nougat, mobile-data, data-monitoring
---


title: Wine 3.2 not working on Android Oreo

text:
# Question
Title: Wine 3.2 not working on Android Oreo
I downloaded the latest version of Wine from here (ARM version, tried X86 and it wouldn't install) and ran it on Sony Xperia XZ Premium running Android Oreo. Installation was successful but when I open the app it only says "loading Windows environment" and after that nothing happens, screen stays black forever. what's the problem with it and how to solve it?

# Answer
Try uninstalling it and instead install Wine-3.0-arm. Wine 3.2 is a "development" version, Wine 3.0 is a "stable" version.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sony-xperia, 8.0-oreo
---


title: How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S3?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I root my Samsung Galaxy S3?
I downloaded Titanium Backup to my Android Samsung GS3, but I got a message saying I must root my phone for the software to work. How do I root my phone?

# Answer
> 0 votes
Download king root from aptoide! This should do the job ! If you dont know what aptoide is! Download the apk from aptoide website! You also have to enable in the security option allow install from unknown source!

---
Tags: rooting
---


title: Android mobile internet not working

text:
# Question
Title: Android mobile internet not working
On my phone I'm not able to access the internet. I have signal and data coverage. I still can't browse. But as soon as Mobile Hotspot is turned on, other devices can connect to the Internet and my device can connect to the Internet. It's a strange issue but it occurs often for me.

Is this an Android issue, a cell carrier issue, or a device issue? Thanks

# Answer
Follow these instructions:

* Try a reboot and check the option in Phone Settings.
* Check if data roaming option is enabled.
* Mostly, access point settings are provided by the ISP. Still, crosscheck them.

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

Following is the code to access detailed information about your phone and its network:

```
*#*#4636#*#*

```
> 0 votes

# Answer
Clearing the Proxy/Port settings of active Access point name solved for me. see this QA: Mobile Data only working when used as hotspot
> 0 votes

---
Tags: connection-issues, mobile-data
---


# Question
Title: Can I save a "star-hash" (*#) code as contact?
I'm developing on a Huawei phone, and to enable logging on this device one must dial `*#*#2846579#*#*` to get to a hidden service menu, as described in this answer on Stack Overflow.

Is there any way I can save this code as a contact and "dial" it from the favourites list for easy access? Of course I tried just adding a new contact with the code as the number, but when I "dial" it the phone actually dials the number instead of opening the hidden service menu, resulting in a "Sorry, you can't dial this number" voice message from my phone operator.

# Answer
It is *not* meant to be dialled as an ordinary contact number

Quoting from this answer

> What the dialer really does when you enter the code is **extracting** the number between \*#\*# and #\*#\* and then broadcasting the following intent....

Saving it as a contact and trying to dial means it is a treated as a regular, valid number

* Which is rejected by the service provider , since it is not a valid number
* Expected code is not launched since the corresponding intent is not triggered

You can try creating a shortcut to the intent using an apps like Tasker
> 1 votes

---
Tags: contacts, huawei, logging, dialer-codes
---


# Question
Title: Moto G4 Rooted stuck on TWRP recovery loop
New to rooting androids so if you could help that'd be awesome.

Moto g4. Android 6

I unlocked my bootloader fine, and flashed TWRP.img and installed supersu

I had everything running fine but then I decided to try and get rid of the amazon bloatware with rootjunky's tutorial (cant post links)

I ran: fastboot flash oem oem.img

And my phone has been in a boot loop ever since.

I've tried clearing the contents in TWRP, going to boot "System", reinstalling supersu, pretty much everything I could find the last hour, no luck. Everytime no matter what I do, my phone boots into TWRP.

Any help?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I don't know if it's still a problem, but on my Moto G5 I have a similar problem, but booting into the bootloader and selecting start seems like the only thing that is able to boot the device.

Start will automatically be selected. If not, use the volume buttons to select it. After selecting it press the power button

No answer yet, but it could be useful in the future. TWRP saying no OS is installed

---
Tags: twrp
---


# Question
Title: Wipe data error - Unable to mount '/data'
Sorry for my bad English.

I have a "Huawei G610". And i flash wrong rom on it. Now phone boots up but the "Encryption unsuccessful" page shows. And just has a button "Reset phone".

"TWRP" recovery mod is installed on phone and come up after tapping on Reset phone in prev step. In TWRP i enter to "Wipe" and select " Wipe data - Factory reset " and i get this error:

```
Unable to mount '/data'

```

I back to TWRP main menu and enter to "Mount" But "Data" is unselectable !

**Please help me how to fix this problem**

Thanks a lot !

# Answer
> 1 votes
If still necessary:

***This will wipe all data on the phone.***

1. Boot into TWRP
2. Select wipe
3. Tap Advanced Wipe
4. Select DATA and press "Repair or Change File System"
5. Press "Change File System"
6. Change the file system to the original file system for your phone.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, mount
---


# Question
Title: Using SD card from Android 7 in Android 6
I got a new 'phone, with Android 7. I don't like it and plan to continue to use my Android 6 phone.

When I put the SD card into the Android 7, I vaguely remember something about it formatting - and encrypting? - it, and saying that the data would only be accessible on that 'phone.

When I put it in the Android 6 'phone, Settings/Storage and USB says that there is no SD card inserted.

It also offers me the option to "forget" the card and says that if I do so, all data on the card will be lost forever.

Two important points:

1. I don't care about the data & don't mind losing it; but I don't want the o/s to believe that there is no SD card slot.
2. the SD card & SIM slide in together on a little tray and that tray is stuck. So, it is quite probable that the SD card is not physically recognized.

Before I use brute force (and a thin knife) to get the tray out, is there any way to tell the 'phone "hey, you might have an SD card which is encrypted, and I am quite happy with reformatting it, just so long as you recognize it"?

# Answer
Try to connect your old phone to your computer and copy the data from the SD card to the computer. Then choose forget on your old phone, try to get the SD card out and put it in the new phone. It will prompt to format the SD card. If it doesn't, go to Settings \> Storage and tap on the SD card. It will ask to format it. If that still doesn't work, put your SD card into the computer and format it from there, preferably FAT32.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sd-card
---


title: No LTE on samsung s4 mini?

text:
# Question
Title: No LTE on samsung s4 mini?
I am using a Samsung S4 Mini Model GT-l9195 with Lineage OS 14.1. I used the LTE Image to install LOS. But actually, I am not sure if my phone is able to use LTE. Because there was also a non-LTE version available for LOS, I wonder if there are Samsung S4 phones that don't have LTE built in?

The problem is, I have never seen the LTE sing with the mobile data icon yet, but I am also not using Internet very much on the phone.

# Answer
As you already know, LineageOS explicitly offers different ROMs for the 3 variants: serrano3gxx (GT-I9190, 3G single-SIM), serranodsdd (GT-I9192, 3G dual-SIM) and serranoltexx (GT-I9195, LTE single-SIM).

The assert checks embedded within the packages will prevent them from being flashed on the wrong variant of device, but this is given that you installed the correct recovery for your variant as well (for which there are no similar assert checks).

With the correct ROM and recovery, if you're still not getting LTE, you should try forcing LTE in Settings. Also be aware that the device itself is a rather early LTE device and as such has very limited LTE band support; PhoneDB shows support for only LTE B3/B7/B20. If your carrier doesn't use any of these bands then naturally you won't get LTE whatsoever.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, lineageos, 4g
---


title: Cannot mount /system as rw

text:
# Question
Title: Cannot mount /system as rw
I am rooted with magisk and while trying to mount /system as rw by using this command:

> mount -o remount, rw /system

There is an error

> '/system' not in /proc/mounts

Cat /proc/mounts returns:

```
ro,seclabel,relatime 0 0
tmpfs /dev tmpfs rw,seclabel,nosuid,relatime,size=963128k,nr_inodes=113081,mode=755 0 0
devpts /dev/pts devpts rw,seclabel,relatime,mode=600 0 0
proc /proc proc rw,relatime,gid=3009,hidepid=2 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
selinuxfs /sys/fs/selinux selinuxfs rw,relatime 0 0
debugfs /sys/kernel/debug debugfs rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
none /acct cgroup rw,relatime,cpuacct 0 0
tmpfs /mnt tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=963128k,nr_inodes=113081,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
none /config configfs rw,relatime 0 0
none /dev/cpuctl cgroup rw,relatime,cpu 0 0
pstore /sys/fs/pstore pstore rw,seclabel,relatime 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system /system ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata /data f2fs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,background_gc=on,user_xattr,inline_xattr,acl,inline_data,active_logs=6 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/cache /cache ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/fsg /fsg ext4 ro,context=u:object_r:fsg_file:s0,nosuid,nodev,relatime,nobarrier 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modem /firmware ext4 ro,context=u:object_r:firmware_file:s0,nosuid,nodev,relatime,nobarrier,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist /persist ext4 rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,noauto_da_alloc,data=ordered 0 0
adb /dev/usb-ffs/adb functionfs rw,relatime 0 0
tmpfs /storage tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=963128k,nr_inodes=113081,mode=755,gid=1000 0 0
tmpfs /sbin tmpfs rw,seclabel,relatime,size=963128k,nr_inodes=113081 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/system /sbin/.core/mirror/system ext4 ro,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata /sbin/.core/mirror/bin f2fs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,background_gc=on,user_xattr,inline_xattr,acl,inline_data,active_logs=6 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /sbin/.core/img ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/framework/XposedBridge.jar ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/lib/libxposed_art.so ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/lib/libsigchain.so ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/lib/libart.so ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/lib/libart-disassembler.so ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/lib/libart-compiler.so ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/bin/patchoat ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/bin/oatdump ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/bin/dex2oat ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/bin/app_process32_xposed ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/dev/block/loop0 /system/etc/hosts ext4 rw,seclabel,relatime,data=ordered 0 0
/data/media /mnt/runtime/default/emulated sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1015,multiuser,mask=6 0 0
/data/media /storage/emulated sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1015,multiuser,mask=6 0 0
/data/media /mnt/runtime/read/emulated sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,multiuser,mask=23 0 0
/data/media /mnt/runtime/write/emulated sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,multiuser,mask=7 0 0
/dev/block/vold/public:179_65 /mnt/media_rw/C583-170F vfat rw,dirsync,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,uid=1023,gid=1023,fmask=0007,dmask=0007,allow_utime=0020,codepage=437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,utf8,errors=remount-ro 0 0
/mnt/media_rw/C583-170F /mnt/runtime/default/C583-170F sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1015,mask=6 0 0
/mnt/media_rw/C583-170F /storage/C583-170F sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=1015,mask=6 0 0
/mnt/media_rw/C583-170F /mnt/runtime/read/C583-170F sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,mask=18 0 0
/mnt/media_rw/C583-170F /mnt/runtime/write/C583-170F sdcardfs rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,noatime,fsuid=1023,fsgid=1023,gid=9997,mask=18 0 0
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata /sbin/.core/db-0/magisk.db f2fs rw,seclabel,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,background_gc=on,user_xattr,inline_xattr,acl,inline_data,active_logs=6 0 0

```

I am on lineageos14.1 Merlin, Other apps like es file explorer can mount it correctly, but ADB shell cannot. please guide me on how to mount it as rw

# Answer
Alright, so it was some typo issue, the correct command to mount it is:

> mount -o rw,remount /system
> 3 votes

---
Tags: adb, shell, mount, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: Formatting a "corrupt SD card" fails - is the card dead?
I have a no-brand-marked 32 GB "Micro SD HC" Card, which I'd been using with my Android 6.0.1-based phone.

Recently, the phone has been telling me the card is corrupt, and would not use it; and today I tried formatting it as the UI suggested. Well, the formatting app closed after a very long time with no progress beyond some point, and nothing seems to have changed - the card is still described as corrupt.

Is it necessarily the case that my card is dead, or could this possibly be a software issue?

# Answer
Most likely. If you had the card set to be read as internal storage, Android sets an encryption on it. After a factory reset, the keys change, and the card is permanently write-protected. I have had no luck reversing this on mine.

Regards.
> 1 votes

# Answer
When you connect your Android device to a pc, is the memory card visible?

If yes, chances are, your memory card can be formated or the contents be recovered using the Command Prompt.

Let's say, your sd card drive is E-drive, then use the Command line: " chkdsk E: /f "

Hope this works. All the best!
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, hardware, formatting
---


title: LG G5 - Fingerprint Scanner gone

text:
# Question
Title: LG G5 - Fingerprint Scanner gone
I have an issue with the `LG G5`. I bought it like 3 weeks ago and used it very carefully. Now just while using the `fingerprint scanner` went away. it said restart the phone. After restart even the `option` is gone.

The same issue is reported here as well but no solution: http://forums.androidcentral.com/lg-g5/683019-fingerprint-options-missing.html

Can anyone help me please? Thanks

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have checked all forums for a way to fix my lg G5 fingerprint option that just dissapeared, i came across something, if you go into settings\>general\>lock screen\>choose "none" exit and reset your phone once it starts up go back to settings\>lock screen\> and miraculously you should be able to activate your fingerprint option again

# Answer
> 0 votes
So here is how solved it:

`I returned the product and got my money back! This issue is for real as a lot of ppl have reported it`

The power button will soon stop working btw as its actually the whole fingerprint+power button that is low quality!

It only costs like 10 bucks on ebay but LG couldnt get a quality one!!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Turn your phone off. Hold down the volume button then hold down the power button along with it until a bar code appears on your screen. Restart your phone and the fingerprint option should be back. Do it twice if it didn't work tge first time.

---
Tags: lg, fingerprint
---


# Question
Title: How can I add and edit bookmarks within a PDF on Android?
I use my Android tablet to read long PDF files. **How can I add and edit bookmarks within a PDF on Android?**

# Answer
Direct editing of PDF content is something hard to achieve. As far as I know, the only solution for this is Qoppa PDF Notes. However: bookmarks (create & edit) and annotations (also create & edit) are possible.

The best eBook-Reader on Android, also known as Moon+ Reader Pro, supports this not only for PDF (Pro only!) -- but also for EPUB and other formats (Pro & Free). Another popular solution (PDF only) is ezPDF.

For more solutions, you might consult the Playstore, and check with the descriptions. The keywords are "bookmark" and "annotation".

Another Q&A here which might prove interesting to you is: Is there any software for Tablets to edit PDF or PS -files?
> 5 votes

# Answer
To edit existing bookmarks:

If you are using Adobe reader, tap the screen and the tap the icon down on the lower right that looks like an open book.

Then, tap the "bookmarks" tab.

Press and hold on the bookmark you wish to edit. You will be given the option to edit the name of the bookmark.

To add a new bookmark:

Tap the screen when you are on the page you wish to bookmark.

Then, tap the bookmark icon on the top near the right. This icon is flat at the top and is more tall than it is long. The bottom of the icon is like a Chevron or upside down v.

To access your bookmarks:

Tap the screen and then tap the icon down on the lower right hand side that looks like an open book.

Then, tap the "bookmarks" tab.

Tap the desired bookmarked page or edited bookmark title to view.

---

Alternatively if you are using WPS:

tap the screen when viewing a pdf document and select the view tab on the bottom right of the screen.

Bookmarks are on the left (you may need to scroll down a bit). There is an add bookmark icon on the far left and there is a bookmarks icon that will list existing bookmarked pages that you can select.

The bookmark function in both of these viewers is a lifesaver when doing math homework to skip to the answers for odd numbered problems in the back or at the the end pages of the textbook file.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Use Xodo pdf reader and editor. It is free with unbelievable features, no ads and you can find it in google play.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: pdf, bookmarks
---


# Question
Title: Is "Preferred Activity Setter" a malware?
I have noticed I have **Preferred Activity Setter** after the most recent update of Google Play Services, and it has been wreaking havoc on my Samsung Galaxy prevail LTE on my stock browser called "Internet" or "Browser" on older phones where it takes me to a site where there was moleculas content and Chrome loads the page then when finished it loaded page disappears except for the URL bar.

I have AVG Antivirus and it also says ***Preferred Activity Setter*** is considered a potentially unwanted program (PUP is now invalid, now considered malware). I have tried to force stop it, and it is still active while the "force stop" is greyed out.

Anyway to remove this without rooting it and doing it that way?

# Answer
> 1 votes
No. System apps cannot be removed without root privileges. Ignore this warning from AVG. I myself removed it using Titanium Backup, but once again you need to have root for that. If you are ready to take that step, knowing that it will void your warranty, then head over to XDA and research the rooting methods available for your particular phone model.

---
Tags: malware
---


# Question
Title: Phone stopped working, Cant turn it on, Solid red light, weird r/g/b/w stripes
yesterday i had a videochat call from messenger. I had this call about 2mins and then i saw i've got 8percents of battery. My phone usually drops from 8% to 2% but this is not the main problem. When i saw i had 8percents, i plug-in the charger to the wall and then plug-in the micro usb cable to the phone.

After connecting, i got red diode but isomething very weird happend to screen. On screen, there was multiple white/r/g/b (Like few on top, few on bottom but i think in the middle it was ok) strips and the aspect ratio of screen was too weird. It was mooved to right bottom corner.

The phone stopped responding so i pressed down power button for 10secs to turn off the phone. However, when i want to turn it on back, the phone was completly dead. I tried charging it from wall like 10 mins, then from computer like 30 mins but nothing worked. I left the phone charging over night about 8hours but still nothing.

//Before trying this i removed sim-card and sd-card//

I tried all variants like power +volume-up +volume-down, power +volume-up, power +volume-down, volume-up +volume-down but nothing worked. //I tried to hold it down like for 15-30secs, 20secs, 1minute, pushing it while charging but still nothing//

Phone: ZTE NX597J I bought it 4months ago so i think i must go to repair shop. However, some ideas? :D

//When i connect the phone to computer or wall, i have SOLID red light. It does not blinking// //I cant remove the battery// //The buttons like home, back and list of applications running on backround is from android so i cant make any different variations exept for power, volume-up, volume down//

# Answer
> 0 votes
The key combination you want is volume up and power. However, there's a few things to know:

* do this while the phone is 100% off. If you're not sure, press and hold the power button. Some phones (like my Galaxy S4) enter a weird state once they are disconnected after getting charged while off.
* do this while the phone is NOT plugged in
* hold the volume up key first, and while holding it (half a second is enough), don't let go of it, just start pressing and holding the power button while still holding the volume up button. The order is important. Yes, you are holding both buttons together, but volume up needs to be pressed FIRST, otherwise the phone will only do the power button thing.

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, troubleshooting
---


# Question
Title: Significant battery drop/reboot, but only in cold weather (+5°C/+41°F) with camera - expected behaviour or battery defect?
*Disclaimer: This is not a duplicate, I've looked at these questions but none are applicable(temperature) or provide an adequate answer.*

Recently I've realized that my 15 month old LG G4 seems to have an issue with the battery in cool or cold weather: dry, no significant windchill, +5°C/+41°C

**In at least 3 instances, it happened to drop from 50% or even 65% charge to zero, rebooting without warning. I've not seen issues at other times (higher temps)**

I can even reproduce this:

* Have the phone at 50% to about 70% charge
* go outside if its around 5°C
* take a couple of pictures with Open Camera.

After a couple of minutes, it will reboot and only have a fraction (\<10%) of the charge, and keep rebooting if I try to take pictures.

I've tried all the "battery reset tricks" out there, but as I said above - I don't have any issues other than in the cold (+camera).

# Is this expected behaviour or should I replace my battery ?

Do I want *too much* from my smartphone ?
Should I scale back my settings to try and keep the power draw lower ?

---

Additional Information:

It's a Li-Po 3000 mAh (original) battery
Android 7.1.2 (LineageOS 14.1)
Open Camera settings: High Res (16:9 15.87 MP), 90% JPEG, GPS on, 100% display brightness, background thread, no flash
I'm also uploading the pictures to owncloud via the owncloud App ("Instant Upload") over 3G/4G

Here are some graphs from GSam Battery Monitor.
If you look at them closely, it seems to "recharge" around 5% if its in a warmer environment again.

# Answer
Based on the above, it looks like you have a poor battery given that

* It is being operated within the designed temperature range
* Unexplained sudden drop from above 50% or more to zero
* Marginal increase in charge when brought indoors

Till you get a replacement battery all I can think of by way of power consumption reduction is to delay the cloud upload (do it once it's charged / WiFi)

**Edit:** Try a different camera app. It looks like Open Camera does consume more power and show increase in battery levels after reboot as quoted here -in particular post of 17/12/2017 which matches very closely to what OP describes. If that doesn't help much change battery
> 1 votes

# Answer
My phone does this too. It's always done it, the phone (and battery) are 5 years old and everything works properly, just not when it's cold (way colder than +5°C). Maybe my battery is iffy, don't know that it is, don't know that it isn't, but since it works fine the rest of the time, I'm not losing sleep over it.

I'm calling it "normal behaviour" for my phone. As a side not, if you see a guy out and about in -20°C weather holding his phone under his armpit and cursing his battery, come over and say "Hi!".
> 0 votes

---
Tags: battery, charging, battery-life, camera, weather
---


title: Delete items from playlist in VLC 2.0.x

text:
# Question
Title: Delete items from playlist in VLC 2.0.x
Recently I started using VLC 2.0.X for Android. It mostly works fine, but I don't find a way to delete items from a a playlist.

When I tap on a playlist, it immediately starts playing with the first song. Dragging upwards from the bottom of the screen then expands the playlist and shows all titles. I can then drag an item out of the screen to the right and get a notification that the item was now removed.

However: if I switch to another playlist and then go back to the first one, the item is back unchanged.

I might be misunderstanding the playlists. Any idea how I can get rid of items from a playlist. I would not mind editing a text file, but I am afraid the items are in a DB.

# Answer
This wasn't the case with the older versions of VLC for Android. Dismissed/removed songs shouldn't appear again in the playlist. I emailed the developer about this issue and they acknowledged this bug. You may check the attached screenshot. I'm sorry if it doesn't answer your question.
> 1 votes

# Answer
If you are simply wanting the files removed from the VLC list delete them from the file manager in your device and reinstall VLC after the files are removed when VLC reboots only files existing on your device will appear on the app.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: vlc
---


# Question
Title: Can I use LOS on Samsung S4 Mini GT-I9195I?
I have successfully installed Lineage OS on Samsung S4 Mini GT-I9195, but now I got a GT-I9195I which should be a more advanced model with better CPU. I can't find any reliable informations, if this model is also suitable for Lineage.

# Answer
serranoveltexx (GT-i9195i, 4G single-SIM, SD410; the "ve" stands for "value edition") is not a part of the official LOS build roster, and likely won't be due to the lower popularity.

There are unofficial builds available at XDA-Developers: 14.1, 15.0. Note that you need the packages for your specific variant (marks "ve").
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-4, lineageos
---


# Question
Title: How to force stop/block/blacklist UC News and 9apps from installing in my android phone for whole life
I am annoyed of the unwanted apps UC News, 9Apps and some other apps from automatically installing on my android phone. I have disabled `install unknown source applications`, but everytime I restart my phone this is automatically enabled and then my internet is automatically switched on and then nearly 10 to 20 apps are automatically installed in my phone.

I have factory reset my phone many times but even after factory reset same thing occurs and all apps are installed. I suspect this is because of UC browser being an inbuilt app. In UC browser their shows some related apps in which UC News and 9apps is also showm. These two apps are the first to be installed whenever I restart my phone.

My phone is Xolo Era 4g. Plz tell me:

* How to block/blacklist xyz app in android permanatly so that it never installs again in whole life of phone.
* How to not let andriod switch `unknown sources` option on when phone is restarted.

1. I do not want to root my phone to forego the gaurantee. So plz tell any way without rooting the phone, even if it requires downgrading android version or using any other possible OS.
    2. If there is no way then plz tell the method with rooting the phone.

Thanx.

# Answer
> 1 votes
One way to avoid all such issues is by rooting your phone. That gives you plenty of control on it (it becomes essentially a Linux box), and you can install one of many possible flavors of Operating System (custom ROM).

Judging from this Google search, rooting your model is something already worked out.

Nevertheless, you have to be careful, since it may "brick" your phone, i.e., make it useless. For many phones, there are very detailed instructions available on how to do that.

PS1: A few links in this Google search (e.g.) report users which did not get rid of auto-installed apps, even after rooting. Whatever these users did, it has to be taken with a grain of salt, though.

PS2: UC Browser has been under some criticism for its lack of privacy/security and invasivity.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Used to have a similar problem on my Samsung galaxy s6 Verizon. Candy crush, and clash of clans, In total 5 to 7 apps. After a pile of reading I got a hint, I ended up doing a Google search of Samsung and Verizon malware apps. Took a while but that path took me to the information. In my case the culprit was DT ignite. I disabled it. I also disabled peel remote app. I had a little trouble with sync issues at first but playing around with the settings for them before or after I disabled them fixed it and my phone has ran better then it did the day I turned it on brand new. Hope this leads you in the right direction. First identify your carriers malware, begin tampering with it trying to do as little as possible to achieve your personal goal. Good luck.

---
Tags: applications, 5.0-lollipop, installation
---


title: Adding chinese input to Gboard keyboard

text:
# Question
Title: Adding chinese input to Gboard keyboard
How do I enable chinese input to Gboard keyboard? I already have Google Pinyin Input enabled, but when I try to add a keyboard to Gboard, Chinese doesn't show up. When I long click on the keyboard to switch languages, nothing else shows up either.

# Answer
> 2 votes
3/16/18 update - Chinese has been added to the supported languages in the latest version.

Original answer - Chinese is not supported in GBoard yet (as of 2/20). Neither are other East Asian languages such as Japanese and Korean. There's rumor that it'll be added in the upcoming versions.

For a full up-to-date list of languages supported, refer to this link - https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6380730#languages

---
Tags: gboard, input-methods, chinese-language
---


title: Wireless vs data connection

text:
# Question
Title: Wireless vs data connection
Assume there is a 4G access point or router for internet connection, e. g. Dlink 953. That means a sim card is inserted to the access point. So the internet is routed via the data connection defined on the sim card. Users then connect to this access point via the wireless connection. In other words, they turn on the WiFi and connect to the access point. That seems to be fine.

Now, the problem is that users are actually using a data connection (internet is available on the sim card in the access point) but their phone won't notice that and it seems that you are connected to Wifi.

What is the actual problem then? Some applications have setting for reducing the internet usage on data connections. In this scenario, we see that phones are connected via Wifi and they won't reduce the internet usage. For example, Instagram has a setting to reduce the amount of download on data connections and not Wifi. Since the phone is connected through Wifi, Instagram assume it is fine and won't reduce the amount of data. But, really the internet is provided by a data connection (sim card in the access point).

Any idea for that?

# Answer
Recent Android versions have a setting to let you designate some Wi-Fi connections as "metered"; i.e. they're actually a hotspot for which you get charged per byte transferred.

On vanilla Android, go to the **Settings** app, then **Data usage**, then on the overflow menu, choose **Network restrictions**. The name isn't very obvious, but the next screen explains:

> Metered networks are treated like mobile when background data is restricted. Apps may warn before using these networks for large downloads.

Within apps, any "only on Wi-Fi" options are affected by these settings: the networks you select do **not** count as Wi-Fi for that purpose.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, mobile-data
---


title: Set Constant Notification Dot Color

text:
# Question
Title: Set Constant Notification Dot Color
I have noticed the new version of Android has notification dots.

The new multicolor dots I find frustrating. I would prefer if I could set one color for all notification dots(like red for example).

# Answer
> ....we even extract the color of the dot from your icon.

So, not possible
> 3 votes

# Answer
*In complement to what beeshyams reply:*

# 1.Answer:

**As of now, you can't change Oreo Notification dots colors in AOSP**, starting from Android 8.0, native **Notification Dot** color depends on its app icon colors.

I said AOSP, because some mobile manufactures are using their own UI apps (Launcher/ Theme apps etc... ), thus they can control Notification dots like Nova Launcher.

# 2.Workaround:

You can use **Nova Launcher Prime** with **TeslaUnread**. with its built-in notification dots (also with number of notifications) and you can change and choose a constant color too.

* Unfortunately the option of **Notification badges** is not available in the free version.

# 3.Example:

This example is using **Numeric Badges**, you can change the Numeric Badges to **None**, **Dynamic Badges** or **Dots** as seen in Android O.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: root-access, notifications, 8.0-oreo
---


# Question
Title: Trucaller unable to send media files (images/videos), only contacts
I'm using Truecaller on my Samsung Galaxy Ace J1 SM-J111F and I'm apparently unable to send images or video files, only location and contacts.

How do I rectify the issue where I am able to send videos and images?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Trucaller disables this feature when the phone in question lacks sufficient storage space, typically there is only about 100 MB left.

---
Tags: mms, truecaller
---


# Question
Title: Does Family Link work on tablets that are sold with Andriod 6.0 then get software upgrades to 7.0?
Google Family Link requires Android 7.0 Nougat on most devices.

Does it work on tablets that are sold with Android 6.0 Marshmallow then get software upgrades to 7.0?

And if so, what is the sequence I need to follow to make this happen?

**Edit**: Family Link instructions require a clean device / factory reset before logging in the child. If I log in, then upgrade to 7.0, then factory reset, will I still be on 7.0 after the reset? Or is there some other way to make this happen?

# Answer
Yes, an app that only works with Android 7.0 will work on all compatible devices regardless of what OS the device first shipped with.

> Children can run Family Link on the following Android devices:
>
> * Nougat 7.0+ Compatible with all devices. (Source)

So the sequence to follow would be,

1. Make sure that the device you are purchasing, has an update available for Android 7.0
2. Update the device to latest software from *settings → about device → software update*.
3. Download *Google Family Link*, and set it up.

To answer your last question:

> Your phone does not keep an original OS image. Thus, once you update your OS (either by OTA updates or by installing a custom Rom), you will not be able to revert to the older Android version. Doing a factory reset should just reset the phone to a clean slate of the current Android version. (Source)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 6.0-marshmallow, 7.0-nougat
---


title: APK & Bluestacks

text:
# Question
Title: APK & Bluestacks
I just downloaded Bluestacks and am trying to open an APK file, but everytime I download an APK my Windows 10 saves it as a PDK. Also, I don't see the option on Bluestacks to handle the APK file.

Help?

Thanks, Aldo

# Answer
Here are some instructions on how to download and install an APK.

Make sure the source of the APK is a trusted site. Download the APK.

After downloading, it will have .apk as the file extension. If it has a different extention, that would mean that you downloaded the wrong thing!

Move the file to BlueStacks. This can usually be done by dragging the file, and dropping it in the file manager in BlueStacks.

Now, in BlueStacks, press on the file, and Press on *install*. It will then ask you to allow downloading from unknown sources, tap *OK* and it will install the file.

The APK will now appear as a regular app together with the rest of the apps that you have downloaded.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: windows, apk, bluestacks
---


# Question
Title: Where is the "systemless hosts" file under Magisk?
Where is the "systemless hosts" file? I normally just replace the `hosts` file in `/etc/` since I have a customized list. With the systemless hosts, I don't know which file to replace.

P.S., for the newer magisk, it is under `/system_root/etc`.

# Answer
The file is in `/magisk/.core`.
> 2 votes

# Answer
As far as I know, the point of that Magisk feature is to hide the `hosts` file from both apps and Android itself. That means you should be able to edit the `hosts` file with a file editor app, or use a hosts editor app, without it being aware of Magisk. You just have to turn the feature on and grant root to the app.

My `/etc/hosts` is identical to my `/magisk/.core/hosts`, and I only use a hosts editor app to edit it.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: magisk, hosts
---


title: Galaxy Tab A (7.1.1) Refuses to Root

text:
# Question
Title: Galaxy Tab A (7.1.1) Refuses to Root
I'm using Kingo Root, but it keeps stopping at 90% and giving me error code 0x12B263. I've tried iRoot, Kingo, and many more but they've all failed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

# Answer
You're going to have to use a computer to phone based soultion. One touch rooting apps use a exploit that has since been patched.
> 1 votes

# Answer
As said by another buddy here, the exploitation used by the one click rooter has bed patched. Try **One Click Root**, it's exploits are updated often. (**Requires PC**) If still no luck there's two **HARD WAYS**. I wouldn't suggest this'd for regular user, and I take no responsibility if device is bricked.

The two ways are:

* **With a Linux**: Get any small linux, put device into recovery mode. You'll be able to browse system files of your device. Download a **SuperSU Flashable Zip**. Extract the "**su**"," **busybox**","**Superuser.apk**" from **arm7** folders in the zip. Copy "**su**"," **busybox**" into **/system/bin** and **/system/xbin**. Then copy **Superuser.apk** into **/system/app/**. Reboot the Device.
* Recovery Flash: Search for how to flash **TWRP** on

***\[I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR DEVICE IF YOU BRICK IT, IT'S ALL IN YOUR HANDS\]***

*\[BTW AS PER ME, EVEN HARD BRICK CAN BE FIXED FOR A **FEW PHONES**\]*

Good Luck
> 0 votes

---
Tags: root-access, kingo
---


# Question
Title: Why does chrome has access to google account not firefox?
When I go into google accounts on chrome from my android phone , it automatically recognizes the google accounts that exists in my phone. But not when I go there on my firefox browser. Why is it so?

I understand that google owns both android and chrome , but why cant firefox and other browsers dont do it?

# Answer
> 3 votes
> Why is it so?

Because the Chrome developers decided to integrate with the accounts on the phone, to make it easier to log into websites with your Google account. The Firefox developers chose not to add this feature, because it's not as important to them, or because they don't want to add the "use accounts" permission to their app.

> wouldnt it be against some kind of law when it restrict access to one browser not all?

Maybe it would be against some kind of law to do this, but that's not what's going on. Android isn't *preventing* Firefox from adding this feature. Firefox just lacks the feature.

---
Tags: chrome-for-android, firefox-for-android
---


# Question
Title: After update,the all-apps icon is missing on palmtop
After performing an update, the all-apps icon is gone. I need that to launch the Play Store since there was no palmtop icon for that. How do I restore the icon for all apps?

Using Droid Maxx 2 with Android 7.1.1

# Answer
> 1 votes
The update installed a caret icon at bottom center which acts as the original all-apps icon did. The caret is small enough that I didn't see it at first. Issue resolved.

---
Tags: updates
---


# Question
Title: what format language is used on data files?
for learning porposes im trying to read a data file stored on data \cache\Cache but i dont seem to find a proper program to see the original code in it or maybe im just not using the correct language program. any help would be great thanks in advance

# Answer
> 1 votes
Most Android apps memorize data in SQLite databases, but it's up to us app developers. Any app can use different file formats, even custom ones.

---
Tags: data-recovery
---


title: Hotspot problems - LG Phoenix 2 AT & T

text:
# Question
Title: Hotspot problems - LG Phoenix 2 AT & T
I bought the LG Phoenix 2 AT & T mobile, with Android 6.0. Trying to use the hotspot, to share Internet with Wi-Fi, it never turns on: it sends a temporary network error message.

I followed what this post says: fastnck and in the system database change the property `Tether_entitlement_check_state` to value `0`. I tried the hotspot again, and this time it connected. But on third-party devices it says there is no internet connection. That is, they connect with the phone but do not share the internet data.

Does anyone know how to solve this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Here are some of the few things you could try if you haven't already tried them out:

1. **Changing the value of `global tether_dun_required`**

* Firstly you need to setup (or refer to Download Minimal ADB and Fastboot Tool & Setup guide) or install android SDK
    * Make sure you have installed USB and ADB drivers; activate USB Debug mode in developer settings and connect your device to your pc with USB cable.
    * Open command prompt/terminal and enter the following: `adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0`. You need to set this value to `0` (= don't notify tethering to provider) after this, reboot your device.

Note:

> Some reddit users have indicated that having "APN TYPE= (EMPTY)" was necessary for it to work in network settings.

2. **Disabling the Enhanced LTE services**

* Other users have also observed that this setting was screws up with with hotspot, so disabling it is another probable workaround;
    * Go to Settings → Networks → More and disable the *Enhanced LTE service*s.

**Acknowledgements**

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot, lg-phoenix-2
---


title: Can't set date via shell

text:
# Question
Title: Can't set date via shell
I've tried

```
date -u 1407697765

```

output:

```
time 1407697765 -> 1407697765.0
settimeofday failed Bad file number

```

and

```
busybox date -s @1407697765

```

output:

```
date: can't set date: Operation not permitted

```

I don't feel that I'm doing everything right (especially when `date -u`) but it looks like I have no permission... I'm trying it through adb shell

Why do I get these errors and how to set date through shell?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Only the `root` user can set the date. If your phone is already rooted, just type `su``Enter` to get into a root shell, then the command you want to run.

If your phone is not already rooted, you'll need to get root access first. See How do I root my Android device?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The following worked for me (once you have root permissions):

```
adb shell settings put global auto_time 0 && adb shell date 010219302018.00 set && adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.TIME_SET

```

`auto_time` -\> This is to switch off automatic syncing of time.

To reset the time back to syncing with the network, do:

```
adb shell settings put global auto_time 1 && adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.TIME_SET

```

# Answer
> 1 votes
Issue the following commands:

```
adb shell date -s YYYYMMDD.HHmmss

```

or

```
$ adb shell
$ adb root
# su
# date -s YYYYMMDD.HHmmss

```

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


# Question
Title: Set wifi connection as metered in Android 5.0
I'd like to set specific wifi connections as metered, since I do not want e.g. Google Play to update apps via public wifi (limited volume and bandwith, competing with my and - for politeness - other people's laptops).

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 with Android 5.0.1, Avast running, no root and no special modifications from my side.

I have tried quite some days to find a native Android way to do that, but failed so far - please prove me wrong! The suggestions I found so far on Android Enthusiasts go mainly into the following directions and did not work (other Android versions, or see below). I'd rather prefer a native android solution, if necessary a 3rd party app would be fine if without rooting.

1. many solutions end at a "3 dot" (⋮) menu somewhere in data usage menu pages - it seems not to exist on my phone/Android version. Found nothing comparable (incl. left menue button next to the start button etc.)
2. restrict background data - I do not want to restrict the app (Google Play) in general, but only a specific network.
3. NetGuard app - same as 2., does not seem to be wifi-specific (and not sure if I should put an app with in app purchases in such a central position)

Thanks in advance!

# Answer
Metered WiFi connections should be straightforward to set up but Samsung has it buried elsewhere as reported by OP in comments. I don't have the device to illustrate but based on this, the steps are :

* Settings → Data usage → WiFi
* Network restrictions should appear here, alongwith the list of Networks. As OP discovered,apparently on some models, instead one has to tap *mobile hotspots* button (accessed from *bottom left* menu button) to reveal the list of Networks.
* Toggle the selected WiFi network to restrict background data (I suppose this is the same as "metered" - please feel free to comment), as explained at the very bottom of the list (in case you find the explanation, you are likely to have managed anyway...)
> 2 votes

# Answer
There isn't much difference to the default proceedure for metering wi-fi networks in android.

Here is the proceedure in Samsung J5 Android 5 (which I believe is similar o your device):

Go to Settings → Data Usage → **More** → Restrict networks

> This will show a list of all the Wi-Fi networks the device has ever connected to. Use the switches to enable restrictions on any given network. Once activated, this will prevent apps from using background data on that network, and you’ll also get a warning before any large downloads.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi
---


title: Android is upgrading ... so slow

text:
# Question
Title: Android is upgrading ... so slow
So I bought a replacement phone (I doubt the model matters but it's a Moto Z Play) and now it's catching up with upgrades and there are many updates and every one of them is taking like 15 or more minutes because at first it installed all the apps from the old phone... how could I tell it to install all upgrades first and only then optimize them?

# Answer
> 2 votes
**You cannot**

* See the accepted answer by elderathis for a good explanation of what *optimising apps* does What kind of app optimizations do newer Android versions do at the first reboot? \- re-creates Dalvik / ART (lollipop upwards) cache for each app. This is done with each OTA
* It's only when the OTA is completed, the device looks for availability of fresh updates and proceeds to download and update next OTA. This is because the version on the device is checked for integrity and that it's not tampered with (as in the case of rooted devices or modifications to `/system` partition ) to be start the OTA process.

Your case of updating multiple OTAs in one shot I suppose is not the usual use -case so it does ìt incrementally instead of applying all updates and then optimising, though in theory it *could* work that way

**Edit:** Some of these updates could be incremental updates, which demand the previous build

> Distribute an incremental package only to devices running **exactly the same** previous build used as the incremental package's starting point.

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Tags: stock-android, ota-update
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title: Android Assistant on Lollipop

text:
# Question
Title: Android Assistant on Lollipop
Is it possible to get Google Assistant on Android Lollipop smartphone? I wouldn't prefer to root my phone.

Edit(2 March 2017): Today, as I woke up Assistant suddenly appeared in my app drawer.

# Answer
Apparently, according to the Google's blog, the assistant should definitely work on Android 5.0, for those running their phones in English:

> The Google Assistant on Android 5.0 Lollipop has started to roll out to users with the language set to English in the U.S., UK, India, Australia, Canada and Singapore, as well as in Spanish in the U.S., Mexico and Spain. It’s also rolling out to users in Italy, Japan, Germany, Brazil and Korea. Once you get the update and opt-in, you’ll see an Assistant app icon in your “All apps” list. (Source)
> 0 votes

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Tags: 5.1-lollipop, google-assistant
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# Question
Title: My phone is missing whatsapp communication
What can I do to bring back my whatsapp number? I was using my friend phone to communicate with my whatsapp number and I forget to change and now she still have my whatsapp number and she continue to receive message.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If your WhatsApp account is registered on a different device, while using your number, you can easily reclaim your account, as long as you can receive text messages on that phone number.

Download WhatsApp on your phone, register your account with your number, and it will automatically close the account on your friends phone.

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On a side note, if you're looking to transfer all your messages from your friends phone to your phone, you can transfer the local backup from that phone, to yours.

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Tags: whatsapp-messenger
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title: Lost Android Phone data security

text:
# Question
Title: Lost Android Phone data security
I want to know if a lost smartphone which has been marked in all google related security activities(Erase Data,Lock etc),Can someone still recover something from the phone using hardware dismembering of any kind?

Some phones require correct pattern to startup the Android OS & the bootloader is in locked state so ADB or USB Debugging exploit won't be an issue?

Variety of security apps like Prey etc are present which provide features like SMS alerts on Sim change, Operate phone camera,wipe data etc.Could some hardware removal also disarm such apps?

P.S: Phone/device is also encrypted.

# Answer
> 3 votes
* You haven't mentioned if your device is encrypted ; if it isn't you are in bigger trouble. See this Why encrypt the device?
* *100% security is a pipe dream*. Given enough resources, it may well be possible to use means available in public domain or those available to the letter agencies to get information out of your phone . Point is that you need to address the security threat. If you are an average Joe who doesn't have sensitive information to justify using sophisticated techniques, you are relatively safe
* Once your device is erased, so will those apps you mentioned be erased , unless they have been made system apps. Logging into a device with PIN lock is theoretically possible by brute force methods, I believe . Locked bootloader and USB debugging disabled make it harder ; but then back to the threat model. Is the information contained important enough to justify that ?
* As far as hardware methods are concerned some typical ways are covered in one of the answers linked in the first bullet point

I believe that you cannot get a definitive answer but for an average user encryption along with locked bootloader, USB debugging disabled and PIN locked on an erased device shouldn't be a concern - your bases are covered

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Tags: applications, security, motorola-moto-g, motorola
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# Question
Title: How to reset phone (DROID TURBO) system settings without factory reboot? System UI has stopped working
So, a little bit of background. The worst part about this is that I'm pretty confident I know how to fix it, but I don't know how to go about doing the thing I need to do to fix it. Bear with me a moment.

So I have a stock Droid Turbo, I don't have any kind of ROMS or any non-play store stuff on it.

So what I did was I went into developer settings on the phone, the "Hidden Settings" and I started fiddling with stuff.

I either pressed on:

Simulate secondary displays or Force RTL layout direction

and the phone's GUI crashed hard. Now it's completely bonkers, and only endlessly loops the error that "Unfortunately, the System UI has stopped working."

Now my question is, is there a way to reset those options in the developer menu somehow, without doing a factory reset? I have a few apps that store local data that will get erased, and I'd rather not.

Additionally, the phone is still working in the background, I can hear text message notifications and it rings when I get a call, though I can't interact with it in any way. The Droid Turbo user interface (For gestures while the phone is locked) works too.

I tried clearing the cache, I tried letting it complexly run out of battery and doing it again. Hard resets. Nothing seems to work.

The worst part is that my PC Doesn't want to recognize it either, which is odd. While in the bootloader it got a connection to my PC as a linux USB Storage device, inside system recovery it made the noise like something is there, but it's not.

So any tips? any way to save my data before I have to factory reset this? I really can't lose that data, a few apps I have store user data locally.

# Answer
If your phone is encrypted, the only thing I can think of to get your data is to install a custom recovery, a custom ROM which uses a custom system UI and start the phone. Your data should be there. If it's not possible, you will have to turn off the phone, press and hold power on and volume down and factory reset. This last part is not recommended since you may loose your data.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Why not just install a recovery on an sd card and then install it through the stock recovery mode and reboot into it. The only thing i'm an expert on, is not being an expert, so I might be way off in regards to your Droid. I had to do it on my s5 galaxy and it worked on that.
> 0 votes

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Tags: settings, bootloader, system-error, motorola-droid
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# Question
Title: Some apps change their notification importance
Some apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram have an extremely annoying behaviour reguarding notifications on Android 8.0.0.

If I head to the Settings app \> Apps & notifications \> App info \> WhatsApp \> App notifications, then set Message notifications to be of importance "medium", the setting will stay that way and not change. That's to be expected. Now if I receive a message from someone, the setting appears to be completely ignored, as not only does my phone vibrate and ring, it also reverts back the importance to "urgent".

I do not want my phone to notify me of everything that it might receive, especially instant messaging which is of very little importance most of the time. People can phone me if they need me. The only fix I found so far, is to completely disable notifications for that app, but now I do not get to see whether I received new messages or not by giving a look at the status bar, so I have to unlock my phone and open the app to see if there's anything new.

What could be the reason for this, and most importantly is there a way to fix this?

My phone is a Sony XPeria XZ (F8331) running on Android 8.0.0 (currently the latest update).

# Answer
> 0 votes
Sony XZ has the tendency to change behaviour in the middle of nothing. Try downgrading the Android version and it will work as smooth as you want to see it.

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Tags: notifications, sony-xperia, 8.0-oreo
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# Question
Title: Hangouts is using obscene amounts of background data
248 Mb this last week of background data compared to 41 Mb foreground. Last month was 400/100. How do I go about seeing what's the cause? I don't send/receive many pictures, when I do it's usually a Hangouts message, not MMS, but usually on wifi too. My brother is 441 foreground, 85 background fore comparison, so about opposite. But as frequently as we're on wifi, I wouldn't think it should use that much cellular data.

Anyone have any tips or a way to start investigating what's going on?

Edit: doesn't fix the root cause, but disabling background cellular data usage doesn't stop you from getting notifications through the magic of GCM push notifications.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It used 1.5GB in less than a day for me a couple of weeks ago, so I've turned off background data for the app. Makes it pretty crippled, but only option. I can't find any answer to this problem anywhere.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I just got off chat with Project Fi support. Here's the workaround they gave me to this bug.

> Project Fi Support: Please follow the below steps.

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Network & Internet and then Data usage.
3. Tap Mobile data usage.
4. To find the app, scroll down. \**Please select Hangouts over there.
5. To see more details and options, tap the app's name.
6. Change background mobile data usage. To restrict background data usage for this app, turn off Background data.

> User: Done. What functionality have I lost by turning off Background data?

Project Fi Support: You have not lost any thing. It will just make sure that the data is not used when you are not using Hangouts. For reference, you can go through this link: https://support.google.com/fi/answer/2819524?hl=en

> User: So new text messages will still notify me right away when they come in?
>
> Project Fi Support: Yes, you'll be getting the messages if the data is on.

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Tags: root-access, lineageos, oneplus-3, 7.1-nougat
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# Question
Title: Apps demand I "Update Google Play Services" on MIUI - but should I?
I use a RedMi 3S phone, with MIUI 9.2.2.0 (Malmiek; based on Android 6.0.1). I don't use a Google account on my phone so I can't (and don't want to) use the Google Play Store. I use APKPure instead.

Recently I've been getting messages from some apps - Google apps mostly - saying that they won't work unless I upgrade Google Play Services. Yet - APKPure suggests my version is up-to-date. There are also no MIUI system updates available from my phone (checked using the preferences interface).

My current Google Play Services version is 11.5.09 (446-164803921).

Questions:

* Should I be getting this message?
* Should I upgrade Google Play Services? If so, to what version exactly, and won't it cause trouble with MIUI?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yes, that message is valid as your Google Play Services (GPS) version is relatively out of date (current version is 12.2.17). If you need to use the applications that require you to update GPS, then your only option to remove that message is to update.

The easiest way to update your GPS is to follow the notification. If for some reason that doesn't work for you, APKMirror has all the GPS variant here. The APKMirror route does require you to know a fair bit about your phone though to find the correct variant.

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Tags: updates, google-play-services, xiaomi, miui, redmi
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title: Choose account for Google Play Store

text:
# Question
Title: Choose account for Google Play Store
Say I have multiple Google accounts (A and B) on my Android 8 smartphone. I have already installed some apps in the past with account A and I'd like to continue using this account. But now somehow, when I open the app, it asks me to accept the terms of use with account B. If I decline, the app closes, so I can't switch accounts from within the app without accepting with account B, which I'd like to avoid. Am I missing something?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Go into settings → apps → play store → storage → clear data.

Now when you open the play store, it will default to your primary account, where you have already accepted the terms and conditions.

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Tags: google-play-store, google-account
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